|
July 12, 2004
Contact: Susan Nielsen, College
of Nursing News Bureau, 509/991-9151, susann@wsu.edu Mid Summer Tips for Staying Active and HealthyPrevent Poison Ivy: Summer treks through wooded areas may increase the risk of coming into contact with poison ivy. If you happen upon poison ivy you will see three pointed leaflets that are reddish when they emerge in the spring, turn green during the summer, and become various shades of yellow, orange or red in the autumn. A red and itchy rash will appear within 12-48 hours if contact with poison ivy does occur. To reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, immediately wash the area with water. Next, dab or pour rubbing alcohol over the area (this may sting). Avoid rubbing or scratching the area, as this can spread the rash. Finally, carefully wash all clothing and anything else that may have come into contact with the plant, including fingernails. Sandy Forsman, a family nurse practitioner on the Spokane Ronald McDonald Care Mobile at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, advises to wear long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors to the decrease risk of poison ivy. If contact does occur, use a mild ointment such as Calamine Lotion to relieve itching and soak the area in cool water for 20 minutes or massage with an ice cube or pack. As hard as it may be, avoid scratching, as it may cause an infection. For assistance in reaching Forsman, sforsman@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing marketing and communications manager, at (509) 991-9151, susann@wsu.edu or Tiffany Hayes, College of Nursing communications intern, at (509) 324-7218, icncommunications@wsu.edu. Summer Smog: A combination of hot summer days and a growing population have caused smog in Spokane to reach levels that approach the limits of federal clean air standards. Children are at especially high risk of breathing elevated levels of ozone because they tend to be outdoors and active for longer periods of time than adults. It is best for people of all ages to avoid strenuous activity during mid-day on hot days, particularly when ozone levels peak. Margaret Bruya, assistant dean for academic health services, professor and co-founder of People’s Clinic at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, says that high levels of smog may worsen symptoms for those who suffer from chronic asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. For assistance in reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing marketing and communications manager, at (509) 991-9151, susann@wsu.edu or Tiffany Hayes, College of Nursing communications intern, at (509) 324-7218, icncommunications@wsu.edu. Get out in the garden: Gardening is a healthy hobby many people enjoy during the summer months. While digging, bending and breathing in all the fresh air is excellent for your health, these simple precautions can make it a safe and healthy activity.
When gardening, it is important to keep water nearby and remain hydrated. Margaret Bruya, assistant dean for academic health services, professor and co-founder of People’s Clinic at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, says heat causes our bodies to lose additional fluid due to increased sweat. Bruya advises protecting the head and neck from heat stroke by wearing a hat or visor. This is important because the neck is the area of the body directly connected to the brain’s temperature regulation system. This makes drinking eight full glasses of water a day even more important. For assistance in reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing marketing and communications manager, at (509) 991-9151, susann@wsu.edu or Tiffany Hayes, College of Nursing communications intern, at (509) 324-7218, icncommunications@wsu.edu. •0410• |
|||||||||||