The Holistic Health Warrior

(U.S. Air Force graphic/Corey Parrish)

Summertime fun is nearly upon us what could be so perilous about that? Perhaps the long winter and short spring were enough to cause us to forget some of the dangers so let’s review the top five perils and how to deal with them safely, effectively and economically.

Peril #1: Bug bites and bee stings

Bugs and bees seem to love summer as much as their human counterparts. The best way to void this peril is to protect yourself and be prepared. Most commercial bug sprays can be very hazardous to your health because they contain toxic chemicals. This is especially true when applied to pets and children. Try going natural and organic. EcoSmart brand has a full line of natural bug sprays and insect repellents that contain essential oils rather than harsh chemicals that work quite effectively. (Please Continue Reading Below)

If you do get bit or stung be prepared to treat it immediately, therefore lessening the effects of the toxins. A paste made from baking soda and water works well for both bug bites and bee stings because it neutralizes the toxin quickly. Also, your grocery or drug store should carry a stick called After Bite. This product works very well for numbing the pain and relieving the itch almost immediately.

Peril #2: Sun overexposure

The benefits of the Vitamin D we gain from natural sunlight is a miraculous thing, but overexposure causing, sunburn is a side effect that’s not so pleasant and even dangerous over time. Our bodies synthesize Vitamin D during the first 20 or 30 minutes of exposure after that we risk sunburn, premature aging of the skin and even cancer.

Sunscreen is highly recommended especially for fair skinned people but beware of the commercial sunscreens on the market. The chemicals they contain can actually promote cancer in many cases. The best choice is a product containing the safe yet active ingredients of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Accidentally Green offers a safe sunscreen shopping guide to help you decide which would be best for you.

If you do find yourself or even worse your child sunburnt, one of the best things to do is treat it as quickly as possible. Try soaking a rag with Apple Cider Vinegar and gently applying it to the burnt areas. Follow it with a generous application of an aloe based gel and a skin moisturizer containing coconut oil for the quickest recovery time.

Peril #3: Dehydration and heat exhaustion

Staying hydrated and adequately cooled off on hot summer days are a must to avoid a very serious condition called heat stroke. Avoid overly strenuous activities especially if the weather is ultra hot and humid as well.

If you can’t avoid strenuous activity, be sure to use a neck cooler to keep your body temperature down. Arctic Bandana makes a variety of fashionable coolers that are extra long so they could also be worn as a head band.

Carry a water bottle everywhere even when you go swimming. The pool or lake water may keep you cool, but your body will still become dehydrated from all the chemicals and activity.

Peril #4: Drowning

You can never be too safe when it comes to water activities. Everyone regardless of age should wear life jackets when on the open water in a boat or other watercraft. Young children should always wear a life jacket near a lake or river.

Typically it’s the teenagers or young adults that are good swimmers but risk takers that fall into the danger of drowning because they often think it’s “not cool” to wear a life jacket when needed. Make sure the areas where you will be swimming or diving are free from rocks that could cause injury or worse, death by drowning.

Peril #5: Sleep deprivation

When it stays light out until after 10:00 pm in the summer months it is no doubt more difficult to get to sleep at a reasonable time. But do try to keep a schedule and bedtime routine as often as possible. With all of the fun, sleepovers, activities and all, sleep tends to get a little scarce, so if you and your family are not getting all the sleep you need at night, try to squeeze in a nap once during the day.

If you ask me, summer is one of the best times of the year. With all of the fun activities, family time, vacation destinations and more, you can enjoy it to the fullest by keeping in mind the top five perils of summer, how to avoid them and safely deal with them as a family.