Stay Safe in the Summer Heat!

Summer brings sunshine, backyard barbecues, vacations—and unfortunately, a higher risk of serious health issues.

Every year, thousands of Americans are hospitalized because of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, extreme heat causes more weather-related deaths in the U.S. than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. More than 1,200 people a year are killed by heat-related injuries.

And skin cancer, much of it caused by sun exposure, is the most common form of cancer in the country.

But these sun-related health problems are preventable. With a few smart habits, you can enjoy the summer without putting your health—or your wallet—on the line.

Why Sunburn Matters More Than You Think

A sunburn might not seem like a big deal—but it’s your skin’s way of telling you it’s been damaged.

And that damage adds up. Consider:

• Just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence doubles your risk of melanoma later in life.
• The CDC estimates that nearly 5 million Americans are treated for skin cancer every year.
• Frequent sunburns speed up skin aging, weaken your skin’s natural barrier, and increase the risk of all types of skin cancer.

How to Protect Your Skin

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Cover up with lightweight long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses.
• Stay in the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM, when harmful UV rays are strongest.
• Skip tanning beds. They’re just as harmful as natural sunlight.

 Tip: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use it to buy sunscreen, prescription sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.

Get Checked: Skin Screenings Save Lives

If you notice a mole or skin spot that’s changing, itching, or bleeding, get it checked right away.

Many insurance plans cover preventive skin cancer screenings at no cost to you. If you’re in a health sharing plan, check your guidelines—most will share the cost of biopsies if a provider recommends them for a suspicious lesion.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Too much heat can overwhelm your body—especially if you’re dehydrated or doing physical activity outdoors.

If it goes on for too long, it can even be fatal.

Here are the most common symptoms for both heat exhaustion and the more lethal heat stroke. 

Heat Exhaustion Warning Signs:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cool, clammy skin

Get to shade or air conditioning. Drink water with electrolytes. Rest. It may take 1-3 full days to recover.

Note: By the time you notice these problems, you are already in trouble. So don’t delay: Get out of the sun, drink water, get an IV if possible, and rest up. 

If ignored, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Heat stroke is the total breakdown of the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. As it progresses, it leads to organ failure. 

Heat Stroke Warning Signs:

• Body temperature above 103°F
• Hot, dry skin—or skin that feels damp
• Confusion or slurred speech
• Rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness or seizures

🚨 Call 911 immediately if there’s a possibility of heat stroke. While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler area and use cool cloths or ice packs to lower their temperature.

Heat Safety in the Workplace

Heat injuries are preventable for most people.

But If you work outside—in construction, landscaping, agriculture, or delivery—you don’t have much of a choice except to be in the heat. OSHA offers clear guidelines to help workers stay safe in extreme heat:

• Drink water every 15–20 minutes – even if you’re not thirsty.
• Take breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces. If you’re a supervisor, provide suitable break areas for your employees. Even if you need to put a van out on the work site with air conditioning.
• Wear light-colored, breathable clothing.
• Use the buddy system—watch for symptoms in yourself and your coworkers
• Report unsafe conditions to your employer.

Choose the Right Health Plan.

Emergencies can happen fast. A bad sunburn or heat stroke could land you in the ER—with thousands of dollars in medical bills if you’re not properly covered.

Before you head outdoors this summer, ask yourself:

• Do I have coverage that protects me if I need urgent care?
• Will my plan pay for skin cancer screenings or heat-related hospital care?
• Am I paying too much for a plan I rarely use?
• Could a health sharing plan or HSA-compatible high deductible plan help me save?

We’re Here to Help.

Whether you’re trying to save money, lower your deductible, or make the most of your HSA or FSA, we’re here to help.

A Personal Benefits Manager at HSA for America can:

• Review your current health plan to make sure it fits your needs
• Help you understand what’s covered (and what’s not!)
• Show you how to use your tax-advantaged accounts for summer health expenses
• Recommend insurance or health sharing options that protect you better for les

Summer’s meant to be enjoyed. Don’t let a sunburn or heat emergency ruin it!
If you’ve got questions about your health benefits—or if you’re considering a plan with better coverage or lower monthly costs—reach out to your  HSA for America Personal Benefits Manager today.

Click here to schedule an appointment, or call 800-913-0172 to get started.    

To your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President - HSA for America

Author of Health Sharing: The Authoritative Guide to America’s Fastest-Growing Health Insurance Alternative

The HSA for America Maximize Your HSA Newsletter is published monthly and emailed to subscribers at no charge. Subscribe now to stay on top of the critical information you need to know about health insurance, healthshare plans and managing your finances to achieve financial security.