Summertime is here and living is easy, with more time to spend outside, at the pool or beach, or maybe at summer camp. But summer is also a time to take extra measures to make sure the fun doesn’t lead to a medical emergency.
Dr. Guy Fain at Parkridge East Hospital offers a few key tips for summer safety.
Heat illness or heat stroke is a common problem when the temperatures begin to rise. According to Dr. Fain staying hydrated is the key to prevention. “Heat illness is primarily a dehydration problem,” says Dr. Fain. “When playing or working outdoors in the summer months, you should drink plenty of water or other beverages with electrolytes, and if you feel at all overheated, get into the shade or a cool place as quickly as possible.” Stay away from caffeinated drinks, as they are not a good hydrator and also avoid alcohol,” advises Dr. Fain.
Water safety measures are also important, with hundreds of people drowning every year or having other serious water related injuries. “Even great swimmers can drown,” says Dr. Fain. “Never leave a child unattended, and likewise adults are wise to not swim alone,” he says. “Never dive into a pool unless the water is at least nine feet deep, and never dive into water when the depth or contour of the bottom is unknown.”
Even something as simple as a mosquito bite can result in serious medical problems, cautions Dr. Fain. Scratching mosquito bites is never a good idea, he advises. “There are more and more cases of MRSA, a form of staph bacteria that is resistant to antibiotic treatment, in the community,” he says. “Scratching bug bites can make you or your children more vulnerable to this type of staph infection.” Dr. Fain also recommends using bug repellants to avoid the bites in the first place, and use of a topical anti-itch cream when bites do occur.
Most of these safety tips take just a little extra time and thought. With just a few simple precautions, you and your family can have a fun and safe summer season. Above all else, think smart when enjoying the outdoors. If something seems unsafe, it probably is. By using common sense and applying the above advice, many outdoor disasters can be avoided.
For more information about programs and services at Parkridge East Hospital, call TriStar MedLine at (800) 242-5662.
About Parkridge East
Parkridge East Hospital, a facility of Parkridge Medical Center, has been serving the community for more than 30 years. Well known in the area as a leader in obstetrics and women’s services, Parkridge East Hospital also offers acute care services such as pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology, intensive care and surgical services.