Summer is officially here, and we're preparing for that summer heat that will continue to come in the next couple months. While we all love the sunshine and outdoor activities this season brings, it's crucial to remember that rising temperatures can pose significant health risks if we're not prepared.
At Lubbock Primary Care, your well-being is our top priority. We want to ensure you have all the knowledge and tools to stay cool, hydrated, and healthy through the warmer months.
Understanding the Risks
When your body struggles to regulate its temperature in extreme heat, various conditions can arise, ranging from mild to life-threatening. It's important to recognize the signs:
- Heat Cramps: Often the first sign. These are painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs or abdomen, that occur during or after intense activity in the heat.
- Heat Exhaustion: More serious, this occurs when your body overheats from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, cool/clammy skin, and a fast, weak pulse.
- Heatstroke (A Medical Emergency!): This is the most severe heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention. Heatstroke occurs when your body loses its ability to cool itself, and your core temperature rises dangerously high (often above 103°F). Symptoms can include red, hot, and dry skin (though sometimes it can be sweaty), a throbbing headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, and even loss of consciousness. If you suspect heatstroke, call 911 immediately.
Beyond heat-related conditions, there are other risks to spending too much time in the sun:
- Dehydration: Stay hydrated and ensure that you're drinking enough water, especially with excessive sweating.
- Sunburn and Long-Term Skin Damage: Each burn increases your risk of skin cancer later in life, so be sure to use and reapply sunscreen throughout the day, wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.
Hydration is Key: Your Body's Best Defense
Water is your best friend during the summer! It's essential for helping your body regulate its temperature through sweating.
- Don't Wait for Thirst: Thirst is actually a sign that you're already becoming dehydrated. Drink water consistently throughout the day.
- What to Drink: Water is always the best choice. For prolonged outdoor activity (more than an hour) or heavy sweating, consider sports drinks that replenish electrolytes.
- What to Limit: Avoid sugary sodas, fruit juices, and especially alcohol and excessive caffeine, as these can actually dehydrate you further.
- How Much? Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily, but this can increase significantly with heat exposure and activity levels. Listen to your body!
- Hydration Hacks: Carry a reusable water bottle, set reminders on your phone, or infuse water with fruits for added flavor.
Smart Strategies for Beating the Heat in Lubbock
Living in the Texas heat means adapting your routine. Here are some practical tips:
- Timing is Everything: Schedule outdoor activities, exercise, and errands for the coolest parts of the day – early mornings or late evenings – avoiding the peak sun hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Dress for Success: Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing.
- Seek Shade and AC: Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned environments. When outdoors, utilize shade.
- Pace Yourself: Don't push yourself too hard during physical activity in the heat. Take frequent breaks and hydrate regularly.
- Never Leave Anyone in a Car: This cannot be stressed enough. The inside of a car heats up incredibly quickly, even with windows cracked, making it deadly for children and pets.
As your primary care physician, we're here to support you through all the seasons. We're here if you need us between vacations and summer activities.
At Lubbock Primary Care, we're committed to helping you get healthy and stay healthy through our patient-centered approach. Whether you're here in Lubbock to attend school or you're here raising a family, we're here to serve and guide you to health. Our providers at each of our locations are accepting new patients. Give us a call to establish care and get started with one of our providers.
Lubbock Primary Care Locations
South Quaker Location: 11007 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-701-4040
Southwest Milwaukee Location: 10709 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-207-3703
Central University Location: 5015 University Ave. Unit B1, Lubbock, TX | 806-797-4357
Midland Location: 1300 W Wall St., Midland, TX | 432-684-4488
