After a cold, gray winter people are eager to get outside, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the better weather conditions that come with spring. Spring is a special time in Northwest Arkansas, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you prefer to explore the natural beauty of Arkansas by boat, bike, or hiking trail, or your idea of a fun weekend is spent at ball fields, it’s important to be prepared in case things don’t go according to plan.
Here’s a list of common springtime illnesses and injuries that you should watch out for.
Swimmer’s ear
People typically associate swimmer’s ear with summertime, but spring is the prime season for floating and paddling in Arkansas. Swimmer’s ear doesn’t necessarily occur after swimming. It’s an infection in the outer ear canal that develops if you get water in your ear and are unable to remove it.
Be sure to completely remove all of the water from your ears after tipping your canoe!
Vector-borne illnesses
Ticks start biting well before people start expecting to find ticks. According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases. Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and spotted fever rickettsiosis.
Make sure you treat your clothing with insect repellent, apply bug spray before heading outdoors, and check for ticks once you get home.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies can be a big problem during the spring. High-pollen days leave everything in your neighborhood with a dusty green-yellow film. An allergic reaction is your body’s way of fighting off the things that your body considers a threat.
There are ways to cope with allergy season, but you may want to consider talking to your doctor about allergy shots or medication.
Muscle strains
You’ve been cooped up all winter, but now you’re out hiking, running, doing yard work, or otherwise enjoying lovely springtime weather. Winter can lead to poor physical fitness, and many people do not warm up for yard work, hiking, and other physical activities that seem easy. It doesn’t take much to pull or strain a muscle, especially if you’re not conditioned for physical activity.
Take the time to stretch, warm up before, and cool down after physical activity.
Sports injuries
Being physically active is one of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful spring day. While enjoying sports and outdoor games is a great way to get exercise, it’s not without risks. In addition to pulled muscles and muscle strains, trips, collisions, tumbles, accidents, and other sports injuries can leave you on the sidelines.
Hypothermia
Spring weather can change quickly. The skies may be blue when you step out the door, but you might be surprised by a thunderstorm later in the day. Hypothermia can set in at temperatures above 40°F if a person gets wet.
If you’re planning a spring outing be sure to carry rain gear, extra layers, and an emergency blanket just in case.
Know where to find the nearest urgent care clinic
For life-threatening medical emergencies call 911. If you need immediate medical attention for a non-life-threatening emergency, consider an urgent care clinic.
MANA Urgent Care clinics are equipped to handle most medical emergencies. There are no urgent care fees at MANA Urgent Care Clinics; it’s the same copay that you pay for a regular visit to your doctor.