Heat Injury Prevention
By Roland J. Larrabee, M.D.

Summer heat waves cause thousands of cases of heat-related illness in the U.S. each year and hundreds of heat-related deaths, especially among the elderly. Chronically ill, elderly, poor and socially isolated persons without air conditioning are particularly susceptible to heat injury. Those with a previous history of heat-related illness are also at more risk. Click here to read story.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac belong to a family of plants that produce one of the most common allergic reactions in the United States. Experts estimate that up to 70% of the population is allergic to urushiol, the oil found in the sap of these plants. The reaction, known as allergic contact dermatitis or Rhus dermatitis, occurs when urushiol attaches itself to the skin. Click here to read story.

I hear this question frequently from parents of infants and young children (age less than 6 years). Thus, it would appear to me that guidelines are not readily available for parents to answer the question of whether these products are safe to use in this age group. I hope the following will be of some help during the summer months. Click here to read story.

With late spring and summer now fast approaching, mosquito season will also soon be upon us. West Nile virus is most often spread by mosquitoes. West Nile virus is a virus that can infect humans, birds, horses and mosquitoes. Infection from this virus is most commonly found in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. But the virus has spread to the United States. Click here to read story.