Beat the Summer Heat and Stay Healthy: Prisma Health gives tips to keep you safe all season long

Summer officially arrives on Thursday, with temperatures already in the 90s in parts of South Carolina. Extreme heat can cause everything from heat exhaustion to more dangerous heat stroke – but even a “normal” S.C. summer day brings with it an increase in unintentional injuries and accidents due to higher participation in outdoor activities like swimming, sports and yardwork.

Preparation and knowing what common summer injuries to be aware of can make all the difference in being able to safely enjoy the season:

• Heat stress is the leading cause of weather-related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health and asthma. It can also increase the risk of accidents.

If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves for gasping for breath, stop all activity and get into a cool area or into shade, especially if you become lightheaded, confused or faint. Heatstroke is a medical emergency with a high-case fatality rate.

Even if you’re simply enjoying a sunny day with family, take extra care. Pack water bottles and limit strenuous activity during peak heat hours. If it’s very hot, stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Remember that young children and the elderly are more susceptible to heat-related health issues.

• Be careful when on the water. Drowning is a leading cause of preventable death, for both children and adults. Always supervise children around water and be aware of your limitations as a swimmer.
• Sports injuries also increase – on the land and on the water. Always warm up properly and wear appropriate protective gear, including the right footwear.
• Before undertaking yardwork, properly gear up by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants along with close-toed and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and insect repellent while taking plenty of breaks and staying hydrated. Take precautions to guard against sunburns, tick bites and mosquito bites, all of which may only seem inconvenient but can pose significant health risks for some people.

“Summer brings a surge in outdoor activities, and unfortunately, that can also lead to an increase in certain injuries,” said T.J. Daley, lead physician assistant at Prisma Health Orthopedic Convenient Care in Columbia. “We see a lot of water sports injuries this time of year, from hamstring and ankle sprains to knee injuries. These can happen not only during the activities themselves, but also just getting on and off boats or using boat ramps.”

If injured, a speedy recovery can make the difference between missing out and making the most of your summer. Dedicated to providing easy-access care, Prisma Health is continuing to expand its urgent care network. There are currently 15 urgent care locations across the Upstate and Midlands with several more scheduled to open this year. Each center offers extended hours (8 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week).

“Summer is for fun, not getting sidelined by minor injuries or illnesses,” said Stephanie Trowbridge, regional medical director for Prisma Health Urgent Care. “Urgent care can be a lifesaver for your vacation or summer plans. We offer convenient care for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, so you can get the treatment you need and get back to enjoying your vacation or other summer outings.”

Prisma Health also offers virtual visits for added convenience that can be utilized if away on a trip or at home and are experiencing a minor ailment that doesn’t require an in-person visit. More information about virtual visits can be found here: https://prismahealth.org/services/virtual-care.

About Prisma Health

Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company and the largest health care organization in South Carolina. The company has 29,309 team members, 18 acute and specialty hospitals, 2,827 licensed beds, 305 practice sites, and more than 5,400 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Along with this innovative network, Prisma Health serves almost 1.5 million unique patients annually in its 21-county market area that covers 50% of South Carolina. Connect with Prisma Health on  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and  Twitter/X. Visit www.PrismaHealth.org.