Summer Survival Tips

Ok – summer has arrived for most parts of the country. Now is the time to prepare yourself for some great weather and all that comes with it. Here are survival tips:

For Insect Bites

  > Meat tenderizer. Make a paste with tenderizer and water. Apply to sting or bite.

  > Toothpaste, regular flavored, when applied to stings (especially fire ant bites) will relieve itching immediately.

  > Orajel – small amount applied to the bite will numb the area.

  > Great no-ice icepack. Keep a handful of popcorn kernels in a small, sealed plastic bag and store it in the freezer. The bag takes up little room and always ready to use.

Poison Ivy

  > Witch hazel applied to the affected area  soothes the itching.

  > Instant tea helps dry the poison ivy. Add one 8 oz jar of tea to warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes. The tannic acid soothes and dries the poison ivy.

For Rashes

  > Add 1/2 cup baking soda to warm bath and soak for 15 minutes.

  > Oatmeal bath – In a blender, blend 1 cup of oatmeal until it is powder. Place in a nylon stocking and tie the stocking closed. Place the oatmeal filled nylon stocking in a tub of warm water.

  > Cornstarch – sprinkle on rashes. It will help relive the temptation to itch.

I will be in Boston for the next 2 days but will over more summer tips when I return.