Summer 2018 Magazine

BUG BITES
- Prevention:
- Use a product containing DEET, such as OFF, when going outdoors.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in wooded and grassy areas.
- Treatment (dependent on reaction):
- Remove visible stinger with tweezers.
- Wash area of bite with soap.
- Apply ice to the area.
- Use calamine lotion to stop itchiness.
- When to Seek Medical Help:
- Any difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, or faintness.
- Area of bite appears to be infected. (Pus coming from area, redness, warmth, etc.)
- If there is a noticeable area of black tissue in the center of the bite.
POISON IVY
- Treatment at Home:
- Cool compresses.
- Calamine lotion.
- Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl.
- When to Seek Medical Help:
- Difficulty breathing, throat swelling, chest tightness or wheezing.
- Large areas of rash causing significant discomfort.
- Rash on mouth, genitals, or around eyes.
- Rash appears infected and is draining pus.
SUNBURNS
- Prevention:
- Use sunscreen with SPF of at least 30% and reapply often.
- Wear a wide brim hat to keep the sun off your face, neck and ears.
- Move inside or under shade frequently.
- Avoid working or playing outside during the hottest time of the day (3-5 pm).
* * * Remember: the sun's rays are powerful, so you can still burn on cloudy days.* * *
- Treatment:
- Cool Compresses (use a wet washcloth, replace frequently).
- Apply aloe-based lotion.
- Cool (not cold) baths may help.
- Avoid scrubbing or shaving over area.
- Take single dose of medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil), Aspirin or Naproxen (Aleve).
SWIMMING
- Common Safety Tips:
- Swim in designated Areas that are supervised by lifeguards at all times.
- Always swim with a friend.
- Put a life jacket on weak swimmers and children.
- Lace barriers around your home pool or hot tub.
- Actively supervise children whenever they are around or in the water.
- Always stay within arm's reach of young children.
- Do not dive unless the water is at least six feet deep.
HEAT STROKE
- Causes:
- Working or playing in a hot environment.
- Fluid lost through sweat and evaporation is not replaced causing electrolyte imbalances.
- Who's at Risk:
- Elderly.
- Infants and small children.
- People taking antihistamines and certain types of medication for high blood pressure and/or
depression.
- Treatment:
- Move to a cooler location, either air-conditioned or shaded area.
- Give fluids that can replace the electrolytes/salt that have been lost, such as Gatorade.
- Loosen and/or remove clothing.
- Prevention:
- Avoid working or playing outside during the hottest time of the day (3-5 pm).
- Take frequent breaks to get out of the sun.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water or Gatorade) to replace the fluids being lost.
* * * Avoid fluids that cause dehydration such as sodas and alcohol.* * *
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