How to stay safe and well this summer

In this post I share resources on staying safe and healthy this summer.

Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, for advice and health alerts on travel, particularly if traveling internationally.

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update. It may have changed by the time you read this. I invite you to fact-check what you read here.

This information is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Before making health decisions, discuss with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider to decide what is right for you.

Summer often means travel, and no one wants their vacation spoiled by getting sick. So here is some helpful advice from the New York Times health blog on how to avoid illness, especially if traveling abroad.

International Travel: Tips for Staying Healthy

Consider what you’ll eat while traveling. If you’re going to a country with an increased risk of traveler’s diarrhea, plan to eat carefully.
Hot, well-cooked food is usually safest.
Avoid eating foods from street vendors, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw or uncooked seafood.
Peel fruits yourself.
Drink water from commercially sealed bottles.
Or drink hot or carbonated beverages.
Avoid ice.
Use bottled water when you brush your teeth.

couple with llamas — up close with llamas at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

(This post includes affiliate links, where a purchase might pay a commission to this blog, but cost you nothing extra. Thank you. )

Using Sunscreen to Protect Your Skin

How you use sunscreens, and what other protective measures you take, make a difference in how well you protect yourself and your family from sunburn, skin cancer, early skin aging and other risks of overexposure to the sun.

Check out a wide variety of sunscreens at this affiliate link.

Dehydration: Risks and Myths

In this New York Times article, health writer Jane Brody explains how much water we need to drink to stay hydrated; it may not be what you think. Click the link to read.

Your tap water is probably safe to drink, or you can use a filtered pitcher or device on your faucet. But if you prefer bottled water there are numerous choices ranging from cheap to expensive.

male and female athletes drinking bottled water — credit LIGHTSTOCK.COM

Why not commit to giving up tobacco use this summer? Here are

7 Surprising Reasons to be Smoke Free

In this post I remember how smoking has changed since I was a child. The health risk was minimized or even ignored. But that changed. Even so, it remains a leading cause of preventable illness. Here are resources for quitting .

Keep reading

by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

Exploring the HEART of a Healthy Summer

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

2 thoughts on “How to stay safe and well this summer”