West Hartford, CT - Summer is an excellent time for families in West Hartford, CT, to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, this season can also be quite challenging. Like other seasons, summer puts people’s health at risk. DOCS Urgent Care - West Hartford shares some of the most common reasons people should visit their clinic during summertime.
1. Severe Sunburns
The best way to enjoy summer is to engage in outdoor activities. Sunlight has its unique way of alleviating a person’s mood and improving their overall health. Too much exposure to sunlight, however, can be detrimental to one’s skin and may lead to severe sunburns. People are advised to apply sunscreen to protect their skin from the harsh sunlight, but it’s normal for some to forget to reapply from time to time.
People experiencing severe sunburns are encouraged to visit urgent care in West Hartford, CT, to get themselves checked, especially if the skin starts blistering.
2. Heat Cramps
Speaking of summer outdoor activities, people who physically exert themselves too much during the blazing summer can experience heat cramps. These painful and involuntary muscle spasms often happen when somebody participates in physically demanding activities in hot environments. The patient’s spasms can sometimes be more intense than typical leg cramps. Heavy perspiration while engaging in vigorous exercise and experiencing muscle soreness or spasms are typical signs of heat cramps.
3. Heat Stroke
Another predominant condition during summer is heat stroke. Approximately 658 people experience heat stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s arguably the most severe heat-related illness and can occur once the body loses control over its temperature. The body temperature of a person experiencing heat stroke will rise to roughly 106°F or even higher within ten to fifteen minutes. Aside from high body temperature, some of the symptoms of heat stroke include nausea, dizziness, and fainting, to name a few.
4. Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the precursor of heat stroke. When untreated, heat exhaustion, characterized by the body responding to an excessive loss of salt and water, can lead to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is more likely to happen to the elderly, people with high blood pressure, or those working in a hot environment. Some heat exhaustion symptoms include nausea, weakness, dizziness, and fainting - like heat stroke. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are severe conditions, and anyone suffering from these conditions must be brought to the nearest urgent care in West Hartford, CT.
5. Outdoor and Sport-Related Injuries
There’s no doubt that some of the people searching for “urgent care near me” accounts from people who suffered from outdoor or any sport-related injury. Anyone doesn’t necessarily have to be an athlete to get involved in summertime sports injuries. Conditions like cuts, scrapes, sprains, strains, broken bones, and fractures are common during summer since many people have recreational activities outdoors. To avoid getting in these situations, an individual should use safety equipment while at play.
6. Heat Rashes
Aside from stroke and exhaustion, people must be wary of some health risks during summer. Nature can be tough on the dermatologic system sometimes, and there are a plethora of common rashes anyone can suffer from due to things like plants or even the summer heat.
For instance, one common rash caused by heat is miliaria. Commonly known as heat rash, it is characterized by small inflamed bumps (miliaria rubra) that look like blisters. The affected area can also be itchy or prickly. Occasionally, these bumps may also have pus in them. Those suffering from skin rash are advised to seek urgent care as soon as possible.
7. Allergies
As mentioned above, plants can cause dermatological problems. Contrary to popular belief, spring isn’t only the time of year when bad allergies can bloom; summer too. People suffering from allergies know that summer is when particular pollen and grasses populate the air. Summer can be difficult for allergy sufferers in West Hartford, CT since specific irritants like juniper or grass can be present in the air. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies should seek the help of urgent care near them so they can deal with its symptoms quickly.
To see how DOCS Urgent Care - West Hartford shares insights on poison ivy rashes and whether you should go to urgent care or not, read this story: https://docsmedicalgroup.com/docsurgentcare/west-hartford-press-release/#/media-room/article/114978/docs-urgent-care-should-you-go-to-urgent-care-for-poison-ivy-rashes
8. Cooking/Barbecue Burns
Outdoor cooking can be fun, but only if done carefully. Those grills and cooktops may seem harmless, but they can cause severe burns if somebody accidentally comes into contact with them or tips them over. Those suffering from cooking or barbecue burns should immerse the affected area in cold water to cool it down rapidly. Afterward, they should clean the area and cover it with a clean bandage to prevent infection.
9. Dehydration
Sweet drinks like cola and lemonades may sound like a treat during summer, but nothing beats the refreshment a big glass of water brings to the body. Since the body comprises around 60% water, people must drink enough water, especially during summer. The increasing temperature during the season can cause dehydration, which most people take for granted. Proper hydration is necessary to maintain average body temperature and keep bodily functions sharp. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, cramps, nausea, kidney stones, or liver failure.
10. Insect Bites or Stings
The plants and heat aren’t the only things people should watch out for in the summer. Insect bites or stings can be annoying, but there are some instances where these attacks can be excruciating. Mosquito bites can quickly be dealt with, but stings from insects like wasps and hornets can induce allergic reactions and require special attention. There are also ticks and Lymes, which are known to spread several diseases. Most urgent care in West Hartford, CT, like DOCS Urgent Care, can deal with insect stings and bites.
About the company
DOCS Urgent Care -West Hartford is the leading urgent care provider in West Hartford, CT. They proudly serve top-tier care at an affordable price and can cater to non-life-threatening medical conditions at a fraction of an emergency room visit's cost. Some of the services they offer include treatments, testing, and vaccinations.
