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Awareness Holidays

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!

Merry_Christmas

Kids Christmas Gifts & Tips

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Parents, did you know December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month? Approximately 3 billion toys are sold within the United States each year and your attention is important. This holiday season, your family and friends may want to give your children a gift they’re sure to remember and be entertained by for months to come, but some of these toys can be dangerous. 

Standard testing of children’s toys by the CPSC, or U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has helped to create confidence within American families who plan to purchase gifts by requiring all products be tested in laboratories around the world. Most parents and caretakers are already aware that smaller parts can pose as a choking hazard to children, but what lurks within the plastics or metals your child may come into contact with can be scarier.

The CPSC helps to enforce toy standards which keeps dangerous products containing lead or high amounts of phthalates at ports from where they are shipped and out of the marketplace before they come into contact with children.

It’s important to read labels and all instructions from the manufacturer regarding the product which you are buying before leaving it within your child’s reach. You should always separate gifts and toys within your home by age group, whether they’re placed in different bins or kept on a shelf away from younger children.

Once your children’s gifts have been opened, discard any plastic wrapping and unnecessary toy packaging before it has the chance to become a problem. If a toy requires batteries, the installation and changing of them should be supervised by adults. Don’t forget that chargers or certain adapters can also pose a risk for thermal burns and electric hazards for younger kids; warnings on labels and instructions should be taken seriously as some of these products lack the ability to prevent overcharging. 

Ultimately, adults should always supervise children and their friends when playing with toys that require small parts or accessories, and take proper precautions when using scooters, bikes, or any other riding toys which can transport children. 

A safer holiday can make for a healthier and happier one, keeping your child free from risks or being seriously injured. At Victoria ER, we are prepared for the unexpected and are able to treat any emergency. If you find your child needs immediate attention, don’t hesitate as our staff is available and ready to make your family a priority 24/7, including holidays and weekends.

 

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A COVID-19 Holiday

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The holidays are a reminder of how much the health of our friends and family matter to one another, and Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants that to continue into the new year. One can begin protecting your loved ones by taking proper precautions against the virus, whether that means social distancing or getting a PCR or COVID-19 Rapid Test before traveling for the holidays. If every individual aims to incorporate the safety guidelines below, we may help decrease the coronavirus cases that are rising throughout the Crossroads.

Celebrate with Your Household
Any family members or roommates who are taking consistent measures against COVID-19 are at low risk for spreading the virus. Keeping the invite list short protects your gathering from individuals who may have been exposed through public transportation, it also allows you to properly social distance during the gathering, and proper safety measures such as wearing masks and handwashing are easier to practice.

Feeling Ill? Just hold still.
Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center reminds you that COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms that may easily be confused with conditions such as allergies, the flu, or just a cold. Although some individuals who were exposed may not experience severe symptoms, or any symptoms, the coronavirus is highly contagious, and it is recommended to not attend any gatherings for 14 days. A COVID-19 case can be easily diagnosed at Victoria ER where our ER Nurses and ER Doctors consult you in your vehicle, perform a nasal swab, and will provide you with results in 15 minutes. Learn more about our COVID-19 services here.

Continue the Basics
Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center asks the Crossroads area to carry on these prevention tips.

  1. Clean Hands: Wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
  2. Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  3. Don’t Touch: Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  4. Avoid: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you do need to be around others, put distance between them and yourself.

Victoria ER is available throughout the holidays, day or night, for every emergency you or a loved one may be going through. Experience concierge care, COVID-19 safety protocols, and no wait time for every visit. Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions 24/7 at (361) 214-3813. Because COVID-19 information is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Go Red & Make A Change

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About 80 percent of cardiac episodes can be prevented, yet cardiovascular disease remains to be one of the most alarming health risks among women. Many women may already know the facts regarding their heart health, but Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants to encourage all women to take action.

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center donated a Kendra Scott Phara Necklace in Red to help raise money for the American Heart (far right)

Encourage someone in your life to take the pledge with you, and begin making daily heart healthy changes that will act as a starting point to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center was proud to be a supporter of the third annual Victoria Go Red for Women event by donating an auction item and attending the event to help raise awareness and encourage women to take action.

All proceeds from the auction items will go towards the American Heart Association, and Victoria ER is humbled to help their cause. The men and women effected by cardiovascular disease participated in the fashion show and told their stories that emotionally moved those who attended. Each survivors’ speech shared one major thing in common, how to commit to a healthier heart journey in their daily lives by simply:

  1. Moving more.

    150 minutes of moderate exercise a day is recommended by the American Heart Association.

  2. Eating smart.

    Adding colorful fruits & vegetables to your diet will help prevent chronic illnesses.

  3. Managing blood pressure.

    High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer.’ The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk for future health issues.

Incorporating these small changes daily will help prolong your heart health and would additionally aid in the prevention of other health diseases. To learn more about how you and your loved ones can take a pledge and better your health, visit https://www.heart.org/en.

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Victoria ER’s 2019 Health Fair

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October marks the start of flu season, and Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center readily prepared our community to say ‘boo to the flu!’ On October 22nd, 2019 Victoria ER hosted their 4th annual flu shot drive where we invited the Crossroads area to receive a flu shot, free of charge! Our Health Fair also consisted of bringing awareness towards breast cancer and we encouraged people to donate blood to help save a life. Victoria ER was humbled by the reactions and support that we received from those who attended the 2019 Health Fair.

This community event began at 11am, where dozens of people have already begun to line up to receive their complimentary flu shot. We are grateful to provide the resources for the Crossroads area, and the staff at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center were honored to help men, women, and children tackle this flu season. To find out more information about this year’s flu season and how important a flu vaccine is for your family, check out the Center for Disease Control’s page on Influenza here!

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Victoria ER invited the Crossroads Guardians of Hope to bring the pink firetruck, ‘Debbie’ and the pink ambulance, ‘Kaitlin’ to commemorate those who battle cancer. The attendees were able to sign the vehicles in honor of their loved ones who put up a fight against cancer and wrote inspiring messages for them. Every guest who attended the 2019 Health Fair were offered refreshments, snacks, tours of our facility, and had the opportunity to win one of six giveaways!

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center was astounded by the number of people who donated blood to the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center to help save a life! Attendees were eager to help others and we were ecstatic to know that several of the donors had O Negative blood, which is vital to saving the lives of infants throughout Texas. Victoria ER would like to thank all who participated in our 2019 Health Fair, we are so overwhelmed by the support we received from our community and we can’t wait for next years event!

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A Hope to Dream Better Sleep, Better Future

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Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is honored to help kids across Victoria, Texas to get a good night’s sleep as July 31st, 2019 marks the sixth year for Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s A Hope to Dream Event. Victoria ER recognizes that a restful sleep will not only help local children regulate their immune system, but will also help them improve their brain function for a successful school year.

Before the academic year begins, Ashley Furniture Homestore and over 20 local businesses and volunteers came together on July 22nd in order to support local children with the collection of 50 brand new bed sets, mattresses, bed frames, pillows, and brand new backpacks filled with necessities for the new school year. Victoria ER is proud to provide each child with a 70 piece Johnson & Johnson First-Aid Kit in order to prepare them with the supplies required for any minor first-aid emergency. After 4 years of participation in A Hope to Dream event, Victoria Emergency Room remains appreciative to the contributions made from various local businesses to give back to the 50 children who will benefit from the donations.

 

 

Victoria ER was gladly represented by their Marketing Director, Sheila Kilgore (far right), and Community Outreach Specialist, Marcela Moncada (far left).

Victoria ER gladly attended the event to show support for our local children and watched their smiles beam across their faces as they received their new items for the 2019-2020 academic year. Sheila Kilgore, the Marketing Director of Victoria ER stated, “The 2019 A Hope to Dream on July 31st is a humbling community event that Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is delighted to be a part of.” A Hope to Dream is a memorable event filled with generosity, and Victoria ER looks forward to give back to 50 more children in next year’s event.

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Stay Sun Safe: Summer Safety Tips

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Summer has arrived! It is time for beach trips, pool days, and family adventures, but it is necessary to remain prepared for all the things the summer heat will bring. With every outing with friends or family trips to waterparks, comes the risk of summer vacation injuries and illnesses.

Take precautions for your family and loved ones! Emergencies are frequent in the summer months.

Here are five common summer-related accidents and heat related illnesses that can be treated at Victoria ER.

1. Outdoor Injuries

Time spent outdoors around water, in the woods, and playing sports can lead to concussions, fractures, cuts, and lacerations.

2. Burns

Sunburn is caused by not wearing or not reapplying sunscreen. A blistering sunburn can indicate a second to early third-degree sunburn and may require treatment at an emergency center. Remember to apply a sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply every 80 minutes.

3. Dehydration

Heatstroke and dehydration are two of the most common conditions in the summertime. Patients exhibiting concerning symptoms should be treated at an emergency room (ER), Like Victoria ER.

4. Heat Exhaustion

High temperatures outdoors combined with any physical activity may lead to heat exhaustion. Any signs of excessive sweating, cool and clammy skin, and a weak pulse may need to retreat to an area with cool temperatures before it may escalate into a heatstroke.

5. Heatstroke

If you do not take precautions in the heat, it can lead to a fatal heat illness; a heatstroke. Patients who are not sweating, have a strong, rapid pulse, and have a body temperature over 103, need to visit an emergency room, like Victoria ER to be treated immediately.

Visit Victoria ER to receive your FREE 70 pc. Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit! This is the perfect first aid kit to have in your car or luggage for a variety of first-aid emergencies.

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Victoria ER’s Autumn Outreach Events

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As October came to an end, Victoria ER was as busy as ever with not one, but two, community outreach events. On October 26th, we were proud to host Victoria ER’s 3rd Annual FREE Flu Shot Drive as well as our first annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month Event. With two events happening at once, Victoria ER was packed with members of our community, and we couldn’t have been prouder of the outpouring of support we received.

The 3rd Annual FREE Flu Shot Drive began at 11am, where Victoria ER offered free flu shots for anyone in need. Our nursing staff was ready, giving flu shots to adults and children of all ages to keep our community healthy this flu season. This is an event we hold every year and provides countless Victoria natives the resources they need to keep the flu at bay. To find out more information about this year’s flu season and how important a flu vaccine is for your family, check out the Center for Disease Control’s page on Influenza here!

Our second event was the first of its kind. Victoria ER launched an Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month gathering at our facility, to raise awareness and support of this disease in our community. We were joined by the Crossroads Guardians of Hope, who brought ‘Debbie’ the pink firetruck to our facility in support of patients and families who are dealing with breast cancer. Attendees were invited to sign Debbie in honor of those fighting cancer and share inspiring messages with one another. Victoria ER signed Debbie too, and offered all of our guests

refreshments, ER tours, and special giveaways at the event.

Whenever Victoria ER hosts events like these, we are happy to see such positive reactions. Victoria is a community that values its public health, from free seasonal vaccines to rallying in support of cancer awareness. For all of the people who came out to Victoria ER on October 26th, we are grateful for your support and proud

to be a part of this community. If you’re interested in more of Victoria ER’s outreach events, then follow our Facebook page for updates and announcements.

 

 

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Uncommon Signs of Pain

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September is National Pain Awareness Month, and while we have helped to educate our community about chronic pain conditions in the past, Victoria ER wants to call attention to some of the more uncommon symptoms of pain. Most people know throbbing or stinging pain is a sign of something amiss, but for those who suffer from chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis, they might be so used to chronic pain that it is hard for them to realize when their body is hurting.

In cases like these, there are some secondary symptoms which can happen in addition to, or instead of, pain which indicate that something might be wrong. It is important for anyone to be on the lookout for these symptoms and seek professional medical health when they think something might be wrong.

Digestive Issues

For many people who suffer from pain conditions, their bodily functions are affected by their pain. When muscles and organs are frequently aching and sensitive, they can act up and become delicate. This makes secondary conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome a trend in those who suffer from chronic pain. These digestive issues can sometimes be misdiagnosed in patients who do not realize their body is in frequent pain.

Look out for indigestion, IBS symptoms, and urinary issues. If you have these symptoms but they do not go away after getting treatment for your digestion, you may want to talk with your doctor about pain being the source.

Mental Fog & Fatigue

Do you have trouble remembering things? Some mornings, does it feel like you’re waking up in a fog that just won’t lift? While mental fatigue can be symptomatic of many different conditions, it is one of the conditions that goes along with chronic pain.

If you experience mental fog without explanation, in addition to any other symptoms which might indicate pain, then you should speak with a doctor about possible treatment.

Sleep Trouble

Maybe you have trouble getting to sleep, or maybe you have trouble getting up in the morning, but irregular sleep habits and sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, aren’t just signs of bad sleep. Sometimes, these sleep issues can be an indication that your body is in pain, even if you do not realize it.

When bodies are in pain, the nervous system is being stimulated more than it should. When your body is constantly experiencing stimulus like pain, it makes it difficult for your brain to turn itself off and sleep like it should. Being in pain can also cause long-term fatigue which makes some patients feel tired more often and need more sleep to recover.

 

Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, and all of them deserve proper diagnosis and treatment. While the most obvious symptoms are pain, these secondary indicators might be taking the place of shooting pains in your body. Keep track of your discomfort, and if you feel you need to seek treatment, you can get 24-hour observation care at Victoria ER, 24 hours per day, any day of the week.

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Stages of a Migraine

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Everyone gets a headache from time to time. Maybe you didn’t have enough water one day or maybe your sinuses are flaring up, but no matter how you might get your headache, there is something different about a migraine. Migraines are more than just an inconvenience, they can be debilitating and devastating for those who suffer them. If you suffer from chronic, extreme headaches, you could be having migraines.

How do you know if you have a migraine, or a common headache?

In honor of Migraine Awareness Month, we’re going to discuss the signs and symptoms of this acute pain condition, as well as discuss treatment options.

What is a migraine, anyway?

Migraines are severe headaches that can involve severe throbbing or pulsing sensations. Usually, they are on one side of the head, and can last for hours. Migraines can cause vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and light and sound sensitivity, which often make them feel like more than the average headache.

While there is no single cause for a migraine, people who have them regularly might be able to pinpoint when they will be getting one by the appearance of certain trends and triggers. Migraines, generally, go through four stages, and it is in those stages that treatment techniques can be found.

Stages of a Migraine

The beginnings of a migraine can happen up to two days before the pain actually begins. This is known as the prodrome stage, and it acts as a warning system for many people who suffer from migraines. Prodrome can include symptoms like:

  • Constipation
  • Mood changes
  • Food cravings
  • Neck stiffness
  • Extreme thirst or urination
  • Excessive yawning

These symptoms can indicate that a migraine will happen soon, which gives patients a window to take pre-emptive measures in finding treatment.

The second stage is the aura stage of a migraine, and this one can happen right before, or during a migraine, but not all migraines have aura stages. The aura stage can affect the nervous system, usually noted by disturbances or distortions in vision, touch sensations, movement, or hearing.  If a migraine has an aura stage, then the symptoms tend to build gradually over a short period of time and can persist for an hour. Aura stages usually bring additional symptoms to a migraine like:

  • Seeing shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light
  • Vision loss
  • Pins and needles feeling on arms or legs
  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Hearing noises or music
  • Twitches or uncontrollable moments

These symptoms are not common in migraines, as most people do not have aura stages. But if you do, it might be another indicator of approaching migraines, or that a migraine is about to get more severe.

The attack stage of a migraine is when the migraine is at its worst. This is when the pain sets in, and a patient might be left suffering for up to 72 hours, unless they seek treatment. For some, they are rare occurrences but for others, they happen regularly. You will know you are in the attack stage of your migraine if you feel:

  • Extreme pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Throbbing, pulsing pain
  • Light and sound sensitivity
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Lightheadedness or fainting

The attack stage is almost always the most difficult stage for a patient to experience. These symptoms can be persistent and intense, so if you or someone you love has migraine issues, find out where you can get treated in your area.

Finally, migraines end with the post-drome stage. This is the after shocks of a migraine, when you feel tired and worn out.  It is common to feel confused, dizzy, moody, and still sensitive to lights and sounds during the post-drome stage. Rest and recovery are the best ways to manage it.

When should I get treatment?

Since migraines can be confused for regular headaches sometimes, they often go undiagnosed or untreated. This shouldn’t be the case, and if you experience migraines often, start taking notes about when you have them and how long they last. Make an appointment with a doctor to talk about managing them for the long term.

If your migraines are severe, though, and you need help getting through one, seek immediately medical attention. If you experience any migraines that feel like a thunderclap, cause fevers, or have resulted from a physical injury, then consult with a physician.

 

Hear from one of our doctors about the stages of a migraine below!

Victoria ER is open 24/7, and our special Observation Care Program specializes in managing the severe affects of acute pain conditions, like a migraine. Our concierge-level service is here to help you get through any stage of a migraine.

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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