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As the weather is getting warmer and kids are done with school for the year, it is time once again to think about summer plans and how we are going to keep ourselves and our children safe. Children look to parents to be good role models and are constantly watching their behaviors. So it is important to lead by example.
Preventing and Treating Sunburn: The best way to treat sunburn is to prevent it. Limit sun exposure; especially during the hours of 10 am – 4 pm when the sun is at its peak, if you are out during these hours, remember to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen. When using sunscreen, choose one that is SPF 15 or higher, protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors. Remember to reapply it every two hours and after being in water or sweating. It is also important to know which medications you’re on, as some can increase sensitivity to the sun.
If you do get a sunburn, the best treatment is going to be time, and usually within a few weeks the burn is completely healed. There are also over-the-counter treatments that help manage the discomfort and facilitate the healing process. Using topical products with Aloe and/or Vitamin E will help relieve the pain and burning while keeping the skin hydrated. Hydrocortisone cream can be used to reduce inflammation and itching. Cold packs can be applied to the areas, and also over-the-counter pain medications can help with the pain. People should avoid the use of butter, as it is a false remedy and can prevent healing and further damage skin.
Bites from Ticks and Mosquitoes: Ticks and mosquitoes are insects that are usually harmless, but they are associated with Lyme disease and West Nile virus. At this time, there are no vaccines on the market for Lyme disease or West Nile Virus. If you spend time in tall grass or wooded areas, it is important to use insect repellent with DEET to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. However, insect repellent should not be used on babies, and if used on childrenm it should not contain more than 10 percent DEET. It is important to check yourself and your children before bed for ticks; if a tick is found on the skin, use a tweezers to remove it, put it in a plastic bag, and throw it away. For bites, over-the-counter antihistamines can be used for itch relief, and topical anti-itch cream on the affected area may also help. Avoid itching the affected areas as this could cause the skin to break and lead to infection.
As the weather is getting warmer and kids are done with school for the year, it is time once again to think about summer plans and how we are going to keep ourselves and our children safe. Children look to parents to be good role models and are constantly watching their behaviors. So it is important to lead by example.
Preventing and Treating Sunburn: The best way to treat sunburn is to prevent it. Limit sun exposure; especially during the hours of 10 am – 4 pm when the sun is at its peak, if you are out during these hours, remember to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen. When using sunscreen, choose one that is SPF 15 or higher, protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors. Remember to reapply it every two hours and after being in water or sweating. It is also important to know which medications you’re on, as some can increase sensitivity to the sun.
If you do get a sunburn, the best treatment is going to be time, and usually within a few weeks the burn is completely healed. There are also over-the-counter treatments that help manage the discomfort and facilitate the healing process. Using topical products with Aloe and/or Vitamin E will help relieve the pain and burning while keeping the skin hydrated. Hydrocortisone cream can be used to reduce inflammation and itching. Cold packs can be applied to the areas, and also over-the-counter pain medications can help with the pain. People should avoid the use of butter, as it is a false remedy and can prevent healing and further damage skin.
Bites from Ticks and Mosquitoes: Ticks and mosquitoes are insects that are usually harmless, but they are associated with Lyme disease and West Nile virus. At this time, there are no vaccines on the market for Lyme disease or West Nile Virus. If you spend time in tall grass or wooded areas, it is important to use insect repellent with DEET to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. However, insect repellent should not be used on babies, and if used on childrenm it should not contain more than 10 percent DEET. It is important to check yourself and your children before bed for ticks; if a tick is found on the skin, use a tweezers to remove it, put it in a plastic bag, and throw it away. For bites, over-the-counter antihistamines can be used for itch relief, and topical anti-itch cream on the affected area may also help. Avoid itching the affected areas as this could cause the skin to break and lead to infection.
Heat Illness: Heat illness can happen to anyone, but people over age 65 and young children are especially vulnerable. Heat illness happens when the body’s cooling system shuts down and body temperature goes up. This will inhibit the body’s ability to sweat. Mild symptoms can include thirst, fatigue, cramps in the legs or abdomen, dizziness, headache and nausea. The number one protective factor against heat illness is air conditioning; if you do not have air conditioning, it is recommended to spend time in facilities that do such as libraries and malls. Do strenuous activities in the morning or evening when it is cooler. If you plan on being outside for long stretches of time, drink fluids to stay hydrated and take breaks from activity. Dress for the heat by wearing light and loose-fitting clothing. If you suspect someone is experiencing heat illness, have the person lie down in a cool place and elevate their legs. Try to cool the person down using water, cool towels and fanning until help arrives.
Summer is here, and with it high temperatures, sunshine and a will to be outside. Be aware of your surroundings, and know that the best way to avoid these summer ailments is to prevent them.
