Tips for Summer Hazards

Summer is a wonderful time for adventures outdoors, however, there are hazards such as sunburn, heat rash and food poisoning that can occur. Here are great tips that can help us get back to enjoying the lazy days ahead when hazards strike!

Sunburn

Using a good sunscreen that protects our skin from UV rays is crucial to avoiding skin damage. A good sunscreen should have an SPF of 15 or higher, be water-resistant, and provide broad-spectrum protection. Sun protection is the best approach.  However, sometimes a sunburn can occur and when it does here are a few tips for dealing with it:

• Take frequent cool baths and showers
• Use a moisturizer which contains aloe vera
• Drink extra water
• Don’t pop blisters if they form, allow to heal.

Heat Rash 

Sometimes the heat can get the best of us as sweat ducts get blocked and cause discomfort and itching known as heat rash. This pink or red rash is common in babies, however, can occur in adults, especially when it is hot and humid.

What happens if you find yourself with a heat rash? Here are some simple steps to take:

• The first step is removing clothing and moving to a cool area.
• Let skin air-dry instead of using towels which can irritate the skin even further.
• Also, avoid using any lotion or ointment on the rash.

Food Poisoning 

In hotter temperatures, food can spoil and can cause sickness from food-borne illnesses. Some tips to prevent spoiled food include refrigerating perishables within two hours, washing hands before prepping food and handling raw meats and using a thermometer to check meat temperature.

When you do succumb to food poisoning here are some tips for dealing with it:

• Avoid dehydration by sipping water
• Don’t eat solid foods until vomiting has ended
• Eat light bland foods such as crackers as part of your recovery
• Try Coptis, a TCM formula is good for addressing symptoms of food poisoning.⁽¹⁾ 

While prevention is better than cure, sometimes “life happens”. So remember our handy tips!

Summer Travel 101

Summer is here, and the travel season has begun. If you are planning a trip to the beach, a camping trip to the woods, or sightseeing a new city, you want to stay healthy during your adventures. So whether you suffer from motion sickness, experience jet lag or just want some tips on a safer and healthier trip, we have got you covered with some natural ways to travel this summer.

These are just some basic reminders when traveling:

• Don’t forget the sunscreen! SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant and mineral-based is a great start.
• When traveling with pets never leave them in a hot car, it can take mere minutes before they can reach 160 degrees.
• Bring healthy snacks to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
• Change up your fitness routine.  Traveling to a new place is the perfect time to get active doing something new. Take the yoga class at your hotel, go snorkeling, or take a power walk on a hiking trail.
• Indulge a little. Everything in moderation. Denying yourself a sweet treat is going to put a damper on your fun. Just try to get in a healthier breakfast or dinner option when you do.
• Unplug. Experience and explore without your device. Be in the moment.

Reduce Jet Lag

If you travel far enough away that you will be in a different time zone, you will probably experience jet lag. Jet lag symptoms include fatigue, loss of short-term memory, diarrhea and constipation. Some ways to prevent or offset those symptoms include:

• Avoiding alcohol or caffeine at least three hours before sleep
• Getting adequate daylight, as this is a powerful stimulant to balance the body’s internal clock
• Trying acupuncture
• Eating vitamin B rich foods such as beets, bananas, strawberries, mung beans, and broccoli
• Trying a supplement that can support calm, relaxation, and sleep.

Ease Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness (sometimes called seasickness) occurs when the movement you visualize is different than the one your inner ear is sensing. To prevent it:

• Avoid reading while traveling
• Avoid strong food odors, drinking alcohol, or eating heavily spiced foods
• Try a TCM herbal formula designed to lessen motion sickness
• At sea, keep your eyes on the horizon.

Whether you enjoy a vacation or a staycation, remember the most important part is to unwind, unplug and reduce your stress with some downtime. Take that last dip in the pool before you check out of the hotel, linger at the café down the street, and make lots of memories. – that way when you are back to the daily grind, you can remember your happy place to get you through the day.

Summer Pet Safety

Our pets love the summer as much as we do, but it is important to keep them safe during the hotter months. Dogs may love to take a swim or hike with us, but they just don’t sweat as we do.  Cats may love to sprawl under the hot sun, but they need to be looked after in the heat too.

Pets can experience heatstroke quickly since the only way they can cool themselves is by panting.  They can also get a sunburn-like we do, making it important to limit their exposure to the sun.  Here are a few tips for keeping dogs and cats safe:

• Never leave your pet in a hot car. Cars can heat up to 160 degrees in minutes when under the hot sun.
• Summer is the peak time for ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Always check your dog or cat when coming in from outside and talk to your vet about appropriate protection against these parasites.
• Protect their paws. Patios, sidewalks, asphalt, and sand can become too hot for your pet to walk on and their paws could get burned. It may be best to walk your pets in the early morning or late in the evening when the ground is cooler.
• Always give unlimited access to clean, cool water. Dehydration can be dangerous for pets so water should always available both indoors and outdoors. Encourage your pet to drink more by adding ice cubes.
• Fireworks and pets don’t mix.  Keep them away when festivities involve fireworks.  The loud noises and flashes of light can disorient and frighten your pet.  There is also a risk of burns and chemical poisoning if they eat them.
• Thunderstorms and travel can cause anxiety. Pets can experience anxiety. The summer months may increase it given the prevalence of storms, travel, and being left alone.  Anxiety by Homeopet can help quell these fears and promote a sense of calm.

Your pet may love summer, but it is your job to make them safe and happy during these hot months.

Reference

1 Bensky, D., Clavey, S., and Ströger, E. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica Portable 3rd Edition. Eastland Press, Inc.: Seattle. 2015. Print.