COGNITIVE COMPUTING

COGNITIVE COMPUTING

Clues can be about any topic on earth. There are no multiple choice questions. There is no option to phone a friend and winning entails an unerring focus on precision: You have to know the right answer. The human contestants were no ordinary contestants. They were grand champions who had amassed huge wins over many years based on their vast knowledge of the world. The company’s system wowed the world with its performance and this event was generally considered a very significant advance in the science and technology of natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

The Jeopardy! show signalled the dawn of a new kind of computing paradigm— Cognitive Computing, characterised by systems that learn with experience, that interact with humans in a manner more intuitive to humans (via speech, touch, or language), and that can be trained to excel in areas typically associated with human intelligence and requiring expertise. These systems are not programmed using declarative (if or then) rules, but trained and configured using examples. Cognitive Computing systems are playing an increasing role in our everyday lives and a perfect solution for business needs in the era of big data.

Five years have passed and today that system has advanced far beyond its question answering days. It is the most advanced cognitive computing platform in the world that includes core cognitive services ranging from deep text understanding, deep image understanding, machine learning and language processing. Today, cognitive solutions are reshaping industries and domains and scaling human expertise for professions across the board from wealth managers to oncologists to sales professionals.

I believe the defining challenge of our times is to create innovative solutions to some of the most pressing problems of the world—like healthcare and education—using Cognitive Computing.

This is particularly relevant for a developing country like India, where the need of the hour is to tackle challenges like urban transportation, healthcare and education in new and innovative ways. The opportunity is to engineer systems that learn (from examples) the unique requirements and characteristics of India and Indians and enabling expert services in a very personalised way.

Customer experience is being rapidly redefined by cognitive technologies. Today, robots with embedded cognitive technology are helping shoppers in stores in Japan. A retailer in North America provides specialised equipment for outdoor activities like camping or trekking. Fluid—a cognitive partner—developed a service called Xpress Personal Shopper (XPS) that is now deployed on the retailer’s website.

Using the XPS, customers can interact with the cognitive system using natural language dialogue to ask questions like, ‘I am going for a five-day camping trip in Utah. What gear do you recommend I need for this?’. The system can probe further and help the customer in meeting their needs in a very similar fashion to what an expert human agent in a store might do. From finding precise information about products to personalised recommendations of products, cognitive systems are redefining customer experience.

India is projected to have over 5 million developers by 2018, the largest of any nation in the world. How do we empower this force to build on the new paradigm of computing? The pressing need is for growing and ramping up expertise in the areas of machine learning and natural language processing and for platforms that enable building, training and configuring cognitive solutions easily.

There are cognitive platforms that enable developers to quickly create solutions composing services for complex technologies like deep learning, image processing, speech to text and natural language processing. Today, thousands of developers around the world and hundreds of ecosystem partners are building such solutions in many diverse fields.

As India is developing at a rapid pace, the number of people with surplus wealth is exploding. Banks and financial institutions are struggling to cater to this population with expertise to help with investment and taxation choices. Cognitive systems can help scale that expertise with advisors for investment recommendations, and bringing the massive amounts of information from financial news and investment advisory reports to the fingertips of wealth managers and investors.

We are living in exciting times. Within a short period of time, we can expect cognitive solutions to reshape and redefine our experience with many day-to-day activities through technologies that partner with humans to help us make better decisions and live our lives better.

- By Nandakishore Kambhatla, Distinguished Engineer & Senior Manager, Cognitive Technologies and Solutions, IBM Research

THE BEST CITIES TO LIVE

THE BEST CITIES TO LIVE

As the EIU ranking does not include cost of living as a criteria, we’ve also included the results from two other notable surveys and then used the rankings from all three to create an alternative top ten.

By using all three liveability rankings and awarding each city a score from 10 (for first) to 1 (for tenth) we’ve created an amalgamated/alternative top 10, which hopefully benefits from the best that the other three have to offer. Vienna is the only city to appear in all three top 10s, so it’s no surprise that it takes top spot in our combined top 10 and while the rest of our list doesn’t produce any major upsets, it’s worth bearing in mind that the differences between the cities is minimal. The EIU go so far as to say that there is relatively little difference between the first 64 cities of EIU’s liveability ranking, which are considered to have the “top tier of liveability”. 

In all three rankings mid-sized cities with lower population densities scored better, which explains why Australian, Canadian and European cities dominated top spots.

That said, while all three rankings have different findings, the overall pictures are similar and they have all been judged through a somewhat corporate lens. Both the EIU’s and Mercer’s indicators are rated based on a narrow perspective of liveability for well–remunerated expatriates and Monocle’s is targeted at the wealthy, mobile and cosmopolitan reader interested in culture, fashion and design.

Top 10 Best Cities To Live

10 | Toronto, Canada

Although ranked fourth in the EIU’s live ability ranking Toronto was ranked first in the EIU’s 2015 Safe Cities Index thanks to consistently high scores for live ability, cost of living, business environment, democracy and food security. Toronto’s motto is “Diversity Our Strength” and it really is one of the world’s most multicultural cities famous for a diverse choice of food, arts and festivals. The fifth largest city in North America and the largest city in Canada Toronto has vibrant downtown neighbourhoods. Although it has the second largest public transport system in North America gridlock on the roads is an issue as people commute from the Greater Toronto Area (home to over 6 million people) to avoid high housing costs in Toronto.

9 | Berlin, Germany

Since the Berlin wall came down the city has become a mecca for edgy creative types looking to enjoy the party atmosphere in a city brimming with galleries and a diverse nightlife. Since then it is earning a growing reputation as a tech hub as start-ups, and others, flock to the relatively low cost of living in the city. Having leapt up Monocle’s rankings to third spot, the magazine states “Berlin is far from passé….it’s simply at last transitioning into a post-poor but still sexy era.” Berlin still offers a colorful nightlife and tolerance but it also enjoys fabulous architecture, lots of green spaces and a quality of life that is relaxed and affordable.

8 | Munich, Germany

Munich represents conservative Germany and traditional values. The quality of living is high but expensive (by German standards). There are over 20 big parks in Munich and with just over 1.3 million residents the greenery and open spaces help give Munich a small town feel despite it being a large city. Strict building codes have ensured there are no high-rise buildings in the city center and its cobblestone alleyways and boutique stores have all helped Munich earn the distinction of being referred to as "the village with a million inhabitants".  Public transport is excellent, roads are well sign-posted and there are plenty of cycle lanes. The Oktoberfest is an annual highlight, but you can enjoy Munich’s famed beer gardens all year round (weather permitting).

7 | Tokyo, Japan

Ranked first by Monocle “due to its defining paradox of heart-stopping size and concurrent feeling of peace and quiet,” Tokyo has the world’s largest metro economy. With a population of around 13.3 million Tokyo is a city that thrives on efficiency and convenience. Public transport is clean, safe and prompt and strikes are unheard of. Amidst the hustle and bustle there is both calm and polished pristineness - where ancient rituals coexist with ultra modernity (the density of skyscrapers in Tokyo is among the top five in the world). Tokyo has the world’s highest volume of Michelin stars in a city but also excels at cheap street food. Although the cost of living is high so are most salaries

6 | Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and has ranked third on Mercer’s list for the third year in a row. In keeping with its rivals in Australia, Auckland boasts a sparkling harbor and beautiful beaches - perfect for outdoor activities.  Average income is around $21,000 a year but as Auckland’s natural wonders don’t cost anything, this is not a major issue. Low salaries however mean that Auckland has one of the world's 10 most overvalued housing markets. Affordable housing and infrastructure are Auckland’s weakest links, but $4.2 billion has been earmarked to improve Auckland’s transport system, which is a promising start.

5 | Zurich, Switzerland

Another great city for water lovers, Zurich has two rivers running through it and, of course, Lake Zurich. It is an artistic hub and boasts more than 50 museums and over 100 art galleries. Zurich is a clean and well-ordered city. According to Mercer Zurich scores highly for safety, absence of crime, few strikes, and timely public transport with airports very close to city centres and good schools, while the EIU says Zurich is the fourth most expensive city in the world. Luckily, with an average annual salary of $100,000 - this is not a problem for the majority of its inhabitants.

4 | Sydney, Australia

Elevated six positions by Monocle to fifth spot, seventh in the EIU ranking and tenth in Mercer’s - there is much more to Sydney than its iconic harbor. Like its archrival Melbourne, Sydney has four million inhabitants, enviable weather, plenty of green open spaces, pristine beaches, and fabulous food. Sydney is Australia's largest city. The cost of living is high in Sydney but housing is still considerably cheaper than New York, London and Hong Kong.

3 | Melbourne, Australia

The Victorian capital won perfect scores of 100 in the healthcare, education and infrastructure categories as well as in the sub-category of sport in the EIU’s ranking. Home to four million people, Melbourne enjoys a diverse and multicultural population. Melbourne is Australia's fastest-growing capital and the only city in the world to have won the title five consecutive times. Melbourne is Australia’s culinary capital and boasts a thriving cultural scene. Straddling the scenic Yarra River makes Melbourne a great place for boating and water sports and provides a great backdrop for the many harbor front bars and restaurants.

2 | Vancouver, Canada

Blessed with great weather and stunning scenery, Vancouver is one of a few select cities that haven’t managed to destroy the beauty of it surroundings - the 1001 acres of trees in Stanley Park, limits on urban growth, View Corridors and Vancouver Seawall have all helped make nature accessible for all on foot, bicycle and transit, making it both quicker and easier to access open spaces. Aside from its many outdoor attractions Vancouver also has great museums, excellent shopping, dining and nightlife. While housing is low to moderate compared with other global cities it is expensive by Canadian standards.  

1 | Vienna, Austria

Austria’s elegant capital, with its Habsburg-era coffee houses and architecture, palaces, operas and other cultural institutions make it a prime tourist destination. For those preferring the bright lights and hustle and bustle of say New York or London, Vienna might feel a little too sanitized and touristy, but Vienna has an abundance of green spaces and is positively brimming with culture. With a population of 1.7 million, Vienna boasts high employment and a low crime rate. It enjoys comprehensive health care and moderate housing costs and its extensive public transport system costs just 1 euro a day for an annual pass.

WHY DO PEOPLE GET SICK WHEN THE SEASONS CHANGE

WHY DO PEOPLE GET SICK WHEN THE SEASONS CHANGE

People seem to come down with a cold or the flu when the seasons change. But these dramatic temperature changes aren't the direct cause of these illnesses, experts say.

Rather, the temperature shifts permit a different group of viruses to flourish, and it's these viruses that make people sick, said Dr. Benjamin Kaplan, an internal-medicine physician at Orlando Health in Florida.

"Many studies show that rhinovirus and coronavirus are the two main agents of the common cold," Kaplan told Live Science. "Interestingly, they flourish in cooler weather, such as what we have in spring and fall."

Likewise, the influenza virus replicates and spreads most effectively when the air is cold and dry; "hence, people [tend to] get the flu in the wintertime," he said.

Summer illnesses arise from a combination of several factors. People with seasonal allergies often feel congested and develop runny noses and itchy eyes when they're near pollen, mold or grass. Their immune systems may go into overdrive as they react to these allergies, leaving them more vulnerable to viral contagions, Kaplan said.

However, these summer infections are usually milder than those caught in other seasons, he said.

Sometimes, people may mistake their allergies for a cold, Kaplan added. "In fact, it is said that the term 'hay fever' actually comes from the time when farmers would be collecting the hay at the end of summer and became 'sick with fever,'" he said. "But really, they were just suffering from severe exposure to allergens from the fields."

To avoid getting sick, it's best to follow this commonsense advice: "Practice good hand washing, get plenty of exercise, eat healthy and make sure to get at least 6 to 8 hours of restorative sleep [a night]," Kaplan said.

Also, don't be hoodwinked by flashy cures. Over-the-counter supplements— including Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc — are not significantly effective in preventing or curing colds, according to scientific studies, Kaplan said.

Spicy Cream Cheese Fiesta Roll-Ups

Spicy Cream Cheese Fiesta Roll-Ups

With just the right amount of spice, this colorful appetizer of rolled tortillas filled with a tangy cream cheese spread made with the Mr Sandeep Auluck ® Jalandhar Seasoning Blend will be the center of attention at any get-together to eat.

Ingredients::

• 4 large flour tortillas 
• 80 gm cream cheese (room temp.)
• 1/2 cup cheddar and  shredded cheese or Mexican cheese
• 2 tablespoon chopped bell-peppers(caspicum)(any color)
• 2 tablespoon chopped onion
• 2 tablespoon chopped lettuce
• 2 tablespoon chopped cucumber
• 2 tablespoon chopped green onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped tomatoes(no seeds)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon pickle jalapeño
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic or garlic powder
• pinch of Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Taco seasoning

Method::

Using medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and dressing mix until fluffy. Add onions, olives, roasted peppers and chilies; stir until blended. Spread mixture evenly over one side of each tortilla, leaving a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) border. Tightly roll up each tortilla jelly-roll fashion. Wrap rolls individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. Rolls may also be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator. To serve, trim ends off each roll. Cut each roll into 8 pieces. Makes about 4 dozen roll-ups.

Variation Notes:

* Use bread slices instead of Tortillas.(roll the bread slice and spread the mixture and roll)

* Use tomato or spinach tortillas for color roll-ups.

* Use your choice of vegetables with cream-cheese, like olives, carrots, cabbage.

* Great for Kid's school lunch box.

Happy Picnicking!!!

TOURIST PALACE IN JHANSI JHANSI FORT

JHANSI FORT (“RANI JHANSI KA KILA”) TOURIST PALACE IN JHANSI.

Jhansi Fort is a most popular fort in history of Indian country, that famous also name by the “RaniJhansi ka kila”. Jhansi fort is situated on a large hilltop called Bangira, in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. It served as a stronghold of the Chandela Kingsin Balwant Nagar from the 11th through the 17th century.

The name Jhansi is said to derive from the word “jhainsi” meaning indistinct. According to legend: “Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha sat on the roof of his palace with his great friend the Raja of Jaitpur. He asked his friend whether he could see the distant fort on Bangara hill. The reply was that he could see it “jhainsi” (indistinctly). It has been a mute spectator to the turns of events in the Indian history and withstood heavy bombardment of British forces during the First War Of Independence.

Jhansi ki Rani

The throne got shook, and the tension erupted among the Raajvanshs, the royal heirs of the throne, In aged India, a new wave of youth was spreading, All the inhabitants of India had realized the worth of their lost freedom, All of them had decided to get rid of the British rule, The old swords started glittering again like new ones in the form of the freedom movement in 1857. From the mouths of the Bandelas and the Harbolas (Religious singers of Bandelkhand), we heard the tale of the courage of the Queen of Jhansi relating how gallantly she fought like a man against the British intruders: such was the Queen of Jhansi.

Poem (Jhansi ki Rani)

Sinhasan hil uthey raajvanshon ney bhrukuti tani thi,
budhey Bharat mein aayee phir se nayi jawani thi,
gumee huee azadi ki keemat sabney pehchani thi,
door phirangi ko karney ki sab ney man mein thani thi.
Chamak uthi san sattavan mein, yeh talwar purani thi,
Bundeley Harbolon key munh hamney suni kahani thi,
Khoob ladi mardani woh to Jhansi wali Rani thi.

Summer Special Buttermilk Recipe

How To Make Smoked Chaas  Summer Special Buttermilk Recipe 

Learn how to make Smoked chaas at home a soothing & refreshing drink by Chef Ruchi Bharani.

Beat the heat like a true Indian, with India’s special and favourite soothing and refreshing Smoked Chaas. It is any easy to make and hassle free drink. So watch and learn how to make smoked chaas at home with chef Ruchi Bharani, only on Rajshri Food.

Ingredients:

– Curd

– Water

– Black/Regular Salt

– ghee

– Cumin Seeds

– Curry Leaves

– Green Chilli

– Coriander Leaves

– Coal

– Red Chilli Powder

Method:

– In a jar add some curd add water to it and little bit of salt and blend all of this together.

– For tadka, heat some ghee, cumin seeds, curry leaves, one green chilli and turn off the flame

– Add it to the chaas and add some coriander leaves to it

– Take coal and burn it in a flame, once it hot place it in a tiny bowl and put some ghee over it 

and some red chilli powder, place the bowl in the chaas and keep it for 2 minutes

– The smoke infused Chaas is ready to be serve! 

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN SIKKIM,INCREDIBLE INDIA

One of the Himalaya’s best-kept travel secrets,Sikkim is a welcome diversion from all conventional notions of an Indian holiday. Far fromRajasthan’s royal trail, Goa’s beaches and Kerala’s backwaters, this tiny Indian hill state prides itself on pristine alpine forests, lofty snow-capped mountains, craggy landscapes dotted with quaint villages and a rich tribal culture brocaded with vibrant Tibetan Buddhist accents.

A fantastic adventure off the beaten track, Sikkim is a place waiting to be explored. Here are 15 excellent ways to get under its skin.

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Considered one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most important centres, the magnificent Rumtek Monastery is a repository of countless invaluable artefacts (precious metal statues, gem-studded cenotaphs, exotic ritualistic paraphernalia) stacked within its cavernous portals. The official – though currently vacant – seat of the revered Karmapa Lama, the monastery is especially attractive during the Mahakala Dance in February, when giant figurines of protector deities raise hell in the courtyard and fight off evil demons.

Trek to Goecha La

Many hardened hikers consider this week-long adventure to be the best trek for sighting Mt Khangchendzonga (8586m), the world’s third-highest peak. Starting from the outpost of Yuksom in West Sikkim, the trail cuts up a sylvan alpine terrain to finally peak at a gravity-defying 4940m, from where you can take in sweeping views of the snows towering above. April and November are best for photo ops.

Explore North Sikkim

Sprawled across a remote northern region of the state, the sublimely beautiful valleys of Yumthang and Tsopta are scantly visited. Frequently ravaged by landslides and earthquakes, these mountains are tricky territory to travel in. But then, isn’t that what intrepid travel is all about? So jump into a sturdy four-wheel-drive and hit the bumpy road to paradise. To adjust to the altitude along the way, spend a night in the quaint and scenic hamlet of Lachen.

Sip Temi’s tea

The tiny village of Temi in South Sikkim stands its ground as the only tea-growing region in the state. Producing a mellow and delightfully aromatic brew, ‘Temi tea’ has a loyal following around the world, and the good news is you can now relish the nectar right where it is harvested. Simply schedule an excursion through Temi’s picturesque gardens, and savour grand 360-degree mountain views along with every refreshing sip of the amber beverage (best had without milk or sugar).

Go organic

Sikkim is poised to become the first state in India to go fully organic in terms of production and consumption of food material. The changeover is already apparent in local markets, where organic produce seems to be trumping non-organic. Needless to say, this is your chance to detoxify, indulge in a nutritious vacation and eat your way to good health.

Drive to Tsomgo Lake

 

Spanning a valley at a height of 3780m, Tsomgo Lake cuts a pretty picture against a backdrop of rugged mountains rising towards the Tibetan Plateau. The outing (a four-hour return journey from state capital Gangtok) is particularly enjoyable in early spring and late autumn, when parts of the lake are frozen over and the stalls by the lake serve piping hot tea and momos (meat-filled dumplings) to fight the numbing chill. A lakeside joyride on a friendly yak? It's got that too!

Row down the Teesta

Rushing down the length of Sikkim from icy glacial heights to tropical alluvial plains, the turbulent Teesta River promises some fantastic rafting opportunities on its foamy waters. From calm stretches for novices to curling rapids for experienced oar-wielders, the river packs a variety of challenges at every level. Whether raft or kayak, choose your preferred ride and let the adrenaline flow.

Understand Tibetology

Got a thing for antique mountain cultures? Then swing by the fortress-like Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, and familiarise yourself with countless nuances of Tibetan culture and Vajrayana Buddhism. Don’t miss the museum, packed with relics such as ancient manuscripts, thangkas (religious scroll paintings) and Tantric ritualistic objects (human skull bowls and thigh-bone trumpets, anyone?).

Know your morsels

A bowl of steaming sisnoo (nettle soup), a serving of fried ningro (fiddlehead ferns) and, finally, a generous helping of rice with gundruk ko jhol (fermented mustard leaf soup) and fiery pork curry. That’s a traditional Sikkimese meal, delicious to the last spoonful. If the spice gets to you, simply wash it down with chhang, a refreshing local rice beer served in wooden mugs.

Embrace local life

Do you think hotels are characterless and boring? Wonderful. Shun the usual sleeping options and root for an absorbing experience at one of rural Sikkim’s many ambient homestays instead. Mingle with affable hosts, share stories and drinks over kitchen fires in the evening, have fun helping out with farm and household activities, and kill time with a book or iPod for company in the cosy comfort of your tastefully appointed room.

Find religion

Spirituality is an essential element of Sikkim’s social and cultural grain, and you can amply soak it up during your holiday here. Meditate in an ancient Buddhist gompa, attend a religious ceremony (such as the new year festivities of Losar), or pay obeisance at the many shrines in the temple town of Namchi. If you’re visiting a monastery, don’t forget to light a butter lamp for peace, love and prosperity.

Take a day hike

Sikkim’s mountains are criss-crossed by numerous foot trails traditionally used by locals to commute between villages. For travellers, this means a wonderful opportunity to bushwalk through the serene wilderness, exploring the region’s bucolic scenery and a plethora of plant and animal life along the way. The day walks from Yuksom to Khecheopalri Lake and Tashiding are particularly picturesque, as are short jaunts around the town of Ravangla

Smell the rhododendrons

Known to foster more than 500 species of rhododendron, the forests of Varsey and Singba (in West Sikkim and North Sikkim respectively) come alive in a riotous bloom sometime between March and May. Vivid shades of red, pink, yellow, mauve and white smear entire hillsides, and a walk under these colourful canopies is an otherworldly experience, to say the least. Mind those pesky leeches wiggling in the undergrowth, though.

Groove to Gangtok’s nightlife

Dusk is a happy time along MG Marg, Gangtok’s social and cultural hub. Snack stalls along the main drag whip up juicy servings of momos, lounge bars come alive with strains of rock and blues, and the appetising smell of freshly baked savouries perfumes the crisp evening air. The booze is cheap, the company is friendly, and the good times keep rolling. Drink, dine and dance the night away.

Glide like an eagle

The newest fix for adventure junkies in the region, paragliding is a fantastic way to enjoy bird’s eye views of Sikkim’s mountains. October and November, with clear sunny skies, are the best months for the sport – this is also when Gangtok hosts the annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival. So put on your helmet, strap on your chute and leap off the hill for a thrilling flight down to terra firma. And don’t forget to snap a self-portrait en route, to secure bragging rights back home.

Google: Algorithm Updates

Google has a long history of famous algorithm updates, search index changes and refreshes.

Below are links to some of the most important resources for search marketers:

Google has a long history of famous algorithm updates, search index changes and refreshes.
Below are links to some of the most important resources for search marketers:

• Google Hummingbird
• Google Mobile Friendly Update
• Google Panda Update
• Google Penguin Update
• Google Pigeon Update
• Google Payday Update
• Google Pirate Update
• Google EMD (Exact Match Domain) Update
• Google Top Heavy Update

Biking Adventures with prevention and safety tips

Biking is a fun way for children of all ages to get active and stay fit. Most children learn to ride a tricycle at around 3 years of age. Between 4 and 7 years of age most children learn to ride a bike. However, remember that each child is different and will learn to ride a bike at his or her own pace.

Biking can be an athlete’s primary sport, as well as a way for athletes to cross-train and avoid overuse injuries. Injured athletes often use biking to stay in shape during rehabilitation before returning to their sport.

While not all injuries can be prevented, the risk of injuries can be reduced. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about how to choose a bike and prevent biking injuries. Also included is an overview of common biking injuries.

How to choose a bike

Parents should choose a bike that allows the child to sit on the seat and touch both feet on the ground. Also, while standing there should only be a few inches between the top center bar of the bike and the child’s inner groin or crotch area. Tricycles allow a child to practice steering and pedaling. Bicycles with training wheels or bikes with no pedals can help with balance when learning to ride. Avoid purchasing a larger bike for the child to “grow into.”

Injury prevention and safety tips

• Equipment. Safety gear should fit properly and be well maintained.
• Helmets. Everyone riding a tricycle or bike should wear a helmet. Helmets are the most important protective gear for bikers. Parents should set a good example by always wearing their helmets too. Helmets should fit appropriately, and the straps should be fastened. Helmets should meet the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Clothing. When biking, children should wear bright-colored clothing so they are easily seen by other bikers, walkers, and drivers. Pant cuffs should be tight to avoid getting caught in the wheels or chain.
• Shoes. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes should be worn to protect the toes. Shoelaces should be tied securely.
• Pads (knee, elbow, and wrist pads) are useful, particularly for beginners or trick riders.
• Reflectors should not be removed from children’s bikes.
• Environment. When a child is learning to ride a bike, the area should be free of traffic and distractions. Parents should also choose areas without gravel, loose sand, or puddles. Learning to ride on a softer surface like grass will lower the risk of an injury from falls. It is always best to stay on a designated bike path. Children should not bike in the dark or twilight hours because it can be difficult for them to see or be seen.
• Rules. Bikers should follow the rules of the road at all times, including:
• When crossing roads, get off the bike and walk across the road.
• Observe stop signs.
• Ride with traffic and stay as far to the right as allowed when riding on the road.
• Do not wear headphones, text, or talk on a cell phone while biking.

Common injuries

Head injuries

Some of the most severe biking injuries involve head trauma. Helmets have been shown to decrease the number and severity of injuries. When a child has a head injury, the parent should stay calm and assess the situation. If the child is not awake, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. The parent should hold the head and neck very still and avoid moving the child until help arrives. Bleeding can be controlled with gentle pressure and a cold pack. If the child is awake but complaining of a headache, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, nausea, or dizziness, see a doctor right away. These can be signs of a serious head injury (concussion).

Abdominal and groin injuries

Abdominal injuries can happen when a child falls and the end of the handle bar hits the abdomen (stomach). Any child with stomach pain, hematuria (blood in the urine), or vomiting should see a doctor. Special tests will be ordered to make sure there has been no major injury.

Groin injuries can happen when a child falls on the center bar of the bike. Any child with bleeding, persistent pain, or problems urinating should see a doctor. Minor injuries can be treated with rest, pain medicine, and cold packs.

Fractures (broken bones)

Before a child stops growing, broken bones are more common than sprains or dislocations when a child falls. This is especially common in the wrist and ankle. If the child will not bear weight or if you push on the bone and it hurts, the child should see a doctor for an x-ray. Severe pain or obvious deformity is also a sign of a fracture. Parents can immobilize the injury with a piece of cardboard and an ACE wrap. Ice, not heat, should be applied and the arm or leg should be elevated. Nonprescription pain medicine can be given to the child.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries include cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Cuts and scrapes (“road rash”) should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. In most cases, disinfectants such as betadine or hydrogen peroxide are not necessary. Deep cuts or scrapes with gravel, glass, or splinters in them should be evaluated by a doctor. The area should be dressed with a clean bandage. Ice packs can then help to reduce pain and swelling. See a doctor if the area shows any signs of infection (such as fever or if the skin around the wound becomes red, warm, or swollen or drains pus).

Remember

Biking injuries can be prevented when the rules of the road are followed. And most importantly, everyone (including parents) should wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bike.