daily life.

But in the summer, insects seem to be more of a nuisance than normal. This is perhaps due to the fact that thanks to the warm weather we are now invading their domain -- the garden.

The odds are that just about everyone will be stung at least once by some pesky insect this summer. But according to the Children's Safety Handbook, insect stings are rarely fatal in Bermuda.

However, if your child gets stung by a wasp or centipede, the Handbook recommends that parents apply an antiseptic to the area.

In certain cases, a wasp stinger may have to be removed from a child's skin and it will take a few days for the pain and swelling to go away. In the odd case a tetanus shot may be required.

If you wish to take a stand against insects this summer, the first line of defence in the battle is insect repellent.

But there is a swarm of controversy surrounding insect repellent regarding the toxicity level of some products.

Experts say that Permethrin is a safe and effective insecticide which is derived from the chrysanthemum plant.

Citronella also repels bugs but is about 10 to 15 per cent as effective as its toxic counterparts. Be sure to check the label of any repellent product to make sure it is non-toxic.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while gardening and working with pesticides: Devoting 15 minutes a week to pulling weeds with a simple screwdriver or weed puller will provide you with some outdoor activity while providing your garden with an effective, non-chemical weed control alternative; Toads, frogs and spiders are natural methods of controlling insects. According to Go For Green, a single toad can eat up to 10,000 insects in a three-month period; Try a homemade, natural insect spray consisting of two tablespoons of either soap or salt to one gallon of lukewarm water; When planting your garden, include herbs which repel garden pests; Gardening If you are working with a pesticide, make sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully; If you are unsure what gardening pesticides to purchase, ask a salesperson -- be sure you do not make the mistake of purchasing commercial or agricultural grade products which are more toxic; Consider wearing a mask or protective clothing while spraying pesticides -- to minimise the chances of inhaling or having the chemical touch you; Never reuse pesticide containers; Store all pesticides out of the reach of children; Dispose of pesticide containers by wrapping them in paper and then putting them in a plastic garbage bag; If you are taking a break, never leave a pesticide container unattended on the lawn; and If you are going to water your garden, do so in the early morning. Water does not soak in well during the heat of the day.

Source: Go For Green.

SUN Sun worshippers beware, scientists warn that pollution has caused a considerable thinning of the ozone layer, resulting in an increase in ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

UVR from the sun has been linked as a contributing factor in skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and cataracts.

As part of their skin cancer awareness programme (Slip, Slap, Slop), TB Cancer and Health have been aggressively educating Bermuda about the dangers of sun, especially malignant melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is a rare and dangerous type of cancer which can be lethal if not diagnosed early.

Melanoma seems to be most common amongst those who have fair, sun-sensitive skin, which is only occasionally exposed to high doses of the sun.

Via the Slip Slap Slop campaign, which was launched in March 1997, TB Cancer and Health's has been encouraging everyone to wear sunscreen and/or sport a hat each day.

And experts also urge the public not to forget to protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Scientist suspect that UVR is a cause of cataracts and degenerative diseases of the retina.

Here are some sun survival pointers to help you avoid getting cooked by UVR: Plan outdoor activities before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m. since UVR is strongest at these times; Use a sunscreen product that offers both UVA and UVB protection. It should have a minimum sun protection factor of 15; Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply after swimming or physical activity; Don't be fooled by cloudy or overcast weather -- your skin doesn't have to be hot to burn; Clothing, hats and shade provide the best protection against the sun; Remember that a wet T-shirt is less effective at screening the sun than a dry one; Keep in mind that UVR may be increased by reflective surfaces like water, concrete and sand; Encourage children to use shady areas for outdoor play and keep babies under the age of six months out of the direct sun; Carry an umbrella with you to the beach or park; Don't forget to protect your eyes from the sun -- wear sunglasses that block out UVR; and Sidewalks and tarmac can reach 120 degrees on a sunny day. Children can get burned just from walking bare-foot down a driveway or a parking lot. Make sure children always wear shoes or flip-flops.

Source: TB Cancer and Health and Go For Green.

CYCLING No one wants to stay indoors on a Bermuda-ful summer day.

Cycling and in-line skating are great ways to get outside and enjoy the warm weather while getting some exercise.

But before you or your child takes to the roads on your bikes, be sure to put on a bike helmet.

According to the a New England Journal of Medicine study, helmets reduce the risk of head injury in a bike crash by 85 percent. In the US eight-out-of-ten cycle deaths are a result of brain injuries.

When purchasing a helmet, check the helmet to make sure that it has a certification sticker on it and be sure try several on before making your final selection.

The helmet should sit level on your head -- straight over the brow. The chin strap should be tight with only a finger-width space between the chin and strap.

Helmets should never move once they are buckled up.

For additional protection, bike riders should also wear knee pads, closed shoes and bright colours.

In-line skating or roller blading is another popular summer past-time which requires participants to take safety precautions like sporting a helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards.

Here are some more biking and in-line skating safety tips: Cycling Wear light colours with reflectors if cycling at night; Make sure your bike has a light and reflectors; Ride a bike that is the right size for you; Keep your bike in good condition -- make sure brakes and handle bars are sturdy, tires are inflated and the bell or horn works; Ride defensively, and keep to the extreme left of the road, riding with the traffic flow; Use hand signals to indicate turns. For a left turn: extend right arm fully with open palm. For a right turn: extend right arm upwards at a 90 degree angle with an open palm. To stop: extend right arm downwards at a 90 degree angle with an open palm; Obey all traffic signs and stop lights; Do not carry anyone on the handlebars of a bike or on the back of a bike; Both cyclists and skaters should not hitch a ride by holding on to a moving car; In-line skaters should only skate on flat, paved surfaces; Skaters should take some lessons so they know how to skate, stop and fall; and Keep your skates in good condition -- check wheels for tightness and wear and tear. If necessary rotate wheels and double-check the brakes of your skates; Source: Summer Vacations and the Children's Safety Handbook.

FOOD Summer would not be the same without barbecued hamburgers, potato salad and ice cream.

Food just seems to taste better when prepared or consumed in the great outdoors, but according to Cymone Hollis of Nutrition Services, locals should exercise caution when purchasing, preparing, storing and reheating food in the summer.

Food poisoning can strike within 30 minutes to 48 hours after eating and will cause flu-like symptoms ranging from nausea and diarrhoea to fevers and cramps.

Experts say that meat and dairy products are prime culprits of food poisoning and urge consumers be especially careful when eating anything containing raw eggs like mayonnaise.

Food Here are some summertime safety tips which will hopefully help you and your family avoid food poisoning: Perishables should be the last thing you pick up from the grocery store. Do not let them sit in the car -- get them home and into a refrigerator as soon as possible; Thaw frozen food either in the refrigerator, under cold running water or in the microwave; Wash hands with soap before and after handling food and clean all preparation and eating surfaces; Cook all ground meat and chicken thoroughly until no pink remains; Keep hot foods above 140 F (above the boiling point) and cold foods below 40 F; Cover prepared food to prevent contamination; Never allow food to sit at room temperature for more than two hours.

Refrigerate or freeze food as soon as possible; Divide large portions of food like potato salad, macaroni and cheese and peas-n-rice into smaller portions so food will cool quicker, thus preventing bacterial growth; When eating outdoors, keep cold food safe by storing it in coolers filled with ice; Cook meat and poultry completely, until they are no longer pink and the juice runs clear; Taste cookie and cake batter mixes, which contain eggs, only after baking them; If taking lunch to school or work, carry it in an insulated container with a freeze-pack inside; Cover and thoroughly reheat leftovers to at least 165 F (too hot to touch) before putting them in a thermos; Never taste food that looks or smells strange -- when in doubt throw it out!; Clean kitchen counters and other surfaces that come in contact with food with hot water and detergent or a solution of bleach and water; Keep sponges and dishcloths clean because when wet they can harbour bacteria and may encourage their growth; and If washing dishes by hand, do so within two hours and air dry. Air drying eliminates recontamination from hands or towels.

Source: Nutrition Services.