Summer is here and who doesn’t love to spend time enjoying the outdoors? But with summer’s long hazy days and cool breezy nights comes a host of potential injuries that seem to become more viable when the temperature rises. Here are some of the more common injuries you may encounter this summer, and how to remedy them.
Sunburn
The sun feels so good on the skin – but even a tad too much cause a blistering sunburn. And if you happen to have been a sun worshipper in your youth, the damage of previous sunburns can have long-term effects in later years. Don’t let too much sun leave you vulnerable to cancer and damaged skin; use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 whenever heading out in the sun. Be sure to apply liberally and keep little ones out of the sun entirely if too young. Protective clothing is helpful. If you should experience a sunburn, use aloe vera gel or a stick of the plant for cooling relief. Cool showers are helpful as is ibuprofen to ease the sting of the sunburn. Seek urgent care immediately if the burns are severe or start to blister.
Heat Exhaustion and Dehydration
When it comes to being in the sun, hydration is key. Whether at work or play, remember to keep sipping your water throughout the day. Drinks like Gatorade are especially helpful to replenish lost electrolytes. And don’t fool yourself that hydration means any liquid – sodas and alcoholic drinks can actually leave you dehydrated. If your skin is dry and clammy to the touch, you aren’t sweating despite being hot, or it’s been a while since you have urinated, you may have heat exhaustion. Get out of the heat and rehydrate quickly – before heatstroke – an extremely serious condition that can quickly damage a person’s vital organs – sets in. If you believe someone is on the verge of heatstroke, cool the person down with showers, ice packs, whatever is handy and seek emergency medical attention.
Insect Stings, Bites, and Ticks
It is during the summer months the bugs come out. Attracted to pools of standing water, mosquitoes use these to breed and can carry malaria, West Nile virus, and now Zika. To avoid mosquito-laden areas, be sure to wear protective clothing and/or wear insect repellent. Never leave free-standing pools of water such as barrels or buckets. When outdoors consider citronella candles or a bug zapper, or spray the area with an outdoor bug spray. With regard to ticks, be sure to stay on the trail when hiking and avoid tall grasses. Check your body often – be comfortable to check nooks and crannies – and be cautious when removing ticks. If you believe you may have been exposed to tick-borne diseases, see your doctor immediately.
Water Accidents
Pools, lakes, beaches. Summer means water-time fun! But it also means water accidents. Never leave children unattended – even for a second. Know the nature of where you are playing, and never dive headfirst or leap into uncharted water. Be wary too of enjoying alcohol while swimming or operating watercraft. Alcohol not only impairs your judgement, it puts others at risk as well.
Food Poisoning
Those all-day family cook-outs where food is set out at lunchtime and is still sitting there after the fireworks. Foods should be kept in coolers and covered tightly. Meats should be cooked all the way through. Alcoholic consumption should be kept at a minimum. The last thing you need is to ruin a great family reunion with food poisoning!
Year-round Urgent Care in Bucks County
Accidents and injuries happen. And that’s where urgent care comes in. No matter the season, Patient Care Now Urgent Care in Fairless Hills offers on-the-spot care for the ailments and injuries life has to offer. Our doctors are on site at all times, plus we provide emergency care that your primary care may not; this includes IV fluids for dehydration, and immediate treatment for asthma attacks. ERs can be expensive and there is no guarantee that your primary care doctor will see you when an unexpected scenario arises. That’s when it’s time to rely on us. If you need us, we are here. Call Patient Care Now Urgent Care at (267) 202-6433 or request an appointment online.
