Summer Stings

Summer Is Here ....

Summer is officially here and we're all ready to get outside and go to the beach, mountains or that cabin by the lake ... before you pack up the car and hit the highway here are a few summertime tips to take with you.


Treating Stings & Bites

When you're getting your backpack ready for that hike don't forget that the bugs will be hiking up the trail with you. Try not to wear brightly colored clothing and sweet smelling perfumes and oils, bees and wasps are attracted to bright colors and sweet smells and they will be heading straight for you. Also eating sweets can attract unwanted insects so you might want to limit what treats you pack.


Spray your arms and legs with insect repellent even if you're wearing long sleeves and remember mosquitos come out strongest at dusk. Don't forget to pack the hydrocortisone cream and Benadryl to relieve the itching and help with any allergic reactions.


If you do get bit without the store creams and pills, here's a quick remedy - make a poultice from water and dirt or water and baking soda and dab it on the bite. I personally make my own insect repellent by melting some petroleum jelly in the microwave, then adding 1 ounce citronella oil, (which I get from the hardware store). Mix, then apply all over - one big "Bug Be Gone" shield.


Treating Sunburns

Prevention is the number one remedy for sunburn. If you know you will be exposed for any length of time you should cover with sunblock or clothing. Your sunblock must be at least SPF 15 to be affective and should be reapplied about every 2 hours and especially after being in the water.

Even the best plans can still be foiled by disaster - the dreaded lobster skin -oouchh! If you start to see the lobster in you emerge take an aspirin. Taking aspirin will help reduce the swelling just like hydrocortisone cream. A great quick remedy - try steeping a couple of green tea bags, chilling them and applying the tea and bags to sunburned skin, this can be done the night before your trip.


Put the bags and tea in a thermos. The antioxidants may help prevent more sun damage and the growth of skin tumors. Also 100% aloe vera applied to sunburns will not only help with the pain but also help the skin repair quicker.


I had a friend from Australia and she told me they were taught in school about, "Slip, Slap, Slop." Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on the sunscreen.


Stay Hydrated

Drinking water, yes we've all heard drink plenty of water, but did you know that water not only flushes the kidneys and keeps toxins flushed, but it can also help your body keep an even temperature and reduce your body's need to sweat? So while everyone else is sweating and fretting the heat, drink more water and enjoy your summer!!

To Your Health