Sunshine, beautiful landscapes, beaches and warm weather — there’s so much to love about Florida living. If you’ve just made the big move to the Sunshine State, welcome to our community! Moving to a new neighborhood can bring many new experiences, but some you may not have considered yet are the changes to your health.
Learn more about five ways moving to Central Florida can impact your health:
Allergies
Some people may experience allergies in Florida all year long. One of the biggest allergens, pollen, typically dies during frost. But here in Central Florida, frost is pretty uncommon. Long summers can also lead to prolonged grass allergies.
Itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose and fatigue are all signs you may be experiencing allergy symptoms, but the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to visit with your primary care doctor.
Colds
Experiencing a cold is probably not new to you no matter where you’ve lived. Colds are relatively common during rainy seasons, which can last for quite a while in Florida.
Typically, a cold brings on a runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing. These symptoms are very similar to allergies, and this is one of the many reasons setting yourself up with a physician is so important when relocating. Your primary care physician can help you determine what it is you’re experiencing and prescribe any medication, if necessary.
Heat rash
With a move to the Sunshine State brings risks of heat-related illnesses, including heat rash. They’re common during Florida summers when sweat glands become blocked, possibly by clothing or lotion, causing skin irritation.
A heat rash looks like red clusters or blisters and can usually be treated with a topical cream, but you should still be seen by your primary care doctor, or, if needed, an urgent care physician — in case a medication needs to be prescribed.
Heat stroke
Spending a day at the beach? Remember to take breaks to cool off. When your body’s core temperature rises about 104° F, you’re at risk for heat stroke. During a heat stroke, or some call it a sun stroke, your body is unable to cool itself through perspiration. Heat strokes can be very dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
The symptoms of heat stroke include rapid pulse, high body temperature, a red skin rash, loss of alertness or rapid/shallow breathing. Ice packs and air conditioning may help these symptoms, but it’s still crucial to seek medical help for treatment, either from your primary care physician, an urgent care specialist, or a visit to the emergency room for severe cases.
Sunburn
The sun can really take a toll on our skin if we’re not careful. Wearing SPF daily can help prevent sunburn, especially when the UV index in Florida is relatively high — which is mostly year-round, but definitely in the summer.
A sunburn can be treated at home, but if it’s accompanied by a fever or you’re feeling faint, extreme thirst, nausea and/or eye sensitivity, seek medical care right away.
Receiving Medical Care
Moving to a new neighborhood can leave you with a lot of questions, but one of the most important is where to get care when you’re experiencing a health concern, especially if it’s one you’re unfamiliar with. A health-care professional can help you determine if what you’re experiencing is allergies versus a cold, or heat rash versus sunburn.
To locate a physician who can care for you and your family members, click here. If you’re situation is severe and requires immediate attention, the following Central Florida emergency locations are there for you:
AdventHealth Altamonte Springs
601 East Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
AdventHealth Apopka
2100 Ocoee Apopka Road
Apopka, FL 3270
AdventHealth Celebration
400 Celebration Place
Celebration, FL 34747
AdventHealth for Children
601 East Rollins Street
Orlando, FL 32803
AdventHealth East Orlando
7727 Lake Underhill Road
Orlando, FL 32822
AdventHealth Kissimmee
2450 N Orange Blossom Trail
Kissimmee, FL 34744
AdventHealth Lake Mary
950 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, FL 32746
AdventHealth Orlando
601 E. Rollins Street
Orlando, FL 32803
AdventHealth Oviedo
8100 Red Bug Lake Road
Oviedo, FL 32765
AdventHealth Waterford Lakes
13691 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32826
AdventHealth Winter Garden
2000 Fowler Grove Boulevard
Winter Garden, FL 34787
AdventHealth Winter Park
200 North Lakemont Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32792
Virtual Visits from Anywhere
For the treatment of minor illnesses, consider a video visit from one of our trained medical providers through the
AdventHealth App, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
From the comfort of home (or anywhere), you can have a doctor’s appointment with one of our board-certified physicians via secure video chat on your smart phone or tablet. Afterward, your doctor can send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy or one of AdventHealth’s pharmacies, where you can pick it up at your convenience.
You can download the AdventHealth App on the Apple App Store or Google Playto get started.
If you think you’re experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.
