I'll admit it—fall is my favorite season. But summer has its own kind of magic. School is out (good and bad), families are traveling, kids are spending more time outdoors (GREAT), and weekends fill up with camping trips, pool days, and backyard cookouts.

Summertime is also filled with the same illnesses and injuries, some more preventable than others. My goal with this post is to help you make sure that your family's summer memories aren't interrupted by an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

Protect Your Skin (and the kids)

After the first sunny week of summer, I notice many patients come to the office looking just a little extra crispy. It's so common that most people shrug it off as part of summer.

The problem is that "common" doesn't mean "okay."

Sunburns are evidence of skin damage. Over time, repeated burns—particularly during childhood—significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. That's why I'm especially passionate about protecting kids from getting burned. They may not appreciate the sunscreen now, but their future skin will.

A few simple habits make a big difference:

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher about 15–30 minutes before going outside.
Reapply every two hours—and after swimming or sweating.
Wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing whenever possible.
Seek shade during the hottest part of the day (typically 10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Don't forget easy-to-miss areas like the ears, lips, scalp, tops of the feet, and back of the neck.
AND DON’T FORGET to put sunscreen on the kiddos. I’m am guilty of forgetting this way too often, so this a personal reminder too!

Enjoy the sunshine—but respect it.

Respect the Water

Okay, so Dr. Angela is a little water shy, but I am getting better. Regardless, I have a healthy respect (occasionally fear of water). I wont’ want you to be afraid, but don’t get too cavalier at the pool, the lake, or the beach. Drowning can happen quickly—and often much more quietly than people realize.

For young children:

Stay within arm's reach whenever they're in or near the water.
Don't rely on inflatable toys or floaties for safety.
Designate one adult as the "water watcher" and avoid distractions like phones.

For older children and teens:

Swim with a buddy.
Wear a properly fitted life jacket while boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Never dive into unfamiliar water.

For adults:

Alcohol and water activities don't mix well. Many boating accidents and drownings involve alcohol, even among experienced swimmers.

As a physician, there are very few stories that are harder to hear than one about a preventable drowning.

Heat Is More Dangerous Than People Think

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen every summer, and they can affect anyone. Young children, older adults, athletes, and people working outdoors are especially vulnerable.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion:

Heavy sweating
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle cramps
Dizziness
Nausea

If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, develops a very high body temperature, or stops sweating despite being overheated, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

The best prevention is simple:

Drink water throughout the day—not just when you're thirsty.
Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day.

And one reminder that can never be repeated enough:

Never leave a child, older adult, or pet in a parked vehicle—not even for a minute.

Fire Pits, Fireworks & Grilling

I love sitting around a fire on a cool summer night—whether it's at home or at a campsite. Some of my favorite summer memories have been made around a campfire with family and friends. I want you to make those same memories, not memories of a burn or emergency room visit. Here are a few simple tips to help keep everyone safe.

A few simple reminders:

Keep children several feet away from fire pits and grills.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
Fully extinguish campfires before leaving or going to bed.
Remember that roasting sticks stay hot long after they're removed from the fire.

When grilling:

Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
Use a food thermometer instead of guessing.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Don't leave potato salad, fruit, or other perishable foods sitting in the sun for hours.

Summer Injuries Happen

Summer is made for adventure, and I'm all for it. But more adventures also mean more opportunities for injuries. Sometimes it's a rolled ankle on a hiking trail, a bike crash, or a trampoline mishap. Other times it's something as simple—and preventable—as going barefoot on a fishing boat with fishhooks on the floor. (Yes, my son learned that lesson the hard way, and it ended with a trip to the emergency department.) Learn from our mistake instead!

If an injury is painful but you're not sure what to do next, don't guess.

If you can't bear weight, notice significant swelling or deformity, or have severe pain, it's time to seek medical attention. If you belong to our practice, it’s a good time to call the patient line.

Not every injury needs an emergency room visit, though.

One of the advantages of Direct Primary Care is that you can call us after hours for urgent concerns if you are not sure what to do next. Sometimes a quick conversation is enough to help determine whether you need rest and ice, an X-ray and in office follow-up or the emergency department.

Ticks Happen

Summer is also tick season. In fact, I remove at least one tick from my son every summer. Apparently, our backyard is exactly where ticks like to hang out.

If you've been hiking, camping, gardening, spending time in tall grass, or even just playing in a tick-friendly backyard like ours, make tick checks part of your routine.

Perform a full-body tick check when you come inside.
Check children and pets carefully.
Remove ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out.
Watch for a rash, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or flu-like symptoms over the next several weeks.

Michigan has seen a steady increase in tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease. The sooner a tick is found and removed, the better. If you develop symptoms after a tick bite—or you're simply unsure what to do next—don't wait. Contact your physician.

Enjoy the Summer

Summer doesn't have to be perfect to be memorable.

Take the vacation. Go to the beach. Enjoy the barbecue. Eat the ice cream. Watch the fireworks. Let the kids get dirty. Make the memories.

Just take a few simple precautions along the way.

Dr. Angela's Take

One of the things I appreciate most about Direct Primary Care is that it's available when unexpected summer issues come up. Whether it's a tick bite after a hike, an ankle injury on vacation, a rash after camping, a medication question while you're traveling, or help deciding whether something needs urgent care or can safely wait until morning, let us be there for you. Sometimes a quick text, phone call, or virtual visit can save you hours in an urgent care waiting room and give you peace of mind so you can get back to enjoying your summer.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Reading this blog does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Every individual and every medical situation is different. If you have questions about your health or are experiencing a medical concern, please consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

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