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Diagnostic Imaging (3)

A Guide to Diagnostic Imaging: Understanding Your Injury

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When you’ve suffered an injury, whether it’s a sprain, a broken bone, a fracture, a pulled muscle, or even an internal injury due to blunt force trauma, the first step to getting back on your feet is receiving an accurate diagnosis. This is where diagnostic imaging plays a vital role.

In this article, we explore the different types of diagnostic imaging available and how they can help you on your road to recovery. Take a look!

X-rays
X-rays are the most commonly used form of diagnostic imaging. They are especially useful for identifying fractures, breaks, and other bone-related injuries. When you visit Victoria ER, our skilled and professional team can perform X-rays, allowing our physicians to see images of your bones and assess any potential damage. This painless and non-invasive method helps to confirm or rule out broken bones and fractures.

CT Scans
Computed Tomography (CT) scans, often referred to as CAT scans, are a more detailed form of imaging. They are ideal for detecting internal injuries that may not be visible through X-rays, such as injuries resulting from blunt force trauma. In a CT scan, multiple X-ray images are taken from different angles and then combined to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Victoria ER provides CT scans as part of our diagnostic imaging services, ensuring thorough assessment in case of any internal injuries.

Ultrasounds
Ultrasound imaging is a painless and radiation-free method used for assessing soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains or sprains. It is particularly helpful in determining the extent of muscle damage. Victoria ER offers ultrasound services, which can be used to examine the affected area, giving our physician valuable insights into your injury.

The Role of Diagnostic Imaging

From sprains to broken bones to fractures and pulled muscle or even internal injuries, diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in your treatment plan. Here’s how it helps:

Accurate Diagnosis
Diagnostic imaging helps our healthcare providers accurately diagnose your injury. It enables us to see what’s happening inside your body, ensuring the right treatment approach is taken.

Treatment Planning
Once the injury is diagnosed, our healthcare professionals can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Whether it’s surgery, physical therapy, or rest, the treatment plan is designed to promote optimal healing for your body.

Victoria ER: Your Go-To Place for Diagnostic Imaging

Victoria ER is a one-stop destination for all your diagnostic imaging needs. We conveniently offer a range of imaging and laboratory services, including CAPS-Certified Stat Laboratory Testing, CT scans, Ultrasounds, and X-rays.

In short, regardless of your injury, we have the tools and expertise to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis.

Laboratory Testing Services
In addition to diagnostic imaging, Victoria ER offers a myriad of lab tests, including:
Cardiac Enzymes
Complete Blood Cell Counts
Urine Drug Screens
Urinalysis
Liver Panels
Complete Metabolic Profiles
Pregnancy Tests
Strep Testing
Mononucleosis Testing
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) testing
Influenza Testing
Rapid COVID-19 Testing

Visit Victoria ER Today

When you’ve experienced an injury, understanding the role of diagnostic imaging is crucial for your recovery. X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds can provide detailed insights into your injury, ensuring you receive the right treatment.

Remember, Victoria ER offers a comprehensive range of imaging and laboratory services to assist you on your journey to healing. You can rely on us 24/7, and you never have to worry about waiting or scheduling an appointment. Don’t hesitate to visit us—as needed—for professional and efficient care.

A young soccer player with a head injury recieves medical attention

Do You Have a Concussion?

Do You Have a Concussion?

A concussion refers to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when there is a quick and powerful blow or jolt to the head, resulting in the brain moving rapidly within the skull. Yet, a concussion can even occur without direct impact to the head, as the forceful movement of the head and neck alone can be enough to cause a concussion. Concussions are common in sports injuries (like football), car accidents, and falls.

Though concussions are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, neurological evaluation, and sometimes imaging studies, there are ways to test for the injury yourself. Take a look!

Are You Concussed?

Athletes can immediately access doctors and trainers to assess if they have a concussion, but the everyday person doesn’t have the same resources. As such, what happens when you stumble and hit your head at home? How can you tell if you or anyone else in the house has a concussion?

To start, consider the following:

  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Assess Memory and Concentration
  • Monitor Headache and Dizziness
  • Evaluate Nausea and Vomiting
  • Assess Balance and Coordination
  • Observe Sensitivity to Light and Noise
  • Check for Visual Disturbances
  • Examine Speech and Language
  • Assess Changes in Behavior
  • Eye Pain and/or Eye Fatigue
  • Changes in Sleep Patterns
  • Neck Pain or Stiffness
  • Impaired Depth Perception

Any of the symptoms listed above could be cause for concern. Therefore, it’s highly recommended you seek professional medical attention if or when the noted ailments are present. In short, however, anytime you feel “off,” think about stopping by Victoria ER.

Further, if you suspect a concussion, getting medical attention is crucial, as prompt evaluation and appropriate management are essential for recovery and preventing potential complications.

Testing for a Concussion

At Victoria ER, we employ various methods to test for a concussion, such as the:

Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination is performed to assess general physical health, balance, coordination, reflexes, muscle strength, vision, hearing, and other neurological functions. This examination may include an evaluation of motor skills, coordination, and reflexes.

Cognitive Testing
Various cognitive tests may be conducted to evaluate memory, concentration, attention, and problem-solving skills. Generally, cognitive tests include the SCAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) and the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing).

Neurological Examination
A comprehensive neurological examination may be conducted to assess brain function, including vision, hearing, coordination, balance, and reflexes. This examination helps identify any abnormalities in neurological function associated with a concussion.

Balance Testing
Balance assessments, such as the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), may be used to evaluate balance and postural stability, as concussions can affect a person’s ability to maintain balance.

Imaging Studies
In some cases, imaging studies like CT scans may be ordered to rule out more severe head injuries, bleeding in the brain, or structural abnormalities. CT scans are particularly useful in identifying acute bleeding or fractures.

When in Need, Visit Victoria ER
For fast, high-quality care, visit Victoria ER. You can rely on us 24/7! Better yet, you never have to worry about waiting or scheduling an appointment.

Don’t risk your health. If you or someone you know may have suffered a concussion, let our skilled and friendly staff offer assistance.

Man has chest pain suffering by heart disease, Cardiovascular disease, heart attack. Health care concept

Should You Visit Victoria ER for Chest Pains? 

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It’s not surprising to learn that chest pains are painful—it’s right there in the name. Not only do chest pains produce myriad levels of uncomfortableness, but they can also create a bit of uncertainty. 

For example, when you experience chest pains, should you immediately visit Victoria ER or simply wait for the pain to subside? Keep reading to learn more! 

What Causes Chest Pains? 

Chest pains are caused by a variety of factors, some of which may be serious, life-threatening, and require instant medical attention. However, other types of chest pains can be mild, even temporary. 

Common causes of chest pains include: 

  • Musculoskeletal: This refers to strained muscles or ligaments in the chest wall, such as from heavy lifting, intense exercise, or poor posture, leading to chest pains. Costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, can also lead to chest pains.
  • Gastrointestinal: Often referred to as “acid reflux” or “heartburn,” gastrointestinal pain takes place when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and can generate a burning sensation in the chest. Other gastrointestinal issues, like gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or peptic ulcers, may also result in chest pains. 
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks: When an intensive anxiety or panic attack occurs, chest pains may develop, which can feel similar to heart-related issues. 
  • Respiratory: Respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis, can lead to chest pains, particularly if these infections involve the lining of the lungs (pleurisy). Chest pains and/or slight discomfort can also be present in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 
  • Pulmonary Embolism: When a blood clot travels to the lungs, the result is usually sudden and sharp chest pains and difficult breathing. 
  • Cardiac: A range of heart-related problems can give way to chest pains, pains like:
    • Angina: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscles due to narrowed or blocked arteries. 
    • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): When blood flow to any part of the heart is crucially reduced or blocked, an individual may have a heart attack, damaging the heart muscle.
    • Pericarditis: When inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart happens.
    • Several heart conditions affect the heart’s structure, conditions like valvular heart disease and arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).

When to Visit Victoria ER 

The team at Victoria ER believes it’s always best to err on the side of caution regarding chest pains, as the pain could be a symptom of a heart attack or another life-threatening condition. Therefore, if or when chest pains arise, consider being evaluated by a healthcare professional at Victoria ER. We can determine the underlying cause of the chest pains via an ultrasound, x-ray, or CT scan. 

As part of the new generation of emergency care, we offer a range of comprehensive emergency medical treatments, which we use to diagnose and treat mild illnesses and injuries, as well as serious and life-threatening conditions. We work with patients of all ages, focusing on effective and personalized care. 

Specifically, if chest pains are accompanied by shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back, sweating, dizziness, or nausea, then please see a medical professional right away. These additional symptoms could indicate a heart attack. Our Board-Certified ER Doctors are here to assist with chest pains, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

At Victoria ER, our trained and dependable team provides quick, high-quality care. Better yet, we’re open and available 24/7, with no wait time or appointment needed. With us by your side, you don’t have to face any medical challenge—big or small—alone.

elder-woman-struggling-with-high-temperature

How to Beat the Heat

Overexerting yourself outside when temperatures are high can lead to heat exhaustion, during which the body overheats. Though heat exhaustion is considered a mild heat-related illness, particularly when compared to heatstroke, it still requires quick treatment to avoid further and more severe damage. 

As such, the team at Victoria ER has put together the following guide to assist you, should you or someone you know suffer from heat exhaustion.

What Causes Heat Exhaustion

The main cause of heat exhaustion is dehydration. When temperatures rise, it’s imperative to keep yourself properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you’re doing any outdoor physical activity. Further, excessive sweating and the inadequate replenishment of electrolytes (minerals that include sodium and potassium) can result in heat exhaustion. 

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms 

Symptoms that develop due to heat exhaustion vary from person to person, but they generally include the following: 

  • Heavy Sweating—The body attempts to cool down by producing more sweat. 
  • Fatigue and Weakness—Performing even the easiest of tasks can become challenging.
  • Dizziness and Lightheadedness—It’s common to feel unsteady and have trouble maintaining balance.
  • Headache—Feelings of pressure or tension in the head may occur.
  • Nausea or Vomiting—It’s normal to experience queasiness and/or have an upset stomach.
  • Muscle Cramps—Painful muscle cramps can develop in the legs, arms, or abdomen.  
  • Pale, Cool, or Moist Skin—Changes in the skin directly result from the body trying to cool down and regulate its temperature by sweating.
  • Rapid Heartbeat—An increased heart rate or palpations can take place, leading to racing and pounding feelings in the chest. 

How to Handle Heat Exhaustion

Please understand that if someone is showing symptoms of heat exhaustion, there are several ways to seek quick treatment, such as: 

  • Find a Cool Environment—Get the person out of the heat and into a shaded or air-conditioned area. If possible, use a fan to create air circulation.
  • Rest is Vital—Have the individual lie down and elevate their legs to improve blood flow to the brain.
  • Hydrate—Provide cool water or a sports drink, which should be sipped slowly. It’s important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
  • Cool the Body Down: Apply cool, damp cloths or use a sponge to gently cool the skin. If available, a cool bath or shower could be useful. 
  • Monitor: Watch for any signs of worsening symptoms. If conditions don’t improve within 30 minutes or become more severe, seek medical assistance immediately.

At Victoria ER, we offer myriad services to treat heat exhaustion, including pain management, antibiotics treatment, and IV fluid treatment. When heat exhaustion is ignored or not properly handled, the symptoms can continue to linger, resulting in additional pain, suffering, and injury. Remember, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of heatstroke are confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. 

While preventing any kind of heat-related illness is ideal, if or when sickness occurs, you can always depend on Victoria ER for skilled, friendly, and professional help. In many cases, urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics do not provide the full scope of services required to effectively treat heat exhaustion. However, you can always rely on Victoria ER. 

Visit Victoria ER Today!

For speedy, high-quality, emergency care, visit Victoria ER. We’re conveniently open 24/7, with no wait time or appointment needed. You don’t have to beat the heat alone—we’re always here for you! 

The Parallels Between Sleep and Physical Health 

The Parallels Between Sleep and Physical Health 

Are you getting enough sleep? That may seem like a silly question because, honestly, who is getting enough sleep these days? Though sleep may be hard to come by for some individuals, and for myriad reasons, it’s important for your physical health. Simply put, without good, well-rested sleep, you run the risk of negatively impacting your body.

For example, specific parallels have been drawn between sleep and physical health, including: 

Restoration and Rejuvenation

The body requires sleep to repair and regenerate tissues, strengthen the immune system, and replenish energy levels. Sleep promotes healing, muscle growth, and overall recovery from daily wear and tear.

Further, anyone engaged in regular physical activity needs sleep to improve coordination, reaction time, endurance, and muscle recovery. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of injuries and prolong recovery time. 

Cardiovascular Health

Sufficient sleep is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. When sleep deprivation becomes chronic, the results can lead to an increase in blood pressure, inflammation, and disrupt the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. 

Weight Management

Sleep influences hormones that regulate appetite, hunger, and metabolism. As such, a lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of these hormones, leading to increased cravings for unhealthy foods, overheating, and weight gain. Not getting enough sleep has even been linked to a higher risk of obesity. 

Diabetes Risk

Inadequate sleep affects glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which can lead to insulin resistance and higher blood sugar levels—or the development of type 2 diabetes.   

Immune Function

Sustaining a healthy immune system is crucial for defending the body against infections and diseases. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and even chronic conditions.

Cognitive Function and Productivity

Sufficient sleep is essential for optimal brain function, memory consolidation, attention, and problem-solving abilities. It enhances cognitive performance, creativity, and productivity, leading to better overall physical performance.

Mood Regulation

A lack of sleep can interfere with an individual’s mood, contributing to irritability, mood swings, and an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Sleep deficiency can lead to a higher chance of injury in adults, teens, and children. So, we’ll ask you again: Are you getting enough sleep? Is your child getting enough sleep? 

It’s generally recommended that adults get between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night. However, children and teenagers need even more. Developing healthy sleep habits, maintaining a dependable sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques can all contribute to better sleep and improved physical well-being.

To promote quality sleep, make sure to be consistent, turning in each night at the same time. It’s also helpful to remove electronic devices from the bedroom and avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed. 

If you do find yourself suffering from any of the effects listed above, Victoria ER is here to help you. Not only does our state-of-the-art facility offer CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds, but free blood pressure checks, a full clinical lab, cardiac monitoring, and EKG assistance, too! We’re open 24/7, with no wait time or appointment needed.

For high-quality, emergency care, visit Victoria ER. Our skilled, experienced board-certified physicians, and friendly team is always here for you. 

Young woman suffering from cold

Strep Throat, Flu, COVID-19, or Allergies—Which Is It?

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Let’s face it: Being sick is never fun or convenient. However, this time of year, being sick is even more challenging because diagnosing the specific illness isn’t always easy. From Strep Throat to the Flu, to COVID-19, or just everyday allergies, knowing what is keeping you down and how to treat it properly requires assistance.

In our latest blog article, we’ve put together an insightful resource to help you become more familiar with your illness, such as determining what it is and the best way to recover from it. Take a look!

What’s Got You Down?

As mentioned above, myriad illnesses often share similar symptoms, making it difficult to determine what is causing you to suffer and how to heal from it. In particular, Strep Throat, the Flu, COVID-19, and common allergies can all appear as one another. As such, we’ve broken down each ailment to offer you a better understanding.

Signs and symptoms of Strep Throat can include:

  • Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
  • Painful swallowing
  • Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
  • Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
  • Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
  • Body aches

Strep Throat is treated with antibiotics and rest. 

People who have Flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)

Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Flu is treated with antiviral medications and supportive care. 

Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea 

Difference between Flu and COVID-19:

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and Flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between Flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. 

What are common seasonal allergy symptoms?

  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Runny nose and eyes
  • Post nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing

Allergies are treated with antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications. 

The only way to accurately diagnose and treat an illness is to see a healthcare provider, like Victoria ER. Our skilled, professional, and friendly team can conveniently test for Strep Throat, Flu, and COVID-19. Victoria ER 24-Hour Emergency Center is dedicated to providing our local community with access to fast and accurate testing at our facility 24/7. We offer 15 Minute Rapid COVID-19/FLU/STREP Testing and 30-minute & 2 Hour RT-PCR COVID-19 Testing with same-day results. 

GoRedforwomen

Go Red for Women

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Making Changes: You’re Worth It!
There’s nothing quite like individuals coming together for a good cause. That’s exactly what happened on Thursday, February 2nd, in Victoria, Texas. Benefiting the American Heart Association, the Queen of Hearts Fashion Show provided a wonderful night of food, fashion, and fun—what more could you want or need?

This event, Victoria Go Red for Women, held at the Victoria Community Center, was extra
special this year, as all models who participated in the fashion show were local survivors of heart disease. Our Marketing Director, Sheila Kilgore, and our Community Outreach Specialist, Hailey Hernandez, were both proudly in attendance, supporting this amazing cause.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Additionally, one person dies every 34 seconds in the US from cardiovascular disease. In 2020 alone, about 697,000 people died from heart disease throughout the country—that averaged out to be one in every fifth death.

However, it wasn’t a message of mourning that was delivered last week, but one of hope, strength, and perseverance. After all, with enough awareness, it’s possible to decrease heart disease in women (and others), which was—and remains to be—the ultimate goal of Victoria Go Red for Women. In fact, about 80 percent of cardiac episodes can be prevented.

Further, there are specific lifestyle changes to immediately incorporate that can effectively help keep the heart strong and healthy. These changes include the following:

Move Your Body
Did you know that the American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise a day? Before you get discouraged by this number, try to make working out fun. You can purchase new gear or create a motivating playlist—whatever it takes for you to look forward to moving your body.

Regularly Eating Healthy
We fully understand that nothing is as satisfying as a greasy cheeseburger or pepperoni pizza. Yet, it’s just not good to eat those items all of the time. Instead, consistently add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet, as doing so will help prevent chronic illnesses. Again, don’t look at eating healthy as a type of punishment. Find nutritious foods that you enjoy consuming. Remember, it’s fine to treat yourself to “junk” food sometimes—just not all of the time.
Moderation is key here.

Pay Attention to Blood Pressure
Known as the “Silent Killer,” high blood pressure should not but ignored, but dealt with timely and accordingly. The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk for future health issues, not just heart disease. Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet will help you keep your blood pressure low, as will limiting your alcohol intake, not smoking, and getting plenty of sleep.

If there’s one takeaway from this article or the Victoria Go Red for Women event, it’s that there’s no time like the present to start taking care of yourself. So, today, tomorrow, and every day commit to making healthy choices. You’re worth it!

Runner touching painful twisted or broken ankle. Athlete runner

Differentiating Sprains, Strains and Breaks: Understanding the Injuries and How to Properly Care for Them

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Sprains, strains, and breaks are all common types of injuries that can occur in the body, but they are caused by different types of trauma and have different symptoms & treatment plans. Understanding the differences between these injuries can help individuals make informed decisions about when to seek medical attention and how to properly care for the injury.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones to each other. Sprains typically occur when a joint is stretched or twisted in an abnormal way, such as when a person twists an ankle while walking on uneven ground. A sprain is characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. Treatment for a sprain typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE method) to reduce swelling and pain, as well as physical therapy to strengthen the joint and restore range of motion.

 

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Strains typically occur when a muscle is stretched or torn, such as when a person lifts a heavy object or overworks a muscle during exercise. The symptoms of a strain include pain, cramping, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected muscle. Treatment for a strain typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation and to restore strength and flexibility.

 

A break, or fracture, is an injury to a bone. Breaks can occur as a result of a direct impact, such as a fall or car accident, or as a result of overuse or repetitive stress, such as in the case of a stress fracture. Symptoms of a break include severe pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected area, as well as difficulty moving the affected limb. Treatment for a break typically includes immobilization of the affected limb, such as with a cast or brace, to allow the bone to heal, as well as physical therapy to regain strength and mobility once the bone has healed.

It’s important to note that sprains and strains can be difficult to distinguish, as they can share similar symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. However, sprains typically occur in joints and result from an abnormal twisting or stretching of the ligaments, while strains occur in muscles and result from overuse or excessive stretching. Breaks can be more easily distinguished as they result in severe pain, swelling and difficulty moving the limb.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a sprain, strain, or break. A doctor or emergency medical professional will be able to properly diagnose your injury and provide you with the appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, imaging such as X-rays or MRI’s may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

 

It’s also important to follow proper aftercare for the injury, including rest, ice, compression and elevation if necessary, and physical therapy. Returning to normal activities too soon can delay healing and increase the risk of re-injury. Understanding the differences between these injuries can help individuals make informed decisions about when to seek medical attention and how to properly care for the injury. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a sprain, strain, or break and follow proper aftercare to ensure a full recovery.

 

At Victoria ER, we offer comprehensive care for a variety of injuries, including strains, sprains, breaks, and other physical injuries. We have state-of-the art imaging capabilities, including X-rays, CT Scans, and Ultrasounds. Our trained medical professionals are dedicated to providing high-quality care to our patients. We also offer specialized pediatric care, ensuring that even our youngest patients receive the best possible care in a safe and welcoming environment.

Sprain vs strain anatomical comparison as medical foot injury outline diagram. Labeled educational orthopedic muscle, tendon and ligament problem description vector illustration. Painful foot twist.

Foods that boost the Immune System including fruit, vegetables and poultry.

7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter

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The cold and flu season is in full swing, but the current global pandemic has made immune system health more important than ever. This year has seen a disheartening rise of three major illnesses that have caused considerable problems for healthcare systems and patients alike. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 infections have all overwhelmed the nation in recent months. With this so-called “tripledemic,” it is essential to boost immune system health in order to stay healthy and protect yourself from illness.

The question of the hour is, “How do I boost my immune system in the winter?” Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to help your body build up its immune defenses. Here are 7 ways to boost immunity during this winter:

1. Eat a nutrient-dense diet full of fruits and vegetables. Eating a nutrient-dense diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables is one great way to help boost immunity during this winter season. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are key when supporting immune health. Also, focus on eating an array of foods – having too much of anything can lead to a depleting immune system health. So adding brightly colored fruits and vegetables to your meals can have lasting immune benefits!

2. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help boost immunity by stimulating the production of immune-boosting white blood cells. Moreover, regular exercise helps to rid the body of bacteria that can lead to illness and inflammation. Additionally, physical activity can stimulate immune-supporting hormones which will help protect against infection and disease. Get out there and get moving – it’s the best way to bolster your immune system!

3. Get plenty of sleep. This winter, one of the most important things you can do to boost your immune system is to make sure you are getting plenty of quality sleep. Sleep helps your immune system work more efficiently and keeps your body’s natural processes in balance, so you will be better equipped to fight off viruses and other illnesses. Scheduling out adequate quantities of rest each night is key to ensuring that your immune system has the strength it needs to protect against illness during the cold months.

4. Manage stress levels. Stress is known to weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illness, so by reducing and managing your stress levels, we can help keep your immune system in top condition. There are many different methods for managing stress such as yoga, exercise, journaling or even simply taking time each day to relax and practice mindfulness. Focusing on improving your capacity to handle stress can be a great way of helping yourself stay healthy this winter season.

5. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. With colder temperatures and the prospect of the tripledemic, it is more important than ever to take steps to boost your immune system. An easy yet effective way to prevent sickness from spreading is to ensure that we thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Proper handwashing can help remove germs and bacteria, thus protecting you from illness caused by them.

6. Boost immune system health with immune-boosting supplements. To make sure that you can fight off any unwanted viruses, it’s important to supplement your immune system with immune-boosting supplements. These supplements are easy to take in either pill or liquid form and contain immune-supporting vitamins and minerals that are essential for immune health. Not only do these supplements reduce the risk of getting sick, but they also give you the energy you need to keep up with your daily routine.

7. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. An effective way to boost your immune system is to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking can impair immune responses by weakening immune cell functions, as well as hinder the immune system’s ability to transport immune cells throughout the body. Alcohol slows down the immune system’s response to potential threats which in turn leaves you more vulnerable to disease.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your immune system is in peak condition to fight off infection and stay healthy during this challenging time.

If you or your loved one are experiencing any symptoms of the tripledemic, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. At Victoria ER, we understand how important it is to stay healthy and safe in today’s environment. That’s why our facility offers an on-site laboratory for complete testing of COVID-19, FLU and RSV so that you can confidently look after your health!

sugar cubes on yellow background

What to Do if Someone is Having a Diabetic Emergency

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Anyone with a diabetic in their lives knows it’s essential to be on high alert as a symptom can become a medical emergency in no time. The Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) counts diabetes and complications from the disease as the seventh highest cause of death in the United States. 

While that number is terrifying, it’s important to remember the steps you can take to help someone get their symptoms under control and to know when to call an ambulance. It’s also a good idea to do regular checks with any diabetic kids to make sure their pumps work and that they have glucose tablets ready to grab should anything go wrong. 

When things do go bad, there’s a clear set of steps you can follow to get the situation under control. 

A diabetic emergency: What it looks like and what to do

Common diabetic emergencies include hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, hyperglycemia or high blood sugar, and Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA. Other problems can also arise from diabetes, but this article will focus on these key issues as they’re incredibly common. 

sick child and parentHere’s a quick breakdown of each. 

Hypoglycemia – What to look for

  • Weakness 
  • Shakiness or nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Confusion and dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sweating and chills with pale, clammy skin
  • Tingling in and around the mouth
  • Headache
  • Seizure
  • Coma

If you see any combination of those symptoms you can help. 

What to do

  1. Give the person 15mg of carbohydrates – a glucose tablet, some fruit juice, a sweet, or a little bit of sugar
  2. Wait 15 minutes before testing blood levels again
  3. If blood sugar levels read below 70 mg/dl, try another 15mg of carbohydrates and another rest period before doing a second test
  4. Once blood sugar levels test above 70 mg/dl, it’s important the diabetic person eat a meal
  5. If the symptoms persist, call an ambulance

If the person is conscious but too weak to eat a meal, someone needs to stay with him or her. Place a small amount of sugar or honey in the diabetic’s cheek and have a phone nearby should you need it. If the patient faints call 911 immediately.

Hyperglycemia – what to look for

A case of high blood sugar can normally be managed at home, but extreme swings in blood sugar levels require a visit to the doctor. 

Here’s how to know if you or someone in your family has hyperglycemia:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme thirst
  • Constant need to urinate
  • Fatigue

What to do 

For a mild case, some basic lifestyle changes can help keep hyperglycemia in check. Smaller portions at mealtime, a more vigorous exercise routine, and a checkup with the doctor to adjust insulin levels can all help the patient feel better. 

However, if the symptoms get worse or start to include dry mouth, difficulty breathing, or the person’s breath has a fruity smell, he or she needs an ambulance right away. 

DKA – what to look for

Caused by a lack of insulin in the body, DKA makes the body switch from glucose to fat as a source of fuel. That creates a threatening level of ketones and turns the blood acidic. It’s a serious problem and one you need to know how to recognize quickly. 

Here are the signs:

  • Dry mouth
  • Extreme thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Constant need to urinate
  • Dry or red skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breath smells fruity

Anyone with a combination of these symptoms needs an ambulance right away. You can keep a ketone testing kit nearby to check levels regularly so that you can be proactive. If you see that the blood tests positive for ketones and blood sugar levels are at or above 240 m/dl get them to a doctor immediately. 

Come see us at Victoria ER

The staff at Victoria ER helps diabetics manage their condition 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel you or someone you love may be in danger, come see us for treatment. In the meantime, make sure that plenty of testing materials are available at your house and that you have supplies like glucose tablets or juice nearby to help diabetics in your house stay safe.

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