Summer and the many activities that take place during the season can pose a number of health concerns.  Seasonal allergies are present throughout, while other potential problems like poison ivy and sunburns can be avoided with proper care and vigilance.  Kevin Collins, a nurse practitioner at ExpressCare at Pana Community Hospital, says allergies and related symptoms are among the more common issues patients present with at the clinic. 

Poison ivy is a common hazard in nature.  Collins references the saying, “leaves of three, leave it be,” but even that does not always distinguish these plants from harmless ones.  He adds that body parts which do come into contact with poison ivy should be washed with soap and cold water. 

Sunburns are another major concern.  Collins says certain more extreme symptoms like swelling or fever arising from a sunburn should prompt a visit to a doctor. 

Insect bites are quite common, but tick bites can be especially harmful.  They can be identified by a red ring around a red spot on the body.

The heat can also create issues including dehydration and the more serious outcome of heat exhaustion. 

More information on Pana Community Hospital and their ExpressCare clinic is available at www.panahospital.com.

Kevin Collins appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.