* Keep the bugs off. Avoid scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child. Ensure repellents contain no more than 30 percent DEET. For ticks, products should have a minimum of 15 percent DEET concentration. The concentration of DEET varies in different products, so read the label of any product you purchase.

Stay in the Game This Summer With R.I.C.E.

The summer is fast approaching and sports players will soon fill the courts, fields, greens and trails looking to get back in shape and practice their game. However, this also means there are plenty of opportunities for cuts and bruises, ankle sprains, muscle strains, and knee injuries, to name a few.Dr. William Levine, chief of sports medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, recommends R.I.C.E., a first-aid technique that can be applied to most sprains, strains and joint injuries.

* Rest: If you are injured during any activity, stop the activity immediately and rest the injured area. Do not try to work through the pain.

* Ice: For the first 24 to 48 hours apply ice packs to the injured area every two hours for 15 minutes. Make sure that the ice is not in direct contact with the skin; a cotton handkerchief covering is helpful.

* Compress: Bandage the area firmly, extending the wrapping above and below the injury. This pressure will stop any bleeding and reduce any swelling of the injured area.

* Elevate: Whenever possible, elevate the injured area above the level of your heart.

Elevation and compression are typically used for acute injuries such as a twisted ankle.

Once an injury has occurred you should always consult a physician to ensure proper rehabilitation. However, prevention is always better than cure. Dr. Levine offers these simple tips for preventing sports injuries:

* Start slow. You are probably not in the same condition that you were last summer; new activities require muscles and joints to respond in new ways. This may result in minor soreness that could develop into something more serious if you push yourself too hard.

* Warm up. Get your blood pumping to those under-used muscles and joints before you begin, and do some gentle stretching once you are done. This will help you retain and improve flexibility.

* Take breaks. Every so often it is recommended that you rest the body parts that are working hard and are susceptible to injury -- even tennis pros rest between sets.

* Listen to your body. Don't ignore the little aches and pains you feel in your joints and muscles because they may help you prevent serious injuries.

Stop the Summertime Sniffles and Other Allergic Reactions

Every spring and summer, millions of Americans dread the trip to the park, the playground, or participating in any of the myriad activities that trigger outdoor allergy symptoms.

Dr. David Resnick, director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, says, "No matter where the symptoms show up, the problem affects the entire individual and could last a lifetime."

Dr. Ronit Herzog, director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the Komansky Center for Children's Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says, "This season can be especially trying for children who suffer from allergies, as they struggle to participate in outdoor activities without triggering the sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, or in some cases, asthma symptoms and hives that can be caused by pollens, molds, food allergies or a typical bee sting."

Drs. Resnick and Herzog offer the following strategies to help allergy sufferers survive the winds of spring and summer:

* Stay in an air-conditioned space. If you are allergic to pollen, it is recommended to run the air conditioner as much as possible during the warm-weather months instead of using a fan. Air conditioners can filter out large airborne pollen particles, whereas window fans draw pollen in. You should keep your windows closed and your air conditioner clean.

* Cut back on morning activities. Pollen counts are usually highest in the early to mid-morning hours between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so minimizing early morning activities may help you get a jump start on a symptom-free day. Shower and shampoo after playing or working outside.

* Avoid stinging insects. If you are allergic to bee stings, avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, flower prints, or perfumes and lotions with flowery scents. Always wear shoes when walking in the grass, cover your body as much as possible when working outside, and don't forget to carry medication in case of an emergency.

* Take medications. Eye drops, nose spray and non-sedating antihistamine can relieve symptoms temporarily, and taking it an hour before exposure can decrease symptom severity.

* Remove contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them if you have red, swollen or itchy eyes. Contact lenses can further irritate eye allergies and make the condition worse.

It's Time to Celebrate -- Make Sure It's Done Responsibly

As the weather gets warmer, people everywhere, especially teenagers, are preparing for graduations, proms and parties. It's the perfect time to remind your loved ones about the dangers of drunk driving.

"People think drunk driving is highest around New Year's Eve but that is not the case," says Dr. Karen Soren, director of adolescent health services at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. "The issue of drunk driving is problematic year round, especially when it comes to those who are under age."

Dr. Soren offers the following tips for safe and injury-free driving:

* Choose a designated driver in advance. If you plan to party away from home -- and this includes on the water -- be sure to appoint a designated driver. Statistics show about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.

* Practice safe-driving habits. Wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers do as well. Do not use cellular phones, apply makeup, comb your hair, or eat while driving. Statistics show nearly 50 percent of teens admit to text messaging while driving.

* Avoid driving after midnight if possible. Most bars and clubs are in full swing around midnight and patrons leaving bars may not be in the best condition to drive. This all adds up to very dangerous road conditions.

* Be prepared to get physical. Excessive amounts of alcohol in the body may cause the central nervous system to shut down and this can be fatal. If a friend or someone you know has passed out from consuming too much alcohol, turn that person on his/her side and call 911 for help.

* Be a great host or hostess. If you are the host or hostess of a party, have a plan in place if any of your guests drink too much. For example, you might want to have a spare room available where they can sleep or have a taxi service on call. Remember -- you are responsible for their drinking.

Fireproof Your Summer With Tips From The Hearst Burn Center

Take extra care at your Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor

Day celebrations this year by ensuring that accidents do not interfere with summer fun.

Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, recommends the following safety tips to avoid burns from barbecues, fireworks and other routine activities that can pose a hazard this season.

Barbecue tips:

* Always open the cover before lighting a gas grill.

* Under no circumstances should you use your grill indoors.

* Always light the match before turning on the propane gas.

Fireworks displays:

* Fireworks and sparklers should be handled by trained professionals. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 degrees!

* Stay at least 500 feet away from the fireworks display.

Outdoor activities:* ALWAYS wear sunscreen to avoid serious and painful sunburns.

* When playing in the sand or on playground surfaces, always wear shoes to avoid injuries and burns to the feet. Playground surfaces can reach temperatures of 180 degrees.

SOURCE NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital