It’s almost time to start cheering on your favorite athletes again.  From football and volleyball, soccer and tennis, the start of the school year means fall sports are about to begin. While the beginning of any sports season is exciting, it is important to be aware of the most common injuries and how to treat and prevent them. Neighbors Emergency Center reminds you were are ready 24/7 to handle any sports injury that may occur this season.

Ankle Strains and Sprains
Ankle sprains are extremely common among young athletes. Kids and teens often come down too hard when they catch a ball, or simply twist their ankles while running. When this injury takes place, the ligaments in the ankle tear or stretch too much. Although the ligaments in our bodies are stretch naturally and allow for movement, too much movement will lead to a sprain. The chances of this happening are more common if your child plays a sport where they jump frequently such as basketball, soccer or volleyball.

If your child’s ankle is in pain after a sports injury, chances are they may have sprained their ankle. Besides pain, symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, bruising, stiffness, itching and cold or numb feet. If you hear a “pop” or similar noise, their ligament may be torn severely. Most ankle pain will heal on its own, normally between a 2 to 12 week period. But if your child’s ankle pain is extreme and they struggle to put weight on it, be sure to contact their pediatrician.

Shoulder Injuries
Young athletes are vulnerable to shoulder injuries because their joints are naturally looser than adult athletes. A common injury young athletes may experience is a dislocated shoulder. A sign of this is usually a loud “pop” noise, followed by pain. Dislocated shoulders should always be put back in place by a medical professional. Athletes who use their arms repetitively are also in danger of developing rotator cuff tendonitis. Rotator cuff muscles are located deep within the shoulder, near the shoulder blade. When these muscles get overworked it can cause a lot of pain. If your child is experiencing pain during normal athletic activities, especially with motions that happen overhead, they may have this shoulder injury.

Your child can strengthen their rotator cuff muscles and prevent shoulder injuries with physical therapy. All young athletes that experience shoulder pain should have an X-ray done to make sure their growth plate is not injured.

Shin splints
If your child is complaining about pain in their shins, they may be suffering from shin splints. This is caused by stress on the shinbone, as well as the connective tissues and muscles to the bone. Shin splints can be caused by flat feet, shoes that don’t fit well or provide support and not stretching when warming up or cooling down.

Shin splints often heal on their own. Healing can include resting the body and giving it time to recover from physical activity. Your kids can also ice their shins for 20-30 minutes every 4 hours for 2 to 3 days to ease any pain or swelling. You can also give them aspirin or ibuprofen.

Hamstring Strain
Hamstring injuries occur when you put strain on your hamstring muscles located in the back of your thigh. Three muscles form the hamstring and pulling one, or all of them, can lead to a serious injury. Hamstring pulls are most common in soccer, basketball, football and tennis. When this injury occurs, there is normally a sharp pain followed by a tearing sensation. Additional symptoms include muscle weakness and the inability to put weight on the leg.

You should be able to treat your child’s hamstring injury at home with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications. The swelling should subside, and they should slowly gain back their muscle strength. However, be sure to see a doctor if your child can’t walk more than 4 steps without significant pain. Serious hamstring injuries can take months to heal with a complete heal time of 6 to 12 months.

Prevention
Sometimes preventing a sports injury is beyond your control. However, here is what your child can do before they go out on the field. Make sure they are properly conditioned. If your child plays baseball and has not been active all summer, the first time they exert all their energy should not be during the first game. Remind them to take the time to properly warm up. Warming up increases the blood flow to the muscles, allowing them to become more flexible, and decreasing the chances of an injury.

Make sure your child knows if they are fatigued during practice or the game, they should take time to rest and recharge before going back in. Any sort of muscle fatigue can cause the body and brain to slow down, which increases the risk for injuries. They can always play again next weekend if they don’t get injured today.

As the school year approaches, also know who you can turn to for emergency medical care. If you find yourself in need of emergency services, we have several Neighbors Emergency Center locations throughout Texas. Our board-certified physicians and state-of-the-art technology make it easy for us to care for your family’s medical emergencies and get your athlete back in the game.

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A healthy school year can breed academic success. With August here, it’s time to begin setting up doctors’ appointments to get your children’s vaccines current. From immunizations to sleep to a healthy diet, keep your kids strong this year.

Neighbors Emergency Center is always committed to keeping your child healthy. Check out our simple back to school checklist, designed with your kids’ wellness in mind.

Get Vaccinated
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccinations are important for people of all ages, especially children. It is important to make their doctors’ appointments so they can get the proper vaccines. Be sure to ask your doctor about these vaccines and keep an updated record at home.

There are several vaccines recommended, specifically for boys and girls 11-12 years old:

Quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine
This vaccine protects against the bacteria that can cause infections near the lining of the brain, spinal cords and bloodstream. These particular infections can be fatal to your child.

HPV or Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
These vaccines protect your children against HPV infections, which can cause cancer. This vaccine is given in a series of shots and should be completed by a child’s 13th birthday.

Tdap vaccine
This protects children against three very serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

Flu vaccine
The flu vaccine should be given to preteens and teens every single year by the end of October. If your teen has a chronic health condition, such as asthma or diabetes, a flu shot is crucial.

Additional Vaccines include:

Polio Vaccine
This vaccine is meant to prevent poliomyelitis, or polio, which is a potentially deadly and infectious disease. It can spread from person to person and affects the body by invading the brain and spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. IVP (inactivated polio vaccine) is usually given at 2 months and 6 years of age.

MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. These diseases are viral and usually begin with fever, cough and runny nose. If the virus infects the lungs, it can result in pneumonia.

Hepatitis B & Hepatitis A Vaccine
These viruses are different but have similar effects on the body. Hepatitis causes liver inflammation that can be life-threatening. While Hepatitis B is for newborns, Hepatitis A is for children ages 12-23 months.

Stock up on Healthy Food
Make sure you steer clear of junk foods that can make children feel sluggish. Stock healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and lean protein. Make your mornings easier by meal prepping so your kids’ lunches will be ready throughout the week. Hard-boiled eggs, tuna salad and fruit cups are perfect for storing in containers.

Recommended Nutrients and Snacks:

Calcium
It’s time to add more milk. Most kids ages 4 to 8 are not getting enough calcium. Calcium is important for bone development and growth, which is crucial during adolescence and childhood. Calcium rich foods include cheese, yogurt and milk.

Vitamin E
Almost 80 percent of kids under 8 are missing their daily dose of Vitamin E. Remember, going fat-free is not always the best option as it can sometimes cut out the healthy fats our bodies need. Vitamin E is in avocado, nuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, spinach and tomato sauce.

Fiber
Fiber keeps your child’s movements regular while helping them feel full. How much fiber your child needs is dependent on their age, so talk with your doctor about how many grams is best for their diet. Fiber is in fruits, cereal, beans, whole-grain bread, popcorn, oatmeal and sweet potatoes.

Potassium
60 percent of children get too little potassium. This is usually due to a lack of fruits and veggies in their diets. Your kids can get a dose of potassium from bananas, oranges, potatoes, yogurt, milk, cantaloupe, honeydew, tomatoes and fish like halibut and cod.

Iron
Iron plays a key role in brain development as it helps blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Lack of iron can lead to learning and behavioral problems. The best iron sources are shrimp, beef, chicken, beans, raisins, whole wheat bread and lentils.

Set Bedtimes
During the summertime, children’s sleep schedules go from a strict bedtime and wake up call, to late nights and sleeping in. Transitioning back to a school schedule can be difficult, so start practicing this sleep schedule a few weeks in advance. Research has shown that a bedtime between 7 P.M. and 8 P.M. works best for school-aged kids.

Recommended Sleep Hours:

• 10-13 hours for preschoolers (ages 3-5)

• 9-11 hours for school aged children (ages 6-13)

• 8-10 hours for teenagers (ages 14-17)

In addition, be sure your child goes off to school with a good breakfast and lunch. Having a nutritional meal can help your child focus throughout the day.

As you prepare for the school year, know you can turn to Neighbors for emergency medical care. If you find yourself in need of emergency services, remember we have several Neighbors Emergency Center locations throughout Texas. Our board-certified physicians and state-of-the-art technology make it easy for us to care for your family’s medical emergencies.

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Every June, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the United States. Whether young or more mature, Men’s Health Month is a time to provide the encouragement and education necessary to promote preventable health problems and their solutions. Neighbors Emergency Center encourages early detection, treatment and lifestyle changes that can change the lives of men everywhere. Learn some practical steps you can take to improve your health starting today.

Get Screened
If you are 50 years or older, it is recommended you start getting tested for prostate cancer as your age has put you at a higher risk. It is important to discuss both the benefits and risks of a screening with your doctor and decide whether you feel a prostate screening is right for you. There are two main types of prostate screening tests. The first is a digital rectal exam, or DRE. During a DRE, the doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. Your doctor will be searching for abnormal textures in the shape or size of the prostate gland. The second option is the prostate-specific antigen test, or PSA. PSA testing involves a blood sample being drawn from your vein and tested for PSA, a substance your gland naturally produces. Although a small amount is normal, higher levels may indicate an infection, inflammation or perhaps cancer.

Get Active
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your heart and body strong. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity can make a huge difference in your life. Studies have found that men who are physically active in their midlife are more likely to continue on the habit as they age. Don’t just stop at keeping yourself healthy. Bring your coworkers or neighbors together for a consistent time where everyone can participate in activities while being health conscious. Some activities include walking, tennis, basketball, flag football and hiking.

Get Healthy
If you don’t already, it’s time to start watching your diet. Avoid processed foods and focus your diet towards fruits, vegetables and lean meat. You should also consume fats, cholesterol, sugar, and sodium in moderation. This will naturally save you from a plethora of health issues, including heart disease. If you do find yourself gaining weight as you age, remember balance is key. Monitor your portions and increase your physical activity.

Mental health is also important to evaluate in relation to your well-being. Working too many hours is associated with a greater risk of anxiety and depression. It is important to pay attention to signs of your mental state, especially if you have a history of mental illness in your family.

Get Involved
During Men’s Health Month, you can plan a “Wear Blue Day” that helps spread awareness. These events spread knowledge and can be used to raise money in the fight against prostate cancer. All you have to do is pick a day that works for the group of people planning on participating. Next, set a goal for the amount of money you want to raise. This way you have an objective the team can strive for. Spread the word about your “Wear Blue Day” and ask people to donate to the cause. Finally, wear your blue! Have fun with it and deck yourself out from head to toe.

Show your support for Men’s Health Month by sharing this article. It’s time for men and boys everywhere to take their health seriously. If you do find yourself in need of emergency services, remember that we have several Neighbors Emergency Center locations throughout Texas. Our board-certified physicians and state-of-the-art technology make it easy for us to care for your family’s medical emergencies.

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Some people know the feeling all too well. Throbbing pain and nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Several symptoms can mark the beginning of a migraine. Over 38 million Americans experience migraines, each with their own unique set of triggers and side effects.

As those who experience migraines know, they can be extremely debilitating and painful. June is Migraine Awareness Month. Neighbors Emergency Center encourages you to share this article and spreading awareness. Here are five important migraine questions to help you understand more.

When Do Migraines Begin?
For most people, migraine headaches begin between the ages 10 and 40. Although they do occur in men, they are three times more common in women. Most women report their migraines improve or even disappear by age 50.

What Causes Migraines?
Migraines are caused by brain cells that are overly sensitive to certain triggers. Several factors can set off these triggers such as intense emotion, foods and even certain smells and sounds. These triggers cause the brain to release chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

What are Common Migraine Triggers?
Weather changes- This is one of the most difficult migraine triggers to control as changes in humidity, temperature and air pressure can be problematic.

Anxiety and stress- Migraines commonly occur during periods of anxiety and stress for many people. If you can reduce your stress and relax, the migraine can subside.

Wine and aged cheeses- Both alcohol and cheese contain a compound called tyramine that is known to trigger migraines.

Perfumes and scents- Perfume can cause a sudden and adverse reaction – especially if the scent is strong.

Medication- Several types of medication can cause migraines and the most common is birth control pills or estrogen-related treatment.

Monosodium glutamate- Commonly known as MSG, foods prepared with this should be avoided. This includes seasonings, frozen foods, processed meat, premade soups and condiments.

Nitrates- This can be found most commonly in deli meats like pepperoni, salami, hot dogs and lunch meats.

Hunger and Caffeine- The body’s needs are extremely sensitive and missing a meal or experiencing caffeine withdrawal can be a migraine trigger.

Many women find their migraine symptoms are heightened before their menstrual cycle, leading doctors to believe a lack of estrogen may also cause migraines.

What are the most common types of migraines?
Aura
About 25% of those who suffer have migraines with aura and are plagued by these painful but not life-threatening attacks.

Auras tend to start about an hour before the headache and have the ability to affect your senses. They can cause blind spots, vision loss and cause you to see flashing lights or zigzag patterns. You may also see and smell things that are not there and experience tingling or numbness. These symptoms are brief, normally fading as the headache phase emerges. Migraine pain with aura includes steady throbbing that is usually located in the front or side of the head. These headaches can last from one hour to three days. Additional symptoms include upset stomach, vomiting, hot flashes and chills, runny nose, dizziness, sore neck and confusion.

Scientists are not exactly sure what causes this specific type of migraine but it is believed that nerve cell activity spreads throughout the brain, causing the trigeminal nerve to release a variety of neurotransmitters. This then causes a change in the size of blood vessels leading to inflammation and pain.

Without Aura
Migraines without Aura are the most common and account for about 75% of all migraines. The most common symptom is a throbbing headache that generally worsens with time. You may also experience nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, noise, and smell, blurred vision and stiffness of the neck and shoulders. These migraines can last from 4-72 hours.

Scientists are not fully aware of what causes these migraines. They believe two key brain chemicals play a role: serotonin and dopamine. It is suggested that something in the brain goes awry, causing an upset in the way these chemicals regulate the brain. In response, the brain and the body’s immune system overreact causing a flood of immune cells to flow through the blood vessels and into the brain. The result is a severe, throbbing headache.

How do I treat migraines?
When you experience migraines try and find a quiet, dark room. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin may help lessen your symptoms. You can also use a cold compress on areas of your head that are experiencing pressure and pain. If your symptoms persist, speak with your doctor about prescribing other medicines that may help with nausea or vomiting. Most importantly, avoid your triggers. If you are aware of what causes your migraines, steer clear. If you don’t know your triggers keep a headache diary, so that you can identify what is causing them.

If you are experiencing migraine symptoms, see your doctor for a physical exam. They can check your muscles, speech, reflexes and symptoms to test the nerves in your head. Blood tests, CT scans, X-rays and MRIs can also be used to rule out other causes of concern such as infection and bleeding. If you do find yourself in need of emergency services, remember there are 22 Neighbors Emergency Center locations throughout Texas to help you. Our board-certified physicians and state-of-the-art technology make it easy for us to care for you or your family’s medical emergencies.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s also the celebration of Mother’s Day. In today’s age, women face increasing demands on their time from taking care of their families, juggling their career, to possibly caring for aging or unhealthy parents. This can create stress and anxiety which has a negative impact on a woman’s health.

Neighbors Emergency Center is dedicated to helping women reduce stress and live a healthier life. Some form of stress will always be there. Even though there is no way to avoid it, there are plenty of ways to manage it. Follow these tips to find time for you.

Reduce
1. Recognize the feeling. Don’t deny the feeling when stress starts to rise. Acknowledge it and accept it.
2. Know your body. Does stress first manifest with the tightening of your chest or an accelerated heartbeat? However it surfaces, a quick mental body scan can bring your mind back to the present and attempt to stop those physical alerts.
3. Remember to breathe. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths. This will help you feel calmer and clear your head.
4. Be kind to yourself. It is easy to blame ourselves for stressful feelings like anger, sadness, self-blame and doubt. Instead do something, even something small like listening to a song you really like, to help you feel better.

Stress-related Health Problems
Stress and anxiety can trigger specific health conditions such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. A Mayo Clinic report discusses how long-term exposure to high stress can take a toll on the body with increased risk to health problems. If not controlled, stress and anxiety can trigger:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Headaches
• Heart disease
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain
• Memory and concentration impairment

Stress Management
With so much research on stress and anxiety, doctors and patients have a clearer understanding of how and why symptoms occur. Our board-certified physicians will recommend exercise to help combat stress and anxiety. But what if exercise isn’t an option? There are ways to de-stress and decompress which can relieve tension and add quality and quantity to the life in front of you:
• Be with friends and family. Special people give you a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Write. Put thoughts down on paper or in a journal and experience a calmer mind.
• Get out. Time outside and fresh air can clear a head full of thoughts.
• Try meditation. The practice of deep breathing can reduce stress quickly.
• Make a necessary change. If possible delete the stress causing factors from your life.

All 22 Neighbors Emergency Center locations hope these tips help you, your mother and other special women in your life to live a healthier, more stress-free life. Because every woman deserves to be cared for.

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Spring is finally here! That means the days are getting longer, the plants are beginning to bloom and outdoor play time is in full swing. Although the springtime is exciting, as a parent it is important to know the health and safety concerns that may affect your children.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers these tips to keep your kids healthy during the spring.

1. Always Apply Sunscreen
After the cold winter months, everyone is excited to spend some much-needed time in the sun. Although there are benefits to soaking up the sunlight, excessive exposure can have damaging effects. Unprotected sun exposure can lead to burns, changes in skin texture and skin cancer. Make sure your kiddos are well covered with sunscreen. Whether they are spending the day at the park, or playing a game of outdoor soccer, this is a step you don’t want to miss. What should you look for in a sunscreen? Make sure the sunscreen you choose contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are effective, safe and work well with children who have sensitive skin. You will also want to make sure you have a sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50. Although sticks and sprays are popular types of sunscreens, lotions and creams provide better overall coverage on the skin.

2. Closely Monitor Outdoor Sports and Activities
Springtime sports are now underway. From soccer and track, to baseball and swimming, your kids will be involved in a lot of physical activity. Although it is recommended that kids who play sports stay active year-round, it is common for the winter months to bring children to an inactive halt. If your child has been dormant during the winter and is beginning a new springtime sport, it is important they ease themselves into the activity slowly for the upcoming season. Make sure they warm up properly, as well as stretch afterwards on a regular basis. Be mindful of any injuries they may get and emphasizes that they should never play through injuries. If your child does acquire a nagging pain that won’t go away (after resting and icing), a doctor’s visit will be necessary. Of course, if an emergency injury arises on the field, seek emergency care immediately. In addition, children tend to overheat much faster than adults. This is why it is important they stay hydrated and drink plenty of water prior to playing sports, as well as during and after sporting events.

3. Make Sure They Get Extra Rest
With Daylight Savings time in full effect, our clocks have officially moved up an hour. For children, the transition of losing an hour of sleep can be difficult. Although an hour may seem like a small amount of time, it can deeply impact if children feel sleepy or exhausted during the day. It is tempting as a parent to let your children sleep in the first few weeks of this time change so they can catch up on sleep. However, it is suggested that what is most important for children is to keep their sleep schedule consistent. Wake your children up at the same time, and keep their bedtime the same, even if they insist they are not tired. The same strict schedule applies to children who take naps during the day. In addition, the more your kids play during the springtime, the more time they will need to rest their bodies and their minds at night. Remember, the recommended sleep time for children is more than the average 6-8 hours for an adult. The suggested sleep times for children is:
10-13 hours for preschoolers (ages 3-4)
9-11 hours for school aged children (ages 6-13)
8-10 hours for teenagers (ages 14-17)

4. A Balanced Diet
Keeping your children’s diet balanced and healthy is a great way to keep them active year-round. Incorporate in-season fruits and vegetables into your kids’ snacks, lunches and dinner.  An important part of staying healthy includes keeping junk foods to a minimum. Because you and your family are bound to be on the go more this spring, plan ahead when picking out snacks, and beware of “sneaky” junk foods at the grocery store. These include foods like crackers, fruit gummies and fruit drinks. Although seemingly healthy snacks, or labeled as “low-fat” snacks, they are full of high amounts of sugars and syrups. It is better to simply offer your child a piece of fruit, or a small bag of veggies. Springtime snacks that are easy to take on the go include carrots, pineapples and mangos. Vegetables you can incorporate into dinner are artichokes, avocados, peas, potatoes and spinach.

5. Prepare for Allergies
When the springtime comes, airborne allergies go on the rise. From weeds and grass, to tree pollens, just standing outside can cause children to have itchy, watery eyes and begin sniffing and sneezing. For others with more extreme allergies, coughing and wheezing will begin. Being proactive is key to fighting springtime allergies. Don’t wait for children to start experiencing symptoms before you introduce their nasal sprays and antihistamines back into their daily routine. Start giving your children their daily dose of medicine in the morning, so that by the time they arrive at school, they will be protected from the day’s allergies. But be aware of the side-effects of your children’s allergy medicine, such as eye and sinus disease. Additional information can be found through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We hope you and your family enjoy all the wonderful experiences that springtime in Texas has to offer!

If you find yourself in need of emergency medical services, remember we have several Neighbors Emergency Center locations throughout Texas. Our board-certified physicians and state-of-the-art technology make it easy for us to care for your family’s medical emergencies.

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Every March Texas turns its attention to athletic trainers and the important work they do of sports injury prevention and sports injury treatment. These healthcare professionals are committed to helping every athlete achieve their maximum level of performance while keeping them healthy.

Neighbors Emergency Center recognizes the importance of athletic trainers and has strong, long-standing relationships with trainers in the many communities we are privileged to serve. We would like to salute all athletic trainers for providing quality healthcare for athletes every day, on and off the field.

According to Johns Hopkins University, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports, and more than 3.5 million injuries occur each year. The most common sports injuries are muscle sprains and strains, knee injuries, Achilles tendon injuries, shin bone pain, fractures and dislocations. In contact sports, such as football, head injuries such as concussions are also prevalent.

When those more serious injuries happen, athletic trainers are quick to respond. However, head injuries, bone brakes, fractures, deep cuts and lacerations and seizures need immediate care and your Neighbors Emergency Center is right in your neighborhood, ready to help 24/7.

Our local board-certified physicians and medical teams with ER experience are dedicated to providing extraordinary care with state-of-the-art imaging equipment. Injured athletes and their families are greeted by welcoming, compassionate staff who are prepared to have patients in a private exam room quickly and seeing a doctor in about 10 minutes.

There is no need to wait for imaging services either. Each Neighbors Emergency Center is equipped with CT Scan, X-Ray and Ultrasound. Each center is also ready with cardiac monitoring and EKG capabilities, splinting, slings, crutches and Ortho Boots.

Keep your athlete healthy and safe this season. But if injury strikes, remember Neighbors Emergency Center has many locations throughout Texas. Turn to your Neighbors for the highest quality care you and your family deserve. We are Neighbors helping neighbors. See your wait time for any location online now.

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By Dr. Eric Roberson

Facility Medical Director, Neighbors Emergency Center Pearland

When it comes to smoking in Texas, there’s good news and bad news.  The good news is the percentage of Texas adults who smoke has dropped. The bad news is those adults who currently smoke represent approximately 3 million adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of those who smoke started prior to the age of 18.  So, preventing tobacco use in our youth is the key to ending the tobacco epidemic.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Texas.  Smoking cigarettes causes more deaths than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns and illegal drugs combined.  Smoking cigarettes is most closely associated with lung cancer, but also plays a significant role in cancers of the throat, esophagus, and bladder among others.  It is also a leading cause of accelerated coronary artery disease, which leads to heart attacks.

Look at the benefits if you kick the smoking habit. According to the National Cancer Institute, within 20 minutes of quitting smoking your blood pressure and heart rate start to normalize.  Within several hours your blood carbon monoxide levels begin to decrease and oxygen levels start to increase. In 2-3 days your sense of taste and smell will improve.  Within several months you can expect significant improvement in lung function.  Within five years the lung cancer death rate decreases by almost half and within 10 years, lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a person who does not smoke.

Here are proven methods that increase your chance for success. The Comprehensive Cancer Control Tobacco Work Group at MD Anderson Cancer Center has developed a Smoking Cessation Resource Guide for Galveston County (available at www.texascancer.info). These 5 steps can increase your chance for success.

1. Get Ready – Set a quit date, remove tobacco products from your surroundings, and anticipate triggers.
2. Get Support – Talk to family, health care providers, counselors and coaches.
3. Learn New Skills – Reduce stress by reading, exercising, or enjoying a new sport.
4. Get Medications – Chantix, Zyban, and several Nicotine preparations can double your chance of quitting for good when used correctly.
5. Be prepared for relapse and difficult situations – Most people try several times before successfully quitting.

Kicking the habit isn’t easy but can help to alleviate and prevent health problems for smokers and the people around them.

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Urgent Care Centers are an excellent source for minor medical care. However, some emergencies require a higher trained staff and more complex medical equipment. When your needs, or the needs of your family, are critical it is important to take these situations seriously and seek emergency care. Here are 15 injuries that will require fast or advanced emergency treatment that should be provided in an emergency room setting.

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