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from Sand Canyon Urgent Care
Jun 26
0
how-to-tell-if-you-have-summer-allergies

How to Tell If You Have Summer Allergies

By | Health | No Comments

Do You Have Summer Allergies or a Cold?

Summer is the time for fun and sun – not coughing, sneezing, and feeling under the weather. Unfortunately, summer colds and summer allergies sometimes get the best of us and hinder our plans. While many people look forward to summer, for those suffering from allergies, it can be a truly miserable time of year. Most of the common environmental triggers for allergies peak during spring and summer, causing the onset of allergy symptoms. These can get confused with a summer cold – so here’s how to tell if you are suffering from allergies.

Although many people react differently to different allergens, the most common symptoms include:

  • Running, congested, itchy sinuses
  • Watering and/or itchy, bloodshot eyes
  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Headache
  • General fatigue

One sure way to identify summer allergies is if you feel significantly better and find relief when you leave the outdoors and go indoors. Since summer air is saturated with pollen, you can know if you are suffering from allergies is by removing yourself from such an environment.

Although summer allergies can last all season, you can find relief through these tips:

  • Take probiotics
  • Drink tea made with natural antihistamines, like nettle leaf
  • Saline rinses and saline nasal sprays
  • Drink diluted apple cider vinegar
  • Avoid wooded/overgrown areas and activities like gardening where airborne allergens might be present
  • Stay hydrated to keep your nasal passages well lubricated

If you have a cold during the summertime, these tips can help:

  • Frequently wash your hands using anti-bacterial soap
  • Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Gargle with salt water to relieve a sore throat
  • Rub tea tree oil on your chest to open up congested airways

Summer colds and summer allergies can make the season sour for many of us, so get the help you need to fight either one. For minor to moderate injuries and medical issues, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. Call us today for more information about our Irvine and Stanton centers.

Jun 19
0
common-summer-injuries

Common Summer Ailments: When to Visit Urgent Care

By | Urgent Care | No Comments

When to Visit Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room

You always hope the summer will go off without a hitch. However, if you or a loved one becomes ill or injured, you must know ahead of time where to seek medical care and treatment. The emergency room plays a vital role in providing life-saving services, but sometimes, urgent care is more appropriate.

While the summer is all about sun and fun, there are certain health care concerns that are more common at this time. Some summer conditions can be addressed quickly at an urgent care so you can get back to enjoying the summer as soon as possible.

Common Summer Ailments

Some of the most prevalent injuries that occur in summer include:

  • Sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures
  • Head injuries
  • Insect and animal bites such as bees, ticks, and dogs
  • Rashes from poison ivy, oak, sumac
  • Heatstroke and dehydration
  • Burns – including sunburns
  • Food poisoning

When to Visit Urgent Care

Treatment at an urgent care clinic is advised if the summer injury or illness is not life-threatening. Urgent care centers can tend to walk in patients quickly so that care and treatment are received without delay. Please bear in mind that an urgent care is not a substitute for an emergency room. If you believe your ailment is life-threatening in any way, please call 911 and visit the emergency room immediately. For everything else, the team at an urgent care can help.

For minor to moderate injuries and medical issues, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. Our team of providers are expertly trained and have years of hands on knowledge and are able to efficiently and effectively handle all medical conditions. If a higher level of care is needed, our triage staff and/or providers will direct patients to the appropriate specialist, or to an emergency room for further treatment. Call us today for more information!

Jun 12
0
4 Common Summer Health Concerns

4 Common Summer Health Concerns

By | General Article | No Comments

Healthcare Concerns to Avoid This Summer Season

Summer is in full swing which means most of us are spending our free time swimming in the ocean, laying by the pool, hiking nearby trails, and grilling at parties with friends and family. Unfortunately, the joys of summer can also be met with sunburns, food poisoning, and other unpleasant health issues. A bit of prevention can keep you safe this summer.

  • Sunburns

A long afternoon spent outside in the warm sun playing games or lounging by the pool is one of the best ways to spend the summer. However, it’s not the best strategy when it comes to protecting your skin. Always be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, cover up, and stick to the shade.

  • Stay Hydrated

Dehydration occurs when more fluids exit the body than are taken in. With the hot temperatures and more physical activity (often) on the cards, dehydration becomes all the more likely, especially in young children and older adults. Be sure to replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of water and avoiding diuretics like coffee and soda.

  • Prevent Food Poisoning

Summertime is the perfect time for barbecues. Unfortunately, the sweltering heat means it’s harder to keep perishable foods at safe temperatures. Be sure to keep perishable food items chilled at all times when not cooking.

  • Avoid Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Camping, hiking, and time spent in the great outdoors is a great way to experience nature but also one that can increase your chances of brushing up next to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Doing so can develop an unpleasant, itchy rash. Keep yourself rash free this season by learning how to spot these plants, keeping away from them, and washing your skin immediately if you do come into contact with them.

For all of your health concerns and any of your medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in patients. Our onsite diagnostic and lab facilities help us to best serve you and your loved ones. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!

Jun 05
0
staying-hydrated-during-summer

Tips for Staying Hydrated in Summer

By | Health | No Comments

Hydration-Boosting Tips

Summer is prime time for outdoor sports, family vacations, barbecues, festivals, and long days in the sun. While you’re enjoying these activities and the warmer weather, it’s easy to get a little dehydrated. Most people don’t see it coming because they’re busy having fun and staying active. Unfortunately, the onset of dehydration can occur rapidly and can spiral out of control if not remedied quickly. To help you stay hydrated throughout the summer, read on.

The signs of dehydration are generalized symptoms and can often be confused with other ailments. Recognizing them and treating it with a glass of water is a simple first step. A few common signs of dehydration include:

  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Cravings
  • Cramps
  • Headaches
  • Hunger

Tips for Staying Hydrated this Summer

  • Avoid exercising outdoors during the hottest hours of the day

Generally, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the sun is at its hottest. Avoid working up a sweat outdoors during this time as you will lose fluids that much quicker through sweat.

  • Always carry water with you

Even if you’re just popping out to run a couple of errands, you should carry some water. Summertime means hot weather, and even walking outside for a couple of minutes can work up a sweat. You’ll want to replace these fluids with fresh water.

  • Don’t forget foods

Your food choices can account for around 20 percent of your daily fluid intake! Foods such as melon, tomatoes, and strawberries are naturally rich in water and contain all-important electrolytes. In addition, other fruit and vegetables can help to boost your hydration, including cucumber, bell pepper, broccoli, and berries.

  • Ditch the diuretics

Diuretics promote dehydration, and most are full of sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Diuretics include coffee, caffeinated teas, soda, alcoholic beverages, and sugar-added fruit juices.

In serious cases of dehydration, consider receiving IV fluids. For your medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care in Irvine and Stanton. We can help you with your IV hydration needs. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!