Vacation Health Tips

general health status, alcohol consumption and wet clothing. To avoid developing hypothermia wear warm, layered, dry clothing, take plenty of indoor breaks on cold days and avoid alcohol consumption. Early symptoms of hypothermia include fatigue, mood changes, distorted thinking and impaired motor skills. If you or any of your friends begin to show signs of symptoms mentioned above, the person needs to be placed indoors and in dry clothing immediately. If the symptoms do not improve within two hours, or if they become worse, seek medical attention.

Sunburn

The sun’s rays are much more powerful at Lake Tahoe due to the increased elevation. We receive approximately five (5) times the amount of ultraviolet rays here as compared to sea level, due to the thinner atmosphere. People with light colored hair and eyes are even more susceptible to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. We recommend high-protection sunscreen with one of the esters of PABA. For initial exposure use 15 or 20 SPF. There are also lip balms with PABA or zinc oxide. If you develop sunburn without blisters it may be helpful to apply cool compresses, take aspirin for pain and Benadryl for itching. When blisters develop it is considered a second degree burn. Do not pop blisters and stay out of the sun. You should see a physician for facial blisters with cloudy or pus-type drainage. Sunglasses effective in blocking ultraviolet radiation are also necessary to protect your eyes, especially if you are out on the lake. Sunburned eyes need medical attention for significant pain, drainage, blurred vision or scratchy sensation.

Insect Bites

Most insect bites do not require medical attention and can be treated at home. Remove the stinger if possible; apply cool compresses to area and keep it elevated. Usually this treatment will suffice. You should seek medical attention if you have an allergy to the offending insect. Symptoms of allergy include skin rash, itching and difficulty breathing. If you have difficulty breathing, you should phone the nearest emergency medical service for an ambulance. Other important symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, red streaks on the skin or pus drainage from the bite area. Any person with symptoms should seek medical care.

Prevention is the key. If you are going into an area where you are likely to be exposed to many insects, Be sure to use a good insect repellent. Avoid wearing perfume, or perfumed lotions and cosmetics as they may attract insects. Also keep exposed skin covered, especially after dark.

Many common insect repellents have the potential to cause toxic reactions if repeatedly applied directly on children’s skin. One offending chemical is diet hyltoluamide, found in most over-thecounter insect repellents. It should be applied only when needed, in small amounts, and not repeatedly for more than one or two days. A small amount can be put on the child’s clothing, hat brim or baby carrier rather than on the skin.