Firearm injuries among children and adolescents: II. The physician's role in prevention.

Firearm-related injury is a major public health problem in the United States. Many children are exposed to handguns in their own homes and in homes where they play and visit. By use of anticipatory guidance and preventive counseling in the office, physicians can educate their patients about the danger to the family (especially to children) of having a gun in the home. If patients keep a gun at home, they should be counseled to empty it and lock it up. Physicians also have the opportunity to be strong public advocates for establishing policies that lead to increased gun safety in the community.