Taking care of your health in the summer
Summer is synonymous with travel, sports, heat, and intense outdoor activities. However, this seemingly well-being-promoting period exposes the body to numerous physiological stresses that are often underestimated: cardiovascular overload linked to heat, lower back pain reactivated by long journeys, urinary problems accentuated by dehydration, migraines caused by pressure fluctuations, or phlebitis caused by prolonged immobilization. These risks, often silent, can develop without clear clinical warning before suddenly manifesting in the form of acute accidents in the middle of summer.
In this context, preventive medical imaging now makes it possible to objectify these vulnerabilities before the summer season. Thanks to advances in low-dose technologies, the precision of specialized MRIs, and the growing assistance of artificial intelligence, imaging assessments are becoming a key tool for proactive prevention.
In Switzerland, this personalized approach is increasingly integrated into preventive medical practices, particularly for patients with identified risk factors: cardiovascular, spinal, gynecological, prostatic or neurological. The Imaging and Diagnostic Center (CID Lausanne) is fully committed to this dynamic of predictive medicine, by offering specialized imaging assessments before the summer, thus making it possible to anticipate and secure the health of at-risk patients.
Summer cardiovascular risks
Heat is one of the main environmental factors that can destabilize the cardiovascular system, particularly in patients with pre-existing vulnerabilities. During periods of heatwave, the body implements adaptation mechanisms to regulate its internal temperature: peripheral vasodilation, increased sweating, increased cardiac output. These adaptations can quickly become insufficient in the elderly, those with heart failure, hypertensive or diabetic patients, or in patients taking diuretics or beta-blockers.
In Switzerland, FOPH data confirms significant excess cardiovascular mortality during periods of intense heat. Myocardial infarctions, rhythm disorders, acute cardiac decompensations, and strokes increase significantly during heatwaves, even in our temperate regions.
Preventive cardiovascular imaging now makes it possible to better stratify this risk. The coronary calcium score, performed by ultra-low-dose cardiac CT scan, provides objective quantification of coronary atherosclerotic burden even before the appearance of any clinical symptoms. Control echocardiography, for its part, makes it possible to assess overall cardiac function and detect early overload in patients with heart failure before the summer season.
At the CID Lausanne, these examinations are carried out in a targeted manner before the summer for patients identified as at risk, allowing for early adaptation of treatments and active security before the first heat waves.
Preventing travel back pain and spinal pain
Long summer journeys by car, plane or train represent a significant mechanical stress on the lumbar spine, often underestimated by patients already suffering from chronic back pain or a history of herniated discs. Prolonged immobilization, micro-vibrations and sitting positions maintained for several hours promote recurrences of acute lower back pain, sciatica and sometimes the appearance of new disc protrusions.
Certain summer activities (extended hikes, water sports, intense unprepared exertion) can also reactivate silent spinal instabilities. In the absence of a precise structural diagnosis, these pains are often treated symptomatically, without targeting the true underlying mechanical cause.
Spinal imaging now makes it possible to objectify these structural lesions: herniated discs, narrowing of the spinal canal, spondylolisthesis or degenerative disc disease. Lumbar MRI is the gold standard for assessing disc and nerve integrity before the summer in patients with recurrent pain. Dynamic spinal CT can better highlight certain unrecognized spinal instabilities.
Preventive checklist to ask yourself before summer:
- Have I had significant lower back pain on previous trips?
- Do I have a history of operated or non-operated disc herniation?
- Do long journeys (> 3 hours sitting) systematically trigger lower back pain?
- Do I sometimes have irradiation in my legs, numbness, tingling?
- Does my daily work or hobbies expose my back to repeated strain?
- Am I going on vacation with unusual physical activities planned (hiking, water sports, extended activities)?
A simple preventive spinal imaging assessment often makes it possible to adapt postural measures, plan targeted physiotherapy sessions or, in certain cases, schedule interventional care before the pathology worsens in the middle of summer.
Women's imaging before summer: breast and pelvic check-ups
Summer is often a pivotal time for women's health checkups. Before vacations, before the start of the school year, or before periods of heavy family responsibilities, it's often a good time to get the recommended preventive imaging checkups.
Breast cancer screening remains the major pillar of female cancer prevention. In Switzerland, mammography screening programs are in place from the age of 50, but imaging must sometimes be adapted according to individual profiles. In some patients with dense breasts, mammography alone may lack sensitivity. Complementary breast ultrasound, or even targeted breast MRI in cases of high genetic risk (BRCA, early family history), significantly improves the early detection of subclinical lesions.
At the same time, some chronic pelvic pain (endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids) can be exacerbated by summer hormonal fluctuations, increased physical activity, or travel. Pelvic MRI, which is non-invasive and radiation-free, is the examination of choice for objectifying and mapping these pathologies before the summer, thus allowing treatments and monitoring to be adapted during the summer period.
Preventive checklist to ask yourself before summer:
- Am I up to date with my breast cancer screening (mammogram, ultrasound or MRI)?
- Do I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer before age 50?
- Are my breasts classified as “dense” on a mammogram?
- Do I have recurring cyclical pelvic pain?
- Do I have heavy periods, breakthrough bleeding, or pain during intercourse?
- Are episodes of pelvic pain more frequent during prolonged physical activities?
- Am I planning a long trip with variations in climate and pace that may aggravate certain gynecological disorders?
Precision imaging now allows for personalized prevention for women, perfectly adapted to each individual's vulnerabilities. Planning a checkup before summer often means protecting yourself for the entire year.
Men's Health: Preventive Prostate Screening
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is extremely common after the age of 50 and can become complicated in the summer due to dehydration, heat, and lifestyle changes. Urinary problems (pollakiuria, nocturia, dysuria) often worsen during travel or summer activities. Prolonged exposure to heat and changes in hydration can promote acute urinary retention, urinary tract infections, and, in some cases, prostatic infectious complications.
At the same time, prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men in Switzerland. PSA testing is the first level of screening, but its sensitivity and specificity are limited. Today, multiparametric prostate MRI has become the gold standard examination whenever there is any doubt: it allows lesions to be located and characterized, reduces unnecessary biopsies, and precisely targets necessary biopsies.
Summer is a particularly relevant time to plan this type of preventive assessment in men at risk, in order to avoid possible urological complications during the holidays and to anticipate the management of detected prostate abnormalities.
Preventive checklist to ask yourself before summer:
- Do I have frequent urinary problems (difficult urination, weak stream, frequent urges)?
- Do I wake up at night with the urge to urinate (nocturia)?
- Have I ever had an episode of acute urinary retention?
- Has my PSA been measured before and was it abnormal or fluctuating?
- Do I have a family history of prostate cancer?
- Am I planning a long trip (car, plane, cruise) that could aggravate these urinary problems?
- Have I ever had recurrent urinary tract infections?
Prostate MRI now makes it possible to avoid unnecessary biopsies, detect aggressive forms early, and reassure patients in the event of a benign image. An early summer checkup can prevent many unforeseen complications while on vacation.
Neurovascular risks when traveling
Summer periods, and particularly long journeys, expose certain populations to often unrecognized neurological and neurovascular risks. Long-haul flights, cruises, and extended journeys promote the appearance of venous disorders (phlebitis, pulmonary embolisms) but can also trigger transient neurological episodes: migraines, dizziness, visual disturbances, paresthesia.
Migraine patients are particularly sensitive to air pressure fluctuations on airplanes, hormonal changes (in women), dehydration, and sleep disturbances often associated with vacations. In some cases, recent or altered headaches may mask underlying conditions that warrant further evaluation before a long trip.
Modern neurovascular imaging now allows for a complete preventive assessment:
- Brain MRI can exclude structural lesions or micro-infarcts that have gone unnoticed.
- MRI or CT angiography of the supra-aortic trunks detects silent carotid stenoses.
- Venous Doppler ultrasound assessments make it possible to objectify thromboembolic risks.
Preventive checklist to ask yourself before summer:
- Am I prone to recurring migraines, especially when traveling or flying?
- Do I have any recent visual disturbances, paresthesias, dizziness or transient speech loss?
- Do I have a personal or family history of stroke or TIA?
- Has my vascular assessment (carotids, deep veins) already been carried out?
- Do I have thrombotic risk factors (hormonal contraception, smoking, overweight, prolonged sedentary lifestyle)?
- Have I planned a long trip (> 5 hours of immobilized transport) this summer?
A simple preventive neurological assessment makes it possible to assess the risk of cerebrovascular disease and to adapt preventive recommendations in a personalized manner before any major summer trip.
The benefits of precision imaging at CID Lausanne
The major advantage of CID is based on:
- Specialized radiological expertise
- Latest generation equipment
- A smooth organization before summer (quick appointments, check-ups, rapid transmission of results to treating physicians)
- Strict control of radiation protection (systematic low dose)
- Compliance with Swiss standards (OFSP, FMH, LaMal)
- Systematic use of optimized low-dose protocols on scanners and MRIs
Preventive imaging is now a true tool for predictive and personalized medicine. The Lausanne CID is committed to providing a seamless, safe, and perfectly adapted care pathway to the specific health challenges of the summer season.
The contribution of artificial intelligence to preventive analysis at CID Lausanne
What are its concrete contributions?
In low-dose chest CT scan:
- Automated detection of pulmonary micronodules from 3-4 mm.
- Objective comparison between successive examinations to monitor the development of lesions.
- Reduced risk of false negatives on very small nodules.
In cardiac imaging (calcium score):
- Accurate automated quantification of calcium volumes.
- Fine mapping of the distribution of coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
In multiparametric MRI (prostate and breast):
- Assistance in characterizing suspicious lesions.
- Improved reproducibility of aggression scores (PI-RADS, BI-RADS).
In vascular neuroimaging:
- Detection of subtle or progressive carotid stenoses.
- Quantification of cerebral vascular flows.
AI at CID Lausanne never replaces human expertise: All results are systematically reviewed, validated, and integrated by specialized FMH radiologists, who retain full medical responsibility for interpretation. AI thus provides a safety enhancement, particularly relevant in prevention where the detection of very early lesions often determines the prognosis.
At CID Lausanne, this type of integrated course makes it possible to objectify vulnerabilities before the risky summer periods, and to adjust therapeutic or behavioral measures before any prolonged travel.
Future perspectives and innovations in summer preventive imaging
Widespread ultra-low dose imaging protocols
The gradual integration of radiomic biomarkers and advanced AI
Combined and interdisciplinary preventive assessments
Predictive risk models integrated into patient records
Conclusion: anticipate to travel and enjoy in complete safety
Summer offers the opportunity to travel, engage in physical activity, and get out of your comfort zone. But this period sometimes exposes hidden weaknesses that only preventive medical imaging can detect in time.
Thanks to technological advances, the integration of artificial intelligence and the multidisciplinary expertise of CID Lausanne, it is now possible to carry out targeted, personalized and secure assessments before the summer, thus avoiding many unforeseen complications during vacations.
Precision preventive medicine is becoming a real lever for active health. Not waiting for the first symptoms often means offering years of additional quality of life.
