Posted: Friday, May 19, 2006

PRESS RELEASE
Publication Date: May 19, 2006

New York, New York, May 2006—Summer means more outdoor sports, more traveling, barbeques and picnics galore. Summer can also bring insect bites, boating and swimming accidents, and an increased risk of food poisoning—but it doesn’t have to. Physicians and scientists associated with the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) released an updated list of Health and Safety Tips for Your Summer Vacation that will help people avoid the negative aspects of summer fun and travel.

Some of these tips include:

• Prevent premature aging and reduce your risk of skin cancer by using a good “broad spectrum” sunscreen—one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
• Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Avoid potentially allergenic insect stings and bites—such allergies can be life-threatening. Allergic individuals should wear warning identification and possibly carry medication to counteract the effects of stings or bites.
• Avoid overheating in the summer sun by, among other things, drinking plenty of liquids and taking breaks in cool spots.
• For safe swimming and boating, never swim alone and know your limitations. Most of the 7,000 yearly deaths by drowning are preventable.
• Always wear the crucial protective helmet when biking or rollerblading—head injuries are responsible for two thirds of the annual deaths due to cycling accidents.
• To avoid getting bacterial food poisoning, the basic rule is to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
• Be aware that there are tiny deer ticks that carry Lyme disease and take precautions to avoid being bitten. If you do get bitten, early treatment is important, so know which symptoms to watch out for.
• Don’t let an itch ruin your vacation—poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are widespread in the United States. Know what they look like and where they are found. To avoid or lessen the unpleasant itching rash that these plants cause, there are products that can help prevent it in the first place or lessen the impact of contacting these plants. 
• Pack a healthy suitcase—one that includes medical supplies and other necessities.
• Prevent and treat travelers’ maladies such as motion sickness and travelers’ diarrhea.

“The health and safety tips in our booklet will help people get the most pleasure from their summer recreation while avoiding many of the risks that can be associated with increased outdoor activity and travel,” says Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, ACSH President.

Related Links
Health and Safety Tips for Your Summer Vacation (2006)