Cyclospora Is Making News Again. Here’s What Patients Should Know
Every summer, emergency rooms and urgent care centers see a steady stream of stomach bugs. Most are short-lived viral illnesses. Some are food poisoning. A smaller number turn out to be something more specific. Right now, one of those specific causes is getting more attention: Cyclospora. Several state health departments are investigating a growing outbreak […]
Blocked Airway & Choking: How to Recognize It & When It’s an Emergency
Choking and blocked airways are serious medical emergencies that can become life-threatening within minutes. A person who cannot breathe due to an airway obstruction may quickly lose consciousness if immediate action is not taken. While some choking episodes resolve with coughing, others require emergency first aid and rapid medical attention. Knowing how to recognize the […]
Sore Throat or Strep? How to Tell the Difference & When Antibiotics Help
Sore throats are one of the most common reasons people visit urgent care and primary care clinics each year. While many sore throats are caused by mild viral infections that improve on their own, others are caused by bacterial infections such as strep throat that may require antibiotics. Because symptoms can overlap, many patients are […]
Most effective ways to prevent heat exhaustion during outdoor workouts
A few specific, evidence-based habits prevent the overwhelming majority of cases I see: Hydrate on a schedule, not on thirst. By the time you feel thirsty you are already behind. Drink roughly 16 to 20 ounces of fluid in the two hours before you start, then about 6 to 12 ounces every 15 to 20 […]
Is My Rash an Emergency? Red Flags, Allergic Reactions & When to Get Checked
Rashes are extremely common and can develop for many different reasons. Some rashes are mild and disappear within a few days, while others may signal a serious infection, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. Because rashes can look very different depending on the cause, many people are unsure when symptoms can be treated at home and […]
Answers About Donepezil
Answers About Donepezil (Brand Name Aricept) by Shane Cole, MD 1. Is donepezil the same as Aricept? “Yes. Donepezil is the generic name and Aricept is the brand name. It’s the same active molecule at the same doses. What differs is the price tag and the inactive ingredients: the fillers, binders, and dyes that hold […]
Pregnancy Warning Signs: When to Call Your OB, Urent Care or the ER
Pregnancy comes with many physical and emotional changes, and while many symptoms are completely normal, some can signal a more serious problem that requires medical attention. Knowing when to call your OB-GYN, visit urgent care, or go directly to the emergency room can help protect both mother and baby. Many pregnant women experience symptoms like […]
Pink Eye vs Stye: How to Tell the Difference & When to See a Doctor
Eye irritation can be uncomfortable and sometimes alarming, especially when redness or swelling develops suddenly. Two common causes of eye discomfort are pink eye (conjunctivitis) and styes, but these conditions have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing how to tell the difference can help you decide whether home care is appropriate or if medical evaluation […]
Everyday Infectious Illnesses: What’s Contagious & When to Stay Home
Everyday infectious illnesses are common, especially during cold and flu season. While many illnesses are mild, they can spread quickly through schools, workplaces, households, and public spaces. Understanding which illnesses are contagious—and knowing when to stay home or seek medical care—can help reduce the spread of infection and protect those who may be more vulnerable […]
Drowning & “Dry Drowning”: What Parents Need to Know & When to Go to the ER
Water activities are a common part of summer fun, but drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental injury and death in children. Many parents have also heard the term “dry drowning,” which can create confusion and anxiety after a child experiences a water-related incident. Understanding the warning signs after a near-drowning event and […]