Hi,

The warmth and beauty of summer brings with it safety factors that we want you to consider. As we are more and more outside in nature, we must be aware of our surroundings and the safety issues involved. I was recently on a picnic and found myself within a swarm of bees that were after the same food we were trying to enjoy. It was quite annoying and somewhat nerve racking; knowing that the sting they can put on us all can be extremely painful and to some life threatening.

Bee stings can be dangerous and life threatening to some. Many people are allergic to the venom found in bee stings and can have serious reactions if not treated quickly. There is a theory that by placing a penny or any type of coin on the bee sting, the venom will dissipate. The theory is based on the iron found in our monetary coins. Supposedly the iron “pulls out” the venom from the sting and stops a possible reaction. Certainly not proven by a scientific method, however this theory has garnered enough positive results and evidence to result in being a well-known, widespread conjecture.

Bee stings have been a nuisance since prehistoric times. Drawings of bee’s have appeared on caveman dwellings as found by archaeologists. They biggest factor in their existence is that they are insects that feed on food meant for human consumption. Thus at most cookouts of any type, bee’s can and are usually present.

To avoid attracting bees, try the following:
• Avoid fragrances, including hair spray, scented soaps, lotions, and oils. Bees usually approach children with a sweet scent.
• Don’t wear brightly colored clothing, particularly floral patterns, i.e. don’t look like a flower patch. Bees also see in the ultraviolet range. If the pattern lights up under black light, it is particularly interesting to bees.
• Be very careful with food. Cans of soda are notorious: Bees climb in unobserved, and are frightened into stinging when the child drinks. Something as small as a forgotten raspberry jam stain on a sweater can be a problem.
If a bee does land, take steps to avoid frightening it:
• Hold still. Tell kids to pretend they’re statues. Rapid movement startles the bee and encourages stinging.
• Try blowing gently on the bee. This can encourage it to move on while not startling it.
• Wear shoes. Bees will of course be frightened if you step on or near them. Shoes don’t make them less frightened, but they do protect feet from frightened bees.
• Wear long pants when you know you are going to be in an area that is likely to have bees in it, such as a field.

Keep in mind, the bee’s stinger is barbed. In the act of stinging, the stinger is torn from the bee, along with the venom-filled poison sac and attached muscles. The barbs continue to work the stinger deeper into the flesh for several minutes, while venom continues to be injected. Once stung, doctors recommend removing the stinger by with a scraping motion by using the rigid edge of a credit card or a dull butter knife. Never attempt to pull out the stinger using fingers or tweezers, since this will result in the injection of more venom.

If you are stung, treat the wound in the following ways:
• Remove the stinger with all haste, in whatever manner is most convenient. If you see a little black dot in the wound, part of the stinger is still present.
• Clean the area with soap and water.
• Consider applying an antiperspirant to the site. An ingredient called A aluminum chlorohydrate may reduce the effect of bee venom.
• Apply cold. Use ice or cool water for 10 to 30 minutes after the sting. This blunts the body’s allergic response.
• An antihistamine such as Benadryl, taken by mouth, can give some added relief, and help prevent the reaction from spreading.
• A shake lotion such as calamine can be helpful. A paste made of baking soda and water can have a similar effect.
• Topical hydrocortisone can also provide some symptomatic relief.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for systemic pain relief.
Cooking outdoors is a big part of summer, but so are bees. Keep this information handy; it will help you prevent and if you fall prey to a bee sting, treat the area in the safest and best way possible.

Safe living,
Yovette Mumford