Health
and Safety Tips for Your Summer Vacation
Whether you're
traveling around the world or relaxing at home, a safe, healthy
vacation will add to your summer fun. The American Council on
Science and Health offers a number of helpful health and safety
tips to keep in mind when planning this summer's vacation.
-
Contrary
to popular wisdom, mayonnaise in your summer chicken salad is
usually not the cause of food poisoning; it is more likely that
the source of the problem is improperly handled chicken (undercooked,
unrefrigerated, or both).
-
Prevent
premature aging and reduce your risk of skin cancer by using
a good "broad spectrum" sunscreen.
-
Choose
sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB
radiation.
-
Avoid
overheating in the summer sun by drinking plenty of liquids
and taking breaks in cool places.
-
To
stay safe while swimming or boating, know your limitations and
never swim alone. Most of the 7,000 yearly deaths by drowning
are preventable.
-
Always
wear a protective helmet when biking or rollerblading. The American
Medical Association reports that 75 percent of the cyclists
who die each year die from head injuries.
-
To
avoid bacterial food poisoning, always keep your hot foods hot
and your cold foods cold.
-
Be
aware of the tiny deer ticks that carry Lyme disease. Take precautions
(wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; apply insect repellent)
to avoid being bitten. If you do get bitten, know which symptoms
to watch out for, as early treatment is important.
-
Don't
let an itch ruin your vacation. Poison ivy, poison oak, and
poison sumac grow widely throughout the United States. To avoid
or lessen the unpleasant itching rash these plants cause, wash
the contact area with soap and water.
-
Pack
a healthy suitcase: Bring along a first-aid kit, ample supplies
of prescription medicines and copies of your prescriptions.
-
Take
steps to prevent travelers' maladies such as motion sickness
and traveler's diarrhea. If they should occur, know how to treat
them.
