Watch the clock for food safety

Prevent food poisoning at your barbecue or picnic today. Chicken, burgers, deviled eggs, mac & cheese, etc, anything that's cooked or perishable shouldn't sit out for more than an hour when the temperature hovers around 90 degrees or higher; in air conditioning, 2 hours is the limit. Put these foods back on the heat or in the fridge when time is up. 

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Sun protection may not be made in the shade

 This week's news about tanning beds being about as dangerous as arsenic may have you thinking about hitting the beach this weekend.

But if you spend time outdoors, don't think that a mere hat or umbrella -- or even a nice spot under a shady tree -- will protect your hide from the sun.

The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal warns that harmful UVB rays can reach the skin indirectly, by reflecting off the sand or water and getting under your shade source.

 So do seek the shade -- but lather on the SPF too. Remember: You want to use a full ounce, the equivalent of a shot-glass-full, every time you apply. And don't forget to reapply after swimming or sweating.

Here’s a rundown on the sun protection factor (SPF) of various shade sources:

Broad-brimmed hats: SPF 5 to protect the nose, ears and neck.

Umbrellas: SPF 3 to 10. A single umbrella on the beach offers limited protection because so many ultraviolet rays are reflected under the umbrella from the sand and water.

Shade trees: Varies. Trees offer the best protection in the middle of the day when the sun is more directly overhead. If possible, choose a tree near other trees or buildings to block more of the sun. Dense foliage offers the best protection.

Charlotte Sutton, health and medicine editor

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Swimming pool safety

Swimming pools with likely be busy this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Plan now to keep kids safe. Whenever children are around, designate an adult pool-watcher who will keep his or her eyes on the water at all times. During your watch, don't let the phone, arriving guests, food, music, or alcohol be a distraction. When leaving the pool area, make sure all children are out and accounted for; close and lock all gates and doors leading to the pool. If there are door and pool alarms, use them.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer  

Beat the heat: Don't forget Fido and Fluffy

Our theme this week is how to beat the heat. Don't forget, heat can hurt pets, too. Never leave a pet in a car on a hot day, even if the windows are cracked. Go out for play or walks in the early morning or late evening. Remember that older and overweight pets are more likely to overheat. Also be aware that asphalt, concrete, brick and decking material can be very hot under your pet's feet. If pets must stay outside, provide shade, cool water and protection from storms. This link may also be helpful.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Beat the heat: Signs of trouble

More on how to beat the heat. Today's tip: get to know heat illness. Symptoms range from cramps in the legs to fatigue, headache, nausea and heavy sweating. The most serious condition is heat stroke, a medical emergency. Symptoms include nausea, headache, confusion, dizziness, rapid pulse, and hot, dry, red skin. If it develops call 911 immediately. Get the person to shade or air conditioning, apply tepid water. Click on this link for more info on hot weather safety.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Beat the heat: What to drink?

This week's theme continues with how to hydrate if you're headed outside. Water is your best choice for low level activity in the shade. Sport drinks, diluted with water to save calories, are good if you are in the sun and your activity level is low to moderate. Full strength sports drinks are best if you are going to be very active outside working, hiking, playing tennis or biking, for example. Drink every 10-20 minutes. Avoid caffeine, beer and other alcoholic drinks.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Beat the heat: Hydration

Our theme this week is how to beat the heat. The focus today is on hydration, so important when it's hot and humid. If you're going to be outside for extended periods, drink 8 ounces of water before you head out and drink at least that much every 10-20 minutes while you're outdoors. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Thirst is a sign that your tank is almost empty. More on beverages in tomorrow's health tip, but this one is critical: don't hydrate with beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine. And, for the record, beer contains alcohol.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Mosquito Madness

This wraps up our week of tips on mosquito bites. Know the more serious symptoms of West Nile Virus. If bitten by an infected mosquito, most people (80% according to the CDC) won’t have any symptoms at all, but a small percentage of the over age 50 crowd may develop serious illness. Here’s what to watch out for: high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, a rash on the chest, stomach and back, swollen lymph glands, stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions and tremors. These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

 

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Mosquito Madness

More on our mosquito bite prevention theme: Did you know that mosquitoes can bite through clothing? Me either. It happend last week when I was waiting for my puppy to give up on catching a lizard. I got several bites through my thin cotton jammies. If you're going to be outside for any length of time, spray repellent on exposed skin and use repellents with permethrin on your clothes (never on your skin). Here's a handy link to learn more.   

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Mosquito Madness

We continue today with our week of tips for protecting against mosquito bites. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin before going outside. Be sure the repellent contains DEET, Picaridin (sometimes called KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (sometimes called PMD). The American Academy of Pediatrics says, for children older than two months, repellent with 10% DEET appears to be safe. Don’t use DEET on younger infants and never put it on children's hands. For more information visit this helpful CDC link. 

 

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer