QUICK TIP:

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be 15 or greater and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen — about one ounce per sitting for a young adult — and reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.




Safety First


Stay-Healthy Tips for Vacationers

When you're investing valuable time and money in a long awaited vacation, the last thing you need is to become sick. To increase your chances of returning home rested and refreshed instead of stressed, sick or injured, pay attention to the following:

Survive the Drive

    Treat long car trips as you would an athletic event. Warm up with a short walk. On the road, stop every two to three hours to stretch and walk around. Integrate stops into your schedule, so you don't feel like you're wasting travel time or rush your breaks.
    Adjust the seat's lumbar support or use a small pillow to provide back support.
    Tilt your rearview mirror up a small amount. This will improve your posture by making you sit up straighter to see out the back window. You'll be less fatigued at the end of the day.
    Eat healthy. If you pack healthy snacks, then the driving-related effects of stress, fatigue and difficulty sleeping can often be prevented. Good snack suggestions: baby carrots, fruit, peanut butter, whole-wheat bagels and yogurt. Don't forget to include bottled water, orange juice or low-fat milk. At mealtimes, avoid fried items and high-fat side dishes or condiments such as mayonnaise and salad dressing. Opt for a grilled chicken sandwich or a salad with fat-free dressing.

Air Travel Angst

    Distribute your luggage between two smaller suitcases instead of one larger one or use wheeled luggage.
    Check all bags heavier than 5 percent to 10 percent of your body weight.
    Place a small airplane pillow or other lumbar support between your lower back and the seat, then buckle up. This will reduce the risk of back pain.
    Don't cross your legs. This reduces circulation and increases the risk of blood clots. Also, it creates an uneven weight on the hips and pelvis, which can lead to lower back pain.
    Pack healthy snacks.
    Purchase water for lengthy flights. Inflight air is very dry, and dehydration causes headaches and can worsen jet lag symptoms. Make sure you drink water - alcohol and caffeinated beverages will only make you more dehydrated.

Air Healthy Hotels

    Bring your own pillow and/or blanket from home to help get a good night's sleep.
    Pay attention. Note the locations of the fire exits, alarms and sprinkler systems.
    Stay active. Take advantage of swimming pools and other fitness outlets at hotels and motels. Or, make sure physical activity of some sort is included in your vacation plans.



Common-Sense Family Travel Tips

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Bouncing Back from Food Poisoning

Fatal food poisoning outbreaks have garnered much attention in recent years, yet few Americans realize the extent of the problem. Roughly 76 million Americans are sickened by some type of food-related bacteria each year. Depending upon the source, food poisoning symptoms can occur as quickly as one hour or as long as 50 days after ingesting the bacteria. Victims may suffer vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain as well as fever, dehydration, shock and even death... (continued)



Lying to Doctor Can Be Deadly

Even people who don't consciously fib to their doctor often fail to tell the complete truth, out of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Yet not being completely honest with your doctor during exams could be a fatal mistake — for you.

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