[6 MIN READ]
In this article:
- If you’re spending time in the heat, be sure to stay hydrated. That can help you prevent heatstroke, bloating and other summer-related problems.
- Some of the most common conditions treated during the summer at Providence ExpressCare include scrapes and cuts, burns, sunburn and swimmer’s ear.
- Summer safety alert: For children under 5 who are swimming, always stay within arm’s reach to prevent drowning.
Your summer health and safety guide
It’s finally summer — that season many of us have been looking forward to all year. There are so many fun things to do during the summer months, it’s almost overwhelming. Before you head out to the beach, playgrounds and other hot spots, however, you should take some time to attend to your and your family’s health.
Why summer brings unique health risks
While summer’s warm weather is often the best time for outdoor events, the combination of heat, sun and activity can be the perfect storm for health hazards. In particular, older adults, young children and people with chronic diseases are most at risk of suffering from heat- and sun-related illnesses and conditions.
“Parents and pediatricians always have a lot to think about in terms of keeping our kids safe and healthy,” says Elizabeth Meade, M.D., pediatrician and medical director of quality for pediatrics at Providence Swedish.
Beat the heat: Staying cool and hydrated
When the temperatures rise, you are at risk of two serious illnesses: heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening illness that causes your body temperature to rise to dangerous levels in minutes. If you experience signs of heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms include:
- A body temperature of 103°F or higher
- Hot, red, dry skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Mental confusion
- Losing consciousness
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs after you’re exposed to high temperatures and have had insufficient fluids for several days. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can become heatstroke. Symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Cold, clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive fatigue
- Losing consciousness
“Even temperatures that are not that hot outside can cause heat exhaustion and heat-related illness,” cautions Dr. Meade, “so it’s important to think about shade and hydrating all the time.”
Read more about how to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Sun safety and skin protection
When you spend time in the sun without protection, you not only risk a painful sunburn, but you also put yourself at higher risk for skin cancer.
Dr. Meade recommends all kids and adults protect exposed skin and apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30:
- 20 to 30 minutes before going outside
- Every couple of hours while in the sun
- After any water exposure
Learn more about UV rays and common myths about sun exposure.
Managing health conditions during summer
Summertime weather can cause chronic conditions to flare up — particularly certain autoimmune conditions and belly bloat.
Autoimmune disease
Flares or flare-ups of symptoms are a classic sign of an autoimmune disease. Sun and high temperatures often increase the potential for flares. When ultraviolet (UV) light hits your skin, it naturally causes inflammation and sets up a chain reaction of symptoms. Results can include rash, fever, headaches, joint pain and sun sensitivity.
Learn more about managing your autoimmune disease during the summer.
Belly bloat
During the hot summer days, you may become dehydrated, triggering your body to keep hold of the fluid it has left and causing water retention. This can lead to digestive issues and the dreaded belly bloat.
Make sure to keep a bottle of water or another non-alcoholic fluid close by at all times. Staying hydrated can be the easiest way to combat belly bloat.
Learn more about what may cause belly bloat, and how you can avoid it.
Summer injuries: What to watch for
Summer is also a time for injuries, as any urgent care and emergency department doctor can tell you. The top five injuries Providence ExpressCare providers treat during the summer are:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Burns
- Skin irritations, bug bites and rashes
- Sunburns
- Swimmer’s ear
Learn more about when you should seek care for summer injuries.
And if you’re not sure whether you should head to the emergency room or urgent care, or if you should treat the injury at home, review this guide.
Family-friendly safety tips
The summer is full of potential dangers for your family, including grilling, fireworks and swimming. Here are some general safety tips you can use during this season of fun:
Grill safety tips
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Thoroughly clean your grill after each use.
- With a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
Fireworks safety tips
- Only adults should handle fireworks.
- Discuss safety procedures with your children.
- Read labels and carefully follow directions.
- Never use fireworks indoors.
- Be sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never place your face or any other body part over fireworks.
- Never try to reignite fireworks that malfunction.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Light fireworks only on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
Swimming safety tips
- Do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- If you have a home pool, put barriers around it to prevent children from accessing it during non-swimming hours.
- If a child is missing, check near water first.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to swim.
- Supervise children closely.
“For young children under 5 years old, water safety looks like touch supervision,” says Dr. Meade. “You should always be within an arm’s reach of that child, even if they know how to swim.”
Learn more about keeping your family safe this summer.
Final tips for a healthy, fun-filled summer
You can stay safe this summer — you just have to make sure everyone in your family knows the steps they should take to avoid illness and injury.
And if you can’t avoid it, Providence ExpressCare is here for you. We deliver the care you need, with same-day appointments for common conditions and convenient exams and lab tests.
Contributing caregivers
Elizabeth Meade, M.D., is a pediatrician and medical director of quality for pediatrics at Providence Swedish.
Find a doctor
If you are looking for a pediatrician or primary care provider, you can search for one who’s right for you in our provider directory. Through Providence ExpressCare Virtual, you can access a full range of health care services.
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Related resources
How vitamin D supports the immune system
Where to treat common summertime injuries and illnesses
Avoiding the heat-related illnesses of the summer
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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