Good to Know

Hello friends!

Welcome to summer! It definitely feels like it to me, and the heat, sun, wind and potential for insect bite reactions will keep us hopping until the first freezes of the fall. So what do we need to keep in mind as we go on vacations, play outdoors and generally enjoy the great adventures the warm weather offers us?

First, we need to keep in mind our own hydration status as we move into the warm months. Remember, as I have stressed before, that we want our urine to be clear and nearly colorless when we go to the bathroom. If it is dark or cloudy, you need to grab a glass of water and drink at least 20 ounces. If your mouth is dry, you are already dehydrated, so grab that beverage. Water is always preferred, with gatorade or electrolyte replacement drinks to be used periodically. We need that gallon every day for our bodies to work correctly.

Second, apply sunscreen before you go outside and reapply every two hours or hourly if in the water. Yes, your first application of sunscreen will NOT cover you for an entire day. You must reapply. Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreens, though concentrations at SPF levels over 50 are controversial as to whether they offer further protection. Bring hats to wear to better protect delicate facial skin. And long sleeve shirts can protect from both sun and insect bites.

Third, if you are going to be outdoors doing any activity, you will need to prepare for insects. Permethrin sprays and clothing will repel many insects and protect from flea infestations and mosquito swarms. DEET based insect repellents should be worn on clothing and not placed on bare skin, as these compounds have been linked to cancers with prolonged exposure. Staying inside around dusk and after dark can protect from mosquito bites and the illnesses they carry in the best way. But if you are going to be outside, wear hats, long sleeves and use repellants to avoid insects.

Allergies have been in full swing for most of the last couple of months, and so be sure you premedicate with a once daily antihistamine like Zyrtec or Allegra before going outside. And if this is a particularly congested allergy season for you, a daily nasal steroid spray could help tremendously in keeping tissues from being inflamed in your nose. And there are great over-the-counter eye drops that are antihistamine based, to cover you for itchy, watery eyes that irritate and feel gritty.

Finally, while the weather is warm, we need to always remember that there are dangers inherent in this season that mean parents and grandparents need to always be on the lookout for hazards. Campfires, lakes and swimming pools can be places where burns and near drownings happen in a moment’s flash. These fun activities can turn in a moment to tragedy, if we look away at the wrong moment. So be sure there is plenty of adult supervision!

And as always, alcohol or drugs consumed while boating, cruising or swimming is never a good idea. So keep your consumption under those daily limits of one or two drinks a day, and you will be less likely to find yourself in a bind.

Enjoy this beautiful lush summer, and here’s hoping yours will be safe and fun for everyone!