Summer is the perfect time to get outside. Whether it’s a weekend trip to the beach with family or a quick bike ride after work, the warm weather is constantly encouraging us to make the most of each day! At The Relief Products™, we’ve always believed in living life to the fullest and healthiest. For children, summer vacation is an exciting time to enjoy activities such as swimming, running around the playground, and eating ice cream with friends. Ideally we can provide these experiences while still ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved. Summer heat, combined with outdoor activities, can present a unique set of health concerns. Check out some of the health and safety tips below that can come in handy this summer for both adults and children.
1. Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Dehydration
Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common summer illnesses. The hot weather coupled with lack of sufficient hydration can often result in feeling tired, dizzy, weak, nauseous, excessively thirsty, or a headache. To avoid dehydration, be sure to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Additionally, be sure to take breaks from the sun and spend time inside or in a shaded area. The best way to treat dehydration is to immediately replenish the body’s fluid levels and move into a cooler location.
2. Always Use Sunscreen
Even on a cloudy day, nearly 80% of the suns UV rays can pass through cloud cover. Wearing sunscreen helps to prevent skin cancer, premature aging of the skin (wrinkles and dark spots), and sunburns. Dermatologists suggest using a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, which will block out 97% of UV rays. Sunburns can be painful, in some cases causing the skin to peel or blister. If you do get a sunburn, treatments include taking an OTC pain killer, cooling the skin with a cold rag or Aloe vera, applying moisturizer, and drinking plenty of water.
3. Water Safety
Water-related activities are very common in summer and provide a great way to get physical exercise as well as cool down. Adults and children alike love going for a swim in the pool, at the lake, or in the ocean. However, it is very important to understand the dangers that accompany these activities. It is important to ALWAYS supervise children when they are swimming or around water. It is just as important that your child knows how to swim if not accompanied by an adult in the water. Be sure that everyone is properly hydrating and rested as water activities can quickly wear out young children.
The Relief Products™ Can Help: Swimming can often leave your eyes red, dry, and irritated. Whether it’s salt water from the ocean or chlorine in the pool, your eyes need soothing relief. PinkEye Relief from The Relief Products™ is a natural, easy to use eye drop that works for anytime eye irritation. Made with 100% natural active ingredients, PinkEye Relief is the 2020 Women’s Choice Award winner and safe for use by adults and children ages 2 +.
Swimming can also cause painful ear infections and swimmer’s ear. This frequently occurs as a result of water becoming trapped in the ear canal. Swimmer’s Ear Complete Relief™ Ear Drops are formulated to relieve symptoms such as sensitivity to touch in the ear, pain and discomfort, congestion in the ear, as well as irritation. Additionally, its unique formula also aids in drying out water in the ear. These soothing drops can be used after your ear has been submerged or exposed to water, or at the first sign of ear irritation. Swimmer’s Ear Complete Relief™ offers no know side effects, interactions with other medications, or contraindications. You can also check out EarAche Relief® fast-dissolving tablets for daytime relief of earache symptoms, as well as EarAche Relief® PM drops for overnight relief.
4. Allergens
Seasonal allergies can be a real buzzkill when spending time outside. In the summer, grass pollen commonly causes allergy symptoms including watering, red, and itchy eyes, runny noses, coughing, sneezing, and trouble breathing. Some easy steps you can take to help reduce the effects of seasonal allergies include keeping the windows shut at home or in the car (for better air quality), showering and changing clothes regularly (especially after being outside), and using preventative OTC medications when possible. The Relief Products™ offer a natural eye care solution with Allergy Eyes Relief® daytime eye drops & nighttime (PM) ointment. Made from natural active ingredients, these drops, and nighttime ointment provide safe and effective relief for adults and children ages 2+. We also recommend checking out Asthma Therapy® fast-dissolving tablets if you or your child have asthma or are experiencing asthma-like symptoms including wheezing, dry coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It should be noted that Asthma symptoms can be more serious in children due to their smaller airways. Additionally, Asthma Therapy™ is intended to compliment, not replace, standard medical treatment. Asthma Therapy™ fast-dissolving tablets are not intended to replace a fast-acting inhaler. Children under 12 should check with a doctor or physician before using Asthma Therapy™.
5. Food Safety
Food poisoning is one of the most common reasons people end up in the hospital every year with nearly 300,000 annual cases. Unsurprisingly, the warm summer months are when food poisoning hits its peak. “Anything that has mayonnaise, dairy, or eggs in it and any meat products can develop some pretty nasty bacteria after only a couple of hours unrefrigerated,” says Ryan Stanton, an emergency room physician. “Every summer we’ll have five or six people coming in from the same reunion or family picnic with food poisoning symptoms.” Some easy ways to prevent food-born illnesses include washing your hands regularly, separating raw meats from other foods, making sure food is thoroughly cooked, and making sure foods stay cold until being served. More mild cases of food poisoning can be taken care of at home by staying hydrated and avoiding solid foods for a short period of time.
If you or your child are experiencing a stomachache or abdominal pain, there are several natural remedies you can use to help ease the discomfort. Foods that can sooth an upset stomach include ginger, peppermint, yogurt, and chamomile tea. For solid foods, stick to basics like toast, crackers, bananas, applesauce, or rice. Additionally, you may want to try a warm compress on the stomach to help ease discomfort. If you or your child are having trouble going to the bathroom, it is recommended to hydrate as well as move or walk around, as this can help stimulate the digestive system.
Products: The Relief Products™ offer several solutions to help alleviate various digestive issues. Items include Constipation Relief™, Diarrhea Relief™, Heartburn Relief™, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Therapy™. These fast-dissolving tablets can provide additional ‘on-the-go’ relief by using active ingredients to gently stimulate your body’s natural reaction. For children under 12, we recommend first checking with a doctor or physician before using any digestive care products.
Summer is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, but it comes with its own set of health risks and concerns. By being cautious and following some of these basic health and safety guidelines, you and your family will be able to enjoy a safe and carefree summer season!
Works Cited:
Shaw, Gina. “The Top 7 Summer Health Hazards.” WebMD, WebMD, 16 May 2011, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/top-7-summer-health-hazards#1.