From the Speaking of Women's Health Newsletter
As students across the country head back to class, keep these safety tips in mind:
Grade School
Whether your children are walking to school or to the bus stop, remind them to:
- Never talk to strangers. It's human nature to want to help people, and that's why it's no surprise that many children innocently walk away with a stranger who asks them to help find his dog. Make sure they know it's OK not to be rude to anyone they don't know who approaches them.
- Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.
- Always try to cross a street when a crossing guard is present.
- Cross in front of the school bus only after the bus driver lets them know it's all right to cross - and make sure no cars are coming toward them.
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike.
High School
Car Safety: Did your daughter just get her driver's license? Is your son's friend driving him to school? Regardless, remind them to:
- Always buckle up and require everyone in the car to fasten their seat belts, too.
- Always obey the speed limit.
- Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking - or drive a car after they've had an alcoholic drink.
- Never drive while talking on a cell phone or eating a snack.
- Turn the radio down so they can be more aware of their surroundings - especially sirens.
College Students
Campus Safety: The most significant issues facing female college studetns include unintentional injuries and violence, and sexually transmitted diseases. Tell your daughter or friend to remember:
- Never walk across campus at night alone. She may feel comfortable with her surroundings, but there's safety in numbers.
- Never set down her drink and walk away, or accept a drink from a stranger to avoid being slipped Rohypnol, the "date rape" drug. The drug is 10 times stronger than valium, making women unconscious and unable to defend themselves.
- Always lock her dorm room door, even if she is just going down the hall.
- Don't keep large amounts of money, jewelry or other valuables in her room.
- Tell their friends that cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Millions of people have it - and may not know it. Schedule a Pap screening to detect their risks for cervical cancer.
