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Summer is in full swing, and while you’re out enjoying the weather and the company of family and friends, it is important to remember to stay safe and avoid any potential mishaps. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the beach or are planning to spend your summer days in your backyard, here is a list of safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

Swim with Caution

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a refreshing swim. While many fun memories can be made during a day at the pool or at the beach, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. Don’t overestimate the swimming abilities of children or adults, and always avoid swimming alone. Be sure children know how to swim, or are equipped with a proper lifejacket or flotation device. If swimming in the ocean, pay attention to currents and stay close to the shore.

Travel Safely

If you’re traveling abroad, be sure to check the travel guidelines of the country you are visiting and get any required vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before you travel. If driving to a destination, map out the drive beforehand and make sure your car is equipped with any safety supplies you may need.

Wear Sunscreen 

Sunburn is one of the most common summertime injuries and can happen to anyone. No matter your skin type, it is important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, finding shade or wearing protective clothing. If you are going to be outside, plan ahead and pack your sunscreen, even if it is a cloudy day. It is also important to reapply at least every two hours, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Also, remember to apply sunscreen to every part of your skin that is exposed. It’s easy to forget to coat your lips, eyelids, ears and feet, but these areas can easily burn.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for your health all year long, but during the warm summer months it is more important than ever. The hot temperatures cause you to sweat more, which in turn depletes your body of hydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start sipping water, as this can be an early sign your body is already dehydrated. Staying hydrated will also help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Safely Use Fireworks

Fireworks are a staple during the summer months and for many people, they are as much a part of summer as hot dogs and popsicles by the pool. While they can bring a lot of enjoyment and family fun, they can also be very dangerous if not handled properly. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, make sure to buy proper fireworks, light them safely, keep them away from children and be sure to dispose of them correctly. To learn more about firework safety, read our Firework Safety blog.

Use Bug Spray

Besides just being itchy and annoying, bug bites have the potential to be dangerous. Mosquitos and ticks can spread diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease. Use insect repellent, remove standing water in your yard, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs and use mosquito netting to avoid bug bites.

Play Safely

Before you head outside to play, be sure to take necessary precautions beforehand. If you or your children are spending your free time biking, skateboarding or roller skating, be sure to wear a helmet and any other necessary padding. If you’re going to use a trampoline, make sure to use it one at a time and jump safely. While playing catch or other games, keep a safe distance from others and keep your eye on the ball.

While you enjoy your summer this year, be sure to keep these tips in mind to keep your family safe. If an accident does occur, visit Southwoods Express Care for your non-emergent medical needs. With three convenient locations in Boardman, Campbell and Columbiana, Express Care is open 7 days a week to provide you with care when you need it.

Fireworks are a staple at any Fourth of July celebration. For many people, they are as much a part of summer as hot dogs and popsicles by the pool. While they can bring a lot of enjoyment and family fun, they can also be very dangerous if not handled properly. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, be sure to keep these safety tips in mind.

Follow the Rules

Before you head to the store to purchase fireworks, it is important to know any rules or regulations that may be in place. Firework laws vary state by state, and some cities and neighborhoods may have regulations in place as well.

Buy Smart

If you’re planning to purchase fireworks, remember that all fireworks are not the same and you will need to do some research before purchasing. Make sure to only purchase from licensed firework retail locations and stay away from anything that isn’t clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer’s name and instructions for proper use. Lastly, know the difference between a dangerous explosive and a legal firework. Names such as M-80, M100, Blockbuster and Quarterpounder are illegal and banned.

Keep Away From Children

Fireworks of all types should be kept away from children. While they may seem fun, fireworks like sparklers, rockets and firecrackers can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. If you do allow your children to use sparklers, make sure to closely monitor them, keep them outside and ensure they keep the sparklers away from their face, hair and clothing.

Light Safely

Fireworks should always be lit outside and pointed away from houses, people, brush, leaves, trees and other flammable objects. Do not light fireworks in any type of container, and be sure to have a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of emergency. If a firework does not go off the first time it is lit, soak it in water and throw it away – do not attempt to re-light.

Protect Yourself

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 19 percent of firework-related injuries affect the eyes. Serious injuries can lead to hospitalization and even blindness. Besides being dangerous for your eyes, the sounds can potentially damage your hearing. To prevent any injury to your eyes or ears, consider wearing protective glasses or earplugs.

Avoid Alcohol

While many celebrations include alcohol, it is important to avoid alcoholic beverages if you plan to handle fireworks at any point during the day. Impaired judgment can lead to improper use of fireworks and lead to very serious accidents.

Dispose of Fireworks Correctly

Once your firework display is over, it is crucial that you properly dispose of the fireworks. Submerge them in a bucket of water and let them soak overnight or longer. Once they have soaked, they can be placed in household garbage cans and be set out with the trash.

Fireworks can be a fun and festive part of celebrating summer. By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can ensure everyone is safe and avoid injury. If an injury does occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Every day, more than 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. It is the most common type of cancer and, if not caught early and treated, it can spread to other parts of the body and potentially be deadly. The warning signs you may have skin cancer can vary, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes on your skin. Keep reading to learn more about the signs and types of skin cancer and when to get checked.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

As the most common type of skin cancer, BCC looks like a flesh colored, pearl-like bump or pinkish patch on the skin. It forms in the basal cells at the bottom of your epidermis, which is the upper layer of your skin. It is most commonly found on the areas of skin that are exposed to the skin including your ears, arms, legs, face, top of the head and mouth. In most cases, basal cell carcinoma is slow growing, does not spread and is not life threatening.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer can also form as a bump on the skin, but are typically rough to the touch unlike a basal cell carcinoma. It is the second most common type of skin cancer, and people with fair skin are most likely to develop this type.It also tends to form on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma can grow deep into the skin and spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma

Melanoma is often considered to be the most serious form of skin cancer due to the tendency to spread to other areas of the body. It can develop in a mole that you already have, or appear suddenly as a dark spot on the skin that looks unusual. Melanoma only makes up about 1% of skin cancers, but causes most skin cancer deaths.

What to Watch For

  • An open sore that doesn’t heal or frequently returns
  • A lesion that bleeds without being picked at
  • A rough, red, scaly patch of skin
  • A firm, dome shaped growth
  • A flat lesion with a scaly, crusty surface
  • A hard lesion that doubles in size in a matter of weeks
  • A sore that develops in a scar
  • Moles that are asymmetric
  • Moles that have irregular edges and are poorly defined
  • A mole that contains different colors like red, blue, black, pink or white
  • Moles that measure more than ¼ inch across
  • A mole that changes in size, shape or color

When to Call Your Doctor

It is important to regularly do your own skin checks to keep an eye on anything that may look unusual. If you notice any changes in your skin or a new mole, the best practice is to visit your primary care physician or dermatologist so they can determine whether or not it is skin cancer.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Since most types of skin cancer are caused from exposure to UV rays from the sun, tanning beds or UV lamps, it is possible to take steps to lower your risk.

  • Stay in the shade
  • Wear sunscreen on any part of the body that is exposed to the sun
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating
  • Wear sunscreen all year round if you’re outside
  • Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
  • Wear a hat with a brim that provides shade for your face, head, ears and neck
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Wear sunglasses
  • Wear sun-protective clothing
  • Perform regular self-exams

June is Men’s Health Month, which helps foster awareness of and conversations about the health issues all men face. According to a survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians, 38% of men go to the doctor only when they’re extremely sick or when symptoms don’t go away on their own. While some symptoms may not be serious, it is important not to ignore symptoms that may be caused from something serious. Keep reading to learn more symptoms men shouldn’t ignore.

Chest Pain

While most people immediately link chest pain to a heart attack, it can also be a symptom of many other health issues such as heart disease, lung disease or gastrointestinal problems. Studies show that more than half of the patients that suffer from cardiac arrest experience symptoms days or weeks before the heart attack, but 80% of them ignore the symptoms. If you are suffering from chest pain, seek immediate medical care.

Shortness of Breath

While an intense workout or moving heavy furniture around the house can cause anyone to experience shortness of breath, frequent shortness of breath that is not caused by exerting yourself can be a bigger issue. Persistent labored breathing can often be a warning sign of heart attack, congestive heart failure or lung disease. If you have noticed shortness of breath, be sure to make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss the cause.

Blood in Urine

Finding blood in your urine can be scary, and if there is enough that you can clearly see it, there may be reason for concern. Small amounts of blood in the urine can be caused by urinary tract infections or kidney stones, but can also be a sign of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. Either way, medical attention is needed to properly diagnose and treat the problem.

Fatigue

Feeling tired can be caused from aging, stress or simply not getting enough sleep, but if it is a chronic issue, there may be something more going on. Excessive fatigue can be a symptom of certain types of cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes, arthritis, infections and kidney or liver disease. Health problems like depression, anemia or a thyroid issue can also make you extremely tired. If you’re feeling more tired than usual, let your doctor know.

Memory Loss

Everyone forgets things from time to time or misplaces their keys, but if you are experiencing regular forgetfulness or confusion, it may be a sign of something more serious. Aging can cause a certain level of memory loss, but if the memory loss seems to be dramatic, there is more than likely a disease involved. Some common reasons for memory loss are Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, brain damage, infection, encephalitis, stroke and more.

Vision Problems

Worsening eyesight is common for aging individuals, but can also be a sign of other health issues. Regular eye exams are important to diagnose eye problems that you may not notice on your own. Besides worsening eyesight, blind spots, blurred vision, tunnel vision and halos can be signs of rather worrisome conditions. Your eye doctor can perform tests to detect glaucoma or diagnose conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Unfortunately, statistics show men have more health problems than women and are 1.5 times more likely to die from heart disease, cancer or lung disease. By recognizing symptoms that can signal something serious, men can be diagnosed early and have better treatment options available to them. If you or a man in your life is suffering from any of these or other symptoms, make an appointment with your physician or seek medical treatment immediately for emergency issues.

Focusing on your overall health is important for anyone no matter your age or current health status. While living a healthy lifestyle is crucial, having a primary care physician that you see regularly is also key to leading a healthy life.

A primary care physician, or “PCP”, can be the doctor you see for everyday health concerns as well as the doctor that will treat or refer you to specialists when more serious or complex health issues arise. These physicians are familiar with your overall health, family history and can be a dependable guide when navigating through your health and wellness. Keep reading to learn more about why you need a primary care physician.

Monitor Overall Health

While a primary care physician is there for you when you have the flu, a painful earache, or other health issues, they also play a huge role in keeping you healthy. They know your entire health history, and can take a look at the bigger picture when diagnosing whatever it may be that you came in for. PCP’s can also provide preventative care, helping you avoid illness and disease as well as catch serious issues early – providing you with more treatment options and typically a better outcome.

Receive Regular Screening

If you are in good health and under the age of 50, it is recommended you see your primary care physician every three years, or whenever a health concern arises. Once you are over 50, once a year is the recommendation as long as you continue to have a clean bill of health. These regular visits give your PCP the opportunity to order bloodwork to test things like cholesterol, blood sugar and other important aspects of your health such as thyroid, kidney and liver function. They will also record your height, weight, temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate to compare with past visits as well as listen to your heart and lungs to note anything abnormal.

Provide Access to Specialists

When a serious health concern arises, it can be scary and confusing to know where to turn, find out what doctors you need to visit, and learn what treatments are available to you. A primary care physician can act as a guide in this process, referring you to specialists as needed. Your PCP will work with the specialist to get them up to date on your health history and provide them with any information they may need to ensure that you are on the best treatment plan available.

Manage Chronic Illness

Chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and many others, can lead to other health issues if not managed correctly. A primary care physician can treat chronic health issues with medication and recommended lifestyle changes that can benefit these illnesses as well as your overall health. Having a PCP that regularly monitors any changes in your conditions will help to treat these issues early – helping avoid potential hospitalizations or surgeries.

Lower Healthcare Costs

Preventative healthcare has been known to have a direct impact on lowering overall and lifetime healthcare costs. By regularly getting screened by your PCP and having an open communication with your doctor, you can prevent conditions from worsening, avoid serious issues, and start treating conditions early, leading to lower costs in the long run. On top of that, many preventative healthcare options, such as checkups and physicals, are typically covered by insurance or are low in cost.

While visiting the doctor for a routine checkup is often not on the priority list, the benefits are crucial in managing your overall health. All primary care physicians are expertly trained to treat a broad range of health conditions, but each have a different background and focus. Some treat patients of all ages, while others specialize in the care of women, seniors or children. The right primary care doctor depends on your, and your family’s, personal health care needs. Southwoods Health has a growing list of primary care physicians located in offiffices around the Mahoning Valley. To see a complete list of these doctors, visit SouthwoodsPrimaryCare.com.

The month of May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a great time to educate yourself and spread awareness on the common condition that affects over 58 million Americans each year. Sufferers can experience debilitating pain and stiffness in their joints, limited mobility and a lower quality of life. Arthritis is the most common reason for disability, with an economic impact of over $156 million in medical expenses and lost wages. Keep reading to learn more about Arthritis Awareness Month and find out why you may need to see a rheumatologist.

Diagnosed with Arthritis or a Rheumatic Disease

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with any type of arthritis, scheduling a visit with a rheumatologist can help you learn more about the condition, treatment options and help prevent it from worsening. Rheumatologists also treat diseases of the immune system.

Joint Pain or Swelling

If you have been experiencing joint pain or swelling and aren’t sure of the cause, seeing a rheumatologist may be a good first step. While joint pain may be a common side effect of getting older or exercise, it also is often the first sign of a rheumatic disease. When it comes to arthritis, early detection and prevention is key, so finding out if your pain is a result of over exerting yourself, age or something more serious is very important. If you are suffering from joint symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with a Southwoods rheumatologist for an evaluation.

Abnormal Blood Tests

If you are experiencing certain symptoms, your primary care physician may order blood tests to get a better understanding of what may be wrong. Some of these blood tests may include antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). If you receive positive results for one or more of these tests, a rheumatologist can better determine if your symptoms may be caused by a rheumatic condition.

Other Symptoms

While joint pain is the most common symptom, rheumatic diseases often come with other symptoms as well. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, may present symptoms including:

  • Pain during or after movement
  • Joint stiffness right after waking up or after inactivity
  • Joint tenderness
  • Loss of flexibility
  • Bone spurs
  • Swelling

Working with a rheumatologist is one of the most important steps in managing and treating arthritis. WIth their guidance and expertise, you can create a treatment plan and prevent the condition from worsening as much as possible.

Southwoods Health’s rheumatologists are committed to providing high quality, comprehensive care and work with your primary care physician to ensure that care is coordinated.If you are suffering from joint pain and discomfort or other symptoms common to arthritis, ask your doctor for a referral.

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