It’s a dark, gloomy day – even if it’s sunny and bright. That’s because you feel lousy and nothing you do is making the pain or other malady disappear.
At the same time, you might be wondering if the something that ails you is really worth a trip to the ER. Our advice? When in doubt, go! Your health is too important to take unnecessary chances.
Still, if you’re the type whose misery would bother you less with company, then you might take some small measure of comfort in the following – the top 5 reasons for emergency room visits.
- Headaches
This is the granddaddy of them all, if only because headaches are the most common human affliction.
- Foreign Objects in the Body
This isn’t just an American thing – it’s a worldwide problem. And we’re not even talking about drugs. We’re talking about harmless things that are harmless everywhere except, perhaps, when you ingest them: seeds, insects, buttons, small batteries, and more. Then again, a foreign body doesn’t have to be swallowed to cause you problems. Wood splinters, slivers of metal or glass, tick bites that could result in lime disease, and more.
There are roughly 1,500 deaths per year from foreign object problems.
- Skin Infections
There are more potential pain- and illness-causing skin infections than you can shake a syringe at. These include:
- Nerve damage
- Muscle weakness
- Lesions on the body
- Rashes and blisters
- Boils
- Staph
- Cellulitis
- Ringworm
What a mess!
- Back Pain
Back pain can result from an accident or injuries sustained while playing supports or lifting a heavy object the wrong way, or one that’s simply too much for you. Happily, these ER visits are on the decline.
- Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises can occur through any activity and often require urgent emergency care. Here’s a “what’s what” of common causes:
- An accident involving a broken glass or a kitchen knife
- Falling and scraping one’s knee, elbow, or other body part
- An accident in your workshop
- Vigorous exercise
- Bleeding disorder
- An object falling on your head, foot, etc.
We’re sure you can think of other causes, probably even one or more that have happened to you.
MedCare Express Urgent Care
No matter what might be wrong and has you nervous about the possible consequences, get yourself to MedCare Express in Newington. We’re the only urgent care center in Greater Hartford that’s open until 8 PM, seven days a week. We’re here to treat you, too.