Advice from Doctors in Tampa – Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun

The Sunshine State is a wonderful place to live, but residing in such a warm climate also requires you to be careful about staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun. The doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care, a local walk-in clinic, have a few tips about how you can have fun in the warm Florida sunshine without putting your health at risk.

Our doctors in Tampa recommend that you:

• Consume plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for five to eight glasses daily. You can also get water from eating lots of fruits and veggies, or fuel up on potassium and electrolytes by drinking sugar-free sports drinks.
• Always wear waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 30 anytime you go outside. Be sure to apply it in easily forgettable areas, like the tops of the feet, ears, part line, and eyelids.
• Keep a cover-up (such as a long-sleeved t-shirt), hat, umbrella, water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses close by so that you’re prepared for unexpected sun exposure.
• Avoid spending time in the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 pm. This is the period when the sun’s rays are strongest and you’re most susceptible to sunburn and heat exhaustion.

If you’ve spent an extended period of time in the sun and think that you may be suffering from dehydration, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion, it’s best to see a Tampa doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.

Keep the information for South Tampa Immediate Care close at hand in the event that you experience any of the above conditions. Our walk-in healthcare clinic is located at 602 South Howard Avenue and we can be reached by phone at (813) 253-2113. Our doctors in Tampa accept most insurance, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield, United Healthcare, TriCare, Aetna, Cigna, Great West, Humana, Medicare, and workers’ comp. A physician at our clinic is available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends. For more health tips, view our list of online articles.