The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions:

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Don't look directly into the illuminated headlights of another car. Keep an eye on the yellow line in the road instead, until the car has passed.
• Be constantly aware of potential hazards, including potholes, construction equipment, or stopped cars.
• Pay careful attention to your car and those around you, especially while driving in bad weather.
• Be careful driving on the highway, and look out for other drivers that quickly change lanes to exit the road.
• Don't get emotional about other people's driving habits.
• Never drive while tired.

Prevent backpack injuries by lightening the load. Check your child's backpack each day, and remove any items that aren't needed. Also, make sure the child uses both straps, to distribute the load evenly.

Here are warning signs that your child's backpack may be too heavy, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council:

• A difference in posture when wearing the backpack.
• Significant difficulty in putting the backpack on or taking it off.
• Complaints of pain or discomfort when the backpack is on.
• Red marks on the skin from the backpack straps.
• Feelings of numbness or a tingling sensation, especially in the back or shoulders.

Here are recommendations on choosing and assembling a swing set, from the U.S. National Safety Council:

• Make sure the equipment is very sturdy, and look for sets that can be changed or upgraded to accommodate your child's growth.
• Secure the legs of the set in below-ground concrete. If you use anchors that come with the set, keep them below ground. Make sure all cables are taut. Cap any screws or bolts.
• Slides should not be too steep -- no more than a 30-degree slope. The slide must have tall sides to prevent falls, and an area at the bottom where children can regain balance and sit upright.
• Avoid sets with "S" hooks, or any parts that can pinch, cut or crush small fingers. Avoid any rings that are less than 5 inches or greater than 10 inches in diameter.
• In general, equipment should not be higher than 8t feet tall. And metal equipment, used in hot weather, can lead to burns.

Here is a list of important vitamins and minerals to include in your diet, and how to get them, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Calcium, which is found in yogurt, cheese, milk and other dairy products; sardines, salmon and perch; soybeans and white beans; spinach and oatmeal.
• Potassium, which is found in sweet potatoes, seafood, fruits including bananas, peaches and honeydew; beans and dairy products.
• Magnesium, which is found in vegetables, bran, beans, tofu, brown rice and nuts.
• Vitamin A, which is found in the meat organs such as liver and giblets; vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes and spinach; and cantaloupe.
• Vitamin C, which is found in oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe, guava and papaya; and vegetables such as red and green peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes.
• Vitamin E, which is found in nuts and seeds, turnip greens, peanut butter and spinach.

Try these suggestions to make exercise a tough habit to break, provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Plan to exercise at a certain time every day, so it becomes part of your schedule.
• Write up and sign a contract, where you agree to exercise.
• Mark your calendar with a daily appointment for exercise.
• Keep a diary of all of your exercises. Log everything you do, and your progress.
• Have your doctor write out an exercise prescription, including how much exercise you should do and how often.
• Try joining a health club or gym. Paying a membership fee may prompt you to get your money's worth and go more frequently.

With dentistry's many advances, diagnosis and treatment gets more sophisticated and comfortable all the time. Here are some tips:

• It's often best to share your anxiety. If you're tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff. Getting your concerns out in the open will let your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs.
• Try to choose a time for your dental visit when you're less likely to be rushed or under pressure. For some people, that means a Saturday or an early-morning appointment.
• If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music.
• During the dental visit, you might try visualizing yourself relaxing on a warm beach.

These techniques work wonders for many -- try them on your next visit.

Usually pink or reddish in color, these darkish lines can also appear on diabetics, or among children who rapidly gain weight.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) offers these additional facts about stretch marks:

• They can look like indented ridges in the skin, and eventually may turn white and look like scars.
• They most often appear on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and the flank.
• They can result from long-time use of some medications, such as cortisone skin creams.
• Lotions and creams that claim to reduce the appearance of stretch marks have little proven value, the NLM says.

Here are suggestions to reduce your risk of Lyme disease, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Stay out of areas where ticks are likely to be, including wooded areas, tall grass, and places with lots of leaf cover.
• Use an insect repellent on skin and clothing. Look for products that contain 20 percent to 30 percent DEET.
• Another repellent, permethrin, can be applied to clothing, but never directly to the skin.
• When heading to where ticks may gather, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt that are both light in color, so it's easier for you to spot ticks.
• Check yourself thoroughly for ticks before heading indoors. If you spot a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers.
• Be aware of any unusual symptoms, including a circular rash, tiredness, chills, fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these safety suggestions:

• Make sure blades are sharp and the mower is working properly, and only inspect the mower when it's turned off.
• Before you start to mow, check the yard for rocks, sticks, toys and any other objects that could get caught in the blades.
• Wear protective gear and clothing, including long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves and safety goggles.
• Never use a lawn mower while barefoot or wearing sandals.
• Never allow someone to ride with you on a riding mower.
• Be especially careful when mowing steep hills.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this advice about soothing bug bites:

• In cases where the insect's stinger is still in the skin, scrape a flat, firm object against the area to extract it. Don't use tweezers, as more venom could be released.
• Clean all bite and sting sites thoroughly with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack to the area to soothe a sting. Apply for 10 minutes, remove, and repeat.
• Take an antihistamine, and apply a topical cream to soothe itching.
• Watch out for signs of an infection, such as increasing redness, pain or swelling that develops well after the initial sting.

It may include some or all of these physical symptoms, says the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Blushing.
• Sweating.
• Feeling nauseous.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Having trouble talking to or making eye contact with another person.

If you have these symptoms, a doctor should evaluate you for a social phobia. The physician can also recommend treatment options, including medication and/or behavioral therapy.

Sleep apnea is associated with loss of sleep, and more serious conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease, the American Lung Association (ALA) says.

Among children, sleep apnea often is caused by inflamed tonsils or adenoids, which should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

While the best course of treatment should be recommended by your doctor, the ALA offers this list of possible ways to control sleep apnea:

• Maintain a healthy body weight with exercise and a healthy diet.
• Attend a sleep lab, where sleep apnea can be analyzed and specific treatments recommended.
• A technique called a nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which delivers air through a mask.
• Special dental appliances.
• Surgery.

But then how do you get enough bone-enriching calcium?

While it's best to check with your doctor, here are some calcium-rich foods that are probably safe for the lactose-intolerant, provided by the University of Virginia Health System:

• Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and kale.
• Fish such as salmon and sardines.
• Yogurts with active cultures, which can help make the yogurt easier to digest.
• Foods rich in vitamin D, such as eggs and liver, which help the body absorb calcium.

While everyone is prone to strains and sprains, here are suggestions from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on how you can help prevent them:

• Try a conditioning program that will help strengthen muscles.
• Every day, do a few stretching exercises.
• Always wear shoes that support and fit properly.
• Always warm up before any sport or activity.
• Wear appropriate protective gear before participating in sports or exercise.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet so that your muscles are well-nourished.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions to help keep mold out of your home:

• Keep humidity at low levels -- between 40 percent and 60 percent, and use an air conditioner or dehumidifier when it's humid outside.
• Use exhaust fans to keep areas such as kitchens and bathrooms well ventilated.
• Keep carpet out of areas where moisture may collect, such as bathrooms or basements.
• Promptly and thoroughly dry any furnishings that get wet, especially carpets or upholstered furniture.
• Fix any leaky plumbing, roofs, or walls.
• Use cleaners that kill mold.
• If you're painting, add a mold inhibitor to the paint.

Serious complications can result if the condition is left untreated. Here's a partial list, courtesy of the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

• Ulcers of the esophagus from lining damaged by stomach acid.
• Narrowing of the esophagus, which can make it difficult to swallow.
• A condition called Barrett's esophagus, in which cells in the esophageal lining take on an unusual shape and color.
• Esophageal cancer.
• Exacerbated symptoms of other conditions, including asthma, chronic cough or pulmonary fibrosis.

Here are suggestions to help teen boys deal with body image issues, provided by the Nemours Foundation:

• Recognize the positive aspects of your body, rather than focusing on your weaknesses.
• Understand that your body doesn't always define how well you perform an activity or play a certain sport.
• Start exercising and weight training to gain confidence in yourself and your body.
• Treat your body well by avoiding smoking, drugs and alcohol. Also take pride in your physical appearance and hygiene.
• Be proud of who you are. Don't try to make yourself someone you aren't.

Here are guidelines for choosing safe shoes, and other ways to help reduce the risk of falls, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Make sure your shoes fit correctly. Always measure your feet before you buy new footwear.
• Choose shoes that are comfortable and sturdy, avoiding those with very thick soles or high heels.
• Look for shoes with soles that won't skid or slip.
• Keep laces tied tightly all the times. If you have trouble tying laces, look for shoes with Velcro.
• Always wear well-fitted, non-skid slippers at home. Throw away slippers that have become too stretched. Avoid walking barefoot or in your socks.
• Don't let your toenails get too long.

Here are common symptoms of computer-related injury, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Numbness of the fingers.
• Pain or soreness in the lower back, neck, shoulders or wrists.
• Headache.
• Dryness, redness and soreness of the eyes, or blurred vision.

The American Diabetes Association says it's important to keep a regular schedule for meals. It offers the following suggestions:

• Schedule dinner get-togethers at your normal meal time.
• Choose locations and times when you won't have to wait too long to eat.
• When possible, make a reservation.
• Avoid dishes that take an unusually long time to prepare.
• If you know that your meal will be much later than usual, have your bedtime snack at your usual mealtime, then eat a later dinner. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your insulin when you do this.

The American Diabetes Association offers these dessert options when you're dieting or trying to watch your sugar and fat intake:

• Try fresh or dried fruits to soothe your sweet tooth.
• Have only a small portion of one of your favorite desserts.
• When ordering at a restaurant, choose a dessert to share with the people accompanying you.
• When baking, reduce the amount of fat and sugar you use in your recipes.
• Choose low-fat and low-sugar alternatives to your favorite desserts.

Here are examples of foods that can affect your sleep, courtesy of the National Sleep Foundation:

• Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as pastas and breads, can make you more sleepy.
• Carbohydrates work well with proteins to induce sleepiness, which makes combinations such as peanut butter on toast, cereal with milk, or cheese and crackers good bedtime snacks.
• A large meal can make you more tired, especially one with a lot of carbohydrates.
• Caffeine in foods and beverages is a stimulant that blocks hormones in the brain that make you feel sleepy.
• While alcohol may help you relax and fall asleep in the short term, over the course of the night it inhibits the sleep process and can prevent you from getting deep, restful sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation offers these suggestions for good napping:

• Limit the nap to 20 minutes to 30 minutes. This shouldn't leave you feeling groggy or interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.
• Make sure you have a good sleep environment. Choose a cool, dark and quiet room to help you fall asleep and have a restful nap.
• Choose the right time to nap. Your body may not be ready for more sleep if it's early in the day, while napping too late can cause problems falling asleep at bedtime.

That's not recommended, says the Nemours Foundation, which offers these suggestions for getting your child to go back to his or her own bed:

• Make sure the child understands that you are there if he or she needs you again or gets scared.
• Explain that although the dream was frightening and that it's acceptable to be scared, everything will be OK.
• Do whatever the child needs to feel safe. Offer a night light, or show the child that there are no monsters hiding in the closet or under the bed.
• Soothe the child back to sleep with talk of pleasant dreams, or a comforting blanket or stuffed animal.

The American Lung Association offers this list of common "triggers" that can set off a reaction in the lungs and elsewhere in the body:

• Breathing cold air.
• Exposure to smoke, from tobacco products and wood-burning fires.
• Exposure to chemicals with strong odors or fumes, such as hairspray, perfume or paint.
• Allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, molds and pollution.
• Respiratory illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.

Other factors may spur your symptoms, and your doctor may suggest keeping an asthma diary to help pinpoint which triggers affect you.