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One population always gives me pause when prescribing meds: pregnant and breastfeeding patients. Even after a decade in urgent care, the moment I hear “I’m breastfeeding,” my usual treatment plans go out the window. Suddenly, I’m double and triple-checking every prescription.
When Brit Long brought us another segment, "High Risk, Low Prevalence: Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection" in his High Risk/Low Prevalence series on ERcast, he dove deep into the world of spontaneous arterial dissections, particularly cervical artery dissections (SCAD). While the term “spontaneous” suggests these cases occur without a clear cause, studies show that up to 40% of SCAD cases follow minor trauma—and among the suspected...
Artificial intelligence continues to transform healthcare, and AI-powered scribing apps are emerging as the newest tools for helping clinician efficiency. These scribing software solutions promise to streamline note-taking, reduce burnout and improve accuracy in medical records. But, as with any new technology, scribing medical apps introduce potential medical malpractice risks—particularly when it comes to data storage, liability and...
As healthcare providers, we know the many physical benefits that exercise brings—better cardiovascular health, improved mobility, and weight management. But what about the broader benefits of exercise, especially for older adults? It's one thing to prescribe physical activity, but it's another to communicate why it matters, particularly when it comes to enhancing cognitive function, preventing falls, and fostering mental well-being.
As clinicians, empowering patients with practical allergen control tips can make a significant difference in their quality of life. From dust mites to pollen, it all starts at home. A targeted approach is best—if you have allergy testing results and know specific triggers, that’s where you should start!
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. While most cases are diagnosed in individuals over 65, rates are rising in adults under 50, making early screening more critical than ever. Screening reduces CRC mortality by catching cancer in its early, treatable stages, yet many patients remain hesitant or unsure of their options.
Every hospital has one. Maybe it’s the cardiologist who's never “impressed” by the EKG. The urologist who insists that every stone should go home with a follow-up. Or that one hospitalist who never quite understands why social admissions exist.
When the temperature drops, the risk of hypothermia rises, and as urgent care clinicians, we need to be ready to recognize and treat this potentially life-threatening condition. But before jumping into severe hypothermia treatment, let’s start with the basics—how do we identify hypothermia symptoms, and what should we be looking for in our patients?
January’s critical care topics go hand in hand, thinking about sepsis management and specifically septic shock with early initiation of vasopressors in the form of microdose pressors. In the segment “Upstairs Rumblings: What I Wish ER Docs Knew About Septic Shock,” Dr. David Page lays out a great argument for early treatment of possible septic shock with antibiotics, fluid, and pressors when needed. Before we go there, however, let’s take...
Magnesium has been making waves in the wellness world, with claims ranging from improved sleep, mood, gut health, and brain function. As healthcare providers, patients often ask us whether magnesium supplementation is a good idea. Is it really “magic,” or is it just another wellness trend? In this blog post, we’ll break down what the literature says about magnesium, review who might benefit from supplements, and offer practical advice on...
The red and pink hearts decorating our homes and stores in February remind us not only of Valentine’s Day but also of Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death nationally. To lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association recommends screenings for risk factors. In 2023, they announced theirnew PREVENT tooldesigned to calculate the risk of heart disease.
It’s a busy Monday morning, and you walk in to see a 4-year-old child for her well check. Her parents mention she’s been more tired and moody lately, but otherwise, she’s a happy, healthy kid—just a bit of a picky eater. So, you check her Hemoglobin level… and it comes back perfectly normal.
