Memorial Day Weekend: Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Call Us First

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It is also the unofficial start of summer, when families gather, people travel, and routines often change.

For many of our patients at Mobile Physician Associates, especially older adults, frail patients, and those living with chronic medical conditions, holiday weekends can bring extra health risks. Changes in diet, heat exposure, missed medications, falls, dehydration, and delayed medical care can quickly turn a small issue into an urgent problem.

At Mobile Physician Associates, we want our patients and families to enjoy the holiday weekend safely. Most importantly, we want you to remember one simple message:

Call Us First.

If you have an urgent medical concern, a change in condition, a medication issue, or you are unsure whether you need urgent care or the emergency room, please call us first. Your membership includes access to our practice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent medical needs.

We are here to help guide you, treat you when appropriate, and prevent unnecessary trips to urgent care, the emergency room, or the hospital whenever possible.

Holiday Weekend Health Tips for Older Adults and Caregivers

Stay Hydrated

Warm weather can increase the risk of dehydration, especially in older adults. Many patients do not feel thirsty even when their bodies need fluids.

Try to drink water throughout the day unless your doctor has told you to limit fluids. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dizziness, weakness, confusion, dry mouth, dark urine, or reduced urination.

Be Careful in the Heat

Older adults are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Try to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. Stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas when possible.

Warning signs of heat-related illness include weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint. These symptoms should not be ignored.

Do Not Miss Medications

Holiday weekends often disrupt normal routines. Missed doses of blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, heart medication, or other important prescriptions can cause serious problems.

Caregivers should double-check that medications are taken correctly, especially if the patient is traveling, attending family events, or staying with relatives.

Watch Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar

Holiday foods are often higher in salt, sugar, and carbohydrates. This can affect patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes.

Enjoy the holiday, but try to avoid very salty foods, large portions, excessive sweets, and dehydration. Patients who monitor blood pressure, weight, oxygen, or blood sugar should continue doing so over the weekend.

Prevent Falls

Falls are one of the most common causes of emergency room visits among older adults. Holiday gatherings can increase fall risks because of crowded spaces, uneven outdoor surfaces, poor lighting, loose rugs, pets, and unfamiliar environments.

Make sure walking paths are clear. Use walkers, canes, and supportive shoes. Do not rush. Caregivers should assist patients who are unsteady or at higher risk.

Do Not Ignore New Symptoms

A new cough, worsening shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, confusion, weakness, fever, pain, dizziness, urinary symptoms, or a sudden behavior change may be an early sign of something serious.

Many hospitalizations begin with symptoms that have been present for a day or two before anyone calls for help. Early medical guidance can make a major difference.

Call Us First Before Going to Urgent Care or the ER

If you are not sure what to do, call Mobile Physician Associates first.

We can help determine whether your issue can be handled by phone, telehealth, same-day care, medication adjustment, home-based services, or whether you truly need emergency care.

Examples of reasons to call us include:

• Medication questions or urgent refills

• New weakness, dizziness, confusion, or falls

• Cough, fever, shortness of breath, or worsening breathing

• Blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen, or weight changes

• Urinary symptoms or possible infection

• Worsening swelling, pain, or fatigue

• Questions after a hospital or emergency room visit

• Any sudden change in condition

  
  

Of course, if you believe you are having a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.

We Are Here for You 24/7

Our goal is to help our patients remain safe, supported, and cared for in their homes and communities.

This Memorial Day weekend, enjoy time with family and friends, honor those who served, and take steps to protect your health.

And remember:

If you have a medical concern, Call Us First.

Mobile Physician Associates is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week,

and 365 days/year

Mobile Physician Associateswww

www.MyMobilePhysician.com

(310) 256-2426