5 Reasons Why People Rush to an Emergency Room in Summers

Various studies have found that emergency room visits increase during the summer months and children made up a large portion of these visits. In fact, a report by the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that fewer than 1,000 people die due to heat-related illnesses every year. Here are the top reasons why people search “emergency room near me” more in summertime.

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  1. Extreme Dehydration

After spending day and night inside their homes throughout the winter months, summer sun tempts people to go out and enjoy outdoor activities. Spending more time outside in hot weather could drain your body fluid. Studies show that 75% of Americans don’t drink enough fluids on a daily basis, which often leads to chronic dehydration. What are the signs of dehydration? Symptoms are dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, and dry skin. Dehydration leads to heat exhaustion and then heat stroke. So it is wise to avoid such scenario.

  • Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Avoid warmest times of the day from 10 am to 4 pm.
  • Increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  1. Sunburn

Sunburn-related ER visits rack up millions of dollars every year in ER rooms. Sunburn injuries occur in young people who are either not aware of it or don’t take appropriate measure to protect their skin from harmful UV radiations. About 80 percent of skin cancer may be due to UV over-exposure. Sunburn in short-term can cause dizziness, nausea, dehydration, and fainting. Here are some sunburn protection tips for you:

  • Wear sunscreen lotion before you step out of the house.
  • Use an umbrella or cover your face and hands with loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear UV blocking sunglasses
  1. Sports-Injuries

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor sports with friends or family in the water, park, or community playgrounds. Sprained ankles, knee injuries, broken bones, muscle cramps, back injuries, and twisted ankles are the common sights in emergency rooms in summertime. Many of these sports-related injuries are completely avoidable if you wear protective gear. How?

  • Do proper stretching exercise before starting your workout or outdoor sports.
  • Drink additional water besides the recommended intake amount if you are involved in sports activities.
  • Wear protective head, knee and ankle gear when playing football, baseball, soccer, and other such activities.
  1. Drowning

There is a dramatic rise in swimming-related injuries, especially in children, when they are not supervised by adults. In the US, drowning is the second most common cause of death after car accidents in children aged 1-4 years. About 7,000 children go to emergency rooms due to a near-drowning experience. 43% of drowning cases in children and teens occur in open water and 38% in pools. Here is what you need to do to prevent it:

  • Train your small children on how to swim and supervise them all the time.
  • If enjoying a pool party with children, have someone to supervise water activities.
  • Be careful when you and your family visit an open water area for a picnic.
  • Make sure a lifeguard is on duty when they swim in a community pool.
  • Do not allow your children to swim in a pool or any water body if water is above their head.
  1. Falls

Physical activities are good for children, but they must be done under adult supervision. Many fall injuries occur in playgrounds while playing with trampolines, ladders, staircase, and climbers. Not just children but adults are also prone to fall injuries while riding scooters, motorized vehicles, golf carts, etc. Physical trauma due to fall is the number #1 cause of death in adults. Most of these incidents are preventable.

  • Wear the right shoes when you are outside, working, or enjoying outdoor sports.
  • Dehydration is the most common reason for summer falls, so keep yourself hydrated.
  • Pay attention to children when they enjoy play time in playgrounds.

With the summer season approaching, it is hard for you and your family to stay indoors. We know people love to have fun and enjoy surroundings during summer months. Follow the above-mentioned prevention tips to avoid falls, drowning-like situation, sports injuries, sunburn and dehydration. And, if unfortunately you or someone you know experience summer-related injuries, no need to search for an “emergency room near me” on Google, just come to HOPE ER. We offer emergency medical services, 24*7 and never make an emergency wait.

Our ER address is: 2111 East Denman Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901. You can even call us at (936) 899-7243.

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