Seeking summer safety.

• Position: Your Life

How can you keep your summer safe? Physicians at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas offer a few tips:

Insect repellent. As West Nile virus moves across the U.S., doctors are recommending that people be more cautious about the mosquitoes buzzing around. Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus can pass the disease to humans. While human infection is rare, some people exposed to the virus suffer mild to moderate flu--like symptoms.

Infectious diseases specialist Elizabeth Race recommends using insect repellents with a low percentage of DEET in it. Studies have found them more effective than other repellents at keeping mosquitoes and other insects away. Parents should make sure the DEET percentage is low when used on children, she emphasizes. "Also, wear long pants and longsleeved shirts when outdoors this summer, and avoid being outside at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active."

Over-the-counter medications. Some can make the summer heat more dangerous. Antihistamines, found in cold and allergy medicines, can make the body sweat less, potentially accelerating heat-related illnesses. "These medications cause the mucus membranes in the body to dry up and actually cause you to sweat less," warns clinical toxicologist Greene Shepherd, director of the North Texas Poison Center. "Since sweat is one of the body's first defenses against heat, this could be serious."

Diuretics and certain diet pills can also be potential sources of problems. These drugs make you shed water faster than normal, either by increased urination or sweating. On hot days, this makes the body more prone to dehydration. Shepherd recommends people taking these medications be extra cautious during the summer by avoiding strenuous exercise in the heat of the day, drinking plenty of water, and watching for the danger signs of heat-related injuries.

Alcohol and drowning. Drinking is a factor in about hall of the adult drownings in the U.S. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine, says it's important to understand the dangers alcohol consumption can pose, especially near the water. "Drownings are preventable events. When people drink alcohol, their judgment and inhibitions are impaired." He suggests teaching children early about the dangers of water and alcohol by never drinking alcohol before or during swimming or boating...