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7 May 2025
Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times
Summer is just around the corner — and while you are busy planning your trip, browsing tickets to Bali or Thailand, and filling your cart with beach-ready outfits, do not forget there is more to prepare than just your suitcase. As they say, first things first.
Before you dive into all things summer, make sure your health is ready for the heat and humidity. Here is what to check before the temperatures rise.
Health check-up: What tests to consider
Before I hit you with a never-ending list of tests and check-ups (the kind that makes you close the tab and never come back), let’s set some priorities.
It is important to remember that it all depends on how you are feeling right now and what potential health risks you might have — based on your lifestyle (hello to all the cyclists still pushing through 40°C heat — take care of your hearts!) and genetics (which could mean anything from kidneys to your digestive system).
So in this article we will focus on the bare minimum — just enough to give you peace of mind, without burning your wallet or wasting your weekend. And you take care of the rest.
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Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times
Blood tests
The easiest way to catch early signs of trouble is through a basic set of blood tests. Here are the essentials:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test helps identify early signs of anaemia and low haemoglobin — common causes of fatigue, brain fog, and dizziness.
If your levels are low, review your diet: add more spinach, hummus, and red meat. You can also speak to a doctor — they might suggest taking iron supplements.
Blood Biochemistry (Creatinine and Urea; Electrolytes and Glucose)
Creatinine and Urea – Kidney Function. In hot climates, we lose a lot of fluids through sweat, which can put extra pressure on the kidneys. It is worth checking how they are functioning and whether they need support.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium). These minerals influence hydration and mineral balance. If yours are off, consider taking electrolytes. (Read here for options.)
Glucose. Heat can disrupt your metabolism and increase cravings for coffee, sweets, or energy drinks. Dehydration can also artificially raise your blood glucose. If your glucose is too high, ask your doctor about doing more in-depth tests. A quick fix? Reconsider your diet.
Vitamin D
It might sound surprising, but people living in hot climates are often deficient in vitamin D. That is because when it gets too hot, we avoid direct sunlight and tend to cover up. So, it is a good idea to check your levels.
Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4)
Thyroid function is not directly influenced by climate, but if your levels are off, heat and humidity can make symptoms worse. It is wise to get tested in advance.
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Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times
Non-blood tests
Blood pressure monitoring
Whether you are prone to high or low blood pressure, extreme heat can worsen the situation. It is a good habit to check it regularly. You can do this easily at Dubai pharmacies for free — especially large chains like Aster Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, and BinSina — or during any doctor’s visit, as it is part of the standard procedure.
Dermatologist check-up (moles & spots)
Let’s be honest — how often do you forget to apply sunscreen before leaving the house? I forget all the time! So if you are the same, remember — it is really important to have your moles, sunspots, and pigmentation checked by a dermatologist at least once a year.
ECG (electrocardiogram)
The sun puts a lot of strain on the heart — not just for athletes, but for everyone. Still, if you are doing any physical activity outdoors, it is especially important to make sure your heart is in good shape.
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Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times
Where to do the required tests
If you have medical insurance
If you are covered by medical insurance, most of these tests are available at minimal cost, or even fully covered, depending on your plan.
Check with your provider to find out which clinics are included in your policy, and book an appointment with a GP (therapist) to get referrals for blood tests and an ECG. For a skin check-up, you will need a separate appointment with a dermatologist.
If you don't have medical insurance
(Though, technically, insurance is mandatory in the UAE, we know some people choose not to use it.)
Justlife
It is so convenient — simply select the tests you want in their app, and a medical professional will come to your home to take the samples. Along with standard blood work, they offer extras like food intolerance panels or stress-level tests. Can’t find what you need? Just scroll to the bottom of the list to add a custom request.
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Healthchecks360
Offers both packages and individual tests. Add what you need to your cart, and the platform will show you nearby clinics and available time slots. Quick and simple.
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Life Pharmacy
For those who prefer getting everything done at once (and then forgetting about it for the year), Life Pharmacies offer comprehensive health check-up packages, which include doctor consultations to go over your results.
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What else to consider before summer
This part will not require major spending or special appointments — but it will still take a bit of effort. During the hot and humid season, two things tend to suffer the most: your hair and your skin. We have a full article with detailed haircare recommendations, but here are a few essential reminders.
Hair
Moisturising
Treat your hair to regular masks and conditioners to keep it healthy and hydrated. And please, never leave the house with wet hair — despite what some might think, sun-drying is anything but gentle.
Sun protection
If you are heading out without a hat, cap, or scarf, at least use a thermal or heat-protection spray to shield your hair from damage.
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Skin
Moisturising
Applying moisturiser daily can feel like a chore — but every other day is a good start. Bonus: they usually smell absolutely divine.
Sun protection
SPF is your best friend, especially if you are prone to sunspots. Read more about how to use it here.
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