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Different seasons of the year call for different commonly treated injuries and illnesses that doctors are treating patients for and summer is no different than the rest. In order to try and keep you and your family safe, healthy, and happy this summer, the best thing you can do is be informed about the common injuries and illnesses that occur in the summertime so that you can do your best to prevent them from happening to you or your loved ones.
#1 Heat-related conditions
Summertime usually means spending a lot of time outside in the heat. However, you and your family should take precautions when you plan to be in the heat for an extended amount of time. When you are in hot conditions your body requires much more water as you are constantly sweating and you need this hydration to stay cool. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headaches, and confusion. Make sure you drink a lot of water and seek shade to stay well.
#2 Sunburns
Similarly related to the heat of summer, the sun is high, hot, and dangerous during this time of year. People fail to realize sometimes that they are being burned as they cannot see it immediately or they think they are protected, but many people come in for second and even third-degree burns this time of year as well as sun poisoning. Make sure you are lathering on the sunscreen every 30 minutes to an hour and make sure you are seeking shade to avoid this painful and even permanently damaging experience. If your sunburn is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or blistering, seek medical attention immediately.
#3 Swimming-related injuries and issues
Summertime means water activates, from backyard pool fun to lake trips, but unfortunately water activities can be dangerous. Slick surfaces by the pool lead to slip and fall accidents and drowning scares are nothing to be taken lightly. Make sure take it slow around the water and keep a close eye on your young kids near the water, it only takes a minute and less than a foot of water to lose a child to drowning.
#4 Insect-related illnesses and reactions
More time spent outside means more exposure to various insects and other skin-irritants such as poison ivy, etc. Try not to itch insect bites as it can lead to breaking the skin and potentially infection which will require medical attention. If the area becomes inflamed, swollen, or forms a ring around the area then it may mean the bite is infected and you should see a doctor.
#5 Sports-related injuries
Summertime means more sports, but unfortunately, more sports often means more injuries. Twisted ankles and broken fingers are all too common of injuries during the summer time. So, make sure to be careful while engaging in such activities. If you injure yourself and have no relief by the next day, the injury could be a bad sprain or break and you will need to see a doctor.
#6 Food-poisoning
Food-poising is another commonly treated illness that occurs during the summertime. While food-poisoning occurs at all times of the year, it is a bit more common during the summer as people typically spend more time at group food gatherings such as BBQ’s, etc. Another reason for the increase in food-poising is that bacteria grows quicker on food that is left out in the heat. Be sure to keep your hands clean when preparing food and keep said food in a refrigerated area when it is not being eaten or served.
Summer is a wonderful time full of wonderful activities but is important to make sure you are taking precautions to avoid these common injuries and illnesses. If you fall ill or incur an injury and need to see a doctor quick, the best choice is to visit a trusted Arlington urgent care. Here at Urgentology, we are new and innovative urgent care that can offer you high-quality care you need for you and your family. Contact us or walk on in today!
Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.