Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice

June 19 2018

Stages of a Migraine

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Everyone gets a headache from time to time. Maybe you didn’t have enough water one day or maybe your sinuses are flaring up, but no matter how you might get your headache, there is something different about a migraine. Migraines are more than just an inconvenience, they can be debilitating and devastating for those who suffer them. If you suffer from chronic, extreme headaches, you could be having migraines. How do you know if you have a migraine, or a common headache? In honor of Migraine Awareness Month, we’re going to discuss the signs and symptoms of this acute pain condition, as well as discuss treatment options. What is a migraine, anyway? Migraines are severe headaches that can involve severe throbbing or pulsing sensations. Usually, they are on one side of the head, and can last for hours. Migraines can cause vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and light and sound sensitivity, which often make them feel like more than the average headache. While there is no single cause for a migraine, people who have them regularly might be able to pinpoint when they will be getting one by the appearance of certain trends and triggers. Migraines, generally, go through four stages, and it is in those stages that treatment techniques can be found. Stages of a Migraine The beginnings of a migraine can happen up to two days before the pain actually begins. This is known as the prodrome stage, and it acts as a warning system for many people who suffer from migraines. Prodrome can include symptoms like:

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

These symptoms can indicate that a migraine will happen soon, which gives patients a window to take pre-emptive measures in finding treatment. The second stage is the aura stage of a migraine, and this one can happen right before, or during a migraine, but not all migraines have aura stages. The aura stage can affect the nervous system, usually noted by disturbances or distortions in vision, touch sensations, movement, or hearing. If a migraine has an aura stage, then the symptoms tend to build gradually over a short period of time and can persist for an hour. Aura stages usually bring additional symptoms to a migraine like:

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

These symptoms are not common in migraines, as most people do not have aura stages. But if you do, it might be another indicator of approaching migraines, or that a migraine is about to get more severe. The attack stage of a migraine is when the migraine is at its worst. This is when the pain sets in, and a patient might be left suffering for up to 72 hours, unless they seek treatment. For some, they are rare occurrences but for others, they happen regularly. You will know you are in the attack stage of your migraine if you feel:

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

The attack stage is almost always the most difficult stage for a patient to experience. These symptoms can be persistent and intense, so if you or someone you love has migraine issues, find out where you can get treated in your area. Finally, migraines end with the post-drome stage. This is the after shocks of a migraine, when you feel tired and worn out. It is common to feel confused, dizzy, moody, and still sensitive to lights and sounds during the post-drome stage. Rest and recovery are the best ways to manage it. When should I get treatment? Since migraines can be confused for regular headaches sometimes, they often go undiagnosed or untreated. This shouldn’t be the case, and if you experience migraines often, start taking notes about when you have them and how long they last. Make an appointment with a doctor to talk about managing them for the long term. If your migraines are severe, though, and you need help getting through one, seek immediately medical attention. If you experience any migraines that feel like a thunderclap, cause fevers, or have resulted from a physical injury, then consult with a physician.

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

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

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

May 21 2018

Summer Safety Tips

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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.

May 15 2018

Do You Have Fibromyalgia?

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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.

March 13 2018

Mind Diet Recipe: Gumbo Z’Herbes

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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.

GUMBO Z’HERBES

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

½ cup olive oil
½ cup Einkorn or whole wheat flour
2 medium onions, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 medium turnips, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped scallions
2 Tablespoons chopped garlic
2 cups coarsely chopped turnip greens (or collard greens)
2 cups spinach
2 quarts vegetable stock
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 batch of seasoning mix

Seasoning mix:

1 Tablespoon sweet paprika
1 Tablespoon dried mustard
1 Tablespoon dried sweet basil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

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.

December 21 2017

3 Most Common Winter ER Visits

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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.

December 14 2017

How to Consume Alcohol Conscientiously this Alcohol Awareness Month

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Over the past decade, alcohol-related emergency room visits have increased by 38% for both men and women.

This means despite the increased education surrounding safe alcohol consumption, many people aren’t drinking conscientiously. During this National Alcohol Awareness Month, we’re going to discuss how to drink safely and in moderation. Check out our tips below.

Know the legal limit and your personal limit. All 50 states, excluding Utah, now enforce the same legal drinking limit of 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while driving, but do you know how much alcohol will bring you to that threshold? This can vary largely between individuals and depends entirely on your gender, weight and how quickly you metabolize alcohol. Refer to the chart below to determine if you’re legally impaired.

Drunk driving and accidents are completely preventable. It’s important to remember that just because you don’t “feel drunk” doesn’t mean you aren’t legally impaired. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to wait some time, and either drink coffee or water. The safest option is to simply request someone else drive.

Know the long-term health repercussions. Drinking unsafely doesn’t just affect people in the short term – those who drink heavily are much more likely to develop certain diseases. We’ve listed some of the most common diseases associated with and caused by excessive drinking.

- Cirrhosis
- Liver Disease
- Mouth, throat, stomach, liver and pancreas cancer
- Pancreatitis

When health has declined to this point, most individuals need organ transplants and other major surgeries and treatments to save their lives.

Unsure about what excessive drinking means exactly? Check out this link.

Replace unhealthy habits. For many of us, drinking is a social activity. For others, it’s something enjoyed alone or with family at dinner. Drinking moderately and conscientiously is unlikely to adversely affect your health, but binge and heavy drinking will. Evaluate your drinking habits to determine if you should be scaling back. If so, we recommend replacing your current habits with healthier, and sustainable, ones.

Making significant life changes is never easy. Click here if you want to learn more about breaking free from unhealthy alcohol cycles.

Did you learn something new about safe alcohol consumption? Let us know!

December 14 2017

7 Risks of Colorectal Cancer

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Every year, 140,000 men and women are told they have colorectal cancer and a further 40,000 of those people die from it.

These numbers make colorectal cancer one of the deadliest cancers. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month so we want the members of our community to not only be aware of their personal risk, but to make changes to decrease their chances of developing this disease. Keep reading to learn more about colorectal cancer risk factors.

1. Smoking. It’s no surprise that colorectal cancer can be caused by smoking, especially considering how smoking can leave carcinogenic tobacco byproducts in your body’s tissues. It also increases your risk for a whole other host of cancers including lung, throat, breast and others. Stay away from e-cigarettes, or “vaping,” and smoking hookah as well. They’re also incredibly harmful. Visit this page to find resources on how you can quit smoking.

1. Red & Processed Meats. Having a diet with lots of red meats, like pork, beef and lamb, can significantly increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Eating meats that are overly processed, like hot dogs and chorizo, has also been shown to have adverse effects. Try to stick with lean, white meats, like chicken and fish, and save the hotdogs for a ballpark game.

1. Physical Inactivity and Obesity. Those who are significantly overweight or obese for most of their lives have an increased risk, especially if you have a large waistline. Being obese and having minimum physical activity seems to affect men more than women in terms of risk, but it can raise your chances no matter your gender.

1. Frying Your Foods. Just as eating too many red meats can increase your risk, so can frying, grilling and broiling your foods, especially meats. When you cook your foods at very high temperatures, certain chemicals are produced and seep into your food. It’s not entirely clear how much this increases your chances of developing colorectal cancer, but there is a correlation.

1. Family History & Inherited Mutations. Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer won’t have any family history, but as many as 1 in 5 individuals diagnosed with this disease will. It’s important to learn more about your familial risk – any direct relation, like a mother, father, sister or brother, should be a reason for concern, especially if they’re diagnosed before they’re 45 years old. In some cases, around 5 – 10% of all colorectal cancers, the individual has an inherited gene mutation that causes the cancer. The most common of these mutations are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Lynch Syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC). These mutations tend to cause cancers early in life so it’s important to discuss any concerns you have with your physician, no matter your age.

Racial & Ethnic Background. Blacks have the highest incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer than any other race. It isn’t completely understood why yet, but experts believe there may be a connection with education and early testing and prevention accessibility. Ashkenazi Jews, specifically those of Eastern-European Jewish descent, also have a high incidence rate of colorectal cancer.

It’s important to remember that these are only risk factors and many individuals have one or more of these and never develop colorectal cancer. Reducing your risk of this disease is beneficial to your total health and well-being, not just in preventing colorectal cancer. Want to learn more about personal risk and prevention? Visit this link. 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.

December 14 2017

What You Should Know About Heart Attack & Heart Disease

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., causing a quarter of all deaths each year.

Contrary to what you might think, you aren’t predetermined to develop heart disease, even if there’s family history. While certain factors, like a family history, may increase your risk, heart disease is preventable. Learn more from one of our own doctors, Dr. Joseph Hathorn, about recognizing signs of heart attack and heart disease prevention during this National Heart Health Month.

How do I know if someone is having a heart attack?

The text book presentation for heart attack is pressure-like pain in the center of the chest that may radiate to the left. The person may also experience shortness of breath and sweating. Still though, many patients do not have symptoms such as these, particularly diabetics, older patients and women, says Dr. Hathorn.

Often, these patients experience more vague symptoms such as weakness, dizziness or extreme fatigue. They may have associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, jaw pain or back pain as well. The key to determining whether or not someone is having a heart attack is to look at their risk factors for the disease. What are some of the most common risk factors?

- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Smoking
- Family History
- High Blood Pressure

Are there any signs I can look for before the heart attack that may indicate an episode later?

Any chest discomfort that is associated with exertion, shortness of breath and a decrease in exercise tolerance (becoming harder to tolerate low levels of exercise intensity) should be a cause for concern. You should seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms, and at a minimum have a stress test performed, says Dr. Hathorn.

What should I do if someone is having a heart attack?

If someone is having symptoms related to a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not try to transport these patients to receive emergency attention yourself. Paramedics have the necessary equipment and expertise that will minimize potential complications related to a heart attack.

You may also give them an aspirin while waiting for emergency responders as it’s been shown to decrease the mortality rate in heart attack patients, says Dr. Hathorn.

What are some preventative measures I can take against heart attack?

The best way to prevent heart attack is to address the risk factors associated with the disease. The main risk factors are diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, family history and high blood pressure. While you cannot change your family history, you can watch your diet and consume less processed foods and sugar.

You can also exercise on a regular basis, and get regular doctor visits. Avoid smoking tobacco. This one risk factor alone has been associated with a much higher predisposition for heart disease, says Dr. Hathorn.

We encourage our patients to see your regular physician about a long term heart health plan. Visit this page to learn more about heart disease and preventative measures you can take.

How do you take care of your heart health?

December 14 2017

Get Ready for Cold & Flu Season with Our Doctors

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The holidays are a time for family, friends and food.

But with all the twinkling lights and gingerbread houses, there are also some pretty serious viruses, like the flu, making their way through our homes.

Hear from Dr. Joseph Hathorn, one of our board certified emergency physicians, about common flu myths, home remedies and how to tell if your cough might be something more serious.

Q: What’s a common misconception about the flu?

A: One common misconception is that you can get the flu from the flu vaccine itself. This is simply not the case. The vaccine is made of the inactivated flu virus and because of this you cannot get an infection from it. If you get sick after getting the shot, it is most likely because the vaccine did not have time to provide full immunity and you may have caught the common cold.

Influenza is a dangerous infection, which can lead to hospitalization, and even death. The CDC estimates that there’s been as many as 700,000 flu-related hospitalizations since 2010. Don’t risk catching the flu when you could be sitting around a crackling fire with loved ones. Get vaccinated and protect your health and the health of those around you.

Wondering where to get your vaccine? Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens and even some grocery stores give immunizations. View this link to find where you can get vaccinated.

Q: How do I know if I have the flu or if it’s just a cold?

A: The flu generally comes with more serious and debilitating symptoms. Patients who have the flu tend to run a high fever whereas patients who have the common cold may have a low-grade fever or no fever at all. Patients with the flu also tend to experience body aches to the point where they are unable or unwilling to move.

You may also experience these symptoms:

- Chills and headaches
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea

Q: What’s the best preventative measure against flu?

A: The best way to protect yourself during flu season is to receive the flu vaccine and to practice regular, vigorous handwashing.

Check out our guide on handwashing.

Q: What’s an at home remedy I can try during the flu season?

A: While there is no “proven” home remedy for the flu, some believe in the power of chicken soup and hot lemon tea. These “remedies” are soothing and comforting but will not directly affect the flu virus. The best thing to do at home is to take Ibuprofen and Tylenol for fever and body aches. You also want to make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.

Now that you’ve heard from our physician, let us know how you fortify your body during flu season!

December 14 2017

How to Wash Your Hands & Keep Germs Away

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A cough. A sniffle. A sneeze.

Don’t fall prey to any germs this holiday season. Spend your holidays with friends and loved ones, not sick and stuck in your bed. Keep reading for our tips on washing hands and keeping any viruses or infections away!

- If you’re washing your hands in a public place, grab a tissue and use it to open the door afterwards. There could be thousands of germs from people who may have not washed their hands on the handle.
- Bring sanitizing wipes to disinfect any dirty surfaces or your hands. This is especially helpful if you have a small child that uses highchairs in restaurants.
- Hand sanitizer may be convenient, but if your hands are visibly dirty, it won’t be effective. Use soap and a sink, instead.

Not sure where to wash? Check out our guide so you can reach all the nooks and crannies.

Want to learn more? Check out the CDC’s tips.