Summer Essentials

  Spring has come and summer is right on our heels. Here are some key things to keep in mind for staying healthy and enjoying your summer.

1. Sunscreen! If you have ever had that terrible lobster-red sunburn or post burn peeling, you already know how important this is. But what if you don’t burn easily or want to bronze your look? You still have to put it on.   The important thing to remember here is that UVA and UVB rays damage the skin, and the pigmentation we call a tan is just one side affect we can see immediately from the damage. Skin cancer, another side affect, is not so readily visible, but just as real. Here’s some more good news, you will still acquire a summery glow, just a less harmful one. Aim for at least 30 spf; all the time, 50 spf when on the beach or in the sun for prolonged periods of time.
2. Bugspray! Sure, we all know how important this is, but how many times do we forego it because we are “just in our own backyards”? We tend to feel safer here than in the woods, but the truth of the matter is mosquitoes, ticks and fleas don’t care if the shade is in a campground or your backyard- it’s where they like to hang out. And though it’s true that standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, don’t be fooled into thinking they hang around the water cooler all day- their survival depends on our blood. Spray all exposed skin with a light coat of bug spray and the surface of thin clothes. Here’s another interesting fact, mosquitoes are attracted to people with higher contents of potassium in their blood, so skip the bananas and potatoes right before a camping trip.
3.  Anti-histamine. This one is really important. It can save a life in an emergency. This is a great medicine to have around the house, on a camping trip, and on a boating trip. Bee stings contribute to a large amount of allergy related deaths, mostly because the person isn’t treated quickly enough. An over-the-couter anti-histamine can help some people from having a more severe reaction from a bee sting until they can receive proper medical attention. If you are hiking miles from your campsite or are far off shore in your boat, this can make all the difference. Surprisingly, you are more likely to get stung on a windy day than any other day.
4. Sunglasses. Most people have gotten with this,and alot of us love picking out different styles and adding another dimension to our look. Just make sure they block the UV rays. On a budget? You can find sunglasses for as cheap as $3.00 and still have the latest designs. Just don’t go designer, only you look at your glasses that closely. Buy cheap and you can get a few pairs in different styles without feeling guilty. Pay attention when you try them on, even a slight bit of pressure on the head can cause headaches, and they shouldn’t pinch the nose or put pressure on the ears. Open them and set them on a flat surface to see if they are bent or crooked at all.
5.  Ice pack. From bumps to sprains to rashes and a myriad of other injuries, the ice pack is a must. It can help with swelling from stings and curb heat headaches. Your kids will use it at least once this year. In an emergency, a bag of frozen peas or corn is a good substitute, but it shouldn’t be a permanent go to. That’s because the food won’t last as long if you keep pulling out into the hot summer weather to calm a sprain. Whatever type or brand you use, make sure to wrap it in a towel first- for comfort and safety.