Your Health: Travel tips, what docs think of you

Are we there yet?August is the perfect time for a good, old-fashioned road trip. Too many hours in the car can be hard on the neck and back, especially if those are problem pain areas for you.The American Pain Foundation's summer newsletter reminds drivers and passengers that sitting hunched over can compound the problem, while a good back support pillow - or even a rolled-up T-shirt or towel - can improve your comfort. Taking a break to stretch or grab lunch gives your back a rest.When you get to your destination, take a few minutes to walk around and consider a warm shower to relax.Risky businessA new survey out last week shows that an alarming number of doctors view every patient as a liability risk and respond accordingly.The survey, issued by the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company to about 7,500 Illinois doctors, measured apprehension among physicians over the potential for lawsuits.Two-thirds reported that they have reduced or eliminated high-risk services in their practices as a result of the medical liability threat. Eighty-two percent said they view each patient as a risk.Nearly nine out of 10 docs admitted that liability concerns lead them to order more tests than are medically necessary. And one-third said they always order extra tests.A summary of the study can be seen at isms.org.Health 101College students across the country return to campus over the next few weeks for the fall semester. And while colleges are great places for fun - and, oh yes, an education - they sometimes foster less-than-stellar health habits.All-nighters, all-you-can-eat cafeterias and all-you-can-drink beer bashes are far from what the doctor ordered. So the Centers for Disease Control's website offers these tips for staying healthy.bull; Get regular exercise. Walking to class is great; finding time for the school's workout center is even better.bull; Eat a balanced diet. Pizza's fine in moderation, but you need fruit and veggies, too.bull; Develop friendships. Being away from friends and family can be hard at first, so it helps to seek out other students with common interests.bull; Keep vaccines up to date. And check to see when flu shots will be offered.bull; Get some sleep. Sure, it's hard to do when you have project deadlines and tests looming, but insufficient sleep puts you at risk for all sorts of health conditions as well as car crashes and lousy grades.Visit cdc.gov/family/college.