Stay Healthy This Summer

 

Some of the ways your pharmacist can help are: 

  • Medication reviews
  • Counselling on medications
  • Provide advice on reducing medication side effects
  • Assess and prescribe for mild urticaria (including bites and stings)   

 

Summer and your medication

  • Make sure you are storing your medication in proper temperatures.
  • Know which medications can cause dehydration.
  • Don’t leave your medication in the car, the heat can cause some medications to have a decreased potency. Ask your pharmacist how to properly store your medication.
  • Ask your pharmacist if any medication will interact with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

 

Sun Safety

  • Stay out of the sun between its hottest hours, 10:00a.m and 4:00p.m.
  • Wear hats, and light coloured lightweight clothing.
  • Wear sunglasses that have UV protection.
  • Use a sunscreen that is broad spectrum (protects against UVA & UVB) that has a minimum SPF of 30.
  • Reapply sunscreen frequently and immediately after swimming.
  • Ask a pharmacist about appropriate creams and painkillers to relieve sunburn symptoms.
  • Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before exposure and re-apply at least every 2 hours.
  • Apply sunscreen before insect repellent.

 

Vacation ready

  • Make sure all your required shots are up to date before leaving.
  • Make sure the medications you bring with you is legal in other countries.
    • If you have concerns or questions about this contact the country’s foreign government office in Canada before your trip or visit a travel clinic.
  • Take some medication in your carry-on in case your checked luggage gets delayed or lost.
  • Make sure you have enough medication to last a few days more than the planned trip in case of delays.
  • Keep medication in original packaging with the label attached.
  • Bring a copy of your prescription and the reason why you are taking this medication with you in your carry-on baggage.
  • If you are traveling to another time zone remember to adjust the time you take your medication.
  • Ask your pharmacist about non-prescription medications that could be useful to take with you on vacation.
  • It is important to include a travel health kit with some first aid supplies on any of your travel plans this summer.

 

Stay Hydrated & Eat Right Wherever You Are

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid juices high in sugar, pop, alcohol.
  • Drink continually throughout the day not just during times of physical activity.
  • Eat small meals more often.
  • Eat healthy.

 

Protecting against Bug Bites

  • Protect infants from bug bites by using netting over their strollers and beds.
  • Use icaridin insect repellent to protect anyone over the age of six months.
  • Insect repellent containing up to 10% DEET can be used in those 2-12 and those 12 and older can use up to 30% DEET.
  • Lightly apply insect repellant to exposed skin. Do not apply to cuts, or irritated skin.
  • Wear tightly woven pants and shirts that cover the arms and legs.

 

Treating insect bites

  • Wash the bitten area with warm water and soap.
  • Apply a wet cloth or ice pack to relieve skin irritation.
  • Ask your pharmacist about over the counter medication that could relieve itching and other related bug bite symptoms.
  • Seek medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms shortly after being bitten:
    • Nausea/vomiting
    • Tightness in the throat or chest
    • Abdominal pain
    • Swollen throat
    • Changes in heart rate
    • Dizziness/fainting
    • Itchiness all over the body
    • Hives.

 

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