Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice

November 23 2021

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.

October 4 2021

Autumn Wellness Tips

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Victoria ER wants to wish you a happy fall! The school year is in full swing and the holidays are on the way. As the days are getting shorter and the temperature cooler, the transition from the summer season to autumn is a great time to take advantage of focusing on your health, safety, and wellness. To help you and your family better enjoy and prepare for the season, we’ve conjured up a list of tips to help you get started early!

1. Get Your Flu Shot

Although the flu season peaks during the winter, it is best to plan on getting you and your family’s shots in October to early November. Anyone aged from six months and up, into elderly adults is eligible to get their shot and this will help defend you from contracting this virus. If you do end up catching the flu, the shot will help reduce your symptoms during the period of time you are sick.

2. Take Care of Services Your Home May Need Early

Extra outdoor chores await us during cooler weather. Raking leaves and debris can help you get some fresh air and even be a good exercise if done weekly. You should also make it a point to check on appliances used for heating your home such as fireplaces, furnaces, and heaters.

3. Schedule Your Yearly Checkups

Do you get your health checked annually? The beginning of the fall season is a great time to schedule appointments necessary before winter is in full swing and events like family gatherings and the holidays take precedence over your schedule.

4. Eat Seasonally

During fall, fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, brussel sprouts, cranberries, and sweet potatoes are in season. Eating seasonally will not only help build your immunity towards becoming sick during these months, but can also help provide you with nutrients and vitamins you would normally get from the sun and being outdoors during the summer.

5. Maintain a Safe Home

Safety features in your home such as your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors may need their batteries changed and to be tested. If you do not have a fire extinguisher within reach, now may be a good time to invest in one and check its pressure regularly. Do not forget about your HVAC filters as allergies accompany the seasonal changes; this will help keep the air in your home clean and healthy.

We know health and safety look differently on everyone so Victoria ER hopes to help you prepare for any emergency. Without the wait of an over-crowded hospital emergency room, Victoria ER will make your medical needs a priority in hopes to deliver the most pleasant patient experience possible. We are prepared to handle your medical emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no appointment needed.

April 7 2021

Bringing The Gold Standard To The Crossroads

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Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is bringing the gold standard in medicine to the Crossroads. Experience the latest in advanced medical treatment with the addition of a new IV treatment for patients with COVID-19 and the arrival of on-site PCR COVID-19 Testing in the Crossroads area. The integration of modern diagnostics and testing will allow us to adapt seamlessly to the needs of our local population.

Victoria ER is honored to begin conducting PCR COVID-19 Testing at our on-site laboratory. PCR testing is the most specific and most sensitive testing method for detecting Coronavirus, and with the addition of this technology at our facility, we can provide our patients with same day result accuracy. This CDC preferred testing method is available 24 hours at Victoria ER for all individuals whether its for travel, medical procedures, work, or school. We have been providing our community with PCR COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic, but we no longer depend on off-site laboratories to receive patient specimens and deliver your test results. At the peak of the pandemic, patient PCR Test results took up to 10 days to receive in an off-site lab. Victoria ER’s ability to manage 24-hour, on-site PCR Testing allows our staff control to give you results within the same day of your PCR COVID-19 Test.

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center can help you combat the virus within a few hours with antibody IV therapy drug (bamlanivimab and etesevimab), to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in patients ages 12 and up. Bamlanivimab and etesevimab, administered together, has been granted Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA as it has shown a decrease in hospitalizations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by directly blocking the virus’ ability to attach and enter human cells. The ability to tackle the virus at an early onset is a tool that Victoria ER can provide you in treating COVID-19. Our staff will provide you with a private room and one-on-one care to significantly reduce the severity and progression that COVID-19 may have on you, all within minutes of checking in. Victoria ER aims to provide the Crossroads with the latest in testing and diagnostics without the long wait of regular hospital ER. The advantage of a freestanding ER over a hospital is whether you are checking in for PCR COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 IV therapy, rapid testing, or any medical issue, you will be immediately taken to a private room and our ER physician and staff will be immediately alerted to your medical needs. Please call us at 361-214-3813 with any questions regarding our protocols, or with questions regarding your medical safety. Because information about COVID-19 is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

December 7 2020

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.

Clean Hands: Wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Don’t Touch: Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
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).

October 5 2020

COVID-19 Collides with Flu Season

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As we are approaching the Fall and Winter months with COVID-19 fully present, it is vital that Victoria, Texas, and the Crossroads area are readily prepared for the upcoming flu season. Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants to ensure that we uphold the health of the public by providing Rapid COVID-19 Testing and Rapid Flu Testing, which both yield results in 15 minutes. By letting our patients know their results promptly after testing, we hope that more efficient precautions between individuals will take immediate effect, thus limiting the spread of both illnesses. The Influenza virus and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses that share many of the same symptoms, so it would be difficult to confirm a diagnosis without the help of a proper test that is easily done by our staff at Victoria ER. One should become familiar with the signs and symptoms of both Flu and COVID-19 to be aware of when you should get tested. SIMILARITIES BETWEEN FLU & COVID-19: • Fever or Chills • Cough • Shortness of Breath • Fatigue • Sore Throat • Congestion or Runny Nose • Body Aches • Headaches • Vomiting • Diarrhea DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FLU & COVID-19: • Flu: Flu illness may range from mild to severe symptoms of those listed above. • COVID-19: An additional symptom of COVID-19 includes a new loss in taste or smell. As more people respond promptly to the flu, the better chance they have at protecting their loved ones against the virus. Stay ahead of Flu and COVID-19 by getting a rapid test today through our Curbside Service and plan to get your flu shot early this year. Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is available throughout every emergency you are experiencing, visit us when it is most convenient to you and experience concierge care in a private and sanitized room for every visit. You can find more information about the COVID-19 Rapid Test, PCR COVID-19 Test, COVID-19 Antibody Testing, and our Curbside Services here. Please call us at 361-214-3813 with any questions regarding our protocols, or with questions regarding your medical safety. Because information about COVID-19 is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rapid Testing at Victoria ER - COVID-19 - 24 Hour Emergency Center

August 5 2020

COVID-19 Rapid Test Available at Victoria ER

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Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center now has the capability to perform Rapid COVID-19 Testing. As Coronavirus cases continue to rise, we would like to better serve Victoria, Texas, and the surrounding community by introducing the Sophia SARS Antigen FIA technology to test for COVID-19. This new technology reduces the risk of exposure by diagnosing patients within 15 minutes, allowing for the most optimal development for COVID-19 results by receiving close to real time feedback from the collection of nasal cavity swabs. Every patient who receives COVID-19 Rapid Testing at Victoria ER will know whether they are positive or negative within 15 minutes of the Sophia SARS Antigen FIA technology running their nasal specimen. Quicker results allow those who are tested to take serious precautions immediately after receiving results, which in turn will help our community to stay COVID-19 safe. Testing Process at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center:

No Appointment is needed to be tested for COVID-19. Please visit us when it is convenient for you and your loved ones as we are open 24 hours a day.
Upon your arrival to Victoria ER, communicate the reason for your visit to Registration using our contact-free voice system (located to the right of the entrance double doors).
You will be required to answer screening questions and complete paperwork from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Our staff will evaluate you through our Curbside Screening Service and test you appropriately for COVID-19.
The nasal specimen collected will be assessed through our on-site laboratory and you will receive your rapid COVID-19 results with 15 minutes.

Please feel comfort in knowing that in order to keep our Victoria, Texas community safe and our staff safe, all patients who are rapid tested for COVID-19 are directed through our Curbside Service. There is no need to wait in a crowded waiting room as our staff evaluates you in the comfort of your vehicle to ensure there is minimal contact between you and others. Victoria ER is honored to offer Rapid COVID-19 Testing in Victoria, Texas, and the surrounding areas. You can find more information about the COVID-19 Rapid Test, PCR COVID-19 Test, COVID-19 Antibody Testing, and our Curbside Services here. Victoria ER is available day or night for every emergency you or a loved one may be going through. Experience the concierge care and no wait time for every visit. Please call us at 361-214-3813 with any questions regarding our protocols, or with questions regarding your medical safety. Because information about COVID-19 is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

June 9 2020

When Should You Visit An ER

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When should you go to the ER? At Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center, your emergency is our priority. Learn about the 5 most common emergency symptoms for an ER visit. Lacerations & Wounds When uncertain about how serious your injury may be, Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center believes it is best to seek immediate emergency care. Lacerations can require sutures depending on the severity of the wound or could require a tetanus shot if the injury resulted from a human or animal bite. Back Pain People are frequently visiting the ER due to back pain. Although some back pain will be relieved with rest, unrelenting pain accompanied with fever, numbness, or weakness would require emergency care for an underlying medical condition. Headaches & Migraines Headaches are common reasons to visit an emergency room. Migraines are usually presented with symptoms that are not presented with your average headache, such as fever, weakness, double vision, or confusion. The goal for ER doctors is to ensure that there is no life-threatening issue and to help reduce suffering. Chest Pain Although chest pain typically aligns with heart-related issues, there could be a variety of causes. Chest pain is common and can be linked to heart attacks which would require immediate intervention from an ER physician as they can be fatal. Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is not normal, and is commonly seen in an ER when the pain is severe and unrelenting. Severe stomach pain accompanied with fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms is an emergency and would require care from a facility like Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center. Without the wait of an over-crowded hospital emergency room, Victoria ER offers no wait times in a comfortable, inviting waiting room designed to deliver the most pleasant patient experience possible. We are prepared to handle your medical emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and no appointment is needed.

May 13 2020

Know If You Have Been Exposed

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Texas has begun to reopen more services throughout the state, and Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center is available to ensure you have not contracted COVID-19. For every emergency that you are experiencing, Victoria ER is here for you. Victoria ER continues to protect our community by offering each patient access to our Curbside Screening Service, along with the ability to be tested if you have a current COVID-19 infection. If you are returning back to work or want to make sure you are safe to visit loved ones, the Antibody Detection Test can tell you within ten minutes if you have had a previous COVID-19 infection from the antibodies in your system. A Curbside Screening Service has been established at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center. We understand the hesitation to visit a doctor during a pandemic, but maintaining your health is our priority. Our Curbside Screening Service allows any patient to seek treatment without leaving the comfort of their own vehicle unless emergency services are necessary. Our staff will make you feel safe and know that each room inside of our facility is sanitized after every patient and our staff always wears the appropriate personal protective equipment. The COVID-19 Virological Test available at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center are used on patients who report the symptoms that align with the virus such as, cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and a new loss of taste or smell. It is best to call our facility before your arrival so our staff may prepare for you to assess you through our Curbside Screening Service. The Antibody Detection Tests is available to all our patients, which will help them know if they have had a previous COVID-19 infection. As people are returning to work, or are around their loved ones, the Antibody Test will determine within ten minutes if you have antibodies against the virus. Antibodies present in the blood signify that there are proteins throughout your immune system that are critical for fighting and clearing the virus. Victoria ER is available day or night for every emergency you or a loved one may be going through. Experience the concierge care and no wait time for every visit. Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions at 361-214-3813.

March 19 2020

COVID-19

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As our community continues to navigate through the changes of COVID-19 and its impact on our daily lives, Victoria ER is honored to protect the health and improve the quality of life of the citizens in our area.

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants to reassure the Crossroads that we are taking precautionary measures towards every patient that comes through our facility as we continue to hold our patients and staff’s health to the highest degree. Please review the following information:

COVID-19 Testing Availability

Victoria ER has the resources to send patient samples off for laboratory testing to confirm COVID-19 cases. The pandemic status for coronavirus has allowed for limited testing throughout local facilities, but patients will be screened by Victoria ER physicians, and will be tested appropriately.

The following measures will be instituted at Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center:

If patients are exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you call ahead at 361-573-1500 to prepare our staff for your arrival.
Victoria ER will ask you a few screening questions as you enter our facility. If our staff determines that you have symptoms, we will provide you with the proper personal protective equipment.
Patients are limited to one companion during this time, but no visitors will be allowed if the patient is under evaluation for COVID-19.

Victoria ER would like to remind our community to please call us at 361-573-1500 with any questions regarding our protocols, or with questions regarding your medical safety.

How to Protect Yourself

Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center asks the Crossroads area to implement these prevention tips.

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

Because information is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

March 11 2020

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:

Moving more.
150 minutes of moderate exercise a day is recommended by the American Heart Association.
Eating smart.
Adding colorful fruits & vegetables to your diet will help prevent chronic illnesses.
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.