Health newsSeasonal

Heat, ticks and pool ears: a Maryland summer checklist

May 28, 20264 min readBy Linh Nguyen, RN

Every summer brings the same trio through our doors. A little preparation prevents most of it.

Heat illness

Maryland humidity makes it harder for your body to cool itself. Headache, nausea and heavy sweating mean stop and get into shade with fluids. Confusion or hot dry skin is an emergency — call 911.

Ticks

Check yourself and your children after any time in tall grass or woods. Remove a tick with fine tweezers close to the skin and pull straight up. Watch the spot for thirty days and come in if a spreading rash appears.

Swimmer's ear

Water trapped in the ear canal breeds infection. Tilt and dry your ears after swimming, skip the cotton buds, and see us if the outer ear hurts when you tug it.

Come see us if

A tick bite develops a spreading rash, you feel dizzy and stop sweating in the heat, or ear pain keeps you awake.

This article is general information, not medical advice for your specific situation. If you're worried about a symptom, call us or come in — that's what we're here for.