Gardening and Summer Safety Tips
Summer in Maine is precious and fleeting. Mercy Hospital is here to help make it a great season! Check out these tips for staying healthy while avoiding summer snares like tick bites, allergies, sunburn, and more.
Get those buggers!
Ticks are everywhere in Maine and the sooner Lyme disease is caught and treated, the better. Know the differences between dog, and the more dangerous, deer ticks. Be proactive and use repellent while avoiding woody, bushy areas. Regularly check yourself and your family for ticks before heading inside—use a lint roller on clothes to catch those trespassers!
If you’ve been bitten, watch for a central red area with a ring around it (bullseye) and seek medical attention immediately if one appears. Quick, convenient care is available at Mercy Express Care facilities or at any of Mercy’s primary care offices.
Sniffles in July?
Breathing in fresh summer Maine air is exhilarating—don’t let pollen, trees, and other environmental allergies ruin your plans. Come in and get tested at Mercy’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice and stay ahead of itchy eyes and runny noses.
Mercy Ear, Nose and Throat Care
If you are experiencing the sniffles with a fever, headaches, general aches and pains all over, fatigue and more, you may be suffering from the flu! Don’t wait, head into Mercy Express
Care and get on your way to recovery quickly—remember cold and flu viruses don’t wait until Autumn.
Sun lovers, beware!
Avoid painful burns, skin damage, and heat stroke by wearing a hat, SPF 30 or greater and drinking plenty of water—this is especially important with small children. Look for signs of dehydration such as dizziness, confusion, and fatigue.
Sore after tilling the soil?
Even gardening has risks of injury, especially after returning from a long winter. It is important to maintain the natural curve of the spine, keep your work area close, and make sure you are practicing healthy lifting to avoid muscle aches, joint pain and back issues. When bending over to pick up heavy bags of mulch or soil, remember to bend your knees and let your legs do the work. Avoid twisting and reaching by using the proper tools. If you have an injury that may need attention visit our Mercy Orthopedic Center for more information.
Mercy Orthopedic Institute
Enjoy the outdoors and experience all Maine has to offer! Mercy will be here for you and your family to get well and get back to what you love.