With the unofficial start to summer kicking off this weekend, The GIANT Company pharmacists are reminding customers to stock up on a few essentials to ensure plenty of healthy fun in the sun this summer.
“Whether your calendar is filled with sporting events and backyard barbecues, or you are road tripping, keeping a few basic safety tips in mind and being prepared with items such as sunscreen and a first aid kit are extra important throughout the summer season. One bad sunburn can really put a damper on your fun,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “The GIANT Company pharmacists are available as a resource to customers. In addition to filling prescriptions and administering vaccinations, they can also provide summer product suggestions and keep you up-to-date with health information.”
Here are the top four summer essentials The GIANT Company pharmacy team recommends to always have on hand for you and your family this season:
- Sunscreen. A half-hour before leaving the house, slather sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to allow time for it to absorb into your skin. Use waterproof sunscreen when participating in activities in and around water. And remember to reapply throughout the day as sunscreen does wear off, even if the product is waterproof. You can still get sunburned on overcast days, so be sure to put sunscreen on every day.
- Insect repellant. Cover as much skin as possible to protect yourself from bug bites. Bug spray is safest when applied to clothing and should be applied only to skin that is exposed, avoiding one’s face. Repellents do not need to be applied heavily and should be applied after sunscreen. Mosquito and tick repellant patches are also options to stick on both kid and adult clothing to help ward off bugs. Remember to always store any insect repellent safely out of reach of children and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after use.
- Hydrate. Drink plenty of water throughout the day before you feel thirsty. Be sure to carry a bottle of water with you to remind you to drink more often, especially whenever you are outdoors. Try adding a splash of 100% juice or cut fruit to your water for different flavors. In addition, most fruits and vegetables are made up of more than 80% water, so including a variety of produce in your diet can also help you stay hydrated! Drinks with caffeine and alcohol should be avoided or drunk in moderation as they can dehydrate your body.
- First aid kit. Keep a first aid kit stocked and centrally located, or keep a smaller, modified version in the car when on-the-go between summer activities. The GIANT Company pharmacists recommend including bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers, and extra sunscreen. Calamine lotion and baking soda are great to help treat itchy bug bites. Over the counter pain relievers and antacids are also essential for headaches or indigestion which might hinder your plans.
Finally, if your summer plans have you traveling aboard, The GIANT Company pharmacists can also get you adventure-ready with a pre-travel health consultation. This includes vaccines, prescription referrals, and over-the-counter medications, including but not limited to yellow fever vaccine, typhoid vaccine, cholera vaccine, malaria prevention, altitude sickness prevention, and more. Bring your insurance card and travel itinerary and stop by one of the 37 participating GIANT pharmacies that offer pre-travel health consultations. More information and a list of participating pharmacies can be found here: https://giantfoodstores.com/pages/pharmacy-services
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