Urgent Care Could Keep You Healthy and Happy This Holiday Season
While you may be tempted to go to the emergency room when you have a medical emergency, you may actually want to go to an urgent care center for some things. Actually, there are a number of clinics that may provide medical services in a pinch if you cannot get to your primary care provider and do not need to go to the ER. You could go to a 24 hour care clinic to get treatment for minor broken bones, cuts or burns. You can also get care from your closest walk in medical clinic where you can get your flu vaccine as well as get tested for common illnesses like strep throat.
Since a lot of people are concerned about crowding the hospital and do not want the cost of a ride in the ambulance, it is good practice to know where your closest urgent care center is. You should also know where your local clinics are so you are not stuck searching “24 hour clinic near me now” and “closest urgent care from here” when you are bleeding from that mandolin cut you got while slicing veggies without the guard.
This holiday season, medical professionals in every field will be especially busy. Veterinarians deal with an influx of cats that have eaten tinsel, and dogs that have had a few too many table scraps, orthopedists will see more patients that have taken a tumble on icy steps, and primary doctors will see more of everyone, for everything. When your normal primary care facility is not open, or can’t fit you in, then a walk-in clinic is just what you need to get better, quickly, so you can get back to enjoying the holidays. Be on the lookout for these four misfortunes, which could land you in urgent care this holiday season.
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Overindulgence
Feeling like you are having a heart attack is one good reason to rush yourself to the emergency clinic. However, this holiday season, many people will mistakenly identify their heartburn symptoms as an indication of an oncoming heart attack. Still, it is better to be safe than sorry. Indigestion in general will also make many people extremely uncomfortable. Remember to take any heartburn medications, and to exercise moderation so that everyone can enjoy each other’s company in the comfort of your home, as opposed to the waiting room of a medical facility.
Illness
Flu season is fast approaching, and doctors around the nation are already seeing an influx of patients with cold and flu symptoms. Combine the seasonal rise in sickness with more people visiting friends and family, and spending time at the mall and in public places, and you have a perfect recipe for a week or two of coughing, sneezing, and sniffling. Washing your hands, eating a healthy diet, and staying well rested are important to protecting yourself from the common cold and the flu.
Cuts and Burns
Enthusiastic cooks test their knife skills during the holiday season, and unfortunately, some of the cooks will fail those tests. Knowing where your nearest after hour care facility is will be very important to having any serious lacerations or burns treated promptly. If possible, keep the site of the laceration elevated to prevent extra blood loss.
Food Poisoning
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has made official food safety recommendations, which are worth following year round, but especially during the holidays.
- Clean all food thoroughly before preparing.
- Separate food groups to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook food fully to the correct temperature.
- Chill food quickly to the correct temperature.
Urgent care facilities may make it easier for you and your loved ones to quickly get the care you need without waiting several weeks to see your family doctor, or visiting an already overflowing emergency room. Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, the urgent care facility may be the best place to find treatment, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t exercise extra caution. Follow the tips in this article, make sure you know the location and hours of the nearest medical facility, and have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday. Check out this site for more: Nurse practitioners in san antonio tx
