Summer Survival

Backyard parties are part of summer. But so are bee stings, heat-induced illnesses, and sunburns. Here are some handy tips on how to handle and avoid these common summer woes.

Slurping cool summer treats brings
on the giggles.

• Bee/wasp sting. Don't pull a stinger straight out -- it will release more venom. Instead, scrape it out at an angle using a blunt object, such as a credit card. Then clean and ice the wound. Apply a baking-soda-and-water paste for 20 minutes to reduce the skin's puffiness. If the wound itches, dab a small amount of household ammonia on the affected area. Watch for signs of a severe reaction: a large area of swelling, abnormal breathing, tightness of throat and chest, dizziness, hives or rash, fainting, nausea and/or vomiting, or persistent pain or swelling for more than 72 hours. If a child or an adult experiences any of these symptoms after a bee sting, contact your physician and seek immediate medical attention.
• Heat cramps. Summer is the time to run, slide, and play catch. But one thing that slows down kids -- and adults -- is brief, severe cramps that attack arms, legs, or abdominal muscles during or after vigorous exercise in high temperatures. They are painful but not too serious. A cool place to rest and fluids should ease the pain.
• Heat exhaustion. Are you thirsty? Heat exhaustion hits when someone large or small doesn't drink enough water on a hot day. Symptoms include fatigue, clammy skin, headache, nausea, hyperventilation, and intense thirst brought on by dehydration. If these symptoms arise, move the sufferer to a cool, shady area and have him or her sip water. A tepid to cool bath is also in order. Contact a doctor if the person is too exhausted to eat or drink.
• Sunburn. Because 50-80 percent of all sun exposure occurs before the age of 18, it's especially important for parents to take extra precautions with their little ones' skin, as well as their own. For the best protection, everyone should wear a sunblock with a minimum SPF of 15. Don a hat and sunglasses when possible. If a sunburn happens, alleviate the pain by adding a half cup of cooked oatmeal to a tepid bath, and soak, then apply an aloe vera gel product to the burn. Don't use vinegar or baking soda -- these old-fashioned remedies are drying and make sunburns worse.
• Remember toy safety this summer. Want to make sure your backyard game isn't on the recall list? Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800-638-2772, or check out its Web site at www.cpsc.gov for a list of toys found unfit for kids.