Urgent Care Expert: Seven Simple Steps for a Safer Summer

Quick quiz: What do the following ailments all have in common?

• Sunburns

• Heat-related illnesses

• Drownings and water injuries

• Insect bites and stings

If you guessed, “Outdoor Hazards That Could Send Me to Urgent Care this Summer,” you are correct.

According to Ladan Pourmasiha, D.O., a family medicine physician with Baptist Health and medical director for its Urgent Care centers in Broward County, summer always brings an increase in such cases.

“We typically see an uptick in patients seeking care for these conditions during the summer months, simply because it’s a time of year when people tend to spend more time outdoors or in the water,” she says.

Speaking from her experience treating patients in South Florida, Dr. Pourmasiha offers seven simple steps for enjoying a safer summer:

1. Stay Safe in the Sun

“It’s great to be able to live in a place where we can spend so much time outdoors but here in the sub-tropics the sun is not your friend,” Dr. Pourmasiha warns. “Avoid peak sun exposure, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and seek shade during those hours. Apply a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher 15 to 20 minutes before going outside – and reapply every two hours. It also helps to wear UV protective clothing, such as lightweight, long sleeve shirts and pants, as well as hats, caps and sunglasses.”

2. Watch Out in the Water

Noting that there were 465 deaths in Florida last year due to accidental drownings, Dr. Pourmasiha emphasizes the importance of water safety – whether you’re enjoying your backyard pool, swimming in a lake or spending a day at the beach. Vigilance is key, she says.

“Always supervise children when they are in or near water and stay within arm’s reach for young or inexperienced swimmers,” advises Dr. Pourmasiha, adding that floatation devices such as arm floaties or inflatable toys should never be relied on as substitutes for adult supervision. “Also, make sure your child is enrolled in swimming lessons appropriate to their age and skill level. The earlier they learn how to swim, the better.”

3. Don’t Let Yourself Get Thirsty

By the time you start to feel thirsty, your body is already feeling the effects of dehydration at the cellular level, so Dr. Pourmasiha suggests being proactive with your fluid intake.

“If you’re working or playing or exercising outdoors in this high heat and humidity, make sure you’re getting adequate fluids before, during and after,” she says. Is there a preferred beverage? “Water works best – it’s what nature put here for us. You want to avoid any sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time because they can actually be dehydrating.”

4. Know the Signs of Heat Illness

If this summer is anything like the last, South Florida is in for multiple heat advisories and warnings, issued when the heat index, or “feels like” temperature, is projected to reach at least 108°F for two hours or longer.

“When you’re outside in high heat and humidity, and you don’t stay properly hydrated, your body loses its ability to regulate its temperature,” Dr. Pourmasiha notes. “This can lead to heat-related illness or even heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated promptly."

Common symptom of heat illness include:

• Dizziness, fatigue and dehydration

• Nausea, cramps and headache

• Elevated body temperature

5. Don’t Leave Kids or Pets in Cars

Even with the windows cracked, cars trap heat like a greenhouse. “It can be extremely dangerous and even fatal, especially in warm or hot weather,” cautions Dr. Pourmasiha. On a 75°F (24°C) day – mild by South Florida standards – the temperature inside your car can reach 100°F (38°C) in just 10 minutes and 129°F (54°C) in 30 minutes, she says. Within 60 minutes, on a blazing hot summer day, the temperature in your car can soar to 150–180°F (66–82°C).

“A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s,” notes Dr. Pourmasiha. “Heatstroke can begin at 104°F (40°C), and brain damage or death can occur at 107°F (41.7°C).” Pets are equally at risk, she adds. “Dogs and cats can suffer heatstroke, organ failure or death very quickly, too.”

6. Beware of Bites and Stings

Most South Floridians know to avoid the small, gray, sandy mounds that pop up on their summer lawns. Step on one and you risk disturbing a subterranean colony of fire ants whose small size belies the pain of their bite. At the beach, there are jelly fish, sea lice and red tide allergies to contend with. And no matter where you go, mosquitos are also a problem – not so much for their bite but for the diseases they carry, such as Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

“Use insect repellents with DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 but don’t use them on infants under two months – use nets instead,” Dr. Pourmasiha says. “Wear long sleeve shirts and pants, socks, and closed shoes when outdoors. Try to avoid bug-prone areas, and don’t use scented products such as perfumes, scented lotions and shampoos, which can attract insects.”

7. Relax and Have Fun

Yes, there are hazards we need to be aware of when we’re outdoors but don’t let them get in the way of enjoying all that South Florida has to offer, says Dr. Pourmasiha. “Being outdoors and getting fresh air improves your mental health, enhances your physical health and promotes better sleep,” she says. “Swimming in salt water improves skin health and circulation. And sunlight – in careful moderation – boosts your vitamin D levels, which is essential for healthy bones, immune system function and mood regulation.”

If your summer adventures happen to lead you to Baptist Health Urgent Care, Dr. Pourmasiha assures that the highly trained physicians, nurses and staff there are ready to help. “If you have something that needs immediate attention, there’s a Baptist Health Urgent Care or Urgent Care Express location nearby, ready and waiting to provide high-quality, compassionate care.” To find a location near you, visit BaptistHealth.net/GetCareNow.

Ladan Pourmasiha, D.O., a family medicine physician with Baptist Health and medical director for Baptist Health Urgent Care centers in Broward County