normal. Sweating is part of the body's temperature regulation system. In most cases, excessive sweating is more of a cosmetic problem than a health problem. Try wearing cotton underwear and clothing. Cotton allows moisture to escape. The more active your life-style, the less you tend to sweat. If you control your weight.

Don't forget the insect repellent when going outside. The bites of fleas, gnats, and mosquitoes are more annoying than dangerous, unless the bite becomes infected or causes an allergic reaction. If insect bites become infected - red, tender, swollen, and painful - wash thoroughly with soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment. If infected area doesn't respond to self-treatment, consult a physician.

The out-doors is a great get-away but we can still get hurt in the water or woods. Most cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds respond to self-care. Clean all wounds with soap and water, and disinfect with

hydrogen peroxide. A dab of antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, for instance) may help prevent infection. In ancient days, wounds were covered with honey. Recent research shows that honey has anti-bacterial properties and does not cause allergic reactions.

Of course, we can't forget outdoor food safety. Use a cooler and plenty of ice. Pack foods in their frozen state. Keep raw foods (carrots, apples, bananas, watermelon, etc.) from other foods. Take along bottled water for drinking. Streams of water are not safe as they should be. Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling food. Leftover foods really should be burned.

Also, don't forget the first-aid kit. Load it down with: 1. Bandages, 2. aspirin or ibuprofen, 3. aloe ointment 4. calamine lotion 5. rubbing alcohol  6. bug spray 7. biodegradable soap 8. garbage bags 9. disposable wipes 10. flashlight 11. band-aides 12. gloves. Is this list complete? By no means. It only serves as a guide and reminder and should meet individual needs and length of time spent outside.

All good things must end,  we're told, even summer. Of course, this summer has been rainy, but it's still nice just to get outdoors. Fall will be here and then cold winter. So enjoy nature and the great outdoors. You can almost smell, feel and see the end of summer. You might feel just a tinge of coolness in the evening air. For right now, summer is here. Get out and enjoy it!

"Summer - spring - fall - winter- exercise daily - walk with the Lord!"
                                                                                                --Anonymous