Summer is one of the best times of the year. The weather is warm. You can swim, bike, hike, and spend hours and hours outdoors. Unfortunately, with extended outdoor play time comes increased injuries and illnesses. Children especially are susceptible to summer time injuries and illnesses. As your children increase their outdoor time and also increase their risk of injury and illness, ensure that you have a medical plan in preparation. A summer time emergency plan ensures that you are prepared for any problem the summer throws at you.
Prepare your outdoor space
One of the most common concerns during the summer months is plant poisoning. Plants begin to grow at the first sign of spring and gardens can contain poisonous contents. These gardens can also attract insects, which can lead to dangerous bug bites and stings. As you check off your spring cleaning items, make sure you are also preparing your outdoor space. Evaluate the items growing in the garden and research any suspicious ones. Remove any plants or bushes that attract high amounts of poisonous bugs or insects. You will be spending a lot of time outdoors in the yard in the coming months. Makes sure it is safe ahead of time.
Purchase needed safety equipment
More and more people participate in outdoor activities during the warmer, summer months. However, more people on bikes means more biking falls. More people hiking on rough trails mean more twists and sprains. Reports estimate that 25,000 Americans suffer from an ankle sprain each day. Ankle sprains are easily corrected, if they are handled properly. The ankle should be immediately iced and avoided for usage. If the swelling is extreme or does not go away, a visit to an urgent care facility may be needed. You can also prevent injuries by purchasing and wearing the appropriate safety gear. Always wear helmets, ankle pads, and knee pads when participating in sporting activities.
Stay hydrated
An increase in activity can also lead to dehydration, especially on a hot summer day. Dehydration can lead to a variety of symptoms, including dizziness. Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctor?s offices, and will occur in 70% of the nation?s population at some time in their lives. You can avoid dehydration by bringing sufficient water with you at all times. If you feel faint or dizzy, sit down and rehydrate. If the dizziness persists, go into a well air conditioned room and then make a visit to your local urgent care facility. After hours urgent care clinics see many patients suffering from dizziness.
Know your limits
The problem with extreme activity during the summer months is that it usually follows a prolonged period of inactivity. Many Americans significantly reduce their physical activity during the winter months. Jumping right into highly active summer sports can be dangerous if your body is not properly prepared. Understanding your physical limits can reduce your chance of injury or illness. Up to 69% of Americans say that low back pain affects their day to day lives. If you have chronic back pains, avoid activities that could exacerbate the problem. If the pain gets too intense, go to your local urgent care facility to ask the doctors for consultation.
Know where your local urgent care center is located
Urgent care facilities can be especially beneficial during the summer months. Physicians may take extended vacations or have limited hours. The majority of injuries and illnesses occur after regular business hours. If any injury or illness occurs during these off times, you can visit your doctors for urgent care center for immediate medical care. You might even find that some of the best doctors in your area are located out of the urgent care facility.
Many would agree that summer is one of the best seasons of the year. There are many more opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the weather. Just be sure that you are prepared for any common injuries or illnesses resulting from this increase of activity. Utilize your local urgent care facility as part of your emergency care plan.
