Summer is all about fun in the sun, but it’s also a time of year when certain injuries and illnesses tend to pop-up more frequently. Spending time outdoors, around water, in the woods, and playing sports can lead to concussions, fractures, sunburn, dehydration, allergic reactions, and other unpleasant conditions. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common summer-fun-killers and how best to treat them.
1. Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat emergencies have multiple phases – heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. While all three stages of heat-related illnesses can be quite serious, they can also be easily avoided. Our top tips: stay hydrated, wear loose clothing, protect yourself against sunburn, and know your body’s limits and be cautious if you’re at increased risk.
2. Burns & Cuts: Burn yourself on something hot like a grill, curling iron, or stove? If it’s smaller than a quarter, rinse it with cool water for at least 20 minutes, then cover loosely with gauze. Change the bandage daily and watch out for signs of infection such as redness, pus, or swelling. Cut yourself? Apply pressure with a gauze pad until the bleeding slows substantially or stops. Flush the wound with water for at least two minutes; pat dry, cover with gauze, and secure with tape.
3. Sports Injuries: The most common summer sports injuries include ankle, knee, elbow, and shoulder sprains. Most of these minor injuries can be treated using the R.I.C.E method. Our top tip: use a FlexiKold Gel Cold Pack to reduce swelling around the injury, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize muscle pain and spasms.
4. Bug Bites: We all know that the best way to avoid mosquito and bug bites is to avoid the outdoors. But that wouldn’t be much fun, would it? When you head outdoors, use insect repellents or bug spray. Show extra vigilance when you’re in areas with standing water as bugs tend to flock to these pools of water or places that have recently experienced significant rainfall. Our top tip for treating bug bites: apply a Circle Gel Pack to the infected area. These 4-inch gel packs are perfect for small bumps and bruises!
5. Sunburn: In most cases, sunburn can be easily treated. But the best way to treat sunburn is to avoid it in the first place. Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet light from the sun. So the best way to prevent it is to stay out of the sun during peak hours, apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and cover yourself with UV protective clothing. Our top tip for treating sunburn: re-hydrate yourself. You can also cool and soothe your skin with a moisturizer such as an Aloe Vera gel. It’s also imperative that you stay out of the sun until you are completely healed.
While some of these injuries can be scary, by taking preventive measures and swiftly treating any injuries, you can still enjoy a carefree, injury-free summer!
