Summer brings warmth, sunshine, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. However, it also calls for an even greater responsibility to take extra precautions to ensure your family enjoys this beautiful season safely. At Lourdes Urgent Care, we’re committed to helping you create unforgettable summer memories without the setback of avoidable health issues. Our urgent care in River Ranch can help you stay safe and happy all summer long. Here are five safety tips to remember as you soak up the summer fun.
1. Hydration Is Key
Daily hydration is essential for your child’s health. Follow these guidelines for how much water or other hydration your child should drink each day:
- Children 1-3 Years Old: Four 8-ounce glasses
- Children 4-8 Years Old: Five 8-ounce glasses
- Children 8 Years and Older: Eight 8-ounce glasses
However, dehydration can sneak up on you under the summer sun, and these amounts should increase as your child spends time in the heat. Always keep a water bottle on hand, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities. And don’t forget to look out for signs of dehydration like thirst, dry mouth, and fatigue. Remember — if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already starting to dehydrate.
2. Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
Applying sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine — not just on trips to the beach. If you’re going to spend time outdoors, make sure you and your children use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours. Seek shade whenever possible, and consider walking through River Ranch’s beautiful hiking paths during the cooler morning or later afternoon hours to reduce sun exposure.
3. Hand Sanitizer Is a Summer Essential
With outdoor adventures and trips to the town square come dirt and germs. These germs can spread cold, flu, and other viruses. Packing hand sanitizer ensures you can clean your hands even when soap and water aren’t readily available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content as the most effective at killing germs.
But remember — while hand sanitizers are valuable in reducing the spread of germs, they should not replace washing hands with soap and water whenever possible. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap if they are visibly dirty or greasy.
If the cold or flu puts a damper on your summer plans, don’t wait to visit our urgent care in River Ranch on Kaliste Saloom Road! Our team can help you recover faster.
4. Pool Safety Should Always Be a Priority
Pools and lakes are perfect for beating the summer heat. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety at these summer sites.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind at pools and public swimming spots:
- Always supervise young children around water.
- Swim in designated areas with lifeguards.
- Don’t run in slippery areas.
- Remember to pack your sunscreen!
5. Don’t Forget the Bug Repellent
Mosquitoes and ticks are not just annoying — they can be dangerous, too. Insect bites and stings can lead to serious health issues, ranging from allergic reactions to infections. Symptoms of these complications can include swelling, redness, pain, fever, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. In the case of tick bites, a red ring appearing in a bullseye pattern around the bite can indicate Lyme disease infection. If this happens, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible to identify and treat the disease before it progresses.
At Lourdes Urgent Care in River Ranch, we provide fast treatment for infections and skin irritation. However, if you or your child show signs of anaphylaxis from a bug bite, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from bug bites, apply repellent before going outdoors. You can also wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when bugs are most active.
For Summertime Sickness or Injuries, Visit Our Urgent Care in River Ranch
Whether you’re spending time at home or visiting River Ranch with family, make sure to follow these tips to stay safe this summer. If you or a family member suffer from a non-life-threatening injury or condition, remember that our urgent care in River Ranch is here to provide timely, affordable care. You can walk into our lobby or check-in online for everything from minor cuts and bruises to dehydration and sunburn. Our team is ready to support your health, allowing you to return to your summer activities as quickly as possible.
For more summer safety tips or to learn more about our services, reach out to Lourdes Urgent Care on Kaliste Saloom Road at 337-981-5085. Enjoy a safe summer, and remember — we’re here when you need us!
