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The sun’s out … and the emergency department is busy. While severe injuries send people to the hospital all year round, emergency rooms typically see an uptick in visits during the summer months.
“People tend to be more active when the weather gets nice, and that’s a good thing,” says Dr. Herbert Duber, who works in the emergency departments at Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center – Montlake. “Being active is important for our health. However, it’s also important to balance risk of injury with activities.”
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your summer — by all means, paddle board on Lake Union, rollerblade on the Burke-Gilman or lay out on Alki — just be mindful about how you plan and approach your summer activities. Here is how to avoid what Duber says are four common injuries and conditions he sees in the ER during the summer.
Think before you jump (or ride or run or float)
Duber says that sports-related fractures, dislocations and tears are often treated in the emergency room due to activities like running, biking and other outdoor sports.
“Biking is great, but going 40 miles per hour on two wheels down a hill when you haven’t done so in a while can be dangerous,” says Duber.
Because water activities are also a favorite summer pastime, hospitals also see an increase in drownings in people of all ages during the season. Burns are also common during this time, thanks to everything from mishaps with fireworks to brief encounters with the backyard barbeque or late-night campfire.
To avoid sports injuries, warm up before exercising, cool down after your workout and stay hydrated during your run or in between reps. Also, try scheduling your outdoor workouts and sports in the morning hours before the sun’s hottest or in the evening after it has begun to set.
Additionally, most drownings are preventable — when you’re on the water, make sure to swim with a buddy, avoid swimming when you’re under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and wear a life jacket when needed.
If you’re going into the wilderness, remember to bring essentials like a first aid kit, water filter, food and layers to be prepared to treat burns, cuts and bites, and to avoid getting sick or cold from the elements.
Beat the heat
The summer heat is no joke — neither are conditions like heatstroke or heat exhaustion. You don’t need to skip out on your day trip to the beach or a kayak around the lake, but make sure you get plenty of shade, drink lots of water, eat regularly, use sunscreen and most importantly, pay attention to your body’s cues. If you begin to feel nauseated or dizzy, it may be time to head inside — and seek help if your symptoms become severe.
Drive safe
Duber notes that there are more deaths from motor vehicle collisions during the summer months. “Factors leading to this include partying and drinking, more cars on the road, long road trips or more cars driving at night,” Duber says.
Before you hit the road this summer, make sure you are hydrated and well-rested, and stop for breaks when needed to stay alert. Also, under no circumstances should you operate a motor vehicle (yes, this includes four-wheelers and jet skis) if you’ve been drinking or have used any recreational drugs. Keep your designated driver’s number nearby — it’s safer for you and everyone else on the road.
Find a breath of fresh air
Duber says that exposure to wildfire smoke isn’t good for anyone but can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including those who are older or who have underlying medical conditions.
Before you spend your day outside, it can be a good idea to check your area’s air quality — and if there’s wildfire smoke, stay inside, close your windows or use an air purifier to reduce the chance of the smoke irritating your lungs or eyes.
The takeaway? Be smart.
Summer can be an enjoyable time filled with adventures with friends, time in the water or even in a shaded chair by the pool with a good book. But if you plan to spend time outside and don’t want to spend time in the emergency room, make sure to take the necessary steps to keep yourself healthy and safe.
“Be smart and take appropriate precautions,” says Duber. “Start slow and work your way back into activities that you may not have been doing for a while.”
