Summer is finally here, and that means most of us are likely to be spending more time outdoors – whether that means in our own backyards or taking a trip to the beach! The last thing anyone wants is for their summer fun to be interrupted by poor health or an injury! Let’s take a look at some of the most common Summer health concerns and how your local pharmacy can help you avoid them!
1 – Dehydration and Heatstroke
As the weather begins to heat up, it is going to become more critical than ever before to make sure that you stay properly hydrated! Dehydration and heat stroke are two Summer maladies that go hand in hand! When you are spending more time outside in the hot sun, your body will lose fluids as you sweat. Add that to the likelihood that you are engaged in more physical activity when outdoors and it is easy to see why people get dehydrated. If you are dehydrated, you won’t be able to sweat, and that can stop your body from cooling off, resulting in heatstroke!
The best way to avoid both dehydration and heatstroke is to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. However, you may also want to consult with your local pharmacyabout additives you could mix with your water to replace those important electrolytes in the body. One tip is to combine a half and half blend of water and Gatorade!
2 – Poison Ivy
There is a definite upswing in the number of people –, especially children – who get affected by poison ivy during Summer! If you and your family are likely to spend time in areas where this nasty plant grows, then it is important to take precautions! The best tip we can offer is to learn how to recognize Poison Ivy and steer clear of it! It is also wise to wear long boots or socks if you are going to be hiking in the woods. You also need to be aware that it is the oil that causes the itch, so even if it gets on your clothing and you then touch your skin while taking it off, you can be affected.
If you do find yourself with that tell-tale swollen and itchy skin, it’s time to head to the local pharmacy to pick up a topical treatment like calamine lotion. That’s usually all you need, but severe cases may also need a course of topical or oral steroids to clear things up completely.
3 – Sunburn
Getting sunburn can put a real dampener on your Summer fun! Not only does it look horrible and hurt a whole lot, but it is also going to increase your risk of some skin cancers such as Melanoma. It also prematurely ages the skin causing wrinkles and age spots! It should be reasonably easy to avoid sunburn if you use the appropriate sunscreen. Talk with your local pharmacy for recommendations on the best brands to use. Don’t forget – if you can already feel your skin burning – it’s too late!
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581