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Urgent Care for Kids Instead of Emergency Room May Be the Best Option

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When a child breaks a bone or has an ear infection, strep throat, a fever that won’t go away, many parents are choosing to treat the condition at an urgent care center rather than at an emergency room. Citing lower costs and shorter wait times at urgent care locations, more parents are seeking out urgent care for kids whose injuries or illnesses are moderate to severe.

Most urgent medical care centers are open well past dinnertime, with 9 out of 10 staying open past 7:00 pm and almost half having an open door policy until after 9:00 pm during the week.

Compared to the extended wait times many families face at emergency rooms, urgent care facilities are becoming known for their speed. More than half of all patients are seen, cared for an discharged within 90 minutes of arrival.

Urgent care services are often reported as being comprehensive, with seven out of 10 facilities being able to treat fractures. Privately funded facilities boast up-to-date billing and patient tracking systems, can often prescribe medication and refer for follow-up visits.

Urgent care facilities are often locally available, and are considered a viable option when time is of the essence. No parent wants their child to have to wait for hours at an emergency room when specialized care could be obtained more quickly and at a cheaper price. Urgent care is the type of service that is said to really make a difference in patient recovery time and overall comfort.

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Safe and Discreet STD Testing

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In the United States there are 6,800 urgent care facilities. Because of the growing popularity, the number of urgent care clinics in total has increased from 8,000 to 9,300 since 2008. Facilities such as these offer basic health care from 20,000 different physicians that work in them. One service they now offer at these low cost walk in clinics is STD testing for men and women.

Being tested for STDs is an important step in your health care that you do not want to miss. There are 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases found every year in the U.S., these derive from only 8 different kinds of bacteria and viruses. STD testing kits do not offer the same quality or range as being tested at a clinic, making it vital to be checked properly from a trained physician.

Going to a walk in health clinic is becoming the increasingly popular option with STD testing for men. Visiting your primary care physician can mean waiting in an office for hours, waiting in a patient room for more hours and then receiving the care that you could have received for free and in much less time at the urgent care facility. With places like urgent care facilities there is no more waiting required, walk in and get same day STD testing for men or women at any medical walk in clinic.

Confidential STD testing is very important. Understandably, privacy is also a big factor when getting tested for STDs. This is a common reason that people will choose an urgent care facility instead of going to their primary care physician for testing related to STDs. STD testing at home can give you the privacy you desire but does not cover all diseases and is not as thorough.

The cost of STD testing is extremely reasonable. At many STD testing clinics, like a low cost health clinic, STD testing for men and women is free or offered at a low price. In reality, it is likely cheaper for someone to get tested at a low cost clinic than to try and test themselves. Men and women should really take advantage of the free and cheap STD testing offered at these health care facilities so they can be sure they are in great shape and stay healthy.

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5 Surprising Benefits of CPAP

Cpap settings

5 Surprising Benefits of CPAP


Sleep apnea is a serious condition and a common health issue. In fact, it is so common that an estimated 18 million Americans have been diagnosed with this disease. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and CPAP machine supplies are normally prescribed to help those with sleep apnea. A CPAP machine will not only help one sleep better, it has other surprising benefits that you may not know about as well.


Your Partner Will be Happier


A person sharing a bed with a significant other who has sleep apnea will awake numerous times during the night due to the snoring caused by the apnea. It can get bad enough where the partners sleep in different bedrooms. A proper full face CPAP mask used properly can cut down on snoring allowing for a better nights sleep for all parties involved.


Improved Sex Drive


Sleep apnea is more common in men than it is in women. A study from Maryland showed men had increased impotence when diagnosed with sleep apnea. After regularly using their CPAP machines, the men noted an overall improvement with their sexual drive and function.


Decreased Risk of Stroke


If left untreated, the risk of stroke is increased by four times compared to those who do not have sleep apnea. A CPAP machine that is used every night can lower the risk for stroke and improve the overall health of the body.


Decreased Heart Disease


Sleep apnea coincides with heart disease because the apnea causes the sufferer to stop breathing during the night. This changes the blood oxygen levels which can lead to congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and an irregular heartbeat.


Keeps Medical Expenses in Check


The cost of a CPAP machine and the CPAP machine supplies is much lower compared to the medical expenses one would incur if the machine was not used. If the CPAP machine was not used on a regular basis, more visits to the doctor would be needed and treatments for serious medical conditions would bring in large medical bills.

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Urgent Care and What it Can Do For You

Updated 3/8/21

Here are some walk-in clinics sprained ankle tips.

A swollen and twisted ankle is very common, especially in sports. It is awkward and kind of embarrassing when you lose balance. You might feel a pop when the injury happens and a swollen ankle and pain when walking, that hurts, and you may struggle to stand on your ankle. A sprained ankle is an injury of one or more ligaments on the outside of your ankle. A sprain can be difficult to differentiate from a broken bone without being examined on an x-ray.

These are some of the best tips you can take advantage of when you have a sprained ankle:
Rest, ice, compress and elevate your ankle
Rub the ankle with essential oils
Eat specific foods to speed up the healing process
Easy exercises for your ankle daily
Avoid harming your ankle at all costs

An ankle sprain is a twisted ankle that leads to the tearing and overstretching of one of the ligaments around the ankle joint.

Here are some ideas for treatment of a twisted ankle needing first aid:
Exercises
Physical therapy
Ankle supports
Surgery

An ankle sprain in severe cases can be accompanied by the ligament or fracture that has pulled off the part of the bone. There are many clinics that offer swollen twisted ankle treatment.

Did you know that just under half of all adult emergency room patients are not sick enough to be admitted to the hospital but went to the E.R. because their doctor’s offices were closed? Maybe you have been in this situation yourself. It’s late in the evening, you have a fever, you know you’re sick and need treatment, but you don’t know where to turn to get the best care available. For non-emergency illnesses and injuries, your best bet may be to learn what is urgent care and to find a center near you.

What is urgent care?

Urgent care centers are clinics that are cheaper and faster than a trip to the emergency room, but have more flexible hours than your doctor’s office. About 60% of all urgent care facilities have a wait time of 15 minutes or less to see a doctor or a mid-level provider and 65% have a doctor on-site at all times. Most urgent care centers stay open past 7:00 pm on weeknights and two out of five urgent care centers will remain open until 9:00 pm or later. Many even have weekend hours.

What can be treated at an urgent care clinic?

Most urgent care centers are equipped to treat patients with common illnesses such as sinus infections, ear infections, and strep throat. As far as injuries go, most (80%) of urgent care centers are able to provide fracture care. 70% or urgent care centers are even able to provide intravenous fluids if needed.

How can I decide between going to an urgent care clinic and going to the emergency room?

If you have a common illness and you don’t believe that it is serious enough to get you admitted to the hospital, urgent care might be the best choice. Emergency rooms are best for emergency situations and injuries and illnesses that will require hospitalization.

How can I be prepared for a visit to an urgent care center?

Be sure to familiarize yourself with urgent care locations in your city or town so that when you are sick you will know right where to go. It is also a good idea to know your local urgent care clinic’s hours and if they are open on weekends. You may want to ask your doctor if there is an urgent care center nearby that he or she recommends.

Remember, when it comes to your health, the choice is yours. When faced with an illness, deciding where to get treatment is important. Now that you know what is urgent care, you can weigh your options and seek the best and most convenient treatment possible.

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Do You Know When Your Child’s Small Cold Could be Signs of a Major Infection?

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Ear nose and throat problems in children and adolescents can, at first seem like minor illnesses, but they can quickly lead to larger problems if not diagnosed and treated properly. Do you know when a small cold could be signs of a major infection?

Ear Infections are Common in Children
It is almost a certainty that at some point your child will deal with an ear infection. Studies show that five out of six children will suffer from at least one ear infection by their third birthday and more than 90% of all children will have at least one infection by the time they reach two years of age.

Ear Infections Can Lead to Hearing Loss
Genes and congenital abnormalities of the ear are the biggest culprits responsible for hearing loss, between 50% to 60% of children. Other causes can vary such as children who suffered infections during their mother’s pregnancy, environmental causes and complications after birth can also effect hearing, accounting for almost 30% of babies born with hearing loss. It is estimated that one in every thousand newborns has some degree of hearing loss.

You Child’s Snoring Might Be a Clue to An Underlying Problem
Snoring is very common in children, about 12% of children in the general population.But your child’s snoring may not be so innocent, 1-3% exhibit Sleep Disordered Breathing.. In children who snore regularly about 2-4% have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Children with enlarged tonsils are 3.7 times more likely to experience sleep-disordered breathing.

While ear nose and throat problems in children and adolescents is common, if you are concerned that your child’s persistent breathing problems, ear or sinus infections might be signs of a larger problem don’t hesitate, contact your family ear nose and throat doctor.

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3 Ways Low T Could Be Ruining Your Life

Does low testosterone affect strength

Over the past few years, you’ve started to feel yourself slow down: your hair might be thinning a little, you’ve lost some muscle mass or gained some fat, or maybe in general you’re feeling somewhat fatigued. These are all just signs of aging, right? Actually, they could be signs you’ve got low T.

Low T, or low testosterone, is a condition found in men where testosterone isn’t being produced as much as it should be. Testosterone production tends to start to drop off after age 30 at the rate of a few percents per year. In most low T cases, men tend to ignore the symptoms, despite that tens of millions of men suffer from it in the US alone.

The simple fact is that low T is a completely treatable disorder, treatment is affordable, and more often than not, covered by insurance. Studies show that low testosterone levels are linked with a shorter life span — in fact, men with normal or high levels of testosterone have a 67% lower risk of death over the next 2 decades of their life compared to men with lower levels of testosterone. So what kinds of symptoms should you bring up with your doctor when discussing low T?

  • Does low T affect weight gain? Yes, it does. Those few extra pounds you’ve gained over the last few years might not be from beer and wings, it might be from a testosterone deficiency. Studies are now showing that low testosterone levels actually contribute to obesity. While you do want to look at your activity level and the amount that you eat, if you find that you are having difficulty dropping extra weight it may be due to low T.
  • Does low T affect strength or energy levels? Yes, it does. Low testosterone has been shown to contribute to fatigue (feeling exhausted after a good night’s rest) and also losing muscle strength. Testosterone is one of the major factors in men for producing energy and muscle mass, so a steep decline in daily energy for activities and measured strength is a good indication of lower testosterone levels.
  • Does low T affect moods? Yes, it does. Studies show that there is a link between low testosterone and clinical depression, and that link gets stronger the older men get. In fact, a Harvard study showed that men with low testosterone and depression failed to respond to just anti-depressants. Other studies have shown testosterone therapy to be beneficial to men suffering from depression.

Getting tested and getting treated for low levels of testosterone are easier than ever, and very affordable. There’s no need to continue to go through life unable to enjoy yourself or the things you love due to depression; decreased strength or energy; or weight gain, so talk to your doctor about options.

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What You Need to Know About Common Skin Disorders

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Are you, or someone you love, affected by a skin disorder? Every year there are more cases of serious acne and skin cancer. While many of these conditions are linked to age, skin conditions and age are not necessarily linked. One of the best medicines for skin disorders is education. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Did you have acne in high school? Did you know that across the United States, somewhere between 40 and 50 million people suffer from acne? Acne is one of the most prominent skin disorders in the world; at some point in their lives, almost 85% of people will develop, and many of them don’t know the best treatment for acne. There are many supposed acne treatments around, including some very questionable home remedies, but you don’t need to be a dermatologist in Florida to know that these are often a waste of time, but if you are struggling with your skin, be sure to see a licensed dermatologist right away.

About 40% of people have acne or acne scars
by the time they are mid-teens! Did you know that although most people experience acne during their teenage years, acne can develop at several points throughout your lifetime. Even people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s can get acne! So even if you got lucky in high school and didn’t have acne, don’t assume that you’re out of the woods yet. While some people want to pop or pick at pimples as soon as they appear, don’t! Popping acne will often cause scarring.

Everyone should be aware of the dangers of skin cancer, regardless of your age or location. Skin cancer can be extraordinarily devastating. It is estimated that one in five Americans develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Every time we go out into the sun, whether it is to the pool, the beach or just around the yard, we have to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves. Every year, a dermatologist in Florida sees this countless times; we forget to put on our sunscreen, or we forget to reapply it after sweating or getting in the pool, and suddenly our skin is burned, and we’re putting ourselves at risk for developing skin cancer.

The most serious type of skin cancer is called Melanoma. Melanoma is runaway cell growth, specifically your pigment-producing cells, the ones that give your skin its coloring. While Melanoma is curable, it must be caught early. If it is not caught early, it can spread throughout your body, into your lymph nodes and internal organs, making it a much more serious threat. If you already have more than 50 moles on your body, be especially careful; your risk of developing deadly Melanoma may be significantly higher than someone with fewer moles.

If you are suffering from either of these skin disorders, be sure to contact your doctor. If you’re living in a tropical area, or you are constantly out in the sun, take especial care of your skin. Any dermatologist in Florida will tell you how dangerous direct sunlight can be to your skin.

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3 Things to Keep in Mind When Finding an OBGYN

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Finding an OBGYN is a bit more tricky than just finding a doctor for a check up. There are a lot of things you have to consider as you look. Here are just a few things to think about when you try to find a doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

What Do You Need? If you’re just looking for a doctor to provide your annual well-woman exam, then a general gynecologist or women’s health specialist can help you out. However, if you’re trying to get pregnant, or would like to in the relatively near future, you should consider finding an OBGYN.

Do Your Homework. After you’ve figured out what type of doctor you really need, and you’ve found a few potential medical professionals, you have to do a bit of homework. Go online to sites like Vitals and Healthgrades, which allow patients to review doctors’ credentials, specialties, years in practice, education, and even possibly info on malpractice, sanctions, and board actions. Some sites also allow users to review the doctors, but take these with a grain of salt.

Chat With Them. You and your OBGYN need to be compatible together. Pregnancy and childbirth are stressful, after all, so you need to be able to communicate easily with your healthcare provider, which only happens when you feel comfortable with them. For that reason, you need to sit down, and have a talk with them. Feel them out. Did you find it easy to ask them questions? Did they explain things clearly, completely, and sympathetically? Did they seem interested in your personally? Did they come across as teh type of person who will respect your wishes?

Finding a medical specialist can be awful tricky, but so long as you keep these tips in mind, you won’t have too hard of a time. If you have any questions about finding a medical professional, feel free to share in the comments. Read this website for more information.