bellaireurgent

Important Safety Tips for Summer 2018
Summer is finally here and we all can’t wait to rock the shorts, show the world our well sculptured bodies as we bask in the much missed sun! We all have been looking forward to jetting off from the monotony of everyday work and getting some well-deserved relaxation out on the sandy beaches.

With the good times and scorching sun of the summer, comes both relaxation and numerous health risks. There particularly are numerous dangers and risks which are associated with the summer period and if you are not well prepared to sidestep these summer risks, you might end up regretting stepping out of your home.

Fortunately for you though, we here at Bellaire Emergency Room always care about you at all times and we want to ensure that you have a good summer in 2018. We have put together our top 5 important safety tips for summer 2018. Use these important safety tips for summer 2018 to stay clear of any problems during this sizzling hot period;

Important Safety Tips for summer 2018

Sun cream! Sun Cream! Sun Cream

The importance of sun cream can’t be stressed enough in this period. Although we all love the summer’s sun, we shouldn’t forget that the sun’s UV rays can be hazardous to our skin especially if we are overexposed for long hours. This UV radiation can easily cause skin cancer, sunburns and a host of unwanted complications.

It is therefore imperative to ensure that you shop for enough sun cream to last the entire summer period. You should shop for sun cream of at least SPF 30 for you and your loved ones to be safe from the UV rays throughout the summer period. It is also important to note that the sun peaks at between 1000hrs and 1600hrs and you should therefore try as much as possible to avoid it during this period.

Hydrate at all times

When having fun in the hot summer sun, don’t forget to keep your body hydrated by drinking as much water as possible. The summer heat will prompt more sweat from your body to help cool you off and if you don’t drink enough water to replenish the lost water, you will suffer from a number of complications.

Lack of water affects your skin, increases food cravings, triggers headaches and generally makes you weak. During the summer period, it is therefore important to ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of clean water in a day. It might sound too much, but that water will do you a lot of good.

Eat healthy foods, at all times

We all strive so hard to get a summer fit body by working hard and maintaining a healthy diet. Unfortunately for most of us, once the first week of summer flies by, we forget about our bodies and go back to eating junk and other unhealthy snacks.

Don’t get caught up in the moment and forget about your health during summer. Food like ice creams, juices and other snacks might be tempting in this period but this is the time when you should stand strong and choose to eat healthy.

To avoid buying this junk and snacks, you can always carry your own ice in an ice-box, throw some bottled water in there, pack some sandwiches, hummus, yogurts, fruits and other healthy foods. These will help you to remain healthy the entire period and avoid putting on unwanted weight. Eating healthy also reduces the chances of suffering from some diseases.

Swim with care

One of the leading causes of summer emergencies and unfortunately deaths, is swimming. During summer, everyone wants to cool off down by the beach and the number of people swimming is overwhelming. This makes it very hard for coast guards to monitor the crowds.

It calls for the adults and parents to be watchful of their young ones to ensure that everyone is safe in and out of the water. Parents should always ensure that their kids are comfortable swimming on their own and even then, they should not lose sight of them at any point. In case of an emergency, the nearest coastguard or emergency personnel should be notified.

There you have them, tips on how to stay safe during summer 2018. Our safety tips are only meant to protect you and your loved ones from the common dangers associated with summer and they in no way, discourage anyone from having much needed fun during this period. You and your loved ones should absolutely jump at the opportunity of unwinding during summer and coming back feeling better and stronger.

Bellaire Emergency Room wishes you and your family a happy and safe summer 2018 and as always, in case of an emergency, do not hesitate to give us a call because we are always at your service!

Myths vs Facts About Freestanding Emergency
Ever since they were absorbed into the mainstream health scene in the country, freestanding emergency rooms have revolutionized the way we receive medical services. Not only have they helped decongest hospitals but have brought emergency services closer to the people.

Despite all the positives that come with freestanding emergency rooms, there looms an air of uncertainty over their usage. Thanks to lack of information on what freestanding emergency rooms really are and myths propagated by unscrupulous media outlets. To help set the record straight over what freestanding emergency rooms really are, here is a look at the myths about the freestanding emergency rooms and the true facts about the same. For starters, what are freestanding emergency rooms?

Freestanding emergency rooms

Freestanding emergency rooms are medical emergency facilities which are structurally separate and distinct from a hospital but offer similar emergency care as a traditional emergency room. Depending on the ownership of the freestanding emergency room, it can either be a hospital outpatient department or an independent emergency center owned and run privately.

Here are some of the most common myths about freestanding emergency rooms and the facts which everyone needs to know about these lifesaving establishments;

Common Myths vs. Facts about Freestanding Emergency Rooms

Myth #1. Freestanding emergency rooms are all owned by hospitals

A lot of people think that all the freestanding emergency rooms in the country are owned and run by public hospitals. This is far from the truth as the fact below states

Fact- Although some hospitals own their own freestanding emergency rooms, it is not a prerequisite that all freestanding emergency rooms have to be owned and run by hospitals. A good number of emergency rooms in America, are privately owned and have no affiliation whatsoever to any hospital.

Myth #2. Freestanding emergency department is not regarded as an emergency room

There is a general belief that freestanding emergency departments are not legal emergency rooms and as such their service can’t be deemed as emergency per se!

Fact-Freestanding emergency departments are just as good if not better than emergency rooms. They are licensed by the various states to provide around the clock emergency care and are staffed by qualified medical personnel just like in a hospital’s emergency room.

Myth #3. Freestanding emergency departments charge higher for emergency services

A lot of people are skeptical when it comes to using freestanding emergency rooms because they have been brainwashed to believe that the services therein, are a notch higher than they should be.

Fact- Emergency departments offer services at competitive rates and they are not more expensive when compared to similar service providers. If anything, the services in these freestanding emergency rooms are a tad cheaper. You have to use them to believe this!

Myth #4. Freestanding emergency departments don’t accept all insurances

There is a ridiculous notion that freestanding emergency rooms don’t accept most of the medical insurance covers offered in the United States. This is far from the truth.

Fact- acceptance of medical insurance is subject to the management of the freestanding emergency room. It is up to the management to liaise with the various insurance companies to facilitate acceptance of the insurance cover in the emergency room. Having said this, it is important to note that most freestanding emergency departments accept most of the medical insurance covers offered in America- at-least here at Bellaire Emergency Room we do!

Myth #5. Freestanding emergency departments are not as equipped as urgent care centers

For years, the debate over which of urgent care centers and freestanding emergency department is best equipped, has been raging. A lot of people believe that freestanding emergency rooms are not as equipped as urgent care centers and are therefore not good enough for emergency services. Is this true though?

Fact- Freestanding emergency departments are staffed and equipped as well as urgent care centers. All good freestanding emergency departments are staffed by multidisciplinary emergency professionals who work using some of the best medical emergency equipment in the industry. As such, they are qualified and ready to respond to any medical emergency that walks through their door.

Myth #6. The waiting time in freestanding emergency departments is very long

If you, like many others, think that you are going to spend hours waiting in line to receive medical care from a freestanding emergency department, then you are very wrong.

Fact- Freestanding emergency departments have shorter waiting times than hospitals and even hospital emergency rooms. The average waiting time is less than ten minutes in most freestanding emergency rooms and you will therefore receive the care you need as soon as possible.

Best emergency room in Bellaire

Looking for the best emergency room in Bellaire for the best medical care? Well, look no further than our way here at Bellaire Emergency Room. We offer high quality emergency care services at competitive rates and are looking forward to welcoming you to the ever growing Bellaire Emergency Room family.

The Basics of CPR – Emergency Room in Bellaire
A lot of people alive today, owe their lives to a friend or a medical practitioner who had some knowledge on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Knowledge on CPR or lack thereof, can mean the difference between one living and losing their life. It therefore goes without saying that everyone should have some basic knowledge on CPR because the knowledge might be of need some day.

So, what exactly is cardiopulmonary resuscitation? What are the basics of CPR that everyone needs to know? Where can one learn CPR? In which situations does one need to put CPR to use? To answer all these questions, here is a look at the basics of CPR and why it is such a crucial first aid technique.

Basics of CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a first aid technique which is use to keep victims of certain emergencies alive until emergency personnel arrive to take over. It is employed to keep oxygen flowing in and out of the lungs and to ensure that the blood flows to the other vital organs.

CPR can administered both by untrained persons and medical personnel. Depending on the person performing the CPR, there are varying levels and types of CPR. Here is a look at various levels of CPR and an explanation of what each entails;

Hands only resuscitation- this is the most basic form of resuscitation and can be performed even by untrained individuals. This basically involves the use of both hands to exert rhythmic compressions to the chest at a rate of about 100 compressions a minute to keep the heart beating and blood circulating.

Before starting to compress the chest, the performer of this procedure should ensure that there is no obstruction in the victim’s airways. The victim should then lay on his back and using the palms of their hands, the performer should use the weight of his upper body to compress the victim’s chest 1 to 2 inches. If the victim is a baby, only two fingers are used to exert the pressure and the compressing should be less aggressive. The compressions should be about 1.5 inches deep in this case.

This technique works by creating positive pressure inside the chest which helps circulate blood in the body. This blood circulates to the other parts of the body keeping the vital organs working. This technique should be employed in situations such as heart attacks, drowning and when victims are unconscious.

Trained resuscitations- these are resuscitations that are offered by trained medical personnel who are confident in their abilities. The difference between this resuscitation and the hands only resuscitation, is that the medical personnel here use both their hands and their mouths to resuscitate a victim.

Here, a medical personnel should administer medium rate compressions-about 30-40 a minute with alternating two rescue breaths. The performer of the CPR should ensure that there is no blockage in the airways before giving the rescue breaths. Before offering the mouth to mouth, the performer should pinch the nostrils of the victim and gentle offer the rescue breath.

Trained with external AED- this is CPR that is performed by medical personnel who are armed with an Automated External Defibrillator. The external defibrillator delivers a shock which is meant to jumpstart the heart.

Medical practitioners here administer one shock and resume with the CPR procedure described above. The CPR continues for two or more minutes and if there is no sign of improvement or progress, a second shock is delivered to try and resuscitate the heart. This is continued until there are signs of progress.

When is CPR called upon?

CPR is ideal for both adults and young ones except for infants who are only weeks old. CPR should be used if there is an emergency involving collapsing. Emergencies such as heart attacks, drowning, strokes, asphyxiation and any other cardiopulmonary complication.

Where to learn CPR

If you are looking to get some knowledge on CPR or want to acquaint yourself with giving CPRs, then there are various means through which you can achieve this. Emergency service providers in America hold clinics annually where people are trained on offering basic first aid procedures and you should attend these clinics.

You can also attend a first aid class. These classes don’t last for more than a couple of days and are more often than not, offered for free. You can also learn CPR basics by watching the numerous online tutorials.

Emergency Room in Bellaire

If you are in Bellaire and are looking for an emergency room for more information on CPR and other first aid procedures, look no further than Bellaire Emergency Room. We are an emergency room Bellaire offering high quality emergency room services to the locals of Bellaire and are looking forward to equipping you with knowledge on CPR and also helping you and your loved ones when emergency strikes.

The Truth About BMI – Ten Facts to Know
If you are keen about your health and your weight in particular, then you must have come across the term BMI or body mass index. This is a term that is thrown around a lot in the context of weight and general wellbeing but very little information is provided on the same subject.

This lack of sufficient information on body mass index, explains why there are hundreds of myths and misconceptions about BMI. These myths and misconceptions about BMI affect people’s perception about the matter and this consequently affects the way they approach their lifestyles based on the info they have on BMI.

We understand the detrimental effects that these numerous myths about BMI have on the health of Americans and we thought it wise to provide 10 facts about BMI to help the populace truly understand this matter. Here is the truth about BMI:

The Truth about BMI- Ten Facts to Know

#1. What is BMI?

Body Mass Index is the ratio of one’s height to their weight and is used to determine the healthy weight for individuals. It was invented in the early 19th century and is universal in all countries. One’s weight in kilograms is divided by the square of your height to arrive at the BMI. It is a very important health diagnostic which people need to be aware of.

#2. BMI is as accurate as it gets when it comes to determining the healthy weight

There has always been a raging debate raging pertaining the suitability of BMI in determining the healthy weight of individuals. Some scientists and skeptical people claim that BMI is not 100% accurate and that people don’t have uniform body orientations.

The fact however remains that BMI is an accurate means of knowing when someone is treading on a dangerous weight line and when they are within the healthy weight.

#3. There are variables that need to be used together with BMI to get conclusive results

Although BMI in itself is an accurate indicator of someone’s weight situation, there are other variables which need to be taken into consideration to make the results even more conclusive. These variables include things like age, gender and waist circumference. When all these factors are considered in addition to the BMI results, the one can get the true measure of their health.

#5. BMI results are better than your doctor’s eye

However experienced your doctor might be, his naked eyes can’t determine a patient’s healthy weight. The doctors who rubbish BMI results and opt to use their eyes to judge the true measure of one’s healthy weight, are the reason why the obesity numbers are on the rise. Always insist to get a BMI check from your doctor before he/she can give an estimate of what your right weight should be.

#6. BMI provides vital information on fat distribution in the body

There is a myth that using BMI doesn’t reveal the fat distribution in one’s body and this is a wrong assumption. BMI will tell a person’s distribution of body fat irrespective of their age, sex or even ethnicity. The information obtained on body fat distribution is vital in helping people know of the best workout techniques and diet to employ to cut on their weight.

#7. Having a BMI index of 25 or higher, doesn’t mean that you are obese

Contrary to popular opinion, people who have a BMI higher than 25 are not necessarily overweight. The notion that people with a BMI higher than 25 are obese, stems from the fact that most people don’t factor in the variables mention in fact number 3. For you to conclude that one is overweight or not, you need to take all variations into account.

#8. BMI of 25 or higher is a worrying sign

It is however important to note that if, from the onset your BMI is higher than 25, then you most probably are treading on the dangerous side of the weight spectrum and need to get something done. Talk to your doctor about the same and start working towards a normal BMI.

#9. Low BMI indices are just are worrying as high indices

There is a general belief that people who have BMI indices lower than 18, are fine and not at any risk. This is however not true because such individuals are just in as much danger as those who are overweight. Being underweight can be a sign of anorexia and needs to be addressed.

#10. Talk to an expert about your worrying BMI index

If you are having trouble wrapping your head around the worrying BM index, do not hesitate to talk to a medical practitioner and get advice on what to do.

If you are in Bellaire and are not sure about your BMI, then come down to our emergency room here at Bellaire Emergency Room for a comprehensive check which involves both the usage of BMI and other modern scales. Give us a call today and we will gladly be of service to you.

Why You Should Stand Up. Tips for a More Active Workday
What are the odds that you are seated while reading this? Well, you might want to stand up for this- turns out standing is healthy for you and me!

According to a recent study conducted by an Australian research firm, sitting down for long hours is hazardous and standing up in between your working sessions can mean the difference between a healthy you and an ailing you-stand up already!

It is a norm entrenched in us to work while working. We grew up looking at our mothers sitting down while getting things done at home, we sat all through our classes and chances are, you spend more than 90% of your time at work seated. Harmless as this sitting thing may look, uninterrupted sitting may increase the chances of you suffering from a number of serious diseases.

According to the study, people who sit for extended periods of time have a higher chance of suffering from diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and other related lifestyles diseases. Incredibly, standing up in between the work sessions, can tremendously reduce the chances of you coming face to face with these feared health hazards. But how exactly does standing up help?

How standing up helps you remain healthy

When we stand, we engage and work the numerous muscles in our legs, butt and in the abdomen. This movement of muscles consumes a lot of sugars and affects triglycerides in the body. Standing might not be the equivalent of working out but it sure does make a difference as it lowers cholesterol in the body keeping you safe.

So, how exactly should you increase the standing up habit? How do you break this unavoidable professional hazard of sitting down? Well, to help you remain active on the workday, we have put together tips on how to remain active during your workdays and reduces chances of suffering from lifestyle diseases. Here are the tips;

Tips for a More Active Workday

Consider buying a standing desk

If the nature of your work allows it- and most professions do, you should invest in a standing desk. Modern standing desks are designed to offer maximum comfort and ergonomics and you should consider buying one.

Using a standing desk means that you will spend very little time sitting down and you will remain active for the better part of the day. The desks come in varying heights and customizations and you should invest in one which perfectly suits your height and nature of work.

Set an alarm to remind you to walk around

If you are the forgetful type like I am, and you suspect that you cannot remember to stand up in between your working sessions, then consider setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to do so. Even if you are deeply engrossed in your work, once the alarm rings, you should take a walk around the office for a short break.

The interval of the alarm can be anything from half an hour to an hour. You can spend something like 3-5 minutes walking around the office and this will make a tremendous difference in your life.

Take the stairs

If your office has the option of an elevator and stairs, take the stairs at all times. Stairs are a handy way of remaining active in the office and you should take advantage of them at all times.

Engage your peers in the office face to face

A lot of office people prefer to make a call to their peers in the same building instead of taking a walk to their stations and talking to them face to face. Unless it is an urgent query that needs immediate addressing, you should always walk over and talk to them personally. You should however not overdo it as it can become counterproductive easily.

Push yourself to remain active

However many mobile applications you install on your mobile device to help you remain active and fit, if you are not committed to it, you’ll get very little success while at it. It is important to ensure that you push yourself at all times and remind yourself to be active at all times of the day.

Self-discipline is key to this. Instead of spending that extra 10 minutes scrolling through Twitter, stand up, take the stairs and go talk to a mate two floors above you. By nudging yourself and pushing yourself more, you’ll achieve incredible results.

Bellaire wants you fit and healthy

We, here at Bellaire Emergency Room, always advocate for healthy lifestyles and advise all our clients to remain as active as possible. Remaining active combined with a good diet, cannot only eliminate the need for going to workouts but will reduce the chances of suffering from sedentary lifestyle diseases.

If you need any help on how to remain fit, give us a call any day of the work or come down to our offices and we will gladly be of help to you.

What Medical Imaging Test Is Right for You
Medical imaging is a great way to obtain highly detailed information about the inner workings of the body. Imaging tests can uncover diseases and injuries and help doctors devise the best possible treatment plan. There are many types of medical imaging, each serves a different purpose.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

CT scans are used to examine the spine, bones, head, organs, and blood vessels to diagnose injuries. This type of imaging is also used to determine the location and size of tumors.

A CT scan test involves multiple images from a variety of angles. The pictures are combined electronically into highly detailed, cross-sectional images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRIs are the go-to test for diagnosing serious soft tissue (cartilage and ligaments), joint and bone injuries. They are helpful in comparing abnormal and normal tissues to clearly display the differences.

Radio waves and an intense magnet are used in an MRI scan to create the precise, cross-sectional images.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound exam is used during pregnancy to monitor the growth and development of a fetus. This imaging test is also used to assess and diagnose cancer, infections, breast lumps and to check for healthy blood flow.

High-frequency, inaudible sound waves are transmitted during an ultrasound, and the echoes are transformed into recorded images of body structures.

Medical Imaging and Radiation Exposure

The biggest concern with medical imaging is radiation exposure. CT scans use a high level of radiation and can cause side effects when performed too often, or without a valid reason. Contrast material is used sometimes in certain tests, particularly MRI scans. Several problems can result if the patient is allergic to the dye. Side effects can range from moderate to life-threatening. In addition, anything metal can interfere with MRI results, such as body piercings or a pacemaker. Metal objects or devices on or in the body can cause serious injury due to the strong magnetic force in the MRI machine.

Consider all of the benefits and risks of each medical imaging test so you and your doctor can determine the best treatment course for you.

Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Migraines
It may seem impossible to break the cycle of chronic migraines, but rest assured, it can be done. This survival guide may help dismantle the chain of pain and considerably reduce your attacks. The following brief guide is enough to start your journey to relief:

Keep a Diary
Take notes if you suffer from 15 or more migraines each month. Keeping a diary is a crucial step for both you and your physician. Without the facts, there is no way to make informed decisions.

Only 10 percent of migraine sufferers maintain a diary, yet more than 70 percent report significant benefits of doing so.

Find a Great Doctor (If You Don’t Have One Already)
If you are dissatisfied with your doctor, find a new one. It is that simple. Your health, productivity, and happiness depend on it.

Oddly enough, people tend to settle less than they should when it comes to health care. When living with something as debilitating as a migraine, you should be doing your best to find the right answers. If you are constantly suffering, your primary doctor should send you to a neurologist or a migraine specialist. The two are not typically one in the same.

Manage Your Attacks
With a diary of your attacks and a good, supportive physician, it is more achievable to control your migraines. An attentive doctor will provide a wide variety of options. There are a plethora of migraine treatments today. Only your doctor knows your medical history, allergies, symptoms, etc., and the best possible recommendations.

Uncover Your Causes
The first three steps to establish a foundation for pain management but don’t handle prevention. You will continue to suffer from a migraine if you don’t uncover the triggers. The root causes are very different for everyone.

Prevent Further Attacks
The most effective way to handle a migraine is to prevent attacks by managing your triggers. This doesn’t mean barricading yourself in the house and living on gluten-free bread and filtered water. However, you should live a balanced life with enough rest, a healthy diet, relaxation, and exercise. You shouldn’t be consumed with work and stress.

The Virtuous Cycle
The first time you get through the top five steps, it will be a shallow sweep. This is normal. You might not have much information in your diary, only a few weeks’ worths of data. You might not have gotten to experiment with any new treatments. No worries, it may take a few months to get the ball rolling, so you can better manage your triggers.

This is the Holy Grail of Migraine Recovery
When you start to experience fewer headaches per month, this is the holy grail of migraine recovery. It may only go down from 18 to 15 attacks in 30 days, but that is good progress. A subtle decline is still a fewer migraine, and that is what you want.

It can take years for chronic migraines to take hold. So, breaking the cycle won’t happen in one day. Victory comes with positive steps, building momentum and small wins.

How to Get the Most Out of Medical Lab Services
Which convenient lab should you choose to run your medical tests? Obviously, you want the best services, that save you money and time.

All laboratories strive to achieve the most accurate results, but they are not all equal. There are a variety of labs, ranging from small clinics, academic centers, referrals, to specialty pathology labs. Larger capacity labs offer an increase in the variety of tests. Expert laboratories provide the added advice needed to improve the accuracy of a physician’s diagnosis.

Medical Lab Certification
Before you settle on any lab, make sure it is a reputable facility. Advanced laboratory services at Bellaire ER are CLIA and COLA certified which means our Houston, TX emergency room offers safety, efficiency, compliance, and top-notch patient care.

Specialized Medical Lab Services
You can depend on professional high-tech lab staff that is licensed and qualified to provide the quantitative reports of their findings. Therefore, your reputation solutions and patient’s concerns can be easily mapped out easily. Individualized lab services guarantee:

Prompt and accurate results
Are adaptable to the ever-changing field of medicine
Offer comprehensive methods of lab reporting
In addition, you can select which tests are performed and how they are conducted with customized lab services. You can also receive approved quantitative reports.

Be sure to confirm how quickly a lab will complete tests. Medical laboratory tests are more valuable if the results are promptly received. It is common for routine outpatient testing to get back to the doctor within a 24-hour turnaround. Specialty tests take later, several days or up to a few weeks.

All-Inclusive Medical Lab Services

Complete laboratory testing in Houston’s state-of-the-art extensive in-house laboratory. Bellaire services include:

Cytology
Flu, Strep, RSV, mono testing
Histochemistry
Histology
Immunohistochemistry
Liver Panel
Microbiology
Pregnancy Testing
Routine Histologic Interpretation of Biopsies and Excision Specimens
Surgical Pathology Analysis
Testing for Insurance and Employment Options
Urinalysis
Virology tests
A Single Lab for Your Tests
One lab that covers all the tests is a rare find. But it is important to use the same lab consistently and repeatedly. For example, if you can consolidate all your results into one simple to review volume, this will make for trouble-free follow up. If any error is made or if something goes wrong with a test, lab personnel can easily make a correction before the results are reported, especially for monitored conditions.

All About Seasonal Affective Disorder
Have you ever noticed you feel more depressed during fall and/or winter? It isn’t just you, in fact, seasonal affective disorder is extremely common, with over 75,000,000 Americans being affected each year. Although seasonal affective disorder often comes and goes with the seasons, it can be very important to treat the condition!

Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms
Notice changes in your mood, appetite or energy as the seasons change? Seasonal affective disorder often begins to affect patients during the fall/winter months and can include symptoms such as:

Chronic Depression
Oversleeping
Low Energy/Fatigue
Sleep Issues
Appetite Changes
Weight Changes
Irritability
Feeling Worthless
Feeling Guilty
Suicidal Ideations/Thoughts
Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Although the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is unknown, there are a few things known to play a role:

Circadian Rhythm is affected due to the reduced sunlight during fall and winter months, disrupting your body’s internal clock.
Serotonin can also be affected by the change in sunlight, decreasing serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates mood, appetite and even sleep.
Melatonin is also affected by changes in sunlight exposure and can result in disrupted sleep patterns, directly affecting mood.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Risk Factors
When it comes to seasonal affective disorder, there are a few factors which can increase your likelihood of experiencing symptoms. These factors include family history, genetics, mental health and even place of living.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Complications
Just like with any mental disorder, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are nothing to ignore. Left untreated, the following complications of seasonal affective disorder can occur:

Social Withdrawal
Missed School
Missed Work
Substance Abuse
Suicidal Ideations/Thoughts
Suicidal Behavior
Visit Bellaire ER Today
Feeling depressed, worthless or suicidal? Bellaire ER can help! Visit our freestanding emergency room right away. We’re here 24 hours a day for any of your medical needs.

Signs and Symptoms of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that can affect several different areas such as the larynx (the area of the throat used for speaking), the nasopharynx (the area of the throat behind the nose), and the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat). Because it can develop in different areas, symptoms of throat cancer can vary. Generally, they include pain in the throat or ears, trouble swallowing or breathing, or changes in voice. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here, make an appointment with your doctor promptly. He or she may conduct a physical examination of the head, neck, and throat. Scans or biopsies may also be needed to make a diagnosis of throat cancer.

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer
The larynx helps with breathing, swallowing, and talking. It is located between the base of the tongue and the trachea. Symptoms of cancer occurring in this area may include:

A persistent sore throat or cough
A lump in the neck or throat
Changes in voice
Ear pain
Trouble swallowing
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer
The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat located behind the nose. It connects the nose to the ears through the nostrils and then openings on each side of the nasopharynx. Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer may include:

A lump in the nose or neck
Nosebleeds
Pain or ringing in the ears
Sore throat
Trouble breathing or speaking
Headaches
Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer
This middle part of the throat includes the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, the tonsils, and the base of the tongue. Factors such as heavy alcohol use, smoking or chewing tobacco, and being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) can increase an individual’s chances of being affected with this type of cancer. Like the other two types of throat cancer, symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer include trouble swallowing, a persistent cough, or sore throat, and changes in voice. They also include:

Ear pain
Unexplained weight loss
Dull pain behind the breastbone