Summer in Brownwood and Abilene, TX, brings long days, outdoor fun and plenty of sunshine. It also brings a unique set of health risks that can catch you off guard. Whether you’re spending time at the park, the pool or a backyard cookout, knowing how to protect yourself and your family matters. Thankfully, these 10 urgent care health tips for summer can help you stay safe, act quickly and know when to seek care.
Your Urgent Care Health Tips for Summer 2026
1. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Heat and humidity cause your body to lose fluids fast. Drink water consistently, even when you’re not thirsty. Adults should drink 11.5 to 15.5 liters daily. This is one of the best tips to avoid dehydration in summer. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, which speed up fluid loss.
2. Know when dehydration needs medical attention.
Mild thirst is easy to manage at home. But dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion or no urination are warning signs. Urgent care for dehydration is available at Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care for cases that need IV fluids or medical evaluation.
3. Learn the signs of heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. The signs of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103°F, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
4. Treat heat exhaustion before it becomes heat stroke.
Heavy sweating, weakness, cool or pale skin and nausea are signs of heat exhaustion. Move to a cool space, drink water and rest. If symptoms do not improve quickly or worsen, visit us for urgent care for heat stroke evaluation before the situation becomes dangerous.
5. Protect your skin from the sun.
Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming. Wear hats and lightweight, protective clothing during peak sun hours. If you develop a painful burn or a reaction, urgent care for a skin rash or sunburn is available at our Brownwood and Abilene locations without an appointment.
6. Watch for bug bite reactions.
Mosquitoes, bees, wasps, ticks and fire ants are common in Texas summers. Most bites cause mild irritation, but some trigger allergic reactions or infections. If you notice significant swelling, spreading redness or signs of infection after a bite, visiting your nearest urgent care for bug bites or stings can help you get the right treatment fast.
7. Practice smart food safety.
Warm temperatures and humidity speed up bacterial growth. Keep perishables refrigerated, avoid leaving food out for more than two hours and wash hands before preparing meals. Food poisoning is more common in summer and can lead to dehydration, which may require a clinic visit.
8. Ease into physical activity.
Heat adds stress to your body during exercise. Work out during cooler parts of the day, take breaks often and wear breathable clothing. Sprains, strains and exhaustion are common summer injuries we treat at Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care.
9. Use virtual visits for minor concerns.
Not every health issue requires a trip to an urgent care location. Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care’s virtual visit option lets you connect with a provider from home for minor conditions like simple rashes, cold symptoms and mild allergies. Virtual visits are a great option when it’s too hot to go out.
10. Know where to go for care.
For non-life-threatening issues, Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care in Brownwood and Abilene is here for you. We accept most major insurance plans, offer paperless check-in and care for patients ages three months and older. For emergencies, including severe heat stroke, uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
When You Need Urgent Care, We’re Here for You
Don’t let unexpected illnesses or injuries ruin your summer fun. Whether you’re dealing with a minor burn from the grill, a sprain from a family baseball game, or a sudden summer cold, prompt medical attention is key.
Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care is here to help you handle life’s little emergencies, offering convenient and compassionate care right in your neighborhood. Stay safe this summer, and remember that we’re just a walk-in or an online check-in away. Check in at Hendrick Clinic Urgent Care to get the care you need, close to home.