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Many serious injuries can be prevented by following basic
safety rules.
- Always wear safety belts while in the car.
- Never drive after drinking alcohol.
- Always wear a safety helmet while riding on a motorcycle or
bicycle.
- Use smoke detectors in your home. Change the batteries every
year and check to see that they work every month.
- If you choose to keep a gun in your home, make sure that the
gun and the ammunition are locked up separately and are out of your child's reach.
- Keep the temperature of hot water less than 120 degrees
Farenheit. This is especially important if there are children or older adults living in
your home.
- Prevent falls by older adults. Repair slippery or uneven
walking surfaces, improve poor lighting, and install secure railings on all stairways.
- Be aware of hazards in your workplace and follow all safety
rules.
HIV and AIDS
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a fatal disease
that breaks down the body's ability to fight infection and illness. AIDS is caused by the
HIV virus. By preventing HIV infection, you can prevent AIDS. There is currently no cure
for AIDS and no vaccine to prevent HIV infection.
How Do You Get HIV?
People get HIV by coming into contact with the blood or body
fluids (semen or vaginal fluid) of a person with HIV. This includes unprotected sexual
intercourse and sharing needles. You cannot get infected with HIV from casual contact such
as shaking hands or hugging.
How To Reduce Your Risk of Getting HIV
Do not have sex. Have sex with only one, mutually faithful,
uninfected partner. Use a latex condom correctly every time you have sex. If you use
drugs, do not share needles and syringes.
Family Planning
The birth of a child is a joyful event. However, having a
child requires time and planning. If you are a sexually active man or woman and are not
ready to have a child, you and your partner should use a reliable form of contraception.
Some of the different methods of contraception are listed below. Talk with your health
care provider about the best method of contraception for you and how to use it properly.
Methods of Contraception and Percent
Effectiveness with Proper Use
______________________________________________________________________
Reversible Methods Permanent Methods
______________________________________________________________________
Medications Sterilization
Implants (99%+) Vasectomy (99% +)
Shots (99%+) Tubal Ligation (99%+)
Birth Control Pills (97%)
Barrier Methods
Condoms (88%)
Diaphragms (82%)
Cervical Caps (64%-82%)
Spermicides (without condom)
Foams/Suppositories (79%)
Natural Family Planning
"The Rhythm Method" (80%)
Intrauterine Devices
(IUDS) (98%)
Alcohol and Other Drug Use
- Don't use illegal (street) drugs of any kind, at any time.
- Use prescription drugs only as directed by a health care
provider.
- Use nonprescription drugs only as instructed on the label.
- Tell your health care provider all of the medications you are
currently taking.
- If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation—no more
than one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men.
- Do not drink alcohol before or while driving a motor vehicle.
- If you have concerns about your alcohol or drug use, talk to
your health care provider.
Read the questions below. A "Yes" answer to any of
the questions may be a warning sign that you have a drinking problem. Talk to your health
care provider.
- Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady
your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
Powerd by www.ahrq.gov
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