• Reduces Symptoms of Allergies
• Unit Dose packets to Take Anywhere
• Contains the same Ingredient as Benadryl

Seasonal allergies 

 According to the National Institutes of Health, allergic reactions occur when your body's immune system tries to defend itself against something that's not dangerous, such as pollen or mold. These reactions take the form of cold-like symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. While these manifestations of allergies are minor, having something like a chronic cold can make the summer months miserable. Plus, avoiding allergy treatment can make symptoms worse and lead to more serious illnesses.

Help kids fight hay fever by packing allergy relief medications in your first-aid kit.

Bug bites 

 It's no secret that mosquitos love warm, humid weather - that's why they make such a widespread appearance during the hot summer months. If you're taking the kids out for a woodsy adventure or you'll be spending plenty of time around the campfire, then you'll likely run into these not-so-friendly insects. Most people are sensitive to their bites, and the allergic reaction involves itching, irritation and small red bumps. Make sure you have a Benadryl Itch Relief Stick with you to help relieve the discomfort of those bug bites. You can also use Sting Relief Pads to alleviate bug-sting pain from bees, wasps, hornets and mosquitos.

Itchiness and discomfort aren't the only problems that come with mosquito bites; these bugs can also carry diseases, such as the West Nile virus. Therefore, it's important not just to treat the bites but to also prevent them from happening in the first place. Though this isn't always a practical solution, try avoiding the outdoors in the early morning and after dusk, as this is when they are most prevalent. Otherwise, have everyone use insect repellant to ward off the mosquitos.

Make sure you know if any of the kids have bee-sting allergies. They may need injectable epinephrine prescribed from their doctor rather than just relief pads and ointment. However, some kids may not realize they are allergic to bees if they've never been stung before. In all bee- or wasp-sting cases, you'll have to spot the signs of a severe allergic reaction. If a child is stung and exhibits symptoms of anaphylaxis (a bodily reaction that can be fatal) such as vomiting, fainting, feeling of tightness in the chest and wheezing, seek medical attention immediately. Implement these allergy relief strategies to have a stress-free summer.

Limit exposure to pollen in and around your home 

One of the biggest offenders of allergy sufferers is Pollen, mold or other allergens that we are exposed to when we walk outside. Did you know that some plants don't release pollen? If you have a garden, choose your plants wisely, selecting geraniums, daises or even irises. These plants don't have pollen. Grass is another tough one. Most of us have grass that needs to be cut. Pollen and mold are disturbed and thrown into the air when cutting the lawn so wear a mask or get someone else to cut the grass for you. 

Finding the right time to be outside 

It can make all the difference in the world. The time of day will determine how many allergens are in the air. Watch the allergy reports and you will see that pollen counts are lower in the morning and evening hours. It is no coincidence that the winds are lower during those times too. Windy days usually mean higher pollen counts. Days that are cool and rainy usually have lower counts. Not only is the time of day important, but know your seasons.  For example, if you are allergic to cottonwood trees,  you might want to avoid spending time outside during the 2 week period they shed their seeds.  So, knowing what your allergic too can help you avoid going outside at certain times of the year.

Wearing the right clothes can protect and provide added relief 

After you have been exposed 

Dr. Hansa Bhargava recommends changing clothes and showering after you have been exposed to allergens. For example, ragweed pollen can attach to your clothes, hair or skin while outdoors. Coming inside might help but you are still potentially carrying the pollen with you. Getting out of those clothes and showering will remove the allergen from your skin and provide added relief. The sooner you do this, the quicker the relief will be. 

When all else fails, taking an over the counter antihistamine allergy medicine. This medication will provide temporary relief from itchy, watery eyes. It can also help the runny nose and scratchy throat caused by drainage.  If you know your are allergic, and plan to spend time being exposed to pollen or other allergens, you may want to consider taking the medicine before you go out.  As always, consult with your physician before taking any medications.

How to get rid of spring allergies

Plan ahead for allergy season

Talk with your doctor

Don’t settle for the same old strategy

Limit Your Exposure

This is part 2 of "5 Outdoor Health Tips To Remember".  As we spend time outdoors, we wanted to highlight several important tips to help you enjoy the outdoor experience.  In part 1, we talked about heat and sun related illnesses.  This article will cover the last 3 outdoor health & safety tips which include summer allergies, insects and poisonous plants.  The reality is that any one of these can ruin our fun and potentially send us indoors or even worse, the hospital.   Let's take a closer look at how we can treat and prevent these potentially dangerous hazards.

#3 - Summer Allergies

Plants & Pollen - Weeds, grass and other plants are very active with pollen during the summer.  Most allergies can be combated by taking the counter allergy medicine. For itchiness and hives a common product like Benadryl might help. For those who are sensitive to plants and pollen, avoid areas of overgrown plants if at all possible.

Dust allergies - People with dust allergies will have an increase in symptoms due to time spent outdoors. Summer construction and the increase in humidity can increase dust activity as well. Similar to those allergic to pollen, dust allergy sufferers may require medication to stop the symptoms. Severe cases may require a doctor's diagnosis and treatment. Beyond taking medication, keeping the home clean and minimizing in home humidity can help.

Allergies due to insect bites - Insect bites are always a common occurrence during the summer due to the increase in bug activity.  Bug bites can be eased by a allergy cream or an insect wipe to help relieve the pain or itchiness.  Insect activity is at its highest during summer months. Avoiding insects is near impossible, however, using repellent and staying covered up can help prevent insect bites from happening.

#4 - Insects

Mosquitoes - These pesky insects are generally found in areas of tall grass or brush, or areas of standing water.  When mosquitoes bite, they leave itchy red bumps. Using an allergy cream or an insect wipe can help with itchiness and pain.  Using a mosquito repellant can help in keeping them away before they bite. Another good way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to spray areas of activity such as the backyard with a insect repellent as well.

Bees - Bees can live just about anywhere, but they most often are found in wooded areas or near homes and parks.  Bee stings hurt and if you're allergic, they can be dangerous. If allergic to bees, avoidance is the best policy. If a bee sting occurs using a sting wipe may help. If it's a severe reaction seek medical help immediately.  Those with known severe reactions should always keep an EpiPen® close by.  Bee hives and nests should be avoided until a professional can rid the area. Sprays can be used as an effective deterrent as well. 

Ticks - Ticks are generally found in tall grasses and wooded areas. They sometimes attach themselves to animals so it's best to be aware of your pets when they come in from outdoors. Ticks can be avoided using a bug spray or wipes. If a tick attaches to the skin they should be carefully removed using tweezers making sure to get all of the bug.   Just like bees and mosquitoes, ticks can be dealt with using repellents. When outdoors keeping covered up as much as possible can limit tick activity. See our helpful article about Ticks & Lyme disease here.

#5 - Summer Plants

Poison Ivy - Poison ivy is a plant that is known for its three leaves and can be found in wooded areas and among other wild plants.  If there is contact with poison ivy, wash the entire affected area with soap and warm water as soon as possible. There are also products designed to protect and neutralize the oils that cause this severe irritation.  If contracted, special washing solutions can help as well.  Make sure to wash all clothing worn as well.  Avoid uncertain plants and cover up when spending time in wooded areas. 

Poison Oak - According to healthline.com “Poison oak rash is an allergic reaction to the leaves or stems of the western poison oak plant. The plant looks like a leafy shrub and can grow up to six feet tall. In shady areas, the plant can grow like a climbing vine.”  When treating poison oak, follow the steps taken in treating poison ivy.  Just like poison ivy, the best prevention is avoidance. Covering exposed skin and using a pre-contact ivy product such as Ivy X Pre-Contact Poison Oak & Ivy wipes will also help avoid contracting a sever rash or blisters.

Enjoying outdoor activities doesn't have to be a hazard.  Remember these 5 outdoor health & safety tips and have have fun.  If this article has been helpful, why not share it with your friends on your favorite social media platform?  

Select a container

Gather your gauze & tape

Basic bandages

Antiseptics & Burns

Medicines

Miscellaneous Supplies 

Final Assembly

Accidents are never expected

While summer is in full swing, families are enjoying their summer break. Before too long however, it will be "back to school time". Summer is the perfect time to plan and prepare for the next upcoming school year.  With this in mind, we wanted to highlight 3 important areas you and your child should plan for and discuss.  Spend a minute and learn about school health, first aid and safety.

Back to school first aid

The next most common injuries are sprains and strains. As school starts, so begins the after school activities and their potential injuries. Sprains and strains can happen in many ways, but generally they come as a result of improper stretching and overexertion of muscles and joints. Some light stretching and warming up before the action can help prevent injury. If an injury does occur, it's best to stop the activity and get the injury looked at by a trainer or doctor. The Mayo Clinic says to rest up, ice and elevate the injured area. 

School Health

School Safety & Preparedness

Unless we walk around in a suit or armor, we will at one time or another have to deal with minor cuts, scrapes, burns and sprains.  Sometimes these injuries can be a little more severe and first aid will need to be administered.  The majority of injuries are not life threatening but still need treatment.  Here are 5 ways to prepare for a medical emergency.