Latest news with #GoHealthUrgentCare
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
10 Fireworks Safety Tips for Parents Ahead of July 4
Watching fireworks with your kids can be an exciting and memorable experience. It might remind you of some of your best childhood memories. But fireworks can be dangerous, even to bystanders. And yes, even legal, backyard fireworks can pose significant risks. 'All fireworks (even the legal backyard ones) are combustibles that create their dazzling displays by flinging burning metallic powders using an explosive force,' says Chau Pham, MD, an ophthalmologist with UI Health Care. 'Even 'just' a sparkler burns at 1800 to 3000 degrees F which is enough to melt some metals. A three-inch salute firework with 2.5 ounces of pyrotechnic material can produce an air blast equivalent to about 1.5 ounces of TNT.' These are some scary facts, but knowledge is power, and there are some concrete things you can do to protect you and your family from the dangers of fireworks—and still manage to have a thrilling, shimmering, and unforgettable Fourth of July. Dr. Pham shared the story of a patient and mom, Lisa Dickerson, who had a terrible injury from fireworks. It was Fourth of July, 2019, and Dickerson was celebrating the holiday with her family when a firework malfunctioned, hitting her directly in the face and causing burns and other serious injuries. Dickerson survived, but she lost vision in one eye and now wears a prosthetic eye. 'Lisa's story really highlights how absolutely life-altering any one of these injuries can be,' Dr. Pham describes. 'Even when full recovery can be made, it can take months to years and often requires multiple doctors visits, use of medications, and possibly surgical or procedural intervention—all of which can be quite disruptive and burdensome for not only the patients, but their families and caretakers.' According to Todd Zimmerman, DO, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Pediatrix Medical Group in Las Vegas, fireworks can pose a major risk to children in particular. The following types of injuries can impact children: burns, bodily injury, eye trauma or vision loss, and hearing damage. 'As a pediatric emergency medicine physician for 20 years, I have seen children lose fingers and also sustain permanent vision loss from fireworks,' he shares."As a pediatric emergency medicine physician for 20 years, I have seen children lose fingers and also sustain permanent vision loss from fireworks."Betsy Koickel, MD, chief medical officer of GoHealth Urgent Care, says that burns to the hands, face, and eyes are especially common, and can happen in just a split second. While the risk is higher for individuals directly lighting the fireworks, bystanders can get hurt as well. 'Bystanders often get hurt when fireworks tip over, explode unexpectedly or are used incorrectly,' she describes. 'And while legal backyard fireworks might seem safer, they can still malfunction, shoot off in the wrong direction or ignite nearby objects like dry grass or clothing.' But it's not just major fireworks that can cause injuries, according to Dr. Koickel. Even smaller fireworks, like sparklers, burn at very high temperatures and can be hot enough to cause severe burns or set clothing on fire. 'Because of their size, kids often think sparklers are harmless, but they're actually one of the leading causes of firework-related injuries in children,' she says. The risks posed by fireworks are scary to consider, but there are tangible things you can do to protect you and your family. Here are some tips from Dr. Pham: Supervise children at all times Only allow adults to light fireworks Never consume alcohol or other mood-altering substances while handling fireworks Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions Always wear safety glasses if you are going to be within 10 yards, but definitely if you'll be handling the firework (Tip: ANSI Z78.1+ rated polycarbonate lenses are best; these are available online and at your local hardware store) Wear fireproof or flame-retardant clothing Never point or direct a firework at a person or animal Never throw a firework Never re-light a firework; it may still be burning on the inside and may explode when handled Want the dazzling, glittering experience of fireworks, but without the danger? It's easy to replicate the experience at home. Some alternative ways to celebrate include glow sticks or LED light wands, says Dr. Koickel. 'These are always a hit with kids and can turn any backyard into a glowing wonderland because they're safe, colorful and perfect for after-dark fun,' she says. She also recommends light-up balloons, lanterns, laser light shows, projection displays, or a campfire or fire pit gathering. Hosting a dance party with string lights or disco bulbs is a safe way to celebrate too. Some counties even host community events that offer safer ways to celebrate the holiday. 'Many municipalities have now moved to laser light and/or drone light shows instead of traditional fireworks,' says Dr. Pham. 'Outdoor 'drive-in' movie style displays with live music are sometimes offered.' First of all, it's important to act quickly if you have any type of injury resulting from fireworks. 'If you sustain any injury from fireworks you should go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible,' says Dr. Zimmerman. Dr. Koickel offered specific advice for some of different types of injuries you might sustain. Gently run the burned area under lukewarm (not cold) water for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid ice or very cold water, because that can actually make the injury worse. After rinsing, check the burn. 'If it's larger than 1-2 inches, looks deep, or is on the face, hands, feet or over a joint, it's best to seek medical attention right away,' she recommends. Never rub an eye injury. 'Instead, rinse or apply pressure to the eye and loosely cover it with a clean cloth or sterile dressing, and get emergency medical care immediately,' Dr. Koickel advises. 'Eye injuries from fireworks can be very serious, and quick treatment is crucial.' Above all, never ignore an injury caused by fireworks. 'Even if an injury seems minor at first, it can worsen quickly, especially in children,' says Dr. Koickel. 'It's always safer to have a healthcare professional take a look.' But the best advice? Take preventative steps to avoid these injuries altogether, and keep your children away from fireworks—even sparklers in the backyard—no matter what. Read the original article on Parents
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UPMC partnership takes over MedExpress in Meadville
Drivers along Smock Highway in Meadville may have noticed a new sign in the Piper Plaza — the former MedExpress is now emblazoned with orange and blue letters reading UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care. There's no need for residents to worry, though, as its services remain the same. The new center is a joint venture of UPMC and GoHealth Urgent Care. A statement to The Meadville Tribune from UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care reads, 'UPMC and GoHealth Urgent Care both focus on providing access to high quality health care conveniently, where people live their lives. This is why we have formed a new joint venture that will support expanded access to on-demand care in the communities we serve. This spring, UPMC Urgent Care, UPMC Express Care and MedExpress locations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, including in Meadville, are becoming UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care.' UPMC operates more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland, as well as overseas. GoHealth Urgent Care has about 269 centers nationwide and did not have any Pennsylvania locations prior to the partnership. Having UPMC insurance is not a prerequisite for visiting the clinic, as it still accepts a majority of insurances. UPMC's website states that the center will continue to offer basic lab and imaging services, COVID-19 testing, care for minor infections and burns, physicals, orthopedic evaluation and more. Walk-ins are still welcome and can receive same-day care for those ages 6 and up. 'The new UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care centers provide convenient access to lower-cost high-quality health care, particularly for vulnerable populations outside of the emergency room setting,' the statement reads. 'This brings more ambulatory services — such as unscheduled and primary care, women's health, orthopedics and radiology — directly to communities that need them. More information will be available soon.' The hours remain 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 18471 Smock Highway, and the center can be reached at (814) 333-3627.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hartford HealthCare's GoHealth Urgent Care opens two new centers
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Hartford HealthCare's GoHealth Urgent Care is celebrating a major expansion with the grand opening of not one, but two new state-of-the-art urgent care centers. Judah Fierstein, medical director of Hartford HealthCare's GoHealth Urgent Care, joined Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. to tell us more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
