For kids, summer is a blissful respite from teachers, homework, and tests — and a time to climb trees, swim, ride bikes, and explore. Many adults take time off from their jobs during the summer, too, to vacation with their families or simply enjoy the great outdoors.
Yet the increased activity during summer months can also result in a higher incidence of injuries. Here are three of the most common summer medical problems that send adults and children alike to urgent care facilities.
Dehydration
You’ve probably heard that some 60% of the adult human body is made up of water. And you definitely know what it feels like to be thirsty! What you might not realize is that thirst might not be the best indicator of whether you’re properly hydrated or not.
It’s easy to become dehydrated in the summertime. Spending more time bicycling, hiking, kayaking, or even strolling to the local ice cream shop will cause you to perspire more than usual. Even just lying on the beach, with sunshine streaming down upon you, will dehydrate your body.
A headache, muscle cramps, a dry mouth, and dark yellow urine are all signs that you might be experiencing dehydration. If you feel dizzy, your heart is beating faster than normal, or you’re breathing rapidly, get checked out at an urgent care facility.
To prevent dehydration, make sure to drink water frequently, even when you don’t feel thirsty. This is especially true if you’re engaged in physical activity or outdoors in the heat.
Burns
Who doesn’t love a good campfire on a summer’s evening? Or the ooey, gooey deliciousness of a toasted marshmallow? Just be careful, because burns are another of the summer medical problems you want to avoid.
Whether they’re from a campfire, barbecue grill, firecracker, or sparkler, burns are serious business. Never let children handle sparklers or firecrackers, and make sure they are supervised near fire or flames of any sort. Use caution when grilling foods or cooking over a campfire.
If you are seriously burned, head to urgent care right away. Remember that burns, unlike other injuries, often get worse over time. For minor burns, rinse the affected body part in cool (not ice) water and then bandage it loosely with a gauze pad.
Fractures
Fractures can happen any time of year, of course. But summertime pursuits like bicycling, skateboarding, and beach volleyball — not to mention tripping over sports equipment or toys left lying in the yard — can lead to broken bones.
Wear helmets, elbow and knee pads, wrist supports, and other protective gear while riding or playing sports. Don’t push past your physical limitations, which is just asking for an injury to occur.
Simple breaks, compound fractures, and serious strains and sprains can all be treated at an urgent care center, without the hours-long wait you’d experience at an emergency room.
We Treat All Summer Medical Problems
Amory Urgent Care is there to help, no matter what summer medical problems you may be experiencing. Check your insurance coverage here, before you need to visit us, to save time.
Here’s wishing you a fun and safe summer!