Month: October 2017

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Do I Go To The Emergency Room Or Walk In Urgent Care Center If I’m Having Trouble Breathing?

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Do you start fretting whenever you come down with symptoms too severe to be treated with over-the-counter medication and a few days off from work? In today’s healthcare environment it can be very stressful indeed when you might need a trip to the doctor to cure whatever’s ailing you. You have your insurance information to collect, your finances to budget and spare time to get in order…all while feeling terrible. A walk in urgent care center can give you peace-of-mind for nearly any minor to moderate issue you’re going through.

What is the function of medical care? To keep us healthy, of course. But what, exactly, does that entail? An emergency room is designated strictly for situations that can’t wait, such as a severe allergic reaction or a puncture wound. A trip to the doctor’s, on the other hand, is for getting a refill on medication or a yearly flu shot. An urgent care center floats somewhere in-between, addressing a wide variety of issues that cause discomfort and pain to keep people from either waiting too long for treatment or paying too much.

Knowing what to expect will better prepare you and your finances for what’s to come. An estimated four out of every five urgent care centers will provide you on-the-spot fracture care. When 25,000 Americans suffer from an ankle sprain every day, this local resource is essential to get people back on their feet as soon as possible. Ankle sprains aren’t the only form that see quick medical attention, either. Wrist sprains, broken bones and sports physicals are just a few of the services you can see under the roof of an urgent care clinic.

Burn wounds and cuts need to be seen by a doctor immediately to avoid the risk of infection. This can delay the healing process, make you sick and even compromise a limb if not taken seriously. Due to the function of a walk in urgent care center you don’t have to linger in long lines waiting for attention. There are over 20,000 physicians who practice Urgent Care Medicine as of today and three million patients will visit urgent care centers across the country on a weekly basis.

Let’s look at a few more statistics. Over 80% of Americans are allergic to poison ivy and poison oak. Every year sees Americans coming down with one billion colds. This is alongside an estimated eight million trips to the doctor’s office for urinary tract infections, yeast infections and regular STD screenings. A walk in urgent care center is more than equipped to deal with the majority of problems brought its way, with anything more serious provided immediate referrals.

Preventative care also goes a long way and should be actively considered before you start coming down with nausea or experiencing breathing issues. An urgent care center can provide you yearly flu shots to keep you in fighting shape throughout the winter season, while check-ups are important to look you over from head-to-toe and ensure you’re doing well. Regular STD screenings and additional vaccinations, such as preventing HPV, can be requested over the phone or in-person.

One of the most useful tips you can know before visiting urgent care clinics are their times of operation. While an estimated 85% of urgent care centers are open seven days per week, some operate on a weekday basis and others only during the morning and afternoon. Rather than seek out a local urgent care clinic only to be turned away, refresh yourself with each and every schedule so you can get the help you need when you need it. While emergency rooms are always an option (and a very necessary one), they can cause you to spend too much money for minor issues.

There’s no need to worry when your health takes a turn for the worse. A walk in urgent care center will have you covered.

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Looking for the Right after Hours Urgent Care Facility in Your Area

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As an important part of your family, it is likely that one of your most important responsibilities would be to ensure that every member of your family gets to enjoy the best of health possible. Apart from spending time and effort in engaging in healthy activities and a lifestyle that is conducive to good health, another important component of this is having access to the right kind of medical care in your area. If you have been thinking of finding such a place, and considering going to an emergency room at a local hospital, it might be wise to start thinking again.

Hospital emergency rooms can definitely be places where you go for receiving medical treatment. However, these places are mainly focused on medical emergencies, and providing medical treatment often takes a backseat. This can result in long queues and having to wait for significant amounts of time to be seen by a doctor. Due to the high overheads that these places incur, medical care can also become quite expensive, especially if you are planning to set up a schedule of regular health checkups. These are the reasons why hospital emergency rooms might always not be the best choice when it comes to family healthcare. Urgent care clinics, on the other hand, have important advantages that you can definitely consider.

Important Advantages of an Urgent Care Facility

When you are looking for a solution that takes care of the medical requirements of every member of your family, there are a number of factors that you need to consider. The cost and convenience of treatment feature heavily in such considerations, as you are likely to look for a situation where you can go for regular checkups, as well as for urgent situations which need immediate intervention. Urgent care clinics check all the right boxes in this regard. Since they do not have to cater to medical emergencies like hospital emergency rooms, they can operate at low overheads, and as a consequence, the cost of treatment in these centers is usually much lower.

Convenience is another important factor when it comes to urgent care centers. These are usually smaller establishments, and waiting times are significantly less than hospital emergency rooms. You can expect fast, easy, and smooth medical care at urgent care locations, and this is what can make it such a good choice when it comes to getting medical treatment for your entire family. If you factor in the possibility of regular medical checkups and the costs and time involved, the advantages should be clear.

Catering to the Medical Needs of Your Family

When it comes to preserving the good health of your family members, it is important to remember that medical emergencies can strike at any point of time. This is why, the concept of after hours urgent care has caught on fast in the country, and urgent care facilities that offer after hours urgent care services have become popular rapidly. With after hours urgent care service, you are more likely to have the peace of mind knowing that whenever anyone in your family needs medical care, it would be available at a nearby urgent care center. Having this peace of mind is extremely important if you want to feel at ease regarding the good health of your family members, and this is where the right after hours urgent care center can contribute significantly to your family health care plan and strategy.

Keeping in mind the important advantages that, with the concept of urgent care clinics, this can be one of the best ways to ensure that everyone in your family remains in the best of health and all times, and receives medical attention corresponding to their requirements. The wide range of medical services and treatment options that are usually available at urgent care clinics can be an added bonus, and allow you to ensure that medical problems get dealt with quickly and efficiently, while keeping costs under control, while not taking up too much of your time. With better health, your family can also enjoy a better quality of life overall.

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Conditions Associated with the Ear, Nose, and Throat

Thyroid disease

Ear nose and throat doctors evaluate and treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. In addition to ear and sinus infections, these specialists address throat issues related to the tonsils and adenoids. Sleep apnea, snoring, and thyroid disease are also within the purview of these medical professionals. In some cases, non-surgical treatments may be effective, while in others, surgical intervention may be required.

Sinusitis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there are approximately 29.4 million adults within the United States that have received a sinusitis diagnosis. When this condition is acute, it can last up to four weeks. Chronic sinusitis, however, can affect people for longer periods of time. In some instances, chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks and as much as several years.

Sleep Apnea

Many adults in the United States have an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea. It has been estimated that one our of every five adults have a case of mild sleep apnea that has remained undiagnosed.

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, individuals that have this serious health condition may experience hundreds of apneas, or cessations of breath, throughout the night. In addition to not receiving a good night’s sleep and being excessively tired throughout the day, there are other serious risks associated with this condition.

When left untreated, people that suffer with sleep apnea have an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Furthermore, the American Academy of Otolaryngology indicated that these individuals are more likely to be involved in car accidents due to insufficient sleep.

There are several options available to treat sleep apnea. The American Academy of Otolaryngology states that CPAP machines and oral appliances may assist people with this condition. If an individual is overweight or obese, losing weight can potentially alleviate sleep apnea. In order for these sleep apnea treatments to be effective, however, individuals need to follow their physician’s recommendations for usage.

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids may contribute to sleep apnea as well. In this case, the American Academy of Otolaryngology indicates that a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy may be able to resolve this condition.

Snoring

The American Academy of Otolaryngology reported that normal, healthy adults may snore on occasion. This is the case with 45% of adults that snore. Another 25% are considered to be habitual snorers.

Nasal congestion, especially when it is significant, can cause someone to snore. It can also potentially lead to sleep disruptions and sleep apnea. CPAP machines, oral appliances, and weight loss can also be effective snoring treatments, as stated by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

In order to treat snoring, there are other options such as a nasal steroid spray or allergy treatments. When someone has a deviated septum or other structural issues, surgery may be recommended. According to the Academy of Otolaryngology, snoring may result from enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, and having these surgically removed may make a difference.

Thyroid Disease

It is estimated that nearly 20 million people in the United States have some form of thyroid disease, according to the American Thyroid Association. Furthermore, it has been estimated that 60 of these individuals are unaware they have this condition.

Rhinoplasty as a Treatment Option

During 2016 alone, 223,018 of these procedures were performed. It was also the third most popular surgical procedure performed during this year.

The Rhinoplasty Society outlines several reasons why someone may choose to have rhinoplasty, which is a surgical intervention performed by a plastic surgeon that specializes in this area. In addition to aesthetic reasons, this surgery may be performed when someone experiences difficulty breathing through their nose. Rhinoplasty may also be indicated due to an injury or when the nose’s bridge has shifted position.

The Importance of Visiting a Specialist

Given that there are a variety of treatments available, when someone is suffering with any of issues related to their ear, nose, or throat, it is important to be professionally evaluated. If an adult even suspects that they may have thyroid disease or sleep apnea, it is also important to visit a specialist. Since these issues can interfere with an individual’s overall well-being, and in some cases, pose serious risks, scheduling an appointment is the best course of action.

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The Benefits of Using Vacuum Pump Devices for Erectile Dysfunction

Natural remedy for erectile dysfunction


There are many reasons why men would make a choice to use vacuum pump devices for erectile dysfunction. As men get older, vacuum therapy can be a useful alternative to pills and other medicines that are commonly used for this problem. This might be preferred because of the cheaper costs, and the ability to use whenever wanted, without waiting for the timing of a pill to take effect. There are over 30 million individuals who live with ED, and treating it does not have to be costly or difficult. Here is why men should consider using vacuum pump devices for erectile dysfunction, and how it can help them live fuller lives.

Vacuum Therapy for ED is a More Natural Alternative to Pills

Some individuals may be unsure of using pills for ED, and would rather turn to a treatment that is more natural, and doesn?t have the harsh effects that pills and other medicines do. Pills can be a reoccurring cost for someone who has ED, and making the choice to use a pump for erectile dysfunction might be a safer alternative. Since one only has to buy the pump once, it is a wallet-friendly alternative. Although pills are commonly advertised, using a pump is natural remedy for erectile dysfunction, and should not be discounted in terms of the benefits it provides.

Pumps Prevent Worrying About Timing

When taking a pill, many individuals might stress out over the timing of when the pill will take effect, and when to start getting ready for time with their partner By making the decision to use vacuum pump devices for erectile dysfunction, the individual doesn?t have to put as much thought into the time it will take to get ready, as they would with medicine. The pumps usually help a man get ready, and hold an erection for 30 minutes. This means as soon as the couple is interested in being together, the man can make time to prepare, and then they will have about half an hour or so. This is useful because medication can sometimes be unreliable, but using vacuum therapy for ED is more of a definite thing.

Using a Pump Can Help Keep Marriages Together

Making the choice to use a pump can help save a couple?s marriage. It is estimated that out of every five marriages where the male partner has ED, at least one of those marriages end, and it is usually because the ED is preventing the couple from having a normal relationship where they can display their feelings for one another. By deciding to use vacuum pump devices for erectile dysfunction, couples can make time to share their affections with one another, and keep their marriage going strong, no matter what life or body changes they may be going through. This can go a long way in saving relationships, and keeping families together, despite the many changes growing older together brings.

There are many reasons to consider using vacuum pump devices for erectile dysfunction. It is a safer and more natural alternative than trying to take pills, or timing the pills around when the partners want to be intimate with one another. The pumps make it easy to get ready, so individuals don?t have to focus on taking a pill and waiting for a while. Finally, using a pump can help keep a couple?s marriage strong, even as they make a transition into a different period in their lives, which may come with changes in the body and new things to get used to. Couples can feel confident in being close with one another, and knowing they are using a method that is known to work, while being natural, and not upsetting the balance of the body.

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Important Post Operative Tips for Bone and Joint Care

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Fracturing or breaking a bone can be painful, overwhelming, and intimidating. You immediately worry about how you will get around over the next couple of months. You also have to plan for your medical care and surgery might be a part of the treatment plan. The recovery from the surgery will be a long one and will require a lot of motivation and persistence.

Use your orthopedic surgeon as a source of information

You will likely have a lot of questions both before and following your surgery. While the internet can be a great way to obtain a large amount of medical information, it can also be overwhelming. You never know what information comes from a respected source and it can be difficult to distinguish which medical information applies to your medical care, and which information does not. Your orthopedic surgeon knows your medical situation better than anyone and can be an invaluable source of information.

Utilize post surgery physical therapy

Many orthopedic surgeons recommend physical therapy for rehabilitation. You are likely to feel tired and you might be in some pain, so it will be tempting to skip these physical therapy appointments. Additionally, many believe that they do not need assistance in learning to walk or run again. However, you will also find that physical therapy is an extremely valuable resource following surgeries such as hip replacement surgery and joint replacement surgery. Physical therapy not only helps you rehabilitate but also strengthens the surrounding muscles which give your area of surgery more time to heal.

Follow all of your surgeons post operative instructions

Many people also skip their orthopedic surgeons home care tips. The home exercises that your orthopedic surgeon recommends after your knee replacement surgery is more important than you might think. Sitting at home waiting to heal can actually cause your condition to worsen. Your body requires constant movement and exercise and you will weaken the muscles around the surgery area, thus putting you at an increased risk of reinjury. A 2014 study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found that 4.7 million Americans were living with artificial knees. The immediate and long term care is extremely important in preserving these artificial joints and bones.

Keep up with regular medical scans

It is likely that your surgeon or follow up physician will want to complete regular scans of the operated area. These medical scans are important in monitoring progress and preventing further damage. Although these scans can be expensive, they are an important part of the recovery process. Make sure you keep all of your medical appointments. Your physician can identify problems with your recovery and surgical area before they become much worse, thus saving you money and time in the long run.

Know when to visit an emergency clinic

It is normal to have some aches and pains following your surgery. It is also normal to have some minor pains during physical therapy. However, major pains should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional. Also, if you injure the same area again, you should head to your local emergency clinic. Bone fractures lead to approximately 3.5 million emergency rooms visits each year. With one in seven Americans having an orthopedic impairment, local emergency clinics are used to these kinds of medical concerns. Your local emergency clinic can provide you with pain reducing treatments and can consult on your orthopedic condition and decide whether or not you should schedule an appointment with your surgeon.

There are many surgical options available today for those patients suffering from bone and joint problems. Although this is an effective treatment method, the recovery process can be long and tiring. As you begin to recover from your orthopedic operation, make sure that you are prepared for physical therapy and home exercise. You will also want to keep up with your physician appointments and medical scans, as well as knowing where your local emergency clinics are located.

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Do You Really Need to Go to the ER? How to Determine the Seriousness of Your Injury

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The next time you are injured or ill, consider going to one of the urgent care locations near you instead of the emergency room. About 85% of all urgent care locations are open seven days a week, making them more convenient than most primary physician’s offices. While walk-in clinics may not be able to offer the intensive care you would receive at the emergency room, these locations are perfectly suited to treat a number of ailments.

The Line Between Emergency and Urgency: What’s the Worst That Might Happen?

There are some health issues that must be treated at a hospital emergency room due to their seriousness. A good basic rule is that if the patient might lose their life or limb, then they must go to the ER. If the health concern might cause lasting damage to one’s health or limbs without a doctor’s treatment soon, then any urgent care locations nearby are suitable.

De-cyphering Children’s Illnesses: Sniffles and Fevers and What to Look Out For.

When it comes to children, the rules are clear: a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a baby is an emergency, and over 103 degrees Fahrenheit for a child is also an immediate concern. All other ages and temperature configurations are worrisome, but do not require the same immediate action. The reason why has to do with the child’s developing brain, and the damage high internal temperatures can do.

Of course, children rarely fall ill during typical doctor’s office hours, which is what makes an urgent care clinic convenient. Many urgent care locations are open early in the morning, and stay open later at night, which makes it easier for parents to have their child seen before or after work or school. For parent’s whose children’s fever worsens throughout the night, the extra hours can make a difference.

What Does the Typical Urgent Care Clinic Treat?

While these clinics cannot offer the intensive care that a hospital can, they are able to assist with common everyday health problems such as the common cold; influenza; sprains, falls, and trips; and simple problems such as a mild allergic reaction. Between 5% and 20% of people contract the flu each year, while about one billion catch at least one cold. About four out of every five urgent care locations provide fracture care for their patients. These walk-in clinics are therefore a good alternative to a trip to the hospital.

It’s not easy making a quick decision while under stress. That is why planning ahead of disasters is a good idea. In the case of urgent care facilities, do your research before you go. This means doing a bit of research into the ones in your area, and checking their open hours and services offered. By creating a list of the resources available, you’ll be able to make a good decision when under pressure later on.

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Three Home Health Treatments That Can Change Your Life

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Getting the healthcare you need can be more challenging to some people than others. This is particularly true for senior citizens, who sometimes find leaving home somewhat difficult due to mobility issues. However, you don’t have to be older to look into getting home health care. For those who live out in the country, far away from the nearest town or city, going to get medical care of any kind can be a hassle — and if the health care you want is more elective than strictly necessary, it can be easy to convince yourself that you don’t really need it. Some people also have a problem with leaving their homes at all — due to disability, chronic pain, or even mental illness. Leaving home for medical care can be anxiety-inducing, and sometimes simply impossible. Luckily, getting home health care is very much possible, and in fact simpler than it ever has been before. For that matter, there are many different kinds of home health care, from cosmetic treatments to hormone replacement therapy. Below, we’ll look into the different types of home health care on the market for those who want to look and feel their best, without necessarily going to a hospital or traveling far.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is something that has captured the interest of men and women alike in recent years, with many incorporating it into their regular lives. There are a number of reasons why people seek hormone replacement therapy. On a more serious level, some people use hormone replacement therapy to aid in the gender reassignment process, while others use it to treat genetic disorders. On a less intensive note, hormone replacement therapy for men and women is often used to help combat some of the harder parts of the aging process. Though getting older is natural, it can come with symptoms that range from unpleasant to — in some cases — outright debilitating. Hormone replacement therapy for women and men can help people look and feel younger. When people need this type of therapy ranges depending on the individual, but for most women menopause begins between the ages of 45 and 55 — and women often begin hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Men may use hormone replacement therapy to help with problems like erectile dysfunction or even simply sexual disinterest. In cases like these, getting home health care doesn’t have to be all that complicated — especially since hormone replacement therapies often come in the forms of pills or injections.

2. Botox

Many people find that their age shows first in their skin — according to a consumer survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, three out of five people are troubled by sagging skin, and nearly 75% of people have considered procedures to tighten or smooth out their sagging skin. Many people like to simply look younger, and Botox is one simple way through which people can have their skin smoothed out and tightened. For that matter, it’s actually temporary, lasting a few months on average; this means that if you dislike the effects of Botox, they aren’t going to last forever. But the majority of patients like the way they look after Botox, and its simplicity and lack of invasiveness makes it easy to get. And yes, Botox is a part of getting home health care — if it makes you mentally feel better, then it’s more than worth it. With 82% of Botox patients seeing improvement within a week of treatment, it could be worth it for you.

3. Weight Loss Treatment

Obesity is a major issue, and it only affects people’s lives more as they get older. There are plenty of weight loss treatments that can be done at home — you can communicate with a nutritionist or trainer over the phone or online, and design a regimen that will be effective and simple to manage. For that matter, some experts can visit you at home, making your weight loss journey as comfortable as possible.

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Knowing The Difference Between Urgent Care And The Emergency Room Could Save You Hundreds

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Your personal health isn’t fun to think about. You have to consider your budget (which may or may not be its own source of stress), dig through your options and stay attentive to changes in the American healthcare system. Just like your parents teaching you how to floss your teeth and wash behind your ears, however, looking after your day-to-day health is a necessity you carry with you for life. It exists in the small actions. This includes knowing when to visit your regular doctor or when to seek out an emergency walk in clinic.

Rather than blow your budget on the wrong visit, become better acquainted with the function of your unique health resources.

Quick Facts

Too many Americans lose hundreds of dollars in the emergency room when they could have instead dropped by an urgent care clinic. The purpose of urgent care is to give you fast and efficient attention for minor to moderate issues, while the emergency room is only for life-threatening situations. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey recently reported that the average ER visitor will pay over $1,300. The average wait time in the ER can also be less than an hour to over an hour. What do you do when you’re not sure which option to choose in a tense situation?

Abdominal Issues

A very common medical condition causing people to seek out an emergency walk in clinic or urgent care facility is abdominal pain. Due to the rather ambiguous nature of these symptoms it can be hard for many to know why they are feeling nauseous, sore or unable to eat. Abdominal issues can be caused by work-related stress, chronic anxiety disorder and poor diet. It can also be caused by an infection, food poisoning or dehydration. Minor to moderate pain is best suited for urgent care. Severe agony, however, should require an emergency walk in clinic.

STD Testing

Family health care needs to cover the basics to ensure you’re prepared for anything life throws your way. This means seeking out fast STD testing regardless of whether or not you’re sexually active. It doesn’t take long to be tested for common strains of sexually transmitted disease. You can also learn about safer methods of sex, such as using hormonal birth control or managing better personal hygiene before and after. STD testing is a private matter and, as such, is confidential regardless of whether or not you see your doctor or go to a community health clinic.

Mental Health

Mental wellness is just as valid as physical wellness. When you feel your mood dipping far more often than is normal and you’re unable to function like you used to, the first step is to seek out a therapist to diagnose your condition. The CDC (short for Centers For Disease Control And Prevention) has seen rates of depression increasing in elderly populations, while anxiety disorder is very common in young adults. Signs you may be suffering include loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts, nausea, irrational fear and mood swings.

When To Visit The ER And When To Visit Urgent Care

Spending too much money on a minor health problem will only cause you more stress. That, in turn, will cause you even more health issues down the road. Save yourself the trouble and parse out the difference now. An emergency walk in clinic will treat symptoms that can’t wait for your regular doctor, such as an allergic reaction, head trauma or a deep wound. An urgent care clinic is often used for cuts, burns, sprains, moderate abdominal pain, flu shots, UTI treatment and STD testing.

Personal health is at its best when you remember conventional wisdom. Rather than completing your journey in a day, start with small steps at a low cost health clinic.