Being well prepared for a summer nature activity

During summer, it’s nice to be able to practise activities outdoors to enjoy nature. Here is how you can savour these moments safely.

Proper hydration

It is vital to drink a sufficient amount of water―adequate hydration helps to ensure the balance of several bodily functions. Some people don’t tend to drink a lot of water during the day, while for others, having a bottle of water in hand is almost a necessity. It is essential to drink plenty of water during a summer activity outdoors to ensure optimal hydration.

In summer, the risks of dehydration are higher mainly due to the sun and heat. When physical activity is added to this picture, the risks increase tenfold and this is when we are exposed to the consequences of dehydration, such as heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature is too high and the body’s defence mechanisms such as sweating are no longer sufficient to bring it down. Heatstroke must be treated urgently, as it can be serious and in the worst cases, life threatening.

For additional information on the subject, read the following texts:

 

Protecting against mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are virtually small vampires that love to find new victims during the summertime. Outdoor activities can be overshadowed by these pesky insects. Some insect bites, like those of mosquitoes or ticks, can cause unpleasant symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling. Most importantly, these insects can be carriers of certain diseases that can be transmitted to humans, like the West Nile virus (mosquitoes) or Lyme disease (ticks).

This is why it is wise to bring insect repellent with you to use before and during a nature activity, especially in areas conducive to insects, like the woods, for instance. Several insect repellents are available at the pharmacy. Since each product has its own particularities, it is best to consult your pharmacist to make the right product choice. Additionally, in the event of an insect bite, the pharmacist can advise you on the measures to be taken to relieve symptoms.

If you’d like to know more about it, we recommend that you read the following texts:

 

Sun protection

When you decide to practise a nature activity, whether of short or of long duration, you must protect your skin from the sun's rays. Sun protection should be a priority regardless of the time of day, weather and the type of outdoor activity. There are a variety of protective measures, but applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to any exposed areas of the skin is key.

Although getting too much sun may be considered a minor blunder without consequence, in reality, its repercussions can sometimes be serious. A sunburn and heatstroke are both direct consequences of overexposure to the sun. Both of these problems can be prevented, but when they do occur, effective treatment is required.

To learn more about sun protection, read the following texts:

 

First aid

Whether you’re riding a bike, running or hiking, minor injuries can occur at any time: scrapes, cuts, burns, splinters, sprains, etc. When this happens, it’s good to have basic knowledge and adequate equipment to provide first aid.

For additional information on the subject, read the following texts:

Consult your pharmacist as many times as needed for a healthy and safe summer!

×

Send to a friend

Being well prepared for a summer nature activity

During summer, it’s nice to be able to practise activities outdoors to enjoy nature. Here is how you can savour these moments safely.
From:
To:
×
Pick up in store
Please click on Search to display the results.
×
Store change

Loading...