Staying Safe and Healthy on New Year’s Eve

What are you doing on New Year’s Eve? Whether you’re headed to a party or staying in for the night, we want to ensure your New Year’s Eve is spent safely. Many people spend the evening celebrating at parties and drinking heavily, but it’s important to remember the side effects that accompany large quantities of drinking.

Avoid Driving
Even if you haven’t been drinking, try to stay off the roads on New Year’s Eve. Driving while intoxicated can even begin during the day on New Year’s Eve. Be wary of other drivers.

Never Drink and Drive
If you’re attending a New Year’s Eve party, consider leaving your car at home and taking a cab there and back. Or hire an Uber, a Lyft, or take public transportation. Have a friend who doesn’t drink? Talk to them about being a designated driver. Or try staying overnight at a friend’s house or booking a local hotel within walking distance from the party.
Alcohol impairs your senses and reflexes. Getting behind the wheel after drinking puts your life in danger, and endangers the lives of everyone else on the road.

Be Aware
If you have a friend who becomes deeply intoxicated while celebrating, letting them sleep the alcohol off might not be the right answer. They need to be monitored while they sleep. There have been fatalities because an intoxicated person vomits while sleeping and chokes.
Never mix alcohol and drugs, prescribed or not. This can result in serious side effects.

New Year’s Day
It’s a new year! Start 2019 off right by healing your body from the previous day’s activities, and setting good habits to carry with you into the new year.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Just like caffeine, alcohol is a diuretic and can quickly empty your body of necessary fluids. If you drank too much alcohol on New Year’s Eve, spend New Year’s Day replenishing your body by drinking water, herbal tea with lemon and honey, and fruit and vegetable juices.

Eat Properly
There are a variety of foods that help cure hangovers. Eggs are one of the most common cures, due to their amino acid called cysteine. Bananas, crackers, and other light foods can soothe an upset stomach and give your body some needed nutrients.

Take Vitamins
Drinking excessively can weaken your immune system, but taking vitamins will help your body heal by replenishing depleted nutrients. Vitamins C and B and magnesium supplements are especially important after drinking.

Here at Trusted ER, we hope you have a safe and healthy 2019!

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Trusted ER Open 24/7 During Christmas and New Years

Everyone wants a holly-jolly Christmas, but did you know that emergency room visits spike during the holidays? There are a variety of things that can send a patient to the ER during Christmas, from decorating the house, to slipping on icy sidewalks, to gorging on tasty holiday foods. We hope your holiday season stays injury-free, but here are some tips to help prevent holiday disasters.

Enjoy the Treats, but Don’t Over-Indulge
It’s the season for festive cookies, fruit cakes, candy canes, and yule logs. But during this time of year, many people end up in the ER due to something they ate or drank.

• Oftentimes people on low-sodium diets over-indulge during the holidays by eating rich casseroles and decadent desserts. As a result, their bodies are unable to process the excess salt. It’s okay to enjoy holiday foods, but make sure you control your portion sizes.
• During the holidays, food poisoning is a common reason to head to the ER. People sometimes eat undercooked meat or dishes that were not prepared properly. Make sure your food is cooked thoroughly.
• Another common cause for holiday ER visits is consuming too much alcohol. Pay attention to the amount of alcohol you consume, and never drink and drive.
• Don’t forget your food allergies. Visiting family or friends for the holidays? Be sure to let them know about your allergies ahead of time, so they can prepare the food accordingly.

Plan Ahead
Before you head out of town, make sure to pick up any medications you need at the pharmacy and check in with your doctor before you leave. Some doctors and pharmacies have shortened hours during Christmas, so make sure to visit in early December.
It’s important to take your medication with you during a trip, even if you’re just going away for a few days. If you’re flying, keep your medication with you in your carry-on bag. That way, if your luggage is lost, your medication will be with you.

Deck Your Halls with Caution
Everyone loves a festive home, but be sure to stay safe as you decorate. Did you know that, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 12,000 to 15,000 people end up in the ER every year due to accidents from decorating?

• If you’re decorating the outside of your house, make sure your ladders are safe and secure, and have someone there to spot you. Always read the warning labels on your ladder.
• Having young children over to your house for the holidays? Check for things like low-hanging mistletoe or other poisonous plants, open fireplaces, uncovered outlets, or stairs without gates that could lead to a child falling and injuring themselves.
• Keep lit candles within your sight and blow them out before you leave the house or the room.
• If you’re setting up a fresh tree, keep it away from fireplaces and other sources of heat. Give it fresh water every day.
• Check all of your lights and throw away any damaged strands.

We know that heading to the ER on Christmas is not something on your wish list, but if you come, here’s what to bring: a friend and a positive spirit. We are here for you throughout the holidays 24/7 at Trusted ER, and we will make your stay special.

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Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…except when pneumonia makes an appearance. ‘Tis the season for dealing with colds, the flu, and pneumonia. While colds and the flu can be frustrating but short-lasting, pneumonia can last much longer and present more serious issues.

Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia’s symptoms vary in severity, depending on your age and level of health. The young and old will have more severe symptoms, as will those with chronic health issues or weakened immune systems. While many of pneumonia’s symptoms mirror those of colds and flu, they last much longer. Its symptoms include the following:

• Severe cough
• Exhaustion
• Fever
• Chest pain caused by coughing or breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Difficulty breathing

Pneumonia Causes
Pneumonia is caused by a variety of germs, from bacterial to viral. Bacterial pneumonia can appear on its own but often follows a cold or the flu. Viral pneumonia is often the least serious (though in some rare cases, it can become quite serious). It is often most common in children under five years of age. Other types of pneumonia are usually found in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Pneumonia Risk Factors
Pneumonia is especially dangerous if you are older than 65 or younger than two.
In these cases, it can be life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.

Pneumonia Prevention
To help prevent pneumonia, prioritize good hygiene. Wash your hands often and stay home when you are sick. Boost your immune system by eating healthy, taking vitamins, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Make sure you are up to date on your vaccines and talk to your doctor about getting the pneumonia vaccine.

Do you suspect you have pneumonia? Visit Trusted ER if you are experiencing chest pain, struggling to breathe, suffering from a bad cough, or dealing with a fever of 102 degrees or higher. Our doctors are here to help you kick pneumonia to the curb!

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Tips for Avoiding Holiday Depression Triggers

There are gifts to wrap and lists to make and parties to attend and festive meals to cook. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but, for some of us, the holidays trigger depression instead. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s important to take time for you; and remember to breathe deeply and find moments filled with peace and quiet.

Keep Expectations Modest
Your holiday doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t even need to be the same as it has always been. You don’t need to buy family and friends loads of presents or host the perfect family dinner. Make things easy on yourself by doing a gift exchange or hosting a holiday potluck meal. Scale down your holiday decorations. Remember to focus on enjoying your loved ones rather than the number of things you accomplished while preparing for your festivities.

Do Something Different
Just because it’s tradition doesn’t mean it has to be done. It’s okay to do something different from what you’ve always done. If a holiday tradition is causing anxiety or high levels of stress, it’s okay to say no. Create a new tradition with your family instead – something relaxing to you. It’s okay to eat out for a holiday dinner, go to the movies on Christmas, or choose to stay home from a Christmas party. Pick one or two traditions to celebrate this year – give yourself the freedom to not do it all.

Volunteer
Sometimes serving others brings us joy. Try volunteering at a soup kitchen or giving to families in need. Find a local charitable organization that could use your help.

Lean on Your Support System
Talk to your family and close friends about how you are feeling. Check in regularly with your therapist. Schedule daily or weekly time with your loved ones, either in person or over the phone. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Ask your family to help with the holiday cooking and preparations this year. Give yourself the freedom to receive help from the people close to you.

If this holiday season has triggered seasonal depression, give Trusted ER a visit. We are here for you 24/7, and we want to help you enjoy this Holiday season. 

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When to Seek Care for a Sore Throat

Cold and flu season is ramping up, which means you may currently be experiencing a sore throat. Although sore throats are a common irritation, they can be painful and annoying. Washing hands often and practicing good hygiene are some of the best ways to stay healthy and avoid sickness, but if you do experience a sore throat, here are some ways to beat it.

What Causes My Sore Throat?
There are a variety of things that can cause a sore throat, from a simple cold to strep throat to allergies to tonsillitis.

How Do I Care for my Sore Throat at Home?
Most sore throats can be soothed through at-home remedies.

• One of the most effective at-home remedies is gargling with warm salt water. This will decrease swelling and kill bacteria. If you have a particularly bad sore throat, try gargling hourly to help soothe your throat.
• Increase your intake of herbal tea, soup, and other warm liquids. This will help relieve your discomfort. Chamomile tea is anti-inflammatory and can be especially helpful for soothing sore throats.
• Use over-the-counter treatments, like throat lozenges or numbing sprays for an additional level of soothing.
• Add honey to your tea and other liquids, as it can help heal your sore throat.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming caffeine. These can cause dehydration and can irritate your throat.
• Use a cool-air humidifier to moisten the air or sit in a steamy bathroom. Being exposed to excessive dry air can bother your sore throat.

When Do I Head to Trusted ER for my Sore Throat?
While caring for your sore throat at home is important, it’s crucial to know when to head to the ER.

• If your sore throat has lasted for more than a couple days and is coupled with a fever of over 101 degrees, head to Trusted ER.
• If you can’t sleep at night and feel like your throat is blocked, give us a call.
• If a red rash accompanies your sore throat, head to Trusted ER. This could be a symptom of a much more serious problem.

At Trusted ER, our doctors will evaluate your sore throat to see what is causing your discomfort. If you suspect it is triggered by something more serious, come in immediately. We are here for you.

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Stomach Bug or Food Poisoning?

Do you know how to tell the difference between the stomach bug and food poisoning? Both have similar symptoms and are frustrating experiences, but there are differences between the two.

The Facts on Food Poisoning
One of the major differences between the stomach bug and food poisoning is that the stomach bug will occur one to two days after being exposed to the virus, whereas food poisoning will occur anywhere from 2-6 hours after consuming contaminated food. While the stomach bug lasts longer than food poisoning, its symptoms are usually less severe.
Food poisoning’s most common trigger is raw or undercooked meat. However, a number of other foods can trigger food poisoning, including eggs, soft cheeses, raw fish, and contaminated water.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Stomach Cramps
• Fever
• Body aches
• Sweating
• Headaches

Stomach Bug Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Body aches

Stay Hydrated
One of the biggest concerns with both food poisoning and the stomach flu is dehydration. Carefully watch for signs of dehydration, which include feeling extremely thirsty, having dark urine, urinating less frequently, and feeling dizzy. Replenish your body with electrolytes to help hydrate your body. Avoid soda, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages, as these drinks will contribute to your dehydration.
When you are ready to eat again, start by introducing gentle foods like bananas, apples or applesauce, plain yogurt, or potatoes. Stay away from spicy foods – or anything else that may upset your stomach.

Prevention Methods
To help prevent the stomach bug, remember to wash your hands often and stay home if you are sick. To avoid food poisoning, thoroughly cook your meats, keep perishable items refrigerated, and clean your kitchen tools regularly. Throw away rotten or questionable food items.

Do you believe you have food poisoning? Are you concerned about the stomach flu? Come into Trusted ER immediately, and our doctors will diagnose your symptoms.

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Congrats to our 2018 Best Doctors!

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Harvey Castro and Dr. Jessica Hernandez have been voted as D Magazine’s Best Doctors for 2018! At Trusted ER – Hurst, our goal is to provide our patients with the highest level of care, and we want to congratulate Dr. Castro and Dr. Hernandez for their exceptional emergency care.

While serving as the chief medical officer at Trusted Medical Centers, Dr. Harvey Castro has been voted one of D Magazine’s Best Doctors every year since 2014. With over 15 years of experience, he has been a pioneer in Dallas’ healthcare field, developing health-related apps for smartphones, writing medical publications, and working as a medical correspondent for local stations Univision and Telemundo to draw Hispanic and Latino audiences into conversations about healthcare.

He is certified by The American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians. A guest speaker for the American College of Emergency Physicians at the Scientific Assembly, he has also worked as a consultant for healthcare software businesses and has completed three phases of ACEPS Emergency Department of Directors Academy. He received both a B.S. and B.A. from Texas A&M University and his M.D. from University of Texas Medical Branch. His goal is to serve his patients with the highest level of individualized care.

Dr. Jessica Hernandez is an attending physician at Trusted Medical Centers. She was also voted one of D Magazine’s Best Doctors in 2017, an honor she received shortly after moving to Texas. With a heart for education, she is in the process of completing her master’s degree in health profession education. She finished a fellowship in Simulation Medicine in 2012, having studied the use of technology in education.

Her compassion for others has led her to become deeply involved in hurricane relief efforts. Before Trusted ER, she practiced at a Level I trauma center and recently spent time in Puerto Rico on a medical mission. She has a B.A. in Comparative Literature from New York University and received her M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Her Emergency Medicine Residency was completed at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York. She loves working with patients to help educate and answer questions about anxieties surrounding health and wellness.

We are proud to have Dr. Castro and Dr. Hernandez serving our patients at Trusted ER – Hurst. Visit one of our three Dallas area facilities to receive care from our incredible team of doctors.