(StatePoint)

Spring travel can offer a much-needed cure for cabin fever. Whether you’re planning to head to the closest national park or sunny beach, or you’re trekking around the globe, there’s no question that technology has made traveling easier than ever before. What many travelers don’t know, however, is that the technology they use in the vacation planning stages or on the trip itself can actually put them at risk for cybercrime or even identity theft. These days, keeping yourself protected means more than just wearing sunscreen. “People can use mobile alerts to find flash sales on flights and resorts, and their PC to book vacations without the extra expense of a travel agent,” says Marian Merritt, Internet safety advocate for Norton by Symantec, global leaders in online security. “But, in the excitement of planning a vacation, security can often be an afterthought.” Offers for free airline tickets on social media sites, phony (“phishing”) emails about how to earn more frequent flyer mileage, or offers for discounted excursions are all ways cybercriminals try to lure you in so they can steal your personal information. At first glance, any of these scams can look entirely legitimate, so before you click a link in an email or on a social network, take the extra step to verify the offer by visiting the company website. One of the most used digital devices on vacation is the smartphone -- you use it to take pictures, search for the best places to eat and to find your way around with GPS. But, if your phone goes missing, it can be a bigger headache than the security line at the airport. Merritt recommends installing security software like Norton 360 Multi-Device before you hit the road, so if your phone or tablet is lost or stolen, you can remotely locate it or even temporarily lock it to prevent anyone from accessing it until you get it back. If you’re going to be spending time in the sand or out on an excursion, leave your phone locked up in the hotel room safe for the day. Not only is it likely to be a distraction from the fun, but bringing it everywhere increases your risk of loss or theft. And, considering all of the apps, photos and private information that live on your phone, losing it is probably worse than losing your wallet. Finally, while it may be tempting to make purchases while lounging by the pool or to check your bank account balance while waiting at the gate for your flight, unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots can be a virtual paradise for cybercriminals. Let yourself really unwind and wait until you're on a protected network at home before conducting potentially sensitive activities, or consider using a virtual private network (or “VPN”), like Norton Hotspot Privacy to surf securely and without leaving a trail of your personal data. Make your spring vacation memorable for all the right reasons and don’t let digital security risks stand in your way.

HOUSTON

Warmer weather coaxes snakes out of hiding, and it’s important to know what to do after a snake bite, according to a medical toxicologist at Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu). “Many people don’t realize how much of an issue snake bites are in this area of the country,” said Dr. Spencer Greene, director of medical toxicology and assistant professor of medicine – emergency medicine at BCM. “In fact, our regional poison center reported 235 snake bites – including 148 from known venomous snakes - in the Houston area in 2012, and I am sure many more are going unreported”. According to Greene, the first step is avoidance. “Never reach into a hole or a bush blindly, a snake may be resting there,” he said. “It is also important to maintain an appropriate distance from a snake. Most pit vipers, which include rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins, can strike at a target up to two-thirds of their body length when provoked.”

If you are bitten by a snake, Greene suggests the following important steps:

•Stay calm.

•Call 911 immediately to be evaluated.

•Take off anything that is constricting the affected area, such as a ring or watch.

•Position the affected area at or above heart level. This means that if you are bitten on the hand, bring it to heart level, and if you’re bitten on the leg or foot, elevate it if possible. This minimizes the amount of local tissue damage and swelling, which is the most common finding in pit viper bites.

•Go to the emergency room – the sooner the better.

Greene also dispels several myths about treating snake bites and suggests heeding the following advice:

•Do not apply a tourniquet or a constriction band.

•Do not apply ice; it can cause local tissue damage.

•Do not apply heat.

•Don’t cut the affected area and attempt to suck the venom out – this increases the amount of local tissue damage.

•Don’t use a commercially-available extraction device. These have also shown to be ineffective in removing venom and actually increase the amount of tissue damage.

•Don’t use electrical therapy.

•Don’t apply any type of lotions or ointments.

The management of snake bites has changed over the years and the newer type of anti-venom has proven to be very effective in reducing pain, bleeding complications, swelling and tissue damage, Greene says. Although anti-venom has been shown to have the maximum effectiveness within the first 12 hours of the bite, it can still be effective a few days after the bite. At the hospital, physicians will determine if anti-venom and hospital admission is necessary. “Ideally, patients should be evaluated by a medical toxicologist with experience in managing snake bites,” Greene says. If a patient requires anti-venom, he or she usually spends one or two days in the hospital. After hospital discharge, patients will need to follow up twice a week for two weeks to watch for any signs of recurrent toxicity.

AUSTIN

Gov. Rick Perry treleased the following statement on expanding higher education opportunities in South Texas: “Expanding higher education opportunities in South Texas is a critical next step in one of the fastest growing regions of our state. I applaud members of the Legislature who have worked hard to move our state one step closer to this important goal.”