Summer in Texas means sunshine, family fun, and plenty of time outdoors, but it can also bring a few seasonal health risks.
From dehydration to heat-related illnesses, emergencies can happen when you least expect them.
At Victoria ER, our board-certified physicians treat a full range of summer injuries and illnesses, and we’re here to help you stay safe before you ever need to visit us.
Common seasonal health risks families face
In the South Texas heat, families are especially vulnerable to conditions like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration.
Painful sunburns, particularly blistering ones, can also increase the risk of infection and long-term skin damage.
With more time spent outdoors, sports injuries, sprains, and fractures become more common as well, making it important to recognize symptoms early and seek prompt emergency care when needed.
Follow these five tips to enjoy a healthy, active, and worry-free summer.
5 essential tips for a healthy summer
Summer is the perfect time to refresh your routine and prioritize your well-being. Embrace the season by making the following mindful choices.
1. Protect your skin
The Texas sun can be intense, and overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can quickly lead to painful burns and long-term skin damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most skin cancers are caused by UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Protecting your skin is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy this summer.
Sunscreen use for kids and adults
Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days; it’s essential anytime you’re outside.
Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it generously to all exposed skin.
Reapply every two hours, or more often after swimming or sweating. Encourage kids to make sunscreen part of their daily routine, too.
Wearing hats and protective clothing
Clothing is your first line of defense against UV rays:
- Cover up: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants reduce direct exposure.
- Choose wide-brimmed hats: They protect your face, ears, and neck better than baseball caps.
- Protect your eyes: Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays help prevent sun-related eye strain and damage.
When sunburns require ER treatment
Most mild sunburns can be managed at home, but severe burns sometimes need professional care.
Visit Victoria ER right away if you experience:
- Widespread blistering
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Fever or chills
- Severe pain or swelling
- Signs of infection, such as redness or pus
Our board-certified ER physicians are available 24/7 to treat serious burns and prevent complications.
2. Stay hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is essential, especially in Victoria’s summer heat.
Water keeps your body temperature stable, supports organ function, and helps prevent dehydration, which can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
How much water is enough in the heat?
In hot weather or during physical activity, aim for increased water or electrolyte intake. Drink before you feel thirsty, as thirst indicates you are already dehydrated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend consuming 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15–20 minutes.
Signs of dehydration to watch for
Recognizing dehydration early can help prevent serious complications. Watch for:
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth or skin
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Dark-colored urine or decreased urination
Seek emergency care at Victoria ER if you experience confusion, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or fainting, as these may signal severe dehydration or heat-related illness.
IV hydration at Victoria ER for severe dehydration
When oral fluids aren’t enough, Victoria ER provides intravenous (IV) hydration therapy to help restore fluids quickly and safely.
Our board-certified ER physicians and registered nurses are available 24/7 to treat dehydration and other heat-related conditions, helping you recover comfortably and get back to your day quickly.
3. Eat for the heat
What you eat in the summer can make a big difference in how you feel. Lighter, nutrient-rich foods not only support digestion but also help your body stay hydrated.
According to physicians at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, fruits and vegetables are rich in natural electrolytes that can enhance short-term hydration and replace nutrients lost through sweat.
Light, fresh foods for hot weather
During hot weather, choose meals that are easy to digest and water-rich.
Add foods like watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, lettuce, and bell peppers to your daily diet for a refreshing hydration boost. These options can help you stay energized without feeling sluggish in the heat.
Avoiding heat-related digestive issues
Summer cookouts and picnics are part of the fun, but food safety is key.
To avoid digestive problems or foodborne illness:
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before slicing.
- For leafy greens, rinse with a solution of ½ cup white vinegar for every cup of water, as recommended by the USDA.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
- Keep foods chilled until serving and avoid leaving them in the sun.
- Stay hydrated and eat lighter meals to support digestion.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or signs of food poisoning, visit Victoria ER for immediate care.
Our physicians can diagnose and treat dehydration or gastrointestinal distress quickly, so you can recover safely and get back to enjoying your summer.
4. Stay cool
Staying cool is essential during Victoria’s hot summer months.
Whenever possible, spend time in air-conditioned spaces to avoid overheating.
When outdoors, seek shade, use fans if temperatures are below 90°F, and plan activities for the cooler morning or evening hours.
Most importantly, never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside can rise dangerously fast.
Recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Understanding the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can help you act quickly if symptoms appear:
- Heat Exhaustion: Often includes heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, weakness, or fatigue.
- Heat Stroke: A life-threatening emergency marked by confusion, hot and dry skin, a rapid pulse, or fainting.
When to visit Victoria ER for heat-related illnesses
If symptoms of heat exhaustion persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
For suspected heat stroke, visit Victoria ER immediately. Our board-certified ER physicians are available 24/7 to provide rapid cooling treatments, IV hydration, and monitoring to prevent complications.
Quick action can make all the difference in protecting your health during extreme heat.
5. Get active
Regular exercise is important year-round, and staying active in the summer can provide added benefits. In fact, research published in Frontiers in Medicine shows that exercising in warm temperatures may help improve endurance and overall cardiovascular performance.
However, it’s important to acclimate gradually and take proper precautions to stay safe in the heat.
Safe ways to exercise in summer
Enjoy your workouts while staying safe by adjusting to the season’s demands:
- Avoid peak heat hours, instead opt for early morning or late evening exercise.
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after activity.
- Take breaks often and rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas when needed.
- Dress smart: choose light, moisture-wicking clothing to stay cool.
- Go indoors when temperatures or humidity levels become extreme.
Sports-related injury prevention
Whether you’re biking, running, or playing summer sports, injury prevention is essential.
- Warm up properly before activity and cool down afterward.
- Use the right safety gear for your sport or activity.
- Avoid overexertion and listen to your body’s signals.
- Replenish fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps.
If you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty moving after an injury, visit Victoria ER for prompt evaluation and treatment.
Our team provides immediate imaging and care for sprains, fractures, and other sports injuries, helping you recover safely and get back to doing what you love.
Summer health risks that may require ER care
While some summer health issues can be managed at home, most conditions need immediate attention.
Knowing when to visit the emergency room can make all the difference in preventing serious complications.
Dehydration and heat stroke
Victoria’s summer heat makes dehydration and heat stroke real risks for both adults and children.
If you or a loved one experience extreme thirst, dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or lack of sweating in hot weather, seek emergency medical care right away.
Victoria ER provides rapid evaluation and treatment, including IV hydration and cooling therapy, to stabilize and rehydrate patients safely.
Severe sunburn or heat rash
Severe sunburns, especially those with widespread blistering, fever, nausea, or dizziness, can indicate deeper skin damage and require emergency care.
Likewise, heat rash that covers a large area, causes intense itching, or shows signs of infection should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Our team at Victoria ER can assess the severity and provide medications or treatments to relieve pain and prevent infection.
Sports and outdoor injuries
With more time spent outside, sports and recreational injuries become more common.
Fractures, concussions, deep cuts, and severe sprains should all be treated promptly to avoid complications.
The board-certified ER physicians at Victoria ER offer 24/7 on-site imaging, wound care, and expert treatment to help you recover quickly and safely.
Emergency care at Victoria ER
Victoria ER provides 24/7 emergency medical care for any sudden injury, unexpected illness, or medical concern.
Our facility is staffed by board-certified ER physicians and equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics to ensure timely and high-quality treatment whenever you need us most.
Our 24/7 team for all heat-related illnesses
Victoria ER’s team is available 24/7 to address heat-related illnesses.
Whether it’s heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or severe dehydration, our board-certified ER physicians and staff are ready to provide immediate, expert care, including IV hydration, to help you recover quickly and safely.
Pediatric-friendly emergency services
Families can trust Victoria ER for specialized care for pediatric emergencies.
Our team is trained to handle the unique needs of children, creating a comforting environment during challenging times. We’re here to provide gentle, effective emergency care for our youngest patients.
Contact us or walk in, any time. Your health is our mission.
