School’s out, the sun is shining, and the kids are ready to take on summer at full speed. Whether your family is heading to the pool, the park or just the backyard, summer fun can come with a few risks. At Access HealthCare Multispecialty Group, we believe staying active is part of staying healthy—but we also know that a little prevention can go a long way in keeping those summer memories happy and injury-free.
Here are our top tips to keep your whole crew safe while making the most of summer in Lynchburg and Forest, VA!
Common Summer Injuries
☀️ Sprains and Strains
From trampoline flips to backyard soccer matches, kids (and adults!) are more prone to muscle and joint injuries during active outdoor play. Twisted ankles, pulled muscles, and even minor fractures can turn summer fun into a trip to urgent care. Be cautious with uneven terrain, running on wet surfaces or playing high-impact games without stretching first. If someone has persistent pain or swelling, don’t tough it out—have it checked out to prevent long-term damage.
☀️ Sunburns and Heat Exhaustion
Even on a breezy day, UV rays and heat can sneak up fast. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or in severe cases, heat stroke. Common signs include dizziness, headaches, nausea and fatigue—especially in younger children and older adults. Keep a close eye on how everyone is feeling and take breaks in the shade when temperatures climb.
☀️ Water-Related Accidents
Whether it’s a slip near the pool or an unsupervised moment at the lake, water fun requires extra caution. With local favorites like Smith Mountain Lake and the James River offering plenty of ways to cool off, it’s important to stay vigilant around all bodies of water. Always ensure children are within arm’s reach when swimming, use Coast Guard-approved life jackets and never underestimate the strength of natural currents.
☀️ Insect Bites and Stings
Wasps, ticks, and mosquitoes—oh my! These tiny critters can cause big issues, especially for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Ticks in particular are a serious concern in our area—a case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a potentially dangerous tick-borne illness, was reported recently right here in Forest, VA, and Lyme disease is routinely worrisome. After time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, make it a habit to do a thorough tick check—especially behind the knees, under arms, around the ears and along the scalp.
Want to learn how to protect your family from tick bites this season? Check out our blog: How to Outsmart Ticks This Season.
Prevention Strategies for a Safe Summer
✅ Gear Up the Right Way – Helmets, knee pads and life jackets aren’t just accessories, they’re essentials. Make sure gear fits properly and is used consistently.
✅ Sun Smarts – Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours—or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
✅ Hydration Habits – Proper hydration is especially crucial during hot weather and high activity. For more in-depth hydration guidance, don’t miss our recent blog post: Hydration Myths: How Much Water Do You Really Need?
✅ Supervise Like a Pro – An adult’s watchful eye can prevent a lot of near-misses. Always stay within arm’s reach when children are in or near water.
✅ Check the Playground – Before letting little ones loose on the monkey bars, do a quick safety sweep for broken equipment, hot surfaces (metal sliding boards can burn!) or hidden hazards.
When to Seek Medical Attention
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin
But if something does go wrong, prompt action can make all the difference. Watch for warning signs and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Persistent pain, swelling or limited movement after a fall or injury
- Symptoms of heat-related illness like dizziness, nausea, fatigue or confusion
- Trouble breathing or swelling after an insect sting or bite (especially if there’s a known allergy)
- Any head injury—even if the person insists they “feel fine”
- Signs of infection from a cut, scrape or bug bite (like redness, pus or fever)
When in doubt, trust your gut and give us a call. Quick attention can prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger one—and we’re always here to help.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At Access HealthCare, we offer walk-in appointments, injury care, sports physicals and personalized guidance for staying healthy and safe. Our team specializes in sports medicine, providing expert care for sprains, strains and sports-related injuries in both kids and adults. Whether your child took a tumble during a backyard game or you’re dealing with a weekend warrior injury, we’re here to help you heal quickly and get back to the fun.
If you need us this season—whether it’s a sprain, a sunburn, or just a little peace of mind—give us a call at 434-316-7199 or visit us online at https://access-healthcare.net. We’re here for you, all summer long. 💙