Get Back to Outdoor Fun Quickly With an E-Visit May 9, 2019 As the weather warms up, many of us look forward to more outdoor activities. Meanwhile, spring and summer bring the possibilities of allergies, poison oak, sunburn and other warm weather ailments, and Samaritan Health Services offers MyChart E-Visits to help you address minor health concerns and get back to the fun. • Pollens start emerging in early spring, causing sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes. If your symptoms tend to recur at the same time each year, they are likely caused by pollen, which is one of the most widespread allergens. • When you hit the trails, watch for poison oak. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are all plants that can cause skin reactions, most commonly an itchy, blistering rash caused by oil found in the plants. (If you are having a more serious reaction, including swelling of the face or eyes, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a rash that covers most of your body, go to the Emergency Department immediately.) • Enjoying the summer sun without sunscreen can quickly turn into a sunburn. Sunburn symptoms, which can happen three to five hours after exposure, most commonly include pinkness or redness of the skin, pain or tenderness, and skin that feels warm to the touch. (Severe sunburns can result in blisters or be accompanied by headache, fever, nausea and fatigue. If you have these severe symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical care in person at your doctor’s office or an urgent care clinic.) Sometimes these ailments may be treated successfully at home, such as using aloe vera for a light sunburn or cool oatmeal baths and an over the counter cortisone cream for a mild case of poison oak. Other times, when you need expert advice and possibly a prescription, an E-Visit might be just what the doctor ordered. When you don’t have the time, or are unable to get a quick appointment at your doctor’s office, E-Visits are a fast, secure and convenient way to get the quick care you need for non-urgent medical conditions, including allergies, poison oak and sunburn. Visit samhealth.org/MyChart to learn more or make an E-Visit appointment today.
