That's Fit

Mosquito season has arrived -- I spent much of last weekend swatting them off my exposed neck, ankles and arms on a rock climbing trip. I try to avoid insect repellent, if at all possible. I don't like rubbing chemicals into my skin or the chemical aftertaste when spray drifts onto my tongue.

Besides waiting for a big wind to blow the buzzers away, what if you could simply slip into an insect repellent outfit? With Buzz Off Insect Shield, you can carry your flyswatter right on your back thanks to a wide line of repellent apparel. Also repels ticks, chiggers, ants, flies and no-see-ums, too. Insect Shield Apparel binds fibers with permethrin, a man-made version of the natural repellent found in chrysanthemum plants.

At the retail level, you can find Insect Shield Repellent Apparel through ExOfficio, REI, Orvis, Mad Dog Gear, L.L. Bean and Sloggers. You can also Insect Shield your own favorite outdoor gear, which will last for 70 launderings. Of admirable note, Buzz Off is providing their repellent apparel to relief workers and at-risk populations around the globe to prevent insect-borne diseases. To give you an idea of the variety of Insect Shield apparel available, don't miss the gallery!

It's that time of year again. When my son plays outside until the very last minute I'll allow. Then, later, as he's lying in bed he starts to complain of this spot or that spot. Invariably, I don't see anything in the spots he's pointing to. It seems odd because when I get a bug bite I flare up terribly. But flare-up or no flare-up, itchy bug bites drive my son just insane.

I prefer to use home remedies on my son's insect bites more often than not. My old stand-by is mixing baking soda with a bit of warm water and creating a paste. It's soothing and seems to take the sting away quite quickly. I've used it on both mosquito bites and bee stings.

Health911 has some more ideas on home remedies for insect bites. Some of their recommendations include rubbing apple cider vinegar on the skin as an insect repellent, dabbing dissolved Epsom salts on insect bites, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and using a paste of meat tenderizer to reduce the sting of bites.

It's that time of year again. The first 2008 case of West Nile virus has been reported. A Phoenix-area man in his 60s is said to have contracted the virus; he's been released from the hospital and is recovering.

As spring continues to spring forth around the country, mosquitoes will be out and about. Here's a quick refresher course on protecting yourself from contracting the West Nile virus:

• Use insect repellent when outdoors.
• Eliminate any areas of standing water (birdbaths, kid-sized pools, bases of flower pots, etc) around your home.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Install window and door screens and repair any holes or loose spots in existing screens.

Ahhh, summer. It's a time for picnics, backyard parties, patios -- and, of course, the beach. But when heading to the beach, it's important to be prepared, and this list of beach-bag must-haves has some great suggestions for what to take. Here's my lowdown on beach basics:

• Sunscreen: That SPF in your makeup will only last so long. Bring some and apply it often. It's a must.
• Insect repellent: Also a must, especially if you're in Manitoba. Trust me.
  
• Sunglasses
• Something to sit on. A towel works.
• Your bathing suit. Duh.
• Water. You need to keep hydrated when you're out in the sun.
• A healthy snack, like fresh fruit or sanwiches, in case you find yourself being lured by the Ice Cream Stand
• A book
• A hat, to avoid that pesky scalp burn where you part your hair. Ick!

What's a must when you go to the beach?