It’s summer, which means it’s time for long beach days, family barbecues and other fun warm-weather activities. However, along with its fun, summer can bring a fair share of potential maladies — ranging from bug bites to heat exhaustion. Some of these require a quick run to urgent care for treatment. We talked to Dr. Devin Boothe, an urgent care doctor with Carbon Health, about some of the things she sees in her office during the warmer months and what she’d stay away from as the days get longer and hotter.
1. Never dive head first into a pool without knowing the depth. This could lead to severe head and neck injuries that could be detrimental and life threatening.
2. Never ride a bicycle without a helmet. In the summer months, motorcycles and bicycles are easy ways to get around town. Wearing a helmet can minimize head trauma from a fall off a bike, especially if you’re riding at high speeds.
3. Never walk through high grasses or wooded areas without wearing long pants tucked in long tube socks. Summer is tick season. You’ll often find them in these types of areas.
4. Never play with firecrackers. Injuries from firecrackers include burns, skin and tissue damage, injury to bones, and even, loss of fingers.
5. Never eat food that has been sitting out in the sun for too long or that has been undercooked on the grill. Bacteria multiply quickly in warm, moist conditions. Dishes that contain dairy or mayonnaise should be kept cold. Most grilled meats should be cooked to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit and poultry to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoiding these common culinary summertime mishaps can reduce your chances of getting food poisoning.