Summer means increased outdoor activity, but that comes with risks.
No one knows this more than Carle Health Convenient Care clinicians, who treat everything from tick bites to heat-related illnesses to injuries this time of year.
They want you to be physically active outside. Just plan your activities.
“Being active outside, being with other people and enjoying the summer is important for physical, mental and emotional health,” Tara Nolting, MD, Carle Champaign on Curtis and Carle Urbana on Windsor Convenient Cares and Carle Foundation Hospital Convenient Care Plus physician, said.
“Just take it slow at the beginning and use common sense,” she said.
“The risks of being sedentary outweigh the risks of being active,” Mark Montefolka, MD, at Carle First Care in East Peoria, said. Carle First Care offers Convenient Care and primary care.
“Exercise is the best medicine,” Dr. Montefolka said. “You want to be active. If you aren’t active, you’re setting yourself up for obesity, diabetes and mood disorders. Just use general precautions.”
Summer injuries and illnesses, how to reduce your risk and how to treat them
Below are common summer injuries and illnesses treated by Convenient Care clinicians, how to reduce your risk and how to treat them.
If you’re wondering whether you should self-treat or call your doctor’s office or go to Convenient Care, opt to be seen.
“When in doubt, it’s always better to come in,” Dr. Nolting said.
If you’re still unsure, call the Patient Advisory Nurse. Click here to get the phone number for your region. Phones are staffed 24/7.
Heat-related illnesses
Poison ivy, oak and sumac
Some people who haven’t exercised outside since last summer will immediately try to run five miles or bike 10 miles. Muscle strains and sprains and head injuries from falling off bikes may result.
“Ease back into it,” Dr. Nolting said. If you’re going to ride your bike, scooter or skateboard, wear a helmet.
Food poisoning
Summer picnics mean that food may stay out in the warm sunshine. Remember to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Don’t let food sit out longer than two hours to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Mental health
Depression doesn’t go away during early summer because the weather is nice.
“Actually, sadness may be magnified this time of year,” Dr. Montefolka said. “Things outside are looking nice and fresh, and it’s sunny. People who are depressed wonder, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ If your sadness is affecting your job or your relationships or you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, we can treat that,” Dr. Montefolka said.
Carle Health can treat every variety of summer ailment. If you’re unclear where to get care, click here. For more information about what’s treated at Carle Health Convenient Care and Convenient Care Plus and a list of locations, search here.
No one knows this more than Carle Health Convenient Care clinicians, who treat everything from tick bites to heat-related illnesses to injuries this time of year.
They want you to be physically active outside. Just plan your activities.
“Being active outside, being with other people and enjoying the summer is important for physical, mental and emotional health,” Tara Nolting, MD, Carle Champaign on Curtis and Carle Urbana on Windsor Convenient Cares and Carle Foundation Hospital Convenient Care Plus physician, said.
“Just take it slow at the beginning and use common sense,” she said.
“The risks of being sedentary outweigh the risks of being active,” Mark Montefolka, MD, at Carle First Care in East Peoria, said. Carle First Care offers Convenient Care and primary care.
“Exercise is the best medicine,” Dr. Montefolka said. “You want to be active. If you aren’t active, you’re setting yourself up for obesity, diabetes and mood disorders. Just use general precautions.”
Summer injuries and illnesses, how to reduce your risk and how to treat them
Below are common summer injuries and illnesses treated by Convenient Care clinicians, how to reduce your risk and how to treat them.
If you’re wondering whether you should self-treat or call your doctor’s office or go to Convenient Care, opt to be seen.
“When in doubt, it’s always better to come in,” Dr. Nolting said.
If you’re still unsure, call the Patient Advisory Nurse. Click here to get the phone number for your region. Phones are staffed 24/7.
Heat-related illnesses
- Reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke by remaining indoors at the hottest part of the day. Save strenuous activity for early morning or in the evening when it’s cooler.
- When you are outdoors, wear a hat, drink water and take breaks out of the sun. If you are engaging in strenuous activity at any time, have a drink with electrolytes to replace some of the salt that you sweated away.
- If you experience dizziness, heavy perspiration, headache and muscle cramps, that’s heat exhaustion. Come indoors immediately, take off your sweaty clothes, take a cool shower and drink plenty of water or a drink with electrolytes.
- If your body temperature is at 104 degrees or above, you are dry, confused and have an elevated heart rate that’s heat stroke. Call 9-1-1.
- Some people have strong reactions to mosquito bites. Spending time outdoors also puts people at risk of tick bites
- Before going out, apply insect repellent containing DEET. When on a hike, stay on marked trails. Make sure your dog also stays on the trails.
- When you get home, before going inside, brush your dog. Take a shower and check your groin, armpits and other warm areas for ticks. Ticks can be small, so check thoroughly.
Poison ivy, oak and sumac
- When hiking, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to reduce skin exposure. When doing yard work, wear gloves.
- If you are hiking with your dog, wipe off their fur before letting them back into the house.
- When in contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac, wash the area with soap and water. Apply calamine lotion.
- If the poison ivy is on your face, genitals or on multiple part of your body, go to Convenient Care to see if you qualify for steroid treatment.
- When spending any time outside, wear sunscreen and reapply every couple of hours and after you come out of the water.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to minimize exposure to UV. Seek shade or remain indoors during the hottest part of the day.
- If you get sunburned, go indoors and take a shower or bath in cool or lukewarm water or apply cool compresses. This can help to decrease swelling. If you develop blisters, see a doctor.
Some people who haven’t exercised outside since last summer will immediately try to run five miles or bike 10 miles. Muscle strains and sprains and head injuries from falling off bikes may result.
“Ease back into it,” Dr. Nolting said. If you’re going to ride your bike, scooter or skateboard, wear a helmet.
- Spend a few minutes walking around to warm up your muscles before exercising to reduce the risk of muscle strains and sprains.
- Plan house projects before jumping in. The most common summer project injuries are lacerations, followed by muscle soreness and back injuries.
- Use the correct tools. That includes protective eyewear if needed. Get help if it’s a non-routine project. It’s safer to do a project with a buddy.
- If you feel a twinge or something pop, stop. If any pain is impairing your movement or ability to complete daily tasks, you should be seen.
Food poisoning
Summer picnics mean that food may stay out in the warm sunshine. Remember to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Don’t let food sit out longer than two hours to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Mental health
Depression doesn’t go away during early summer because the weather is nice.
“Actually, sadness may be magnified this time of year,” Dr. Montefolka said. “Things outside are looking nice and fresh, and it’s sunny. People who are depressed wonder, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ If your sadness is affecting your job or your relationships or you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, we can treat that,” Dr. Montefolka said.
Carle Health can treat every variety of summer ailment. If you’re unclear where to get care, click here. For more information about what’s treated at Carle Health Convenient Care and Convenient Care Plus and a list of locations, search here.
Categories: Staying Healthy