Urgent care, ERs busy in summertime

During the summer, emergency rooms and urgent care clinics see an increase in patients with common ailments–many of them preventable.

Here are a few of the more common summertime bumps, bruises and breaks that keep doctors and nurses busy during the not-so-lazy days of summer. •Broken bones: Skateboarders and bikers not wearing helmets and arm, leg and knee pads continue to account for many emergency room patients this time of year. Careful bike and skateboard riding with the right protective gear is recommended by all health professionals. •Bee stings: Physicians and nurses agree it’s important to have Benedryl on hand to help with an allergic reaction. Once you’ve removed the stinger, use ice to reduce swelling. If you experience trouble breathing after you’ve been stung, get immediate medical help. •Sunburn: Sunscreen, sunglasses and minimal exposure are still the best ways to prevent a nasty sunburn. Apply aloe vera if you get burned and stay out of the sun until the burn heals completely. •Pool-related injuries: Always be sure children in or around swimming pools are under constant adult supervision. Prevent severe head injuries by testing the pool’s depth before diving into the water. Do not allow children to run around a slippery pool deck. Keep pool chemicals out of reach of small children. •Heatstroke: The best way to avoid heatstroke is to drink lots of water, stay in the shade or a cool place and wear cool clothes. According to WebMD, symptoms include dizziness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, cold or clammy skin, headaches, rapid heartbeat and nausea. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. •Gardening accidents: When mowing the lawn, be sure to wear shoes or boots. Do not use a hand or foot to dislodge an object stuck in a lawnmower’s blade. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when pruning. Don’t leave electric gardening tools accessible to children.

––Daniel Wolowicz