Safe Fun in the Sun: Recent Studies Weigh in on Summer Health Issues

According to the calendar, summer doesn?t officially begin until June 21st. But in many parts of the world, the outdoor fun that marks the summer season is already kicking into high gear, as the temperate climate, budding flowers, and green trees of late spring begin to prove irresistible to growing numbers of nature lovers.

The exercise, fresh air, and relaxation of outdoor summer recreation can all help promote overall health and well-being. But researchers caution that this season of fun in the great outdoors also comes with some risks. Several recent studies have highlighted the importance of taking safety precautions during the summertime.

DEET Deemed Safe for Optimal Protection from Insect Bites

Since its introduction to the market, the insect repellent N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide -- known commonly as DEET -- has been widely recognized as the most effective, long-lasting solution for fending off mosquitoes, biting flies, and other pesky insects. However, in recent years, the safety of DEET-based products has been called into question, particularly for vulnerable groups, such as young children and lactating or pregnant women. Specifically, some study results have suggested that the chemical may be linked to brain degeneration in lab animals.

However, a more recent study suggests that DEET is, indeed, safe for people in these groups, as long as the instructions for each DEET-based product are strictly followed. Furthermore, it was found that the overall health risk related to bug-borne illnesses outweighed the risk of DEET-related symptoms, and as such, DEET was the preferable product, especially in areas with insect infestations such as tropical regions.

Sunscreen is Important, but Less Sun Exposure is Better

Over the last several decades, the public?s awareness of the threat of skin cancer has increased significantly. However, many people continue to engage in outdoor activities, remaining outdoors in the bright summer sunshine for hours at a time with little more than one cursory application of sunscreen at the outset of their adventure.

While dermatologists endorse the use of sunscreen, they also suggest that limiting one?s total time outdoors in bright sunshine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of skin cancer. If possible, plan activities around the peak sunshine hours, focusing on the early morning hours or twilight. If you are planning an excursion that requires all-day exposure, remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours.

Dr. Martin Weinstock, a professor of dermatology at Brown University and chairman of the American Cancer Society's skin cancer advisory group, advocates the ?Slip-Slop-Slap? method for optimal sun protection. As Dr. Weinstock puts it: ?Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat. That's the way to be safe during outdoor activities.?

Summer Water Safety a Major Threat to Children

Several recent studies have reiterated the importance of maintaining strict safety standards for children when they are playing in and around pools, ponds, lakes, the ocean, or other outdoor water sources. As economist Steven Levitt famously concluded in his 2004 bestseller Freakonomics, kids are 100 times more likely to die as a result of an accident in the family pool than they are likely to be killed by a family firearm.

Each year, nearly 300 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools and similar bodies of water, according to statistics gathered by the US government. In a recent study, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommended a number of strategies geared to reduce drowning risks for young children.

Most significantly, it is recommended that parents and caregivers implement a prevention and intervention plan that includes multiple layers of protection, such as erecting fences, gates, or other barriers around the pool and installing an alarm system. If a child is missing, remember to look in the pool first, rather than wasting precious time searching elsewhere. Also, it is important to learn CPR so that a drowning child?s survival will be assured if a rescue is successful. Taken together, all of these strategies can significantly reduce the risk that your family will face this kind of tragedy this summer.

Safe, Healthy Summer Fun

Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor recreation, but plan ahead to achieve a balance between fun and safety. Keep these recent research findings in mind when you are devising your recreation and vacation plans this year.