How To Keep Your Young Athlete Safe in Sports
The warm weather sports season has children and teens of all ages streaming onto fields, courts, rinks, gyms and diamonds to get the most out of their chance to play organized sports. But the dark side of kids’ sports is the high rate of injuries that occur when kids get together to play an organized game. The good news is that many of these sports injuries can be prevented, allowing kids to play their favorite sports in good health. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have put together some prevention tips and information you need to know to keep your young athlete in the game and feeling great.
Prevention Tips1
- Stretching and warmups
- Protective equipment that fits properly and meets safety standards
- Hydration
- Sleep
- Rotate sports and cross train muscle groups to keep from overwork or repetitive movements
- Safe surfaces to play on
- Adult supervision
- Doctor’s physical exam – make sure your child or teen is playing a sport that is a good fit for his/her athletic ability
- Healthy, balanced diet
- Listen to trainer and learn proper techniques to avoid injuries
- Rest an injury early on and get prompt medical attention
“Many sports injuries in children could be greatly improved by rest and recovery rather than pushing through and playing with pain,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “It’s important for parents to step in to make sure the child’s ongoing good health is the main concern.”
Types Sports Injuries
Acute injuries – sudden impact or fall that can result in minor scrapes or major injuries like broken bones or an eye injury.
Overuse injuries – repetitive stress injuries from doing the same motion or movement over and over again. Overuse often occurs in joints and can disrupt normal bone growth.
Reinjuries – repeat injury, often caused by returning to the sport before the original injury has had time to fully heal.2
Most Common Sports Injuries
Some of the most common sports injuries in children center around joint pain and injuries. A sprained ankle, twisted knee, frozen shoulder or wrist injury are all common problems. Concussions are also a common injury. Tendonitis, stress fractures and eye injuries are also very common.3
When to go to the ER
“Any time your young athlete is experiencing severe, sudden or ongoing pain, it’s time to come to Medco ER,” said Dr. Khan. “Any joint swelling, immobility, popping noise, recurring pain or impeded playing are all indicators that your child needs medical attention. Signs of a concussion such as dizziness, fatigue and nausea also require a doctor’s intervention. We’re here when your child or teen needs help.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If your young athlete has experienced consistent pain from sports or has a new joint injury or pain, come see us right away. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located on Legacy Drive and have imaging equipment to diagnose common sports injuries. Skip the long lines and enjoy fast, quality medical care to help your child start to feel better.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/youth-sports/
2 https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sports-safety.html
3 https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/a-guide-to-safety-for-young-athletes/
What You Need to Know About Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you might imagine. Highly contagious, sexually transmitted diseases occur at a rate of 25 million each year in the United States.1 At Medco ER in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians offer prevention education, testing and treatment for common STDs. Fortunately, most conditions are treatable and can be cured, though they may still reoccur at a future date.
Prevention2
The best way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease is abstinence from all forms of sexual contact.
Vaccinations are available for hepatitis B and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) but not for the other common forms of STDs.
Control and reduce the number of sexual partners you have. This doesn’t remove your risk and you still need to be tested regularly for STDs.
Agreeing on a mutually monogamous relationship with one long-term partner is another option that slashes your risks.
Use condoms according to manufacturer’s specifications each time for every kind of sexual contact to protect yourself against STDs.
“Prevention is the most important thing in protecting yourself against STDs,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Educating yourself and having frank, open discussions with your partner is the first step in prevention.”
Symptoms
Early symptoms to watch out for include:3
- Infection symptoms: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, rash, lethargy, night sweats, appetite loss, joint pain, body aches
- Pain: during urination, lower abdominal, during sexual intercourse, testicular, genital, anal, inner thighs
- Itching, burning or irritation
- Unusual discharge from vagina or penis
- Strong odor
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Cough, shortness of breath
- Rash, bumps, blisters, warts, pimples or swelling in genital or anal areas
- Bleeding with sexual intercourse
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing skin or whites of the eyes)
Testing
Your provider will discuss the different test options that pinpoint different STDs, depending on your risk factors and possible symptoms. Testing could include:1
- Cheek swab
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Sample from a skin sore
- Cell sample or discharge sample from the affected area
Who should get tested? It is recommended that anyone who is sexually active should be tested every year. Having an open discussion with your healthcare provider is an important part of receiving the right testing at the right time. Sexually active women, pregnant women, gay or bisexual men, people who have had oral or anal sex and those participating in risky sexual or drug behaviors should be tested at least once a year or even every six months.2
When to go to the ER
Left untreated, STDs could cause ongoing poor health, organ damage, increased risk of getting HIV and even cancer or death.3
“This medical condition is not one to ignore,” said Dr. Khan. “Overlooking the fact that it is extremely contagious and can be easily transmitted to another person, the symptoms of most STDs will only compound if you ignore them. Come to Medco ER for fast, confidential help with your symptoms. We’re here to help.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms of a STD, the expert team at Medco ER is ready to help you. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located and have in-house labs to identify any conditions that need to be treated. Our professional, courteous staff will make you comfortable as you enjoy little-to-no wait time to be seen by a board-certified physician.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
What You Need to Know About Vomiting and Diarrhea in You & Your Kids
It’s flu season and if you haven’t experienced a bout of the flu in your household, it may still be on the horizon. Influenza, food poisoning or infection is often accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting and a feeling of nausea. At Medco ER in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians know what to look for in the case of vomiting and diarrhea in you or your children.
Possible Causes
If you or your child are experiencing irrepressible bouts of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, there could be one of several conditions causing your discomfort.1
- Stomach flu or influenza – there are several different kinds and some trend more than others in our region and at certain times of the year.
- Food poisoning
- Motion sickness, dizziness, ear infection
- Blocked intestine
- Infection
- Illness such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, etc.
- Concussion or brain injury
- Migraines
- Parasites
- Heart attacks
- Kidney or liver conditions
- Central nervous system conditions
- Tumors
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
“Since your vomiting and diarrhea could be contributed to several different things, we usually test right away for flu and investigate the more common things like food poisoning,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “Those rapid results labs can often tell us pretty quickly what we are dealing with. After that, we can develop the right treatment plan for you or your child.”
Symptoms Defined
- Nausea is when your stomach feels queasy or unsettled and you may feel like you may soon vomit.
- Vomiting, or throwing up, is when your stomach forcibly empties itself of its contents.
- Diarrhea is loose, watery stools, sometimes explosive or hard to control.
At Home Treatment
Since fluid is being lost, it is important to continue drinking to prevent dehydration. Drink clear liquids and eat light, liquid foods. Avoid greasy or fried foods or solid food. Eat small amounts more frequently. Stay quiet and still and rest as much as possible. Drink a rehydrating solution such as electrolytes or sports drinks.
When to go to the ER
“If your diarrhea and vomiting won’t stop,” said Dr. Khan, “then it’s time to come to Medco ER and let us help you.”
Warning signs that mean you need to go to the doctor:
- Black, tarry stools or blood in stool
- Dry, cracked lips and dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Rapid breathing
- Fast pulse, racing heartbeat
- Decreased or stopped urination
- Sunken soft spot on top of baby’s head (fontanelle)
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days for adults or 1 day for children
- Vomiting that lasts more than a half day
- Fever over 100˚F
- Blood in vomit (looks like coffee grounds)
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Abdominal pain
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When vomiting and diarrhea are out of control, the expert team at Medco ER is ready to help you. Our in-house pharmacy has the hydrating IVs and the medicines to start to help you feel better. Come in anytime day or night to find a board-certified physician ready to go to work for you.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8106-nausea–vomiting
Will My Bronchitis Turn into Pneumonia?
As winter drags on, chronic coughing is a common complaint. But you may have questions about your cough. Is it bronchitis or pneumonia? If I have bronchitis, can it turn into pneumonia? When should I see the doctor? It’s questions like these that the board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have answered. Check out the discussion.
Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia
Upper airway or lung infections can start out as the cough that accompanies a common cold and can leave your defenses down. It can then morph into bronchitis where the bronchioles fill with mucus that is sometimes coughed up. Bronchitis, then, can turn into pneumonia, a more serious virus or bacterial infection. Pneumonia attacks the alveoli in the lungs with inflammation and mucus. It can then build up fluid, increase bacteria in your system or create a lung abscess.1
“Whether your nonstop coughing is bronchitis, pneumonia or something else,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “You should come in right away and let us take a look. It can quickly deteriorate into a more serious condition if left untreated.”
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Bronchitis can show up with the following symptoms:1
- Unrelenting cough
- Coughing up yellow-green mucus
- Wheezing breath
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Low fever
Pneumonia has these symptoms:1
- Unrelenting cough, often deep in chest
- Coughing up yellow-green mucus
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Body aches, chest pain
- Fatigue
- High fever (up to 105˚F)
- Sweating, chills
Prevention
The best thing to do to prevent pneumonia or bronchitis is to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of becoming sick from a lung infection.
Pneumonia shares bacteria and viruses with other conditions. If you get the flu, measles, whooping cough or pneumococcal (bacterial pneumonia) vaccines, you may decrease your risks of getting pneumonia. Talk to our doctor about getting other vaccines when you get the flu shot each year.
Healthy practices such as frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from face, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and monitoring any chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma are all great preventive measures.2
When to See the Doctor
“Since bronchitis can become pneumonia in some cases, it is important to come see us at Medco ER when you have a cough that just won’t stop,” said Dr. Khan. “A cough that produces mucus, or a wet cough, is especially important to check out. We can do a chest X-ray or rapid results test to help us quickly diagnose your condition and start treatment right away.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If you have a lingering cough with a fever, come to Medco ER. You will be seen quickly and your doctor will carefully diagnose your condition. Our in-house pharmacy will get you started with the right treatment to help you on the road to recovery. We are open 24/7, so you can come in any time, day or night.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bronchitis-vs-pneumonia/
Which is Better: Hospital Emergency Departments or Freestanding ERs?
What is the difference between hospital-attached emergency departments and freestanding emergency rooms? For many patients, long lines, understaffing, and inefficient procedures make hospital ERs less appealing than freestanding ERs. At Medco ER in Plano, TX, we offer some of the best options in healthcare to address your urgent and emergent medical conditions.
No Wait Health Care
Freestanding emergency rooms often have a great staff-to-patient ratio, meaning you will have little-to-no wait time when you arrive at the facility. At Medco ER, you can expect to be shown into a private exam room within minutes upon arrival. Any paperwork will be done there and the doctor will be in shortly to see you. We’ll work to get you in and out as fast as possible.
Board-Certified Physicians
Hospital EDs make extensive use of physician assistants, CNPs, medical assistants and RNs to do much of the intake, diagnostic and testing work.
“At Medco ER, there is always a board-certified physician ready to diagnose and to treat your urgent medical conditions,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We staff experienced emergency physicians to be available any time day or night.”
Round-the-Clock Availability
Both Hospital EDs and freestanding ERs are open 24/7, all day and night throughout the year. But hospitals close many services in the late hours. Freestanding ERs continue to offer a full range of services regardless of the hour.
Fast Testing Services
Medco ER offers instant access to testing, labs and pharmaceuticals. Our rapid-results labs have fast turnaround to let you know if you have flu, COVID 19 or other condition. Our in-house CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are readily available. In addition to being a time saver, this potential of having a one-stop shop for all your medical needs offers enviable convenience to patients.
No Balance Billing
Billing surprises that come at the end of treatment are never welcome after you’ve been sick or injured. At Medco ER, we don’t add to the balance at the end but are upfront about our fees when you arrive. In addition, we work for you to advocate for lower costs when possible.
Bottom Line: You Win!
In the battle of the hospital-attached emergency departments versus the freestanding emergency rooms, the patient is the winner. Competition has forced the systems to become more efficient, and that can only spell good news for you when you need prompt medical care.
Depending on the severity of your condition, freestanding ERs make a great choice when you need fast help from a board-certified physician with easy access to labs and tests. Medco ER is proud to offer some of the best medical help in the area.
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When you need urgent or emergency care, you can rest assured that Medco ER is open 24/7 every day of the year and will get you in with little-to-no waiting time. Our board-certified physicians are ready to go to work fast to help you on the road to recovery.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
What the Experts Say About Fractures
If you’re like most people, you spend little time thinking about your bone health. However, all it takes is one split-second accident, fall, sports injury or poor decision and your bone could fracture, or break. Or, what appeared to be a minor injury can lead to a fracture of the weakened bone down the road.1 At Medco ER, we want you to have a basic understanding of fractures and how to correctly apply first aid on your way to our Plano, TX, facility. Let’s take a closer look at the two kinds of fractures and how to respond to them.
Simple Fracture
Also called a “closed fracture,” this kind of injury means the bone is broken but not protruding through the skin.
Compound Fracture
Also called an “open fracture,” this kind of break causes a fragment of bone to pierce the skin, thus, opening the skin into an external wound.
“In the event of a compound fracture,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “You should be careful not to touch it or allow any contaminants into the wound. The open skin is prone to infection so cover with something sterile, if possible. Don’t get overly involved in wrapping the wound, however. Just bring the patient to Medco ER right away. Our board-certified physicians can quickly respond to these kinds of emergencies.”
Symptoms of a Fracture
While it is not always easy to know if the bone is fractured or just bruised or the muscles sprained, there are some key symptoms you can look for such as:
- Sharp pain
- Guarding the area, not wanting anyone to touch it
- Misshapen area
- Swelling
- Warm to the touch
- Bruising or redness
- Protrusion and bleeding
- Numbness
- Inability or difficulty in moving the limb
Fracture First Aid
“Fractures need immediate medical attention, but you should first work to keep the patient calm,” said Dr. Khan. “Check their vitals. Are they breathing? Are they injured in other ways? Are they showing signs of shock? If possible, immobilize the wounded area with a makeshift splint, such as rolled up newspapers and strips of cloth. You can apply ice packs to reduce the swelling and try to keep the injury elevated as you come to the ER. For shock, keep the patient covered, calm and lying down. Bring the patient to Medco ER right away.”
How Can I Strengthen My Bones?
Wanting to prevent a potential fracture? There are some simple things you can do to build up bone density and strength.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is especially important to get vitamin D and calcium in your diet.
- Get plenty of sunlight – at least 15 minutes each day on your skin – to replenish your vitamin D.
- Get help to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of fractures and delays healing.
- Drink milk not alcohol. Alcohol increases your risk of osteoporosis while calcium helps build up bones.
- Do simple, weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones and build up density. The more active you are, the lower your risk of osteoporosis.2
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
Fractures are a part of life, and at Medco ER, we’re here to help you or your child when accidents happen. Our facility is open 24/7 and we have imaging equipment, such as X-ray and CT scan, and treatments at the ready to take good care of you.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
- Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://medlineplus.gov/fractures.html
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060
Are Energy Drinks Really Bad for You?
A late morning or an early afternoon slump may have you reaching for an energy drink to boost your energy and power up for the rest of the day. Packaged in attractive and portable cans, these drinks seem like little more than a soda designed to give you wings. But regular consumption can actually result in a quick trip to the emergency room or a fast track to a chronic health condition like hypertension.1
Marketed to youth, energy drinks are consumed mostly by children, teen and young adults. “While the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children and adolescents should not consume energy drinks, there still are many who do,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “They seem mostly unaware of the risk they are taking in spiking their hormone levels, overdosing on caffeine, and gambling with exacerbating a latent condition they may not even know they have, such as a heart arrhythmia.”
What’s in an energy drink?
The main source of energy in an energy drink comes from caffeine. While caffeine content varies, energy drinks generally have three to six times the amount of caffeine as coffee does. Also, considering how quickly a can could be consumed, that could be comparable to drinking six cups of coffee in 30 minutes.
There are five basic components most energy drinks share.
- Caffeine – a legally addictive substance. Too much caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure and causes insomnia and anxiety.2
- Taurine – an amino acid that possibly stimulates brain activity and increases physical performance.2 A ban on taurine has made many energy drinks illegal in other countries.
- Sugar – most people don’t realize that energy drinks contain as much or more sugar than regular sodas. That’s a whopping amount of sugar to consume regularly and can result in unhealthy weight gain.
- Guarana – from a tropical plant from South America, these seeds contain a high caffeine content.3
- Glucuronolactone – claimed to be a caffeine-like stimulant, there is no scientific evidence to support its use.3
What does your energy drink do to your body?
Caffeine triggers a supercharging of receptors which then release norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the brain.1 Additionally, there is an increased risk of caffeine intoxication which causes a myriad of bad side effects and potentially lasting damage.
“Energy drinks can easily lead to caffeine overdoses which can lead to seizures, heart problems and death,” said Dr. Khan. “When combined with alcohol, the effects can be masked which can cause a person to not realize how much damage they are doing to their body.”
What are common symptoms of an energy drink-related emergency?
- Seizures
- Heart complications – irregular heartbeat, racing heart, heart failure
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Dehydration
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
How can I get an energy boost without the risk of energy drinks?
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you get the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your energy at an even keel. Protein can give you long-lasting energy burns. Low-to-no caffeine teas or coffee can also be substituted for energy drinks. Sports drinks have a lot of additives but can be researched and considered as an alternative to energy drinks.
Getting plenty of water will help your body operate at its peak. Milk and 100% fruit juice should be offered in place of manufactured drinks.4 Sales of these drinks should take the place of energy drinks in schools and colleges.5
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If you are experiencing any adverse symptoms from energy drink consumption or alcohol mixed with energy drinks, come in right away to the nearest Medco ER. We are open 24/7 every day of the year and our board-certified physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
- Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006
Call us @ 469-840-4600
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8083152/
3 https://fherehab.com/learning/energy-drink-overdose
When IBS is an Emergency
Does this sound familiar: you’ve just finished a long, stressful day and had a good dinner and now the cramping begins. You spend the evening vacillating between trying to ignore the growing pain in your abdomen and trying to find relief in the bathroom. If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
“IBS is an often painful and recurring condition that could be masking a more serious condition. It could be caused by something like a bacterial infection or it could be caused by changes in the muscle contractions of the intestine,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Some people find their IBS symptoms are triggered by stress and others find certain foods contribute to their discomfort.”
Symptoms of IBS
According to the NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, any or all of these symptoms may be present with Irritable Bowel Syndrome:1
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Changes in bowel movements
- Bloating
- Gas
When IBS is an Emergency
If your abdominal pain or IBS is interrupting your life and the pain is so persistent that you can no longer function, go to the nearest emergency room. Your doctor will want to rule out other, more serious conditions.2
If you have a fever that accompanies abdominal pain or cramping, you should seek medical help.
Any unexplained and rapid weight loss needs to be discussed with your doctor.
If you have to get up in the night with diarrhea, that is something to discuss with your doctor.
When there are signs of any rectal bleeding or dark, tarry stools that indicate blood in the stool, you should go immediately to Medco ER.
If you have nausea and vomiting accompanying abdominal cramping, if you are dizzy or faint, if you have chest pain, or if you have difficulty breathing, go to the ER.
If your abdomen is painful to the touch or is hard and distended, go to Medco ER right away.
“Persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t lessen with trips to the bathroom can indicate a serious condition,” said Dr. Khan. “Come to Medco ER right away when you think something is wrong and let us take a look. We have full diagnostic capabilities at Medco ER, we have rapid results labs, and our doctors are board-certified and experienced in treating IBS.”
Treatment for IBS
If IBS is diagnosed and other, more serious conditions are ruled out, your doctor will have ideas to help you start to feel better. Since IBS is not a form of cancer and doesn’t damage the intestines, treatment usually begins with diet modifications. Your doctor may discuss a diet low in gluten and high in fiber.
Lifestyle changes, probiotics, exercise, sleep, and fluids could be recommended. Laxatives, fiber supplements, antidepressants, anti-diarrheal medications, and pain medications are some pharmaceuticals that your doctor may consider.2
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
While IBS may not seem like an emergency most of the time, when the pain interferes with your life, increases dramatically, or has accompanying symptoms like fever, nausea or chest pain, the team at Medco ER are ready to help you any time, day or night.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
- Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006
Call us @ 469-840-4600
1 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360064
Top 10 Reasons to Go to the ER
Healthcare today gives you more choices than ever before. You can go to the doctor’s office, urgent care clinic, telehealth visit or emergency room. Even with all these choices, some choose to stay home and tough it out. But there are times when the emergency room is absolutely the right choice. The board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have compiled ten reasons when going to the ER is your only option.
“If you’re wondering whether or not to go to the ER, ask yourself if it is not getting better over time, if pain has you sidelined, or if there is one of the warning signs of a serious condition,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “If you answer yes to any of those points, it’s best to come immediately and let us examine you.”
Blood Loss
Whenever the body is losing blood, a trip to the ER is the right thing to do. This could include any of the following:
- Coughing blood
- Vomiting blood
- Passing blood in the stool
- Excessive bleeding from a laceration
- Bleeding from a fracture
- Uncontrolled bloody nose
Fracture or Tear
If you have an injury and you’re not sure whether it is broken, fractured, torn or just bruised, your doctor at Medco ER can help. We can X-ray the area, apply a brace, or refer you to a specialist when needed.
Warning signs include: numbness or cold in the extremity that is injured, pain when moving the limb, bleeding accompanying the fracture, bone protruding, or misalignment of the limb. For any of these symptoms, go to Medco ER immediately.
Breathing Difficulties
If you or someone you love is struggling to breathe, pulling hard at each breath, making a wheezing sound with a breath, showing blueish discoloration around the mouth or fingertips, or has chest tightness, go to the nearest ER immediately. Whether it is a complication of COVID-19, an asthma attack, COPD or another cause, breathing difficulties must be addressed as an emergency.1
Chest Pain
Sudden or growing pain in the chest, jaw, neck, arm or back could indicate a heart problem that is an emergency. Other symptoms could include:2
- Tightness in chest
- Uncomfortable fullness feeling
- Heartburn
- Squeezing feeing in chest
- Pain in one or both arms
- Cold sweat
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
Stroke Symptoms
Symptoms of a stroke can come on suddenly and unexpectedly. If someone exhibits these symptoms, call 911 immediately.2 Every minute counts.
- Confusion or disorientation
- Arm weakness
- Partial paralysis or difficulty moving
- Unexplained drowsiness
- Difficulty speaking
- Change in vision
- Face drooping
Loss of Consciousness
Any time someone has lost consciousness, whether for a short time or is unresponsive, take them to the nearest ER or call 911. Loss of consciousness accompanied by seizures should also be seen by a physician immediately.
Head Injury
If you have fallen and hit your head, been hit in the head by an object, or had a severe shaking of the head, you might sustain a head injury or a concussion. Here are some warning signs3 that require a visit to the ER:
- Pain from the injury
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Ringing of the ears
- Sudden drowsiness or fatigue
- Vision changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
Burns
If you are suffering from a burn, consider the severity. Just going by pain level alone isn’t enough since minor burns often hurt worse than major burns.4 If it covers a large area, has penetrated deep, has discolored the skin, has swollen the area or has caused blisters, a trip to Medco ER is a good idea.
Abdominal Pain
Pain in the abdomen can indicate one of several conditions. All of them require immediate medical intervention. “If you’ve experienced abdominal pain for any length of time, it’s a good idea to come in and let us check you out,” said Dr. Khan. “It could be anything from a bleeding ulcer to gallbladder stones to a cyst. With a thorough examination and imaging scan, we should be able to diagnose the problem.”
Extreme Pain
If you’re experiencing extreme pain that isn’t responding to over-the-counter medication and isn’t getting better with time and rest, your body is trying to tell you something. It’s time to go to Medco ER.
- Migraine or headache
- Back pain
- Shooting pain
- Chest pain
- Pain when eating
- Pain that takes away your appetite
- Throbbing pain
- Eye pain
- Toothache
- Stomach pain
What to Expect at Medco ER
When you go to Medco ER, you can expect to receive fast, quality healthcare with little-to-no wait time. Open 24/7 every day of the year, Medco ER gives you fast access to a board-certified physician and much of the same imaging equipment found in a hospital emergency department. Our in-house pharmacy carries rapid results labs and medications needed to treat many conditions. Try one of our two convenient locations for rapid response healthcare.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
- Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006
Call us @ 469-840-4600
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/definition/sym-20050890
2 https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms
3 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
4 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12063-burns
8 Tips for a Healthy Holiday
Looking forward to the elaborate holiday feasts but dreading your blood sugar swings, exhaustion and weight gain? At Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians have put together 8 tips to help you make the best choices for a home run healthy, happy holiday season.
“The holidays are fraught with tension, extra work and poor eating choices,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “But with a bit of planning, you can reduce your stress and feel better as you spend time with loved ones.”
Avoid feast or famine
It’s easy to skip a meal or two in advance to get ready for a big holiday feast, and then pile it on once you get to the table. This is a sure way to make your blood sugar swing wildly. Instead, eat a small snack before going to the party and watch your portions once you get there.
Make it count
While you don’t have to rigidly count calories at your family gatherings, it is advisable to be judicial in choosing where you are willing to spend the most calories. Choose your favorite foods and take smaller portions of them.1
Drink more not less
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. But go easy on the rest of the drinks. Remember that egg nog, punch, soda and alcoholic drinks can pack a whopping amount of calories where a fruited water spritzer has none. Also, alcohol makes you hungrier and reduces your ability to make healthy choices.1
Say goodbye to stress
Knowing that stress levels will be high during the holidays, you can make a plan now for ways to reduce it. Simplify your expectations to center on the most important people and traditions. Plan breaks for yourself.2 Choose shortcuts for the month, such as preparing freezer-ready meals in advance. Get plenty of rest. Eat well and exercise.
Slower is better
Remembering that it takes up to 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal that your stomach is full, take longer between courses and go slow on second helpings. A side benefit is less heartburn from not overeating.
Green is good
If you are a snacker, make sure there are plenty of fresh vegetables to grab. Avoid standing next to the snack table where it is tempting to grab more chips. Make sure you put plenty of veggies on your plate during the feast, too.3
Sneak in the substitutions
Don’t be afraid to look for healthier options for traditional foods. No one will mind that there is Monkfruit sweetener in the pies, chicken broth with only a bit of butter in the stuffing, hummus for raw veggies or yogurt dip for the fruit tray. Healthy choices like fanciful pear-pomegranate-pistachio salads with raspberry vinaigrettes can joyfully replace traditional butter-swamped or mushroom soup-covered hot vegetables.
Avoid the allergens
If you suffer from food allergies or are sensitive to things like gluten or monosodium glutamate (MSG), keep that in mind before diving into the dips, cookies and other scrumptious-looking treats. Russian tea cakes have ground up nuts and flavored chips and dips often have MSG.
Medco ER & Urgent Care is here when you need us
Since medical concerns don’t care if it’s the holidays or if it’s the middle of the night, Medco ER & Urgent Care is open all day and night, every day of the year, to provide you with the quality healthcare you need. If you or your loved ones aren’t feeling well, come in right away for an expert evaluation and treatment plan.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/12-tips-for-holiday-eating-201212242506
3 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/holidays-healthy-eating.html