Feature Channels: Summer

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A little preparation and an understanding of safety can go a long way to avoid potential pitfalls that come with enjoying hiking and camping.

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Poor air quality may influence how many visitors travel to U.S. national parks, according to a new study. The researchers matched air pollution data to monthly park visitation statistics at 33 of the most heavily visited national parks and found that visitation responds most to ozone during months with poor air quality.

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Ophthalmologists from Wills Eye Hospital are teaming up with Philadelphia Fire Department Officials throughout the big holiday week this week to send the all- important public safety message to always leave fireworks to the professionals and not risk devastating injuries to your eyes, hands or the rest of your body.

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Laura Acosta, a registered dietitian at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, said three types of salads often come with lots of calories and are laden with fat and sodium.

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Experts at Yale Cancer Center say unless you take the right precautions, sun exposure (even if you don't get scorched) can damage your skin, causing wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer.

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The lazy days of summer can be peaceful and relaxing, but they can also wreak havoc on your body’s internal clock -- and throw even the most conscientious family’s sleep schedules out of whack.

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Summer is an especially good time to check for signs of skin cancer.

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Ecologists from the University of Michigan and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science are forecasting a larger-than-average Chesapeake Bay "dead zone" in 2018, due to increased rainfall in the watershed this spring.

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Headed out on vacation? Don’t forget to observe the soil along the way! Soils Matter, Soil Science Society of America’s science-based blog, can points out the soil landmarks. Bon voyage!

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The summer months are upon us and people are beginning to spend more time outdoors, increasing their exposure to ticks and the diseases they may carry. Most people are familiar with Lyme disease, which if left untreated can cause an infection that spreads to the joints, the heart, and the nervous system, but what they may not know is that different species of ticks may bring different and less familiar health concerns.

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For many, summer means the sweet sounds of live concerts, fireworks, lawnmowers and splashing water. To optimize the fun summer sounds, here are some preventative measures to protect your hearing during these outdoor activities.

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El Niño was long considered a reliable tool for predicting future precipitation in the southwestern United States, but its forecasting power has diminished in recent cycles, possibly due to global climate change. In a study published today in Nature Communications, scientists and engineers at the University of California, Irvine demonstrate a new method for projecting wet or dry weather in the winter ahead.

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Sunscreen is a vital tool in the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. Research suggests that daily sunscreen use — when used correctly — could significantly cut the incidence of melanoma. This is why dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology advise their patients that the best sunscreen is the one they’ll wear. For many families, especially those with young children, this often includes stick and spray sunscreens in addition to lotions.

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Life can be pretty good during the summer – especially for those who heed health advice about sun safety, staying hydrated and getting needed vaccinations before traveling abroad.