I went to our local strawberry farm and all I got was this nasty bee sting.
Not exactly a winning t-shirt design, but 100 percent true, nonetheless.
A couple of weeks ago our entire clan headed out on our annual trek to the u-pick strawberry patch to pluck my daughter’s very favorite fruit.
After two hours in the blistering heat, we came away with about 10 pounds of the sweet and succulent summertime treat. In addition, I scored a bee sting that turned my shoulder as red as the ripest strawberry.
While I am not allergic to bee stings, for some reason, I experienced a really bad reaction this time around. It was so bad that I ended up seeking medical care at a local clinic. While there I got schooled from trained nurses on how to protect my entire family from summer’s flying predators.
Interestingly, the nurse told me that wasps, bees and hornets should be the least of a parent’s worry this time of year. Rather, moms and dads should be focusing on protecting kids from mosquitos.
Summer is primetime for the annoying little flying creatures, which apparently, could be carrying dangerous viruses that can harm children far worse than a single bee sting. Doctors are most concerned with West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis which are transmitted to humans via mosquitos.
Parents are urged to protect their kids from mosquitos by applying bug spray. However, when using bug repellent containing DEET on your child it is important to do so sparingly. Most parents don’t realize that increasing the amount of bug spray they apply to a child’s skin does not increase its effectiveness.
Other tips I received include:
1. Adults should apply bug spray on younger kids, so they don’t get it on their fingers, eyes and in their mouths.
2. Younger kids should not be covered with bug spray that contains more than 10 percent DEET. A product containing 10 percent DEET will typically provide up to two hours protection.
3. DEET products should not be used on children younger than 6 months old.
4. Wash off your child’s skin when they come inside.
5. If your child has a cut, rash or eczema, do not put DEET on that part of their skin.
6. Do not use products that combine sunscreen and DEET, as sunscreen should be reapplied, while DEET should only be used once a day.
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