Warm weather means activities all day long. Learn why people check into our clinic & ways you can prevent a visit this summer.
Summertime in Indian Trail means pool days, weekend BBQs, and plenty of time outdoors, especially at spots like Crooked Creek Park, Fred Kirby Park, or the nearby Carolina Thread Trail. But while summer brings fun, it also brings a few health hazards that can catch you and your family off guard.
At AFC Indian Trail, we see a spike in visits during the warmer months. Here are five of the most common reasons locals come to see us this time of year and how you can help prevent these issues from spoiling your summer plans.
1. Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat Rash & Sunburn
Between high temps and sticky humidity, the North Carolina summer can do a number on your skin.
Heat rash happens when sweat ducts get blocked, causing red itchy bumps. It’s more common in kids playing outside or adults working in the yard, but it can affect anyone.
Symptoms include:
- Small red bumps or pimples
- A prickly or itchy sensation
- Often appears on the neck, chest, or underarms
To prevent it, wear breathable cotton clothing, keep skin dry, and cool off regularly. If the rash starts swelling or oozing or becomes increasingly itchy stop by AFC Indian Trail for treatment.
Sunburn is another summer staple we’d all rather avoid. It sets in after your skin has absorbed too much UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun. Whether you’re at the beach or enjoying an afternoon walking your dog, UV rays can quickly burn unprotected skin.
Prevent sunburn by:
- Applying SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Avoiding direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Minor sunburns give you red, tender, and hot skin for a few days. However, if you end up with painful blisters or a sunburn that won’t quit, we’re here to help manage the pain and prevent complications like infection.
2. Food Poisoning & Gastroenteritis
Summer and outdoor dining go hand-in-hand, but unfortunately, so do warmer temps and foodborne illness.
From cookouts to food trucks, it’s easier for bacteria to grow on unrefrigerated food in the heat. Add in less-than-sterile serving conditions, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble.
Common symptoms include:
- Headache, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever or lightheadedness
Wash your hands often, thoroughly sterilize cooking utensils and surfaces, store cold foods in a cooler, and toss anything that’s been sitting out for too long. If symptoms don’t improve in a day or two, or you start feeling worse, check into AFC Indian Trail for treatment and peace of mind.
3. Swimmer’s Ear
Whether you’re swimming in your backyard pool or a community pool, water that gets trapped in your ear can lead to an infection called swimmer’s ear.
This infection thrives in warm, moist environments, like the inside of your ear canal after a swim.
Look for signs like:
- Ear itching or discomfort
- Fluid leaking from the ear
- Muffled hearing or ear pressure
Swimmer’s ear usually needs prescription ear drops to clear up, which can only be prescribed by a professional. You can help prevent it by drying your ears thoroughly, wearing swim earplugs, and avoiding swimming in water that may be contaminated.
4. Sports Injuries
Outdoor fun in Indian Trail often means biking, hiking, running, or playing sports. Whether it’s a game of soccer at the local fields or an afternoon of frisbee with friends, injuries can happen quickly.
Some of the most common sports-related injuries we treat include:
- Sprains and strains
- Breaks and fractures
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
Sports injuries are unpredictable, but you can protect yourself by wearing proper footwear, warming up before activities, and staying hydrated. But if you do twist an ankle or take a fall, our walk-in clinic offers fast care and digital X-rays, so you can skip those long ER visits.
5. Insect Bites & Allergic Reactions
If you’ve spent time outdoors in Union County, you know the bugs can be relentless. Mosquitoes, ticks, and even poison ivy can all lead to irritation or worse.
Watch for symptoms like:
- Redness, swelling, or hives
- Itchy rashes
- Dizziness or difficulty breathing (in severe allergic reactions)
- Fever, muscle aches, or fatigue (specifically after a tick bite)
To prevent bites and reactions, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves on hikes, and learn to identify plants like poison ivy and oak. If symptoms worsen or signs of infection appear, we’re here to help.
Stay Healthy This Summer
Whether it’s a mystery rash, swimmer’s ear, or a bad case of sunburn, our top priority is getting you feeling better fast. At AFC Indian Trail, we’re open seven days a week with extended hours, so you can get the care you need without rearranging your whole day.
Enjoy your summer, Indian Trail! Just know, when you need us, we’ll be right around the corner.
