Newswise — Summer vacation is supposed to be a joyous time spent outside, at the pool, or at summer camp. However, sometimes having too much fun can lead to a trip to the emergency room. Dr. Jeff Kalina, associate director of emergency medicine at The Methodist Hospital in Houston offer these hints for summer safety.
Q: What is the difference between heat stroke and heat illness and how to prevent them?
A: Heat stroke is actually a stroke. Victims will have paralysis and a loss of function and maybe lose the ability to speak. After suffering heat stroke, arms and legs go limp, and in some cases there is vision loss. Heat illness is a dehydration problem. People playing outside should drink water or other beverages with electrolytes, and get in a cool place or shade as quickly as possible. Stay away from caffeine drinks because they stimulate urination and are not a great hydrator. Alcohol is also dangerous because it changes the body's thermal regulation center and gives the illusion of being cool . It might cause a person to stay outside a lot longer than you should.
Q: How important is it for everyone to pay attention around a pool or the beach?
A: Hundreds of people drown every year. It's important to remember that the brain uses up all its oxygen within five to eight minutes, so calling 9-1-1 and initiating CPR immediately is critical. Keep in mind, even great swimmers can drown. Never leave a child unattended and avoid nighttime swimming because most pools aren't lit properly and sometimes it is hard to see see a person at the bottom of a pool. When it comes to pool lights, make sure they are checked periodically for shorts because electrocution can happen very easily if they are not working properly. Also, diving in shallow water can cause broken teeth, noses, necks and spinal cord injuries. Never dive into a pool unless the water is at least nine feet deep.
Q: What is the best way to handle mosquito bites?
A: A simple mosquito bite could land you in the ER, and not from West Nile Virus or encephalitis. Scratching mosquito or ant bites is not a good idea. There are more and more cases of MRSA in the community these days and scratching mosquito and ant bites can make a person vulnerable to this type of staph infection. It's better to put a topical anti-itch cream or meat tenderizer to neutralize the problem. Scratching or picking at scabs gives the MRSA the chance to get into the skin and in some cases if not properly taken care of, this condition can be fatal.
Q: What are some other things to watch out for?
A: Some people won't bring their medication to the beach because it's too inconvenient. If you need blood pressure medication or insulin, put it in a cooler and bring it because not taking it will do more harm than good. Also, watch out for food that is left out in the sun. Keep food well-covered and cool until it's eaten and put it back right away when everyone is done eating. Leaving food out will make you vulnerable for gastrointestinal illnesses and there is nothing fun about that when you are trying to enjoy a nice day out with your family and friends.
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