Keep Your Memorial Day And Summer Accident‑Free

ARLINGTON, Texas - One of the first signs summer is coming at Texas Health Resources emergency departments: Patients arrive with snakebites.

"With warmer weather, snakes become more active and will stay as such until the coming fall and winter," said Joshua Holland, D.O., an emergency medicine physician on the medical staff of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton. "Be very careful of snakes near bodies of water, including pools, and in wooded areas. You are more likely to encounter them there."

The emergence of snakes coincides with a surge in outdoor activity, including Memorial Day weekend plans. As people head outside, emergency physicians urge caution against snakebites and other seasonal hazards.

Emergency departments often see a higher number of patients during Memorial Day weekend when people spend more time in the heat and humidity, said Erik Ledig, M.D., an emergency medicine physician and medical director of the emergency departments at Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Burleson and Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Willow Park. Both locations are part of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

"Memorial Day marks the start of summer activities for many families," Ledig said. "Staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for all."

Heat-related illnesses and gastrointestinal issues tend to increase, Ledig said. Other common reasons for visits include injuries from car crashes and recreational activities, as well as burns and water-related incidents.

Every year in the United States, there are more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Being aware of currents and tides at the beach and taking safety precautions near pools and lakes can help prevent drownings.

"Preparing ahead of time is key to staying safe during water activities," Ledig said. "In crowded or public swimming areas, having a lifeguard on duty is critical. Life jackets should be worn during most water activities - especially while boating - and young children should always be closely supervised around water."

Texas Health offers health and safety education as part of its continual efforts to provide safe, high-quality care and consumer experiences to North Texans. For example, Texas Health offers health education at community events and the Are You a Well Being blog offers tips and background on several health topics, including preventing skin cancer, managing diabetes and treating sports injuries.

"No matter how you celebrate, our priority is that everyone enjoys a safe and healthy holiday," said Joshua Floren, chief operating officer of the Hospital Channel. "And if something unexpected occurs, our teams are here and ready to provide the care you need."

Safety tips

Burns: Make sure grills are in working condition. Use grills in open, well-ventilated outdoor areas.

Heat-related illnesses: Stay hydrated, take breaks using air conditioning or cool environments and recognize early signs of illness such as cramping, dizziness and nausea. Some examples of heat illnesses include heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash.

Snakebites: Wear boots or closed-toe shoes in gardens, yards and tall grass and near water. If you get a snakebite, do not try to find or kill the snake. Seek emergency care and do not wait for symptoms to occur.

Sunburns: Wear sunscreen and protective clothing even during cloudy days. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reapply sunscreen if you are in the sun for more than two hours.

Water safety: Make sure you have life jackets. Be aware of the behavior of people around you, especially if alcohol is being consumed.

More information about Texas Health medical resources is available online.

For medical needs that require quick treatment but are not life-threatening, patients can seek high-quality care at one of 33 Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care centers throughout North Texas, offering medical treatment 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more severe medical issues, Texas Health emergency rooms are open 24/7.

Information about Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care is available online at breezeurgentcare.texashealth.org/

To find a provider, schedule nearby care, reserve urgent care or access a video visit, check out Texas Health Connect.