Southwest Florida residents and visitors to the area are as active as the inhabitants of any region of the country. In our four metropolitan areas and nine counties, recreation reigns—kayaking to golfing, fishing to hiking, swimming to cycling. But paddleboarding in Clam Pass Beach Park in Naples, sailing, scuba diving, trail running, water skiing, walking … even the bliss of viewing manatees in Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers doesn’t always go right.
If a problem occurs—mosquito bites and minor scrapes, or more problematic issues—near-immediate mobile care is best. It can mean the difference between continuing an activity or stopping for the day, and addressing more serious medical matters promptly can prevent serious complications.
Many companies offer simple first aid as well as potential lifesaving solutions, with efficiency, compactness and comprehensive equipment integral for product worthiness.
My Medic (mymedic.com) offers several options including the Recon Standard Kit ($249.95) and MyFAK (First Aid Kit), a smaller option ($119.95). The Recon Standard, which has enough supplies to treat six people, weighs 6.3 pounds and is divided into color-coded sections for quickly identifying different sections of treatment equipment.
Sutures and scalpel, multiple CPR and burn shields, splint rolls, antiseptic wipes, alcohol prep pads, rolls of gauze, antiseptic creams and bandages galore are all snugly included in three sections. The pack, 12.5 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide and 7.25 inches deep, is constructed with heavy-duty nylon Cordura. The smaller MyFAK includes much the same, minus sutures and scalpel, and has the supplies to treat two people. It’s 7.5 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide and 5 inches deep and weighs 2.8 pounds.
Moskinto and Moskito are new offerings from MoskintoUSA (moskintousa.com), a brand manufactured in Miami. Its products are touted with the slogan “Explore the Outdoors Again—Itch-Free.”
Moskinto is an after-bite itch relief patch, with its goal stated in its subtitle: “Don’t Scratch It. Patch It.” A super lightweight box contains a not-quite one-inch square patch resembling a more detailed tic-tac-toe grid. The waterproof patch strips are drug- and latex-free, and can remain on your skin for several days after providing relief from mosquito and other insect bites.
Place a patch on a bite and the body’s lymphatic system works to quickly lift and drain the itch-causing insect residue. Available in three quantities and ranging in price from $6.99 (24-pack) to a sliding box holding 15 plastic containers of 24 ($69.99).
Moskito Insect Repellent ($13.99) is a moisturizing pump spray, water-resistant and effective for 14 hours against bites from insects and mosquitoes including tiger mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other potential vectors of diseases such as Zika, Lyme disease, dengue and Chikungunya. It works well against bites from No-see-ums, biting midges, horse flies, deer flies, stable flies and black flies for up to eight hours. Moskito Care, a water-based lotion, includes Picaridin, a synthetic molecule and a derivative of pepper. It doesn’t include solvents or alcohol and moisturizes the superficial layers of the epidermis without an oily, greasy or sticky effect.
WoolAid (woolaid.com) hopes its Merino wool adhesive bandages replace plastic bandages made with latex. Sustainable, breathable and softer than traditional bandages, WoolAid products are made with hypoallergenic and biodegradable fibers.
The result: A strong, flexible bandage with an absorbent wound pad. Merino wool regulates skin temperature and moisture levels. The new product’s motto: “When Life Hurts, Let Nature Heal.” Available in a travel pack ($4.99), wellness pack ($7.49) and outdoor pack ($9.99).
My Medic, Moskinto and WoolAid products are available at select retail locations in Southwest Florida and on Amazon.com.
