I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
When you or one of your family members is sick or gets injured, you decide whether you should visit your normal doctor or the emergency room. Urgent care centers are often overlooked, even though they have several different benefits. Learn when you should consider visiting your local urgent care center and why.
You Can't Get in to See Your Doctor
Doctors go on vacation, and when they do, they don't always have someone in their office to cover their patients' needs. Also, doctor's offices often get booked, especially when there are several different bugs and illnesses going around. If you're sick and you can't see your regular doctor for whatever reason, you should consider going to an urgent care clinic. Sure, a lot of people visit emergency rooms when they are sick, but with urgent care, you don't have a really long wait like you would at the ER. Also, the urgent care staff typically calls to follow up on their patients to make sure they were able to get in to see their doctor for a follow-up appointment if needed.
You May Have a Sprain, Break, or Fracture
Many people don't realize that most urgent care centers have the equipment needed to take x-rays. They assume that if they could have a broken bone, they need to go to the emergency room. However, you can save a lot of time and money by having your x-ray completed at urgent care. The staff at your local urgent care can also set you arm or leg in a cast for you. So all you'll need to do after you've left the office is following up with your doctor as instructed by the urgent care doctor.
You Think You Need Stitches
When you go to the emergency room to get stitches, you have to wait a long time, and visits to the emergency room aren't cheap. Unless it's a major injury that could require surgery, skip the emergency room and visit your local urgent care center instead. Urgent care doctors will have your injury stitched up quickly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day.
The fact is, there will be times that you won't be able to see your regular doctor. However, you don't need to rush to the nearest ER if your doctor isn't available. Instead, consider visiting your local urgent care center to get the treatment you need. Chances are, you'll be seen faster and it won't cost you as much money.
Share23 May 2017
