How to Make Sure Your Bicycle Helmet Fits

Helmets come in all kinds of different sizes and you need to fit them, just like hats. Hat sizes can be different depending on the manufacturer. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) has the most complete list of helmet sizes according to the manufacturers.

To fit a helmet you need to measure your head to find out your approximate size. Make sure you try the helmet on to make sure it fits snugly. When it is sitting on top of your head make sure it does not rock from side to side. There are sizing pads inside new models; you can use them to make sure the helmet is tucked securely on your head. Some helmets also have something called a universal sizing ring inside that can help fit the helmet on the head.

Make sure the helmet sits level on your head and low on the forehead which means that it is sitting one or two finger widths above your eyebrows.

You can center the left buckle under the chin by pulling it from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps. You can do this most precisely when the helmet is off the head. There are sliders on both straps; make sure you tighten them so the fit is quite snug. A good fit is attained when you can fit no more than one or two fingers under the strap.

To find out if the helmet is fitting right give a big yawn. While you are doing this the helmet should pull down on the head. If it is not then you have to go back and tighten the chin strap even more.

If your helmet rocks back and forth on the top of your head then you might want to shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward. To prevent the buckle on the band from slipping be sure to roll it as close as you can to the band.

Helmets can be damaged if you drop them. Be sure to replace any helmet that has been damaged.

If you are buying for a kid do not buy a helmet that will be “grown into.” The helmet must fit like it is.

The helmet should fit now. Buy a helmet that fits your head now, not a helmet to “grow into.” Replace any helmet that has been outgrown immediately so your child or you are never riding without one.
Remember … a helmet will only be of use to you if it actually fits your head.

Parenting Tips
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Clothes That Take Off Ten Pounds

If you have just had a baby and need to lose the baby weight or if you just gained a few extra pounds due to menopause or slipping off your regular healthy diet it is good to know there are some looks out there can really help you look slimmer.

First off don't wear anything too baggy. Stay away from the big shirts and don't take them out of your husband's closet. You might think they make you look thinner but they don't. You just look large on sloppy.

On the other hand it is a mistake to wear clothes that are too fitted. It makes you look like you are about to give birth. That is not that flattering if you just had the baby.

The best thing to where are tunics. You can buy these in Walmart, Zellers, Winners and also in high end clothing stores. Empire style tunics or wrap style tunics flatter the pregnant figure the most. They look best because they are fitted in the arms and shoulders but not too tight across the tummy.

An A-line shirt dress also helps pinch in your waist and the loose bottom can help hide heaviness in your hips.

Wearing skinny pants that are slightly flared at the ankles is most flattering on a body that is a bit heavy because the cut elongates your thighs and upper body.

Distracting details such as embroidery around the neck can also take the eye away from hips or a belly. This can help you seem slimmer especially if the top or dress is a darker color and the embroidery on it is much lighter.

Textured knits with a scoop neck and ribbing can help highlight the thinnest part of your torso which is right below your bustline, while at the same time highlighting the beauty of your bustline. Be sure to wear a good bra beneath so that your body looks more structured, slender and slimmer.

You can also slenderize by wearing a cardigan over a top, especially if it is also made out of a looser ribbed fabric. This makes it harder to see any part of your body that is a bit flabbier than it should be – especially around the midriff.

One thing about being a bit heavier is that your breasts tend to look more sumptuous. Dare to show off your bigger bustline while you have it by wearing lower cut tops, tunics and blouses.

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