Summer is finally here! Longer days and school vacation mean sports camps, beach trips, baseball games, swimming lessons and all the other outdoor stuff we wait for all year. While it’s a great time for families to be outside together and soak up some sunshine (don't forget sunscreen!), sports-related injuries are a threat. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that every year, over 3.5 million kids under 15 suffer some type of sports-related injury. Adults are at risk, too.

So here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this summer:

Everyone is different: Children and teenagers do not all develop at the same pace, which explains why the other 12-year-olds at your son's lacrosse camp might look older than he does. That might sound obvious but it is important to remember. Why? Because one child's bones and ligaments may be stronger than another child's of the same age because of differing rates of development. So it’s important to know your own child's strengths and limits to prevent any pulled or strained muscles. If possible, try to pick a summer team or activity where everyone has the same skill level.

Keep it fun: Playing sports and being outside are meant to be fun but when children are pushed beyond their limit, injuries can happen. Competition can be a good thing but no one wants to run around when it hurts to. Parents, you can help your children succeed on and off the playing field by focusing on their development, not on how many games are being won or lost. Encourage your child to take breaks when needed.

Rest and stretch: Everyone can benefit from resting overworked muscles and stretching before and after a rigorous workout. The more tired your body, the more likely you are to get hurt. Doctors call it an "overuse injury" and it is one of the most common sports-related injuries out there. Make sure you give your body a break every few days. If you are going to work out or play sports, be sure to warm up your muscles so they’re not as rigid and prone to injury.

Bottom line: Listen to your body to stay healthy and make the most of your summer!

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

This story has caught a lot of people's attention: the Food and Drug Administration wants people to stop using three different Zicam products. They are Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. The reason is that these over-the-counter homeopathic remedies might come with a pretty significant side effect called anosmia, or the loss of smell, and in some cases, the loss of taste, for long periods of time, sometimes even permanently. The products are all intra-nasal, meaning they are put directly in to a person's nose. Lots of people swear by them but when you are dealing with cold or allergy smptoms, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Here are some tips:

Power of Zinc? Zinc is a popular homeopathic medicine and it is one of the chief components of Zicam. But how it actually affects the common cold is up for debate. While many people believe it weakens the severity of symptoms, solid data does not support that claim. If you are someone who believes zinc helps you deal with having a cold, consider eating a diet rich in foods including oysters, beans, nuts, poultry, crab and lobster, all of which are packed with zinc. If you want to take supplements, stick to proper doses of oral or lozenge forms. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the supplements you are taking in case they interfere with other medications. And if you experience any pain or loss of function, stop immediately.

Prevention is key Prevention is the first step to good health. Since a cold cannot be cured, the best way to manage its symptoms is to avoid having a cold in the first place. Regular sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet will keep your immune system strong. Aim for eating several different-colored foods to make sure your plate is full of a variety of nutrients. Make sure you wash your hands frequently, before you eat and after you leave a public area like a mall or a gym. And finally, quit smoking. Doctors say it all the time because it's true: Quitting smoking really is the best way to improve your health!

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

I can't imagine how I would get along in life without the electronic gadgets that I've come to rely on everyday, almost without thinking. But for all of their convenience, several gadgets may be doing us some physical harm. We are hearing more and more about ailments like "cell phone elbow", "Blackberry thumb", and computer-strained eyes. The good news is that modifying your habits can keep you healthy, but still plugged in, over the long haul.

Here are a few tips:

Go Hands-Free: Doctors call it cubital tunnel syndrome, otherwise known as "cell phone elbow". It causes an aching or tingling in your forearm or hand after you have kept your elbow bent for long periods of time. A hands-free device is your best bet for avoiding this stress injury. Plus, use some common sense tactics, like switching hands when holding your cell phone, and avoid resting on your elbows while driving or sitting. If you already have "cell phone elbow," try wearing an elbow pad while sleeping to keep the pain at bay.

Computer Dangers: It is easy to find kid-friendly computer games on the market today but your computer itself may not be so safe. A new study from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that children ages five and under are more likely to be injured by a computer or computer accessory – like a monitor, a printer, or computer cords – than any other age group. If you can, reduce the risk of injury by mounting your monitor at home to the wall so it won't tip over on to your little one. Tie up all the computer wires and perch them somewhere your child can't reach. And remember, most computer furniture is not made for children; consider investing in a child-sized computer chair and use bumpers to cover up pointy corners on computer desks.

Thumbs down: Typing away on your PDA may help you work smarter but our thumbs are not as ambidextrous as the rest of our fingers. Repeated stress can cause aching, tingling, or numbness. Try to type only what is necessary and take breaks when you notice any pain. I like to stretch my thumb joints to release tension. You can also try anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen if the pain persists.

Bottom line: No need to put your Blackberry down forever. Following these simple steps will help you work smarter and stay healthier, even as you talk, type, and tap away.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Using sunscreen regularly is one of the best ways to protect your skin from sunburns, some types of skin cancer, sun-spots, wrinkles, and premature aging. But with myriad new products touting higher SPF ("sun protection factor") numbers, how do you know which one to pick? You might be thinking, "Higher SPF, must be better!", but that's not necessarily true, so here are some tips:

UVA VS. UVB? GO FOR BOTH. The sun gives off two types of radiation: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). Both can damage your skin. The 'SPF' part only refers to protection from UVB, which causes sunburns. The UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin, causing wrinkles and sun-spots, and also making it harder for your body to fight off disease. So make sure your sunscreen shields you from both types of rays; look for the words "broad spectrum" on the label.

MAGIC NUMBER 30: On average, about six percent of the sun's UV radiation gets past an SPF 15 sunscreen and into your skin, compared to only three percent with SPF 30. That's why you should pick a minimum SPF of 30 when you're outside (even if it's not sunny). But as SPF numbers get higher, they only provide slightly higher protection (e.g., going from SPF 60 to 90 only gives you roughly one percent more coverage). So pick a higher SPF if you tend to burn easily, but there's probably no need to go overboard with SPF 100 and the likes.

REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY: Time to bust a common myth: a higher SPF number doesn't mean it will last longer, regardless of whether you use a lotion, spray, or cream. Whatever you're using, you still have to reapply every two hours, especially if you have been swimming or sweating. Your best bet for protecting your skin is to stay vigilant and reapply, reapply, reapply.

Regardless of your skin color, sunscreen is a must, so don't leave home without it.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Everyone has done it: You need some momentum on the treadmill, so you crank up your iPod. Or you turn up your car stereo when you drive by a loud construction site or your favorite song comes on and then forget to turn it back down. It might sound obvious but exposing yourself to loud noises for a prolonged period of time may irreversibly damage your hearing. Your body can hear thanks to hair cells inside your ears that transform sound energy into electrical signals. Those signals get sent to your brain. Excessive sound energy damages those hair cells, eventually causing them to die. Our bodies don't regenerate new hair cells and the louder the noise, the more damage that can be done to them.

Here are a few tips to keep your hearing sharp.

TURN IT DOWN At maximum volume, the average MP3 player blares at an ear-splitting115 decibels. Compare that to the noise a power saw makes at about 110 decibels. The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery says it only takes 100 decibels of sound for
15 minutes to cause permanent hearing damage. If someone an arm's length away can hear what is coming through your headphones, turn the volume down by at least 30 percent. You can also adjust the volume settings on your computer to 60 percent.

CANCEL OUT THE NOISE If you need to use headphones, noise-canceling headphones are a better option. When you block out background noise, it's easier to focus on what you're listening to. You'll find yourself turning up the volume a lot less. Background noise isn't something people often pay attention to, but a person's risk for hearing loss increases depending on how much background noise they are exposed to.

TAKE A BREAK How long you spend listening to a loud noise may also affect your hearing. Continually listening to loud music or being in a loud environment without ear protection for several hours may increase your risk of damage. Give your ears a break: wear ear protection or ear plugs, try to retreat to a quieter location for a few minutes every hour, and pause your music at least once every 90 minutes.

The main point to remember is that loud noise from any source, whether it's your car stereo or a power tool, for a prolonged period of time, will degenerate your hearing.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Need one more reason to eat healthy? New research shows certain foods may keep your vision crisp and clear. Usually around age 50 is when many people begin noticing a decline in eyesight. In fact nearly ten million Americans experience something known as macular degeneration. It develops when the macula tissue surrounding the retina area in your eye deteriorates causing a blurry, dark blind spot smack dab in the center of your vision.

Experts aren't entirely sure why this occurs but they have pinpointed that foods rich in omege-3 fatty acids may protect your vision. Here are few tips on what the study says are the best foods to eat for eye health:

GOOD FAT: Just one serving of fish a week reduced study participant's risk of macular degeneration by 31 percent. Two servings of nuts equaled a 35 percent decrease and just one tablespoon of olive oil a day seemed to drop your risk of blurry vision in half! The key ingredient was omega-3 fatty acids, the good kind of fat! Here's a tip: the fish with the highest levels of omega-3 are salmon, tuna, mackerel. As for nuts? Walnuts are among the best.

BAD FAT: We all know all 'fat' isn't created equal and here's one more example why: people who consume diets high in trans fat are nearly two times more likely to develop macular degeneration than those who limit their trans fat intake. So stay away from a lot of sweets, processed and fried foods.

Researchers believe foods high in omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the eye which keeps the arteries and blood vessels healthy. Seems to protect the eye much the same way as a it would protect your heart. You've heard me mention in the past that omega-3 helps lower blood pressure and high cholesterol as well as your risk of heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends two servings of omega-3 fatty acid foods a week for a balanced diet. If you don't like fish or nuts – soybeans, tofu and flaxseeds also are great sources of omega-3.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

We are starting to learn more about how heart health may impact your brain. A study out this week found people with an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, were 44% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. It’s been well documented in the past that a fluttering heart can lead to blood blots or stroke. But researchers are puzzled by the association to Alzheimer’s disease. What we do know is there are several risk factors heart disease and Alzheimer’s patients share. So perhaps the key to lowering your risk of both disease is keeping your ticker healthy.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and being overweight are all risk factors for heart disease. Controlling these factors when you're younger promises healthy dividends when you're older. Visit heart.org for a list of what levels your vital signs should be at. Also, exercise is a great way to keep your heart strong and your numbers in check. Aim for 30 minutes of cardiac exercise a day, five days a week.

STOP SMOKING! Smoking causes your good cholesterol levels, or HDL, to drop and causes high blood pressure. Smoking robs some of the oxygen from your body, reducing blood cells to freely flow to heart.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR If you or a loved one is living with atrial fibrillation, call your doctor and ask about treatment options. Depending on its severity, atrial fibrillation can be treated by a simple blood thinner. Because this condition is associated with an increased risk of stroke, and perhaps Alzheimer’s disease as well, it's important to get the optimal treatment as soon as possible.

Taking care of your heart will lower your risk for many ailments—including your brain! No excuses from this point forward. Making healthy changes now will keep you healthier, longer.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Bet you wouldn’t have guessed that seeds from a flax plant could provide a natural boost to your health. Flaxseed is a great health remedy. What's so beneficial about it is that it seems to aid in lowering the bad levels of cholesterol, the LDL, which is so hard to do. It contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for the heart. Also high in soluble fiber, the same kind is found in oat bran, which aids with digestion. Some studies even show that flaxseed and flaxseed oil are even good at preventing hot flashes. Many CNN viewers have written in to us echoing that thought based on personal experience.

Here are a few tips on ways to incorporate flaxseed into your daily diet.

BEST MIXER? Flaxseed is typically consumed by adding it to your favorite beverage or meal. It can be mixed with water or juice. Also, flaxseed is commonly added to cereals and yogurts – mix it in and you won’t even taste it. Some people choose to consume flaxseed oil straight up. It is also available in capsule form.

GROUND OR WHOLE? Flaxseeds can be purchased whole or ground up. But most doctors suggest ground flaxseed is better. Whole flaxseed may be hard to digest and you may not get the full health benefits as you would digesting it already grounded. You can purchase ground flaxseed at your local grocery store.

HOW MUCH? To get the most health benefits, aim to consume about a tablespoon of ground flaxseed per day.

Studies show the side effects of consuming flaxseed are minimal. However, avoid taking flaxseed at the same time as conventional medications. The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Every year more than a half million people rush to emergency rooms due to problems with kidney stones, a condition considered to be one of the most common and most painful of urinary tract disorders. Kidney stones are hard deposits of mineral and acid salts that grow in the kidneys. Small stones may pass through the body without problem – but larger ones can be extremely problematic.

Here are some tips to help you prevent this painful condition.

DRINK MORE WATER: I'm sure you've heard it before: drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. And if you have a history of kidney stones, some experts recommend you increase that to 14 glasses or more per day. Don't worry though, if you need some flavor, lemonade made with real lemons (not powdered mixes) can help increase levels of the acid citrate in your urine, which helps deters kidney stone formation.

LIMIT CAFFEINE: Studies show caffeine consumption may increase risk of forming certain kinds of kidney stones. Beverages like coffee and alcohol can cause you to be dehydrated and reduce the healthy flow of urine.

ALTER YOUR DIET: A person who has formed one kidney stone is be more likely to form another in the future. The stones are most commonly caused by an excess of either calcium or uric acid in the kidney. So if you are prone to the condition, you may consider altering your diet depending on which type you are likely develop.

Calcium Stones: Calcium stones are the most common. To prevent these, try to avoid foods high in oxalates like beets, almonds, sweet potatoes, spinach, chocolate or soy products.

Uric Acid Stones: If you form uric acid stones, try eating less meat, as meat breaks down to make uric acid.

For more information on kidney stones visit our CNN Health Library.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Arthritis and joint pain can start affecting your life well before retirement age. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Most Americans have osteoarthritis, which can be caused by a sports injury, or car accident. Even after injuries heal, damage to joints from that injury can speed up arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when your body begins to break down the lining of your joints. It is not the result of in injury.

Now matter what kind of arthritis you have, those achy joints, sharp pains you experience while playing with you kids or enjoying a game of tennis are often discouraging. You don’t have to give up an active lifestyle because of arthritis. In fact, exercising is one of the best things you can do. Not only does it keep your joints mobile but it will keep your weight down. Excess weight is one of the major contributors for achy joints.

Low-impact exercises will not only get you in shape, but also boost your energy and reduce arthritis pain.

Wheels up: Riding a bike is a perfect low-impact exercise option. The range of motion doesn’t add pressure to your joints but does get your heart rate going. Riding a bike — either stationary or outside - for just 30 minutes a day at a relatively slow pace burns 275 calories.

Hit the water: Swimming is one of the best full-body workouts. Being in the water creates a cushioning environment so your body experiences no stress or heavy impact. It also tones muscles and burns major calories — up to 600 per hour.

Make time for yoga: Yoga is not only low-impact and relaxing, but you can do it in the comfort of your home — no equipment necessary. It strengthens and tones your muscles. A combination of low-impact cardio with a yoga routine would really kick start your health transformation.
Don’t forget that a successful weight-loss program combines healthy eating and exercising. Reducing your caloric intake by 3,500 calories a week can result in a steady weight loss of one pound per week. That breaks down to 500 fewer calories a day. Cutting out 250 calories from your diet and burning 250 calories from exercise a day is an easy way to get started.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.