Summer Survival Guide

"I’m Not Melting, You’re Melting" — A Summer Survival Guide for Outdoor Workers

While many people associate summer with beaches, iced coffee, and backyard barbecues, there’s a different reality for those who work outdoors. Whether you're in construction, landscaping, delivery, or any other hands-on job under the open sky, summer brings a unique set of challenges—especially when the temperatures soar.

At our clinic, we salute your grit. And we want to help you stay safe and healthy through the hottest months of the year. Below is a practical (and medically sound) guide to beating the heat without burning out—literally.

☀️ 1. Hydration Isn’t Optional

If your water bottle is still full at lunch, you’re putting yourself at risk. When you're physically active in high heat, your body loses fluids faster than you may realize—through both sweat and respiration.

Pro Tip: Check your urine color. Pale yellow (think lemonade) is ideal. Anything darker signals dehydration. Aim for frequent sips throughout the day, not just occasional gulps.

👕 2. Dress Smart to Stay Cool

It may seem counterintuitive, but long sleeves and pants made of lightweight, breathable fabrics can actually protect you better than tank tops. Choose light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight, and always wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.

Modern moisture-wicking fabrics can also help regulate body temperature and reduce chafing during long shifts.

🧴 3. Sunscreen Is Essential—Even If You’re Not on Vacation

If you're outdoors for more than 15 minutes, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Sun damage is cumulative, and daily exposure adds up fast.

Reminder: Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you're sweating heavily. Don’t forget areas like ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of your hands.

🚩 4. Know the Early Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly. Watch for:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fatigue or weakness

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Muscle cramps

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone becomes confused, stops sweating, or collapses, call 911 immediately. Don’t “tough it out.”

🌳 5. Rest in the Shade—You’ve Earned It

Schedule regular breaks, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its peak. Use shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces to cool off. Rotating heavy physical tasks during these hours can also help reduce risk.

Breaks aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re a strategy for safety and longevity.

🛠️ Final Thoughts: Heat Resilience Is Smart, Not Soft

You work hard. You fix, lift, build, and move things most people take for granted. But the sun is not a challenge you can outmuscle. Take care of your body the way you take care of your tools—preventive maintenance keeps everything running smoothly.

Your health matters—to your family, your crew, and your community. Don’t push through warning signs. Stay cool, stay hydrated—and if something feels off, let us help.

At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we’re here when you need us—whether it’s:

• Checking for signs of dehydration or heat-related illness

• Treating sunburn or skin irritation

• Helping with hydration or electrolyte management

• Creating a personalized plan for working safely in the heat

• Offering fast, same-day care without the wait

Dr. Lyman Wostrel knows firsthand what it’s like to work long days in the sun—he’s currently out harvesting wheat. So when we say we understand the demands of outdoor work, we mean it.

We’ve got your back. All summer long.
And because we’re a DPC clinic, you don’t need to navigate insurance just to get the care you need—just call or text us, and we’ll take it from there.

⚖️ Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-provider relationship. Always consult with a licensed physician regarding your personal health.

Last Updated: June 26, 2025

I’m Healthy, Why do I Need a Primary Care Doctor?

The Answer Could Literally Save Your Life

We all tend to put things off—especially when nothing seems wrong.
Take your car, for example. If the check engine light comes on but it’s still running fine, it’s tempting to ignore it… until something major breaks.

We often treat our health the same way.

When you feel good, it’s easy to believe that everything is good. But many serious conditions develop slowly and silently—until they become difficult, costly, or even impossible to reverse.

That’s where a primary care doctor comes in.

Early Detection Saves Lives

You may feel perfectly fine, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Conditions like:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Type 2 diabetes

• Thyroid disease

• Certain cancers

…can be present for years with no obvious symptoms.

By the time they’re causing fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain, the damage may already be significant.

A simple yearly visit with your primary care doctor could catch these early—when they’re still manageable, reversible, or even preventable.

Prevention Is Cheaper Than Treatment

Preventive care doesn’t just protect your health—it protects your wallet too.

Chronic conditions cost more than just money. They cost:

• Time off work

• Prescription medications

• Specialist visits

• Emergency room bills

• Lost energy, freedom, and quality of life

By staying on top of your health now, you can avoid many of those downstream costs entirely.

Habits Form Early—Health Is No Different

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, now is the best time to build the habit of annual check-ins. It’s a chance to:

• Learn your baseline labs

• Get personalized guidance on diet, sleep, and exercise

• Catch small issues before they become big problems

When you hit your 40s, preventive care becomes even more essential. Cancer screening guidelines kick in, and your risk of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions begins to rise.

Routine labs can detect:

• Elevated blood sugar (early diabetes)

• High LDL or triglycerides (cardiovascular risk)

• Inflammatory markers and liver issues

• Vitamin and hormone deficiencies

Most people who catch these early and make lifestyle changes never need long-term medications.

Your Family Deserves a Healthy You

When you take care of your health, you’re not just doing it for yourself—you’re doing it for your family.
A healthier you is:

• More present

• More capable

• Less likely to experience sudden medical emergencies or financial strain from illness

You don’t need to be sick to start seeing a doctor—you need to be smart.

The Zion Asher Approach: Care That Grows With You

At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we’re not just here when something’s wrong. We’re here to help you:

• Stay healthy

• Catch issues early

• Navigate each stage of life with the right screenings, labs, and personalized advice

You’ll have direct access to a doctor who knows you—not just your chart.

Ready to make your health a priority—before there’s a problem?

Join Zion Asher Family Physicians or contact us today to start building lifelong habits that protect your future.

⚖️ Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-provider relationship. Always consult with a licensed physician regarding your personal health.

Last Updated: June 29, 2025

Can You Get Ahead Of Allergy Symptoms?

Yes—and Here’s How to Start Feeling Better Before the Season Hits

For millions of people, the arrival of spring (or fall) is bittersweet. The weather is beautiful. The skies are clearer. But if you suffer from seasonal allergies, those first warm breezes come with a price:

• Stuffy, runny nose

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Sneezing

• Brain fog and fatigue

If that sounds familiar, here’s the good news: you don’t have to suffer through it.

At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we help our members not only manage their allergy symptoms—we help them get ahead of them.

✅ Free Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms Before They Start

Even before medications or testing, these simple steps can make a big difference:

1. Start your allergy medications early.
The best time to start a nasal spray or antihistamine is 2–3 weeks before allergy season hits—not after you’re already miserable.

2. Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
Pollen sticks to hair, clothes, and skin. Rinsing off keeps it from entering your home or settling on your pillow.

3. Keep windows closed and run your AC.
This helps keep pollen levels lower indoors, especially during peak pollen hours (5–10 AM and early evening).

4. Use a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom.
Clean air while you sleep helps reduce symptoms and supports better rest.

5. Avoid outdoor yardwork on high pollen days.
If you must mow or rake, wear a mask and glasses to reduce direct contact with allergens.

When Free Tips Aren’t Enough: Your Treatment Options

For many people, basic prevention helps, but some need a stronger approach to enjoy the season again. That’s where we come in.

💊 1. Prescription Medications at Wholesale Cost

We offer a range of effective, non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops—often for less than retail or pharmacy prices, even for over-the-counter brands.

If you struggle to remember to take your meds daily, we can help find the most convenient and effective regimen for your lifestyle.

💉 2. Allergy Injections (Traditional Shots)

If you prefer injections, we offer those too:

• Given every 3 months, or more often as needed

• Only the cost of the injection is billed—visits are included in your membership

• Effective for those who don’t respond well to oral or topical medications

📌 3. Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)

This is a long-term solution we offer to our members.

• It starts with a simple blood test to identify your specific allergens

• A compounding pharmacy creates customized drops you take under the tongue—no shots!

• Doses are increased every 90 days over 2–3 years

• The goal: train your body to stop overreacting to pollen and other triggers

This method has the highest upfront cost, but for many, it results in lasting freedom from severe allergies—and fewer medications down the road.

🦠 4. Probiotics to Support Immune Balance

Did you know your gut health plays a role in your immune system’s response to allergens?
Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may reduce allergy symptoms.

While not a cure, probiotics can be a useful complement to other allergy treatments—and support digestion, immunity, and inflammation overall.

Breathe Easier—Literally

You don’t have to dread allergy season. Whether you're seeking natural options, permanent relief, or just someone who listens, Zion Asher Family Physicians is here to help you take control—before your symptoms take over.

✅ Want to know which option is right for you?

Contact us or schedule a visit today and let’s create your allergy relief plan—before the season hits.

⚖️ Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-provider relationship. Always consult with a licensed physician regarding your personal health.

Last Updated: June 29, 2025

Start the Year off Right!

It seems like towards the end of the year, starting in October, tasty temptations begin to be more in-your-face. The weather turns colder, and warm, creamy comfort foods are a way to beat the cold-weather blues. The holidays bring a plethora of sweet treats, and it can be hard to say no to them despite your best intentions. By the beginning of the new year, it is easy to become down on yourself about your food choices over the last few months. Indulging in the special flavors of the season doesn’t have to wreck you.

The new year is a great time to resolve to make healthy choices and implement small changes that can have a big impact on your health. If you make small, healthy changes that turn into habits, when the holidays come around again you can enjoy your favorite specialty foods without the guilt that can accompany them! For many people January and February are the slowest months of the year, making them the perfect time to focus on your health. Here are some easy tips to get you started:

Eat nutrient-dense foods

One of the most simple ways to impact your health in a positive way is to choose nutrient-dense foods. Lean meats, whole grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and fruits provide everything you need to get the nutrients your body requires and will help you eat the proper amount for your energy needs. Sufficient amounts of protein, fat, and fiber from whole foods naturally keep you full and reduce cravings.

Move your body

Exercise doesn’t have to be hours at the gym. To begin, it can be as small as a few laps around your living room or up and down your driveway or street. Making exercise a priority often quickly goes from a have-to task to something you look forward to and miss when it doesn’t happen. Regular exercise improves your mood, sleep quality, physique, and overall feeling of wellbeing. Taking it outside when you can will boost the benefits, as being in nature has been proven to have stress-reducing effects.

Resistance training is essential, since healthy muscle tissue improves every other aspect of your health. There are tons of free workout videos online, or you can pay a small fee to have access to a progressive program designed to systematically strengthen your entire body. Finding ways to incorporate active things you loved to do when you were younger can give you a boost in having a desire to get moving. 

When we feel motivated to change, it seems like overhauling your life all at once is the best option. While that can work for some people, most of us are more successful if we change small things a few at a time, until they become part of who we are. Set yourself up for success by choosing a few whole foods each day, drinking more water and finding an activity that you love. This year can be the year that you make lasting changes to improve your life!

What You Need to Know About Burn Care

Safe & Effective First Aid Tips for Minor Burns at Home

Aloe vera, mustard, vinegar—burn myths like these tend to resurface every summer. But what really works when treating a burn?

Burn-related ER visits spike every year around the Fourth of July due to fireworks, grilling accidents, and prolonged sun exposure. Here’s what to know about when to treat a burn at home—and when to seek medical care.

Which Burns Can You Treat at Home?

There are five categories of burns, but only two types are safe to manage at home:

Superficial Burns

• Example: mild sunburn

• Skin remains intact but feels warm, red, dry, and painful

Partial Thickness Burns (First- and Second-Degree)

• Red or blistered skin

• Swelling and pain

• Skin is moist and sensitive but not pale, leathery, or blackened

When to Go to the ER

Seek immediate emergency care if:

• The burn covers more than 10% of the body

• The skin looks white, leathery, or "Swiss cheese"-like

• The burn involves hands, face, genitals, joints, or airway

• The person burned is a child, elderly, or immunocompromised

• There are signs of infection: pus, spreading redness, fever

If a blister breaks open or skin appears raw, it may require professional wound care to prevent infection.

Burn Care at Home: Do’s and Don’ts

✅ DO:

• Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for up to 5 minutes

• Use a clean, damp towel or gauze compress for up to 30 minutes

• Gently clean with mild soap and tap water

• Take over-the-counter pain relief (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

• Keep the burn clean and loosely covered with sterile gauze

❌ DON’T:

• Do not apply ice—it can worsen skin damage

• Avoid creams or salves unless directed by a doctor

• Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh cleaners

• Skip spray anesthetics or lidocaine gels, which can irritate the skin

Healing Time & What to Watch For

Most minor burns heal on their own in 3 to 21 days, depending on the depth and size of the burn.

Keep an eye out for signs of infection such as:

• Increased redness or swelling

• Pus or foul odor

• Fever

• Delayed healing

If you're unsure, reach out to your doctor. It’s always better to ask early than to treat too late.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Burns are common but preventable. Stay safe this summer by keeping water nearby during fireworks or grilling, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and knowing when to seek medical help.

⚖️ Medical Legal Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Last Updated: June 28, 2025