Top Summer Injuries & Illnesses

Preventing Common Summertime Ailments & Injuries

When spending more time outdoors and being active during the summer months, there is a higher risk for sustaining certain injuries and ailments. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to ward off these unwanted health issues, enjoying your summer all the way through!

Here’s what you should know.

Unintentional Drowning

Studies show that there are roughly 4,000 fatal and 8,000 non-fatal drownings in the U.S. each year, with more than 40% of non-fatal drownings requiring emergency medical attention. With such shockingly high numbers, it's important to do what you can to keep your risk of drowning to a minimum.

Keep these tips in mind to help prevent accidental drownings and other water-related injuries:

• No running or roughhousing by the water’s edge.
• No diving into pools or shallow water.
• Supervise kids and teens as they swim.
• Avoid drinking alcohol when swimming or spending time by the water.

Dehydration

Staying properly hydrated is an essential part of supporting your overall health and wellness, especially during the summertime. This is because water helps your body to regulate its temperature, effectively preventing serious heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Follow these tips to help keep you properly hydrated during hotter temperatures:

• Drink 8-11 glasses of water each day.
• Remember to drink water when spending time outdoors.
• Eat fresh fruits and veggies to supplement your water intake.
• Try drinking water and smoothies over juices and sodas.

Food Poisoning

With plenty of summer barbecues and parties, grilling and cooking large amounts of food and serving them buffet-style can be expected. However, it is important to keep in mind that the hotter weather can create the perfect environment for illness-causing germs and bacteria to thrive.

Here are a few tips to help you and your loved ones enjoy your summer festivities without stomach aches and pains coming soon after:

• Wash your hands frequently when handling food.
• Sanitize your counters and cutting boards between preparing different food items.
• Keep raw meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from other foods.
• Refrigerate or keep food warm within 2 hours of preparing them.
• Leftovers should be eaten within 2-3 days of cooking the food.

If you still find that you suffer from an injury or you feel sick, make sure you know your immediate care options available to you in your community.

Immediate Care Options at St. Luke’s

If you need immediate attention and your primary care provider is unavailable, St. Luke's offers a variety of immediate care options where you can be seen without an appointment. To learn more about St. Luke's immediate care offerings, visit our website.

If you or a family member is experiencing a life-threatening injury or illness, please call 911.