As part of our community service program at the Hansen School-
Grade 5 will be announcing a weekly health tip each Tuesday.
Welcome to this week’s health tip.
Welcome to our final week of the “Getting ready for summer fun health tips.”
If you've ever played outside, chances are you've been bugged by insects or other crawly creatures. Maybe unwelcome ants joined you at a picnic in the park or a bee buzzed around your head while you were playing catch.
None of this may have bothered you — unless you were bitten or stung. Ouch! It's enough to make you stay indoors. But the outdoors can still be a great place to play if you know a little bit more about insects.
Mosquitoes hang out anywhere people; food or pools of still water are found. They are most active during dawn and dusk. Ticks are found in wooded areas and tall grass. Bees and wasps love sweet smelling food and drinks and can have nests in unlikely places outdoors.
If you follow these common sense tips you may avoid being bitten or stung.
- Do not use scented soaps, perfume or hairspray when heading outside.
- Do not walk barefoot while on the grass and avoid areas where insects nest or gather together.
- Make sure outside garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and keep sweet smelling food or drink covered when you are eating outdoors.
- Wear insect repellent when you are outside. Try to avoid early morning hours at dawn and before dark when planning outside activities.
- If you go hiking, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants tucked into your socks and shoes to avoid ticks. And always have an adult check you for ticks if you've been playing in the woods.
If anything bites or stings you, make sure you let an adult know. He or she will look at the bite or sting to see what needs to be done. Try not to scratch and wash the area with soap and water.
Always remember that playing outside is a lot of fun — bugs or no bugs. With a little bit of care, you can have fun even when the insects come marching in! Finally, remember summer is a time to rest, relax and enjoy time with family. Have a wonderful vacation, and remember to stay healthy.
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