Taming the Tension Headache
Trying to get through a workday of important business with a vice-like, painful headache that shows no signs of stopping can be a huge challenge for many people. But most everyone has experienced a tension headache at one time or another, and the timing is rarely convenient. The medical professionals at Medco ER have a few tips to help you understand and navigate the next round of tension-type headaches that you or someone you love may experience.
Symptoms
Tension-type headaches can vary in severity and duration, but they usually have these easily recognizable symptoms:1
- Feeling of a tight band around the head
- Dull, aching pain in the head
- Sensation of pressure or tightness bearing down around the head
- Vice-like pain
- Tenderness in the scalp
- Tenderness in the neck and shoulder muscles
Types of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches can be categorized as episodic or chronic. Episodic tension-type headaches can last less than an hour to days.1 In frequency, they occur less than 15 days a month. Chronic tension-type headaches last for hours and days on end—more than 15 days a month.1
“If your tension headaches take up many days for three months in a row,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “then you are bordering on a chronic condition. It’s a good idea to be evaluated by your primary care physician or come in to Medco ER for an exam.”
Treatment of Tension Headaches
If you have frequent tension headaches, you may want to try a combination of the following common treatments:2
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Caffeine
- Drink plenty of water, eat regular meals
- Prescribed medication such as amitriptyline
- Non-medication treatments: biofeedback, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy
- Relaxation techniques: heating pad, muscle stretching, muscle strengthening, guided imagery to release tension3
Prevention of Tension Headaches
Since the cause of tension headaches is not known, prevention is not an exact science. You can try to make sure you don’t miss meals since headaches can occur from not eating regularly, or you can work to stay well hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water each day. Keeping a headache journal can help pinpoint the onset triggers for your headaches, such as determining a recurring time of day.4
Emergency Tension Headaches
“If you are not prone to tension headaches but suddenly feel an abrupt, severe head pain,” said Dr. Khan. “Come to Medco ER right away. Also, if you experience a fever, stiff neck, dizziness, confusion, seizure, muscle weakness or other concerning symptoms along with a headache, it is to be considered a medical emergency.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If your tension headache has become too much to bear, occurs too often, or has emergency symptoms associated with it, come to Medco ER for fast help from board-certified physicians. Our facility is open 24/7 every day of the year and we have the labs, pharmaceuticals and imaging equipment to support a timely diagnosis and treatment.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977
2 https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/tension-type-headache/
3 https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/4-ways-to-tame-tension-headaches
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
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
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/
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
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
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
Is it a Sprain or a Strain?
A sprained ankle, strained wrist, sprained thumb, twisted knee or pulled muscle can be the result of a slip, fall or trip. It doesn’t take much to roll an ankle – sometimes just a misstep off a path or sidewalk, a slip on a wet rock, or a stumble over an obstacle in your path. Falling can injure your wrist, thumb or fingers. Playing sports can strain a hamstring, arm or hand.1
At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating strains and sprains and making sure the bone wasn’t injured. “Sprains and strains are extremely painful and need medical care to ensure they heal properly,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan.
What’s the difference between a strain and a sprain?
Often used interchangeably, strains and sprains are actually very different because they involve different parts of the joint.
- A strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons around a joint. These can be pulled or torn.
- A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold bones together to make a joint stable. Ligaments can be stretched or torn.
Symptoms of sprains and strains
Sprains can exhibit:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Unable to use the joint
Strains can exhibit:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle cramps
- Painful use of joint or inhibited range of motion
Treatment Options
“Most often, sprains and strains are treated with immobility, rest, elevation, ice, compression with bandages or splints, over-the-counter pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories,” said Dr. Khan. “However, some ligament tears or muscle tears can be so severe they require extensive treatment. Surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy may be needed to stabilize the joint.”
“When you come in to see us at Medco ER & Urgent Care, we can personalize a treatment plan that’s customized to your injury and ensure your healing has started on the right path,” said Dr. Kahn.
Prevention Tips
Preventing a strain or a sprain is crucial if you are playing sports or do a lot of hiking or biking. Pay attention to body mechanics to make sure you don’t overtax an ankle when running or twist a knee with a sudden turn. Use proper lifting techniques.
Here are some other tips that can help keep your joints injury-free: 2
- Choose the right shoes – wear supportive, properly fitting shoes and replace them often
- Choose the right clothes – wear clothes that allow free movement
- Spend time warming up – before you begin your activity, do plenty of stretches, elevate your heart rate, and warm up your joints
- Use a balanced approach to fitness – cross train with cardio, strength, flexibility and endurance
- Use a daily approach to fitness – rather than doing it all on one day, do a little something each day to improve your fitness level
- Stretching is key – after your muscles are warmed up, do slow and careful stretches without bouncing a joint
- Spend time cooling down – walk off the heat from your exercise or activity and allow your joints to stabilize
- Drink water – water supports good joint health and helps keep you from becoming weak and sick from heat exhaustion or heat stroke which can lead to a fall
Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Don’t just try to tough it out if you’ve strained or sprained an ankle, thumb, wrist, knee or other joint. Come to Medco ER & Urgent Care for the proper treatment to help speed healing and prevent reinjury. You’ll be seen within minutes of arrival and our in-house imaging equipment can aid in rapid diagnosis. We’re here 24/7 when you need us.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains#tab-risk
2 https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/