Prevent Summer Injuries & Illnesses

For many families, summertime brings sun-filled days of active outdoor activities. Whether your summer-perfect setting is the beach, a lakefront campground or your backyard, make the most of the season with a few simple steps to prevent common summer injuries and illnesses. With a little pre-planning, your summer activities can be fun and worry-free.

Take Steps To Avoid Heat Injury

One of the most important summertime steps you can take is to be heat smart. Prolonged time in the heat and sun without proper precautions can cause sunburn, dehydration or even heat-related disorders such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

This summer, make plans to be responsible about your sun and heat exposure:

1. Use sunscreen. "We often see severe summertime sunburns because people didn't protect themselves properly. Use appropriate sunscreens and utilize shade," advises Franciscan Health Rensselaer Emergency Department physician Stevan Vuckovic, DO. Always apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF if you plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes to avoid sunburn. Look for lip balm with sunscreen if you are prone to sunburned lips. For severe sunburn – particularly ones with sunburn rash, blisters or peeling – use over-the-counter aloe lotions for sunburn relief.
2. Avoid outdoor exposure during the hottest part of the day. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused when your body overheats. When possible, seek shade or air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day – usually between noon and 4 p.m. If you must be outside to exercise or work during this portion of the day, take breaks in the shade often.
3. Stay hydrated. Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity outside. This will help prevent dehydration.

Remember that some medications or health conditions can impact how your body responds to heat.

“Many common heart medications like beta blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics can exaggerate your body’s response to external heat sources by depleting your body of water and potassium," said Amanda Ritthaler, a nurse practitioner in cardiology with Franciscan Physician Network in Michigan City. "This can cause worsening dizziness or lightheadedness due to a drop in your blood pressure.  Staying hydrated during these times should prevent this from occurring.”

Be sure to continue taking any prescribed medications exactly as directed over the summer – just be aware that they may impact your heat tolerance.

Take Precautions to Avoid Other Common Summer Injuries

Sometimes, accidents happen. But with a little extra caution, you can reduce your risk of common summer injuries like bone fractures, bug bites, and muscle or joint sprains and strains.

"We often see injuries happen when people have errors in judgment or take unnecessary risks," Dr. Vuckovic said.

Reduce your risk of needing an ER visit this summer by taking these safety steps:

• Avoid cuts and fractures: Limit your risk for falls. Practice ladder safety. Wear a helmet when biking or scootering. Only use trampolines with safety netting. Do not attempt roof repairs alone.
• Practice pool safety: Lower the risk for drowning or pool injuries. Watch children near water at all times. Do not dive in shallow areas. Use appropriate floats and pool safety devices.
• Limit joint or muscle strain: Avoid overuse injuries and sports injuries. Take time to stretch and warm up before vigorous exercise. If you experience an overuse injury, such as a pulled hamstring or tennis elbow, rest the affected joint or muscle and use ibuprofen and ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• Repel insect bites and stings: Use bug spray to repel mosquitos and other biting insects, such as chiggers, fleas, and ticks. If you get a tick bite, watch out for symptoms of Lyme disease. Avoid exposure to bees, wasps, and hornets, and be sure to carry epinephrine if you are allergic to bee or other insect stings.
• Don't get burned by fireworks: When July 4 arrives, it may be best to leave fireworks to the pros. Even an innocuous firework can cause serious burns and eye injuries.

Where Can I Get Non-Emergency Care?

When minor injuries and illnesses happen, remember that not every issue requires a trip to a hospital emergency room.

"Our Franciscan ExpressCare (non-emergency) and other urgent and immediate care locations can treat bumps and bruises, fevers and colds, and sprains and strains," Dr. Vuckovic said.

"Summer and the outdoors are meant for having fun, but use common sense to avoid a trip to the emergency department," he added. "It's no fun to spend six weeks in a cast."

This summer, when minor health questions arise, try Franciscan Virtual Visit. Our telemedicine service can connect you with one of our caring doctors virtually – so you don't have to make a trip to an urgent care clinic.