Using the internet has become a really fun way of keeping in touch with friends and family. There are loads of ways of doing this, including instant messaging (IM), chat rooms and through blogs. Some people have made friends over the internet but there are also some nasty people who use the internet so you need to make sure that you keep yourself safe whilst still having fun.
Social networking:
More young people are using sites such as Facebook and Bebo but don't apply the right privacy settings. Remember to follow these "top tips":
When setting up these sites apply the "friends only" setting so that only your friends can see the information.
Don't give out any private information about yourself on your page such as your address or phone number.
Make sure you know how to block individuals from seeing your information.
Chatting:
There are lots of ways you can be careful when you talk to people on the internet. Here are some of the things you should do:
Always ask your mum, dad or whoever is looking after you if you can talk to people on the internet. They can help you do it safely.
Use a nickname instead of your real name when you use chat rooms or instant messengers.
Keep your password safe and don't tell anyone else.
Never tell anyone who you don't know in the real world any of your personal details, especially your address, phone number or school.
Don't ever send anyone your picture, any of your bank details or credit card details without first checking with a responsible adult.
Ask your mum, dad or teacher to help you if you are just starting to chat to new people on the computer. They can make sure you fill out any forms properly and safely.
Some people on the internet may not be who they say they are. It's not a good idea to meet anyone that you only know from talking to them on the computer.
Be careful in chat rooms. Just because it says that it's only for young people there's no way to tell if only young people are using it. It might be someone trying to trick you.
If someone says something that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried leave the chat room. Make sure you tell someone like your Mum, Dad or a carer.
You are entitled to review your medications with your local pharmacist free of charge.
A healthy balanced diet, taking more exercise and losing weight if necessary may delay the onset of diabetes.
Young people aged 13-25 years can access free, confidential sexual health advice and condoms from the Cardiff Condom-Card (C-Card) Scheme.
A reduction in dietary salt intake from 9g to 6g could reduce blood pressure.
In England and Wales, alcohol misuse leads to some 33,000 hospital admissions each year for alcohol-related liver disease.
Improving your diet could prevent an estimated third of cancers.
Over 40% of 5 year olds in Cardiff have one or more decayed teeth.
Currently, over half of the population of Cardiff are reported to be overweight or obese.
If you drive at twice the legal alcohol limit you are at least 30 times more likely to cause a road crash, than a driver who hasn't been drinking.
A healthy balance diet, physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight have been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Obesity is associated with a reduction in life expectancy of approximately 9 years.
Regular exercise can really help if you're feeling depressed, stressed or anxious.
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables decreases the risk of coronary heart disease.
Of the people alive today, 650 million will eventually be killed by tobacco.
An extra portion of fruit and vegetables per day could decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by 4% and stroke by 6%.
If you are regularly physically active, you are 50% less likely of becoming obese.
Nearly £2000 a year could be saved by quitting smoking 20 cigarettes per day.
If you are regularly physically active, you are approximately 50% less likely to develop coronary health disease than those who do not exercise.
By taking regular physical activity you are at reduced risk of developing osteoporosis.
Smoking during pregnancy has been identified as a cause of cot death.
In Wales, the total cost of physical inactivity to the health service and the economy as a whole is estimated at around £650 million per year.
6,000 deaths from coronary heart disease in men each year are directly due to alcohol.
Only 26% of adults in Cardiff undertake the recommended 5 x 30 minutes exercise per week.
