Feature Channels: Summer

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Watching fireworks is a great way to celebrate Independence Day, and most cities have events that safely display fireworks. To avoid life-threatening injuries, Johns Hopkins pediatric surgeon Alejandro Garcia, M.D., says consider attending one of these displays instead of lighting fireworks yourself.

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The vast majority (91 percent) of Americans will participate in an outdoor recreation activity hosted by their local park and recreation agency this summer, according to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

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While some do-it-yourselfers make their own sunscreen to avoid chemicals used to make those found at stores, a surgical oncologist and skin cancer specialist at Penn State Health says that's a bad idea.

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The summer heat can take a toll on seniors. In particular, seniors should take special care during the summer months to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. Even when it’s hot outside, seniors still need to exercise. They should consider changing their exercise routine to avoid the heat and stay active. Summer health considerations for seniors include managing medications that can cause dehydration, and getting outside for at least 30 minutes per day to get enough Vitamin D. Older skin can be thinner and burn more easily. Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

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Hot summer weather can be challenging for the elderly. For example, they are more vulnerable to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, than younger people. Make sure the senior citizen under your care drinks plenty of water, has access to air conditioning, and wears sun protection clothing. Going on vacation? Keep in mind that for those with dementia, traveling may be difficult and confusing. By taking special precautions and establishing a support system, the senior under your care can have an active, healthy, and safe summer.

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Summer is a great time to get outside with the family, but it is also the time of year when kids are most often injured. You can protect your child by following tips for outdoor activities, heat and sun, and water safety.

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With summer underway, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is calling for all sports organizations to evaluate their readiness to prevent and treat exertional heat stroke, one of the three leading causes of death in sports.

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If red, white and blue equals hives, tissues and shortness of breath due to asthma, your Fourth of July celebration isn’t headed in the right direction.

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While family fun often is associated with new and exciting activities, family leisure spent at home in familiar pastimes may be a more effective route to happiness, according to a Baylor expert in family studies.

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WACO, Texas May 31, 2019) – Summer signals an increase in mosquito populations, and with more mosquitoes buzzing around, that means more people are dealing with mosquito bites and their consequences, from an itchy inconvenience to serious diseases such as West Nile Virus.

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Kit Darling, infection control coordinator at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has some helpful tips for keeping pets safe and calm during road trips, plane rides, and any other type of trip away from home.

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The summer heat is coming. And that brings with it the excitement of ice cream, frozen yogurt and snow cones.

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As some seek relaxation on the water, others might want a physical challenge, but Schrank says even those who seek a workout should remain receptive to additional outcomes.

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Dehydration, sunburn, heatstroke, insect bites, rashes, and lacerations – summer can spell health meltdown with a seemingly endless list of unsightly, uncomfortable, and potentially lethal hazards.