It's already mid- to end-of-summer and the back-to-school blitz has started. If you still haven't gotten out much, or if you simply need reminders on how to stay healthy in the summer months, here they are!

First, sun safety! Sunscreens come in all sorts of strengths and with many methods of application.

• Chose any of them, as long as they have UVA and UVB coverage and a minimum SPF of 15--and slather it on generously, in any case.
• Apply sunscreen lotion ahead of the planned exposure and reapply it every 2 hours when out in the sun.
• For any concerns about the chemicals in sunscreens, I suggest simply washing it off with soap nightly.

Second, heat safety! When you are out in the heat, remember to adequately hydrate.

• Always bring plenty of fluids--water, diluted juices, and sports drinks are the best options.
• Also consider eating a little something salty occasionally during the day, which will help keep the water you drink in your system.
• Dizziness can be one prominant symptom of dehydration. I've recently treated a number of patients for dizziness that turned out to be from dehydration.

Third, bug safety! This is the season to get bitten by little gnats and big horse flies. All communities have some type of biting airborne insect, so using bug sprays is a wise idea.

• Long-sleeved and DEET-infused clothing are wonderful but are sometimes hard to tolerate in the heat.
• If you don't like to apply strong poisons to the body, use citronella candles, marigolds, and various wafting insect repellants; they can be helpful but are not necessarily as effective as good old bug spray on your legs and arms.
• Avoiding bug bites helps to prevent a lot of itchy suffering, the risk of infections at the site of the bite, and the risk of contracting diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme's disease.
• Ticks require another level of precaution: After a day outdoors, make sure to get naked and perform a head-to-toe check for ticks.
• If you find a tick that has not had a full 24 hours to attach itself, remove it--it can't pass disease on to you in that amount of time.
• If you find a tick that's been attached long enough to become engorged, contact your doctor to see if a dose of preventative antibiotic would be wise. 
• Bug spray chemicals, like sunscreens, should be washed off nightly.

Fourth, injury prevention! Summer activities are great for encouraging heart-healthy goings-on, but all that movement comes with an increased chance of an injury.

• When swimming, always do so accompanied or supervised by a lifeguard.
• Don't dive into water if you don't know how deep it is.
• When riding in a car, never fail to wear your seatbelt.
• When on other wheels, wear a helmet.