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.
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.
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!
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.
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 relatedillnesses 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.
You’re out at a restaurant with one of your loved ones. You’ve ordered, your drinks have arrived and you’re enjoying your time chatting. Suddenly your loved one stops, clutches their chest and collapses. Do you know what you would do in this situation? Would you be prepared?
350,000 people suffer cardiac arrests outside of an emergency room each year and only 12 percent survive. Knowing hands-only CPR could mean the difference between life and death as compressions alone can triple the chance of survival.
Our emergency room wants to help you receive the right knowledge so that you are prepared when the unthinkable happens. That’s why Sheila Kilgore, Victoria ER’s Marketing Director, and Marcy Moncada, Victoria ER’s,;Community Outreach Specialist, have organized a free hands- only CPR class, Ab ictoria ER| -24-Hour Emergency Room.
These educational and lifesaving classes are instructed by Dana Woodward, Victoria Fire Department’s Captain-Training and everyone who completes the class will receive a Medical Continued Education Certificate — Course of Completion.
If you are interested in learning more about future events that Victoria ER has to offer, please follow our Facebook.
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 visitVictoria ER or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The summer is coming to an end, and school is almost back in session. Preparing for classes and after school activities are not the only thing on parents’ minds, though. This summer has given Victoria some record-breaking heat, and with that heat comes sun-related health risks. To keep families prepared for kids to get involved in school sports and make the most of their recess time, Victoria ER wants to keep everyone informed about the three most common heat-related health concerns.
Sun Burn
Sun burns are the most common concern for anyone going out into the sun. Sunscreen is a staple for beach trips and long days at the park, but when we think about back-to-school season, we don’t think of sunscreen as part of the picture. But anytime spent in the sun can leave your skin open to. If your child spends a lot of time outside playing around the neighborhood or practicing for the big game, then make sure they have sunscreen with them.
The best SPF choices for kids is SPF 50 and higher. Paler skin tones are more likely to burn, and anyone with a family history of skin cancer is at a higher risk for long term health issues. Make sure that you encourage your kids to apply sunscreen when they’re out in the sun, even when it’s no longer summer.
Heat Exhaustion
When we exercise outside in the heat, your body naturally gets hot, which is why we sweat. To remedy this, most people drink water and spend time in the shade, but sometimes water and shade are not readily accessible. In these cases, when someone cannot cool down, they may begin to suffer from heat exhaustion. This serious condition is characterized by:
Fatigue
Light-headedness
Cold, clammy skin
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle cramps
Headaches
Fainting
These symptoms are more likely to happen to anyone who is outside for long periods of time, or physically exerting themselves in hot weather. Kids who play sports outside are at higher risk, so it is important that parents and children both know the signs of heat exhaustion, so that they know what to do.
If these symptoms begin to emerge, immediately seek a cool place to rest, get water or a hydrating sports drink, loosen clothing or remove layers if possible, and get a cold compress for the head and neck. If these symptoms persist or get worse, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is an even more serious condition than heat exhaustion. Sometimes, if the symptoms of heat exhaustion are not recognized, then there is a risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke can be very dangerous and requires immediate emergency medical care. The following symptoms mean that a heat stroke is imminent or already happening:
High body temperature of 103⁰F or higher
Hot, red, and dry skin, when someone has stopped sweating
Fast, strong pulse
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Losing consciousness, worse than feeling faint
The effects of heat stroke can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken. Frequent hydration, and knowing your limits are a good place to start. If you need a rest while you’re outside, then find a cool, shady place to sit down. As long as you are attentive to your needs, the risks of heat stroke go down.
Victoria ER is here to help if you or a loved one begins to experience signs of severe heat exhaustion or heat stroke. We encourage everyone to stay hydrated and be careful of sun risks as school and sports seasons begin. Our board-certified doctors are available 24/7 to provide concierge-level care to adults and children alike.
To learn more about heat health risks, see Victoria ER’s own Dr. Steven Gartzman on Community Connection!
Nutex Health, Inc.supports you and your family’s health. Come visitVictoria ER or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Summertime doesn’t just bring sunshine and trips to the beach. It is also a time when bees and fire ants seem to be at every backyard cookout or day at the pool. Of course, we all try to avoid any painful run-ins with these pesky bugs, but what is the best way to avoid them? How do you know if you’re allergic? When do bug bites, like bee stings and ant bites, become dangerous?
Today, Victoria ER wants to talk more about these injuries, which are often known as Hymenoptera Stings. We’ll let you know some of the best techniques to avoid these bites, and how to tell if you need emergency care after getting one.
What are Hymenoptera Stings?
Hymenoptera refers to insects like bees, wasps, sawflies, and ants. Any bite or sting from these insects is, therefore, referred to as a Hymenoptera sting. Most people who have experienced a Hymenoptera sting feel pain, small areas of swelling, and sometimes a very itchy sensation. While no one enjoys getting bit by ants or stung by bees, in isolated incidences of a sting or a bite, it is easy to treat at home.
But, in the case of those who are sensitive or allergic to Hymenoptera stings, getting just one ant bite could become an emergency situation.
How do I know if I’m allergic?
Most people don’t know they are allergic to Hymenoptera stings until they are stung for the first time. While some families have a history of Hymenoptera allergies, many do not, and it can leave parents wondering whether their children are at an increased risk when they head outside to play this summer.
For parents who don’t know what to look for, the following are symptoms of the average Hymenoptera sting:
Redness at site of sting
Itchiness
Stinging
Minor swelling
If you or your child only experience swelling and itchiness, then you are probably not having an allergic reaction, and can treat the sting at home with soap, water, calamine lotion, and an antiseptic cream.
However, if you see any of these symptoms, you should seek emergency care, because someone might be having a severe allergic reaction:
Difficulty breathing
Swollen lips, eyelids, or throat
Dizziness, faintness, and mental confusion
Increased heartbeat
Sudden hives
Nausea and vomiting
Cramps
If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms after being bitten by an ant or stung by a bee or wasp, then seek immediate medical help. They may be having a severe allergic reaction and may require emergency treatment.
How do I avoid Hymenoptera stings?
For most people, avoiding Hymenoptera stings is as simple as avoiding Hymenoptera insects. If you live in a house or apartment which doesn’t have many areas for ant hills, and doesn’t have many wasp nests, then you will have a lower risk of running into these stinging insects. But for many, ant hills can pop up in the backyard in warm weather, and as backyard flowers bloom, the bees will come wandering over.
When it comes to ants, you want to vigilant about where any hills, mounds, and beds might be. There are pesticides and natural options to help you get ride of ant beds in your backyard, and with some helpful research and advice, you can decide how to clear your property of these insects. When your family goes to the park or camping, though, you won’t be able to remove ant beds. In this case, it is important to teach your kids what to watch for around their feet. Help them learn to avoid ant beds, since ants will not aggressively seek out ankles to bite.
For wasps, you’ll want to look for their nests along railings, decks, and eaves of houses and apartments. Wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets make nests which can become a risk for anyone. These insects are often more aggressive and will try to sting you if you get too close, so make sure you safely dispose of nests and keep all your windows and roofing eaves clean. Yellow jackets, in specific, tend to make nests on the ground, so watch out for any muddy areas or nests along bricks and tile grout on patios.
Bees, on the other hand, are not something that you should try to get rid of. Bees are very helpful pollinators, and with international shortages of honeybees, everyone should be mindful of supporting natural bee colonies, while still staying safe. If you do not have any bee allergies in the family, then you can try planting a bee-friendly flower bed in your yard which is furthest away from your back door, pool, patio, or any other activity space you have. This will give the bees their own corner or pollinating and activity which is as far as it can be from where you and your family will be interacting this summer. To make sure bees are not attracted to you, be mindful of which perfumes or cologne you might be wearing.
Hymenoptera stings can be a concern for many during the summer, but when families are mindful of their surroundings and take proper precautions with bugs, then kids and adults can stay safe. In the event of an allergic reaction and bug-bite emergency, Victoria ER is open 24/7 with concierge-level care for all ages. We encourage everyone to get outside and have fun this summer and are here to support you should ants and bees become a risk. To learn more about Hymenoptera bites, watch Victoria ER’s own Dr. Hathorn below:
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.
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 visitVictoria ER or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
