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Understanding SIDS

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SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, refers to the sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of a healthy baby. The following article isn’t meant to frighten or disturb you, but to supply you with the necessary information needed to help keep your child safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 3,400 sudden and unexpected infant deaths occur in the United States. SIDS deaths frequently take place in the winter months, and boys are more likely to die from the syndrome than girls.

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms or warning signs. Yet, it is comforting to know that SIDS rates declined considerably from 130.0 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 33.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019.

Because there are no symptoms or warning signs, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, yet it is possible to keep your baby safer during sleep by following these tips:

  • Place your baby to sleep on his or her back
  • Keep the crib as bare as possible, avoiding excess blankets, pillows, and toys
  • Don’t overheat your baby  
  • Consider having your baby sleep in your room

Additionally, it’s comforting to know that at Victoria ER, our skilled, trained, and board-certified physicians provide the ultimate pediatric care for you and your family. We’re available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing the care you need and deserve.

We offer a warm, inviting environment for your child, including a special exam room decorated with calm, peaceful colors to further ensure your little one feels happy and secure during his or her visit.

After all, when your child feels sick or gets injured, you should have a caring, professional team by your side to give you answers and relief—that’s what you’ll find at Victoria ER.

young child wearing mask

When is an Allergic Reaction an Emergency?

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Today more than ever, allergies affect our kids’ health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts over 5.6 million kids as allergic to pollen and more than 4.8 million with food allergies. 

As parents, it’s up to us to be vigilant and keep our kids safe from anything that might cause a severe allergic reaction. More and more kids travel with an epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen, to keep a reaction under control. 

However, some reactions require much stronger treatments. Your child may need medical intervention if his or her allergy is too intense and triggers a life-threatening case of anaphylaxis, essentially a hypersensitivity reaction.

Common Allergens

wheat

One of the most common allergens is pollen. Also known as Hay Fever, this looks like a sneezing fit combined with an asthma attack. The floating spores make kids wheeze, itch, or experience some swelling in their mouth and throat, and possibly break out into a rash. 

The ragweed plant and its relatives, like chamomile, can also trigger intense allergic reactions. Pay attention to any plants that produce high amounts of pollen, have toxic leaves or flowers, or kill surrounding plants, as they tend to trigger reactions in kids sensitive to pollen. 

Wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts can all trigger reactions after they’re eaten. Anything from an itchy throat to diarrhea and vomiting can be a sign that a child is allergic to a specific food.

You’ve likely heard horror stories about people who have allergies to bee stings, (about five percent of the population have abee deadly allergy to bee stings), but what about cockroaches? This common pest can cause asthma attacks. Dust mites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other common bugs can also cause redness, itchiness, and swelling.

When to see a doctor

Be aware of any symptoms in your child the moment he or she reports feeling ill. Your child may wheeze, feel an itchy mouth or throat, or develop a rash. Normally, you can treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medication. If symptoms don’t die down or appear to get worse after your child takes treatment, it’s time to go to the hospital. 

Extreme reactions may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extreme swelling in the face or throat

Tell your doctor about anything your child ate or may have touched before the reaction occurred. Also, let your doctor know if you have already tried an EpiPen or other medications. 

The staff at Victoria ER helps children manage allergic reactions 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel your child may be in danger, come and see for assistance. In the meantime, have your child tested for any potential allergies and learn more about how to manage them from your pediatrician. 

baby swallow pill

If Your Baby Swallows a Pill, Do This!

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Teddy Bear wearing stethoscopeBeing a parent is hard, right? Let’s admit that and get it out of the way now. Regardless of age—infant, toddler, preschooler, teen, young adult—you never stop worrying about your child. That being said, it’s possible that the younger years are the most difficult. When you have a baby on your hands, you want to bubble wrap them, ensuring nothing bad happens.

Unfortunately, accidents still unfold, accidents that include swallowing pills or tablets. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that roughly 60,000 young children under the age of five are taken to the emergency room each year because they swallowed a pill of some kind.

The skilled, professional, and friendly staff at Victoria ER, a 24-Hour Emergency Center, is here to help you when an accident like this takes place.

Of course, to prevent your baby from swallowing something he or she shouldn’t swallow, keep it—whatever “it” is—locked up. For example, always store medications, pills, and tablets out of reach, either in medicine cabinets or on high shelves. Additionally, make sure all of your medication bottles are locked and protected with childproof caps.

Open pill bottle and pills spilling outThat being said, again, accidents can and do occur, so it’s necessary to be prepared.

Please understand that while all types of medications can be dangerous to children, the most toxic ones are:

  • Heart Medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Pain Relievers
  • Prescriptions Drugs
  • Over-the-Counter Medications

If you suspect your baby has swallowed a pill or tablet listed above—or, for that matter, any pill or table that wasn’t meant for them—there are warning signs to be aware of, such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Unusual Sleeping
  • Abnormal Drooling
  • Seizure

Baby getting a check-up from DoctorIf your baby starts to demonstrate any of these signs, especially if he or she goes into a seizure, take action right away—without hesitation. Remember, safety comes first! As such, either drive your child to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. If you can, bring the medication your baby swallowed to the hospital, as this will allow the doctors to better assess the situation and establish an accurate treatment plan for your child.

Even if your baby doesn’t show signs of sickness, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you know he or she swallowed a pill, consider calling poison control, your family doctor, or get to the local ER. We’ll say it again because it matters: safety comes first! Don’t risk your child’s health.

Though it’s easier said than done, don’t panic. Further, don’t blame yourself. Once the accident has taken place, the only course of action to take is to move forward—and our team will help you do that.

You and your family can rely on our top-notch pediatric care. Our physicians are board-certified and trained to treat special pediatric ER cases. Better yet, we’re prepared to make your child’s visit quick and comfortable. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year—including holidays.

Yes, being a parent is hard, particularly when your child is sick—but with Victoria ER by your side, you don’t have to face the challenge alone.

Merry_Christmas

Kids Christmas Gifts & Tips

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Parents, did you know December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month? Approximately 3 billion toys are sold within the United States each year and your attention is important. This holiday season, your family and friends may want to give your children a gift they’re sure to remember and be entertained by for months to come, but some of these toys can be dangerous. 

Standard testing of children’s toys by the CPSC, or U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has helped to create confidence within American families who plan to purchase gifts by requiring all products be tested in laboratories around the world. Most parents and caretakers are already aware that smaller parts can pose as a choking hazard to children, but what lurks within the plastics or metals your child may come into contact with can be scarier.

The CPSC helps to enforce toy standards which keeps dangerous products containing lead or high amounts of phthalates at ports from where they are shipped and out of the marketplace before they come into contact with children.

It’s important to read labels and all instructions from the manufacturer regarding the product which you are buying before leaving it within your child’s reach. You should always separate gifts and toys within your home by age group, whether they’re placed in different bins or kept on a shelf away from younger children.

Once your children’s gifts have been opened, discard any plastic wrapping and unnecessary toy packaging before it has the chance to become a problem. If a toy requires batteries, the installation and changing of them should be supervised by adults. Don’t forget that chargers or certain adapters can also pose a risk for thermal burns and electric hazards for younger kids; warnings on labels and instructions should be taken seriously as some of these products lack the ability to prevent overcharging. 

Ultimately, adults should always supervise children and their friends when playing with toys that require small parts or accessories, and take proper precautions when using scooters, bikes, or any other riding toys which can transport children. 

A safer holiday can make for a healthier and happier one, keeping your child free from risks or being seriously injured. At Victoria ER, we are prepared for the unexpected and are able to treat any emergency. If you find your child needs immediate attention, don’t hesitate as our staff is available and ready to make your family a priority 24/7, including holidays and weekends.

 

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A COVID-19 Holiday

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The holidays are a reminder of how much the health of our friends and family matter to one another, and Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center wants that to continue into the new year. One can begin protecting your loved ones by taking proper precautions against the virus, whether that means social distancing or getting a PCR or COVID-19 Rapid Test before traveling for the holidays. If every individual aims to incorporate the safety guidelines below, we may help decrease the coronavirus cases that are rising throughout the Crossroads.

Celebrate with Your Household
Any family members or roommates who are taking consistent measures against COVID-19 are at low risk for spreading the virus. Keeping the invite list short protects your gathering from individuals who may have been exposed through public transportation, it also allows you to properly social distance during the gathering, and proper safety measures such as wearing masks and handwashing are easier to practice.

Feeling Ill? Just hold still.
Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center reminds you that COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms that may easily be confused with conditions such as allergies, the flu, or just a cold. Although some individuals who were exposed may not experience severe symptoms, or any symptoms, the coronavirus is highly contagious, and it is recommended to not attend any gatherings for 14 days. A COVID-19 case can be easily diagnosed at Victoria ER where our ER Nurses and ER Doctors consult you in your vehicle, perform a nasal swab, and will provide you with results in 15 minutes. Learn more about our COVID-19 services here.

Continue the Basics
Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center asks the Crossroads area to carry on these prevention tips.

  1. Clean Hands: Wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
  2. Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  3. Don’t Touch: Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  4. Avoid: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you do need to be around others, put distance between them and yourself.

Victoria ER is available throughout the holidays, day or night, for every emergency you or a loved one may be going through. Experience concierge care, COVID-19 safety protocols, and no wait time for every visit. Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions 24/7 at (361) 214-3813. Because COVID-19 information is constantly updating, you can find current details and resources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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When Should You Visit An ER

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When should you go to the ER? At Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center, your emergency is our priority. Learn about the 5 most common emergency symptoms for an ER visit.

Lacerations & Wounds

When uncertain about how serious your injury may be, Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center believes it is best to seek immediate emergency care. Lacerations can require sutures depending on the severity of the wound or could require a tetanus shot if the injury resulted from a human or animal bite.

Back Pain

People are frequently visiting the ER due to back pain. Although some back pain will be relieved with rest, unrelenting pain accompanied with fever, numbness, or weakness would require emergency care for an underlying medical condition.

Headaches & Migraines

Headaches are common reasons to visit an emergency room. Migraines are usually presented with symptoms that are not presented with your average headache, such as fever, weakness, double vision, or confusion. The goal for ER doctors is to ensure that there is no life-threatening issue and to help reduce suffering.

Chest Pain

Although chest pain typically aligns with heart-related issues, there could be a variety of causes. Chest pain is common and can be linked to heart attacks which would require immediate intervention from an ER physician as they can be fatal.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is not normal, and is commonly seen in an ER when the pain is severe and unrelenting. Severe stomach pain accompanied with fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms is an emergency and would require care from a facility like Victoria ER 24 Hour Emergency Center.

 

Without the wait of an over-crowded hospital emergency room, Victoria ER offers no wait times in a comfortable, inviting waiting room designed to deliver the most pleasant patient experience possible. We are prepared to handle your medical emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and no appointment is needed.

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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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How to Cool Down & Stay Safe at the Pool

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Warm weather and swimming go hand in hand. When the heat of summer finally rolls in, don’t let an injury hold you back from perfecting your cannonball.

Whether you’ve got a backyard oasis or you’re visiting the neighborhood pool, aquatic safety is a must for fun in the sun. Learn more about pool safety and sanitation to ensure you and your loved ones have a fun and safe summer.

Carefully monitor chlorine levels 
Chlorine levels in your pool must be monitored to ensure that they’re not too low or too high. If they’re too low, the pool may have dangerous germs and infections lurking in the depths. If they’re too high, swimming in the pool can cause painful burns and rashes. The CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas for private pool owners. Some diseases spread by unsanitary pool conditions are listed below.

      • Diarrheal infections
      • Rashes
      • Ear, respiratory and skin infections

 

Be careful – public pools and waterparks are more likely to be over-chlorinated and you won’t be able to personally monitor levels. As an adult, it will be easier for you to quickly identify symptoms of chlorine burn on yourself before they become serious. It’s often more difficult to do the same for your child. Instead, watch for the warning signs, including itching skin or rubbing eyes excessively, red, tender rashes and an overwhelming smell of chlorine. After prolonged exposure, even 30 minutes, serious symptoms may develop. Some of these are listed below.

    • Skin redness, tenderness or itchiness at sight of contact
    • Skin lesions, which may blister or even bleed in severe cases
    • Scales, crust or scabs on the skin

 

 

Treat mild to moderate chlorine burns by flushing the affected area with cool water for 10-15 minutes.

In extreme cases, the skin may develop bulbous-looking blisters, filled with fluids, and the skin may begin to turn white and peel. If you or a loved one experience these symptoms after swimming in a chlorinated pool, you should seek immediate medical care as ruptured blisters can lead to scarring and even infection. To learn more about keeping your pool safe and sanitary, go to the CDC’s informational page.

Keep a very close eye on children 
Many children who drown are missing for only a few minutes and under the supervision of both parents. Here are some quick tips to ensure your child’s safety.

 

Proper barriers around pools protect children from injury and drowning.

 

      • Put up appropriate barriers around the pool to keep children from falling in
      • Teach children to ask permission to go swimming
      • Remind children to always swim with buddies and make sure they know where their friends are at all times
      • Limit the amount of time they’re under direct sun from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      • If a child is missing, check the water first – seconds are often the difference in death and disability

 

You can also enroll children in swimming classes from an early age. Some classes even teach toddlers how to float on their backs if they fall into water. Visit the Red Cross website to find classes near you.

Proper drain covers
Ensure that any pool you visit – whether it’s public or in someone’s yard – has proper drain covers and teach children to not swim near or play with and remove them. As harmless as they may seem, uncovered drains can cause serious injuries. This is especially true for public pools that need stronger drainage and suction. A large drain can trap an adult, sucking in a limb or your hair, and cause drowning. If you’re visiting a public pool, or even a spa, and see that a drain cover is damaged or missing, immediately alert staff.

Victoria ER wants to help you enjoy summers with your family while staying safe, whether you’re diving into the deep end or tubing at a waterpark. Visit poolsafely.gov for more information and let us know your favorite spots to cool down in the summer!

 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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Symptoms in Your Child that You Can’t Ignore

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Runny noses, stomachaches, rashes and minor cuts are only few of the ailments that occur in all children from time to time. Just as the times have changed, so have health issues. Parents need to understand what signs and symptoms should be taken seriously, and when they can be handled at home. Here are a few symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore in your child:

High Fever

Is your child’s skin flushed and hot? If the answer is yes, your usual reaction will be to grab a thermometer. Grabbing a thermometer is appropriate but it is not the only thing to do in this situation. It is always recommended that you look at the child’s condition instead of relying on the readings of the thermometer. If your child looks weak and sick – regardless of the temperature – you should consult your doctor immediately or visit an ER in case your doctor isn’t available.

Severe Headache

Just before going to school, your child complains of a bad headache. How do you decide if you should let her skip school or not? Minor headaches do not require skipping school and can be treated with over the counter medicines. However, if the headache is severe and the child complains frequently of it, there is good reason to visit your doctor. If your child’s appetite exhibits sudden changes or he/she does not show interest in playing because of the headache, visit your doctor.

Abdominal pain

Sometimes abdominal pain can be taken very casually and parents do not pay much attention to it when their child complains of it. However, abdominal pain can be serious and should be given medical attention as soon as it occurs. If your child develops associated fever, vomiting or decrease in appetite, make sure that you consult your doctor right away.

Stiff Neck

If your child wakes up in the morning and is unable to turn his head without feeling pain, then it might be because he/she slept wrong. But if the same symptoms occur with a fever – then his or her condition might be serious. Even if the pain is due to an injury, see your doctor or the nearest emergency care service. If your child is suffering from any of these symptoms and you aren’t sure of its severity, don’t take a chance. Visit an emergency center immediately. If you’re looking for the best option in Victoria,TX, contact Victoria ER! The center offers quality emergency service along with excellent patient care.

 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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