Thursday, February 28, 2013

How to Treat a Head Injury















A Head Injury is any shock to the head or skull area of the body. A fall, car accident, attack and sports are all incidents or activities that can lead to a head injury.

Head injuries can also direct the individual to experience a concussion. It is important for the person to go to the board certified physician and can take the proper medical treatment, and follow the prescription as per the doctor’s suggestion. It is extremely important if they suffer symptoms that are severe. An untreated head injury can lead to medical complication and even death if, a proper treatment and care is not given to the person injured.

Symptoms of a Head Injury
With any head trauma, the person may experience symptoms that are mild, moderate or severe.

•    Tiredness
•    Sickness or Vomiting
•    Loss of awareness
•    Constant headache
•    Slurred speech
•    Seizures or Convulsions
•    Flow of blood
•    Anxiety or Confusion
•    Unconsciousness
•    Clear release from nose or ears
•    Hearing problems
•    Loss or Unclear vision
•    Unequal pupil size
•    Decrease in coordination

Treatment for a Head Injury
Treatment options for a head injury will vary depending on the degree of injury suffered. If the individual experience any neck pain along with the head pain, call 911 and try not to move them until the paramedics arrive.

The first thing that an injured person should do if the injury is faced is to stop the bleeding and go to the nearest emergency room or an urgent care center, for the initial diagnosis & treatment. It is important to take the injured person for medical diagnosis as any internal injury of head may also be there that is not seen or analyzed physically which can cause serious problems later.

For Mild Injuries
A clean dressing to the part, where the injury occurs, should be done to stop bleeding & cover the infected part from the antigens. Apply an ice pack or compress to the area on the injured part for about 20 minutes every 2 hours to reduce any swelling. Remember not to apply ice directly to the area as it may give a burning sensation at the particular area. If the sufferer is having a headache, give acetaminophen, as this may give certain relief from pains.

For Severe Injuries
For a severe head injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible as head is the most sensitive part of the body. In the meantime, apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding and try to prevent the injured part from dust and other such particles by cleaning the part with certain medical liquid cleaner or an antiseptic. Keep the person as still as possible with the head and spine aligned. Try to keep the person conscience by talking to them.

If you suspect you are experiencing some critical problems regarding your injuries then, you may benefit from being evaluated by the doctors at AOK Emergency Room [(281) 542-3998] for proper diagnosis, care and treatment.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Allergy - Ways to Fight and Prevent Yourself from Allergies

What Is an Allergy?
An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normal harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an “Allergen”. These reactions are acquired, predictable and rapid.

Some Important Facts Related to Allergy
Twenty (20%) percent of Americans suffer from a “Ragweed Allergy”, allergy in the immune system of the body which may require intense emergency care. If you are one of them, you probably think more about itchy eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing during the fall rather than having fun and autumn leaves. People with a mold allergy also suffer during the fall. Mold accumulates on fallen leaves and will not leave with winter’s frost like pollen. If you suffer from a mold allergy, it is likely that you will also be allergic to indoor, year-round allergens such as animal dander and dust.

How to Prevent Yourself from Allergens!!!

1. Keep away from ragweed.
    As nights become longer in the fall, ragweed begins to release pollen. Pollen counts are highest just after dawn. Avoid from being outside as often as possible when pollen counts are high – typically on dry, warm days and early morning.

2. Do not allow ragweed to come inside.
    Keep your home clean & free of ragweed by running your air conditioning as often as possible and closing your windows. Also keep car windows closed while you are driving. An air conditioner with a high efficiency particulate air filter attachment works best in the fight against pollen. 

3. Do not allow outside mold to grow near your house.
    Medical care for mold sickness is difficult. Therefore, it is best to avoid exposure to it as much as possible. Outside mold grows on rotting logs, compost heaps, and leaf piles. Get rid of any dead vegetation around the outside of your house. Be sure that rain gutters are clear and allow waste to travel away from the foundation of the house. Wear a mask while doing any yard work during the fall. Remove your clothing before entering the house, and wash them immediately.

4. Keep bedrooms allergy-free.
    First, keep all pets out of the bedrooms since they produce animal dander and may bring ragweed and mold in from the outdoors. Cover mattresses and pillows with covers that are allergy resistant. Wash bedding weekly in hot water in order to kill dust mites. Using bleach will kill mold. Dry everything with high heat.  

5. Be Hygienic
    Be hygienic in every term whether it is to use napkins to wipe your face or hands or vessels to eat food as most of the allergic bacteria may be available on it. Always try to keep your napkins cloth and vessel clean and free from bacteria.

These tips will help in your fight against fall allergies and may reduce the need for medical or urgent care.

If you suspect you are experiencing some critical problems from allergens then, you may benefit from being evaluated by the doctors at AOK Emergency Room [(281) 542-3998] for proper diagnosis and treatment. Visit our 24 hour AOK emergency room at Houston, TX to get the better life, “You dreamed off”.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Speak To Your Primary Care Physician about Controlling Your Cholesterol Levels



High cholesterol puts you at an increased risk for heart disease. People of all ages can take steps in order to help keep their cholesterol levels within normal range.

Why Control Cholesterol?
When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries, their best chance to remain clear of blockages. Cholesterol is a waxy substance and our bodies use it to make cell membranes and some hormones, but when you have too much bad cholesterol (LDL), it combines with white blood cells and forms plaque in your veins and arteries. These blockages lead to heart disease and stroke.

Have Your Blood - Tested
High cholesterol commonly exhibits no signs and no symptoms. A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile can reveal your cholesterol levels. It measures various kinds of cholesterol and also triglycerides. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that healthy adults have their cholesterol levels checked every five years.

Desirable cholesterol levels:
 •    Total cholesterol – Less than 200 mg/dL
 •    LDL (bad cholesterol) – Less than 100 mg/dL
 •    HDL (good cholesterol) – 40 mg/dL or higher
 •    Triglycerides – Less than 150 mg/dL

The Cost of High Cholesterol:
 If your cholesterol level is 200mg/dL or higher, you need to take action. High cholesterol can cause blocked arteries, and like a multi-car pile-up, one problem often creates another. Plaque-lined arteries and veins become less flexible and do not deliver as much blood to your body. Blocked arteries can cause heart attacks and may raise blood pressure which can eventually lead to heart damage or failure. Cholesterol and plaque can become lodged in your kidney’s filters and cause problems regulating your fluids and hormones. Lowering your cholesterol helps your whole body get adequate blood supply and keeps your circulatory organs functioning well.

Some Tips to control your cholesterol:
Your liver and your body cells make about 75% of the cholesterol in your blood. The other 25% comes from your food. The American Heart Association recommends the following:

1.    Consume a Healthy Diet:
       Your primary care physician will recommend consuming a healthy diet which can help control   blood cholesterol levels. Consuming fiber may help lower cholesterol. You should avoid trans-fats, unsaturated fat and dietary cholesterol as they have a tendency to raise cholesterol levels. You should limit your alcohol intake because it can cause high blood pressure which increases your risk of heart attack or stroke.

2.    Maintain a Healthy Weight:
      Obesity may raise bad cholesterol levels. Losing weight may help drastically reduce your levels.

3.    Exercise Regularly:
       Physical activity helps maintain weight and lower cholesterol. Adults should participate in some form of physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.

4.    Do Not Smoke:
       Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the hardening of arteries. Smoking dramatically increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you do not presently smoke, you should not start. If you do presently smoke, quitting will greatly reduce your risks.

The physician of AOK Emergency room provides you proper suggestion for controlling your cholesterol Levels.
If you are worry about your High cholesterol, then just call (281)542-3998 for 24 hour emergency care in Houston and take a good advice and proper treatment.