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May 13 2022

Tips for Skin Care

skilgore Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice, News, Resources

Are you currently—and properly—taking care of your skin? That’s kind of a broad question, right? One that can produce a variety of answers. Simply put, your skin is important, and at Victoria ER, we want to help ensure you’re treating it as such.

There are many different skin types, including sensitive skin, dry skin, and oily skin. It’s necessary to know and understand your specific skin type in order to give it the care it needs and deserves. In general, though, there are universal tips to protect all skin types, such as:

Avoid tanning beds
Wear sunscreen daily
Don’t touch your face
Regularly check your skin
Find (and use) products appropriate for your skin type

While these are beneficial tips to pursue regularly, what should you do if you’re already experiencing an issue with your skin? Below, we’ve put together healing tips for common skincare problems.

Sunburns
A sunburn can be irritating and uncomfortable, even dangerous. To relieve the burn, you can try applying aloe or over-the-counter moisturizer to your skin. Additionally, take a cool bath or shower and/or apply cool compresses to the burn areas. Soaking in a bath with oatmeal, baking soda, cornstarch, or cider vinegar can assist with inflammation and itching. You’ll also want to rehydrate with water or juice. Consider taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. If the burn has blisters or the skin feels numb, you’ll want to see a doctor.

Eczema
Are you suffering from eczema? It’s important not to scratch. Find a product that works well for your skin type, and then moisturize at least twice a day. You can also apply an anti-itch cream to the affected area and/or take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. Further, you can apply bandages to the affected area, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home, and even wear non-itchy clothing to reduce irritation. And, one more time, whatever you do, don’t scratch!

Poison Ivy
As with eczema, if you have poison ivy, it’s imperative that you don’t scratch. Most cases of poison ivy will go away within one to three weeks. To help soothe irritation and/or pain, apply any type of calamine lotion or cream that contains menthol. An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, can provide relief and help you sleep better. There are other types of antihistamines you can purchase over-the-counter that won’t make you drowsy. Additionally, cold compresses can soothe problematic areas. If the blisters/rash do not fade within a week or so, you may want to think about seeing a doctor.

Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Flesh-eating bacteria is a rare infection of the skin and the tissues below the skin. This type of bacteria can spread quickly and aggressively, entering the body through any of the following:

Surgical wounds
Puncture wounds or other injuries
Burns
Minor cuts
Insect bites
Abrasions

If not treated immediately and accurately, the bacteria can be deadly. Therefore, if you believe you’ve been exposed in any way to flesh-eating bacteria, it’s vital to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lacerations
Lacerations, another broad term, can refer to myriad types of cuts, scrapes, and bites. Generally, these types of wounds are common and shouldn’t worry you. Yet, it’s still necessary to treat them accordingly. First, stop the bleeding of the laceration by applying firm and direct pressure to it with sterile gauze. Next, you’ll want to clean the area with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, and then cover the wound with a bandage. If the laceration is bleeding severely, or you’re not able to stop the bleeding, then you need to see a doctor. If the laceration is deep and looks as if it requires stitches, you’ll also want to see a doctor.

Moles
It generally takes a trained eye to determine if a particular spot on your skin is a mole, and whether or not that mole is troublesome. If you have a mole you’re unsure about, especially if it’s changed size, color, or texture, you should visit a doctor. Only a doctor can easily and safely remove a mole and have it medically tested to understand it better. Once the mole has been properly removed, the skin will heal. If the mole grows back, see your doctor.

Remember, skin is your body’s largest organ. If you don’t take care of your skin, who will? If you do happen to experience any sort of issue, illness, or injury, Victoria ER is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–even on holidays and weekends. Victoria ER is dedicated to providing our local community with access to fast, quality, and concierge-level emergency care.

March 3 2022

Spring Bucket List

skilgore Diet & Fitness, Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice, Mental Health, News, Resources, Wellness & Community Outreach Ideas

Though the winter season seems like it may never end, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is making its beautiful way to us here in the south and we are ready to help you enjoy the soon to be warmer weather! Capturing the best of this season doesn’t need to be expensive and your family may enjoy a change of pace.

1. Bake a Seasonal Pie

In spring, luscious fruits like apricots and cherries are in full bloom and ready for harvest. Utilizing fruits that are in season to bake a fresh pie will give you a chance to brush up on your baking skills and maybe even perfect them just in time for your Easter feast.

2. Climb Trees Together

Isn’t it nice to see all the greenery outside returning to its natural shade? Early in the morning or mid-afternoon is a great time to take your family to the park or grab your bike and ride solo. Climbing trees with your kids will not only speak to your inner child, but will be a memory your kids remember forever, especially if it’s not something you’re used to doing. No matter how young or old you are, just make sure you do it safely! In case of emergency, head over to Victoria ER for immediate care; we are open 24/7 and even treat pediatrics.

3. Feed The Ducks

Did you know bread can be harmful to ducks? Try taking your little ones to the pond with oats, seeds, rice, or grapes cut in half. Your kids will surely get a kick out of feeding the ducks and wildlife always appreciates an extra snack they don’t have to work for.

4. Pick Berries

Berry picking with families and siblings is a great tradition to carry on. You don’t even have to wait until
late summer like you think you do. Blueberries and strawberries are prominent within our area during mid to late spring, and they are delicious! Many smaller towns within the Crossroads may even host a festival for these special fruits.

5. Spring Cleaning

Hosting a family or multiple family garage sale is a great way to spend time with your extended family and bring in a little extra cash on the side as well. Getting rid of and purging items you may no longer need will help to declutter your space. This is also a great opportunity to socialize with your neighbors and have your kids get rid of toys or games they’ve outgrown.

During spring, new life is in full bloom and being busy is an understatement! No matter the state of your emergency, Victoria ER treats all injuries such as allergic reactions, venomous bites, concussions, and lacerations in both adults and children! We’re open 24/7 and ready to help you as soon as you need it.

December 13 2017

Why We Can’t Accept Medicare or Medicaid

skilgore Industry Information, News, Resources medicaid, medicare 0

You can’t plan for emergencies. And when it comes to your loved ones and their emergencies, the last thing you want to think about will be how to pay. It’s important to know your payment options for emergencies so you’re prepared when the time arrives. Stand-alone ER centers, like Victoria ER, are unable to accept Medicare and Medicaid. Unfortunately, this isn’t a choice made by us. The government doesn’t allow stand-alone ER centers to accept these payment plans. But we will never turn away a patient because of inability to pay in life-threatening situations. Let’s look at the reasons as to why we can’t accept Medicare and Medicaid, some alternative payment options and the growing benefits of stand-alone ER centers.

We Are Not Part of a Hospital System

Unlike traditional ERs, which are connected to hospitals, Victoria ER and other stand-alone ER centers are not part of a hospital system. Although this is the case, stand-alone ERs can transfer and admit patients to the hospital of their choice. Traditional ERs admit patients directly to the hospital they are affiliated with. This can lead to very high wait times and a limited number of staff to care for the waiting patients. These wait times are often an inevitability of traditional ER rooms.

Benefits of a Stand-Alone ER Center

While stand-alone ER centers are not affiliated with hospitals, they often have agreements with nearby hospitals to admit patients directly from their own centers. This ensures you’ll always get the critical attention you deserve. And just like traditional ERs, Victoria ER is open 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. Our physicians are diligent and caring with all of our patients. Victoria ER can treat everything from swollen ankles and rashes to life-threatening situations. Our wait times are much shorter because our staff is more readily available. You can be seen, treated and on your way home in ten minutes! Unlike traditional ERs, stand-alone ER centers aren’t put under staff constraints by their adjoining hospitals. This means much shorter wait times.

Why We Can’t Accept Medicare and Medicaid

Victoria ER, and other stand-alone ER centers, aren’t allowed to accept Medicare, Medicaid or CHIPS under federal law because we aren’t affiliated with a hospital. This isn’t our choice and you’ll never be turned away when faced with a life-threatening situation because you can’t pay.

Other Payment Options

While we can’t accept Medicare or Medicaid, we do accept most private insurances. Medicare, Medicaid and CHIPS are federally funded, but private insurance is funded by insurance companies like BlueCross, Aetna, and Unitedhealthcare. Under Texas law, private plans must provide in-network benefit rates for emergencies. Victoria ER accepts most private insurance plans. Victoria ER is proud to provide Emergency Care With a Higher Standard that offers compassionate and specialized care! Our doctors and nurses provide focused and individualized treatment for every patient, no matter the ailment.

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

What to do if Your Child Swallows Medication

skilgore Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice, News, Pediatrics, Resources child health, medication 0

Medications are meant to treat illnesses, but they can cause a lot of harm in some unfortunate cases, especially in households with children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60,000 young children go to the emergency room each year as a result of swallowing medications. In fact, several cases have been reported where toddlers have died as a result of swallowing their parents’ pills. It is a commonly known fact that all types of medications should be kept out of children’s reach to ensure their safety. But in many instances, parents who keep medications out of their children’s reach are at a risk of such an emergency. All types of medications are dangerous to children, especially the ones mentioned below:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants have accounted for almost 17 percent of child poisonings in recent years. All types of allergy pills and antidepressants must be kept away from children. After taking these pills, a child may experience seizures or even go into a state of coma.

Heart medications

Swallowing a heart medication can cause a child’s heart rate and blood pressure to drop and result in cardiac arrest.

Pain relievers

Aspirin poses significant risks to children as it can lead to a fatal illness known as Reye’s syndrome. As little as 4 adult extra-strength acetaminophen tablets can be toxic to an average 2 year old.

Over-the-counter medicines

Every household has over-the-counter medicines. These medicines have led to a majority of child poisonings. Products, including nasal sprays and eye drops can result in seizures among toddlers.

What should be done if a child swallows your medication?

As a rule of thumb, always store your medications out of your kids’ reach. Never ever leave your medicines out in the open. And if you have young children, make it a point to tell them about the dangers of your medicines so that they do not go near them. In addition, keep all your medicines in bottles with child-resistant caps. Furthermore, do not take your medicine in front of your children as they might imitate you in your absence. However, if your child has swallowed any of your medicines, they might feel nauseous or lethargic, and vomit. These are the most common symptoms of medicine poisoning in children. Sometimes, your child might have a seizure or a coma. If this happens, you need to take immediate action. Take your child to the nearest emergency room without any delay. Your child’s life is in danger, so you must seek immediate medical help. If possible, try to establish the type of medicine and the amount your child has swallowed to inform the emergency room specialists so that they are able to carry out the appropriate treatment. 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.