Summer! Summer is here!

The first casualties of summer approach in the forms of sunburn, dehydration, bug bites, and, don’t forget, the dreaded poison ivy! These are things that are almost 100% preventable. So, let’s review the list:

Sunscreen makes summer so much nicer – it keeps you from turning the color of a cooked lobster, and suffering all the damage from those glorious rays on unprotected skin. Depending on your skin type you can find a range of spf’s that will work on you just fine!

How about dehydration – outdoor concerts, activities where BEER may makes its way into your weekend river routine? Not trying to be a drag on the party, but some common sense is necessary here – who hasn’t had the BEER SWEATS?

ZIKA??? Not here yet, but a variety of bug-borne illnesses are, and you should use a repellent to protect yourself and your children. Ticks and mosquitoes carry a wide variety of diseases from Lyme disease to encephalitis. The number one killer on the African continent is carried by a mosquito – Malaria – attributed to an estimated 91% of deaths in the African Region (2010).

Poison Ivy? Enough said – for those of you susceptible, “I feel your pain”. Steroids work marvels, but avoidance is the better behavior – no pesky side effects that way!

It’s important that while you are enjoying your summer to remember that too much of anything can ruin a fantastically fun activity. Water, bug screen and common sense will make this a great time had by all. Have a Great Summer!