Summer is now in full swing and the last thing you want to do is spend a sunny day inside at the doctor’s office. We spoke to Stamps Health Services senior director, Dr. Holton, to learn more about common summer injuries and illnesses and how best to prevent them. Read on and make sure you plan and keep yourself ahead of the curve this summer.

Sunburns:

Almost all of us have fallen victim to this. We all enjoy soaking up some sun, but just make sure you don’t soak it all up. Dr. Holton recommends that you avoid prolonged time in the sun, while also diligently wearing sunscreen and frequently reapplying- yes, you still have to reapply it even if it’s waterproof. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 (blocks 97% of UVB rays) or more and is water resistant. Check out this story for more sunscreen tips.

Heat Illness:

Yes, there is such a thing as heat illness- and it’s just as awful as it sounds. The good news? It’s not too difficult to avoid. Dr. Holton recommends that you drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after heat exposure. You should also take frequent breaks to get out of the sun, while also avoiding being outside during the hottest part of the day. Don’t forget to also wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and to take the time to get acclimated to the heat.

Scooter Injuries:

Scooter injuries, who would’ve thought these could be so common?  We’ve all seen someone wipe out while flying down freshman hill, so here are some of Dr. Holton’s recommendations to avoid this surprisingly common injury. Step one: wear a helmet! Wearing a helmet or some other type of head protection should be a no brainer. Also, try to avoid excessive speeds, be diligent in watching for road hazards and other vehicles, and avoid being distracted by an electronic device while riding.

Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs)

A quick decision can hold lifelong consequences. Dr. Holton recommends practicing safe sex at all times. This doesn’t only include using protection, but also knowing your partner, and knowing yourself. For more information on safe sex tips go to healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/sexual-health.

Skin Rash:

As if pesky bug bites and irritating sunburns weren’t enough, you need to also be aware of the serious threat of getting a rash this summer. There are many things that cause rashes, especially in the summer. Dr. Holton recommends that you try to wear long pants and long sleeves anytime that you are hiking or walking. This will help you avoid getting dermatitis from contact with poison ivy and poison oak.

This summer make smart, informed decisions to stay out of the patient’s waiting room and spend time outside. You can find more tips on ways to stay healthy go to health.gatech.edu.