Summertime

Summer is here and it is hot. With heat indices in the 100 range, please take precautions to avoid complications from the sun and heat. Try to stay inside during the hottest parts of the day. If you do have to be outside, remember to stay well hydrated. by drinking plenty of fluids. If your kids go outside to play, have them come in fairly often for a cooling off period and get some liquids. It is best if they avoid playing outside during the middle of the day when the temperature is extreme as well.

If you are going to be out in the sun, use sunscreen and/or wear clothing that protects you from the UV rays. Sunburn especially in younger children increases the risk for melanoma skin cancers. Repeated exposure to sunlight, even without sunburn, increases the risk over time of other types of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

It is not only important to protect yourself during these hot times, but also remember to think about others. Check on your loved ones and make sure they are doing okay. Elderly people are especially prone to changes provoked by the heat. Also remember to protect your pets during the hot weather. Do not leave anyone or any pets in a car during this time of year. The temperature inside the car is much warmer than the temperature outside. Even with the windows down, there is still a great risk in leaving someone or a pet in the car.

Stay healthy this summer and think smart. If medical problems do besiege you, please give us a call. We are here to help with all your medical needs.

You can reach us at 662-690-5675. Our address is 88 Clark Boulevard in the Fairpark District in Downtown Tupelo.