The summer is here, and families across McCulloch County are enjoying time spent outdoors with friends and family. As the temperatures rise, it is important to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness and to stay safe from the risk of COVID-19 variants that are spreading in the country.

“Don’t let the summer heat ruin your family’s fun this summer,” said Dr. Stephen Douglas Bell, Family Medicine physician at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “The risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is especially high at this time of year. At the same time, dangerous variants of COVID-19 are spreading, which is why it is important to get vaccinated and take steps to protect children who are not yet eligible for vaccines.”

Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Avoiding the heat of the day and drinking plenty of liquids can reduce the risk of dehydration or heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is a condition in which the body’s natural cooling system begins to fail. It most often occurs when victims physically exert themselves in hot weather, overwhelming the body’s ability to cope with elevated temperatures. Signs of heat exhaustion include weakness, nausea, headache, increased sweating, clammy skin, and fever.

If a child is suspected of experiencing dehydration or heat exhaustion, he or she should be taken to a shaded area or indoors. The child’s excess clothing should be removed, and he or she should be encouraged to drink fluids. A cool, wet cloth should be applied, and a doctor should be called for advice.

When left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

Parents and children should take extra care during the heat of the day, which typically occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limiting outdoor activities during this time can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Everyone is urged to take steps to prevent skin damage from the sun. Avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing high SPF sunscreen can help prevent sunburns, which can lead to skin damage and skin cancer. Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 3 million people are treated for skin cancer each year.

Health officials are also warning that the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading in Texas. Experts say this new variant is more transmissible and poses higher risk to those who have not been vaccinated.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, don’t delay,” Dr. Bell said. “Vaccines are highly effective and can help protect you from more dangerous variants that are circulating.”

Vaccines are currently available for individuals 12 and older. Children younger than 12 are not yet eligible for vaccines. Families are urged to take precautions to protect younger children from exposure to the virus until vaccines for those age groups are available.

According to Dr. Bell, parents and grandparents can help protect their children by getting vaccinated. Getting vaccinated helps slow the spread of the virus and protect those around you. He said that this new variant is expected to spread rapidly in the South and that getting vaccinated is key to protecting yourself and others.

“Play it safe this summer,” Dr. Bell said. “Avoid the heat of the day and get vaccinated before it is too late.”

In McCulloch County, Brady Medical Clinic is a convenient choice for wellness exams and other primary healthcare services. To learn more about local medical services or to find a provider, visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.com or call Brady Medical Clinic at 325-597-2114.