Keep the great outdoors, great

With warmer weather on its way, we are all eager to get outside and enjoy the summer and everything that comes along with it including lots of vitamin D, fresh air, and fun activities. As we are still amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and are being encouraged to maintain physical distancing, we recognize the importance of getting outside and being active to our overall health and wellbeing. This year, time spent outdoors will look a little different, with a greater focus on family activities. Whether you are going for a walk, bike riding, gardening in your backyard or just relaxing outside, our goal is to help ensure you are staying protected while doing so. From sunscreen to allergy relief, helpful tips, and everything in between, Rexall has you covered with all the essentials you need for a safe and enjoyable summer.

Sun care: Keep the joy of sunshine, a joy.

It is important to take care of your skin all year round, but extra care should be taken in the summer months during increased exposure to the sun. Before stepping outside to enjoy the sunshine, ensure you are wearing 100% ultraviolet (UV) ray blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. You should also use sunscreen on any skin not covered by clothing, with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, to block out the sun’s burning rays which are the strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after any water activities or sports, to ensure your skin is always protected. Additional care should be taken if you are taking over the counter (OTC) or prescription medications with side effects such as increased skin sensitivity. Speak with your Rexall Pharmacist for helpful tips and advice on how to stay safe in the sun.

Allergy: Keep the lovely smelling flowers, lovely.

Don’t let seasonal allergies get you down. With increased exposure to the outdoors while participating in fun activities, seasonal allergies can cause discomfort with symptoms like itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Rexall caries a wide variety of allergy medications to help you get the relief you need. Your Rexall Pharmacist can help you select the best product to suit your needs, help you distinguish between a cold versus allergies, and can answer any allergy related questions you may have, so you can enjoy the outdoors feeling your best.

Bug spray: Keep a relaxing evening under the stars, relaxing.

Whether you are going for a walk, doing some gardening in your backyard, or just relaxing outside in the evening, protect yourself from bug bites with these helpful tips:

• Prevent mosquito or black fly bites by wearing long pants and tightly woven clothing of a light colour.
• For children, use netting over strollers.
• Protect yourself from tick bites by wearing light coloured, tightly woven clothing and tuck clothing into socks.
• Use insect repellant or bug spray containing DEET to help prevent bites from mosquitos, black flies, and ticks. Follow the instructions carefully. Do not use products containing DEET on children younger than 6 months of age.

The recommended DEET percentage in bug spray varies depending on a child’s age. Your Rexall Pharmacist can help you select the right product containing the recommended and safe amount of DEET for you and your child. They can also recommend OTC options for treating discomfort that accompanies bug bites, so you can get back to enjoying the outdoors.

First Aid: Make a minor mishap, all better.

An easily accessible and well stocked first aid kit is essential to have all year round. Rexall has ready to use first aid kits available. If you want to build your own, Rexall carries all the supplies you need to keep your first aid kit up to date and ready in the event of an emergency. Get ready for the summer by making sure your supplies are topped up and safely discard any expired products. Some first aid kit must have products you can get at Rexall include:

1. Adhesive Bandages (various sizes)
2. Antibiotic ointment
3. Tweezers
4. Scissors
5. Disposable sterile gloves
6. Sterile gauze pads (in different sizes: small, medium, large)
7. Non-stick pads
8. Triangular bandages
9. Instant ice packs
10. Adhesive Tape
11. Antiseptic wipes or Antiseptic wash
12. Oral antihistamine for allergic reactions (e.g. due to bug bites)

Your Rexall Pharmacist can help you select the items you need to build a well-equipped first aid kit and can provide you with guidance on how to properly use all the items in your first aid kit.

Rexall is here to support you with all the summer outdoor essentials you need to stay protected for an enjoyable summer. Speak with your Rexall Pharmacist for helpful tips and advice to ensure you and your loved ones are protected this summer. Take care and Be well.