Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

How to stay safe and well this summer

This post provides resources for staying safe and healthy during summer travels, particularly for international trips. Key advice includes careful food choices, safe drinking practices, sunscreen use, hydration tips, and quitting tobacco. All this helps ensure a healthy vacation experience while traveling.

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.

Please do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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

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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

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Dr. Aletha

“Over the Rainbow”-and a volcano in Hawaii

This post reflects on Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” emphasizing his unique voice and connection to Hawaiian culture. It highlights his struggles with obesity and early death at 38, while contrasting Hawaii’s beauty with his legacy. I share my personal experiences in Hawaii, encouraging future adventures.

updated December 6, 2025

israel kamakawiwo’ole somewhere over the rainbow

The first time I listened to this song, I had never heard of the artist. I was captivated by his calm, smooth voice, as well as his unique version of an iconic song.

In case you’re not old enough to remember (I’m not either), the song Over the Rainbow was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz in 1939. As Dorothy from Kansas became stranded in Oz, the late actress Judy Garland sang the song which won an Academy Award and is “one of the greatest movie songs of all times.”

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IZ- THE SINGER

Unlike Dorothy, Israel kamakawiwo’ole was not from Kansas, far from it. He was a native and lifelong resident of Hawaii. (I have been to both places; they could not be more different.)

He was a popular and beloved citizen and celebrity and his music represented and extolled the island’s geography and culture.

Unfortunately, he developed morbid obesity. At a reported height of 6’2” (1.88 m) and weighing 757 pounds (343 kilos), his body mass index (BMI) was 97. (BMI over 30 is defined as obese).

I have discussed BMI and obesity in a previous post What is obesity and why does it matter?

Due largely to his excess weight, his health suffered from lung and heart problems, eventually causing his untimely death at only 38 years old. All of Hawaii mourned his passing.

Fortunately, he left for Hawaii and the world a wealth of music to enjoy.

HAWAII- THE BIG ISLAND

Several years ago my husband accompanied me to Hawaii to attend a medical conference. (If you have to sit and listen to medical lectures all day, that is definitely the place to do it)

Hawaii, the 50th state added to the United States of America, is made up of 6 major islands. The conference was on the Big Island, which is also called Hawaii.

One of the largest and most active volcanoes in the world is there at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so it is a must-see. And we did.

couple , flowers, waterfall — leis (flowers) around our neck upon arrival

Exploring the volcano

boats, dock, water — On an island, you’re never far from water and boats

luau drums-Hawaii — musicians at the luau (feast)

dancers in grass skirts-Hawaii — musicians at the luau (feast)

a hammock stretched between palm trees on the beach makes for a relaxing vacation. — Hawaii is often called a paradise for good reason

Thanks for sharing my memories of Hawaii, I hope you can go there too.

Where are you planning to go on your next adventure? What will make it a memorable experience for you and your traveling companions?

Exploring the HEART of health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

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.