Summer health myths | Health

Experts give us the truth on three summer health myths.

Myth:  Sparklers are a safe alternative to fireworks.

Truth:  They're not.  More than a quarter of all fireworks related injuries treated in U.S. ER's in 2006 involved sparklers and other "novelty" fireworks, according to a study by researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.  Two-thirds of sparkler related injuries were in children 5 years of age and younger.

Myth:  A t-shirt over a bathing suit blocks out the sun.

Truth:  A white t-shirt has an SPF of about 3.  So bring on the waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply after swimming. 

Myth:  Poison ivy rashes are contagious.

Truth:  Its the oil from the plant that causes the red, itchy rash; once you wash it off, you're not contagious.  So always have kids wash arms, legs and feet with soap and water after they play in the woods or bushes.