Saturday, July 8, 2017 • Page 1B
Tackle the common summer injuries and illnesses at MHGH Memorial Hermann Greater Heights For The Leader Summer often means fun in the sun, but spending more time outdoors and around water can lead to heat exhaustion, injuries such as cuts or broken bones, concussions, and more. The good news is those in the Greater Heights have a wide variety of options for receiving care. “From primary care to emergency care and everything in between, people in the Heights area have a variety of options within the Memorial Hermann Health System to best fit their healthcare needs,” says Neha Patel, M.D., a boardcertified family medicine physician practicing at Memorial Hermann Urgent Care Washington. “Choosing the right type of care can save a patient time and money.” Dr. Patel offers this guidance for some of the most common summer injuries: • Heat-related illness and Dehydration: Urgent Care or Emergency Center The board-certified family medicine physicians at Memorial Hermann Urgent Care can provide IV fluids if someone is dehydrated. For severe dehydration or heatstroke, patients should go to the Emergency Center at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital. • Skin rashes or infections: Primary Care or Urgent Care • Usually, you can use over-thecounter-medication to treat minor rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and insect bites. However, if the rash becomes worse and is painful and swollen, you may need a prescription medication. Memorial Hermann Urgent Care locations are a great option if you can’t get an appointment with your primary care physician. They are open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. • Sprains or fractures: Urgent Care • The physicians at Urgent Care can order x-rays and manage a bro-
Preferred Health Directory chiropractic care
Northwest ChiropraCtiC George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
Diabetes/Nephrology
Kim J. Horn, M.D. 713.863.7063 www.kimjhornmd.com
internal Medicine/Pediatrics Nutrition/ Weight Loss
Supplied photo Doctors are urging residents to not ignore the signs of common summer injuries or illnesses. Should residents experience any of these symptoms, they are urged to visit a nearby Memorial Hermann urgent care center.
ken bone, apply a splint, or properly wrap a sprained joint. They can also treat certain joint dislocations including finger joints. • Concussion: Emergency Center • Head injuries that lead to a loss of consciousness, confusion, or nausea could be signs of a concussion and should be treated at an Emergency Center. There, a physician may order a CT scan or MRI to make sure your brain is not
bruised or bleeding. You can also get emergency care at a Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center, should one be closer to you than a Memorial Hermann Hospital. “Those who visit a Memorial Hermann Urgent Care also have their visit logged in their Memorial Hermann electronic health record. That means should you need a follow up with a Memorial Hermann Medical Group primary care physician, or even need to go to a Me-
morial Hermann Emergency Center, physicians will be able to easily review any tests or notes taken by the physician at the urgent care,” says Dr. Patel. Find nearby Heights-area Primary Care Clinic or Urgent Care Clinic. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital has a Level III trauma center staffed with specially-trained nurses and physicians prepared to provide critical care services.
Ana M. Torres, M.D. , P.A. 713.863.9200 427 W. 20th St. Ste #503 Houston, TX 77008 www.Thetorrescenter.com
obstetrics / Gynecology
Staying hydrated is key during summer For The Leader As temperatures continue to rise, the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration also rise among adults 65 years of age and older. An expert at Baylor College of Medicine offers tips on how to recognize dehydration and stay hydrated and ways to manage the heat this summer. “Aging affects the body’s ability to regulate heat,” said Dr. Robert Roush, professor of medicine-geriatrics at Baylor. “As we age, we also lose our sense of thirst; it’s a normal age-related change.” In addition to losing the ability to feel thirsty, excessive heat also plays a role in dehydration in elder adults. Dehydration in combination with high temperatures can lead to many health concerns, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include: • Dry mouth • Thirst • Irritability and confusion • Lack of sweating • Sunken eyes • Low blood pressure • Rapid breathing • Delirium “These are the most severe signs of dehydration, and some people may even die if they don’t get rehydrated,” Roush said. A specific group of elder individuals who have an increased risk of dehydration are those who have diabetes. “People with diabetes get dehydrated more quickly than
Dr. Stephanie Fulton Stephanie Fulton, M.D.
1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
Major Hospitals
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE Supplied photo Dehydration in combination with high temperatures can lead to many health concerns, especially among the aging population. Drinking more fluids and exercising indoors will help one stay hydrated.
those without diabetes,” he said. Not drinking enough fluids can raise blood sugar, which can lead to more frequent urination that causes dehydration. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.9 percent of individuals with diabetes in the United States are 65 years of age or older. A great way to beat the heat and prevent dehydration is to exercise indoors. Roush recommends taking
walks at malls instead of the outdoors. “Exercising and walking in malls is great because it is air conditioned and you lose the risk of getting overheated. Exercise is highly recommended for older adults so I suggest going to your local mall to have a nice walk,” he said. Another way to prevent dehydration is for elders to always carry a bottle of water around, even if they are not thirsty. Drinks such
as sports drinks also are recommended to stay hydrated. For caregivers, Roush said it is important to document the elder adults’ intake of water to ensure they are getting enough fluids. “One main way in preventing dehydration is to drink more fluids, even if you don’t want to. It sounds so simple to just drink some water, but the question is do you actually do it,” he said.
St. Joseph Medical Center in The Heights 1917 Ashland Street Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-757-1000 Physician Referral 713-757-7575