Camping and Hiking: The outdoors can be a great place to escape the rush of city life and enjoy a relaxing landscape. When camping and hiking, make sure you’re being safe. Allergic reactions can occur from insects and plant-based reactions. Serious falls can also land you in the ER. Many camping emergencies can happen at night, and require quick action. Don’t wait until the morning – get the medical attention you need as soon as possible.

The Beach/Pool: When you’re around any body of water, always be safe and cautious. It only takes a couple of moments for your child to start drowning. Be alert and make sure you and your kids have had swimming lessons. Playing in the sand can be very dangerous in extreme heat if you’re not properly hydrated. Protect against heat stroke by wearing sunscreen and lightweight, colored clothing, taking a break in the shade, and staying hydrated.

Bicycling: Bicycling is a great way to stay active and venture around the neighborhood or city. Make sure to wear your helmet when bicycling, head injuries are equally as common as arm/wrist injuries. Avoid bicycle vs. car accidents by taking caution and paying attention to surrounding cars who may not be able to see you when biking on streets and roads.

Barbeques: Barbeques can be a great way for family and friends to enjoy food and company outdoors. Keep children away from the grill and make sure you are handling the grill properly to avoid any fires or burns. Second degree burns can happen easily with an open flame. Be safe by teaching those around you how to use the grill (and fireworks) safely. Late night gatherings can lead to late night injuries, but remember Neighbors is open 24/7.

Summer Sports: When you’re getting out there and being active, stay safe to avoid any sports injuries. We want your sporting event to be fun and not painful. Wear the necessary sports protection like knee pads, mouth guards, and proper shoes. Make sure to stretch often, take breaks in between, and not overwork yourself. In the summer heat, playing sports outdoors can be especially taxing on your body. Stay hydrated when playing sports to replenish the water loss by sweat. Dehydration can take you to the emergency room instead of victory on the courts.

With these situations in mind, we want you to have the best summer ever. If you do happen to experience an unexpected health situation we are always here with short wait times and comfortable waiting areas. Visit https://nec24.com/ to find a Neighbors Emergency Center near you!

Often times when we hear the words “heat stroke,” one might think it mainly affects the elderly, however, younger people (especially athletes) fall victim to extreme heat levels that can be fatal.

One thing you should know is that heat-related deaths and illnesses are easily preventable. Here are five ways to avoid suffering heat stroke during summer and the signs to be on the lookout for.

How to Avoid Heat Stroke

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing (i.e. cotton). Wearing tightly-fitted clothing or excess clothing prevents the body from cooling off properly.
• Drink water regularly, so that your body remains hydrated. It’s important that you drink enough water that you never become thirsty. Staying hydrated helps your body sweat and regulates your body’s temperature.
• Protect yourself against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself, so when going outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen every two hours or more if you’re swimming or sweating. Also, try avoiding any strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Wait until it’s cooler such as early mornings or late evenings.
• If taking medication or you have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related complications, monitor your physical condition and watch for signs of heat stroke.

Even if you plan to leave the windows cracked or park your car in the shade, never leave anyone alone in a parked car. Your car’s temperature inside can quickly rise an additional 20°F (more than 6.7°C) in 10 minutes.

Signs of Heat Stroke

Here are some signs to look for if you think someone might be suffering from a heat stroke:

• High body temperature
• Throbbing headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
• Lack of sweat or sweating profusely
• Pale skin or red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat (may be strong or weak)
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, fainting, or staggering
• Unconsciousness, seizures, or coma

If you believe someone is having a heat stroke, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If medical treatment is delayed, the heat stroke could cause severe damage to the brain and other internal organs or result in death. Be smart this summer, remember the five ways to avoid suffering a heat stroke, and watch for the signs!

Regardless of your safety precautions against heat stroke, we know that unexpected health situations can occur. That’s why we’re here for your 24/7/365. Visit https://nec24.com/ to find a Neighbors Emergency Center near you!

Be prepared this summer, and know where your nearest Neighbors Emergency Center is located. Traditional hospital emergency rooms have a standard wait time of 2 hours, while Freestanding Emergency Rooms, like Neighbors, have an average wait time of 8.5 minutes. That’s the difference between returning home and having dinner with your family after an emergency, or still sitting in the waiting room hoping to have your name called before it gets dark out.

Be on the lookout for the most common summer emergencies, and know how to combat them with awareness and knowledge.

Falls

A large amount of emergency room visits are due to injuries from a fall. This includes varying situations, such as summer based work accidents including ladders or roofs, or a child falling off of a jungle gym at the park. The greater the fall, the more likely a trip to the ER will be.

Foot Injuries

When the hot summer months hit, our shoes tend to come off. This results in many foot injuries. From kids running barefoot in the grass, to an unexpected splinter or bee sting, skin exposure of the foot and legs can cause an ER visit.

Burns

Different types of burns can land you in the emergency room. A lack of sunscreen can cause extremely harmful burns that can lead to excruciating pain. Summer barbeques can also be dangerous with both adults and children exposed to propane, and hot grates. You sould be sure to take extra precaution during any events that involve grilling.

Swimming Injuries

During the summertime, families tend to spend time in and around water. It is extremely important that as a parent you are aware of your children as they play near any body of water. Children are more likely to drown in pools, while teenagers and adults are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water. Spinal injuries from diving or jumping into water are also common.

Bicycle Injuries

Although bike riding may not seem dangerous, adults and children alike are frequently injured during biking accidents. In 2011 over 400,000 people were taken to the ER with biking injuries, many of which took place during the summer. To combat this, always make sure you and your children are wearing helmets and have on the proper pads and safety equipment.

Neighbors Emergency Center has multiple centers opening in Texas. Be sure to check out our Facebook Page for neighborly news and updates.

The red onions, oranges, and cumin make this salad very flavorful and zesty. Take this salad to work for a delicious, fiber-filled lunch.

The creamy dressing contains heart-healthy olive oil and the green Tabasco sauce gives it some heat. If you don’t like spicy food, you can just leave it out.

The next time you have a craving for pasta, try this dish and automatically increase your fiber intake in a delicious way.

Eating more fiber never tasted so delicious!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

It contains fresh strawberries and only three tablespoons of sugar. You can also try this healthier version of a Classic Mojito. It’s sweetened with honey and only has 153 calories.

A Vodka Sunset is another healthy cocktail option. Just use sugar-free or no sugar added orange juice and grapefruit juice.

By using light agave nectar, it makes this cocktail low in calories and delicious.

The next time you are having a barbecue, dinner party, or just having drinks on the patio at your local watering hole, try one of the healthy summer cocktails.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Chia seeds absorb 30 times their weight in water. They also help battle dehydration by regulating body fluid levels and retaining electrolytes. Try eating this for breakfast before you spend a long day out in the heat.

The watermelon also provides a sweet juxtaposition to the savory flavors of the fish and the spices.

Since many summer activities take place outdoors and it’s so important to stay hydrated when the temps get high, in addition to drinking lots of water, try incorporating these water-filled foods into your diet. They are healthy and light and we’ll leave you feeling great.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Doctors actually recommend drinking a 50-50 mixture of a sports drink and water. Sports drinks have sodium and potassium, which helps replace lost electrolytes. Drink at least one small liter bottle of this mix every hour you are out in the sun. Symptoms of heatstroke include thirst, general fatigue, headache, nausea, and confusion. If you have heatstroke, come to your nearest Neighbors Emergency Center to be treated quickly with IV fluids.

room temperature or sitting on picnic tables outdoors. Food left out in temperatures above 40 and below 140 degrees is in the danger zone. In this range, food becomes a breeding ground for microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses. To avoid this, follow these four rules: cook, clean, chill, and separate. When cooking, use a food thermometer to make sure it is adequately heated.

Usually, you just have to endure these symptoms until the bacteria passes through your system, but if symptoms are severe or prolonged, seek medical attention immediately.

Don’t miss out on the summer fun by following these tips. If you do find yourself a victim of heatstroke or a food-borne illness with severe symptoms, come to your nearest Neighbors Emergency Center for quick, through treatment. Stay safe out there!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.