Summers Coming!
Heat and Sun
While the sun feels great it can cause skin damage and can result in burns that can be quite painful. Make sure that you cover your skin with sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. One that is water-resistant is best if you or your family member sweats or planning on going in the water. Reapply every few hours. Hats help to keep your scalp from burning.
Make sure that you stay well hydrated and that you take a break in the midst of activities on very hot days. Finding a cooling spot is wise when you are in the sun and heat for periods of time. If you don’t have air conditioning and you need relief, consider cooling off near the ocean, pond or lake. Libraries, restaurants and other venues often have air conditioning too.
Arthropods
With the warmer weather in Maine come the black flies, mosquitos, ticks and all those other little critters! However there are a few things you can do to reduce you and your family’s chances of contracting some of the diseases that ticks and mosquitos can spread.
- Use a repellant that has sustained release for the time you will be outside or reapply as needed. Consider spraying it on your clothing too.
- Wear long sleeve shirts and pants, particularly when walking in the woods. Light colored clothing helps you to find ticks easiest. Consider tucking your pants into your socks.
- Walk in the center of any wooded paths to avoid vegetation where ticks hand out.
- Do tick checks once you have come back indoors.
- Check your pets when they come indoors too.
Safety First
It’s fun to bike and skateboard, but 21% of head injuries occur during sporting activities. Make sure that a helmet is always worn and that it fits properly. Of course, having your bike or other equipment in good working order helps to avoid accidents.