Injury prevention: 15 to 17 years old
- Learning to Drive: Wear your seat belt. Do not ride in the back of a pick-up truck.
- Sports: Wear protective gear. Don't try to work/play through pain.
Don't drink and drive. Being active decreases the risk of Diabetes and increases self-esteem.
- Guns: keep all firearms and ammunition locked up. PARENTS- if your child is depressed, get the guns out of the house
- Water Safety: Water-related activities mixed with alcohol can be deadly. Never dive head first into shallow water.
- Sex: Get the facts from a reliable source, preferably your parents. Many sexually transmitted diseases have no cure (AIDS, Herpes). Arizona ranks one of the highest in the U. S. for unwanted teenage pregnancy in the U.S.
- Depression: If you experience a loss of energy, sleeplessness, anxiety, loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy, talk to a trusted adult - seek help. Avoid experimenting with drugs or alcohol (self medicating). Mood swings are common at your age.
- Tattooing and Body Piercing: The medical professionals at TSMC do not recommend any tattooing or body piercing and serious complications and infections may occur. What you need to know:
- Unable to donate blood for one year after tattooing/piercing.
- Reactions to dyes can happen years later.
- Make sure all needles/ink are wrapped and sterile.
- Tongue rings can create hazards and even block your airway if first aid is needed.