Backyard barbecues, weekends at the shore, playing in the park – the best of summer fun starts outside in the sun. We all know about the dangers of too much sun exposure, but are you doing enough to protect your family? Here are some health issues that can result from too much fun in the sun, and how you can avoid them.
The most common summer health issues we see at Patient Care Now Urgent Care are
Sunburn
It almost goes without saying that everyone needs plenty of sunscreen when spending time outdoors. And yet, sunburn and sun damage happens all the time. Wear plenty of high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen. Reapply every two hours. Stay in the shade and wear protective clothing. If you do get sunburned, take a cool shower and apply an after-sun product with aloe to speed healing. Ouch.
Dehydration
Bring lots of water with you, and drink it! The more active you are outside in the heat, the more water your body loses through sweat. If you’re playing sports or something equally active, consider diluting sports drinks (about 5 parts water, 1 part drink) to replenish electrolytes. If you or your child is dehydrated, symptoms include extreme thirst, decreased or dark urine and dry mouth. Drink up, and seek medical attention if there are any signs of weakness, dizziness, faintness or nausea.
Heat exhaustion
Ignoring the signs of dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion. When your body overheats, symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, faintness or dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and headache. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a much more serious and life-threatening condition. Stop all activity, drink fluids and get to a cooler place. If symptoms don’t improve, see a doctor immediately.
Heatstroke
The result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and/or heavy exertion, heatstroke can occur if the body’s temperature rises to 104 degrees or above. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent serious damage to vital organs or death. In addition to the symptoms from heat exhaustion, a person with heatstroke may be confused and delirious, experience seizures and unconsciousness. The body’s temperature must be lowered as soon as possible, by cold water immersion, ice packs, or other methods.
Patient Care Now Urgent Care provides urgent medical care from morning to night at our Fairless Hills, PA facility. If you or your family member gets too much sun and heat exposure, we can help. We’re open from 8 am to 8 pm during the week and 8 am to 6 pm on weekends. Call (267) 202-6433 for our Bucks County, PA urgent care or just walk in today.
