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A Weekend of Community Fun

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This weekend, we here at Victoria ER were overjoyed to be a part of not one, but two Victoria community events! Between the Citizens Medical Center Run Against Cancer and the Victoria Livestock Show, we had a Saturday packed full of exciting parade floats and inspiring runners. We want to share what makes Victoria so special, so here is a look back at some of the highlights from this weekend’s events.

Citizen’s Medical Center Run Against Cancer

This month is National Cancer Prevention Month, and to help fight against this disease, Victoria ER was a proud sponsor of the 2nd Annual Citizen’s Run Against Cancer. This fundraising event consisted of a half-marathon and 5K in downtown Victoria, where runners showed up in droves to raise funds for local cancer-patients in need. Victoria ER was more than just a sponsor, though. Some of our own facility employees took part in the run!

 

Victoria Livestock Show

On the very same day as the Citizen’s Run Against Cancer, the Victoria Livestock Show kicked off its annual parade. This event was another great one to take part in, because it gave Victoria ER the chance to see our community come together for fun and local pride. We got to see beautiful floats made by local organizations, including this year’s Miss Victoria float and the Hermann Sons Life float.

Victoria ER was happy to take part with our very own ER car featured in the parade.

 

Victoria is a truly unique town, and there is nothing more rewarding than being a part of our close-knit community. Getting to participate in local fundraisers and parades makes Victoria ER more than just a concierge-level medical facility. We’re your neighbors, always ready to lend a helping hand when you’re in need.

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria Emergency Room 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.

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Reducing Heart Disease

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Our hearts might all be fluttering this Valentine’s Day, but February is also American Heart Month. At Victoria ER, we want to make sure that the only reason your heart skips a beat is because your sweetheart has given you the best Valentine’s gift ever. Heart disease should never play a part.

This year, the CDC Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, in conjuncture with Million Hearts, is focusing American Heart Month on younger adults. National trends are showing that heart disease death rates are declining more slowly than they have in past years. This means that heart disease related deaths in adults age 35-64 are not going down as much as they should. More adults are dying from heart disease, compared to past years and statistics.

What can we do to prevent heart disease, then? How can we all work to keep our hearts in top condition?

Stay Active

First, it is always important to stay physically active. We hear it all the time, how much working out does for our bodies. But let’s take a closer look.

  • 150 minutes of activity per week, at least. That is 2 hours and 30 minutes, about as long as one move. If you want to have even greater physical health, then try to aim for 5 ours of physical activity per week. Exercises can be mixed of aerobic and strength raining, both moderate and vigorous. Read here at the CDC for more details about what kind of work outs you should incorporate into your routine.
  • Yoga can be great way to reduce stress and lower blood pressure while still getting physically active. If your monthly budget is tight, try following some reputable Youtube instructors or Hulu’s daily burn program in lieu of a studio or gym membership if your monthly budget is tight.
  • It is okay to split your workouts up into 10-minute segments. If you have a busy schedule, then finding time for physical activity can be difficult. Instead of searching for one hour every day to work out, why not look for 10-15 minutes? If you can find 10-15 minute exercise windows three or four times every day, then you will still be doing wonders for your long term heart health.
  • Cardio is great to quickly get your heart rate up, but strength training with moderate weights can also be just as effective in exercising your heart. As long as your heart is being exercised, what matters most is that you find an enjoyable and easy way to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Eat Good Food

Our hearts need good fuel, and to maintain good heart health, we have to make sure we eat the right foods. Avoid high sodium and trans fats to help you maintain your cholesterol. Then look for foods that promote good heart health such as:

  • Salmon, tuna, or trout.
  • Walnuts, almonds, or cashews
  • Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
  • Chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes
  • Oatmeal and barley
  • Olive or canola oil
  • Dark chocolate (yes, even the right kind of chocolate can be good for your heart!)
  • Red grapes
  • Avocados

All of these ingredients can help to promote heart health and incorporating more of them into your diets can be a tasty way to stay healthy.

Cut Out Bad Habits

No, we don’t mean stop binge-watching Netflix original series on the weekends. The kinds of bad habits that affect your heart are habits like smoking and heavy drinking.

Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products can affect nearly every organ in your body including the heart. Quitting smoking for good can add years of health back to your heart. The same goes for heavy drinking. Both of these unhealthy habits can be difficult to quit on your own, so Victoria ER recommends calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) if you or your loved one needs help and support to quit these addictive habits.

Our emergency room is open 24/7 and always available for observation care if you go into a medical emergency while you are getting clean.

 

These three steps might seem basic, but these everyday health habits can have major affects on your heart. Stay healthy this month by making a few healthier diet choices throughout the year while you’re at it. If you combine that with some regular exercise, your heart will be thanking you for the rest of your life!

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria Emergency Room 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.

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Observation Care at its Finest

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It is the middle of the afternoon, you’re pushing through the post-lunch haze at the office, but something has felt a little bit off all day. The lights are bothering you more than usual, and your eyes can’t seem to focus. You drink extra water, thinking you’re a little dehydrated, but by the time you realize what is coming, it is too late. The migraine is already here, with crippling, acute pain, and an unrelenting pounding in your head.

Or, maybe you’re home for a long weekend, trying to relax, but when you bend to pick up a pen you dropped, you feel a shooting pain on the back of your leg, and it will not go away. That stabbing ache continues, and you can just barely get to the couch before your knee gives out from under you in agony.

If you suffer from migraines or sciatica, then these scenarios might sound very familiar to you. These conditions can bring on extreme, chronic pain, and when they hit, it is hard to find relief. When your average Ibuprofen and a heating pad won’t work, Victoria ER is here to ease the burdens of acute pain emergencies and make sure you get back on your feet. Our Observation Care Program specializes in treating chronic pain conditions like migraines, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and more.

“Our Observation Program at Victoria ER features intensive, focused therapy aimed at stabilizing, treating and resolving any acute emergency condition,” Dr. Steve Gartzman explains. Sudden, intense pain can be hard for doctors to measure, which is why Dr. Gartzman recommends that anyone who experiences these conditions should call in for a self-referral. “Typical admissions to our program includes patients with migraines, acute lower back pain, acute dehydration, and Acute Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or extreme morning sickness present in some pregnant women.”

No matter the condition, Dr. Gartzman treats his patients to an overnight IV therapy treatment which re-hydrates the body, lessens pain, and supplies the body with some much-needed nutrients. All observation care patients can check in for 24-hours, giving them access to medical attention and emergent care all day and night. This extended care program makes
Victoria ER stand out in the medical community. “Our one-on-one, intensive, focused treatment by trained Emergency Medicine Nurses and Board-Certified Emergency Physicians enables us to discharge our patients home, pain-free, symptom-free and ready to resume their busy lives,” Dr. Gartzman says. “We want to nurture our patients, and get them back to pain-free health—back to their families.”

If you suffer from migraines or other painful conditions, then call Victoria ER today. You can make a self-referral appointment for overnight stay when you’re suffering, and doctors, like Dr. Gartzman, will be ready to get you in tip-top shape once again.

 

Dr. Steve Gartzman has been working as a physician for over twenty years, after receiving his medical degree from the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and spending his residency at the University of California LA’s Kern Medical Center. He has been a part of Victoria ER’s proud staff since 2015, and holds membership in the Texas College of Emergency Physicians, Texas Academy of Emergency Medicine, and American Medical Association. He feels very strongly about emergent care, and about making patients feel comfortable and cared for, even when they’re in an extreme medical crisis.

 

 

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.

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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.

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Cub Scout Pack 135 Learn How to Fight Germs in Master First Aid Class

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Cub Scouts are gearing up for summer and that means learning more about first aid and germ spread prevention. One of our own local groups, Cub Scouts Pack 135, came to our facility to earn their first responder belt loop and get a behind-the-scenes look at an emergency center. Keep reading to see if they earned their loop!

The cub scouts learned that without proper hand washing, they may be stuck inside with an illness instead of earning more loops with their pack.Hand washing is easy to do and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings.

“You should lather for at least 30 seconds when washing your hands,” said Sheila Kilgore, Marketing Director at VER. “As scouts, it’s very important that they know how to ward off germs, in addition to their first aid training.”

Remember, germs can hide under your nails and in between your fingers, which is why you should take extra care when cleaning these areas.

The scouts also learned about first aid and how to prevent serious injuries, like broken and sprained bones. They got to see first hand how the CT scanner and X-Ray machine take pictures with our radiologist technician and pack leader, Erica Reeves. Here’s our quick tips for broken bones in secluded areas.

 

    • Keep the limb with the broken bone as stable as possible. Use a stick and torn clothing to create a splint.
    • If the bone is exposed, do not attempt to splint or push the bone back into place.
    • Gently cleanse the wound area and cut away clothing from the exposed bone.
    • If the wound is bleeding, stop the flow by applying a tourniquet.
    • Wait for emergency responders in a shaded and well-protected area.

 

“The boys enjoyed their time at Victoria ER and learned a lot about hand washing,” said Erica.

To learn more about community outreach opportunities and how your cub, boy or girl scouts troupe can tour our facility, contact us here. 

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.

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Victoria ER Educates Students at Nazareth Academy Health Fair

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Did you know that the average American child consumes more than nine times the recommended amount of added sugar?

The team at Victoria ER doesn’t just treat emergencies, we want to help prevent them, too. Education and community outreach is a key component in this mission, which made the Nazareth Academy Health Fair the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about excess sugar consumption. Keep reading to see how the day went!

The American Heart Association recommends that preschool-aged children shouldn’t consume more than 170 calories daily, or 4 teaspoons, of added sugar. For children aged 4-8, added sugar daily consumption shouldn’t exceed 130 calories, or 3 teaspoons.

Children entering into their pre-teen and teenager years shouldn’t have more than 5-8 teaspoons of added sugar, depending on weight and gender. The average American child consumes 9 times more added sugar than the recommended amount for their age.

“Prevention of serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, starts early,” said Sheila Kilgore, Marketing Director at VER. “It’s so important to instill healthy dietary and fitness habits in your children at an early age. The foods we eat help our bodies run, grow, walk, think and even fight off germs.”

Our team set up a booth at the fair to show the students how much sugar they consume on a daily basis and how much sugar is in some of their favorite snacks, like chips, sodas and gummy treats. The children learned how food is fuel for the body and that a well-balanced diet is critical to their growth and development.

“We want to teach the kids that a well-balanced, conscientious diet is the best way they can support their growth and development,” said Sheila. “It’s not always easy for children to understand how much sugar they’re consuming in a highly-processed snack, which is why health fairs, like this one, are crucial to their education.”

Research shows that dietary habits established in childhood follow us into adulthood and can drastically affect our health, which is why education on sugar consumption is essential. This is especially true as cases of pre-diabetes are skyrocketing among children and teenagers, and studies reveal that certain conditions, like heart disease, begin in childhood.

“The booth was very informative,” said Kelsey Schacher, a Nazareth Academy teacher. “Our students were shocked to learn how much sugar is in the foods they choose to eat everyday. Thank you for sharing with our students!”

To learn more about choosing healthy snacks, visit this page.

Did you attend the health fair? Let us know!

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.

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Meet the EMTs of Victoria

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Emergency care isn’t just dispensed at our facilities, sometimes it starts in the ambulance, on the way to our emergency center. And while nurses and physicians are the main providers of medical care in the emergency room, there’s a completely separate team of men and women who treat patients in the ambulance.

Keep reading to hear more from Victoria EMTs for National EMS Week!

EMS, or Emergency Medical Services, teams identify wounds and conditions, stabilize and if necessary, treat patients on the way to emergency centers or before emergency services arrive. They may be EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), or paramedics and may work in variety of positions, like as a firefighter. It’s often their expert training that saves patients in critical, life-threatening situations.

Victoria ER wanted to honor the brave men and women who, like the emergency team at our facility, save lives in our community. Our Director of Marketing, Sheila Kilgore, dropped off treats at Victoria Fire Station 4 to show our appreciation.

“Victoria Fire Department is glad to have Victoria ER recognize our efforts to make our community safer during EMS week 2017,” said Joel Moncado, EMT-LT. “As a department, we come to work knowing that we take great satisfaction in providing the best care for our community. We appreciate the recognition because it reminds us all that we have a duty to act.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to our EMS teams in Victoria, who play a crucial part in protecting our community,” said Sheila. “We hope that the goodies we delivered will express our appreciation!”

To learn more about our emergency services,  visit this page..

Have you ever been helped by an EMT or paramedic?

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.

Honoring Our Men & Women in Blue for National Police Week

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In 1962, President Kennedy declared May 5th as National Police Memorial Day and the following week, May 14th through the 20th, as a time to honor our police forces.

Our team joined in with the rest of the nation, visiting and dropping off gift baskets for our local brave men and women in blue. Check out pictures from the day below.

Our Marketing Director, Sheila Kilgore, visited both the Sheriff’s Office and Victoria Police Department.

“Victoria ER pays special recognition to those law enforcements officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others,” said Sheila Kilgore. “During National Police Week Victoria ER would like to say thank you for your courage, commitment and for your sacrifice!”

 

“We wanted to thank our law enforcement officers in person for all that they do for our community,” said Sheila Kilgore. “While our 24 hour Emergency Center is prepared for any medical emergency, we salute our brave men and women in uniform that protect our citizens everyday in our city and we are eternally grateful for your service!”

 

“The team at Victoria ER looks forward to serving our community alongside these courageous officers,” said Sheila Kilgore. “We hope that the goodies we delivered will show our appreciation and gratitude!”

 

“To every police officer out there, thank you for making the choice to protect and serve,” said Sheila Kilgore. “It’s our time now to honor our nation’s finest!”

If you’re ever in need of medical attention, you can count on our team to dispense the emergency care you need, quickly and compassionately, in our concierge-level, no-wait facility. Victoria ER is equipped with the most advanced technology available, including CT Scanner, bedside ultrasound and X-Ray, for your care. To learn more about our services, visit this page.

To learn more about all that our local law enforcement officers do, check out this page. 

How did you honor our men and women in blue for National Police Week?

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.

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Learn How Our Nurse Impacts Your Emergency Care

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When thinking of your medical care, a doctor will most likely come to mind, but did you know that nurses are the primary providers of patient care? 

In fact, nurses also deliver most of our long-term care. In many ways, nurses are more than medical professionals, they’re also caretakers and support systems.

During this National Nurses Week, we’re going to learn more about some of the talented nursing staff at Victoria ER with one of our own, Jenette Hill, RN. Keep reading for a deeper look as to how nurses impact your emergency care!

 

Q: What made you want to be a nurse?
A: My daughter gave me the idea. I lost my job and called to give her the news. She thought a minute and said, “Well, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. You always wanted to go to college. You can always support yourself with a career in nursing.” As I looked into the nursing program, I began to get more and more interested. I was accepted into the nursing program, and there began my passion for nursing. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Q: What does a typical day at the facility look like for you?
A: Every day is different. I find that patient symptoms come in waves.  For example, some days are mostly orthopedics. The patients get an x-ray, medication for pain and a splint.  Other days, we see a lot of patients with gastrointestinal issues. These patients get an IV and have blood drawn for labs, fluids for rehydration and medication for nausea and pain. Sometimes those patients need an abdomen CT scan. Patients typically leave with a script for medications. Those are just a couple examples. We see patients with a wide range of medical issues. If necessary, they’re transferred to a hospital for further medical care. We do our best to ensure our patients are well taken care of and happy when they leave.
Q: How does your job impact the patient’s emergency care experience? 
A: I believe my job impacts the patients emergency care in a positive manner.  We don’t let our patients sit in the lobby. They are brought to a room within a few minutes of arrival.  They are seen by the physician a few minutes later.  Our staff is friendly, efficient and professional. Patients seem to be impressed that we can do so much for them. We have several patients that return to us because they had positive experience in our facility. They have also recommended us to their friends and coworkers, which is a testament to our patient satisfaction and care.
Q: What’s it like working at a freestanding facility, and specifically, your facility? 
A: After working at Victoria ER, I will never go back to a hospital ER. I enjoy my job. I actually have the opportunity to talk with my patients, instead of running into their room, then running out. I have time to teach patients how to protect their health for the future, which is incredibly rewarding. We really value accessability in emergency care, which is why patients have the opportunity to talk to any of the staff or the doctor during their visit.

Victoria ER is your local emergency center, offering no-wait concierge-level medical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our facility is equipped with the most advanced technology available, including CT scanner, X-Ray and bedside ultrasound, for your care. To learn more about the services we offer, visit this page.

Have you visited our facility? Let us know how we can improve your emergency care experience!

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.
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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!

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.

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