JumpStart by Robb Armstrong for August 24, 2023

Calmine lotion is just for relief. Truly Poison Oak just has to run it’s course. Key tip: “Wash ASAP. Essentially, the best practice for washing skin after poison ivy exposure is to use cold water paired with either dish soap or rubbing alcohol. The soap and alcohol are effective at breaking down and neutralizing the urushiol, while the cold water will keep your pores closed and less likely to absorb the itchy toxins.”

♫ Jojo was a boy who thought he was a medic, but he knew it couldn’t last. . . ♫

Poison oak is not found in Pennsylvania. We do have poison ivy and poison sumac.

Well, getting up there to give medical advice was a rather rash decision..!

Someone get the hook ready!

Isn’t there some kind of cream or ointment for that?

No, nope, no no no. Scratching not good. I don’t know if I’ve never contacted any of those, or inherited my grandfather’s (on my mother’s side) immunity.

I think I’ll practice my technique of “staying the heck out of the woods”.

“Avoid unknown plants that may be poisonous and those that you know are poisonous.”

On many nature trails, like the one around the Okanagan lake, are signs with pictures and information about the flora including warnings of poison oak and ivy

Know what they look like. Watch where you are going. Wear long pants and long sleeves. Don’t touch anything that looks like those plants.