Summer is a time for sunshine, vacations, cookouts, and more time spent outdoors—but it’s also a season when primary care providers see a predictable wave of seasonal health concerns. Every year, we treat patients for issues that could have been avoided with just a little extra awareness and preparation.
Whether it’s skipping sunscreen, pushing through workouts in extreme heat, or forgetting medications on vacation, these common summer health mistakes can lead to anything from mild discomfort to serious illness. Here’s what we see most often in our primary care clinics—and how you can stay safe, hydrated, and healthy all season long.
Top 6 Summer Health Mistakes Providers See
1. Skipping or Inadequately Applying Sunscreen
One of the most preventable health risks we see each summer is sunburn—and not just from a day at the beach. Whether you’re gardening, driving, or walking your dog, UV rays can cause damage even on cloudy days.
Common Mistakes:
- Only applying sunscreen once a day
- Missing commonly exposed areas like ears, lips, tops of feet, and scalp
- Using expired sunscreen
- Assuming makeup with SPF is enough protection
What to Do Instead:
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours or after sweating or swimming
- Cover exposed skin with light clothing and wide-brimmed hats
- Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM) when possible
- Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays
Repeated sunburns can increase your risk for skin cancer and lead to premature aging. A quick sunscreen routine now is worth the long-term protection later.
2. Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration is one of the most common preventable reasons people end up in urgent care or the ER during the summer. In hot weather, your body loses fluids faster through sweat, especially if you’re active or outdoors.
Common Mistakes:
- Waiting until you’re thirsty to drink water
- Relying on soda, energy drinks, or alcohol to stay hydrated
- Not hydrating before outdoor activities
- Underestimating how much heat affects the elderly and children
What to Do Instead:
- Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day
- Choose electrolyte-rich drinks if sweating heavily
- Eat hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges
- Watch for early signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dark yellow urine, dizziness, fatigue
Staying hydrated doesn’t just keep you feeling better—it helps your body regulate temperature, support digestion, and prevent heat-related illnesses.
3. Overdoing It in the Heat
We often see patients with symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke after intense exercise, yard work, or long walks in the heat. Even healthy, fit individuals are vulnerable when the body can’t cool itself fast enough.
Common Mistakes:
- Exercising outdoors in peak heat
- Ignoring early warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps
- Not taking breaks or wearing breathable clothing
- Drinking alcohol during outdoor physical activity
What to Do Instead:
- Work out in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler
- Wear moisture-wicking, light-colored clothes
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors
Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke (if you stop sweating or feel confused, seek medical help immediately)
4. Forgetting to Pack Medications While Traveling
Travel season is in full swing in summer—and we regularly get calls from patients who’ve left behind essential medications or who didn’t consider how heat could impact storage.
Common Mistakes:
- Leaving medications in a hot car
- Skipping doses due to travel schedules
- Running out of refills on vacation
- Not accounting for time zones or dietary changes
What to Do Instead:
- Pack medications in a carry-on with a list of prescriptions
- Set phone reminders to stay on schedule
- Keep medications cool and dry (especially insulin, inhalers, and some antibiotics)
- Check with your provider before traveling if you need refills or travel documentation
Being proactive can save you a lot of stress—and keep your health steady—while you’re away from home.
5. Letting Preventive Care Slide
With the chaos of summer vacations, camps, and travel, many people put off preventive appointments. But skipping your annual wellness visit, routine labs, or check-ups for chronic conditions can lead to delayed diagnoses or missed opportunities for early intervention.
Common Mistakes:
- Postponing annual physicals until fall
- Missing sports physicals or back-to-school vaccines
- Ignoring persistent symptoms like fatigue or pain
- Avoiding follow-up labs or imaging
What to Do Instead:
- Use summer’s lighter schedule to get caught up on preventive care
- Schedule sports and school physicals early to beat the August rush
- Address any new or worsening symptoms—don’t wait for them to go away on their own
- If you’re due for screenings (like Pap smears, cholesterol checks, or colonoscopies), now’s the time
Summer is a great time to reconnect with your primary care provider and make sure your health is on track for the rest of the year.
6. Ignoring Signs of Seasonal Allergies or Infections
Seasonal allergies, insect bites, and minor infections like swimmer’s ear or rashes are often brushed off as “just part of summer.” But untreated symptoms can escalate quickly, especially if they interfere with breathing, sleep, or skin health.
Common Mistakes:
- Delaying treatment for allergies or bug bites
- Scratching rashes or blisters and causing infection
- Not rinsing off after lake or pool swims
- Dismissing cold-like symptoms as “just the heat”
What to Do Instead:
- Start allergy medications early in the season
- Use bug repellent and treat bites promptly
- Shower after swimming and wear dry clothes
- See your provider for any rash, swelling, or pain that worsens over time
Let’s Make This Your Healthiest Summer Yet
Summer should be a time of fun, connection, and recharging—but that doesn’t mean your health should take a back seat. With a little planning and awareness, you can avoid the most common summer health mistakes we see year after year.
If you’ve been putting off a wellness visit, have questions about heat safety, or just want to make sure you’re on track with your preventive care, our team is here to help. We offer same-day and next-day appointments, extended hours, and care that fits your schedule.
Need to Catch Up on Your Summer Health?
Schedule an appointment today with your primary care provider to stay safe and healthy this season. We’re here for all your summer health needs—from hydration to vaccinations and everything in between.
