Summer fun can take a turn for the worse if you’re not careful. Between the heat, sun, and seasonal activities, there are all sorts of health risks that are often overlooked in the year’s hottest months. Fortunately, a little prevention can keep you safe this summer.
Warm weather brings people outside, but occasionally, what they do outside brings people in to see their doctor. You will most likely experience some of these dangers to some degree this summer. After all, did you even enjoy summer without a sunburn or a couple of bug bites? But with more awareness and better preparation, we hope to help you limit, if not avoid, these common summer-related health risks:
- Sunburns – A nice bronze tan is the goal for many people, but too much sun exposure can cause sunburns and sun poisoning. This can lead to permanent skin damage. Additionally, the risk of skin cancer doubles when someone has had more than five sunburns. To prevent sunburns, apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply often—especially if you’re profusely sweating or swimming.
- Rashes – Visible skin outbreaks are common and can be a symptom of many different things listed here as part of our summer-related health risks. Sunlight, bacteria, outdoor vegetation, insects, sweating, and overheating can all cause rashes that are itchy, red, painful, and irritated. Most summer skin rashes are not harmful and will disappear by themselves after a few days. Generally, rashes can be safely and effectively treated at home.
- Heat-related illnesses – Excessive heat exposure can cause dehydration, which in turn can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke (also called sunstroke). To avoid heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated and cool. Seek shade and wear loose clothing that protects against the sun’s damaging rays.
- Food poisoning – Food left out at a picnic or BBQ can give you food poisoning. Food shouldn’t be left out for more than one to two hours depending on the outdoor temperature.
- Insect bites/stings – Bug bites can be itchy and painful. While annoying, mosquitoes and ticks can also be dangerous. Both types of bugs could carry and transmit diseases like West Nile or Lyme disease. Avoid bugs by using repellent and wearing protective clothing that covers your skin.
- Drowning – Drowning is the third leading cause of death from unintentional injury worldwide, and the risk is higher in the summer. Be mindful of cold water, as it can cause shock in even the strongest swimmers. Always check swimming conditions before getting in the water and wear a life vest while operating water equipment.
- Recreational water illnesses – Pools, hot tubs, splash pads, oceans, lakes, and rivers could be contaminated with germs. Swallowing contaminated water could lead to symptoms like diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, cough, congestion, and eye pain. Avoid swimming if you’ve had diarrhea recently, and do not pee or poop in the water. Shower before and after swimming, and avoid swallowing water.
- Accidents – An increase in summer activities often leads to an increase in summer accidents that can cause serious injuries. Common causes of summertime accidents include swimming pool injuries, traffic/boat/bike accidents, dog bites, sports activities, and fireworks.
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices – Too much summer rest and relaxation may not be good for you if healthy lifestyle choices fall by the wayside. Staying up late, drinking too much alcohol, not exercising, and a poor diet can sneak up on you and become a bad habit you need to break.
If you experience any of these health conditions, you may need to seek medical attention. Where to go for treatment largely depends on the severity of the condition:
- Your primary care physician (PCP) can typically treat acute illnesses, including common viruses, rashes, minor cuts/lacerations, nausea/vomiting, UTIs, minor sprains and strains, minor burns, insect bites, and migraines.
- Go to an emergency room (ER) for life-threatening emergencies or acute complications that need advanced treatment, including stroke or traumatic injury.
- Urgent care centers are useful options when you need immediate treatment outside of your PCP’s office hours or when you’re unable to make a timely appointment.
A primary care appointment will be the most cost-effective option. If you must go to urgent care, update your PCP after your visit to ensure your health is restored.
Bella Terra Primary Care offers patients the option of same-day appointments for urgent patient care. Dr. Karki is also available for telehealth appointments to discuss medical concerns and symptoms. To make an appointment, please give us a call
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