ER in Plano Tag

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

3 Myths About Dehydration that Could Hurt You

Summertime can be the busiest time of the year. Not only are you getting all your projects done, but you’re also squeezing in all the fun you can. This extra running, combined with our excessive Texas heat, can result in dehydration if you’re not careful with your water intake. Left unchecked, dehydration can quickly become serious.

Dehydration Explained

Dehydration is the lack of sufficient water for your body’s needs. Symptoms can begin with even as little as 1.5% fluid loss.¹

When the body is low on water, several adverse things begin to happen.

• Your heart must work harder to pump blood²
• Your muscles don’t move efficiently
• Your feet and hands may swell as your body retains fluid
• You start to feel really sick: dizzy, headache, dry mouth, pounding heart, shaky

Dehydration can be caused by not getting enough water and by exercising, drinking alcohol, taking certain medications, unrelenting hot weather, or by being sick with vomiting or diarrhea.

But many of us are used to living with a certain level of dehydration and we tell ourselves it will be ok because we’ve pushed the envelope before. Here are 3 common myths that need to be debunked when it comes to protecting yourself from the adverse effects of dehydration.

Myth #1 – Drink when you’re thirsty and you’ll be fine

“Waiting to drink water when you are thirsty is not the best plan of action against dehydration,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Your body will already be struggling to get back to a comfortable hydration point, especially if countering the effects of hot weather or exercise. Also, as you age, your thirst indicator becomes less noticeable and, thus, less reliable.” 

Pro Tip: Drink before you notice thirst and keep up the water intake throughout the day.

Myth #2 – Drinking a lot of water quickly will take care of it

Drinking excessive amounts of water at one time is not the best way to remain hydrated all day. Your body will rapidly purge more and retain less, leaving you still dehydrated as you keep working or the heat remains an issue.

Pro Tip: Drink small amounts of water throughout the day to make sure you are getting plenty.

Myth #3 – Dehydration is unpleasant but not dangerous

“Dehydration can quickly become dangerous and even deadly,” said Dr. Khan. “We treat patients all the time with IVs and electrolyte intervention to try to restore them to health. It’s not something to take lightly.”

Additionally, it can contribute to an imbalance of electrolytes—or hypernatremia—which can make you very sick. Another complication that is made worse by dehydration is low fluid levels in the cells of the body, or hypovolemia. Over time, liver and kidney damage can occur. Most of these complications can be alleviated with proper hydration habits.

Pro Tip: Help educate those around you and establish good hydration habits in their lives.

Symptoms of Dehydration³

• Dark-colored urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Less frequent urination
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness, dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever, chills
• Drowsiness, fatigue
• Irritability
• Thirsty, dry mouth
• Confusion
• Weakness, shaking

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

Babies, children, and seniors are among the highest risk group for dehydration. If you or someone you love is suffering from dehydration, come in right away to the nearest Medco ER, open all day and night. You will be met by a board-certified physician who is experienced in treating mild to severe dehydration.

• 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://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration

² https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086 

When IBS is an Emergency

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

Weight Loss Safety Tips

Like many Americans, you may have decided that this year was the year you would lose weight and get in shape. If your New Year’s resolution sounded something like that, the physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are here to help you achieve your weight loss goals in a safe and lasting way.

“The fields of diet, nutrition, fitness and even bariatric surgery have evolved rapidly in the past ten years,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “While there are, arguably, more ways we can impede our own health with poor eating, drinking and lifestyle choices, weight loss and fitness goals are more attainable today than ever before in the past. But still, many people are attracted to fast, glamorous diets that do more harm than good.”

Tips for Safely Losing Weight

To help you on your weight loss journey, we’ve put together these weight loss tips that put safety first.

• Get your head in the right space. Paid programs are readily available that work on cognitive behavioral therapy to help you retrain your brain to critically examine what you eat. There may also be free help available. If you are already a member of a fitness center, check there for weight loss help that is already included in your membership. Additionally, expect to be in it for the long haul. Gradual and safe weight loss should be your goal.
• Make your app work for you. You can choose a calorie-counting app, a healthy eating app or a workout app to help keep you on track.
• Get a health coach. Tap into the recent onslaught of scientific advancements by hiring a health coach to help you understand nutrition and weight loss.
• Focus on nutrition. Make it a weekly goal to shift from empty calories, processed foods and high carbs to dense nutrients and filling whole foods. Preparing a plan before you go shopping will help. If you don’t buy it, you won’t be tempted to eat it. Small changes add up over time and can make a big impact on your overall health.
• Fruit and veggies come first. Start subbing out how much cereal, pasta and starches you are consuming by adding more fruits and vegetables to the bowl. Make veggies the largest portion on your dinner plate. Reach for fruits for a filling, tasty snack.¹
• Be patient. If you’re making a major lifestyle change, such as switching from soda to carbonated flavored water, give yourself plenty of time to adjust. It may take a couple weeks, but eventually you won’t miss the refined sugars and will feel good when you drink the healthy beverage. Keep up the positive outlook and know you are doing something great for your body.
• Add activity. Increase your activity level steadily throughout the year. Start small with something attainable, like walking 3 times a week. Keep increasing your activity until you are doing something physical every day.

Before You Start

“Before you begin any weight loss program you should first consult with your physician,” said Dr. Khan. “Your doctor will have ideas that can help you. Also, it is good to have that physician oversight. Fad diets can be especially harmful to your health, so we are here to help prevent problems before they start.”

Dangerous Diets

Fad diets that promise rapid and radical results can be dangerous to your health. Crash diets often lower the metabolic rate which then doesn’t return to normal after weight increases.²

Here are some other ways fast diets can be dangerous and harmful to your health:

• Sacrifice a healthy balance of foods for fast results
• Loss of muscle instead of fat because of low protein intake
• Promote an unhealthy view of food, possibly even encouraging eating disorders
• Promote an unrealistic view of different body types
• Suppress immune system with poor nutrition
• Cause heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Cause abdominal distress from a concentration of one kind of food
• Cause fatigue, weakness and dizziness
• Cause depression
• Trigger gallstones
• Reduce metabolism

Medco ER is available 24/7

Ready to get started on your weight loss and fitness goals? Try a telehealth visit with one of our board-certified physicians before you begin. To get a full medical workup before starting any new weight loss plan, stop by one of our two convenient locations.

If your diet has caused physical problems, or if you are experiencing unexpected weight loss or weight gain, come in right away for an assessment.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

• Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006 

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/fruits_vegetables.html

² https://lindnercenterofhope.org/blog/why-dieting-can-be-harmful/

Is it COVID or is it Flu?

Today, if you wake up with a headache, fever, sore throat, cough and body aches, you probably will spend significant time wondering if it is the flu or COVID. In the past, you may have spent a few minutes running down a list of people you’d been around who had the flu, but now you have to worry about exposure to COVID-19. As the threat of the new Omicron variant looms large, we have to be especially vigilant with ourselves and our children. So how do you know if it’s Influenza A or if it’s COVID? At Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians are here to help you answer that dilemma.

“The difficulty is in the shared symptoms,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Both influenza and COVID can present with fever, chills, muscle soreness, and cough. Some people experience diarrhea and vomiting with either condition. So, short of getting tested, it is hard to know whether it’s flu or COVID.”

Shared symptoms

There are many similarities between flu and COVID-19, though the severity can vary. People may experience very mild cases of either condition, or they can experience severe cases and even need hospitalization. Either flu or COVID can result in secondary infections, such as pneumonia, and require advanced treatment.

Here’s a list of the common symptoms¹ that can occur in either condition:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Unique symptoms

“One of the most prominent symptoms that may help you know the difference is the classic loss of the senses of taste and smell. Usually, that is a good way to realize you probably have COVID and should come in and get tested right away,” said Dr. Khan. “Additionally, if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, that is another indicator of COVID, but it could also mean you’re moving into a chest condition with the flu. But that should be looked at right away by one of our qualified physicians.”

How it is spread

Both the flu and COVID are highly contagious, though they are caused by completely different viruses. They are both spread through contact with other people who are infected with the germs. Coughs and sneezes can transmit microscopic droplets laden with the virus, or even just talking can transmit the virus. When these droplets are inhaled or enter through the eyes or mouth, the virus then spreads to that person.²

Medco ER & Urgent Care is ready to help

If you are unsure if you have the flu or COVID, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away for a Rapid Antigen Test with one swipe swab. Results are ready in 15 minutes, so you will know right away if you have the flu or COVID. Not ready to come in? Try a telehealth visit and get fast advice from one of our board-certified physicians.

• Book a Rapid Antigen Test at Plano:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

• Book a Rapid Antigen Test at Carrollton:

2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006 

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vs-flu/art-20490339

Burns – Types & Treatments

A burn can occur in a split second. Burns can be caused by scalding water, hot burner, open flame, electrical connection, chemical spill, radiation, or even too much time in the sun that results in painful or even debilitating burns. Each year, 1.1 million people are treated for burn injuries.¹ At Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians are here all day and night to provide quality care for burns and other injuries.

“Burns are especially painful and can be hard to judge the severity at home,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “That’s why we recommend you come in and have us evaluate the injury and provide rapid treatment to try to help reduce the pain and speed recovery.”

Types of Burns

First degree burns are the least severe and involve only the outer layer of skin, or epidermis and will cause redness and possibly minor blisters. Sunburns, grease spatters and coffee spills are examples of causes of first degree burns. They can be very painful but usually heal within several days without going to the doctor. If these burns cover more than 3 inches, consult with a physician.

Second degree burns involve both the epidermis and the next layer, the dermis. These burns swell rapidly and have more blistering and redness than first degree burns. They also can look glossy or weep fluid. Seek immediate medical attention for these burns.

Third degree burns are serious burns that require immediate medical attention. They involve the epidermis, dermis and fat layer. The burn area can look dry and leathery and tan, white, red or black in color. The skin may look charred. These burns are so deep that the patient may not feel how serious it is. Take the person to the nearest ER for emergency treatment.

Treatment of Burns

At home: Clothing and jewelry should be immediately removed from the injured area since burns swell quickly and circulation or breathing could be restricted. Cool water or compresses can give some pain relief. Elevate the wound.

At the ER: your physician will treat the burn with antibiotics and follow protocol to keep the body supplied with hydration and concentrated nutrients needed for healing. Your physician may discuss how to start the process of receiving skin grafts and a splint may be added to keep the area from moving during early treatment. Later, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other therapies may be recommended to encourage healing.

Burn Safety

Prevention is key when considering injuries as painful and serious as burns. Children and older adults are at greater risk for being injured by burns or scalds. That’s why it’s important to spend some time considering how to best use safety precautions in your home. Practice safety measures when cooking, carrying hot liquids, filling bathtubs and serving food to children. Adjust the hot water heater to safe temperatures. Keep matches and lighters out of reach and be careful with candles and cigarettes.³

Teach children fire safety basics, such as Stop-Drop-and Roll, and practice your evacuation plan. Most fire stations have workshops for children to learn fire safety practices.

Keep hot irons, hair straighteners, etc., out of the reach of children. Cover outlets and put away electrical cords not in use. Keep children away from grills, outdoor fires, radiators and space heaters.

Enjoy taking the family to city fireworks and avoid doing fireworks at home. Install working fire alarms and fire extinguishers.

Get fast help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

Even with the best precautions in place, burns still happen. When someone receives a burn injury, come immediately to Medco ER & Urgent Care for quality care. We’re always open and ready to help when you need it.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/child-safety/art-20044027

Taming Tooth Pain

When is a tooth infection or a tooth abscess reason to go to the emergency room? When a minor infection goes from mild discomfort to a throbbing pain with swollen gums, it’s time to go to Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX. A tooth infection or an abscessed tooth can quickly become a life-threatening condition if left untreated.

“Any time you are experiencing tooth pain, you can come to see us and we will help you right away,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “It’s not always possible to get in to see your dentist at a moment’s notice, but we can help treat the infection, get bleeding under control, reduce pain, and address tooth fractures while you wait for further dental procedures.”

Symptoms of Tooth Infection

A tooth abscess has very noticeable symptoms including:¹

• Sore gums next to the tooth
• Discoloration of gums next to the tooth
• Swollen gums
• Swollen cheek
• Bleeding gums
• Pain, throbbing toothache that can include the jaw and neck
• Loosened tooth
• Bad taste in mouth
• Inability to chew
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Accelerated heart rate and breathing

“Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, and swelling of the jaw and face. These are warning signs that the infection is spreading, which can be very dangerous,” said Dr. Kahn. “The body could go into sepsis, which requires emergency medical intervention.”

Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth abscesses are most commonly caused by cavities that have spread down to the sensitive root tip of the tooth where the soft pulp contains the nerve bundle. A pocket of pus can collect there and can involve the blood supply to the tooth which then can spread the infection throughout the body if left untreated. Or, the infection can be next to the tooth and involve more of the gums, causing them to swell and discolor.

There are 3 main causes of tooth abscesses: poor oral hygiene, high sugar diet, and dry mouth which can be caused by certain medications or aging.¹ Additionally, tooth pain and infection can result from cracks or fractures to the tooth’s enamel or injury to the tooth.

Treatment of Tooth Infection

Your board-certified physician at Medco ER & Urgent Care will diagnose your tooth pain through examination and possibly by taking an X-ray. Infection will be treated with antibiotics, possibly administered intravenously, and bleeding will be stopped.

Prevention of Tooth Abscess

Good oral hygiene is your best defense against tooth infections. Brush 2 to 3 times a day and floss each day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Salt water rinses and hydrogen peroxide can help cut down on the amount of bacteria attacking the teeth and gums. Use fluoridated toothpaste and drinking water. Eat healthy foods and avoid snacks between meals, especially sugary snacks.¹ Visit your dentist regularly. Replace your toothbrush 3 to 4 times a year.

Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

When your tooth pain is getting worse and your gums are swollen, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away for quality medical treatment. We are open 24/7 every day of the year because we know that tooth infections can crop up any time day or night. We can help you start to feel better again by reducing the infection and easing the pain.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901

3 Tips for Pool Safety

As the dog days of summer drag on, the pool is probably your family’s favorite hangout. But accidental drownings are the leading cause of death in children in the United States.¹ To help keep your family safe this summer, the physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, have put together these 3 tips for pool safety that every homeowner should know.

1. Create a Barrier

An enclosed fence on all four sides of the pool is a key safety feature that should coincide with a pool’s installation. The lock on the gate should be higher than a child’s reach and should be self-closing and latching. For above-ground pools, remove the ladder or steps when not in use, as well as any other equipment that could be used to gain access.

Consider installing a locking pool cover.² Use a safety float line to partition off the deep end for young swimmers. Use childproof window and door locks on the side facing the pool.

“Barriers are essential for keeping children away from water,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “However, it is good advice that if your child is missing, check the water first.”

2. Install an Alarm

Alarms can alert adults to a child trying to gain access to a pool without supervision. Since 69% of young children who drown were not expected to be in the water, a warning alarm could save a life.²

There are several options for alarms. They can be installed on patio doors that lead out to the pool, on the gate of the fence that provides the pool barrier, or installed in the water as a sensor for a child unexpectedly entering the water.

3. Invest in Education

While purchasing alarms and barriers seem like sensible investments, you can also prepare your children for pool safety by investing in their education. At the earliest age that is appropriate, take them to swimming lessons. Spend time regularly reviewing pool rules and then enforcing them. Finally, attend CPR training to know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Here are some common pool rules to get you started:

• No swimming without an adult present
• No swimming without permission
• No entering pool area without an adult present
• No running around the pool
• No diving (or dive only in deep end, if applicable)
• No alcohol and swimming
• No roughhousing or pushing into the pool
• Stay away from drains and filters

“While drowning is a parent’s biggest fear when it comes to pool safety, running on wet pavement is also a concern. Kids racing around a pool to jump in can have a serious slip and fall injury,” said Dr. Khan. “We see a lot of lacerations on chins and concussions from this common accident.”

Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

While these pool safety tips will help prevent many accidents, children or adults may still inhale water or have other pool-related emergencies. That’s why Medco ER & Urgent Care is open 24/7 to provide immediate access to quality healthcare right when you need it the most.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html

² https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety.html

Top 3 Summer Health Hazards

It’s summertime and the increase in activity leads to an increase in injuries and medical conditions directly related to summer activities. For many, summer is the best time of year, but it also has some accompanying health hazards that we should know about. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we’ve highlighted 3 kinds of health hazards that spike during the summer months. Keep your family and yourself safe and healthy this summer by paying attention to these three health hazards.

Sun Hazards

Leading the pack of summer health hazards are the ones that accompany increased exposure to sun. Heat exhaustion, for example, occurs when the body overheats in high temperatures and high humidity.

Heat stroke takes heat exhaustion one step further and requires immediate medical intervention since it can be a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include hot skin, red skin, dry skin, confusion, feeling cold, and loss of consciousness.

High heat and humidity also creates a constant battle against dehydration. Staying hydrated will help your body stay cool and keeping electrolytes in balance will help your body use water efficiently and keep blood pressure under control.

Sunburn is also a common summer hazard that can be very painful. Over time, sun exposure can cause skin damage and even eye damage. Using moisturizers with sunscreen, using sunscreen outdoors, and wearing hats, UV-rated sunglasses and long sleeves are important preventative measures.

Finally, food poisoning is among the top health hazards in the summertime. Use best food handling practices to keep your family and guests safe this summer.

“Most sun-related health hazards are preventable with a little forethought and preparation,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “But still, it’s hard to beat the effects of the heat. When you get overheated, sick or injured from sun exposure or food poisoning, come to Medco ER right away for our unique no-wait access to quality medical care.”

Water Hazards

Playing in the water is our favorite way of beating the heat during the summer. But increased water activity greatly increases your chances of experiencing a water-related health hazard. Many of these hazards are preventable, but some are not.

Drowning is the biggest concern with water activities and can often be prevented with the use of a life jacket. Sometimes, boating accidents can be less serious if everyone in the boat is wearing a life jacket. Additionally, respiratory distress from water aspiration can manifest hours after children inhale water at the pool or lake.

Germs are also a concern when going to public pools. A good practice is to check a pool’s health score before going.¹ Also, while swimmer’s ear seems like a minor inconvenience, it can be a painful medical condition that can be easily treated with a visit to the doctor.

Other water hazards include slip-and-fall injuries from running around the pool’s wet concrete, stepping on nails or wood splinters with bare feet, and becoming dehydrated from not drinking enough water. Alcohol can also cause dehydration as well as diminished judgement when it comes to safety. So try non-alcoholic drinks when enjoying a day at the beach or pool.

Kid Hazards

Kids are much more active in the neighborhood in the summertime, which can set the stage for injuries in traffic and on the sidewalk. Make sure your child has a helmet for biking and a helmet and pads for skating and skateboarding.

Outdoor activity can also pose other risks. If your child has never been stung by a bee, watch them closely after a first sting to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

Young workers have a higher rate of accidents than older workers.¹ If your young teen is working a summer job, make sure he or she has the safety equipment and knowledge needed to prevent workplace injuries.

“Kids find a lot of creative ways to be busy in the summer, and sometimes that means a fast trip to the doctor,” said Dr. Khan. “We have appropriate, child-sized equipment and a child-friendly exam room readily available for urgent and emergency situations.”

Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

For help with all kinds of health conditions and injuries, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are here for you. We’re always open and available to help in diagnostic, treatment and recovery from common summertime health hazards and injuries.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000¹ https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p0517-eight-tips-healthy-summer.html