While the warmer weather may encourage healthy eating and exercise habits and allow
families to delight in the joys of nature, it brings with it potential health
risks. A nasty bug bite or painful sunburn will not only be uncomfortable, but could lead to some serious health hazards. To prevent any warm weather
emergencies as we close out the season, we’ve compiled the best tips from around the web for a
healthy end to summer. —
Editor’s Note: A few years go Dr. Joseph Licata, a popular NYC pediatrician with Global Pediatrics on the Upper East Side, created a wonderfully simple and handy device for removing ticks, which he naturally called, “Dr. Joe’s Tick it Away.” As we head into the heart of tick season we recommend it, and we also have eight to giveaway! To enter to win, please comment on our Facebook page. Deadline is Wednesday, August 17.
Tick Tick BOOM
Warm weather means (sadly) that it’s prime tick season. Lou
Paradise, President and Chief of Research of Topical BioMedics, Inc.,
indicates Lyme and Babesiosis as the two dangerous tick-born illnesses to be
aware of in summertime. Lyme disease enters the bloodstream and presents itself with flu-like symptoms. The first symptom of Lyme disease is usually a rash near the site of the tick
bite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to to arthritis, nervous system
abnormalities and an irregular heart rhythm. Babesiosis is known to be more
fatal, destroying red blood cells, and is referred to as a malaria-like illness.
After five days of the bite, symptoms such as a fever, chills, headaches,
muscle pain, nausea, tiredness, and a rash may start to appear. Tick bites usually go unnoticed for weeks, or even months, as
they may be painless. To further complicate diagnoses, these
diseases often mimic other conditions such as the flu, meningitis or, in some
cases, Multiple Sclerosis.
Paradise provides the following tips for keeping your family
tick free:
-
Certain plants repel ticks. If you can, be sure to include lavender,
garlic, pennyroyal, pyrethrum, sage, American beautyberry, and eucalyptus
around your yard. -
Avoid walking in wooded, brushy and grassy areas. During a
hiking trail, stay near the center of the trail and do not sit on stone walls. -
If going outside, try wearing lighter colored clothing so you can
easily spot a tick if one is on you. -
If you discover a tick attached to you, use tweezers to pull
it out. Pull straight back without twisting or yanking. Avoid pressing or squeezing it as
it may push bacteria into your body. Save the tick for possible identification
by a doctor or local health department.
For more information, visit topicalbiomedics.com.
Leaves Of Three, Let Them Be!
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are out
in full force during this time of the year. As with most outdoor health hazards,
it can be difficult to locate poison ivy and therefore keep your distance. And although it can vary, all poison ivy has three leaflets. So remember the old adage: leaves of three, let them be.
What happens with such poison plants is that the oil on their leaves causes an allergic reaction when it comes in contact with your skin, creating an irritating rash. Skin can blister, swell and itch. You should be sure to wash the area immediately with rubbing alcohol and water with soap. Avoid touching any other
parts of the body, as the oil and irritation will spread. Reactions can often
be treated with oatmeal baths and over-the-counter products such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. If the situation
worsens, it may be time to contact your doctor. And if your child is exposed, you should be sure to call her pediatrician to determine proper dosages of treatments.
For more information, visit cdc.gov.
Keep Cool
With the warmest days of summer upon us, let’s remember that
the heat can be our worst enemy if we are not careful. Parents: your child’s
regulatory system is much more sensitive to heat than yours. Heat stroke can
occur in a matter of minutes in children. It goes without saying, but never leave your child alone
and exposed during these warm days. The heat can take its toll quicker than you might think, so
reconsider leaving your children in the car as you run into a store–cracking a window is not enough! Remember that heat rises rapidly and the inside
of your car is much hotter than the air outside. Some common symptoms of heat exhaustion are weakness, intense sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache and muscle cramps.
Treatment for heat exhaustion is simple. Stop all outdoor activity, move inside and reset in a cooler environment.Keep your children hydrated with water, fruit juices and sports drinks.
For more information, visit medicinenet.com.
Too Much Fun In The Sun
Did you know that preventing sunburn in children will
significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer later on? Unfortunately, it can take up to 12 hours for the effects of sun exposure
to be noticed. If your child does get a sunburn, consult a doctor if blisters
or rashes appear. Cool the burned area for about 30 minutes to an hour in
tepid water. Aspirin can decrease the pain and aloe vera gel can decrease
irritation. And of course, stay out of the sun if you’re already a
little red! Because sunburn is so common, some people doing take it very seriously but sunburn can cause permanent skin damage
And don’t let your skin reveal all the fun your family has had under summer’s strong sun. Check out our sun smarts article to learn the truth about sunscreen and how to protect
your family. Also remember to keep your children in the shade as much as
possible during outdoor activities. Added sun protection can be achieved with a
simple hat and light clothing; don’t forget sunglasses!
For more information, visit medicinenet.com.
