The Keys to Staying Safe in the Summer Heat | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

We’ve entered summer—you know, the time of year where it seems like we have a solid five months or so of 90 degree temperatures! Things are certainly hot out there, so it’s important to be sure you’re doing what you can to stay safe.

Heat-related illnesses are common when heat and humidity are high, which is why our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to share some tips on staying healthy and safe this summer.

There are four types of heat-related illnesses, varying in symptoms and severity.

Heat rash is a skin irritation that occurs when sweat doesn’t evaporate off the surface of the skin.

Heat cramps are powerful and painful spasms that occur due to the loss of body salts and water when you sweat in the heat.

Heat exhaustion is a more severe medical condition caused by a loss of water and body salts. It can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and even fainting.

Heat stroke is an emergency medical issue that occurs when your body cannot regulate its temperature. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately.

Keeping Safe in the Summer Heat

There’s a very real risk of heat-related illnesses in our Tennessee summers. It’s important to do what you can to protect yourself by keeping your body cool and staying hydrated.

Do that by:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing when spending time outdoors.
  • Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and its effects on body temperature.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, relying mainly on water.
  • Supplement your water intake by eating fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as berries, tomatoes and melon.
  • Never leave anyone inside a parked car.
  • Try to avoid spending time outside during the heat of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Seek shade if you do need to be outdoors.

We are still here for you! Visit the AFC Urgent Care Memphis website to schedule an AFC TeleCare visit, or stop by our office.