(NAPSA)—Keep you and your family safe and healthy this summer by avoiding some common trouble areas with the help of CVS pharmacist Juan Oquendo. Here, he offers answers to frequent health questions: Q. How can I protect myself from sunburn? A. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn, caused mostly by UVBrays. Sunscreens called “broad spectrum” block out both UVA and UVB rays and do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Anyone using a prescription or over-the-counter drug that is applied to the skin should check with the pharmacist about sunburn risk. Examples include erythromycin and Retin-A for acne and capsaicin topical to relieve pain associated with arthritis. Q. How do treat poison ivy? A. Reactions to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac are often marked by redness, itchiness and swelling that appears four hours to four days after contact. The symptoms usually resolve in one to three weeks without treatment. You can ease the symptomswith a cool compress and calaminelotion. Other therapies may include antihistamines by mouth or steroid creams. Ivy Block, available at drugstores, can help keep the plant’s oil from penetrating the skin. Q. How do I stay safe from bugs? A. Manyinsects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, are attracted to our body heat as well as carbon dioxide we exhale. Even though they cannot be avoided entirely, there are waysto protect yourself from bites or stings. Avoid per- . acie pharm Pharmacist Juan Oquendo says anyone using a prescription or over-the-counter drug applied to the skin should ask about a higher sunburnrisk. fumes, and wear long-sleeved shirts or long pants when in grassy areas to better see ticks. Sprays that contain permethrin are excellent guards against mosquitoes. If you or your child has ever had a serious reaction to a bee sting, you should carry an EpiPen, an injectable epinephrine kit available by prescription, with you atall times. Q. What should I keep in my medicine cabinet? A. An inexpensivefirst aid kit such as the one available at CVS/pharmacyis a good place to start or you can create your own. Some essential items include antiseptic wipes to clean wounds; antibiotic ointment such as baci- tracin to prevent infection; pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin tablets and ibuprofen; adhesive bandages and tweezers. Your pharmacist can help you pick the right products for your family. Q. Where can I get more information? A. Your pharmacy can be a great resource. Go to www.cvs.com to find the nearest one or call 1800-746-7287.
