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.
School is almost out, and summer is on its way! Kids will be playing in the bright sun, and family adventures will call to us all, but it is important to be prepared for all that summer has to offer. With every fun game by the pool or bike race down the block comes the risk of summer vacation injuries and illness.
To keep your family prepared for summer, let’s go over a few health tips that become very important this time of year.
Outdoor Injuries
Some of the best activities during the summer are the ones we play outdoors. From neighborhood sports to camping in the woods, we all love to be out in the fresh air this time of year. Naturally, the more time we spend hiking, climbing, and playing outside, the higher our risk of injuries. Also, as kids play sports this summer, they are more likely to fall and get hurt. The usual scrapes and bruises are nothing to worry about but be mindful of bone fractures and head injuries.
A bone fracture can be very painful, but sometimes it is hard to tell if a bone is broken in young children. Play it safe, and make sure you consult with a doctor if anyone in your family may have suffered a fracture.
Concussions can be even more risky, with the potential for short and long-term health effects if left untreated. If anyone hits their head during a fall, then there is a risk for concussion, and you should seek emergency help as quickly as possible.
Dehydration
One of the most common conditions that anyone can get during the summer is dehydration. When your body doesn’t have enough water, it can start to feel lethargic, weak, and light headed. If you don’t hydrate properly but are spending a lot of time in the summer sun, then you might start to exhibit signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
To make sure you are always staying hydrated and energized, make sure you drink a big gulp of water at least once every 20 minutes. If you start to feel overheated and faint, then find some shade to rest in while you re-hydrate. Recharging your electrolytes is also important, so in addition to a bottle of water, it is a good idea to bring along a healthy sports drink for summer activities. Make sure to watch out for children, too, who might have a harder time communicating their condition.
Burns
Sun burns are inconvenient at the best of times, and painful at their worst. For some people, their skin burns easily and brings on uncomfortable peeling or rashes, and for others it fades easily into a sun-kissed tan. But letting yourself get a sunburn is never a good choice. Before you and your family start taking any adventures outdoors, you need to apply sunscreen!
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which is also water resistant and has broad range protection against UVA and UVB rays. Combining this with breaks in the shade, and wearing appropriate sunglasses and protective hats, and you will be able to keep your skin healthier this summer.
Remember that harmful exposure to the sun, like getting sunburns, can contribute to skin cancer risks. Be careful with your dermatological health, even if you don’t burn easily.
Summer is full of fun, but it also means we have to be diligent about health. Outdoor activities are great, as long as you make sure to protect yourself and your family from some of these common injuries and conditions. In the case of summer emergencies, Victoria ER is open 24/7, every day of the year!
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.
Pain can be one of the most difficult conditions that anyone will have to deal with. Whether it is a symptom of an injury or illness, or whether it is inexplicable and chronic, pain is never easy to endure. People who suffer from chronic pain conditions like Fibromyalgia know this best of all, as they have to manage acute pain on a daily basis.
In honor of Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, Victoria ER wants to shine a light on this mysterious, chronic condition that many people suffer from. What are the symptoms? Is it treatable? And, perhaps most importantly, what can be done for the pain?
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia is a condition that results in widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep issues, mood swings, and even memory problems. It is a condition that researchers believe amplifies painful sensations and alters the way your brain processes neurological sensors of pain.
What does this mean for people who have Fibromyalgia? Well, their symptoms can look a lot like the following:
Widespread Pain: Fibromyalgia flare-ups can be described as constant, dull aching which persists three months or more. This pain can spread all over the body, it is not limited to one area.
Fatigue: No matter how long and well they slept, many patients with Fibromyalgia will awaken feeling tired. This is usually caused by the chronic pain, as it is exhausting for the body to be aching nonstop. Pain can also interrupt sleep, so people with Fibromyalgia have trouble sleeping through the night and can develop sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, and Restless Leg Syndrome.
Cognitive Difficulties: Many people call it “fibro fog” because cognitive difficulties are so common in Fibromyalgia patients. Chronic pain makes it hard for people to concentrate and can make patients more likely to suffer migraines, which only makes the “fibro fog” worse.
Co-Existing Conditions: Fibromyalgia is a condition defined by pain, and it can often be found alongside other painful health conditions. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome), and Temporomandibular joint disorders can all be conditions that occur alongside Fibromyalgia.
If you or a loved one finds that they suffer with these symptoms, then it would be a good idea to see a doctor and get a diagnosis.
Can Fibromyalgia be treated?
Understanding how to treat Fibromyalgia means that we first need to understand how this complex condition begins in the first place. This disease begins with the nervous system. Researchers believe that Fibromyalgia is caused by increased levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which begin to signal pain too often or too strongly. This can be caused by genetics, complications from infections, or physical or emotional trauma.
With a condition that has no single cause, treatment might differ from patient to patient. Doctors who work with Fibromyalgia tend to prescribe a combination of medication and therapy. Given that there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, it is important for physicians and patients to work together to find a long-term treatment plan that is healthy and effective.
The most common medications prescribed are pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. Pairing this with the most common therapy plans–physical therapy, occupational therapy, and emotional counseling– many doctors find that managing the symptoms, as well as the most likely source for the pain, are the most effective methods. For patients whose Fibromyalgia stems from hormonal imbalances that are caused by genetics, a doctor might prescribe occupational therapy and medication that will balance out the chemicals in the patient’s brain. On the other hand, for a Fibromyalgia patient whose pain is triggered by emotional trauma, a doctor will be more inclined to prescribe antidepressants and focus on counseling.
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious condition, but it is one that can be managed if treated. Patients find help for their chronic, widespread pain every day, and facilities like Victoria ER offer special pain management programs to help patients of chronic pain conditions like Fibromyalgia. Our 23-hour Observation Care program is tailored to help you manage extreme pain. If you or a loved one is suffering, please reach out to find help near you.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.
This week is Brain Awareness Week, and we wanted to share one of Victoria ER’s favorite Mind Diet recipes to celebrate. The Mind Diet is a series of guidelines for your family’s diet that promote brain health and help to prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s later in life. Incorporating some of these techniques into your meal prep can do wonders to improve your brain’s health.
This recipe comes just in time for the spring crawfish season. Following in the footsteps of famous Cajun chefs like Susan Spicer, Emeril Lagasse, and Leah Chase, Gumbo Z’herbes is a great way to celebrate this Gulf Coast tradition, with significantly less sodium and fat than other kinds of gumbos. By using vegetable stock and turnips, you can get the same hearty taste, but with all the vitamins your brain could ask for! You can even add in some sautéed mushrooms if you feel adventurous.
Bring this great twist on a creole classic to your next crawfish boil to help promote brain health with all your family and friends.
Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat until almost smoking. Carefully whisk in the flour to make your roux and continue stirring until the roux has a caramel color.
Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, turnips and garlic. Stir to coat vegetables with the roux, about 5 minutes. Stir in ½ of the seasoning mix and add the stock. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover and cook for about one hour, or longer if you want the flavors to have more time to come together.
Add the turnip greens, spinach, and scallions and cook for about 10 – 15 minutes until wilted. Add more of the seasoning mix to suit your taste and preferred spice level.
Serve over brown rice, with a few splashes of hot sauce, if you want an extra kick.
This blog post was written by Maggie Berardo, Content Writer at Nutex Health. Maggie has a passion for food writing and is excited to share some of her recipes with our facility.
Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria Emergency Room or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
At the height of winter, everyone must watch out for blizzards, freezing pipes, and hypothermia—unless you live in Texas, that is.
All Texans know that winter time is more of a reprieve from the heat than it is a stroll through a snowy wonderland. Being able to comfortably wear your favorite sweater for a few weeks is a welcome change of pace from our sweltering summers, but the winter months are still a time of seasonal risk for Texans. Whether or not we get any snow, it is important to be mindful of your health as we usher in a new year.
COUGHS, SNIFFLES, & SNEEZES
Everyone’s heard it a hundred times or more. Cold and Flu Season is here! As cliched as it might feel, cold and flu season is real, and It is important to be mindful of your symptoms. What feels like just a small cold can easily turn into a severe case of the flu, if you’re not careful. You want to watch out for the signs of the flu:
Fever
Chills & cold sweats
Head & body aches
Congested sinuses & sinus pressure
Nausea & vomiting
But the flu is not the only illness that spreads more during the winter months. Strep throat is on the rise as well, and can be just as painful as a bad case of the flu. Watch out for:
Fever & chills
Sore throat, causing painful swallowing
Dehydration
Tender or swollen lymph nodes
Difficulty turning neck
To help keep yourself safe from these common winter afflictions, make sure you wash your hands before eating. Transferring germs that you may have touched is one of the fastest carriers of disease.
If you find yourself feeling unwell, with or without these symptoms, for a long period of time, it is always recommended to seek a physician’s advice. You can always come in for a free medical screening at Victoria ER if you are worried that you might have the flu.
SLIPS & FALLS
We might not have much snow, but when the overnight temperatures drop low, Texans are still at risk for ice. You might have heard it referred to as “black ice” on your local news, but what this term really refers to is ice that forms clear, and isn’t easily seen on walkways. Your sidewalk might have a thin layer of ice clinging to it if a cold front blew in the night before, and it can be very easy to slip on. Check for any signs of lingering wetness on pavement, as ice can often look like a small puddle when it forms in thin, slick layers.
Of course, with so much to celebrate this time of year, ice is not the only injury risk out there. If you’re decorating your house for a party, or hanging holiday lights on the roof, you are at risk for falling and causing serious injuries to yourself. Make sure you are using a secure, stable ladder when climbing to high places, and have someone with you to hold the base steady.
CAR ACCIDENTS
If the weather outside is frightful, do you know what would be delightful? Whether or not there’s snow, stay at home, stay at home, stay at home!
Its true that snow flurries are very rare in Texas, but we do still have risks for heavy rain and hail. Bad weather of any sort can make road collisions sky rocket, and with more cars on the road thanks to holiday travels, a little extra caution can keep you safe from car accidents.
One of the most important rules to remember for holiday traffic, though, is never to drink and drive. New Year’s Eve can be a fun time to throw back some champagne, but you never want to drive yourself home when you’ve had too many. Call a ride-sharing service or carpool home with a designated driver if you have plans to celebrate with alcohol this New Years.
As always, Victoria ER is here to help you and your family stay safe and healthy this winter season. While these three are some of the most common health risks in the winter, never hesitate to seek emergency help if you or your family is facing serious illness or injury. Whether you have the flu or a migraine flare up, Victoria ER is ready to take care of you.
Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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.
