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MANY HAPPY ARRIVALS

While you can't control others (we know you're not drinking and driving), here are four simple ways to help you, your passengers and everyone else on the road get there and back safe and sound this summer. 1. Don't skimp on sleep. Some research suggests that driving while drowsy is like having two drinks and then getting behind the wheel. Coffee helps wake up your road skills briefly, but sleep is really what you need. Long weekends (the You Docs' favourite weekends are long ones) are great for snoozing. 2. Don't obsess about when you'll get there. Constantly refiguring how much longer the trip will take can backfire: In one study, mental calculations slowed the reaction times of all drivers - especially older ones. Enjoy the journey. 3. Don't grab for something you've dropped. A roll of mints, toll money, a coffee cup - forget it until you can stop. The chance of a crash or near-crash goes up nine times while reaching for a moving object. Also, there's a reason Indy drivers don't eat and drink in the car. Sure, you're not travelling at 223 mph, but it's still smart not to dilute your focus with food. 4. Don't primp until you pull in. Touching up your face on the road increases your risk of a crash or close call by three times. And you look fine! Honest.

HOW NOT TO BE A MOSQUITO TARGET

When you want to enjoy the picnic, not be the picnic, you don't have to turn to chemical mosquito repellents, party-spoiling bug zappers or walking around with a net over your head. Some repellents now contain oil of lemon eucalyptus (Repel makes one) and work as well as products that contain low levels of DEET. And that's not too shabby - low levels of DEET aren't less effective, they just aren't as long-lasting as higher concentrations of that chemical. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (its chemical nickname is PMD, for para-Menthane-3,8-diol) is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use as a repellent, which means the EPA considers it safe and effective when used as directed. And "as directed" in this case means taking the usual precautions, such as putting it on your face by spraying it on your hands first and using them to apply it. Also, don't use it on kids age three or younger. Mosquitoes appear to be attracted to perfumes and people drinking beer (and you think you're so evolved). As the American Mosquito Control Association, a scientific nonprofit organization, puts it, "limburger cheese has also been found to be attractive." Scientists theorize that this may explain "the attractancy" mosquitoes have to human feet (so that's how to describe that smell!). As for other reputed DEET alternatives, garlic and vitamin B-12 do little to keep the little bloodsuckers away. However, while mosquitoes can buzz around at about 1 km/h, they're not the strongest flyers, so an electric fan on your deck or patio may also help prevent them from feasting on you or your guests.

SLACK OFF FOR MORE ENERGY

Been trying to overcome the irresistible force of couch gravity, but just don't have enough giddy-up to go? No, you don't need a personal trainer - or a workout that makes you sweat more than a tubful of ice in Honolulu. Instead (slackers, rejoice), light, easy exercise may do more for your energy levels than the hard-core stuff.

The evidence: When nonexercisers do low-intensity workouts - like light pedalling on a stationary bike for 30 minutes three times a week - you reduce tired-all-the-time feelings by as much as 65 per cent. And it only takes six weeks of light workouts for you to feel pepped up. Moderate-intensity workouts boost your energy levels too, but not as much. You don't need a bike or a gym. Just put on your walking shoes and a watch (clothes are good, too) and time yourself for 30 minutes. Paying attention to time is more important than obsessing over how many miles, steps or blocks you've walked because, for example, it keeps you from pushing too hard or going too slow if you've over- or underestimated the distance. So what's the explanation for the better energy boost you get from easygoing activities? If you're out of shape, vigorous workouts tone you up but also tire you out. So if you're just trying to get off the couch, start slowly. When whatever you're doing starts to feel too easy - you'll know - that's when it's time to kick things up a notch.

FEELING WIMPY? TRY THIS QUICK FIX

If your arms feel like wet noodles after carrying groceries or pushing a swing, check your multivitamin: It and you may be low on magnesium. Your muscles (and your heart, nerves and intestines) require this mineral to function properly, yet two-thirds of us don't get enough of it. Ideal amounts are 400 mg to 500 mg per day. (Good rule of thumb: Get a third as much magnesium as you do calcium.) When you don't get enough, you feel wimpy, and the effects increase with age. In studies, older adults with the lowest magnesium levels do the worst on strength tests, and being weak invites falls. Also, magnesium shortages encourage constipation. Top sources include cashews (yes!) and the other good-for-you foods below, but it's hard to get all you need from diet. Eat as much as you can, and add a multivitamin/mineral that includes at least 100 mg of magnesium. Don't depend on a supplement for more than 350 mg, though; the concentrated hit of magnesium you get from bigger doses can cause kidney trouble. These eight foods are easy to work into your diet and will bump up your magnesium intake. Rely on your multi to top it off. 1. Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): 151 mg per ounce (bonanza!). 2. Cooked spinach: 150 mg per cup (ditto). 3. Dry-roasted almonds, cashews or mixed nuts: about 75 mg per ounce (that's a small fistful). 4. Whole-grain cereal (oatmeal, bran flakes, shredded wheat): about 55 mg per serving. 5. Yogurt, nonfat, no-sugar-added: 45 mg per cup. 6. Brown rice: about 40 mg per half cup. 7. Beans and lentils: 35 mg to 45 mg per half cup. 8. Bananas: about 30 mg per medium piece.

THE GOOD EGG

Get thin, get smart. One little oval package helps you make both happen, and you don't even have to get a prescription for it (yes, it's legal). Eggs were reinstated as a health food a while back, when major studies cleared them of increasing heart attack and stroke risk. Now there's evidence that people who scramble, boil or poach one for breakfast - versus eating a bagel with the same number of calories - bypass junk-food cravings and eat fewer calories for at least 24 hours. Without even trying. While eggs are a good source of nutrients and protein, for reasons that aren't completely clear, it turns out that they make your body feel fuller longer. Not only are you smart waist-wise for eating them, but they're good brain food, too. Eggs are packed with selenium, a nutrient that can help keep your memory sharp and your thinking fast. In fact, people who get at least 55 micrograms a day of selenium have cognitive test scores that put them in a league with people 10 years younger. An egg (14 mcg) on whole-grain toast (10 mcg) gets you almost halfway there. Round out your day with some albacore tuna (63 mcg for 3 ounces and no mercury), turkey (27 mcg for 3 ounces) or Brazil nuts (a motherlode at 270 mcg per half-ounce).

Repeat the next morning. You know that line about "the incredible, edible . . ."? Looks like the jingle writer had a clue.