Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice

December 13 2017

3 Misleading Diet Foods & Healthier Options

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After the holidays, the New Year rings in resolutions. Some of us decide to work on our career and take the next step in the New Year, while others just want to save for trips around the world. The most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight or eat more healthy food, which is easier said than done. Difficulty in finding the right diet comes from the endless options at the grocery store and even though a lot of packages say “fat-free” or “sugar-free”, you really need to do your research to understand what food is made of. Here’s a list of popular diet foods that have been mistaken as healthy options for your diet.

Yogurt

This creamy treat is believed to be a great snack food but it depends on what kind you buy. Plain yogurt has up to 14g of sugar in one serving and flavored yogurt has an added 15g of sugar on top of that. Even though it makes everything taste great, sugar can cause diabetes, weight gain and affect your immune system. Instead of eating these yogurts with high-sugar content, go for low-fat yogurt or, even better, fat-free Greek Yogurt and toss a teaspoon of honey or all-fruit spread to give it flavor but in your control.

Diet Drinks

Many of us are guilty of giving into soda pop cravings by grabbing the diet version of our favorite soda but, unfortunately, “diet” doesn’t mean healthy. Diet drinks are packed with artificial ingredients and are high in sodium to give it its flavor. If it seems like the craving for bubbles isn’t blowing away, choose sparkling mineral water and add lemon or lime to give flavor. You can even get a little more creative and add an array of fruits, such as orange wedges and berries.

Light Salad Dressings

Most of know that dressings such as bacon salad dressing and ranch are fattening. Therefore, we try to choose healthier options such as “light” salad dressings that are still yummy. Even though they are labeled as “light”, they are packed with fat to add flavor, preservatives to prolong shelf-life, and additives such as sodium and sugar. Instead of choosing the light salad dressings, grab some balsamic vinegar and drizzle it on your salad with some extra virgin olive oil. The vinegar and oil balance each other out and create a savory flavor with significantly less fat, sodium and sugar.

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

December 13 2017

5 Most Common Diabetes Related Emergencies

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December 13 2017

How to Avoid Concussions & Head Injuries

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Thinking of hitting the ski slopes this winter? Or waiting to meet your friends for the weekly ice hockey match? Whichever you choose, don’t forget to wear your helmet and bring your safety equipment! Sports related injuries occur every day, but rarely do they cause death. However head injuries should be a serious cause for concern. According to American Association for Neurological Surgeons (AANS), emergency room visits due to head injuries is on the rise. To protect yourself and your loved ones from severe brain injuries, take these precautions:

Be Careful on the Slopes

If you’re a ski or snowboard lover, make sure that you get proper training prior to hitting the slopes. The more risk you take, the more likely you are to get injured. If you’re inexperienced, make sure to proceed with caution. It is recommended that you always proceed under expert supervision to avoid head injuries. Experts will not only help you learn the sport, but will also recommend the best actions to take to keep safe. They will also guide you when you are ready to take on more challenging fronts.

Wear Protective Gear

Whether you’re a sports fanatic or a snow lover, make sure that you wear appropriate protective gear whenever going out for some fun. The safety equipment (helmets, leg padding, etc.) you choose should perfectly fit your body, and should be well maintained. In addition to this, ensure that you wear them correctly – that is, secure them snugly. Wearing headgear is specifically stressed so as to avoid head injuries, some of which can prove to be fatal. Stay safe and take care of those around you as well!

Watch out for Concussion Symptoms

If during skiing or partaking in other recreational activities, someone experiences head trauma, seek medical help immediately. Also, look out for these four major symptom categories of concussion: Physical: experiencing headache, blurry vision, vomiting or nausea shortly after injury,light sensitivity, feeling tired, losing balance; Sleep:Difficulty in falling asleep or sleeping too much after the injury; Emotional:Experiencing nervousness, anxiety; Recalling Information:Facing trouble in recalling details, difficulty in concentration, unable to think clearly. These are signs and symptoms of concussion. Even if the injury is minor, do not take a chance. Visit the nearest emergency room to seek medical advice.If you’re looking for the perfect emergency care in Victoria, TX, visit Victoria ER. With the shortest wait times, we offer a wide range of emergency services including treatment for head injuries and concussions.

December 13 2017

How to Get 8 Hours of Sleep Every Night

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A good night’s rest is just as essential to your health as a balanced diet and regular exercise, but it can also be the most difficult to maintain. With a hectic job, a busy household and hardly any time for yourself, sleep is sometimes the last thing on your mind when the time actually arrives. So when it comes to sleep, make an effort to just relax. Easier said than done, but with our few pointers, you’ll be well on your way to getting eight hours every night.

Create Your Mental Sleep Environment

When you close your eyes, envision what you’d like to dream about that night. Push everything from your stressful workday out of your head. Forget about the approaching deadlines and piling stack of dishes in the kitchen. Don’t lie down and recount every mishap from your day.This sort of thought process creates a tense sleep space, which is the exact opposite of what you’ll need to achieve better sleep. A tense sleep space could encourage unhealthy sleeping habits like teeth grinding. According to an article published by The Sleep Foundation, teeth grinding for prolonged periods can cause facial pain, severe dental damage and disturbed sleep. A good night’s rest doesn’t just save your sanity; it also protects your health. As soon as your head hits the pillow, even before, you’re creating your sleep environment. If you take your worries into bed with you, they’ll follow you into your dreams. Think of what makes you relaxed or happy and then transport yourself there. Go hiking with your dog or catch a few rays on a secluded beach with the sand between your toes.

Train Your Body

If you’ve become used to not resting before 3 a.m., simply laying down beneath the covers won’t put you to sleep. More than likely, this will just make you more stressed and distracted. While your body thinks it should still be awake, you’re sending signals that it’s time for bed. To help ease into this transition, make yourself a bedtime routine. Draw a hot bath, and put away all electronics. Instead of scrolling through social media before you rest, read a book. All of these things will prepare your body for sleep so that your time in bed is well spent.

Do Some Research

So you’ve done everything we’ve suggested and more to no avail. Your sleep is still restless and you’re still physically drained in the mornings. It may be time to do some research on your sleep cycle. There are easier ways to accomplish this now in our digital age, like sleep tracking apps (Don’t get distracted by the screen! Set it up, and then hide it away beneath your pillow). They’ll tell you for how long you’re actually sleeping, when you toss and turn, and at what point in the night your sleep cycle is interrupted. This will help you narrow your focus to just a couple things in improving your sleep.

December 13 2017

6 Medical Emergency Tips

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December 13 2017

Top 5 Conditions that Land Seniors in the ER

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Heart attacks, strokes, chronic infections – these are the only conditions we think impact the elderly’s health and prompting a subsequent ER visit. But there are a number of other reasons that lead the elderly to visit an emergency center. When it comes to your senior loved one, make sure you’re prepared for any medical emergency by researching common conditions that land seniors in the ER. Continue reading to learn more about some of these diseases and injuries.

1. Heart Disease

This is one of the most common reasons why elderly people visit the ER. Chest pains and shortness of breath are the two symptoms that point towards possible heart disease. Although not all chest pains are related to heart disease, visiting an emergency center is always recommended for elderly patients.

2. Complications of Medical Treatment

Elderly patients are already on so many medications that one of them is bound to cause some kind of a reaction. Sometimes they visit emergency centers when a medicine does not agree with their body. It is important that they inform their doctors of all the medications that are a part of their regimen as well as all of their medical problems. This will help the doctors in prescribing the appropriate medication for them.

3. Infections

Infections are very common amongst the elderly. As they age, their immune system weakens and their body loses the capability to fight disease. This is when infections start to develop. Infections also develop when elderly people do not consume the right amount of food and liquids. One common infection that occurs due to lack of fluids in the body is urinary tract infection. Consuming the right amount of food and water is the best way to avoid infections.

4. Accidents

Poor vision, inability to walk properly, and overall weakness causes a lot of problems for seniors. Falls are the most common type of accidents that can lead to a visit to an emergency center. Weak and brittle bones are another problem that can lead to fractures and long term disability.

5. Spinal Disorders

Conditions affecting the soft tissue and bony elements of the spine can force elderly adults to visit an emergency center. Some of these conditions can affect the spinal cord which is a highly delicate structure in the body and is integral in maintaining normal nervous function. Looking for an emergency care center in Victoria? Look no further than Victoria ER. We are a 24 hour emergency care center that provides compassionate and quick medical treatment. Click here to contact us.

December 13 2017

5 Most Common Diabetic Emergencies

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Type 2 diabetes, commonly known as adult onset diabetes, can damage nerves, blood vessels and almost each and every part of your body. Diabetes can even cause medical emergencies when not controlled properly. With a proper and regular check on the blood sugar level, you can avoid these emergency situations:

Heart Attack

People suffering from diabetes are at a greater risk of heart attack as compared to others. Diabetes damages the blood vessels, nerves and arteries which supply blood to the heart. This damage causes chest pains and shortness of breath which ultimately leads to a heart attack. You can avoid this situation by getting cardio tests done on a regular basis.

Kidney Failure

Diabetes impacts kidneys as well and is a leading cause of kidney failure amongst many diabetic patients. It is important for them to get their routine urine and blood tests done in order to find out about the function of kidneys. Regular tests will help in understanding and treating the issue as soon as it arises instead of rushing to the ER when an emergency occurs.

Vision Loss

Diabetes is a leading cause of loss of vision in many parts of the world. Nerves are damaged and due to poor blood supply, vision loss occurs. Patients should visit an Ophthalmologist on a regular basis and make sure that their vision is not being impacted by this condition.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar which occurs when there is a lack of insulin in the body. When symptoms like excessive thirst, blurry vision and excessive urination occur, know that there may be a potential emergency situation. Make sure that you visit the emergency center as soon as you experience any of these symptoms.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar which undoubtedly can be another emergency situation. Symptoms such as sweating, shakiness and changes in mental status may signal that the patient needs immediate medical attention. As the sugar level is low, you can help the patient by giving him something sweet to eat and then head over to the emergency center. Also adjust the level of insulin intake to recover from this situation. Looking for an emergency care center in Victoria? Look no further than Victoria ER. We are a 24 hour emergency care center that provides compassionate and quick medical treatment. Click here to contact us.

December 13 2017

10 Most Common Causes for an ER Visit

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Thinking about the emergency room might take you back to the dramatic scene from a movie where emergency rooms are visited after a brutal accident. But there are many other reasons why an emergency room may be visited. Do you know the top 10? Read on to find out:

10. Chest Pains

A number of people visit emergency rooms because they experience chest pains. A common perception is that chest pains are a sign of a heart attack. However, little is known about the fact that most of the patients visiting an ER due to chest pain are not diagnosed with cardiac diseases.

9. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pains are becoming a popular reason to visit the ER. Simple problems like indigestion can result in abdominal pain. However, they are also a sign of kidney stones, food poisoning and other serious illnesses.

8. Toothaches

When you think about the ER, toothache is the last thing that might come to your mind. However, they are a common reason for visiting the ER. When dentist clinics are closed, the only option patients are left with is the ER.

7. Sprains and Broken Bones

Sprains are common. They can happen to anyone, regardless of their age. Thus, they are a popular reason of a visit to the ER. Accidents causing broken bones are also a common reason for visiting the ER.

6. Upper Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are becoming common, thus this disease is also one of the top ten reasons for visiting the ER. Common causes are cold, flu, viruses and even cardiac diseases.

5. Cuts and Contusions

Not all lacerations require suture repair but some do. Some people require a tetanus immunization after a cut.. Minor cuts are usually treated at home. Contusions, head trauma, and bruises are however, a common reason to visit the ER.

4. Back Pain

More and more people are visiting the ER due to back pains. A common reason is inappropriate posture and long working hours and sitting in front of the PC.

3. Skin Infections

Skin infections create abnormal reactions in the body. As the skin is responsible for protecting our body, an infection hinders this responsibility. With the increased visit to the ER due to skin infection, ER doctors are now able to treat this disease quite effectively.

2. Foreign Objects in the Body

Bizarre incidents such as coins inside the body or a button inside the ear have not even spared the ER and are a common reason for visiting an ER.

1. Headaches

Believe it or not, ER doctors see more headaches than you can ever expect! Obviously, usual headaches are not treated in the ER, but chronic migraines are definitely treated. Also, severe headaches can be a symptom of meningitis, cerebral hemorrhaging or a brain tumor which is why they are treated in the ER Are you looking for an efficient emergency care center? We, at Victoria ER, provide complete emergency services for adults as well as children.

December 13 2017

How to Deal With & Prepare for a Medical Emergency

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A medical emergency can occur at any point, anytime, anywhere! Instead of panicking in an emergency situation, why not prepare yourself beforehand. Having an action plan, the required emergency kit, and being equipped with the right knowledge will help you in saving lives of people in your home. Go through the following steps to prepare yourself for an emergency situation:

Always keep a well stocked emergency kit at home, in your car and in your office. This is one of the most essential aspects for preparing for an emergency. Not only does it help in providing instant care whenever an emergency arises, but it might just save a life!
Written records of medical information should be maintained. If you or anyone in your house is suffering from a medical condition, it is essential that medical information is properly maintained and is handy so that it can be easily accessed when required.
Attending a first aid and CPR class is essential. Many of us believe that we know the steps to be taken in an emergency. However, there are nitty-gritty details of handling emergencies which we might not know until we attend a class.
Emergency numbers should always be kept near your telephone. Although you can save emergency contact information in a smartphone, you still need to have a printed copy near the landline.. This might be helpful when you aren’t at home and someone else needs to make a call!
Recognize emergency symptoms. You should be aware of the symptoms a person might experience which indicate an emergency. Knowing these symptoms will help you in taking action immediately.
When you’re rushing to the emergency care center, do not forget to take the previous medical records with you. This will help the doctors in knowing the patient’s medical history and treatment will be performed accordingly.
Above all, DO NOT panic! Even after attending first aid classes and gaining all the information, if you panic when the emergency occurs, you will fail to handle the situation properly. Keep yourself calm and composed while handling the emergency.

Are you aware of immediate emergency care services in Texas? If not, then Victoria ER is what you should look for! With a wide range of emergency services provided by the facility, we make sure that our patients are treated as soon as they enter our center. Click here for more information!

December 13 2017

How to Avoid Medication Overdose

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Overdose occurs when more than the required dose medicine is consumed. Over the past several years, unintentional medication overdoses have been steadily on the rise. There are certain drugs which cause overdose, such as pain killers, medicines taken for cold and cough, antidepressants, sedatives and medicines for ADHD. Some of these drugs can be avoided such as sedatives; however, if they are required, they should be strictly administered by your doctor. Not doing so will lead to serious health consequences. In case of emergency, rush to a 24 hour emergency care center. But before you experience any such situation, it is important to understand the causes of medication overdose:

Wrong Dose

A very common cause of medicine overdose is incorrect dose. Many people do not consider the importance of taking the medicine in the amount prescribed by the doctor and consume an inappropriate amount. Over the counter drugs are not prescribed by doctors, thus many of us just consume the amount we think is right. This is very common with pain killers. When we treat our headaches and backaches with non-prescribed pain killers, we are unaware of the dose and usually consume more than required. Also, using an inaccurate dosing device or spoon may also lead to wrong dosage.

Consuming too many Medicines

If you have already been prescribed few medicines by your doctor, do not take the risk of taking over the counter drugs without consulting your physician. Some medicines, when taken together, may react and harm your body. Thus make sure that when combining medicines, always consult your doctor!

Shared Medicines

Not every medicine is suitable for everyone. When using a medicine, make sure that you consult your doctor or read the label to have an idea of whether it is suitable for you or not. Labels also provide information regarding conditions under which the medicine should not be consumed, so you can get a fair idea if it is right for you or not.

Addiction

Many of us are addicted to medicines! Yes. A lot of us take pain killers just when we start experiencing a headache, not realizing that we had a tiring day at work, thus the headache. A lot of people are addicted to sleep-inducing drugs and antidepressants. These drugs are harmful for health and may even lead to an emergency. They should not be consumed, unless prescribed by the doctor! Looking for a perfect emergency care center in Victoria? Victoria ER offers the best emergency services to its patients. Our high standard of quality ensures proper medical treatment for our patients. Click here for more information about us.