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June 18, 2002
Contact: Allison Kratt, College
of Nursing News Bureau, 509/324-7218, akratt@wsu.edu
Summer Health Tips from the
Intercollegiate College of Nursing
June 21 is the first day of summer! Use these
tips to stay health and have fun
Water Safety: For an
accident-free day on the water, it is important
to abide by all local, state and national water
safety laws. Children should never swim alone.
Margaret Bruya, Intercollegiate College of
Nursing/WSU College of Nursing professor and
People's Clinic co-founder, also stresses the
importance of showering after swimming in
freshwater. This is to rid the body of any
bacteria from duck or geese excrement, which can
cause skin irritation. For assistance in reaching
Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Soothing Sunburn: Sunburned skin
is delicate so be careful not to re-burn the same
area, particularly the ears and nose. Margaret
Bruya, Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU
College of Nursing professor and People's Clinic
co-founder instructs sunburn sufferers not to
puncture blisters and not to apply any household
items, such as butter, to the burn. If the burn
covers a large area of the body, is second or
third degree or is on a young child seek
professional medical attention. For assistance in
reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Insect Bite Care: If you're
irritated by an itchy bug bite the first step
toward relief is to remove the stinger if
necessary, and apply a paste of baking soda and
water or a cold compress, says Margaret Bruya,
Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU College of
Nursing professor and People's Clinic co-founder.
If these remedies do not help, seek relief from
an over-the-counter anti-itch cream or an
antihistamine. If severe reaction occurs, such as
difficulty breathing or extreme swelling, seek
professional medical care. For assistance in
reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Swimmer's Ear: An accumulation
of water in the ears can cause a fungus known as
swimmer's ear. To prevent swimmer's ear, pay
particular attention to drying the ears after
exposure to water, says Margaret Bruya,
Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU professor
and People's Clinic co-founder. Dropping a 10%
vinegar and water solution into the ears will
help the drying-out process. It is also important
for children with tubes in their ears to insert
earplugs when swimming. For assistance in
reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Hot Weather Exercise: As the
temperature increases, exercisers need to take
precaution, especially when exercising outdoors.
Margaret Bruya, Intercollegiate College of
Nursing/WSU College of Nursing professor and
People's Clinic co-founder advises not to
exercise during the hottest part of the day,
drink lots of water and stop immediately if
feelings of light-headedness, dizziness or
fatigue occur. For assistance in reaching Bruya,
bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
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