Inline Skating Notebook

New Inline Safety Foundation To Debut at NSIM

(July 17, 2009)

Carol Hochstein, RN and Accomplished Inline Athlete, Forms Nonprofit

Carol Hochstein has announced the formation of the Carol Jean Hochstein Foundation for Inline Safety, LLC. An enthusiastic advocate of inline road skating across the U.S., Carol competes at the pro veteran level. She's qualified for the USARS indoor and outdoor nationals, and competes in the NROC series, taking second place in 2008. With the establishment of the fund, Carol combines her love for skating with her profession as a pediatric nurse, committed to the health and safety of all participants in roller sports.

The foundation will expand public awareness and compliance with standards for inline protective gear, trail/track/path awareness, safe skating technique and training practices, and general health and fitness principles as they apply to skating. Inline skating's health and safety risks are often flagrantly disregarded by casual and recreational skaters. Competitive skaters can carry the message among their families and friends and in their communities.

"I make a pest of myself whenever I see rec skaters without helmets, on trails or on neighborhood walks and streets," Carol says. "No parent today lets their kids bike without a helmet. Car seats, seat belts are the law. Yet, skaters young and old are too cool to wear that helmet and proper safety equipment while they roll around. Safe practices and correct technique are the gateway to the speed and the thrill of the sport. Inline is far behind the cycling industry in promoting the sport and promoting safety. Safety first!"

CJHF's campaign theme is: Skate Smart. Skate Safe. Promotional media will convey a safety strategy: Check - skates, frames and wheels. Wear - helmet, guards and pads. Watch - cars, hazards and debris. Warn - pedestrians, bikers and skaters. "Concepts aren't enough. There is no reason to be vague. We have a plan of action. We want people to do the right thing, the smart thing."

The foundation is a sponsor of the NROC series and is making plans for its public inauguration at the North Shore Inline Marathon in Duluth MN in September of this year. A website is in development. Carol is weighing invitations to prominent members of the skating community to form an advisory board, prior to engaging support from inline manufacturers and retailers, local skating groups, civic and legislative bodies, recreational authorities, public health and educational institutions, and general media.

"Skating is my passion, and the CJH Foundation will allow me to continue my involvement at a high level long after my racing ambitions are satisfied." says Carol.

For further information, contact Carol at cjh.inlinesafety@gmail.com, and look for the booth at this year's NSIM Expo.
NorthShore Inline Marathon - Duluth Minnesota: New Inline Safety Foundation To Debut at NSIM

Inline Skating Safety from CJHF

1. Check skates: Always check your skates, wheels, bearings, frames, and brakes prior to any skate to make sure they are in safe and working order.
   
2. Wear protective gear: Although head injuries are rare, they can be fatal. Always wear a helmet. Wrist guards are also important. Studies have demonstrated that inline skaters are ten times more likely to sustain a wrist injury if they aren't wearing wrist guards. Knee and elbow pads have also been shown to reduce the incidence of injuries.
   
3. Watch for hazards: Caution should be taken at when skating in the street, or making road crossings. Always be aware of your surroundings, watch out for cars and others in the vicinity. Always be on the lookout for debris, such as rocks, sand, water, tar snakes, potholes, etc.
   
4. Warn others: Always announce when you are going to pass someone. Wear bright clothing, and if it's dark, lights are always a good idea.

• Carol Hochstein is a pediatric nurse and inline skating aficionada. She has a reputation for being outspoken when observing unsafe skating behaviors, and is taking it to a new level with her foundation and its mission.
  
• Sarah Gutknecht is a pediatric nurse practitioner and works in orthopaedics. She would like nothing more than to reduce the number of children’s fractures she treats. She also enjoys inline skating and does her best to try and remain safe and upright when rolling.
  
• Careful, Martha Flynn-Kauth is also a nurse. We're all watching you!