EDIBLE SUNSCREEN

According to Andrew Weil, MD, director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, compounds found in grapes, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Kale, bok choy and brussel sprouts, garlic and onions, and the spice turmeric show promise for general cancer prevention. Vitamin E and beta carotene also show promise for cancer prevention.

Berries of all kinds boost the body's defences. In preliminary studies Heliocare, an oral supplement made from South American fern plants are excellent but very expensive, so remember to apply the sunblock lotion about 20 minutes before you leave the house. It is helpful to wear a wide brim hat during the mid-day hours, especially between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

When the summer season arrives, it is important to remember that grilled chicken left in the sun, the food safety countdown begins. "Grilled chicken can be left at room temperature for about two hours," says Tina Hanes RD, RN, a USDA, a food safety expert, "When temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, don't leave it at room temperature for more than an hour. The leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator. A cold second helping beats a trip to the ER.