Summer safe tips

SunburnsApplying sunscreen daily can help keep skin cancer at bay, a new research study has shown. A study by Australian researchers now shows that regardless of the amount of time you spend in the sun, applying sunscreen is a must.

Whether you're sunbathing on the lakeshore or playing tennis, your skin needs protection from the sun. Skin cancer results from cumulative exposure to the sun. Choose a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors.

Children as young as 6 months can benefit from sunscreen use. And wearing hats or applying sunscreen daily to the neck, arms, head and hands should minimize the risk of skin cancer.

But "the barrier is still the human one: remembering to do it," said Dr. David J. Leffell, a Yale University dermatologist.

If you do get a sunburn, the best cure for your ailment is to avoid repeated sun exposure and apply cold compresses or cool water to the burn. Apply moisturizing lotion to your skin.

Consult a doctor if you have fever, blisters or severe pain.

West Nile virusSince 1999, West Nile virus has been a sort of summertime fact of life around the United States. Last year, there were more than 4,000 cases and 284 deaths.

Public health officials are reluctant to predict what might happen this year, but do expect the pattern to continue.

"The big question is how many cases will occur in the U.S. in total, and will we have a big epidemic like we had last year," said Lyle Petersen, deputy director for medical science with the division of vector-borne infectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control. "The answer is, we simply don't know. Diseases like the West Nile virus historically have been hard to predict."

But the risk of becoming ill from a single mosquito bite is low, said Jane Wernsman with the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center. Even if an infected mosquito does bite you, less than 1 percent of the people bitten ever become ill.

Some tips on how to prevent West Nile:

Police your yard, looking for places where water collects. Also check for clogged rain gutters and screens or windows where mosquitoes might enter your home.

Change the water in dog dishes, bird baths or fountains every two to three days to make sure no mosquitoes breed there.

Postpone outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes seem to be most prevalent. If you must be outdoors, cover up with socks and shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Use mosquito repellents to protect yourself from bites. Mosquito repellents containing DEET have been shown again and again in controlled tests to be the most effective. While such repellents can be used on clothing, DEET cannot be used on children under 2 or on pets.

Picnics, cookoutsFood safety is critical during summertime heat, when cases of food poisoning and bacteria can be prevalent. Perishable foods like meat, poultry, seafood and egg products should always be kept cold or frozen until ready to serve. Such foods shouldn't be left at room temperature for more than two hours; on days when the temperature reaches 90 degrees or higher, that time should only be one hour.

To prevent any sort of bacteria outbreaks, always pack perishable items in a cooler. To prevent cross-contamination, seal raw meat, poultry and seafood in separate bags.

A full cooler will retain its cold temperatures longer than one that is only partly filled. To make sure that your meats and perishable foods stay cold, pack drinks, ice and snacks in a separate cooler so you aren't opening the food cooler as often.

SwimmingWater safety is particularly important for young children. Drowning deaths occur more often in July than any other month, according to statistics from the Safe Kids Coalition.

When swimming with young children, make sure never to leave them unattended. Children should wear floatation devices or life jackets when near the water.

Make sure that water you're swimming in isn't too cold for young children, as it can affect their breathing or cause cramps. Also, make sure the water is free of diseases or bacteria, and don't swallow the water.

"Just use good common sense," Wernsman said. Chlorine will kill most germs in the water, but it might take longer to eliminate some germs.

When swimming in lakes or rivers, don't wade into the water without footwear. Broken glass or sharp objects could be underwater.

Never swim during lightning storms or in dangerous weather.

Bites and stingsApply insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin to minimize your risk.

Avoid scented products like perfumes and shampoos that might attract insects.

Check clothing and skin for ticks or other insects after spending time outdoors. Shake out your clothing before wearing it.

If you do get bit, antihistamines and creams can help alleviate the sting.

Heat exhaustion, heat strokeIf heat exhaustion is not treated, it could lead to heat stroke or even death.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, dizziness, mood changes, feeling sick to the stomach or faint, and pale, clammy skin. Heat stroke has the appearance of a sunburn, with red skin and could include seizures or collapse.

If a person is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cool, shaded area, being careful not to leave them alone. If they appear dizzy, lay them on their back and elevate their legs. Remove or loosen any heavy clothing, cooling their skin with a mist of water.

Call for medical help in cases of heat stroke.

To prevent either, be sure to plan your activities during the cooler part of the day during summer heat. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and hats to shade the head and eyes from the sun, drink plenty of fluids, avoid hot foods and heavy meals, pace yourself when working or exercising outdoors. Stay indoors in air conditioning, if possible, or move to a cool place indoors. In extreme heat, taking a cool shower or bath can help lower the body's temperature.

SOURCES: Centers for Disease Controls, Missouri Department of Health, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, and the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post wire services