Summer Safety!

Summer is my favorite season. My sons and I enjoy the time outdoors and the variety of warm weather activities – like many of you too! Some tips to keep in mind to protect your family this summer…

Enjoy the Sun!

Natural sunlight is essential for good health. Time in the sun is a question of balance.  Daily moderate exposure enables the body to produce vitamin D and make melanin (our body’s natural sunscreen).  Overexposure causes damage to the skin, accelerates aging, suppresses the immune system, and can lead to cancers.  Children are much more sensitive than adults so take precautions…and be mindful of the toxic chemicals in many sunscreens that can be worse for the body than sun exposure!  Choose natural products when using them, but even easier is to use hats, and cover the skin with clothing when possible.  Seek out the shade and balance time out in the sun with breaks and indoor play as well.  This also helps prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Bites and Stings 

Although they should always be treated immediately,  stings from a bee or wasp are not usually dangerous unless the victim suffers from an allergy.  Apply a paste of baking soda and water to a bee sting to relieve pain; make a compress from a pad of cotton soaked in lemon juice and apply to a wasp sting. *Multiple stings, or stings to the eyes, ears or mouth should be treated in the hospital.*

Mosquitos

Prevent insect bites by diluting a few drops of essential oils of eucalyptus or citronella in half a mug of water, gently apply to exposed areas avoiding the eyes and mouth.  Cider vinegar can be used the same way.  Arnica (homeopathic) is useful for any bites that cause swelling, bruising or pain.  Witch hazel is also quite effective.

Cuts & Bruises 

If there is extensive bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or a head of injury, head to the hospital for emergency treatment. A clean cloth soaked in witch hazel is good for bruises as is a cold compress and some TLC!  Arnica cream is also useful for soreness.

First Aid Remedies:

These are the basic items in my first aid kit! Keep the following on hand in your car, purse or within easy reach for most emergencies…

Arnica 30c homeopathic remedy– for bumps, bruises, blows, cuts, broken skin, burns, scalds, nosebleeds, stings, sprains, fractures, muscular aches and pains, (or in fact virtually any injury to the body)

Aconite 30c homeopathic remedy –for fear, anxiety, restlessness, sudden illness, intense pain, shock.  Give it to any child who has been hurt or traumatized in any way.

Chamomilla 30c homeopathic remedy – for teething, insomnia, earaches, digestive troubles, anytime you need to relax!

Band-aids, gauze, wet-wipes.

Bach Rescue Remedy – a flower remedy designed for shock and trauma.  Very relaxing and soothing.

Calendula cream – great salve for cuts, stings, burns, scrapes and scratches, any skin irritation.

Tea tree oil, Eucalyptus oil – essential oils known for their antibacterial and anti-septic properties. Must be diluted or mixed with a natural oil or salve before being applied to the skin.