How to avoid harmful bacteria this summer!

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Yes, please! But temperatures aren't the only thing on the rise: Bacterial infection rates can increase by 17 percent with every 10-degree jump, experts say. Dodge bugs with these easy moves.

Grill to kill

To reduce your risk of downing nasty salmonella bacteria during a barbecue, never partially cook meat or poultry in the oven or microwave and finish it on the grill later-bacteria can multiply so rapidly that no amount of heat can destroy them all. To check doneness, keep a food thermometer handy: Burgers should reach 160 degrees; chicken breasts, 165 degrees; fish, 145 degrees. And don't let any food sit out longer than two hours, or one hour on days when the mercury soars past 90 degrees.

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Romp the right way

Hitting the sheets in the summer heat may raise your risk for urinary tract infections, which are caused by bacteria such as E. coli, says Colleen Kennedy, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. But preventing them is surprisingly simple (and enjoyable!): Change positions or take breaks to reduce pressure on your urethra (friction there ups infection odds), and empty your bladder post-lovin'.

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Surf before you swim

Heading to an ocean, lake or pool? Balmy air temps may mean microscopic villains such as P. aeruginosa are in the water and could cause respiratory infections. Check your county's municipal website before you dive in-if bacteria levels are too high, there will be a no-swim warning, says Jim Cotner, Ph.D., professor of ecology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Good advice any time: Don't swallow any water, and rinse off après dip.--Maridel Reyes

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