Summer Safety Tips
Summer is a time for family fun, but it can also bring serious health risks with the high temperatures and time spent on the water on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Memorial Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Christopher Blomberg shares some of the biggest health risks and how to spot heat-related illnesses so you can be prepared for summer fun.
“Sunburn, dehydration, and heat exposure from the hot weather are some of the biggest risks, but drowning, swimming, and boating accidents are also more common this time of year,” he shares.
Spotting the Difference: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both caused by the body’s inability to regulate temperature, but heat stroke is more severe and can be life-threatening.
| Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke |
| Body temp: 101–104°F | Body temp: 104.9°F+ |
| Muscle cramps, weakness, excessive sweating | Confusion, irrational behavior, possible fainting |
| Fast heart rate, dizziness, nausea | Personality changes, central nervous system symptoms |
“The main difference is determined by whether or not the nervous system is involved,” Dr. Blomberg explains. “Heat exhaustion is more about the cardiovascular system having difficulty keeping up. Heat stroke involves the central nervous system (the brain).”
Top Summer Safety Tips
Stay hydrated:
“Drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks,” says Dr. Blomberg. “Early signs of dehydration include decreased frequency of urination, increased thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness when changing positions from sitting or laying down to standing.”
Avoid extreme heat:
“Find shaded areas or stay inside to avoid the hottest parts of the day and wear light-colored clothes. Taking frequent breaks and staying properly hydrated also helps prevent problems related to summer heat and sun exposure.”
Protect your skin:
“Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before activity, and reapply every two hours or after swimming,” Dr. Blomberg advises. “I recommend at least SPF 30, but overall, the higher the SPF, the better. For children younger than six months, protective clothes and staying in shaded areas are most important, as their skin is still developing and may be more sensitive to both sun and chemicals in sunscreen and lotions. Clouds do not block the damaging effects of the sun, and even on cloudy days it is important to wear sunscreen.”
Be smart near water:
“Keep an eye on kids at all times, use floatation devices, and work in shifts with other parents monitoring children,” he says. “Avoid alcohol and other substances if supervising or operating a boat.”
Plan ahead:
“Have sunscreen, water, and supplies ready,” says Dr. Blomberg. “Kids are unaware of the dangers that surround them, and it’s important for adults to reduce those risks for them. Know what to expect and have a plan about potential hazards in advance.”
With these precautions in mind, your family can have a fun and safe summer!
Dr. Blomberg received his Doctor of Medicine at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at Louisiana State University Health Science Center. Dr. Blomberg is board-certified in Family Medicine and practices at Memorial Physician Clinics Cedar Lake Family Practice, located at 1756 Popp’s Ferry Road in Biloxi. To schedule an appointment, call (228) 865-3200.