5 Steps to a Safer Summer

Tips from Dr. Daniel Spogen of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
1. The most common rashes this time of year come from POISON IVY and POISON OAK. Wear protective clothing, avoid leaves of three, and wash your skin thoroughly after spending time outside. If you develop a rash, apply ice, take an antihistamine, or rub on hydrocortisone cream.
2. Wear bug repellent and protective clothing outside. If you are bitten, rub antihistamine cream on the BUG BITE.
3. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 90 minutes. Use "broad spectrum" sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. If you get a SUNBURN, apply cooling lotion or aloe and take anti-inflammatory medication.
4. Keep drinking fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you experience dry mouth, light-headedness, or a racing heart, you may be DEHYDRATED - go to an urgent care center.
5. Water that becomes trapped in your ear can lead to infection. To dry SWIMMER'S EAR, dilute rubbing alcohol with white vinegar and put 2-3 drops in the affected ear.

Information compiled from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Summer 2014 Healthy You: Smarter Choices for Better Living