Safety and Environment

Every day you and your family are exposed to many health risks. While some of these risks are fairly obvious, others are less apparent. Where you live, your occupation, your daily routine, and how you spend your leisure time are just a few examples of the wide variety of factors that can affect your health and the overall quality of your life.

Factors such as the source of your drinking water, the amount and strength of sunlight you are regularly exposed to, and the kinds of transportation you use all have potential impact on your health and well-being. Some of these factors are within your control; others are not.

To reduce your health risks, it is most practical to deal with factors that you can do something about. For example, if you smoke, you can try to quit; if you drive a car, remember to wear your seat belt at all times. However, for most people, moving to a new home just to ensure a cleaner water supply is not possible or practical.

Many people have had an impact on larger health-related risks, such as air and water pollution, by working with environmental or community organizations. You can help to improve your environment by getting involved in such groups.

Injuries account for 5 percent of all deaths each year in the US. However, there are many steps you can take to make the world a safer place for you and your family. By initiating preventive measures in your home, on the road, and at your workplace you can help to protect your family. Read the Self-help tips pop-up to learn about some of the steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of injury.

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