Lips burning?

It's a forgotten area when it comes to sun protection. I once made that mistake during a road trip in a convertible and had Julia Roberts lips for 2 days from the swelling. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply frequently if you'll be outdoors for a while, even in the shade.

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

Preventing mosquito madness

This week's theme is protecting yourself from mosquitoes, especially the ones that carry West Nile Virus. Bottom line, If you’re outside, you’re at risk, especially in the early morning and early evening hours. So, be sure to keep insect repellent near the doors to your house, in your tackle box, gear bag, suitcase, even in your car just in case you breakdown on the road.

 

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Health tips for trips

Our theme week of health tips while traveling wraps up today with this suggestion: refuse the key to the hotel room's mini bar when you check in. That way you won't be tempted by all those crunchy, salty, chewy, sugary snacks and the wide assortment of chilled adult beverages. You'll save calories and a ton of money.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Health tips for trips

Our theme this week is how to stay healthy when you're away from home. Don't forget insect repellent. And not just for camping or hiking vacations. Mosquitoes feasted on my ankles once while I was sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar of a downtown hotel. Also, if you're likely to be sight seeing or going to outdoor concerts, picnics, or sports events take along sunscreen and a sun hat or visor. Remind the kids to do the same. By the way, even toddlers should wear sunglasses outside.

Irene Maher, Staff Health Writer

Health tips for trips

Our healthy travel theme continues today with advice on prescription medications.  When you head out of town or just across the Bay for a beach weekend, be sure to bring at least one or two days of extra medication just in case you decide to stay longer or run into trip delays. Or, you're like me and you drop a pill which promptly bounces into oblivion. Also, take a copy of your prescription or the original container from the pharmacy in case you need a refill while you're on the road and as a precaution in case your medication is considered a controlled substance outside the US. 

Irene Maher, staff health writer