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Safety & First Aid

  • 5 Ways to Get Drivers to Stop Texting

    If a texting driver is making you nervous but you're not sure how to bring the topic up, here are some ideas.

  • Bad-Weather Driving

    Factors beyond your control may affect driving conditions: rain, wind, snow, ice, bright sun, fog, and hail, just to name a few. So what should you do if you find yourself driving in bad weather?

  • Dealing With Traffic

    Congestion, nighttime, and construction zone driving are tricky driving conditions. Here are tips for teen drivers on handling these situations.

  • I Just Got My License — Now What?

    You have joined the millions of new drivers already behind the wheel. Here are a few tips to keep you both sane and safe.

  • Road Tripping

    Whether you're driving your friends to the beach for the day or going on vacation with your family, read these tips for surviving road trips.

  • Texting on the Move

    You've heard the warnings about texting and driving, but it's also risky to text and walk. Read our tips for safe texting.

  • The Keys to Defensive Driving

    These defensive driving skills can help you avoid the dangers caused by other people's bad driving.

  • What to Do After a Car Crash

    Although you do your best to drive responsibly and defensively, it's still a good idea to know what to do just in case you end up in an accident.

  • Ankle Sprains

    A sprained ankle is a very common injury that happens when the ligaments that support the ankle get overly stretched or torn. Find out how to avoid ankle sprains and what to do if you get one.

  • Bug Bites and Stings

    Generally, insect bites and stings are harmless. Find out how to keep pests from ruining your fun.

  • Casts

    This article has tips on taking care of a cast so it keeps working as it should.

  • Comminuted Fractures

    A comminuted fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.

  • Concussions

    In a concussion, the brain shifts inside the skull. This can cause a sudden — but usually temporary — disruption in a person's ability to function properly and feel well. Here's what to do if you suspect a concussion.

  • Cuts, Scratches, and Scrapes

    Most small cuts, scrapes, or abrasions heal on their own. Here are tips for teens on how to treat cuts at home - and when to get medical help.

  • Dealing With Sports Injuries

    You practiced hard and made sure you wore protective gear, but you still got hurt. Read this article to find out how to take care of sports injuries - and how to avoid getting them.

  • Dehydration

    Dehydration is when the amount of water in the body has dropped too low. Read about what causes dehydration, what it does to your body, and how to prevent it.

  • First Aid: Broken Bones

    A broken bone requires emergency medical care. Here's what to do.

  • Greenstick Fractures

    A greenstick fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through the bone.

  • Head Lice

    Lice aren't dangerous, but they do spread from person to person easily. They can also be hard to get rid of. Find out how to prevent lice -- and what to do if someone you know has them.

  • How Broken Bones Heal

    Broken bones have an amazing ability to heal. New bone forms within a few weeks of the injury, although full healing can take longer.

  • I Got Blisters From a Sunburn. What Should I Do?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • Knee Injuries

    Healthy knees are needed for many activities and sports and getting hurt can mean some time sitting on the sidelines.

  • Nosebleeds

    Although nosebleeds are usually harmless and easily controlled, it may look like a gallon of blood is coming from your nose! Find out what causes nosebleeds and how to stop them.

  • Overuse Injuries

    Overuse (or repetitive stress) injuries happen when too much stress is placed on a part of the body, causing problems like swelling, pain, muscle strain, and tissue damage.

  • Poison Ivy

    Poison ivy can grow anywhere, from the woods to your backyard. This article for teens has tips on how to avoid the plant and what to do if you get a rash.

  • Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

    A person with severe allergies can be at risk for a sudden, serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction can seem scary, but the good news is it can be treated.

  • Splinters

    It may be tempting to ignore a splinter, especially if it doesn't hurt. But a splinter can become infected, so you should try to get it out as soon as you notice it.

  • Splints

    A splint is a support device that keeps an injured area from moving. Doctors often use splints to hold bones and joints in place so they can heal after a fracture.

  • Testicular Injuries

    Serious testicular injuries are relatively uncommon, but testicular injury can be painful. Here's how you can protect yourself from injury.

  • What to Do in an Emergency

    Emergencies happen when we least expect them, and they require fast thinking and action. Here are some things to know so you'll be prepared.

  • ATV Safety

    ATVs provide off-road fun. But with the thrills come big risks like rollovers and collisions. Here are tips for teens on staying safe.

  • Bike Safety

    The sun is shining - why not dust off your bike and go for a ride? Before you hit the trail, though, read these tips on the right type of bike and gear you will need.

  • Earbuds

    Earbuds are basically a tiny pair of speakers that go inside the ears. They're fine at low volumes, but they can cause permanent hearing loss if not used properly. Find out what's safe (and not) in this article for teens.

  • Figuring Out Health News

    News reports on health and medicine can be confusing —and sometimes downright scary. How do you know what is important and accurate?

  • Fireworks Safety

    Fireworks safety starts with the manufacturer, but it ends with you! Read these tips on handling fireworks safely and have a blast on the Fourth!

  • First Aid: Broken Bones

    A broken bone requires emergency medical care. Here's what to do.

  • Gun Safety

    Every year, guns are used to kill or injure thousands of Americans. Here's how to keep yourself safe, whether your family has guns at home or not.

  • How Can I Get Help in a Crisis?

    If you’re dealing with a crisis, get help right away. Here's how to find people who will listen, talk with you, and help.

  • Online Safety

    Whether it's protecting yourself from hackers or cyberbullies, these tips for teens will help you navigate the digital world safely.

  • Protecting Your Online Identity and Reputation

    The virtual world is full of opportunities to interact with people around the world. It's also a place where nothing is temporary. Here are some tips for safeguarding your online identity.

  • Sexual Violence and Rape: What You Need to Know

    Sexual violence is unwanted sexual behavior that is forced on someone. It can take many forms, including rape. Sexual violence and rape are never OK. Find out what to do and how to get help if you need it.

  • Sports and Exercise Safety

    Playing hard doesn't have to mean getting hurt. The best way to ensure a long and injury-free athletic career is to play it safe from the start. Find out how.

  • Tanning

    The sun can do a lot more than just give you a warm summer glow. Get the facts on sun and skin damage - and what you can do to protect yourself and still look tan.

  • Technology: 5 Ways To Reboot Yourself

    Sending and receiving messages late at night can disrupt your sleep and leave you tired and unfocused when it's time for school.

  • Texting on the Move

    You've heard the warnings about texting and driving, but it's also risky to text and walk. Read our tips for safe texting.

  • Water Safety

    Swimming and other water sports are a great way to beat the heat. Read this article to find out how you can stay safe at the pool, beach, lake - and even the water park.

  • What to Do in an Emergency

    Emergencies happen when we least expect them, and they require fast thinking and action. Here are some things to know so you'll be prepared.

  • Dehydration

    Dehydration is when the amount of water in the body has dropped too low. Read about what causes dehydration, what it does to your body, and how to prevent it.

  • Dynamic Stretching (Video)

    These videos guide you through 8 dynamic stretches that target different muscles and areas of the body.

  • Groin Strain

    A groin strain is when one or more of the muscles in the inner thigh gets stretched, injured, or torn. Find out what to do for groin strains.

  • Hip Pointer

    Most hip pointer injuries can be easily treated and heal in their own time. Find out what to do in this article for teens.

  • Meniscus Tears

    The key to healing meniscus tears is not to get back into play too quickly. Find out what meniscus tears are and how to treat them.

  • Repetitive Stress Injuries in Sports

    Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) happen when movements are repeated over and over, damaging a bone, tendon, or joint.

  • Safety Tips: Baseball

    Baseball is by no means a dangerous sport. But it can present a very real risk of injuries from things like wild pitches, batted balls, and collisions in the field.

  • Safety Tips: Basketball

    It's fun to play and great exercise, but basketball is also a contact sport, and injuries happen. To stay safe on the basketball court, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Cheerleading

    Cheerleading today requires considerable athletic ability. The more challenging it gets, the greater the risk of getting hurt. Find out how to avoid injuries.

  • Safety Tips: Fastpitch Softball

    Softball is a very safe sport, especially slow-pitch. But in fastpitch, things speed up, and that increases the chances of getting hurt. So keep these safety tips in mind.

  • Safety Tips: Field Hockey

    Field hockey is a contact sport, and injuries are bound to happen. To minimize your risk of injury, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Football

    Football is a lot of fun, but since the name of the game is to hit somebody, injuries are common. To keep things as safe as possible, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Golf

    While it may seem silly to think of golf and danger in the same sentence, injuries can and do happen. To learn how to stay safe on the golf course, take a look at these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Gymnastics

    Gymnastics is a great sport and a fun way to get a muscular, toned body. But, it also presents a very real risk of injury. To keep things safe during practice and competition, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Hockey

    As fun as it is, ice hockey carries a very real risk of injury. To find out how to stay as safe as possible, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Inline Skating

    Inline skating is good exercise and an excellent off-season training program for hockey and skiing. To stay safe while inline skating, take a look at these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Lacrosse

    When everyone's moving so fast and using sticks to sling a solid rubber ball around, injuries are bound to happen in lacrosse. Here's how to avoid them.

  • Safety Tips: Running

    Injuries can be common, and runners should always be aware of their surroundings. To keep things safe while running, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Skateboarding

    Skateboarding is undeniably cool, but it's also easy to get hurt. Keep it safe while skateboarding with these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Skiing

    There's a lot to love about skiing, but it can also present some very real dangers. Follow these tips to stay safe on the slopes.

  • Safety Tips: Sledding

    Sledding is a lot of fun, but can also cause injuries, some of them pretty serious. To keep yourself safe while sledding, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Snowboarding

    Snowboarding is a great way to have fun, but it can also present some very real dangers. Follow these safety tips to learn how to stay safe on the slopes.

  • Safety Tips: Soccer

    Soccer is easy to learn at a young age, and it's great exercise. But it's also a contact sport, and injuries are bound to happen. To help prevent mishaps, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Swimming

    To keep things as safe as possible for swimming season, follow these tips.

  • Safety Tips: Tennis

    Injuries in tennis are rare, but it's good to be aware before you play. To minimize your risk of injury while playing tennis, follow these safety tips.

  • Safety Tips: Volleyball

    Following these tips can help protect you from injuries while playing volleyball.

  • Safety Tips: Wrestling

    In wrestling, injuries are bound to happen sometimes. To keep things as safe as possible, follow these tips.

  • Sports and Exercise Safety

    Playing hard doesn't have to mean getting hurt. The best way to ensure a long and injury-free athletic career is to play it safe from the start. Find out how.

  • Strains and Sprains

    Sprains and strains are common injuries, especially for people who play hard or are into sports. Find out what they are and how to recuperate from one.

  • What to Expect When Your Cast Comes Off

    You probably can't wait to get back to your normal activities, but it takes a while for a limb that's been in a cast to finish healing. Here's what to expect.

  • When Can Teens Go Back to Sports After a Concussion?

    As long as people play sports, there will be concussions from time to time. Find out how to protect yourself and when it's safe to return to sports after a concussion.

  • Why Wear a Helmet If It Can't Prevent Concussions?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

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