American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [61]
• Use blocking software and other parental control devices provided by your service provider.
• Explain the possibility of online sexual exploitation, especially in chat rooms, to your child.
• Ask your child to show you his or her favorite Web sites and discuss his or her choices.
• Check your child’s e-mail messages from time to time, and tell your child why you are doing so.
• Find out if computer safeguards are used by your child’s school, the library, and the parents of your child’s friends.
• Teach your children never to arrange a face-to-face meeting with strangers they chat with online, never post photographs of themselves on the Internet, and never give out identifying information such as a telephone number.
Here are some signs that your child might be engaging in potentially risky behavior on the Internet:
• Your child turns the computer screen off or changes it when you come into the room.
• Your child spends long periods of time online, especially at night.
• You find pornography on your child’s computer.
• Your child gets or makes phone calls to numbers you don’t recognize, especially long distance.
• Your child gets mail or gifts from someone you don’t know.
• Your child uses an online account belonging to someone else.
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child about your suspicions openly. Explain that even if your child is a willing participant, he or she is not at fault because the adult always bears full responsibility for such exploitation. If your child ever receives child or adult pornography online or in the mail or if anyone ever sexually solicits your child, call your local police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Keeping Your Home Safe
Many people are injured in their own homes. This section covers basic safety guidelines you can use to make your home as safe as possible. Go through your home room by room to check for safety hazards, especially those that might not be easily visible. Taking a few simple measures, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors and keeping stairs free of clutter, can eliminate many potential dangers.
Preventing Falls in the Home
Falls are the leading cause of accidental death and one of the major causes of injury and death among people older than 65. Most fatal falls occur within the home, mainly on stairs and steps, or from beds and ladders. People over 65 are at increased risk of falling because of reduced vision, slower reaction times, and medical conditions and medications that can affect balance.
You can lower the chances of falls in your home by taking a few simple precautions to fallproof your home. Take steps now to reduce clutter and eliminate slippery surfaces. For ways to protect children from falls, see page 64. Here are some examples of things you can do to make your home safer:
• Outside Repair any damaged steps or broken pieces of concrete on sidewalks. Rake or sweep away slippery, wet leaves from sidewalks, stairs, and porches. Eliminate ice from these areas during the winter.
• All rooms Keep electrical and telephone cords away from where people walk. Pick up toys, clothes, newspapers, books, and any other items that don’t belong on the floor. Pack away and store extra furniture. Keep your floors clean and dry, and don’t wax them. Make sure lighting is adequate. Teach pets not to jump on you or weave between your legs. Arrange your furniture to provide open walkways. Eliminate glass tables, which can shatter during a fall, and furniture that has unprotected sharp edges. If you use area rugs, make sure they have a nonskid backing.
• Kitchen and bathroom Clean up spills and wipe away standing water immediately. Don’t climb onto the counter to reach items on a high shelf; use a sturdy step stool. Place a night-light in the bathroom and in the hallway that leads to it. Place a rubber mat or nonskid stickers in the tub.
• Stairways Pick up clutter and toys on the stairs. Install handrails on both sides. Put a night-light on the stairway. Consider installing a carpet runner if the wooden