Avoiding Unnecessary Doctors’ Visits

Summer is a great time to get outside and be more active, but it’s also when doctors offices and emergency rooms see an increase in patient visits for bug bites, sunburns, and other illnesses. Here’s a few of the common issues that could have you spending time at the Doctors Office instead of enjoying your summer.

 

Bug & Tick Bites

Spending time outside means more exposure to ticks, mosquitos, spiders and other bugs. Wearing bug spray and lighting citronella candles while outside can reduce the risk of getting bit and keep those irritating bugs out of your hair! After coming inside from outdoor activities, you should check yourself and your children for any ticks or bug bites that don’t look normal. Some tick and spider bites could turn into a severe reaction so it is important to watch bites closely for a few days and call a doctor if you have any concerns. Keeping a picture of the progression of a bite can help doctors determine what type of bite it is and how quickly it changed. Ticks can also come into your home on pets, so make sure that you are protecting your pets too! To learn more about how to prevent bug and tick bites, check out this article!

 

Heat Related Illnesses

During the summer months it is very easy to get distracted and forget to stay hydrated, or more commonly, think that you are drinking enough when you aren’t. Heat Stroke and heat exhaustion are common during the summer months, especially when temperatures spike. Knowing the warning signs and who might be at a high risk is important. So who is at risk? While everyone is at risk, older adults, people who struggle with obesity and/or have underlying health conditions have a higher risk than most for dehydration and heat stroke. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and how to handle them if you or someone else is experiencing them!

 

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is an infection caused when water gets lodged in the ear canal and creates bacteria that forms an infection. These types of infections typically occur during the summer when people are spending more time in the water to keep cool. Swimmer’s ear can affect people of all ages but is especially common in children. Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear include itchiness, redness and swilling of the ear, pain, and pus draining from the ear. For more information about Swimmer’s ear and how to prevent it, check out these CDC Facts. If you are concerned that your child has swimmer’s ear, call the StayWell Health Center Pediatric Department at 1-203-756-8021 Ext. 3808.

 

Poison Ivy, Oak, & Sumac

As you spend more time outside when it is warmer, you run a higher risk of coming into contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac while hiking, biking, or working in your yard. Coming into contact with these plants often results in a red, itchy, uncomfortable rash. In some cases, this may be severe enough to require medical attention by a doctor. To learn more about identifying these types of plants, and how to treat an allergic reaction, click here!

 

Sunburn

During the summer months the sun is stronger which increases your risk for getting a sunburn. Wearing 30 spf sunscreen and reducing your exposure to sun during the prime hours of the day can lower your risk of getting a sunburn. To learn more about sunburns and how to prevent them, check out information provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

 

If you are experiencing any of the issues above, you should speak with a medical professional immidiately. Call 1-203-756-8021 to speak with one of our providers at StayWell Health Center. If you believe that treatment can not wait, please go to your nearest walk-in clinic or emergency room.

 

Allison Hall

Marketing & Communications Manager

StayWell Health Center