Wow - July already? Summer is most certainly here! I hope we don’t suffer from a drought like last year… We’ve been in the 90’s for a while, here. It’s nice - but hot! We pretty much live outside when it’s Spring & Summer (and even in the Fall). We grill a lot and eat outside on the deck. My kids enjoy being out… as do my husband and I. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?

My kiddos know they must apply sun block before going out to swim, play, etc. I don’t even have to tell them to stop and let me apply it. I use Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 (love it) on both of them. Is there something better? I am sure most know that skin cancer prevention begins in childhood (most adults’ lifelong sun exposure occurred during their childhood/teenage years). My son wishes he wasn’t so “white” and was more toned like his sister. He knows the importance of not frying in the sun and that he should protect his skin, tho. I have some freckles (ugh). He got the freckles, she didn’t…. perhaps that’s why she’s more toned than he?

One bad thing about Summer nights is Mosquito’s LOVE me… and it seems they love my daughter, too. Thankfully, they haven’t been too bad this year (so far). I do not know why they prefer us to the guys in the house (perhaps we’re sweeter!! Yeah, that’s it). Do they love to bite you, too?? I can usually just put on some pants and will be fine - same for my little girl. However, when we roam the fields and such it’s nearly a must to protect from the insects. I found two deer ticks on me, so far. I loathe ticks! I rarely find them on us tho… My hubby says he doesn’t mind checking me for ticks tho… hahaha (You ever heard that country song??) I would love to hear what you’ve found to be the best insect repellent - please share! I saw that OFF! has some wipe type do-hinkys - I wonder if they work?!

I am NOT a water lover (drinking water, that is). I can’t stand plain water… Ick. So, I really have to watch myself in the summer to make sure I drink enough. I add flavor to mine… but thankfully I’ve brought up the kids as water lovers so they don’t struggle with it as much as I. My hubby works outside (and my Dad, too) and I feel for them on days when it’s scorching outside - hot and humid. I always wonder if they hydrate themselves enough. I feel for folks who live in hot or humid areas and work outside in the heat. One thing I’d love tips on is lunch food. What is good to have/pack on a very hot day. My hubby can’t eat when he’s out workin’ in this heat -it makes him sick… and we struggle on what he should eat for lunch, daily.

SO - keep cool and enjoy summer and life… that’s what I’m trying to do. I much prefer the wonderful sun and warmth to the cold… so I hope the season doesn’t fly by.

Here are some Summer time tips for you and those kiddos to remember - The Clorox Company and MommyDocs teamed up with this info :

• Have a Sun Protection Strategy/Routine: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don’t forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
• Keep Pests off: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellent. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted “swimmers,” after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
• High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Prevent it by taking breaks in the shade, avoid playing or working outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure you are taking in plenty of fluids before you become thirsty.
• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itches: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and pic-nics in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose you to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the doctor about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away

Click over for more information and safety tips.

Posted on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 at 10:23 am. Filed MCBlog. Scroll down to comment. Pinging is not allowed.