Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Baylor College of Medicine experts have plenty of tips to help you stay healthy. This month’s Health Hint focuses on protecting yourself during outdoor activities.

May in Houston marks the unofficial start of summer, and lots of people head outdoors for exercise, barbecues, end-of-school pool parties and more. Stay safe by protecting yourself against the sun and those pesky mosquitoes.

“Thirty minutes before heading outdoors, apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen, of at least 30 SPF, and reapply every couple of hours. If you have a short shadow when outside, the sun is at its most powerful and you should seek shade.”

– Read more from Dr. Ida Orengo, professor of dermatology.

“Keep mosquitoes away by reducing exposure through maximizing time indoors, wearing appropriate mosquito repellent products such as DEET products and wearing clothes that minimize skin exposure. Women who are pregnant or may want to become pregnant should have a conversation with their obstetrician about the best protective measures for spring and summer.”

– Read more from Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the Baylor College of Medicine National School of Tropical Medicine.