XPERT OPINION

You can look out for yourself with just a few simple steps.

With a little bit of common sense and some good judgment, you will be off and running in safety style. Being safe during your daily grind doesn't mean you can't have fun too! Follow these guidelines to keep yourself in the game...

• While having fun in the sun, be sure to slop on some sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
• If you're swimming, use the buddy system and remember your limits. Drowning is the second most common cause of accidental deaths for kids and adults, ages 5 to 24. That means that you've got to be smart about what you're doing.
• While you are out on your bike or rollerblading with a friend in the park, remember the safety basics. If it gets dark, head home. Stick to pathways that are well lit and have easy access to other people (pathway close to a store, school, police station, neighborhood, etc.).
• Trains, planes, boats, and automobiles! Protect yourself by using your seatbelt or life vest, staying seated, and remaining chill until you reach your final destination.
• If it has been raining or snowing, be sure to check fields and pathways before you get going. Prevent a possible mess by making sure it's okay to play.

Keep in Mind...
Mixing fun and safety will ALWAYS make you a winner! Someone else might think you are worrying too much or your brother or sister might tell you there is nothing to worry about. But checking out the situation and planning ahead is the best way to keep bad things from happening. Being the worrywart is not such a bad thing when it keeps you and your buddies out of emergency rooms and on the field or in activities.