With restrictions recently lifting and businesses reopening across the country, COVID-19 cases have begun to surge. The rush to restart the economy, along with inconsistent protective measures, has led to record-high numbers of cases in many states including Texas, Arizona, and Florida. In fact, Texas Medical Center hit capacity this week, with 2300 cases reported [...]
Any time you go to the doctor or emergency room, a medical professional takes your vital signs. But how many of us just smile and nod when the numbers are read to us? Do you know what those numbers mean? Do you know why they are taken every time? Medical professionals monitor four main vital [...]
It’s 11pm on a Friday night. You can’t sleep because of unbearable pain in the back of your mouth. You think you have a tooth infection, but you’re not quite sure what’s going on. Your dentist’s office won’t open until Monday, and over-the-counter pain meds aren’t helping. What options do you have? Can you go [...]
Summertime is usually a child’s favorite time of the year. School is out, the days are longer, pools are open, kids are active, and, well, lots can happen. Perhaps it’s no surprise that ER visits spike in the summertime and that children are more likely to have accidents that require medical attention. Here's a look [...]
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons that people visit the ER. A variety of factors can cause or complicate a person's condition. Luckily, these symptoms usually resolve on their own most of the time and fairly quickly. However, abdominal pain may indicate a more serious underlying condition. If you’re wondering where your [...]
COVID-19 has changed how we operate: from home and schools, to businesses and medical facilities. Emergency rooms especially have had to adjust quickly in how they provide medical care. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have been about 1.5 million ER visits related to COVID-like symptoms. Some states have seen over 20,000 [...]
When you’re feeling pain or swelling in the upper neck area, you just might have a bacterial or viral infection. Although swollen glands (more appropriately called swollen lymph nodes) may indicate something as minor as a cold, it can also signify something as serious as lymphoma. But before you start worrying, have your doctor examine [...]
What is flesh-eating bacteria? Is it common? Formally known as necrotizing fasciitis, this tissue disease is rare. But the bacteria that causes this dreadful condition can be found everywhere. It can even be on your skin right now at this moment. But how does this bacteria cause a frightening life-threatening disease? Let’s take a look [...]
Most folks don’t know all of their options when they need to see a doctor right away. If you can’t get a last-minute appointment to see your primary care physician, it’s important to know what other choices you have. Many cities, like Tyler, have a selection of urgent care clinics and emergency rooms that patients [...]
Domestic violence continues to be an epidemic that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Those who have not been a victim of domestic violence often cannot understand why victims stay in abusive relationships. Why don’t they just leave? Well, it is not always so simple. Abusers [...]
