Tips for Enjoying the Warm Weather Without an Emergency
June 11, 2025
It’s that time of year again! We all can enjoy cookouts, days spent in the pool and warm weather activities. It is also the time of year when injuries and illnesses can occur.
From bug bites and blisters to sunstroke and swimming safety, here’s how to stay well this season.
1. Dehydration
In the summer, be proactive about staying hydrated, especially if you work outside or play sports. If you start these activities while dehydrated, it’s even harder to replenish what your body has lost.
2. Sunburns
A sunburn is a radiation burn caused by UV (ultraviolet) ray exposure from the sun. Sunburns contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer. And in the short term, severe sunburns — the kind that blister and make you feel sick — can lead to dehydration, sun poisoning and infection.
Take preventive measures daily, even on overcast days, by using a sunscreen.
3. Heat illnesses
Heat rash is a red, stinging rash that develops when sweat gets trapped in your glands.
Heat exhaustion happens when your body can’t cool itself through sweating. If it’s not treated, it can quickly turn into heatstroke.
Heatstroke (sunstroke) occurs when your body temperature climbs to dangerous levels. It’s the most severe heat-related illness and can be fatal.
4. Bee stings and insect bites
You’re not the only one who loves the warm weather. Bugs do, too! To keep bugs away, do the following:
- Wear insect repellent
- Avoid scented products
- Drain standing water
5. Unsafe summer foods
- Avoid foods that can spoil such as salads prepared with mayonnaise.
- Place food in a cooler to keep fresh during outings when the weather is hot.
- Don’t cross-contaminate. Be sure to keep raw meat, poultry and seafood securely wrapped.
6. Biking injuries
Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the likelihood of a traumatic brain injury. Learn how to properly fit a bike helmet, and if you’re not totally sure you’re getting it right, stop into a local bicycle shop to ask for in-person assistance.
7. Stay safe in the water
- Learn how to swim.
- Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests.
- Supervise the area constantly, and never let children swim unattended even if they have had swimming lessons.
- If you have a pool at your home, keep a life preserver and a rescue hook near the pool.
Have a happy, safe and healthy summer!
In an emergency — whether it’s a broken bone, a burn from grilling or too much time in the heat — we are here for you.
Staff at the St. Mary's Regional Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) treat a number of complex problems, unpredictable injuries and sudden illnesses. We care for patients of all ages — infants, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients. All doctors and nurses are certified in advanced cardiac life support and pediatric advanced life support, and all our nurses are trauma certified. We are a Level III Trauma Center and a Level II Stroke Center.
If you’re having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.