Story Ideas

Originally Released: May 30, 2001
Contact: Larry Roberts, lroberts@som.umaryland.edu, 410-706-7590
Barbara Crawford, bcrawfor@umm.edu, 410-328-8919
Alexandra Bessent, 410-328-9260

EARLY SUMMER STORY IDEAS-2001: FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

DON'T LET FOOD POISONING SPOIL YOUR SUMMER TIME COOKOUT

As you fire up the grill at cookouts this summer, keep these chilling statistics in mind: Between three and seven million Americans will suffer from food poisoning this year, according to the USDA, and as many as 7,000 people may die. "During the summer months, improper food preparation is usually to blame for food poisoning," says Dr. Glenn Morris, an infectious disease expert at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Morris says the risk of getting a food-borne illness can be reduced with simple food safety tips. Make sure poultry is cooked to at least 180 F and ground beef is cooked to at least 160 F. Avoid bacterial contamination of foods by separating cooked and uncooked foods, and by cleaning all cooking surfaces and utensils before using them again.

To arrange an interview, contact Larry Roberts at 410-706-7590

A BAD SUNBURN CAN INCREASE SKIN CANCER RISK LATER IN LIFE

Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is the single most important factor in the cause of skin cancers, which will kill an estimated 10,000 people in the United States this year. Yet many people do little or nothing to protect themselves from the sun's damaging effects. "Using a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays will not only keep your skin looking young and healthy, it can save your life," says Dr. Mark Lowitt, a dermatologist and skin cancer expert at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Sunscreen is especially important for children because most people receive at least 80 percent of their life-long sun exposure before the age of 18. Even one or two blistering sunburns as a child can significantly increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer later in life." Dr. Lowitt says it is also a good idea to avoid the midday sun, wear protective clothing, and use an umbrella for shade if you are on the beach or at the pool.

To arrange an interview, contact Larry Roberts at 410-706-7590

SUPERVISION AND EDUCATION ARE KEYS TO SAFE SWIMMING

When swimming pools open for the summer, many children will be anxious to get wet! But before they jump in, their parents need to keep safety measures in mind. Dr. Richard Lichenstein, director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children, says drowning is the third leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 4. "Constant adult supervision is a must when any child is swimming." He adds, "It takes just seconds for a drowning to occur." Here are some reminders: Children should not be allowed to dive or jump into the shallow end of the pool. Alcohol and swimming don't mix, and it is important that anyone watching children as they swim know life-saving techniques, including CPR, in case a child gets into trouble.

To arrange an interview, contact Alexandra Bessent at 410-328-9260

HOW TO TAKE THE BITE OUT OF INSECT STINGS

The summer season ushers in outdoor activities that bring us closer to insects and the risk of being bitten. The most common bites are from mosquitoes, bees, flies, fleas, ticks, spiders and wasps. "If you get an insect bite, you should first clean the area with soap and water," says Dr. Dick Kuo, clinical director of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center. "Do not scratch the area, because scratching could cause an infection." Dr. Kuo says to help soothe the itch, try calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream or apply ice intermittently. Most stings will stop hurting after a short while. However, developing hives, intense itching in other areas of your body, dizziness, fainting, hoarseness, swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, all may be signs of a severe allergic reaction and require immediate emergency help. Dr. Kuo recommends using an insect repellent to prevent bites and says people who are allergic to insect bites should remember to take their allergy medicine with them when taking part in outdoor activities.

To arrange an interview, contact Barbara Crawford at 410-328-8919

TEENS GET BEACHSIDE HEALTH CARE IN OCEAN CITY

The University of Maryland Hospital for Children and the Worcester County Health Department will open a summertime clinic for teenagers again this season, just a short distance from the Ocean City boardwalk. The H.O.T. Boards (Health On The Boards) clinic is open six days a week and provides low cost care for a wide range of health concerns--everything from jellyfish stings and sunburn to substance abuse, reproductive care and emotional problems. Patients are seen by adolescent medicine specialists from the UM Hospital for Children, as well as nurses, social workers, and addiction counselors from the Worcester County Health Department.

To arrange an interview, contact Alexandra Bessent at 410-328-9260

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This page was last updated on: November 10, 2009.