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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?

Stay healthy

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