If you are experiencing an attack, the symptoms may include breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, chest pains, faintness or nausea, tingling, hot or cold flashes, and a feeling of doom. The attack might last few seconds, or it might last for up to an hour. Unfortunately, an anxiety attack can frighten a person into becoming worried, which causes more anxiety—a cycle where anxiety feeds upon more anxiety.

• Breathing is one of the most effective tips for dealing with anxiety attacks. This will help you to calm down and end the aforementioned cycle. Breathe slowly into a paper bag or through cupped hands. Slow breathing will help your oxygen level return to normal, and you will begin to feel less dizzy.
• Do not try to fight a panic attack, because this will increase the adrenaline that fuels the attack. Practice detaching your mind from the feelings and symptoms, and imagine floating over the attack, allowing the anxiety to burn itself out and subside.
• If you know you are prone to anxiety attacks, make lifestyle changes to help eliminate them. Exercise regularly, reduce stress, eat nutritious meals, and avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and processed foods.
• Try to get your emotions under control, in advance. The best tips for dealing with anxiety attacks have to do with the way you live between attacks. Do not keep emotions bottled up, but find a confidant, whether it is a friend or a counselor. Learn relaxation techniques, and consider meditation to help center and calm you.
• Get out of your own head. Volunteer, join a service club, or make friends with someone in need. By focusing on someone else, you can reduce your own anxiety, while making a difference in another person’s life.
• If your anxiety attacks are particularly worrisome, see your doctor for help. Medications are available to help combat the symptoms of an anxiety attack. Your doctor may recommend a prescription, or may suggest that you get involved in some sort of therapy.

By following these tips for dealing with anxiety attacks, you can probably get yours under control. If you find yourself in need of an emergency room, however, First Choice offers an alternative to traditional ERs. A freestanding emergency room, First Choice is staffed with medical professionals, and equipped to handle both adult and pediatric emergencies. Visit the website to learn more, or connect with the online community on Facebook and Twitter.

Water makes up half of our body weight, and every part of our body uses water to help it function effectively. The lower a person’s body fat percentage, the higher their water percentage, so it can range from 45 percent to 60 percent, with women having a lower percentage than men.  Water helps all bodily systems to function properly, and even our blood volume depends on water. Everything you do causes you to lose water, whether you are exercising, resting, or just breathing. Replacing lost water prevents dehydration, which can be a serious condition. Signs of dehydration include:

• Urine that is darker than usual, or little to no urine
• Dry mouth and extreme thirst
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Lack of tears when crying

It can be tricky to recognize the signs of dehydration, but the importance of hydration is such that you should not wait until you experience all these symptoms before you rehydrate. You may have heard that you need six to eight glasses of water each day, for a total of 48 to 64 ounces; however, that may not be accurate, because different people need different amounts of water. Most people can stay hydrated by drinking water every time they feel thirsty, so use common sense to prevent dehydration. Sometimes, people miss thirst signals, mistaking them for hunger or a craving for sweets. If you feel unexpectedly hungry, drink water. True hunger will not be satisfied by water, so there is no concern that you will not eat when you truly need to eat. Another way to make sure you are not becoming dehydrated is to monitor the amount and appearance of your urine; it should be almost clear, not dark.

Of course, there are situations that place people at higher risk of dehydration. The importance of hydration is obvious if you are playing soccer, or hiking, because exercise causes you to lose fluids faster, but even a sedentary adult needs to stay hydrated. Certain medical conditions cause people to lose water more quickly, so you probably need more water if you have kidney stones or a bladder infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a fever, have been vomiting, or have diarrhea. Drinking water is the best way to say hydrated, because other drinks can contain high amounts of sugar. When you are going to be outdoors, no matter what you are doing, drink extra water.

When you understand the importance of hydration, you can keep your body running efficiently. Sometimes, though, even the most conscientious water drinker can miss the signals and become dehydrated. When that happens, it is important to seek medical assistance. If you want to avoid the hospital’s ER, First Choice ER offers an alternative. Fully equipped, and staffed with trained medical personnel, First Choice can handle both adult and pediatric emergencies. Visit the website to learn more, or connect with the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

This week’s winner was Patrick Bond and we had the chance to sit down with him for our “Winner’s Corner” section of our blog and here is what he had to say!

#1. What is your experience with First Choice Emergency Room?

Fortunately enough, i can say that i haven’t had the need for an Emergency Room in quite some time now. But i actually came across several employees of the First Choice ER at a local car show (Cars & Coffee) located off of Hwy 249 and Louetta a few months ago. They were very kind and offered me and my wife several bottles of sunscreen and anti-bacterial lotion. We graciously accepted the items and they then proceeded to inform us about the “Spring into Sports” contest.

#2. What made you decide to participate in the “Spring into Sports” promotion? 

After speaking to the employees at the car show, i thought ”What’s the harm in entering a contest to win a gift card?” Who wouldn’t want to win $300!!!

#3. With the “Spring into Sports” promotion being focused on First Choice ER launching their brand new “MyER” blogs what type of information would you like us to share with our fans and followers? 

I think that its nice being able to stay connected with those around in your community, creating a blog and other sources of social media seems to be one of the best ways to keep the community informed and involved in activities these days. Its also nice knowing that i have a First Choice ER right around the corner from our house here in Cypress.

#4. What is your favorite thing to do for entertainment when you’re not playing a First Choice Emergency Room promotion?

I am an avid auto racing fan. Whenever I have the opportunity, i am either racing my own car in the local SCCA Autocross competitions, or trying to find a way to travel to a professional racing event when i can. I also enjoy shotgun sports, so you might find me camped out at the local shooting ranges every now and then shooting clay targets on the weekends.

Remember to stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, and play this week on our “Spring Into Sports” page!

In honor of National Nurses Week this week, we have the wonderful pleasure of highlighting on of our very own nurses, Patti Bates. She just so happen to also compete in a TRIATHLON on National Nurses’ Day this past Sunday, May 6th. Patti really couldn’t have timed her winning the Triathlon any better! We sat down with her for a bit and wanted to get to know her better so we could highlight the amazing staff we employ to give excellent care to our patients, but also to encourage you this Spring to do what Patti does, get out there, have fun, and most importantly improve your health.

Here is what Patti had to say:

What is your current relationship with FCER? 

This week’s winner was Jennifer Allen and we had the chance to sit down with her for our “Winner’s Corner” section of our blog and here is what she had to say!

#1. What is your experience with First Choice Emergency Room?

I went to First Choice over a year ago when my oldest son seemed to be having trouble breathing.  We didn’t have insurance at the time and it was after regular hours.  We had initially gone to the redi clinic and the nurse there gave us a $75 off a visit and sent us to First Choice for a doctor consult and prescription.   Everyone there made my son feel comfortable.  He’s not usually a sick child and he was scared about everything that was going on.

#2. What made you decide to participate in the “Spring into Sports” promotion? 

$300 gift card!!! ( We love this honesty!)

#3. With the “Spring into Sports” promotion being focused on First Choice ER launching their brand new “MyER” blogs what type of information would you like us to share with our fans and followers? 

Jennifer wasn’t too sure, but we have a feeling with her active lifestyle, she would love to see more health tips on staying healthy when you lead an active lifestyle!

#4. What is your favorite thing to do for entertainment when you’re not playing a First Choice Emergency Room promotion?

My son and I do lots of endurance racing.  We’re also avid movie goers.

Remember to stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, and play this week on our “Spring Into Sports” page!

A heart attack occurs when blood, and therefore oxygen, does not reach the heart. This can happen because of a blocked artery that fails to bring oxygenated blood to the heart, causing the muscle to begin to starve and die. Getting treatment quickly is imperative for survival, and having someone present who knows what to do if someone has a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death.

• The first step in knowing what to do if someone has a heart attack is recognizing the signs and symptoms. Men usually experience a crushing sensation behind the breastbone, often radiating to the arms, back, shoulder blades, and jaw. Women can experience these symptoms, too, but are more likely to experience symptoms like shortness of breath, indigestion, faintness, and pain in the jaw.
• If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, stay close. Do not leave to look for medication, but call 911 immediately, and then stay with the person. If the person has a prescription of nitroglycerin nearby, you can administer a dose, but if it is not within reach, depend on the emergency workers to provide medication when they arrive.
• Make the heart attack victim comfortable. Help the person loosen clothing, and place him or her in a comfortable position.
• Know how to give CPR. Did you know that CPR given by a bystander can double or even triple the chances of surviving a heart attack? You can learn more about CPR by taking a class, or visiting the American Heart Association’s website. If you have not had a class, here’s a quick tutorial: First, check to make sure the person is unresponsive, and then call 911. Next,  you can perform hands-only CPR. Hands-only CPR is just as effective as standard CPR, and easier to perform. For hands-only CPR, simply press (hard) on the person’s heart, to the rhythm of the BeeGees’ “Stayin’ Alive”!

When you know what to do if someone has a heart attack, you can remain calm and make sure the person receives the appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible. If you need to get someone to an emergency room, First Choice offers an alternative to the hospital. A freestanding emergency room, First Choice is staffed with trained medical professionals, and fully equipped to deal with pediatric and adult emergencies. Visit the website for more information, or join the online community on Facebook and Twitter.

• Maintain a healthy diet. Eating nutritious meals on a consistent basis will help maintain energy levels and give kids the endurance they need, especially if they are practicing after a long day of school.
• Stay hydrated. Every system in the body depends on water to run optimally, so make sure to drink plenty of water. This is especially important during spring sports, when activity levels are higher than usual and the weather is getting warmer.
• Get plenty of rest. Getting enough sleep every night prevents you from running on a sleep deficit, and helps your muscles heal after a strenuous day.
• Break in your equipment before practice starts. Especially with shoes, it is important to know that they fit well and feel comfortable before you begin participating in practices.
• Stay warm while you are warming up. Keeping your muscles warm is important, and spring weather can be unpredictable. Make sure you have warm gear, even if it seems sunny.
• Stretch before a practice, and keep moving during practice. Even if it’s not your turn on the field, keep moving, so that muscles do not have a chance to cool down. Stretching before you exercise, and keeping your muscles warm, are important factors in avoiding injury.

Sometimes, of course, injuries during spring sports are unavoidable. In that case, First Choice offers an alternative to the traditional hospital ER. A freestanding emergency room, staffed with trained medical professionals, First Choice is fully equipped to handle both adult and pediatric emergencies. Visit the website for more information, or join the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

We have now chosen a winner for our Louetta location, and we got to sit down with the lucky winning family and here is what they had to say!

#1. What is your experience with First Choice Emergency Room?

I have to thank First Choice Emergency Room so much for caring for my son and daughter. I was referred by my parents, and they was so very right. The Staff there was great and we was out less than 2 hours.

#2. What made you decide to participate in the “Apple iPad2″ promotion?

I have heard so much about people that said they won are received an iPad from the internet are just for filling out a survey. So I have been trying everything to see if it is really for real.

#3. We strive to provide value to our audience and communities through our “MyEr” blog offering content related to how to stay healthy, health and safety tips, and more. With that said, what type of information would you like us to share with our fans and followers?

That First Choice Emergency Room is the best way to go and you dont have to spend the night at the ER while you are there.

#4. What is your favorite thing to do for entertainment when you’re not playing a First Choice Emergency Room promotion?

I enjoy knitting and all other crafts.

Stay in touch with First Choice Emergency Room on Twitter, Facebook, andPinterest to get all the best health information and be on the lookout for more contests in the future! To locate our Louetta location, check our location page out on our website!

• A toothache may not be a toothache emergency. If your teeth hurt, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be lodged between them. If your mouth is swollen, a cold compress on the outside of your cheek may help until you are able to see the dentist. If your toothache is so severe that you cannot sleep, it may be time to head to the emergency room.
• If your teeth are chipped or broken, save the pieces. Rinse the mouth and the broken pieces with warm water, and apply a piece of gauze to any spots that are bleeding. This sort of toothache emergency requires immediate attention, so put a cold compress on your cheek to relieve discomfort and seek professional help immediately.
• A knocked-out tooth may be re-implantable. Holding the tooth by the crown, rinse it with water if dirty but never scrub it or remove tissue pieces. Try to gently replace it into its socket, but do not force it. If you cannot get it to fit, put it in milk or a cup of water with a pinch of salt. Get to the dentist quickly, as the tooth is most likely to be salvageable in the first hour after being knocked out. If the tooth is only partially dislodged, you should still head to the dentist immediately to avoid losing it.
• If you lose a filling, it may constitute a toothache emergency. Dental cement or piece of sugarless gum will fill the cavity in a pinch, but you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
• For a lost crown, you can wait to make an appointment, but make sure you save the crown and bring it with you. If you cannot get to the dentist immediately and the tooth is painful, apply a little bit of clove oil to the affected area with a cotton swab. You can reattach the crown with some dental cement or denture adhesive, but never use super glue.
• An infection should never be ignored. An abscess in your mouth can spread infection to other parts of your body, creating more than a toothache emergency; in fact, serious health problems can result.  If you have a pimple-like area in your mouth, rinse it with warm salt water and seek medical attention promptly. Other signs of infection include swollen gums and sensitivity to heat.
• Injuries to the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips can be quite serious. These soft tissue areas of the mouth tend to bleed a great deal, so take steps to stop the bleeding immediately. Rinse the mouth with mild salt water, hold a piece of gauze or a tea bag to the bleeding area for fifteen to twenty minutes, or apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for five to ten minutes. A tip for moms: if your child’s mouth is bleeding, offer him a frozen strawberry. The sweet taste might distract him, and the red fruit will not show the blood as clearly. If you can get the bleeding to stop, it will be easier to assess the severity of the injury to determine if it is a true toothache emergency. Whatever the situation, if you cannot get mouth bleeding to stop, head to the emergency room.

No matter the emergency, First Choice Emergency Room is prepared to handle it. A freestanding emergency room, First Choice has a professional medical staff trained to deal with both pediatric and adult emergencies. Visit the website to learn more, or connect with the online community on Facebook and Twitter.

• A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Because it affects your brain, it can impair your ability to recognize symptoms. You may want to ask your friends and family, “How do you know if you are having a stroke?” and go over the answers with them in advance. Being surrounded by people who know the signs and symptoms can give you a better chance of making it to treatment as soon as possible.
• A stroke can impair speech. You may have difficulty saying words, your speech may be slurred, or you may be  unable to speak at all.
• A stroke can also impair understanding. If you suddenly have trouble understanding what people are saying, you may be suffering a stroke.
•  Coordination may become impaired, or you may experience weakness or numbness on one side. You may not be able to move one side of your body, or you may just find one side of your body is suddenly clumsy.
• Sudden vision trouble could be a sign of stroke. Seeing double or having trouble focusing are both signs of a stroke. You may also experience sudden dizziness.
• A headache can be a sign of stroke. A sudden, excruciating headache can indicate that you are having a stroke.

How do you know if you are having a stroke? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, do not take any chances. If you are reluctant to go to a traditional hospital, consider First Choice. A freestanding emergency room that is equipped to handle both adult and pediatric emergencies, First Choice has the medical equipment and doctors to treat you if you are having a stroke. Visit the website for more information, or connect with the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.