When summer is finally here--the blue skies and hot days make us all want to enjoy our time out in the sun vacationing on some exotic island, perhaps hiking in the woods, or simply just sunbathing in our local parks or backyard. Planning a day trip or long summer vacation with the family is very important, especially if you are going to travel long distances or to a foreign country.
Here I will give some tips on planning and packing essential items for a safe and healthy summer outing or vacation.
Instructions
1. Bring sun protection if you are going on vacation or just for a day at the local beach. Protection from the sun's harmful UV rays will help prevent sunburn, aging skin and decrease the risk of skin cancers later in life. Use sunscreen protection with SPF above 15 to 20, as well as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect against UV rays. Some great products that are found at most local pharmacies include: Banana Blok (available for adults and children), Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sun Block, SPF 55 and Solbar Zinc Cream, SPF 38. Don't forget to protect your lips from the UV rays as well. Blistex Clear Advance Lip Balm, SPF 30 is one product that works very well.
2. Pack some anti-motion sickness medication to prevent dizziness, nausea and vomiting for car rides, cruise ships, boat trips or even amusement parks. Dimenhydrinate, also known as brand names Dramamine and Gravol are available as over-the-counter drugs for nausea and motion sickness. Be very careful not to use these if you are driving, as they can cause drowsiness.
3. Be prepared for any lurking dangers on a summer camping trip or hike. Insect and snake bite prevention is important to consider when planning the trip or vacation. There are many brands of insect repellents that contain the ingredient DEET to keep insects from biting. Use carefully and as directed on the product label, with a lower concentration for young children or if you are pregnant. Permethrin Spray is a reliable non-staining insecticide for clothing and bedding.
4. Take along medications or over-the-counter topical creams for insect bites, rashes, poison oak or ivy. Some effective products that are available in pharmacies are: hydrocortisone cream, Aveno bath and other products and calamine lotion. Hydrocortisone relieves itching and inflammation from the offending trigger; an Aveno bath will help to soothe dry or irritated skin and calamine lotion will help to cool and give relief from the discomfort caused by poison oak or ivy exposure.
5. Pack some antihistamine in your bag to relieve allergy symptoms from pollen, dust, animal dander, smog and polluted air that can be triggered by the summer heat. Be careful what brand you choose since some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Chlorpheniramine, brand name Chlor-Trimeton, diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl, loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are readily available at most drugstores.
Tags: will help, Aveno bath, brand name, calamine lotion, cause drowsiness, Pack some