Summer Survival Tips to Take On Sun, Bugs, and Aches and Pains

Enjoy these balmy days by preparing for summer's pitfalls...

By The LifeMinute Team

July 27, 2016

Laurie Jennings from the Good Housekeeping Institute fills us in on the rules for a safe and happy summer. The key? Be prepared!

Sun Smarts

First and foremost, wear sunscreen. "I know that might sound obvious to some of you, but sunscreen is key to avoiding that big bad sunburn. At the Good Housekeeping Institute we vet thousands of these products every year." Two that have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal that you can trust to help you protect against sunburn? "Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair and Olay ProX Age Repair. Both contain moisturizers and contain SPF 30, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will really help you protect against sunburn." Expert tip: Don't just wear it in the pool; reapply throughout the day, every two hours minimum for the best possible protection against premature aging and skin cancer.

Bug Off!

Don't forget the bug spray. "Especially this year with concerns about Zika virus, make sure that that you're using a bug spray that contains DEET, so make sure to look for it on the ingredient list as you shop,," says Jennings.

Be-Careful Kit

Once you've checked off bugs and sunburn, get prepared for minor blisters, aches and sprains. The best way to protect yourself against those things is to create an on-the-go first aid kit. "At the Good Housekeeping Institute we now recommend Cardinal Health's Advanced Care Wound Dressings. These products have recently earned the Good Housekeeping Seal and we stand behind that to protect those blisters and those minor cuts and scrapes," says Jennings.

Water Works

Swimming? Ensure that you never enter the water with an open cut or wound. "Try something like Cardinal Health's Water Resistant Transparent Dressing, their Hydrocolloid Dressing or their Silicone-Bordered Foam Dressing. Put one of these bandages on your skin over the wound and it will create a barrier so no water or debris can get inside. You'll have a much more comfortable experience that won't lead to infection," Jennings says.

Strains And Sprains

It's so easy to hurt yourself while you're out running around the park. Says Jennings: "Keep Cardinal Health's Instant Thermal products on hand, both hot and cold. These are really helpful to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation."

For more information on those products visit Cardinalhealth.com/products for a full list of products for your first aid kit.

For more information on great summertime essentials and wonderful tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute, visit good housekeeping.com.