SUNBURN,BEE STINGS,& HEAT STROKE OH MY!!

We at Iron Road Healthcare wish you a happy and safe summer with some summertime tips to help you through. After a long cold winter,we all long to get out into the sunshine as soon as the weather heats up. Its easy to forget or just ignore some of the things we know we should do in the rush to outside and enjoy all the summer fun. Here is a small refresher to get you started.

DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!  

Sunscreen should be applied BEFORE you head outside- at least 15 to 20 minutes so it can soak in to be the most effective. Apply your second coat within the first hour of sun exposure. (set a timer on your phone!) Then reapply regularly and generously every 1-2 hours. Most of us don’t use enough sunscreen either. It should be about 1 ounce, roughly the size of a golf ball or enough to fill a shot glass. Don’t forget the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head! Ladies, sunscreen before makeup. Think SPF- S for skincare first, and F for foundation last. Sun protection between skincare and foundation!    

WHAT TO DO ABOUT SUMMER STINGS AND ALLERGIES  

Most of us get a mosquito bite, it itches for a few days and then it’s gone. But some bodies react badly to bites and stings. Anyone that has had an allergic reaction to a bee sting should carry an Epi-Pen with them for emergencies. Most bee stings can be treated at home by removing the stinger with tweezers and putting ice on the site. Benadryl may help with swelling and discomfort. If breathing becomes difficult or you have an anaphylactic reaction, you need to go to urgent care. The same goes for spider bites. If you have difficulty breathing the ER is the best choice. Pain only, urgent care is best. For allergies, treatments are available over the counter. If those aren’t helping see your Dr. to determine if prescription medications are necessary.

HEAT STROKE OR HEAT EXHAUSTION? LEARN THE SIGNS

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses excess amounts of water and salt, typically from sweating. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency when your body is unable to control its internal temperature.

                            Heat exhaustion symptoms and what to do

• General weakness-take a cool shower or use a cold compress to decrease  body temperature
• Increased heavy sweating-hydrate with water or sports drinks
• A weak but faster pulse or heart-move to a shaded or cool area
• Nausea or vomiting-seek medical attention if it continues
• Fainting, lightheadedness, or dizziness- lie down  
• Pale, cold, clammy skin- remove any extra layers of clothing, including shoes and socks                                                                                                                                              

                                    Heat stroke symptoms and what to do

• Elevated body temperature above 104 degrees F-call 911 for emergency treatment
• Rapid and strong pulse or heart rate-move to a shaded or cool area
• Loss or change of consciousness-circulate air to speed up cooling

Both are caused by your body’s inability to cool itself. Sweat is your body’s natural tool for cooling you down. Working or exercising strenuously in hot weather may cause your body to have difficulty producing enough sweat to keep you cool. Other causes include dehydration, wearing heavier, tight clothing and consuming alcohol. Heat exhaustion should be treated at the first signs so it does not become heat stroke.  Find your urgent care and ER co=pays at