Plano ER Tag

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

¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis

² https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/art-20047081

Flu Update for 2023 Flu Season

It’s that time of year again when coughs, sneezes and runny noses can send you running for cover from potential flu virus contamination. As the flu season ramps up, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are prepared to offer flu vaccinations, antiviral medications, antibiotics, rapid results labs, and advice to patients who encounter influenza.

Current Flu Predictions

Since this is the onset of flu season, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that influenza is not currently a pandemic. They continue to monitor the potential threat of widespread flu in the United States. For now, the flu vaccine combats the four most common viruses predicted to be dominant this year.

Asian lineage avian influenza A consisting of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses is considered one of the risks this season.¹ This and other strains of viruses are being tracked by the CDC.

Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, come to Medco ER immediately for evaluation for the flu:⁴

• Chills, fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Body aches
• Fatigue, lethargy

Prevention

The first line of defense against the flu is to get the vaccine every season. Patients with chronic conditions or at higher risk for complications should get the vaccination every year.² Vaccinations help prevent the most common viruses, but not all of them.³

“If we experience a pandemic flu this year, it is likely going to happen in spite of the vaccine,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Widespread viruses that cause influenza are not protected against with annual vaccinations. However, flu vaccinations are very important for the most virulent strains. It is also important to follow good practices to prevent getting the flu.”

One of the best things that you can do to prevent the flu is to frequently and carefully wash your hands with hot water and soap. If you are on the go, take hand sanitizer with you to use after each stop.

Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are sick. Similarly, if you are sick, stay home so you don’t spread the germs. Stay home 24 hours after your fever is gone. Don’t forget that your fever-reducing medications may confuse this timeframe.

Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth to prevent introducing germs into your system. Use a tissue or your elbow to cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away afterwards.²

Clean frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, countertops, and bathrooms to keep germs at bay. Consider spraying rooms with natural antibacterial mixtures such as tea tree oil and distilled water.

Treatment

One of the only treatments for early onset influenza is antiviral drugs. These prescribed antiviral drugs need to be administered rapidly to be effective. They should be started within 1-2 days of the first symptom.

Prescription antibiotics may be needed for secondary infections that could arise from flu symptoms, such as bronchitis. Your physician at Medco ER may prescribe something to keep your symptoms from getting worse.

At home treatment ideas include:⁵

• Bed rest
• Stay home
• Fever reducing over-the-counter medication
• Drink clear liquids

Warning Signs

Influenza could become an emergency and require immediate medical care. If you or someone in your house is experiencing any of these warning signs, come to Medco ER right away for a complete examination.⁵

• Breathing difficulty
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fever or cough that improves, then gets worse
• Lack of urine output
• Dizziness
• Confusion, not alert
• Dry mouth, no tears when crying
• Seizure
• Severe body aches or muscle pain
• Fever that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medications
• Extreme weakness

Get Flu Help Fast at Medco ER 

If you are just experiencing flu symptoms, go immediately to Medco ER. You may be a good candidate for antiviral prescription medication that could shorten the life of your flu symptoms. We are open 24/7, so you can get easy access to rapid results flu tests and prescriptions.

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

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/monitoring/current-situation.html

² https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm

³ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/basics/faq.html

⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/whatyoushould.htm

⁵ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm 

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

Taming the Tension Headache

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/

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/taurine/faq-20058177

³ https://fherehab.com/learning/energy-drink-overdose

⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/energy.htm

⁵ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320741/

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/