School is out, and it’s time to shift gears into summer! Whether you’re staying in town or heading out to pursue some adventures, the GetzWell team wants to help you get a summer toolkit ready. Below, you’ll find some suggestions to get you started.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen: We use sunscreen primarily to protect our skin from cancer. Sunscreen also helps to protect against signs of photoaging, like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and of course, it helps to prevent painful sunburns. There are many variations of sunscreens, including chemical, mineral, cream, and spray. Generally, cream-based mineral sunscreens are rated safer than other alternatives. All types of sunscreen need to be thoroughly reapplied about every 90 minutes to maintain effectiveness.
We recommend Babo sunscreen. It’s EWG verified, so it’s free from harmful chemicals and crafted with natural ingredients that provide effective sun protection while being gentle on delicate skin. Remember, though, the best type of sunscreen practice is the one that you (or your kids) will actually use.
Hats and SPF Clothing: Sun hats and clothing that has an SPF rating can really help protect against too much sun.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses help protect your eyes from a variety of conditions, including sunburn. Look for lenses that are brown, gray, or green and are labeled as 95%–100% UV protection or a “UV 400” sticker.
There are lots of brands and styles out there to choose from. For little kids, Babiators may be worth considering. The company offers a quality product along with a pretty generous replacement policy.
Note: For babies 6 months old and younger, no sunscreen may be safe. These young babies need to be kept out of direct, strong sunlight because their skin is thin and sensitive, and over-exposure can lead to a greater risk of skin cancer later in life. Seek shade and use sun hats, SPF clothing, or lightweight sleeves for very little ones.
Hydration
Water: Drink plenty of water, and make sure your kids do, too. Water is vital–it plays a key role in bringing nutrients to our cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting our joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature. Summertime brings warmer temperatures, more time outside, and different routines, so be sure to bring water with you. Consider using stainless steel-lined insulated water bottles that can keep your water cold. You can even add some fruit or cucumber slices for variety!
Insect Protection
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and biting flies are a nuisance. And mosquitoes also transmit diseases. Tick-borne diseases, especially Lyme but also coinfections like Bartonella and Babesia, continue to be on the rise. Proper application and use of insect repellent can protect against bites and the life-altering diseases they may carry. EWG reports that researchers have found DEET (at less than 30 percent), IR3535 (at 20 percent), and Picaridin are safe and effective active ingredients that are key to keeping mosquitoes and ticks away. Non-chemical alternatives like oil of lemon eucalyptus and its synthetic derivative, PMD, can be effective but probably for a shorter duration, so you’d need to reapply those products frequently. It’s important to remember that, like sunscreen, no insect repellents are safe for children under 6 months old.
Tick tools: Remember to check regularly for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors in areas with tall grass. I recommend keeping on hand either a Tick Key or a Tick Removal Card and a baggie with a zipper closure on hand. You can also follow these instructions for what to do after a tick bite.
- Take a deep breath and try to remain calm!
- Remove the tick
- Save the tick in a plastic bag with a zipper closure
- Visit tickreport.com< and order a test
- Mail the tick in overnight, if possible
- Call GetzWell to explore a single-dose antibiotic preventive while awaiting results.
- If the results come back positive for Lyme or any other disease, contact us to make an appointment to discuss whether treatment is necessary.
First Aid
Small First Aid Kit: Whether it’s blisters on a hike or a skinned knee, it’s always good to have a basic first aid kit in your bag so you’re prepared in a pinch.
Treats
Food Options: Ask any kid–summer adventures are even better with tasty snacks. Summer is such a terrific time for a variety of seasonal fruit! Berries can be a great (and very portable) choice. Watermelon (or any melon) is great as you get extra hydration as a bonus. Veggies and hummus can be a good option as well. Whatever reusable and insulated containers you usually use for school lunches can work well to bring along summer sustenance. Toss in an ice pack to help keep things cool and fresh.
Here’s to great adventures and lots of time outdoors this summer! And remember, we’re here to support you regardless of what you run into. Just give us a call.