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Celebrating National Doctor’s Day With Q&A

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There are over 45,000 emergency physicians in the U.S., and at Victoria ER, we have the some of the best of these doctors practicing at our facility.

Since it’s National Doctor’s Day, we’re going to hear from of our physicians, Dr. Joseph Hathorn, on why he become a physician and how Victoria ER bridges the gap between a traditional emergency department and concierge-style care.

 

What made you want to become a physician?

When I was in high school, I had a Physics teacher encourage me to consider a career in medicine. It was always a consideration but I didn’t really seriously focus on the possibility until after that point. Having a well-respected teacher who believed in me like that had a huge effect. When I entered college I had already made my mind up that I would be pre-med. I think going into college knowing exactly what I wanted to do helped me to become impervious to the typical distractions that college kids, especially freshmen, can easily fall prey to.

So, what’s a typical day at the facility look like for you?

My day at the facility typically starts at 9am. When I first come in, I check with the outgoing physician to see if there are any patients that need to be signed out so that I can assume care. If there are patients, we will go over the patient’s history and current status in the facility and see if there are any pending test results.

After that is done, I will go to my call room and get myself ready for the day. I will usually eat breakfast and get myself settled in for the day. I will do patient callbacks, something that the oncoming physician must do, usually during the first portion of the shift.

If there is any down time or a period where there are no patients, I may try to catch up on reading or spend some time on anything that needs my immediate attention.

How does Victoria ER differ from other emergency departments?

Working at this facility is a “breath of fresh air” when compared to a typical hospital ER. Unlike at the hospital, I can see patients very quickly and give them the quality time and service that they truly deserve. Patients are very appreciative of this and we know it makes a difference in their care experience.

I also like the fact that test results come back much faster when compared to the hospital. This means our patients are on their way to feeling better, faster. Our staff is motivated by the positive patient experience and in return, they’re able to perform their jobs optimally. It is a win-win for the patients and the staff taking care of them.

Victoria ER is a state-of-the-art facility with CT scanner, X-Ray and ultrasound in addition to our comprehensive list of lab services. Our ER trained and experienced physicians are committed to providing with you the no-wait, exceptional emergency care experience you deserve 24/7. Your health and satisfaction is our priority.

Want to learn more about the services we provide? Check out this page. 

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 Joins the Run Against Cancer

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Every year, 12.7 million people will discover they have cancer. Of those people, over 7 million will succumb to this disease. But research suggests that nearly 40 percent of these deaths can be prevented with awareness and early detection.

While deaths from cancer have gone down in the past decade, there’s still plenty we can do to educate ourselves and others about early detection, which can save lives. At Victoria ER, we decided to contribute to this cause by sponsoring the Citizens Medical Center Run Against Cancer. Keep reading to learn more key cancer facts and see pictures from the event, where some of our own staff ran.

Despite the increase in quality of life, including advanced medical care, cancer rates are rising. Experts mostly attribute the rising numbers to longevity, meaning we’re outliving our ancestors. So how can we take steps towards protecting our long-term health? Check out our tips below.

 

  • Don’t smoke. Not only does smoking significantly increase your chances of developing lung cancer, it also increases the risk of a whole host of other cancers including breast, prostate and brain.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being obese doesn’t just increase risk of cancer, it also means you’re more likely to suffer from heart disease and even stroke.
  • Get vaccinated. Some cancers, like certain ovarian cancers, can be prevented completely by vaccination.
  • Limit alcohol intake. A glass of red once in a while won’t hurt you, but if you’re used to at least one alcoholic drink a day, you may need to decrease your intake.
  • Research your family history. Some cancers, like breast, are more likely to occur in close relations than other cancers.
  • Avoid red meats. The CDC now lists red meats, like beef, hot dogs and chorizo, as carcinogenic in large amounts. Stick with white meats, like chicken or fish, and save the steaks for special occasions.
  • Keep regular appointments with your doctor. This is especially true as we grow older and our risk of cancer increases. Make sure you see a physician for your physical at least once a year and discuss how you can protect your longterm health.

 

If you’d like to learn more about how you can contribute to the Citizens Medical Center fight against cancer, visit this page. To learn more about cancer prevention, visit this page. 

Did you participate in this year’s run? Let us know how you did!

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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GO RED & Victoria ER Partner to Decrease Heart Disease in Women

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Nearly 290,000 women will die from heart disease this year, making it the number one cause of death for females, even above cancer. At Victoria ER, we wanted to do something about those numbers for our community.

On February 9, our facility sponsored the Go Red for Women Event at the Victoria Community Center in partnership with the American Heart Association to raise awareness and funds against heart disease in women. Keep reading to learn more about the event and how you can reduce your personal risk.

Go Red for Women has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Since its inception, Go Red has increased awareness and cut deaths by heart disease in women by nearly 30%. Go Red encourages women to implement changes in their everyday routine to reduce their risk of developing heart disease.

Here’s what the ladies who attended the event learned they can do to decrease their personal risk.

Avoid saturated fats and overly-processed, sugary foods. Don’t cut out fats and sugars all together – our bodies actually need both of these in moderation. When shopping, look for foods with omega 3s, a healthy fat that can improve our brain function and mood, and help balance insulin levels. You can find omega 3s in fish, nuts and some fruits, like avocados.

Get moving. Doing light to moderate exercise for even a half hour everyday significantly reduces your personal risk of developing heart disease. If you’re not a fitness guru, start with low to medium impact exercises like swimming and yoga.

Quit Smoking. Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs – it’s linked to a whole host of other diseases and cancers, including heart disease and ovarian, uterine and breast cancer. Smoking can leave carcinogenic byproducts in your body’s tissues and constricts your blood vessels, increasing your chances of heart attack and even stroke.

Drink less. If you’re used to having a drink every night, it may be time to cut back. Studies show that men and women who drink often, at least a few times a week, are at an increased risk for heart disease. If you enjoy a glass of red once or twice a week, there’s no need to worry.

If you want to learn more about Go Red, visit this page. You can join, donate to research and awareness and more. Nearly 90% of women who signed up for Go Red made at least one healthy change to their routines, including losing weight and starting an exercise regimen. We recommend our patients and the Victoria community see their regular physicians to discuss a long-term heart health plan.

Did you attend the Go Red for Women event? If you did, what did you learn?

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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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.

 

  1. 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.

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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?

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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Girl Scouts Tour Facility to Learn More About First Aid

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There are nearly 2.7 million girl scouts, and a few of our own here in Victoria came to our facility to learn more about first aid and proper sanitation.

Troop #9556, led by Ashley Reyes and Tiffany Lindsey, toured the facility and learned more about handwashing, an essential part in staying healthy and warding off harmful germs. While the girl scouts were there to earn a badge, proper hand washing is something anyone can benefit from, especially during flu and cold season. Keep reading for pictures and some helpful tips from the girl scouts’ trip to Victoria ER.

Washing hands isn’t a difficult task, but it is an important one. You come into contact with thousands of germs every day and while most of these germs are harmless, some can make you sick. More serious infections, like pneumonia, influenza, and strep throat, can land you in the hospital if it’s serious enough.

Try these easy 5 steps to make sure your hands are squeaky clean, demonstrated by our own nurse, Jenette Hill.

    1. • Wet your hands with warm or cool water. No need for very hot water – the soap does most of the work.
    1. • Use one pump of soap and lather.
    1. • Scrub in hard to reach areas, like under your nails and in between fingers. These places are havens for nasty, even harmful germs.
    1. • Rinse completely clean. If you leave any soapy residue, it could cause slight skin irritation or redness.
    1. • Dry with towel. Studies have shown that wiping hands dry afterwards helps with germ removal.
    1. The girls also learned about basic first aid, and broken bones with our lead radiologist, Ashton Lassmann.

As the girl scouts say, “be prepared,” and take the opportunity to learn more about first aid and proper sanitation. Check out where you can become certified in first aid here. 

      1. Victoria ER is committed to the education of our community. If you’d like to partner with our facility in an educational initiative, contact our Director of Marketing,

Sheila Kilgore 

    1. .Have you been to our facility yet? Let us know about your 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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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!

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 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. 

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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3 Tips you’ve Never Tried to Prevent Cold & The Flu

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For most of us, hygiene is a natural part of everyday life – we wash our hands, we cover our coughs, and we wipe down surfaces – but that doesn’t mean we don’t come into contact with nasty, even dangerous, wintertime germs.

While we try our hardest to stay healthy, even the best of us can get run down during wintertime by a cold or even the flu. Keep reading to learn how you can start feeling better in no time during the colder months.

Don’t go crazy with nasal rinses or salt gargles.  

While it might seem like you’re ridding your body of germs, overdoing it with nasal rinses and salt gargles may end up doing more harm than good. For example, tap water, which may be completely acceptable to drink, can be dangerous to use for a nasal rinse. Tiny, microscopic germs that live in tap water are essentially given a one-way ticket into the most vulnerable parts of your body.

Don’t throw out your Neti Pots just yet, though. Physicians recommend you simply boil tap water and allow it to cool to room temperature before using it, or use bottled/filtered water for your nasal rinse. And before you use a salt gargle, check with your physician to ensure this is a safe treatment for your illness. A salt gargle could alleviate symptoms in one case and exasperate them in another.

Try a couple herbal remedies

While herbal remedies can’t replace prescription drugs when it comes to treating viruses and infections, they certainly can support our immune systems and encourage our bodies to fight illness. If you’re under the weather, try cooking with certain spices and herbs, like turmeric, garlic and ginger. Turmeric is one the most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs and is found commonly in Asian dishes, like a warming soup to beat the flu. Garlic has antibacterial properties and ginger supercharges your immune system. Just stay away from any extremely spicy foods – you don’t want to irritate your stomach when you’re already under the weather.

Go old-school

Try boiling water and adding in a couple drops of essentials oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. Remove the pot from the stove and cover your head with a dishtowel while you inhale deeply, positioned over the pot. Make sure the steam isn’t too hot by hovering your hand over the pot for a moment – it can burn you just as badly as the boiling water. It’s an easy and quick method of alleviating some uncomfortable symptoms, like clogged sinuses that accompany the flu. If you’re stressed, add a drop of lavender for a nerve-soothing affect.

Don’t want to risk burning yourself? Take a warm bath and add a couple of drops to the water. Just don’t overdo it – you might end up giving yourself a headache in addition to your cold.

We want our entire community to have a fun, safe and healthy holiday season, and that means taking care of yourself. Let us know how you decompress and rest during this hectic time of year and give your body a break!

Have a cough? Fever? Sweats? You might have the flu, but check out this link to see if it’s a run-of-the-mill cold or something more serious.

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 Prevent Type 2 Diabetes & Protect Your Health

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There are nearly 30 million people in the U.S. suffering with diabetes, and in adults, 90% of these diagnoses are type 2 diabetes. While your family history does play a part in your chances of getting a certain disease, type 2 diabetes is completely preventable.

During this National Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re encouraging our community to make changes to their everyday lifestyle to decrease the likelihood of type 2 diabetes. Keep reading for our tips.

Bulk up on fiber and whole grains

Consuming fiber is a great way to naturally regulate your blood sugar levels and lower your risk of heart disease. If you’re having trouble fitting in enough fiber in your diet, try a supplement. There’s plenty on the market and you can easily grab a protein bar, with added fiber, after a workout or take a few gummies in the morning. There’s no excuses to not get enough fiber in your diet.

Whole grains can significantly reduce your chances of getting type 2 diabetes later in life. Start trading in the more processed, white grains and pastas for whole breads and other whole ready-to-eat grains.

Go see your doctor

Prevention of any disease, including diabetes, starts with awareness. Speak with your physician about your risk factors and consider getting tested to determine if you have any pre-diabetic conditions. Being able to identify these risk factors early on will help you to develop a long term health plan and combat type 2 diabetes. Consider some of the following questions while speaking with your physician.

  • What sort of exercise can I safely do right now?
  • Should I have my heart checked?
  • What foods should I avoid altogether and what foods can I enjoy in moderation?
  • If I have a pre-diabetic condition, what are some changes I can make to my lifestyle to prevent type 2 diabetes?

It’s best to write down questions for your physician beforehand so you don’t forget anything. Ask family members about any diseases that may increase your likelihood of type 2 diabetes, like heart disease or high cholesterol.

Skip out on fad diets

Fad diets that promote fast, but questionable methods of weight loss should be avoided. While weight is a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes, going on “crash” or fad diets will ultimately wreck your metabolism and may make it more difficult to achieve a healthy weight. The goal is to maintain a healthy weight and being thin doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t at risk for diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions.

Want to know more about diabetes and if you may be at risk? Visit this page for more information.

Made any changes to your diet or fitness routine? Let us know about your fitness journey!

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.

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