Summer Safety Tips

A couple of weeks ago I had the extreme pleasure of relaxing and kicking back by the water. What a peaceful tranquil atmosphere sipping on tropical drinks while basking in the sun's rays...until someone spotted a shark in the water. Here are a few safety tips to remember while you frolic in the sun.

• Always be protected from the sun. Use lotions and sprays and wear loose fitting clothing for best results.
• Stay hydrated. Don't wait until you are gasping for breath and feeling lightheaded. Drink 30 minutes prior to being outdoors. Avoid alcohol and caffeine which dehydrate the body.
• Wet your hair before taking a dive into the pool. Fresh water saturated in your hair will keep hair from absorbing the chlorine that damages the hair all summer long.
• Green tea is the drink of choice these days but save a glass or two for those hot and toasty days. The EGCG in green tea helps to reduce inflammation and soreness from sunburn.
• Are you peeling like a snake because you sat out in the sun a wee bit too long? Grab a cup of yogurt and smooth it over your skin. The lactic acid helps remove dead, peeling skin.
• Keep foot sprays handy. Next time you are sitting poolside, check out the toes on your neighbor. Protect yourself in wet, sweaty, heavily populated areas by using an anti-fungal spray.
• Pack the basil. Repel mosquitoes with basil and bring catnip oil along too. Catnip helps to keep mosquitoes away. Put atop umbrellas and on beach gear to keep those pest away.
• Outdoor play is sure to bring about minor collisions (especially if children are around. Be sure to bring along first aid kits for those minor cuts, abrasions and bites.

When the weather is warmer food poisoning and food borne illnesses increase. Take precaution and keep foods at the right temperature.