LiveWell Vermont

Before You Go Outdoors Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. Walk in the center of trails and avoid leaf litter or shrubs. Products containing permethrin kill ticks, which can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remains protective through several washings. Use repellent containing 20% or more DEET on skin, which can protect up to several hours. Apply to children, avoiding the hands, eyes, and mouth. For detailed information about using DEET on children, see recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. After You Come Indoors Bathe or shower as soon as possible.(preferably within two hours) to find ticks that may be on you and wash them off. Conduct a full-body tick check for all parts of your body. Children should be checked under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair. ...

Do you love hiking and want to make sure you're prepared on the trail? Make sure you have these essential items on your next hike.   1.) Appropriate footwear. For shorter hikes, trail shoes are great, but for longer hikes or if you're carrying a heavier backpack a more supportive hiking shoe/boot will be beneficial. 2.) Map/Compass. Having a map and compass with you in case you get lost and in case your GPS fails, is essential. 3.) Extra water and/or a way to purify water. When you become dehydrated, your body can't perform well. Be sure to pack plenty of water. 4.) Extra food. It's always a good idea to have extra food on hand in case you get lost, you want to spend a little more time by a stream you found, the terrain was more difficult than expected and you need to keep your energy up, etc. 5.) Rain gear and extra clothing. The weather can be unpredictable especially if you're changing altitudes throughout your hike. Dressing in layers can help, av...

The summer months are here and that means spending more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine! When spending time outside, it's important to take simple steps to protect your skin from the suns harmful rays. Sunscreen is very effective at protecting your skin when used properly. Follow these simple steps to give yourself the most protection! 1.) Apply sunscreen at least 20-30 minutes before going outside. 2.) Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while you are outdoors. Reapply sunscreen more frequently if you're perspiring or go swimming/get wet. 3.) Cover all exposed areas including ears, lips, face, and back of hands. 4.) Don't skimp - apply a generous layer. Don't forget - you can pick up a free sunscreen kit with your participation in a biometric wellness screening!

When the temperatures soar into the 90's, putting on the running shoes and hitting the pavement can be really unappealing. If you find yourself struggling with your workouts in the summer heat, here are some tips to get you through the next few months! 1.) Be flexible with when you workout Check the weather often to find out the coolest times of day. If you're an early evening runner, push your run closer to sunset or wake up early and workout before work! 2.) Drink Water All Day Remember to stay hydrated all day, not just before and after your workout. Staying hydrated can help prevent dizziness, stomach cramps, and headaches that can occur if you're dehydrated during your workout. 3.) Cold Water Pouring a little cold water on your head during a workout can help cool you down. 4.) Mix up your workout routine If it's really hot and humid, go biking or swimming instead of running. 5.) Invest in the right workout gear Invest in lightweight sweat wicking ...

As the warmer weather appears, so do the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can take the fun out of a lot of outdoor summer activities so here are some great ways to protect yourself from bites! 1.) Mosquito Repellent The most effective mosquito repellents have Deet in them (bonus: deet helps protect you against ticks, which are supposed to be bad this season!) . If you're looking for a more natural option, repellents such as a lemon eucalyptus spray have also been shown to be effective. 2.) Citronella Candles Citronella can help keep the mosquitoes away. You can buy them or make your own! 3.) Lavender. Whether you have lavender plants or use lavender essential oils - mosquitoes seem to steer clear of this. 4.) Rosemary or Sage Throw rosemary or Sage on the grill during your BBQ. Not only will it add great flavor to what you're cooking, but it will keep the mosquitoes away! 5.) Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes LOVE water - they lay their eggs in standing water. Make sure...

If you're planning on participating in the Corporate Cup 5k today, then you may be wondering what to do about the warm temperatures that are expected. Below are some ways you can beat the heat during a tough workout! While you may not be able to apply all of these to race day, you can keep these in mind for the upcoming summer months! 1.) Run/Walk/Workout by effort not by pace. Working out in the heat is a good way to learn to focus on how you feel during a workout. 2.) Don't wear dark colors or cotton. The gear you wear matters and can make the difference between a great workout and a miserable one! 3.) Start your workout hydrated and keep hydrating. It's important to make sure you're hydrated well before and after your workout. 4.) Run early or late if possible. The early morning hours are the coolest time of day. If you can, adjust your workouts accordingly. 5.) Get off the roads. Asphalt and concrete absorb heat. Try to get off the roads and onto the t...