Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice

November 3 2022

Understanding SIDS

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SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, refers to the sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of a healthy baby. The following article isn’t meant to frighten or disturb you, but to supply you with the necessary information needed to help keep your child safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 3,400 sudden and unexpected infant deaths occur in the United States. SIDS deaths frequently take place in the winter months, and boys are more likely to die from the syndrome than girls.

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms or warning signs. Yet, it is comforting to know that SIDS rates declined considerably from 130.0 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 33.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019.

Because there are no symptoms or warning signs, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, yet it is possible to keep your baby safer during sleep by following these tips:

Place your baby to sleep on his or her back
Keep the crib as bare as possible, avoiding excess blankets, pillows, and toys
Don’t overheat your baby
Consider having your baby sleep in your room

Additionally, it’s comforting to know that at Victoria ER, our skilled, trained, and board-certified physicians provide the ultimate pediatric care for you and your family. We’re available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing the care you need and deserve.

We offer a warm, inviting environment for your child, including a special exam room decorated with calm, peaceful colors to further ensure your little one feels happy and secure during his or her visit.

After all, when your child feels sick or gets injured, you should have a caring, professional team by your side to give you answers and relief—that’s what you’ll find at Victoria ER.

October 26 2022

When is an Allergic Reaction an Emergency?

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Today more than ever, allergies affect our kids’ health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts over 5.6 million kids as allergic to pollen and more than 4.8 million with food allergies. As parents, it’s up to us to be vigilant and keep our kids safe from anything that might cause a severe allergic reaction. More and more kids travel with an epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen, to keep a reaction under control. However, some reactions require much stronger treatments. Your child may need medical intervention if his or her allergy is too intense and triggers a life-threatening case of anaphylaxis, essentially a hypersensitivity reaction. Common Allergens

One of the most common allergens is pollen. Also known as Hay Fever, this looks like a sneezing fit combined with an asthma attack. The floating spores make kids wheeze, itch, or experience some swelling in their mouth and throat, and possibly break out into a rash. The ragweed plant and its relatives, like chamomile, can also trigger intense allergic reactions. Pay attention to any plants that produce high amounts of pollen, have toxic leaves or flowers, or kill surrounding plants, as they tend to trigger reactions in kids sensitive to pollen. Wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts can all trigger reactions after they’re eaten. Anything from an itchy throat to diarrhea and vomiting can be a sign that a child is allergic to a specific food. You’ve likely heard horror stories about people who have allergies to bee stings, (about five percent of the population have a bee

deadly allergy to bee stings), but what about cockroaches? This common pest can cause asthma attacks. Dust mites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other common bugs can also cause redness, itchiness, and swelling. When to see a doctor Be aware of any symptoms in your child the moment he or she reports feeling ill. Your child may wheeze, feel an itchy mouth or throat, or develop a rash. Normally, you can treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medication. If symptoms don’t die down or appear to get worse after your child takes treatment, it’s time to go to the hospital. Extreme reactions may include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Difficulty breathing
Extreme swelling in the face or throat

Tell your doctor about anything your child ate or may have touched before the reaction occurred. Also, let your doctor know if you have already tried an EpiPen or other medications. The staff at Victoria ER helps children manage allergic reactions 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel your child may be in danger, come and see for assistance. In the meantime, have your child tested for any potential allergies and learn more about how to manage them from your pediatrician.

September 27 2022

The Best Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services for You

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You may not know this, but at Victoria ER, our 24-Hour Emergency Center offers state-of-the-art imaging and lab capabilities. Specifically, our services include—but are not limited to—X-Rays, CT Scans, and bedside Ultrasounds, all available to give you the fast results you want, need, and deserve. In this article, we detail components of our imaging and laboratory services, with a focus on X-Rays, CT Scans, and bedside Ultrasounds, to show that our team of experienced physicians provides nothing but quality and precise medical care. X-Ray

For X-Rays, we currently use the Del Medical brand and SHF-535 model. X-Rays are beneficial to examine most areas of the body, particularly bones and joints. However, an X-Ray can also detect issues affecting soft tissue. X-Rays allow our medical team to view what is happening inside your body without making an incision. Then, we can effectively diagnose, monitor, and treat the medical condition we discover. Of course, different types of X-Rays are necessary for different purposes. There are myriad reasons why you could require an X-Ray, such as:

Checking for a broken bone
Looking for foreign objects in the body
Routine screenings for cancer and/or other diseases
Identifying the cause of symptoms—i.e. pain or swelling

X-Rays are commonly used to examine bones, teeth, as well as the chest, and abdomen. CT Scan

For CT Scans, we currently use the 16 Slice brand and 2269165-3 model. Specifically, a CT Scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses both X-Rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body. A low dose of radiation is present in CT Scans, but no long-term damage has been known to occur. In fact, the numerous benefits of a CT Scan greatly outweigh any potential risk. This tool can show us detailed images of any part of the body, such as the following:

Bones
Muscles
Fat
Organs
Blood Vessels

CT Scans are more detailed than X-Rays and can detect a wide range of ailments, including certain types of cancer, fractures, heart disease, blood clots, bowel disorders, and more. A CT Scan generally lasts about 10 to 15 minutes—from start to finish. Bedside Ultrasound

Doctor doing Ultrasound on women's stomach

For bedside Ultrasounds, we currently use the Mindray brand and UMT-300 model. This is a very particular type of Ultrasound Scan that we perform to answer questions in real time about your body. Ultrasounds are accurate, non-invasive, and require no radiation. They use sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. These images can—and do—provide the information needed to diagnose and treat various diseases and medical conditions. Better yet, bedside Ultrasounds can work faster than a CT Scan. Bedside Ultrasounds are often used to:

Monitor babies, measuring the size of the fetus to estimate the due date
Detect cancer in the breasts and testicles
Scope out muscle, joint, and abdominal pain

An Ultrasound exam takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes to complete. The doctor will receive a written report of the images within approximately 30 minutes or so. Regardless of the type of care you require, you can always depend on the skilled and professional team at Victoria ER. Our imaging and laboratory services are top-notch—you have nothing to lose when you choose to work with us. We guarantee you’re in good hands.

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May 13 2022

Tips for Skin Care

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Are you currently—and properly—taking care of your skin? That’s kind of a broad question, right? One that can produce a variety of answers. Simply put, your skin is important, and at Victoria ER, we want to help ensure you’re treating it as such.

There are many different skin types, including sensitive skin, dry skin, and oily skin. It’s necessary to know and understand your specific skin type in order to give it the care it needs and deserves. In general, though, there are universal tips to protect all skin types, such as:

Avoid tanning beds
Wear sunscreen daily
Don’t touch your face
Regularly check your skin
Find (and use) products appropriate for your skin type

While these are beneficial tips to pursue regularly, what should you do if you’re already experiencing an issue with your skin? Below, we’ve put together healing tips for common skincare problems.

Sunburns
A sunburn can be irritating and uncomfortable, even dangerous. To relieve the burn, you can try applying aloe or over-the-counter moisturizer to your skin. Additionally, take a cool bath or shower and/or apply cool compresses to the burn areas. Soaking in a bath with oatmeal, baking soda, cornstarch, or cider vinegar can assist with inflammation and itching. You’ll also want to rehydrate with water or juice. Consider taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. If the burn has blisters or the skin feels numb, you’ll want to see a doctor.

Eczema
Are you suffering from eczema? It’s important not to scratch. Find a product that works well for your skin type, and then moisturize at least twice a day. You can also apply an anti-itch cream to the affected area and/or take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. Further, you can apply bandages to the affected area, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home, and even wear non-itchy clothing to reduce irritation. And, one more time, whatever you do, don’t scratch!

Poison Ivy
As with eczema, if you have poison ivy, it’s imperative that you don’t scratch. Most cases of poison ivy will go away within one to three weeks. To help soothe irritation and/or pain, apply any type of calamine lotion or cream that contains menthol. An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, can provide relief and help you sleep better. There are other types of antihistamines you can purchase over-the-counter that won’t make you drowsy. Additionally, cold compresses can soothe problematic areas. If the blisters/rash do not fade within a week or so, you may want to think about seeing a doctor.

Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Flesh-eating bacteria is a rare infection of the skin and the tissues below the skin. This type of bacteria can spread quickly and aggressively, entering the body through any of the following:

Surgical wounds
Puncture wounds or other injuries
Burns
Minor cuts
Insect bites
Abrasions

If not treated immediately and accurately, the bacteria can be deadly. Therefore, if you believe you’ve been exposed in any way to flesh-eating bacteria, it’s vital to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lacerations
Lacerations, another broad term, can refer to myriad types of cuts, scrapes, and bites. Generally, these types of wounds are common and shouldn’t worry you. Yet, it’s still necessary to treat them accordingly. First, stop the bleeding of the laceration by applying firm and direct pressure to it with sterile gauze. Next, you’ll want to clean the area with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, and then cover the wound with a bandage. If the laceration is bleeding severely, or you’re not able to stop the bleeding, then you need to see a doctor. If the laceration is deep and looks as if it requires stitches, you’ll also want to see a doctor.

Moles
It generally takes a trained eye to determine if a particular spot on your skin is a mole, and whether or not that mole is troublesome. If you have a mole you’re unsure about, especially if it’s changed size, color, or texture, you should visit a doctor. Only a doctor can easily and safely remove a mole and have it medically tested to understand it better. Once the mole has been properly removed, the skin will heal. If the mole grows back, see your doctor.

Remember, skin is your body’s largest organ. If you don’t take care of your skin, who will? If you do happen to experience any sort of issue, illness, or injury, Victoria ER is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–even on holidays and weekends. Victoria ER is dedicated to providing our local community with access to fast, quality, and concierge-level emergency care.

March 3 2022

Spring Bucket List

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Though the winter season seems like it may never end, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is making its beautiful way to us here in the south and we are ready to help you enjoy the soon to be warmer weather! Capturing the best of this season doesn’t need to be expensive and your family may enjoy a change of pace.

1. Bake a Seasonal Pie

In spring, luscious fruits like apricots and cherries are in full bloom and ready for harvest. Utilizing fruits that are in season to bake a fresh pie will give you a chance to brush up on your baking skills and maybe even perfect them just in time for your Easter feast.

2. Climb Trees Together

Isn’t it nice to see all the greenery outside returning to its natural shade? Early in the morning or mid-afternoon is a great time to take your family to the park or grab your bike and ride solo. Climbing trees with your kids will not only speak to your inner child, but will be a memory your kids remember forever, especially if it’s not something you’re used to doing. No matter how young or old you are, just make sure you do it safely! In case of emergency, head over to Victoria ER for immediate care; we are open 24/7 and even treat pediatrics.

3. Feed The Ducks

Did you know bread can be harmful to ducks? Try taking your little ones to the pond with oats, seeds, rice, or grapes cut in half. Your kids will surely get a kick out of feeding the ducks and wildlife always appreciates an extra snack they don’t have to work for.

4. Pick Berries

Berry picking with families and siblings is a great tradition to carry on. You don’t even have to wait until
late summer like you think you do. Blueberries and strawberries are prominent within our area during mid to late spring, and they are delicious! Many smaller towns within the Crossroads may even host a festival for these special fruits.

5. Spring Cleaning

Hosting a family or multiple family garage sale is a great way to spend time with your extended family and bring in a little extra cash on the side as well. Getting rid of and purging items you may no longer need will help to declutter your space. This is also a great opportunity to socialize with your neighbors and have your kids get rid of toys or games they’ve outgrown.

During spring, new life is in full bloom and being busy is an understatement! No matter the state of your emergency, Victoria ER treats all injuries such as allergic reactions, venomous bites, concussions, and lacerations in both adults and children! We’re open 24/7 and ready to help you as soon as you need it.

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).