Outdoor Safety
Camping season is here and it’s time for fun for the whole family. Before you head out into the great outdoors, it is essential to know how to identify outdoor hazards as well as how to treat wounds from those hazards.
Poison Ivy:
How to Identify – Poison ivy plants have three pointed leaves that change colors with the seasons, reddish in the spring, green in the summer, and yellow, orange, or red in the fall. On most plants, the leaves have rough edges; on others, the leaves have smooth edges. 
How to treat Poison Ivy rash – If you have an allergic reaction to poison ivy, use a cold compress or calamine lotion to relieve the itching. If the rash is near your eyes or covers a large part of your body, call a doctor immediately.
Insect Bites:
How to Identify – There are many different types of insects that bite or sting. Some bites and stings are painful and some can also spread illness. Bites from mosquitoes are itchy and uncomfortable, but are usually harmless. Identifying a bug bite by how it looks and feels will help you know whether to seek medical attention or treat the skin bump at home.
How to Treat an Insect bite – Try these methods for itch relief:
• Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
• A cold compress or ice will help reduce itching and swelling.
• Calamine lotion or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream will help soothe itching.
How to Prevent an Insect bite – Apply bug spray or use wearable bug repellent bracelets with DEET. DEET is the active ingredient that normally provides protection that lasts longer than others.
Mosquitoes with the West Nile Virus:
Mosquito bites can be a nuisance. But mosquitoes also can carry illnesses. In the United States, mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus. For about 80% of people who are infected, this virus causes no symptoms. But in some people, the virus can cause severe illness and even death. 
In mild cases, symptoms may include:
• Fever
• Body aches
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Swollen glands
If you have any of the following symptoms contact your doctor immediately:
• High fever
• Muscle weakness
• Vision loss
• Neck stiffness
• Disorientation or stupor
• Tremors, convulsions, numbness, paralysis
Symptoms usually occur three days to two weeks after a bite from an infected mosquito.
Prepare yourself, as well as your family for your outdoors trip this year. Make sure to go over all the possible dangers of the outdoors as well as other safety rules while on your getaway.
For more outdoor safety information visit http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/safety/safety.shtml.
Written by: Amanda Haase