Summer is just around the corner! And with kids being out of school, many families decide to take their kids on a fun-filled vacation. In fact, 96% of Americans agree that taking vacations is important. So if you’re one of the many parents who is planning a family vacation, you’ve probably got a lot on your mind. From planning activities to finding appropriate lodging, vacation planning is quite involved. But one important thing you shouldn’t forget about is safety. In particular, skin safety. Sunburns, heat rash, poison ivy, and bug bites can all not only make vacation miserable, but can be a big health hazard. So how can you protect your family while on vacation?
No matter what type of vacation you’re planning for your family, you’re most likely going to be spending time in the sun. And while it’s great to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, you need to keep up with sun-safety habits to ensure you and your family avoid painful sunburns. If you’re vacationing near water, you need to be extra careful about applying sunscreen because long days at the beach can quickly lead to getting burned. Additionally, the sun can easily reflect off of the water, making it even easier to get burned. One place people don’t think to apply sunscreen is in a car or on a plane. While it may seem a little silly to put sunscreen on when you’re technically not outside, sun rays can penetrate through the glass windows and cause burns. So no matter where you’re going, always make sure you’re diligent about applying sunscreen. This way, you can be sure to avoid painful sunburns that can lead to bigger health concerns.
With poison ivy being present in every state aside from Alaska and Hawaii, there’s a good chance your family could run into this poisonous plant if you’re headed into wooded areas during your trip. Poison ivy is an extremely itchy, uncomfortable rash that can certainly put a damper on your vacation. Over-the-counter treatments like calamine lotion, antihistamines, or hydrocortisone cream can help manage this rash, but it often needs medical treatment to completely heal the rash. So to avoid being subjected to this rash, make sure you are aware of what poisonous plants look like before heading into the woods. Additionally, it’s a good idea to wear long clothing to prevent plants from brushing up against your skin.
And last but not least, it’s important to be aware of bug bites and stings. Bugs are going to be present whether you’re at the beach or in the woods. While most bug bites are slight annoyances, other bites, like tick bites, can be pretty dangerous. Some bugs, like ticks and mosquitoes, can carry dangerous diseases that can be transmitted through bites. So if someone in your family sustains a bug bite, make sure to keep a close eye on it and seek medical attention if it begins to get worse. And to avoid bug bites in the first place, use insect repellents and try to cover up with as much clothing as possible, especially when you’re outside at dawn or dusk.
Hopefully, these tips will help keep your family safe on your trip. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, always remember that safety comes first.