Summer months are so enjoyable and precious that most people want to soak up every second of the beautiful rays. July is upon us, with picnics, golf tournaments, weddings, and more. It’s important to make memories in the sun as often as possible, but staying safe is important, too. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the season!
Drink Up:
While summer happy hours abound, it’s a good idea to use moderation with sugary sweet teas or those with a little kick. Too much sugar, caffeine, or alcohol can put you at risk for some unwanted souvenirs this summer!
Caffeine might help you stay up to enjoy everything from sunrises to fireworks at night. However, add some water alongside your coffee cup to stay balanced, as caffeine can cause dehydration.
Opt for refreshing beverages with fresh fruits and garnishes, and go easy on the sugary ones or cocktails. No one needs a UTI from lots of sugar or to risk a fall because the only beverage option contains alcohol. These can be fun, but consider drinking them in moderation. Put a sidekick next to your cup with high-quality H20 for the win!
Stay Sun Safe:
The sun can provide us with many good things, but too much can backfire and keep you stuck indoors the next day. Sunburns are nothing to mess with.
Keep the SPF 30 handy, along with a hat. A cool pair of shades complements any look! Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen if you’re in and out of the water or spending a marathon amount of time outside. Keep some moisturizer handy after your day of basking, too.
Don’t Let the Bugs Get the Best of You!
The downside to picnics can be the ants—it’s inevitable. Thankfully, many sprays and even more natural remedies are available to help keep the pests away. Here are a few ideas:
Mosquito-Repelling Granules: There are several options on the market, but “Mosquito Beater” has great natural properties that can keep bugs away from your lawn without the chemical smell.
Bug Zappers: These come in several sizes, including fun tennis rackets for kiddos or adventuresome adults. The racket versions are especially handy for the mosquitos that invade your home!
Citronella Candles: These tend to have less chemical scent and can add some nice ambiance to any patio party. Just remember to keep the kiddos and pets away from the flame.
Thermacells: These devices are available as lanterns, table décor, and a version that can be clipped to your belt. Each Thermacell contains a fuel cell and a small sheet coated with an insecticide that heats up, creating an almost odorless barrier for bugs. While very handy and effective outside, the components for Thermacells must be re-ordered and refilled inside the devices to remain bug-free all summer.
Bug Spray: Good old-fashioned bug spray to the rescue can work wonders while you’re enjoying an evening outside. Consider keeping an extra bottle or can of your preferred spray in the car so you’re armed and ready for the skeeters everywhere you go.
Clothing: Depending on your color preferences, a few scarf options and colorful bracelets containing bug repellent are available. For those adventuring deep in the woods, mosquito net suits and hats can help keep you off the mosquito buffet.
Bite Relief: If you get mosquito, gnat, or horsefly bites, consider having an itch remedy handy. From lotions and sprays to small sticks that fit nicely in your pocket, there are a few ways to alleviate the irritation. Tea tree oil rollers can be quite effective if you like a natural option.
Don’t Get Ticked! Wood ticks can be teeny-tiny. Cover yourself and use repellent if you like hiking in the woods or tall grasses. If you get a tick bite, try to identify the type of wood tick that bit you and when you may have been bitten so you can follow up with your medical provider to create a care plan. Those little ticks can cause big problems, from paralysis to flu-like symptoms, so awareness is important.
Need Help This Summer?
While summers can be a little less difficult than winters, sometimes having a helper can do wonders. Home Care Companions can help those living independently at home maintain their household and overall well-being, even if they need just a little help—like shopping for bug spray! If you need personal care, companionship services, errand running, or home cleaning, contact us at hccinfo@yourhomecarecompanions.com.
