Stay-Safe Guides To Beat Summer Health Hazards

Summer is over, but it always comes every year, so I guess this post can still be handy at all times, to guide you when summer comes around. I won't consider it a late post or way much too early. Just think of it as a important thoughts as to how you could enjoy the outdoors by staying safe and avoiding the dangers.

If you love summer, and you have little kids that love outdoors too, take note that the dangers of the outdoor are everywhere. (actually not only summer, but also applies for the rest of the seasons too). But the fact that many of our children stay outside in the summer, we don't want them or us to spoil the fun we enjoy during the summer months. So, better yet stay on the safety zone guides.

If you love to jog, don't do it to a path you haven't walked first. This would only lead to sprains or slips.

Practice safety in gardening, like bending, lifting or twisting your body carefully as these can be strenous. Use tools with long handles to avoid stooping over too much.

Save your skin from developing a heat rash! It can help to wear breathable cotton clothing, avoid use of too much ointments and creams because they block sweat ducts. If you use sunscreens, use oil-free ones. If you develop a rash, get out of the heat and apply cold compresses. It also helps to use an OTC hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.

Learn to familiarize harmful plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac, as well as any hardy creepers that can be at the beach, on your backyard and even at the parks.

If you think you've come in contact with a harmful plant, wash immediately with soap and water. Follow it up with a hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion diphenhydramine cream or oral antihistamines to help ease itching or swelling.

Beware of bees and mosquitoes. Sweet drinks are attractive to bees while standing water are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Avoid what these bugs like most, and you should be okay.

You can avoid stingers as well by not wearing bright-colored clothes. Dress in light colors like pastels. Besides, pastel colors can also help you spot ticks much easier if you happened to encounter one. By the way, avoid perfumes because it also attracts bees.

If you'll be staying outdoors for a long time, or you live where mosquitoes and ticks are common, spray your clothing with permethrin (repellant); - don't spray it on skin!

Otherwise, if you are staying outdoors for shorter stints, spray a skin-safe bug repellant such as Off! The more concentration, the longer they work.

If you are bitten, get some ice and compress on the affected area to keep swelling and itching to a minimum.

If you develop hives/itching all over and facial swelling or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you develop fever and aches, it can be signs of Lyme disease or a West Nile virus infection (transmitted by mosquitoes). See your doctor ASAP!