Finally…the birds are chirping, the clouds are clearing, and the sun is shining. Spring is here! With nice weather typically comes spring fever, an insatiable urge to be outside enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer.

Unfortunately, as fun as springtime is, there are some costs that come with spending so much time out of doors. As long as you’re knowledgeable about how to protect yourself and your family, though, none of these risks will stop you from having a spring and summer full of fun!

Keep Your Allergies Under Control

For many people, one of the worst parts of spring is the reemergence of seasonal allergies that lay dormant all winter. Keeping allergies under control can be a key way to enjoy spring without falling victim to one of the costs of spring fever.There are numerous allergy treatments sufferers can choose from. These range from homeopathic options like honey tea, to over the counter medications designed to treat congestion and other symptoms, to prescription pills that are meant to keep allergies completely at bay. Only you and your doctor can decide which course of treatment is best for you.

Be Aware of Insect Bites

Most insect bites are annoying, but ultimately harmless, and go away in a few days. In certain cases, though, bug bites can lead to serious ramifications.

Ticks, for instance, can carry Lyme disease, which can cause health problems for years of a person’s life. If anyone if your household gets bitten by a tick, make sure you watch him or her for fever and signs of lethargy; go to a doctor immediately if something seems wrong.

It’s also crucial to keep an eye on the most common of all bug bites, mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can carry a variety of diseases, specifically Zika and West Nile. While these ailments aren’t carried by all mosquitoes, they can be deadly if left untreated, so don’t ignore strange symptoms, especially if you’ve been vacationing in a tropical locale.

Be Safe While Playing Sports

As the adage says, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” With more people playing sports in warm weather, it’s important to make sure everyone in your household is properly geared-up for their favorites activities.

Whether you’re running, golfing, swimming, or playing baseball, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself in tip-top shape. If you or one of your loved ones does sustain a sports injury, you shouldn’t ignore it. If necessary, visit a doctor to get a recommendation for treatment.

Take Care in the Sun

When you’re enjoying a day of fun in the sun, it’s easy to lose track of time and forget just how long you’ve been out. That’s why you need to take the necessary sun safety steps before you leave the house (or the beach house!)

Make sure you slather on the sunscreen before leaving for the day and stick an extra bottle in your bag to reapply later. It’s also important to wear a hat to shade your face and consider a rashguard rather than a traditional swimsuit; this will protect your arms from the sun’s potentially harmful rays.

Don’t forget children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’, so your kids need extra sun care! Dress them in rashguards or lightweight pants and shirts (linen is a great option) and make sure they are liberally sunscreened every few hours.,

Following these tips will help your family have an unforgettable spring to remember!