Safety
Accidents are the leading cause of death for children. Most of these deaths could easily be prevented and it is therefore very important to keep your child's safety in mind at all times. Here are some tips to keep your teenager safe:
- Make sure your child is buckled up with a lap and shoulder harness at all times. If driving make sure that he follows speed limits and other rules of the road.
- Do not allow your child to ride in the cargo area of a pick up truck, even if it is enclosed. In an accident, children in the back of a pick up truck have little protection from serious injury or death.
- Always wear a bicycle helmet and avoid bicycling near traffic.
- Practice sports safety: teach your child to always wear all of the appropriate safety equipment made for each sport (helmets, mouth guards, pads, etc.).
- Avoid exposing your child to too much sun (use sunscreen).
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Have an escape plan in case of fire in your home, use flame retardant sleepwear and teach your child about fire safety (never play with matches, etc.).
- Practice food safety: wash fruits and vegetables, do not eat undercooked meats or poultry or drink unpasteurized milk or juices.
- If you must have a gun in the house keep it and the bullets in a separate locked place.
- Practice water safety.
- Encourage your child to brush his teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and have regular dental checkups (every six months).
- Limit television and encourage reading.
- Supervise your child's use of computers, computer games, movies, and know what they have access to at their friend's homes.
- Be a good example for your child by always using a seat belt, helmet, etc.
For more information on your teenager's
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