Austin Urgent and Family Care

Austin Urgent and Family Care Copyright (c) 2010,2011 AO Design -. All rights reserved. http://austinurgentcare.com/ Urgent Medical Care Urgent Care and Medical needs of the community. en-us Sun, 19 May 2013 09:17:03 +0000 5 Austin Urgent and Family Care 223 88 http://austinurgentcare.com/ http://austinurgentcare.com/images/logo.png Urgent Care Clinics: Competence is Top Priority http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/urgent-care-clinics-competence-is-top-priority http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/urgent-care-clinics-competence-is-top-priority Urgent Medical Care Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:55:00 +0000 When you visit an urgent care clinic in the Austin and Round Rock area, it’s not because you picked it for a nice place to hang out with a friend on a relaxing evening.  You need help.  Your family needs help.  The last thing you want to feel like is that you’re talking with an assistant. At Urgent and Family Care at Avery Ranch, Austin and Round Rock area families have been receiving quality care from a group of experienced, board certified physicians for more than seven years. They’ve dedicated their locally owned urgent care clinic to offering affordable care that’s available when you need it.   Most of us have had the need for an urgent care clinic in the Austin or Round Rock area, and a lot of times, that experience isn’t a good one. Usually, if that’s the case, it comes from some level of  being brushed off or having rushed staff who are improperly trained.  We value service highly, and make sure that when you visit us at our Parmer Lane location that you get the level of service and attention that you deserve.   Whether you live in North Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, Avery Ranch or Round Rock, we are here to serve you with board certified physicians and well trained staff.   You can trust Urgent and Family Care at Avery Ranch to give you the care you need, right when you or your family need it. Stroke Symptoms: Should I See an Austin or Round Rock Urgent Care Clinic? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/stroke-symptoms-should-i-see-an-austin-or-round-rock-urgent-care-clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/stroke-symptoms-should-i-see-an-austin-or-round-rock-urgent-care-clinic Urgent Medical Care Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:21:00 +0000 Stroke Symptoms: Should I See an Austin or Round Rock Urgent Care Clinic? Stroke symptoms are serious, and you might think it's wise to visit one of the many Austin or Round Rock area urgent care clinics you see. While urgent care clinics in Austin and Round Rock are great places to go for minor medical issues, stroke symptoms don't qualify. So how do you know if a symptom may be pointing to a stroke? Well, obviously we're not all trained physicians, but there are a couple of well-known indications that, if you see them, you should go to a hospital immediately. First, let's be clear that we're simply discussing a couple of the prominent symptoms of stroke, and we're NOT saying that these are the two most important stroke indicators. One of these is sudden blurred vision. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops". A simple explanation, but scary still. Naturally, since the brain is affected, you're looking for symptoms of that. Sudden blurred vision is one of those. This is an indicator of the possibility that the part of the brain governing eyesight has been affected. Second is sudden difficulty talking. Again, the part of the brain governing speech has suddenly been deprived of oxygen, so you have trouble. Now, the reason that you don't use an Austin or Round Rock urgent care clinic is that they are simply not set up to deal with conditions this serious. They don't admit patients, and they don't have an Intensive Care team, which is what you need in dealing with a Stroke. Austin and Round Rock urgent care clinics are set up for minor medical emergencies like fever and the flu. With a stroke, you need to be admitted and given certain medications and treatments immediately. Cedar Fever, Can You Prevent Or Lessen the Effect in Austin? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/cedar-fever-can-you-prevent-or-lessen-the-effect-in-austin http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/cedar-fever-can-you-prevent-or-lessen-the-effect-in-austin Urgent Medical Care Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:25:00 +0000 <div> <div> <div> </div> <div>"Ceder Fever" is the nemesis of many people in the Austin and Round Rock areas yearly.  If you're one of the tens of thousands who suffer from it, you need no education on how much suffering it causes.  But can you prevent it, or is it unavoidable?  It's important to keep in mind that "Cedar Fever" is a direct result of two things: 1. your exposure to the voluminous amounts of pollen that Austin and Round Rock Cedar trees push out every winter, and 2. your body's individual histamine reaction to it.  That said, it's logical that the less you inhale the stuff, the less you'll suffer.  Let's look at some thoughts toward lessening your suffering.</div> <div> </div> <div>The best defense you can put up against pollen is to stay indoors. As much as possible, amend your schedule to breathe filtered air as much as possible.  You can use the following thoughts to protect yourself and your children from the symptoms that come from exposure to  cedar pollen and to reduce  the ravaging  effects of Cedar Fever: </div> <div> </div> <div>When you are indoors</div> <div>:</div> <div>• Be sure to close all windows and doors, and keep them closed.  Check seals on all doors and windows</div> <div>• When pollen levels are high, use the the air conditioner or heater (thus engaging the filter)</div> <div>• Dust with a moist cloth</div> <div>- Change the air conditioner system filters in your home regularly, and especially at the beginning of Cedar Fever Season </div> <div>– Use only HEPA air filters</div> <div>• Use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner every  week in your home</div> <div>• Remember that your pets carry pollen in from outside; bathe your pets frequently</div> </div> <div>Cedar Fever is tough enough, don't make it worse by exposing your self to it more than you have to.  As always, our doctors at Urgent & Family Care at AVery Ranch are available for consultation to prepare for or deal with the effects of Cedar Fever in Austin and Round Rock areas.  Contact us today!</div> <div> </div> </div> Urgent Care Clinics in Austin: Help Us Help You http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/urgent-care-clinics-in-austin-help-us-help-you http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/urgent-care-clinics-in-austin-help-us-help-you Urgent Medical Care Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:39:00 +0000 <div> Urgent care clinics in Austin, Round Rock or Cedar Park are all about getting you and your family feeling better and back to normal life quickly. If you’re wondering how you can get the most out of your experience, there are a few things to keep in mind. When it comes to your health, sharing is caring! </div> <div>When you visit an urgent care in clinic in the Austin & Round Rock area to treat an illness or injury, it’s important to come prepared to share as much information as possible about your prior health history with your doctor. If you think there’s any information that your primary care physician’s office has on hand that relates to your current injury or illness, you might consider calling them a few hours prior to your visit and asking them to forward any relevant medical information to our office. If you aren’t able to do this, at least start thinking about your prior medical problems, family history and the treatments you’ve received. The more information you can provide our physicians, the more comprehensive care they’ll be able to provide to you.</div> <div>  You can also fill out the new patient forms listing your prior medical and family history on our website before coming into our urgent care clinic in Austin. This gives you the opportunity to take your time filling out the paperwork and ensuring that you don’t make any omissions from the comfort of your home, rather than in a waiting room. </div> <div>  When you fill out your new patient information forms, you’ll also have the opportunity to provide your primary care physician’s contact information. We can send them information about the treatment you receive so that they have a comprehensive picture of your health the next time you visit. </div> <div> One of the biggest concerns facing our health care system today is the concern over fragmentation in health care, or the idea that each doctor a patient visits doesn’t receive the complete picture of their health. You definitely don’t want your doctor to miss any details about your health. If you want to get the most out of your visit to an urgent care clinic in the Austin & Round Rock area, then help us help you by sharing all the important information we might need. Come visit us when you need us, we've got the right care, right when you need it!</div> <div> </div> Urgent Care Clinics Make it Easy to Keep Your Family Healthy http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/urgent-care-clinics-make-it-easy-to-keep-your-family-healthy http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/urgent-care-clinics-make-it-easy-to-keep-your-family-healthy Urgent Medical Care Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:35:00 +0000 <div> As a parent, one of your greatest responsibilities is keeping the people in your family healthy, and helping them get over it quickly if they do get sick or hurt. This challenge definitely shouldn’t be taken lightly, and it can sometimes seem pretty overwhelming. The good news is that urgent care clinics in the Austin & Round Rock area are here to make things a little easier for you, by providing you with convenient and affordable options for ensuring that your family stays healthy. </div> <div>There are a number of simple things you can do to help keep your family healthy. Make sure your family eats well-balanced meals, and maintains diets high in nutrients and fiber, and low in sugar, saturated fat or trans fat. Encourage everyone to do something active for at least 30 minutes everyday, and take them to a doctor for sports physicals if anyone is thinking about making a big change in their physical activity. Make sure that your children are all up-to-date on their immunizations and receive yearly wellness checkups at a doctor’s office or an urgent care clinic in Austin or Round Rock. Maintain a clean and smoke-free home, and keep any potentially harmful substances well out of reach of small children.</div> <div>  Unfortunately, even if you take these precautions there’s always a chance that unforeseen circumstances will cause someone in your family to get sick or injured. If this happens, you can rest assured that an urgent care clinic in Austin can help your family get back on track. Although you can’t always plan ahead for an illness or injury, you can plan how you’ll deal with it if something suddenly comes up. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to get an appointment with your primary care physician, but don’t want to spend the high amount of money an ER visit might cost you, an urgent care clinic in Austin, Round Rock or Cedar Park might be a great option for you. </div> <div>  In addition to providing treatment for many minor illnesses and injuries, urgent care clinics can also provide you with the screening and immunizations you need to prevent illnesses and injuries before they happen. Whether you need lab services performed, vaccines, flu shots, or physicals, you can receive them at an urgent care clinic in Austin, Round Rock or Cedar Park. The best part is, most of these services don’t even require an appointment. Simply walk-in to Urgent and Family Care at Avery Ranch, and find out more about how an urgent care clinic can help your family! </div> <div> </div> High School Sports Physicals in Austin: What to Expect http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/high-school-sports-physicals-in-austin-what-to-expect http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/high-school-sports-physicals-in-austin-what-to-expect Urgent Medical Care Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:24:00 +0000 If your child is preparing to try-out for or begin playing a sport, you might have some questions about high school sports physicals. You know that your child’s school requires a sports physical each summer before they start a new school year (as well as requiring sports physicals during the year for intra-year activities), but you might be wondering why a sports physical is important, what it entails and where you can get one. What makes a high school sports physical any different from a normal checkup? A sports physical consists of two parts: a review of your child’s medical history, and a physical exam.  During a high school sports physical, a doctor looks for any signs or symptoms that show how your child’s body might react to increased physical activity. The goal is to identify any potential risks, and make sure that your child can play sports in a healthy, happy way. When you plan to take your child to get a sports physical, it’s important that you have as much of their medical history and your family’s medical history on hand. This can help ensure that a doctor is able to give your child a thorough, accurate evaluation.  It’s also important that you check out their school’s athletic department website to gather any important paperwork that you’ll need the doctor to fill out at the appointment. During a sports physical, a doctor will check things such as your child’s height & weight, blood pressure, eyesight, heart, lungs, and abdomen. They can also test how strong or flexible your child is. This will help the doctor identify any specific exercises or activities that your child will need to take extra caution with, especially if they’ve been injured in the past. They can also recommend treatment and exercises to help your child quickly recover from any injuries and safely get back to their sport of choice. When your child begins playing sports, you want to be sure that you know the difference between changes in their body that occur because of working out new muscles a lot, and changes that occur because of underlying medical conditions. Take a proactive approach to supporting your child’s health and happiness by getting them a high school sports physical before they begin playing sports. When your child gets a sports physical, a doctor can help put your mind at ease by answering any questions you might have about how a particular sport can affect your child’s health and physical development. Come prepared with some questions and don’t be afraid to ask. If you’re looking for a place to get your child a high school sports physical or have any questions about what you should bring to the appointment, please don’t hesitate to call Urgent & Family Care at 512-733-9400. We’re happy to help you get your child out onto a field or into a gym as soon as possible! Sports Physicals in Austin: Why Does Your Child Need One? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/sports-physicals-in-austin-why-does-your-child-need-one http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/sports-physicals-in-austin-why-does-your-child-need-one Urgent Medical Care Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:24:00 +0000 If your child is preparing to try-out for or begin playing a sport, you might have some questions about high school sports physicals. You know that your child’s school requires a sports physical each summer before they start a new school year (as well as requiring sports physicals during the year for intra-year activities), but you might be wondering why a sports physical is important, what it entails and where you can get one. What makes a high school sports physical any different from a normal checkup? A sports physical consists of two parts: a review of your child’s medical history, and a physical exam.  During a high school sports physical, a doctor looks for any signs or symptoms that show how your child’s body might react to increased physical activity. The goal is to identify any potential risks, and make sure that your child can play sports in a healthy, happy way. When you plan to take your child to get a sports physical, it’s important that you have as much of their medical history and your family’s medical history on hand. This can help ensure that a doctor is able to give your child a thorough, accurate evaluation.  It’s also important that you check out their school’s athletic department website to gather any important paperwork that you’ll need the doctor to fill out at the appointment. During a sports physical, a doctor will check things such as your child’s height & weight, blood pressure, eyesight, heart, lungs, and abdomen. They can also test how strong or flexible your child is. This will help the doctor identify any specific exercises or activities that your child will need to take extra caution with, especially if they’ve been injured in the past. They can also recommend treatment and exercises to help your child quickly recover from any injuries and safely get back to their sport of choice. When your child begins playing sports, you want to be sure that you know the difference between changes in their body that occur because of working out new muscles a lot, and changes that occur because of underlying medical conditions. Take a proactive approach to supporting your child’s health and happiness by getting them a high school sports physical before they begin playing sports. When your child gets a sports physical, a doctor can help put your mind at ease by answering any questions you might have about how a particular sport can affect your child’s health and physical development. Come prepared with some questions and don’t be afraid to ask. If you’re looking for a place to get your child a high school sports physical or have any questions about what you should bring to the appointment, please don’t hesitate to call Urgent & Family Care at 512-733-9400. We’re happy to help you get your child out onto a field or into a gym as soon as possible! Sports Physicals in Austin: When and Why Your Child Needs One http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/sports-physicals-in-austin-when-and-why-your-child-needs-one http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/sports-physicals-in-austin-when-and-why-your-child-needs-one Urgent Medical Care Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 <div>   </div> <div>It’s that time of year to think about where your children will get a sports physical in the Austin and Round Rock areas during the 2012-2013 school year. The Austin Independent School District requires that all children get a yearly physical after April 15th in order to participate in any AISD Athletics. They recommend that every child make an appointment between May 1st and August 1st, before the 2012-2013 school year begins, but you can still get one if the need arises during the school year. If you’re child hasn’t previously participated in school sports, it could still be a good idea to start thinking about getting a sports physical.  Playing group or individual sports can have great benefits for children, and you don’t want anything holding them back! Playing sports is, of course, a great way to get your kids to stay active, but the benefits don’t stop there. Here are some more: </div> <div> <ul> <li>It’s gets them off the couch, away from technology, and puts them in a stimulating and challenging environment that will help them grow physically and mentally. </li> <li>Sports help children build self-esteem and social skills,</li> <li>teaches them how to focus, </li> <li>teaches them to collaborate with a team, and </li> <li>to work hard to achieve  a goal</li> </ul> Taking your child to see a doctor for a sports physical in Austin or Round Rock before the start of a new school year can ensure that your child is able to do this in a safe and healthy way. Again, though, you may run across the need for a sports physical during the school year, such as scouting or camp trips.   Most organizations are going to at least strongly suggest a sports physical if their activities include anything strenuous.  This protects them, and protects your children as well.  You want to know if there’s anything you should know about your children’s health before they engage in lots of physical activity. If your child is just beginning to take advantage of the great benefits playing sports can provide, it’s important to remember that you will need to pay extra attention to their health. A big increase in physical activity can lead to changes in their body. While these can definitely be healthy, positive changes, it’s always best to get a sports physical so a doctor can identify any potential risks, and help prevent your child from getting hurt. Don’t wait until the last minute to get a sports physical in Austin! Avoid the busy time at the end of summer and think about making an appointment for a sports physical today. Of course, if you don’t have time to plan for an appointment, Urgent and Family Care at Avery Ranch offers convenient walk-in sports physicals, performed by our board certified physicians. Make sure your child is prepared today, and they can start focusing on becoming a great athlete tomorrow! </div> <div> </div> Round Rock Urgent Care Clinics Provide Quality Care at a Low Cost http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/round-rock-urgent-care-clinics-provide-quality-care-at-a-low-cost http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/round-rock-urgent-care-clinics-provide-quality-care-at-a-low-cost Urgent Medical Care Wed, 02 Jan 2013 06:50:00 +0000 Urgent care clinics in Austin help your family not only by providing quality care, but also by providing care that won’t break your bank. We believe that you shouldn’t have to choose between your body or your pocketbook suffering. Instead, you should have options for getting better fast in a cost-effective manner. You might be wondering just how we’re able to provide high quality care but still keep our costs lower than an emergency room. Let’s take a look at what our urgent care clinic in Austin does have, and what we don’t have that keeps our costs down.   First, we have two great physicians on staff, who are both Board Certified in Family Practice. A common misconception of urgent care clinics in Austin and Round Rock is that they only staff nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants. At our urgent care clinic, this is definitely not the case. Another common misconception is that urgent care clinics can’t write prescriptions. Our physicians are happy to write prescriptions for the medication you’ll need to feel better fast. The only major difference between our urgent care clinic and a large hospital with an ER is that we don’t have a pharmacy on site. This definitely helps reduce our operating costs, and leaves you with the option to pick any pharmacy you prefer. We are also able to keep costs low because we don’t admit patients. Therefore, we don’t have the overhead expenses of big hospitals like cafeterias, gift shops, or recovery rooms designed with a long stay in mind. Generally, if you’re going to be admitted to a hospital, that’s one of the rare circumstances in which you should head to an ER, not an urgent care clinic. For example, if you’re experiencing chest pain, abdominal pain or headache, a seizure, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty speaking or sudden blurred vision, you should head to an emergency room immediately. Our urgent care clinic in Austin has eight private evaluation areas, X-Ray and a laboratory, ensuring that we’re well equipped to deal with a variety of minor injury and illnesses. Our laboratory can conduct a number of tests, including blood count, influenza, mono, pregnancy, rapid strep, and urinalysis. By providing the essential services and equipment that you need to treat a minor injury or illness effectively, we can continue to keep costs low. You deserve a health care option that helps your family by treating you with quality care in a cost-effective manner, and we hope to provide that to you! The Flu is Here; Are You Ready? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/the-flu-is-here-are-you-ready http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/the-flu-is-here-are-you-ready Urgent Medical Care Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:00:00 +0000 <div> <div class="im"> </div> Influenza, or “The Flu”, is back, and it’s high time you get your shot!  Across the board, getting an annual flu shot is still your best bet against getting the flu.  Most of us have had a nice the flu at least once in our lives, and we ALL know that there’s no part of it that any sane person would describe as “fun”.  Body aches, fever, sore throat, it’s just a bad deal, and there’s really no way to function when you have it. <div class="im"> This might be the worst part of having the flu; that you can’t DO anything.  If you have kids, you know how tough this is: your kids still need you, your job still needs you, and all you can do is struggle along for the days or weeks it takes you to get over it.   Contrast that with a flu shot.  One tiny needle stick, and you’re done.  Even if you have one of the more adverse reactions, which is rare, you’re still out of the woods far faster than if you actually get the virus.  Contact your doctor and ask them if the flu shot is right for you.  There are a minority of the population for whom it’s not a good idea, but again, that’s rare. </div> <div>Of course, at Urgent & Family Care at Avery Ranch, we offer the flu shot for ages 12 years and up, and you can even use our convenient online checkin feature so that you don’t even have to sit in a waiting room.  We’ll call you and let you know that we’re ready, and you just walk in, get your shot, and you’re on your way!  </div> <div> That said, this is not about us getting to give you the flu shot, but simply about your health.  Whoever you decide to use, just get your flu shot.  Again, it’s the best way to keep from getting the seasonal flu (you know someone who’s already had the flu this year, and you don’t want that to be you, do you?).</div> </div> Seton Health Care http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/seton-health-care http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/seton-health-care Urgent Medical Care Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:30:00 +0000 We are now in network with SETON Health Care! 4 Thoughts on Sports Physicials for the Austin Area http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/4-thoughts-on-sports-physicials-for-the-austin-area http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/4-thoughts-on-sports-physicials-for-the-austin-area Urgent Medical Care Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:24:00 +0000 4 thoughts on Sports Physicals for the Austin Area  1.)  Why get a sports physical? The usual answer is that Sports Physicals are required for participation.   The clinical reason is that a Sports Physical is an opportunity to identify concerns that may limit injury during the sports season.  It is important to remember that it is not designed to be a comprehensive exam.  It should not take the place of the recommended health maintenance physical.  2.) Where should I take my child for a Sports Physical:  The best place to start is with your Primary Care Physician.  They know your history and have records of immunization but if you are in a hurry or can not get an appointment the nearest Urgent Care Center is a great option and many times has a discounted rate prior to school.   Many schools will offer free Sports Physicals prior to the school year so a call to the administration office may be another option.  3.)  How to prepare for a Sports Physical:  All physicals will have a history portion to complete prior to the physical.  This is an important area that the student should complete with the parent so an accurate history is recorded.  If your student has not had a Sports Physical a brief discussion about how physical are completed is important.  Parents and children should have a brief discussion about concerns that they would like to discuss with the physician.  4.)  What are some conditions that would require a more extensive evaluation if identified in a Sports Physical:  Here are a few common conditions that would need further evaluation.  Uncontrolled Asthma, Uncontrolled Hypertension, Eating Disorders, and Uncontrolled Diabetes.   Finally, the Sports Physical is a great excuse for the parent to sit at talk with their child about healthy lifestyle and habits that could jeopardize ones health.             Meningitis Vaccine http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/meningitis-vaccine http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/meningitis-vaccine Urgent Medical Care Wed, 18 Jul 2012 07:51:00 +0000 Now offering Meningitis Vaccine! School/Sport/Boy Scout Physicals http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/school-sport-boy-scout-physicals http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/school-sport-boy-scout-physicals Urgent Medical Care Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:06:00 +0000 School Physicals, Sport Physicals & Boy Scout Physicals are now $25.00. Protection and Treatment from Poison Ivy http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/protection-and-treatment-from-poison-ivy http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/protection-and-treatment-from-poison-ivy Urgent Medical Care Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:19:00 +0000 Poison Ivy  Poison Ivy is a common problem for families in the summer.  Our clinic will see patients year round for severe rash with itching that is common with Poison Ivy.  But the season usually starts in earnest during the spring months of March and April.   The best protection for poison ivy is prevention.  Here are three ways that you can protect your family.  Avoidance:  First and foremost is being able to identify poison ivy.  A common phrase is “Leaves of three, let them be.”  Wearing clothing that covers the skin is the first and best way to avoid contact.  It is the resin or sap that you want to keep off the skin and long pants and shirts will do the job.  It is important to remember that the sap may be on clothing and should be washed and handled with care.  If you touch the sap on the clothing you can get a rash just as if you had touched the plant.  Also remember that pets may run through poison ivy and carrying the sap on their fur.  This may be a source of transmission and washing after a hike is important.  Washing:  If you know that you have sap on your skin washing can prevent an allergic reaction.  Time is important.  The sooner the better but even washing up to a couple of hours later may reduce your bodies response.  There are over the counter products that are can be used but soap and water has been shown to work just as well.  Barrier Creams:  This is a new area and acts like clothing to block the sap from the skin.  The efficacy is not clear at this time but may be more common in the future.  Treatment:  If you do get a rash treatment would include steroid cream.  This may be successful in the first couple of days and for small areas.  If the rash is more extensive or lasting longer than a couple of days you probably need oral steroid treatment from a physician.  Benadryl and help with the symptoms of itching but will not resolve the rash. The Care Savings Plan and Your Budget: Family Health Care http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/the-care-savings-plan-and-your-budget-family-health-care http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/the-care-savings-plan-and-your-budget-family-health-care Urgent Medical Care Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:31:00 +0000 <div> <div class="adL"> <div class="im"> If you’re like most people, the biggest factor in health care for you or your family is cost.  That’s a big one, even at local urgent care clinics in Austin, simply because of the education level needed in the field; it’s not cheap.  But you need to be able to provide quality health care for yourself, and especially if you have young children, your family, so how do you do that and stay in a budget? Urgent and Family Care at Avery Ranch has a great plan called The Care Savings Plan, and it’s built for just this kind of situation.  Now, it’s not insurance, let’s be clear on that, but it is more of a co-op type of plan.  It has great benefits and really helps you control your costs when accessing health care, but it’s not insurance. So how can The Care Savings Plan help you and your family control costs?  Well, here are a couple of thoughts: First, in the arena of controlling medical costs, it’s the unknown that really drives costs out of control, right?  For instance, if your child has a fever, you go in to get that looked at , and it turns out she actually has the flu, needs antibiotics and follow up visits.  That’s a lot, and really hard to plan for.  Well, that’s exactly where we’ve pointed the essence of our program at; the ability to encounter and take care of medical situations without throwing your whole budget into the ditch.  Next, we have built a high convenience factor into the system.  We know you’re time is limited, and that is even more so if you have kids.  We’ve done everything we can to reduce the time footprint needed for a visit to the doctor.  You can check into our Online Checkin system for more information on this if you’d like. </div> </div> </div> <div class="adL"> <div class="im"> <div>   </div> </div> </div> What's the Real Value of a Urgent Care Clinic? 3 Thoughts http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/whats-the-real-value-of-a-urgent-care-clinic-3-thoughts http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/whats-the-real-value-of-a-urgent-care-clinic-3-thoughts Urgent Medical Care Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:29:00 +0000 <strong style="color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918);"> <span style="color: #500050; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">When you think of providing health care for your family, you might not think first of a urgent care clinic.  Should you?  What is that urgent care clinics in Austin provide that you should consider?  Here’s another question: should you think about the closest urgent care facility when considering where to move?  That’s one we’ll talk about in this post, among others.<strong style="color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918);"> <span style="color: #500050; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">First, let’s talk about what a urgent care clinic brings to your family.  The urgent care clinic of today, especially in Austin, is in many ways the new face of the general practice clinic of days past.  Equipped to handle the scrapes and pains of day to day life in the typical Austin family, they give you a valuable resource close by so that you don’t have to suffer through a Emergency Room visit for, say, a broken arm.  Time convenience is a big deal.<strong style="color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918);"> <span style="color: #500050; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Second, experience with families.  This might surprise you to be listed as a benefit, but think about it: do you really think of your last emergency room visit as a good example of family friendly?  It’s not that it’s intentional, but simply an example of triage: the life-threatening cases get the majority of the attention, and the niceties get pushed to last.  Urgent care facilities in Austin give you both that expertise and specialization dealing with families, while also having the bandwidth to apply it.<strong style="color: #500050; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918);"> <span style="color: #500050; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Now, let’s talk about proximity.  With Austin spreading more every year,  major medical facilities can sometimes be very far away from a desired neighborhood.  If you or your family member has a broken bone or dehydration, you want a facility close by instead of having to drive half an hour.  Urgent care clinics in Austin give you that. Urgent Care Clinic vs. Emergency Care; What's the Difference? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/urgent-care-clinic-vs-emergency-care-whats-the-difference http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/urgent-care-clinic-vs-emergency-care-whats-the-difference Urgent Medical Care Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:22:00 +0000 <div class="im"> When it comes to urgent care clinics in Austin, you have lots of questions, but one of the principle questions you should be asking is this: what is the difference between a urgent care clinic in Austin and an establishment that offers emergency care?  You might think that because of the sheer number of urgent care clinics that they’re  the same as emergency care, but that would be a mistake.  It could be a critical one.   See, urgent care clinics in Austin are built around providing care for situations and conditions that are not generally considered life-threatening.  We’ll go over some of the definitions for that a little later, but first let’s look at what care IS provided in a urgent care or walk in clinic in Austin.   Here is a list of some (not all) of the situations or conditions we see often and regularly treat at Urgent and Family Care at Avery Ranch:  <ul> <li>Laceration Repair & Wound Care</li> <li>Fractures and Wound Care</li> <li>Respiratory Illnesses</li> <li>Asthma</li> <li>Vomiting</li> <li>Diarrhea</li> <li>Sore Throat</li> <li>Urinary Infection</li> </ul> </div> <div class="adL"> <div class="im">  Again, these are not the only issues we treat, but these are not generally life-threatening in nature.  When it’s your child, of course, nothing feels like a “non-emergency”, right?  So why the distinction?  Well, there are several reasons we could go into, but only one should matter for this discussion: level of care. The simple fact is that life-threatening conditions, or emergency situations that could develop into something life-threatening, demand a level of care that is not possible at a smaller family care or urgent care clinic (like Urgent and Family Care at Avery Ranch).  This is because of what it takes to move someone through the levels of care, not to mention the sheer numbers of labor hours, is staggering.  Here are a few symptoms (not all) that should send you or your family to the ER instead of a urgent care clinic:  <ul> <li>Chest Pain</li> <li>Sudden dizziness, weakness or loss of coordination or balance</li> <li>Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg</li> <li>Difficulty speaking</li> <li>Sudden blurred vision</li> <li>Severe abdominal pain</li> </ul> This is a relatively short blog post on this topic, and nothing in it should be considered the last word on the subject.  If something is amiss, get it checked out, and don’t wait. </div> </div> How Do Sports Physicals Work into your plans for a Walk in Clinic? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/how-do-sports-physicals-work-into-your-plans-for-a-walk-in-clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/how-do-sports-physicals-work-into-your-plans-for-a-walk-in-clinic Urgent Medical Care Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:38:00 +0000 <div> Sports physicals in Austin are nothing new, any family with that has teens will need one.  You should be thinking ahead, though.  Plan for what your kids are going to need in the coming years, that way you’ll know that your needs and the needs of your kdis will be met properly.  See, a sports physical is something that is required by most schools for participation in different types of competitive sports.  More than that, though, you want to know your kids are prepared and thoroughly checked out for yourself.  For this reason, you want to think through  what clinic  you choose, and the strategy you use to provide the standard care (flu shots, sports physicals, checkups and the like) they receive.  What does that mean?  Let’s dig a little deeper. You probably already know that there are dozens of institutions within a few miles of the typical home in Austin, Tx. that offer an array of services, from flu shots to checkups and other services.  Most of these institutions offer competition based on price, but is that what you really want?  You have to consider how they arrive at these cheaper (or at least, the perception of cheaper) prices.  They have to hire at the lowest rate, which means they'll only attract the lowest level of talent.  Is this who you want to be giving your kids a flu shot or a checkup? A better plan is to have all your family's care provided under one roof.  Have them attended by the same staff, and the same doctors, so that you know they'll get the same care. This is important when it comes to sports physicals.  Having all the records of your kids' health in one place, rather than spread out among the several institutions around town that you would use for all these other services, is a much better long terh strategy for your family's health.</div> 3 Symptoms That Should NOT Send You To A Walk In Clinic In Austin http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/3-symptoms-that-should-not-send-you-to-a-walk-in-clinic-in-austin http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/3-symptoms-that-should-not-send-you-to-a-walk-in-clinic-in-austin Urgent Medical Care Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:37:00 +0000 <div> Walk in clinics in Austin are great.  They provide the kind of health care you need, right when you need it, and all without an appointment.  While these are all great, there are still many symptoms that you should not use a walk in clinic to deal with.  We’re only going to work through three today, but there are more you should keep in mind (for a full list, click here).  Read on, I’ll explain. Here are the three we’ll talk about today: <ul> <li>Chest Pain</li> <li>Seizure</li> <li>Difficulty Speaking</li> </ul> - Hide quoted text - First, Chest Pain.  Since chest pain can mean a heart attack, you need to be in the right place if that is indeed your condition.  See, treating a heart attack has come a long way in the last 40 years.  There are medications available now, and tests too, that are only available at a large medical facility-like a hospital.  Also, ER facilities have the procedures and processes immediately available that put you in position to reduce the damage done by a heart attack. Second, Seizure.  There are many causes of seizures, but the majority of them - and the most serious - lie in the brain.  Walk in clinics aren’t intended to deal with something this complex.  Too, you need to be in the facility so that if you are diagnosed with any of the major causes of seizures that you are in a place that can help you as much as possible. Lastly, difficulty speaking is a symptom that is very serious, and should only be dealt with at a ER facility.  Because this is a major indicator of stroke, you should be at a facility that can help you.  Walk in clinics are not the right place.  Again, they’re great for the minor stuff you deal with day-to-day, but if you run across these symptoms, skip the Austin walk in clinic and go straight to the ER.</div> The True Value of a Austin Walk In Clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/the-true-value-of-a-austin-walk-in-clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/the-true-value-of-a-austin-walk-in-clinic Urgent Medical Care Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:32:00 +0000 <div> What exactly is a walk in clinic in Austin, and how does it benefit you and your family?  The simple fact is that you don’t always know when you’re kids are going to get sick, fall and hurt themselves, or spike a fever.  You need a resource available to you and your family that doesn’t require you to make an appointment to be able to get care when they need it.  Let’s look a little further. Health care is critical to your children, and you need to have access to it when and where you need it.  If you have children, you understand that an appointment doesn’t always make sense (in fact, rarely is that the case with kids!), and it’s great to have access to a facility that aligns its operating procedure to that fact.  Walk in clinics in Austin do just that.  Most walk in clinics, if they are set up correctly, will deal with a wide variety of illnesses and health needs, both prevention and non-prevention related.  Typical needs covered by walk in clinics in Austin are: • Sore Throats • Allergies • Ear Infections • Poison Ivy • Minor skin infections and burns • Laceration repair and wound care • Fractures and athletic injuries • Respiratory Illnesses • Asthma • Gynecologic and genitourinary problems • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Dehydration • Headaches • Backaches • Mild stomach aches • Minor eye problems and nose bleeds You parents know that this covers the vast majority of the ailments you deal with when it comes to your kids.  The nice thing is that you don’t have to run down to the ER every time something on this list happens; that is, if you have a good walk in clinic close to you.  Find one you can trust, and if you have kids, put them on speed dial!</div> Sports Physical: One More Advantage of a Austin Family Clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/sports-physical-one-more-advantage-of-a-austin-family-clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/sports-physical-one-more-advantage-of-a-austin-family-clinic Urgent Medical Care Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:23:00 +0000 <div> <div> <div class="im"> Sports Physical: One More Advantage of a Austin Family Clinic Austin family clinics are a great source of many benefits to families looking to get quality healthcare.  One of these is sports physicals.  If you have kids, they will probably play sports at some point or another.  Most Austin schools require a sports physical be before allowing kids of any age to participate in competitive sports.  This is another reason to use us an austin family clinic for all your healthcare needs.  See, having your children cared for in one faciliity, seeeing the same doctors, is a good idea.  Because they will know your children’s history and needs, they can better serve you and your family.   The opposite, which is to have your individual health care services, including lsports physicals, provided by the cheapest bidder, and thus at different locations around Austin, saves you a few dollars, but does it give your kids the best health care? Sports physicals aren't a critical medical need, but they are important.  You want to be sure they are performed by someone you trust.  The worst thing that could happen is that someone in a hurry overlooks something that should keep your child from going out and participating in a competitive sport that they really have no business doing.   Your child's long term health as an adult in many ways is tied to what happens to them as a child.  Sports physicals give you the knowledge you need to do your best to insure that nothing jeopardizes that health, and that your kids can safely enjoy the many different competitive sports that are available to them.   Caring for your kids is your top priority, and finding a good Austin family clinic  that offers them is a good way to start.   </div> </div> </div> <div class="im"> <div> <div>   </div> </div> </div> Care Savings Plan: Is It Right For Your Family? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/care-savings-plan-is-it-right-for-your-family http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/care-savings-plan-is-it-right-for-your-family Urgent Medical Care Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:56:00 +0000 <div class="im"> You may or may not  have heard of the Care Savings Plan, but in either case, you should know the benefits.  Why?  Because you could be missing out on real savings that your family can really use, and especially in an economy like this.  When you really dig into the savings you and your family get, singing up for the Care Savings Plan is a no-brainer.   First, let’s look at some of the savings you get: </div>   <ul> <div class="im"> <li>$68 Office Visit*</li> <li>20% Discount on Labs, X-Rays & Procedures</li> <li>$20 Flu Shots (20% Discount!)</li> <li>Enrollment Fee of Only $18/mo or $216/year</li> </div> <li>Application Fee is only $10 (one-time fee)</li> <div class="im"> <li>You and your entire family receive ALL these discounts for as long for as long as you’re actively enrolled</li> <li>PLUS you get 10-60% discount at participating pharmacies, vision and hearing providers, and dental offices</li> </div> </ul> The Care Savings Plan can save you and your family a considerable amount off of the regular office visit. The fact that you get that reduced $68 ON YOUR FIRST VISIT, how do you not sign up for this?  The Care Savings Plan was created mostly for individuals and families without insurance, and we want you to take advantage of it.   One thing to keep in mind is that the Care Savings Plan is NOT insurance.  It is a plan that is put together to give you savings, but is absolutely not health insurance.  These differences are important, because you do need to secure health insurance for your family for a whole host of reasons.  Because health insurance covers such a wide range of maladies, it’s a must.  There is no long term contract, this is a month to month plan, allowing you to opt out of it at any time <div class="im"> Check out the Care Savings Plan for your family today, you’ll be glad you did. </div> 3 Tips on PIcking the Best Family Clinic in Austin for Your Family's Needs http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/3-tips-on-picking-the-best-family-clinic-in-austin-for-your-familys-needs http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/3-tips-on-picking-the-best-family-clinic-in-austin-for-your-familys-needs Urgent Medical Care Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:57:00 +0000   <div class="im"> Picking the right Austin family clinic or Round Rock walk in clinic is an important decision that you want to weigh carefully.  The consequences of picking the wrong family clinic are only going to show up when you find out that your family hasn’t been taken care of properly.  By then it’s too late.  Obviously, that’s not what you want, but how do you avoid it?  The good news is that there are ways that you can take the right precautions and make sure you pick the right family care clinic in Austin for your family.  Here are three tips that you might find helpful.   First, check around.  If you’re doing it right, you’re going to be looking for a family clinic relatively close to your own home, so ask your neighbors.  Do they have a family clinic that they like?  Note the clinics close to you and ask about them; on their visits, how did they do with kids?  Did they seem knowledgeable?    Second, read reviews.   In the digital age, you have a great ally in finding the right family clinic, because if anyone has had a bad experience at one, that review is going to be easy to find.  It will be the one with all the smoke coming from it!  Seriously, online review sites are great allies in seeking out a good Austin family care clinic. Third, talk to the staff.  Once you have done your fact checking and have narrowed your choices to a few family clinics, go there and talk to them.  Online checking is good, but nothing beats face to face conversation.  What feeling do you get?  Do they seem too busy for you?  Take your kids and watch how they behave toward them.  Do your kids get a good feeling?   Remember, you’re going to be the one dealing with the consequences down the road if the family clinic you pick is the wrong one.  Choose wisely. </div> What is a Austin Walk In Clinic, and How Can It Help Your Family? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/what-is-a-austin-walk-in-clinic-and-how-can-it-help-your-family http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/what-is-a-austin-walk-in-clinic-and-how-can-it-help-your-family Urgent Medical Care Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:02:00 +0000 Walk in clinics are not new to Austin, but they are growing in popularity.   The benefits stack up fast, but you might not be aware of them at first, so we’re going to talk about a few that you may or may not realize.  Let’s get started. First, in a walk in clinic in Austin, you don’t have to make an appointment.  This may not seem like a big deal, but if you have a screaming two-year-old with a fever who needs attention, going to a medical care facility that does not force you to have an appointment is a big deal. This is important when there is an emergency, but what if there isn’t?   Non-emergency medical care could be even higher on the list of factors that favor a Austin walk in clinic over standard general practice doctor’s offices.  Think about it; you need to get flu shots for you, your husband and your three kids, but their schedules are all over the place.  Your husband really needs to do it on the weekend, while each of your kids have different days of the week that would be best.  THEN, right when you are about to take your 13-year-old in for his flu shot, your 10-year-old’s soccer practice ends early and you have to go pick them up, ruining your appointment to get the oldest’s shot administered, right?  Hold on, this is a walk in clinic, so you don’t have to have an appointment!  See the benefit?  As soon as you have a free hour, take one or even two kids over and get their shots, and you’re on your way.  This makes routine medical care for your family a LOT less stressful.  Austin Family Care Clinics: 3 Tips You Should Know When Choosing A Clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/austin-family-care-clinics-3-tips-you-should-know-when-choosing-a-clinic http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/austin-family-care-clinics-3-tips-you-should-know-when-choosing-a-clinic Urgent Medical Care Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:25:00 +0000 <div class="im"> Family medicine is important, and the clinic and doctors you choose to take care of your family’s health determines the course of that health care.  How do you make that decision?  What criteria should you use to choose whether or not a certain family care clinic in Austin is right for you?  There are many things to consider, but there are three that you should consider immediately.  Not to say that these things are higher in importance than others, just that you should think of them first.  Let’s run through a few of these, and hopefully it will help you pick the right doctor and clinic for your family’s health care in Austin.  Read on. </div> First, if you have kids, you have to have a doctor that works well with them.  If your doctor does not have a good rapport with your kids, that just adds one other layer to the difficulty in getting your kids to go to the doctor for any reason, let alone getting a flu shot.  Our physicians have 9 kids between them both; therefore they have a lot of experience and a very good rapport with children. Having physicians that have compassion when dealing with sick or injured children puts the parents at ease, knowing that their child is in capable hands. The child will have a nice memory of their last experience in our facility if they every have to return. <div class="im"> Second, consider the staff.  If the staff treats you as if you are in the way, or some obstacle that they have to get around, you want to steer clear of that kind of clinic.  This indicates poor training; that the doctors are not ensuring that the staff is intentional about caring for the parents and kids that come through their family practice clinic in Austin.   Third, how is their follow-up?  This might not sound like a big deal, but remember: the health of your kids depends on the family clinic in Austin that you pick.  If your doctors are not making a big enough deal about the little details enough to make sure you are getting reminder calls on time, what else is getting missed?   Taking care of your family is your biggest concern, so make sure you pick the family clinic in Austin that feels the same. </div> Flu Shots are even more critical for these 3 Kinds Of People http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/flu-shots-are-even-more-critical-for-these-3-kinds-of-people http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/flu-shots-are-even-more-critical-for-these-3-kinds-of-people Urgent Medical Care Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:49:00 +0000 <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Flu Shots are even more critical for these 3 Kinds Of  People <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since flu season is coming, and flu shots are all the rage, we thought we’d talk a little about a few of the people for whom it is more critical than normal to get a flu shot.  This might sound strange because of all the advice you hear from radio and tv ads telling you that you should get a flu shot, of course everyone should get one.  But there are some people for whom the importance level rises quite a bit, and that’s who we’re here to talk about today.   <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, pregnant women should get a flu shot.  The reasoning is simple: they are preparing for two.  Plus, they are more vulnerable to illness since their body is depleted.   The risk of contracting the flu virus is much higher, and thus they should make sure to get a flu shot. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Second, flu shots should be administered to children under 5, but especially children under 2 years of age.  Again, the high risk for both their age and the fact that they are around others who are highly contagious (and don’t yet have the social sense to understand the importance of taking measures to not spread the flu) makes it even more important that they get a flu shot. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A third group that should consider it more important than normal to get a flu shot is people who are 50 years of age and older.  For the same risk reasons, their danger is increased  in getting the flu, and should they contract it, the severity of the flu is increased.  Because of this fact, you see more elderly or very young people die every year from the flu, regardless of what kind or strain it is. Flu Season in Austin: It's Here, so now what? http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/flu-season-in-austin-its-here-so-now-what http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/flu-season-in-austin-its-here-so-now-what Urgent Medical Care Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:44:00 +0000 <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Flu season in Austin is tough on a lot of folks.  If you have children, it is especially worrisome.  The vast majority of flu deaths occur in the young and the elderly.  Young children are more vulnerable to the flu in Austin for a couple of reasons: first, their immune systems aren’t as well-developed, so the flu virus has an easier time getting started in their little bodies.  Second, they don’t understand the dangers of either the flu virus itself or the way kids that have the flu spread it among their peers.   <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How can you affect this?  How can you make sure your family is safe from flu season in Austin? <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are several things to think about, and being more aware of the dangers is a start.  It really helps to first of all understand that flu season in Austin starts in October and goes till May.  That’s longer than most people think, and it affects the steps they take (and when they take them) to prevent the flu from affecting themselves and their families.   <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Once you understand the length of the flu season, it’s important to not understate the importance of getting a flu shot in Austin.  Many people feel that they don’t need a flu shot, and the mild climate here in Austin can lull you into a false sense of security if you are not careful.  The simple fact is that there is no better way to keep from getting the flu than getting your annual flu shot.   <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It's important also to not hesitate to keep your children from contact with other kids who have the flu.  This can be difficult since flu season in Austin coincides with the school year so neatly, but it's important.  The flu is very harsh, especially on kids, so take every precaution you can to keep it from your family. How to NOT Get The Flu in Austin: DON'T Touch! http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/how-to-not-get-the-flu-in-austin-dont-touch http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/how-to-not-get-the-flu-in-austin-dont-touch Urgent Medical Care Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:41:00 +0000 <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Most people in Austin don’t wake up one day in October and say “Gee, I sure would like to get the flu today”.  Sounds crazy right?  Who would want to get the flu on purpose?  Believe it or not though, as bad as having the flu in Austin is, most people are not taking the precautions they could be to keep from coming down with such nasty sounding things as Swine Flu or Bird Flu.  Want proof?  Read on. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Think about this: how many things do you touch every day?  Think about it, and try to put a number on it.  Take your time, we’ll wait.  Got a number?  I bet you’re short.  It’s almost certain you’ve missed a key thing you touch up to 600 times per day.   Your face!  It’s said that the average person touches their face three to five times per minute (I’ve touched mine twice since I started writing this sentence), and that means trouble in flu season.  See, the flu spreads by entering your mucous membranes, like the ones found in your mouth and nose.  When you touch things like doorknobs, sinks, door frames and such that have been also touched by people carrying the flu, you give the flu virus a fast track into your body by carrying it directly to your face.  What does this mean for you? <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Simple: reduce the number of times you touch your face, and reduce the number of times you touch these kinds of surfaces, and you dramatically reduce your chance of getting the flu.  Here are some tips: <ol> <li style="list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Take care at exits, and don’t touch with your hands if you can help it.  Studies have shown that the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/preventing.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000099; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">flu virus can live on surfaces</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> for up to eight hours.  That’s plenty of time for you to get the flu, and then take it home to your family.</li> <li style="list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wash your hands frequently.  Washing your hands for at least 30 seconds with lots of soap is a powerful tool against getting the flu in Austin.  Now, don’t go touching a lot of doors after you wash!  Back out of doors, use a napkin to open, etc...</li> <li style="list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Use hand sanitizer.  Carry it in your car, purse and at work.  Learn it, love it, live it.  </li> </ol> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, nothing takes the place of getting a flu shot in Austin for preventing the flu, and none of this is meant to say that you can do it in place of getting a flu shot.  However, there’s no reason you should carry around a flu virus to give to others who have not had the flu shot, right? The Flu Shot is Now Available in Austin at Urgent & Family Care at Avery Ranch for ages 12 years to Adult! http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/the-flu-shot-is-now-available-in-austin-at-urgent-family-care-at-avery-ranch-for-ages-12-years-to-adult http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/the-flu-shot-is-now-available-in-austin-at-urgent-family-care-at-avery-ranch-for-ages-12-years-to-adult Urgent Medical Care Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:53:00 +0000 The Flu Shot is Here and now available at Urgent & Family Care for 12 years to Adult. Getting a Flu Shot is the best way to keep from getting the flu in Austin, and we are currently providing flu shots.  Flu Season starts to peak in November and continues to peak through April, so you need to protect yourself and your family from the ravages of that virus as much as you can by scheduling your flu shot as soon as possible.  Adults and children both die every year from the flu, and flu season in Austin has already started (October thru May), The flu shot is available at Urgent & Family Care at Avery Ranch for people ages 12 years to Adult.  No need for an appointment, since we are a walk in clinic.  Walk in anytime between the hours of 8am to 8pm Mon-Sat & 9am to 5pm on Sundays to get a flu shot for you or your family.  Urgent & Family Care at Avery Ranch is located at  10625 Parmer Lane Suite D 400, Austin Texas 78717, and is just a couple of minutes north of Parmer and 620.  You can reach us by phone at <a href="tel:512-733-9400" target="_blank">512-733-9400</a>.  If you need to fax us, use <a href="tel:512-733-0400" target="_blank">512-733-0400</a>.  Our offices are open for appointments from 8am to 8pm, and are open from Monday through Saturday.  Sunday, you can schedule a flu shot from 9am to 5pm, so you have access to us 7 days per week. The flu is serious, and people die from it every year (mostly children and the elderly).  You should take it seriously and schedule a flu shot for your entire family as soon as you can.  Regardless of what you hear, getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent the spread of the flu in Austin.  If you have children, you need to schedule a flu shot.  If you have seniors in your care, you need to schedule a flu shot. Call us or contact us online today and we will take care of you and your family. Two Ways to Get Your "Flu Shot" http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/two-ways-to-get-your-flu-shot http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/two-ways-to-get-your-flu-shot Urgent Medical Care Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:43:00 +0000 <div> </div> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Flu shot time is here, so here are some things you should know.  First of all, there are two types of flu vaccines: <ul> <li style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s the “flu shot”, which is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is administered with a needle.  This shot is usually given in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.</li> </ul> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> There are three different flu shots available: <ul> <li>  <ul> <li style="list-style-type: circle; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The “Regular Flu Shot”, which is  approved for people 6 months and older </li> <li style="list-style-type: circle; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A “High-Dose Flu Shot”, which is  approved for people 65 and older</li> <li style="list-style-type: circle; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The “Intradermal Flu Shot”, which is  approved for people 18 to 64 years of age.</li> </ul> </li> <li style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second kind of flu shot is known as the nasal-spray flu vaccine.  This flu shot is made with live, weakened flu viruses, and is given as a nasal spray (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). Now, the viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu, which is sometimes mis-reported. LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.</li> </ul> <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s important to understand that seasonal flu vaccines keep you protected against three influenza viruses, and surprise, surprise; they are the three  that research indicates will be most common during this upcoming flu season. Something you may not know is that the viruses in the vaccine can change each year.  Based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year, changes are made.  Now, approximately  2 weeks after you get your flu shot, the antibodies that provide protection against the influenza viruses in the vaccine begin to develop in the body.  This gives you the protection you need, as your body begins to strengthen itself against this virus. <span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div> Stop The Spread Of the Flu in Austin: 3 Tips http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/stop-the-spread-of-the-flu-in-austin-3-tips http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/stop-the-spread-of-the-flu-in-austin-3-tips Urgent Medical Care Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:51:00 +0000 <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You don’t want the flu.  Naturally, you don’t want to get it from others, and they don’t want to get the flu from you.  Since you both want the same thing, to <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">stop the spread of the flu<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, we thought we’d give you some tips on ways you can stop the spread of the flu in Austin.  In fact, if everyone followed these tips, the impact of flu season would be dramatically reduced.  Let me explain. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">First, stop the flu by covering your mouth. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Believe it or not, we’re still talking about this 40 years after my mother first told me.  Why?  It seems like people never learn.  You’ve all seen the tv footage where particles are ejected from a person’s mouth in a seemingly infinite supply, and covering your mouth stops that, along with the flu. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Second, soap stops the flu in it’s tracks. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Wash your hands regularly, and fully coat both sides of your hands, and leave it on there for at least 20 seconds.  Time is the key.  Just think of it this way: the more time you spend with soap on your hands, the less time you’ll have to spend carrying napkins around because you have the flu.  Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu, but the next best thing is good hygiene, so wash away! <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Three, stop the flu by not touching.<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">  That’s right, the less touching the better.  It’s said that the average person touches their face three to five times per minute.  The scariest thing about that is that they then touch the very same doorknobs, saltshakers and water fountains that you do.  Don’t touch your face, and you stop the flu.  Stop the flu for yourself, and you stop it for those around you.  Let’s get together and stop the flu! Flu Shot (influenza 2010-2011) http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/flu-shot-influenza-2010-2011 http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/flu-shot-influenza-2010-2011 Urgent Medical Care Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:17:00 +0000 The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the 2010-2011 vaccine provides protection against A/H1N1(pandemic) influenza and two other influenza viruses- influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B. It will not prevent illness caused by other viruses. Allergy Basics http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/allergy-basics http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/allergy-basics Urgent Medical Care Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:40:00 +0000 Allergy Basics <a href="http://www.webmd.com/allergies/default.htm"></a> Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system.  People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the enviornment.  This substance (pollen, mold, animal, dander, etc.) is called an allergen. Allergies are a very common problem, affecting at least two out of every 10 Americans. What Happens During an Allergic Reaction? First, a person is exposed to an allergen by inhaling it, swallowing it, or getting it on or under their skin. After a person is exposed to the allergen, a series of events create the allergic reaction:  1.    The body starts to produce a specific type of antibody, called IgE, to bind the allergen.     2.  The antibodies attach to a form of blood cell called a mast cell. Mast cells can be found in  the airways, in the intestines, and elsewhere. The presence of mast cells in the airways and GI tract makes these areas more susceptible to allergen exposure.  3.  The allergens bind to the IgE, which is attached to the mast cell. This causes the mast cells to release a variety of chemicals into the blood. Histamine, the main chemical, causes most of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.   What Are the Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction? Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to inhaled or skin allergens include: ·                                 Itchy, watery eyes ·                                 Sneezing ·                                 Itchy, runny nose ·                                 Rashes ·                                 Feeling tired or ill ·                                 Hives (a rash with raised red patches) Other exposures can cause different allergic reactions: ·                                 Food Allergies: An allergic reaction to food allergens can also cause stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea. ·                                 Insect stings: The allergic reaction to a sting from a bee or other insect causes local swelling, redness, and pain.             The severity of an allergic reaction’s symptoms can vary widely: ·                                 Mild symptoms may be almost unnoticeable, just making you feel a little “off.” ·                                 Moderate symptoms can make you feel ill, as if you’ve got a cold or even the flu. ·                                 Severe allergic reactions are extremely uncomfortable, even incapacitating.   Most symptoms of an allergic reaction go away shortly after the exposure stops. The most severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. In anaphylaxis, allergens cause a whole-body allergic reaction that can include: ·                                 Hives and itching all over (not just in the exposed area) ·                                 Wheezing or shortness of breath ·                                 Hoarseness or tightness in the throat ·                                 Tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can progress rapidly, so head for the emergency room if there’s any suspicion of anaphylaxis. Does Everyone Have Allergies? No, not everyone has allergies. People inherit a tendency to be allergic, although not to any specific allergen. When one parent is allergic, their child has a 50% chance of having allergies. That risk jumps to 75% if both parents have allergies. WebMD Medical Reference SOURCES:  Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.  National Institutes of Health.  American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Medline Plus: "Allergic Reactions." Regular Flu vs H1N1 http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/regular-flu-vs-h1n1 http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/regular-flu-vs-h1n1 Urgent Medical Care Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:33:00 +0000 Regular Flu vs H1N1 Commonly Asked Questions:   1. Should I get a flu shot NOW? --------Yes. We began administering the flu vaccines a few weeks ago when we received them.   2. When will the H1N1 flu shots be available? --------The latest update estimates that the H1N1 vaccine will be available mid-October.   3. Should I get BOTH the Flu Vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine? -------YES. Each vaccine covers different flu strains.   4. How much do they cost? -------The regular flu vaccine is available at our office for $25. With the limited information on H1N1, we do not have an estimated price for that vaccine. As soon as more information is available we put it out to our patients.   5. Do we offer the flu mist (nasal flu vaccine)? -------No. The vaccine we have in our office is in injection form and we do not stock the flu mist.   There is a lot of information circulating about the H1N1 virus. The most up to date, reliable place to obtain information is from the CDC website. You can also obtain a wealth of other information from their site.   <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/">http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/</a> Swine Influenza and You http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/swine-influenza-and-you http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/swine-influenza-and-you Urgent Medical Care Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:58:00 +0000 What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.? In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm </a>CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. Is this swine flu virus contagious? CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. How does swine flu spread? Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. How can someone with the flu infect someone else? Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Are there medicines to treat swine flu? Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others? People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. How long can viruses live outside the body? We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: <ul> <li>Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. </li> <li>Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. </li> <li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. </li> <li>Try to avoid close contact with sick people. </li> <li>If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.</li> </ul> What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing? If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze. What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu? Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: <ul> <li>Fast breathing or trouble breathing </li> <li>Bluish skin color </li> <li>Not drinking enough fluids </li> <li>Not waking up or not interacting </li> <li>Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held </li> <li>Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough </li> <li>Fever with a rash </li> </ul> In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: <ul> <li>Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath</li> <li>Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen </li> <li>Sudden dizziness </li> <li>Confusion </li> <li>Severe or persistent vomiting </li> </ul> How serious is swine flu infection? Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death. Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm">(See full article here)</a> Doctors Gagging Patients http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/doctors-gagging-patients http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/doctors-gagging-patients Urgent Medical Care Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:14:00 +0000 March 5, 2009  Recent news reports have focused attention on a long-established but little-noticed practice: doctors forcing their patients to sign forms promising not to post an online review of the physician’s performance. The forms are provided by Medical Justice, a company whose website describes it as “relentlessly protecting physicians from frivolous lawsuits.” Medical Justice owner Jeffrey Segal, himself a physician, insists that online medical reviews “are little more than tabloid journalism without much interest in constructively improving practices,” and defends his business as trying to prevent frivolous malpractice lawsuits. Indeed, the company’s website loudly proclaims that, “While Medical Justice is sensitive to the fact there are legitimate claims by patients who have been harmed by negligent care, the fact remains that the majority of medical malpractice cases are ultimately deemed without merit.” The site further claims that, while eight to ten percent of doctors nationwide are sued for malpractice, that number drops to less than one percent for those who use Medical Justice’s services. Medical Justice charges $1,500 for a one-year membership, which includes the right to use the generic gag order form, an “early action strategy” to be executed if the member is sued for malpractice, and a “pre-emptive critical practice infrastructure” to deter potential plaintiffs who are considering bringing an action. The plan also promises a pursuit of counterclaims against expert witnesses. Almost 2,000 doctors have signed up since the service began two years ago. The company encourages doctors to have all patients sign the “gag order” forms, and to tell them to go somewhere else if they refuse. While Segal insists that the forms are meant as a shot across the bow against Web sites, the form’s language warns that patients who breach its terms could also be subject to legal action. While the forms may seem draconian, it’s unclear whether a court would uphold them. A court could potentially find that the unequal nature of the doctor-patient relationship makes the forms voidable; since patients place a large amount of trust in their doctors, the physician arguably has the upper hand in any agreements he or she enters into with the patient. Additionally, the threat of withholding medical service unless the patient signs the form could be seen as a kind of undue influence and, in some cases, could subject the physician to sanctions by state licensing boards. Whether the form is enforceable or not, the physicians who fork over the $1,500 for the comprehensive plan will likely still find harsh words about them online. That’s because at least one Web site — RateMDs.com — publishes comments anonymously and has no idea who posts on their site. Cofounder John Swapceinski has also refused several recent requests from doctors to remove the complaints altogether. Swapceinski isn’t shy in making his opinion about Medical Justice known. As he recently told the Associated Press, “They're basically forcing the patients to choose between health care and their First Amendment rights, and I really find that repulsive.” He’s planning to start a “Wall of Shame” listing the doctors who subscribe to the service. <a href="http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/gags.html" target="_blank">(see the article online)</a> Burns with patches during MRI http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/burns-with-patches-during-mri http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/burns-with-patches-during-mri Urgent Medical Care Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:13:00 +0000 WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Thursday warned of the risk of skin burns in patients wearing transdermal drug patches who are undergoing MRI scans. Transdermal patches are applied to the skin and can be used to deliver pain medications, hormones and nicotine. Most of the patches are sold by prescription except for nicotine patches, which are available over-the-counter. In a public health advisory issued Thursday, the FDA said certain patches contain aluminum or other metal in the backing of the patches which can overheat during an MRI scan and cause skin burns in the immediate area of the patch. Sandra Kweder, deputy director in FDA's Office of New Drugs, said there are about 60 patches on the market and fewer than 25% of such products have metal in them. She also said some patches that appear clear can contain a metal ion that could also cause a skin burn. FDA officials said they received two or three reports of skin burns akin to a severe sun burn in patients who wore over-the-counter nicotine patches and underwent an MRI and are investigating a handful of other reports. Ms. Kweder said the agency is currently reviewing all skin patches and will require those which contain metal to have a warning placed directly on the patch that would likely state, "remove before MRI." While most of the packaging for patches with metal contains a warning to remove the patch before undergoing an MRI, the agency found that some products, such as <a class="companyRollover link11unvisited" href="http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=TEVA">Teva Pharmaceutical Industries</a> Ltd.'s fentanyl patch, were missing the warning. Ms. Kweder also noted that most patients likely won't have the package with them while undergoing the MRI, which is why the agency will require a warning directly on the product as well as on the package. But until the new labeling is adopted, the FDA said patients and MRI operators should be aware of the risk of skin burns. The agency said most MRI facilities ask patients whether they are wearing any patches but said patients should also inform health-care professionals when making an appointment for the scan and before undergoing the MRI. <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123627293447941721.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">(see the article online)</a> Unhappy marriage harder on women http://austinurgentcare.com/blog/unhappy-marriage-harder-on-women http://austinurgentcare.com/rss/unhappy-marriage-harder-on-women Urgent Medical Care Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:05:00 +0000 The cardiovascular damage wrought by an unhappy marriage may be greater for women than men, a new study shows. <script type="text/javascript"> USN.load('Loomia'); </script> <script src="http://static.usnews.com/scripts/Loomia.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a name="read_more"></a> While both men and women in "strained" unions, those marked by arguing and being angry, were more likely to feel depressed than happier partners, the women in the contentious relationships were more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and other markers of what's known as "metabolic syndrome," said study author Nancy Henry, a doctoral candidate in clinical healthy psychology at the University of Utah. Metabolic syndrome is known to boost the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. While many studies have linked poor marriages with poor health, Henry said she believes her is the first to tie in depression as a possible route through which the strain boosts the risk of metabolic syndrome. "The negativity triggers the depression, which is associated with the metabolic syndrome," said Henry. This was found true, she said, only for the women in her study. For the study, she interviewed 276 couples, median age 54, by questionnaires, asking about positive aspects of marriage quality such as mutual support and sharing, and negative aspects such as arguing, feelings of hostility and disagreeing over important issues such as kids, sex, money and in-laws. She asked about depressive symptoms. Couples were married, on average, 27.5 years, most in their original marriage. "For the most part, you could say, these were happily married couples," Henry said. About 20 percent of the men and 12 percent of the women in the study had metabolic syndrome (diagnosed when three of the five risk factors were present). The men were as likely as the women to become depressed with marital strain, but the link between negativity, depression and metabolic syndrome only applied to women, she said. The depression in women accounted for the metabolic syndrome, she said. Exactly why isn't known, but Henry speculated that women may take the negativity more to heart and ruminate about it more than men. Henry can't say specifically how much risk of metabolic syndrome is attributed to the negativity. Earlier research has linked negativity in marriage with an increased risk of heart disease for both men and women. She was expected to present her findings Thursday at the American Psychosomatic Society annual meeting, in Chicago. Another researcher in the field called the findings interesting, especially the new focus on depression as a possible mechanism through which the strain influences the metabolic syndrome. "The study raises the importance of increasing our understanding of how depression influences biological processes that result in metabolic syndrome -- and why these processes might be stronger for women than men," said Debra Umberson, a professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. The findings, Umberson said, fit in with her research finding a strong effect of marital strain on partners' overall health. But the gender difference finding differs from her research. "Basically, we find that marital strain undermines the health of men and women," she said, adding that perhaps the men in Henry's study had their health influenced in a different way. More research is needed, Henry said, to figure out how the pieces fit together. Meanwhile, Umberson said: "Choose your partner carefully. A strained marriage is bad for your health." If it's already strained, she said, focus on reducing conflict. <a href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/05/bad-marriages-harder-on-womens-health.html" target="_blank">(see full article online)</a>