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Whenever there is a sudden health concern or an illness, it is essential to access timely and effective medical care.
Increasingly, urgent care centers are filling the gap between primary care physicians and emergency rooms.
Urgent Care of Kansas offers an ideal solution when your condition isn’t severe enough to warrant a visit to the ER.
Time constraints, however, make scheduling a primary care appointment difficult.
We are determined to deliver comprehensive urgent and immediate care services easily accessible to patients in Gardner, Kansas, and Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
The most serious cases in the emergency room are given priority, which is logical.
For those with urgent but non-life-threatening concerns, this can lead to long wait times.
As a result, medical professionals recommend urgent care for issues that are not life-threatening but require immediate attention.
Here are ten reasons why urgent care is really necessary.

Table of Content

• Timely Treatment for Non-Life-Threatening Issues
• Extended Hours and Accessibility
• Affordable Compared to the Emergency Room
• Shorter Wait Times
• Comprehensive Services Under One Roof
• Expertise in Occupational Health
• Children’s Urgent Care
• Care Continuity
• On-Site Pharmacy
• Peace of Mind and Comfort

1. Timely Treatment for Non-Life-Threatening Issues

In urgent care facilities, a variety of non-life-threatening conditions are treated.

• Minor injuries.
• Common illnesses like fever, flu, and colds.
• Sore throats.
• Earache, swimmer’s ear, infection, and cleaning.
• X-ray of the chest.
• Children’s and adults’ physical examinations.
• Bug bites and rashes.
• Aches and pains.
• Blood tests.
• Bone fractures and sprained ankle.
• Cuts, lacerations, and stitches.
• Dehydration, stomach pain/flu, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Dizziness
• Drug testing.
• Headache and migraines.
• Pink eye.
• Sunburn

If you suspect you have any symptoms of the above conditions, schedule an urgent care visit with us as soon as possible.
Professionals at Urgent Care of Kansas provide timely treatment, so you don’t have to worry about the problem worsening.

2. Extended Hours and Accessibility

With urgent care centers, you can get medical care when it’s convenient for you, including evenings and weekends.
At Urgent Care of Kansas, we are there when you need us the most.

3. Affordable Compared to the Emergency Room

Non-emergency visits to the emergency room can be expensive and time-consuming.
Urgent care provides a more affordable option without compromising the quality of care.
This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs and ease the burden of medical expenses.

4. Shorter Wait Times

Emergency room visits often involve long wait times.
The best urgent care centers prioritize efficiency, minimizing your wait time and letting you get the care you need as soon as possible.

5. Comprehensive Services Under One Roof

Urgent Care of Kansas offers various medical services beyond primary care.
X-rays, lab tests, vaccinations, and preventive screenings are all available at our facilities, so you don’t have to schedule multiple appointments.

6. Expertise in Occupational Health

Maintaining a healthy workforce is essential for both employers and employees.
Urgent care centers often provide occupational health services, including pre-employment screenings, drug testing, and workers’ compensation evaluations.
These services make for a safer work environment and reduced downtime.

7. Children’s Urgent Care

It is especially difficult to predict the health needs of children.
With access to specialized pediatric urgent care, you can ensure that your child’s health concerns are handled as soon as possible by professionals experienced in treating young patients.
Urgent Care of Kansas provides a child-friendly environment and medical staff trained to care for children.

8. Care Continuity

Urgent Care centers collaborate with your primary care physician to ensure continuity of care.
A detailed report can be shared with your regular doctor after your visit, ensuring they know about your condition and treatment.

9. On-Site Pharmacy

Many urgent care centers have on-site pharmacies.
After your visit, you can get your prescribed medications immediately, saving you a trip to the pharmacy.

10. Peace of Mind and Comfort

One of the most important reasons for choosing urgent care is the peace of mind it offers.
Knowing you can get medical attention quickly, you’ll feel less stressed and anxious.
You can take control of your health without unnecessary worry when you get timely care.
When urgent care is what you require, count on us for assistance.
Book your appointment for the same or the following day through our online platform or by calling us today.

How Urgent Care Can Help You in an Emergent Situation

Life can throw unexpected health challenges our way, leaving us unsure of where to seek care.
When faced with sudden illness or injury, understanding the differences between walk-in clinics, urgent care centers, and hospital emergency rooms can be essential for making informed decisions, especially during medical emergencies.
Knowing where to turn for help is important, whether it’s a sudden illness, a minor injury, or an urgent medical issue.
Urgent care centers come into play here.
Urgent care is one of the best resources for your health and well-being, and this blog post will explain how it can help you when you are in Emergent Situations.

Table of Content

• What is Urgent Care?
• Why Choose Urgent Care?
• Common Emergency Situations Treated by Urgent Care
• What to Expect During Your Visit
• When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)
• Conclusion

What is Urgent Care?

Let’s define urgent care before discussing its benefits.
Urgent care centers are medical facilities that provide timely medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, typically on a walk-in basis.
They are able to handle a wide range of medical issues, from minor injuries and illnesses to more urgent medical needs that do not require a visit to the emergency room.

Why Choose Urgent Care?

Let’s discuss the benefits of urgent care.

Immediate Attention: One of the most important advantages of urgent care is that it offers immediate attention to patients without needing appointments. Time is of the essence, and waiting for a primary care appointment may not be an option. Urgent care ensures you receive timely medical care when needed.

Highly Qualified Medical Professionals: An urgent care center has highly qualified and experienced medical professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They are capable of diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, ensuring your safety.

Affordable Care: In comparison to emergency room visits, urgent care centers often offer more cost-effective care for non-life-threatening conditions. This can be beneficial in situations where you require medical attention but do not need the extensive resources of a hospital emergency room.

Common Emergency Situations Treated by Urgent Care

An urgent care center can treat a variety of medical conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Minor injuries: Whether you suffer a sprain, strain, or fracture, urgent care can help you recover quickly with X-rays and treatments.
• Moderate flu-like symptoms: Symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue may indicate a viral infection like the flu, which requires rest and hydration.
• Cuts and lacerations: For non-life-threatening cuts and lacerations, urgent care centers can offer sutures or stitches.
• Allergic reactions: If you experience an allergic reaction to a known allergen, urgent care can administer the appropriate medications and carefully monitor your condition.
• Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which needs timely treatment to restore fluid balance.
• Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdominal area can be caused by various conditions, ranging from mild digestive issues to more serious concerns that require medical evaluation.
• Vomiting or persistent diarrhea: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may be a sign of a gastrointestinal infection or other medical issue.
• Infections: Urgent care can diagnose and prescribe antibiotics or treatments for ear, neck, and urinary tract infections.

Before heading to an urgent care facility, it’s a good idea to reach out to your primary care doctor’s office to check if a same-day appointment is available.
Consulting your primary care doctor can be beneficial as they are familiar with your health history, past treatments, and any existing medical conditions that may need consideration.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

• Registration: Upon arrival, you will be asked to provide some basic information for registration purposes. Medical staff can quickly access your information and create a medical record this way. (If you’ve visited the same urgent care center before, they might have your information on file, which can expedite the registration process.)
• Triage: After registration, you will be triaged to assess the severity of your condition.
• Medical Evaluation: Once it’s your turn, a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, will perform a thorough medical assessment – this evaluation helps make an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate course of action.
• Diagnostic Tests: If necessary, the medical staff can administer diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, or urinalysis, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of your condition.
• Treatment Plan: Based on the test results, the medical professional will discuss the treatment plan with you, ensuring you understand the proposed course of action and any prescribed medications.
• Follow-Up Care: Sometimes, follow-up care is necessary. The medical staff at Urgent Care of Kansas will provide clear instructions for any necessary follow-up appointments or additional care.

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Despite the fact that urgent care centers are able to handle a wide variety of emergencies, there are some situations in which a visit to the emergency room is recommended.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital emergency room:

• Difficulty breathing: If you have severe difficulty breathing or are experiencing an asthma attack, go to the emergency room immediately.
• Chest pain: Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, and it’s important to seek emergency care as soon as possible.
• Severe bleeding: If you experience severe or uncontrollable bleeding, you should seek immediate medical attention.
• Seizures: Seizures are a medical emergency and should be addressed immediately to identify the cause and prevent potential harm.
• Loss of consciousness: If you or someone around you loses consciousness, it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
• Severe head injury: Patients with severe head injuries, especially if they are unconscious, should be evaluated by an emergency room physician.
• Concussion or confusion: Following a head injury, concussions or confusion need immediate medical attention to assess brain function.
• Slurred speech: Slurred speech can be a symptom of a stroke or another neurological problem. Identifying and treating the cause urgently is essential.
• Fainting or a change in mental state: These changes could signify a range of serious conditions, including low blood sugar, dehydration, or neurological issues.
• Facial lacerations: To prevent cosmetic concerns and ensure proper wound closure, facial injuries, particularly deep cuts, should be treated right away.
• Serious burns: Severe burns require immediate attention to minimize infection risk, promote healing, and manage pain effectively.
• Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy: Bleeding during pregnancy can be a sign of complications like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, necessitating immediate medical attention to safeguard maternal and fetal health.
• Broken bones and dislocated joints: Prompt medical attention for broken bones and dislocated joints is essential to avoid complications and promote proper healing.

Conclusion

An urgent care facility can be a valuable resource in times of need.
For certain situations, urgent care is more cost-effective and efficient, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.
Next time you find yourself in an urgent medical situation that is not life-threatening, visit urgent care.
If you’re considering Urgent Care of Kansas for your urgent care needs, you can expect a smooth and efficient process.
Our compassionate and expert medical team is ready to provide you with the care you need when you need it.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Many people grapple with mental health issues that affect their daily lives.
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sensory processing disorder can affect your quality of life.
Traditional treatments like therapy and medication have proven effective. Neurofeedback therapy serves as an alternative and can be used as a complementary therapy to help people.
Neurofeedback therapy uses innovative technology to train and improve brain function — leading to remarkable improvements in your daily life.
Let’s explore the details of neurofeedback, its working mechanism, the training process, and the wide-ranging benefits it can provide you.

Table of Content

• Neurofeedback Therapy
• How Does Neurofeedback Work?
• Neurofeedback Training
• Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy
• Who is Neurofeedback Appropriate For?
• Conclusion

Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy is a safe approach that helps people to self-regulate their brainwave activity.
It involves measuring brainwave patterns using an EEG and providing real-time feedback to the person.
By observing their brain activity in real time, people can learn to adjust and change their brainwave patterns — this way they can achieve a balanced state.

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Neurofeedback therapy operates on the principle of neuroplasticity, — which refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt itself throughout a person’s life.
The brain is highly adaptable and can form new connections and pathways in response to experiences and learning.
Neurofeedback taps into this natural ability by providing the brain with feedback on its own activity and allowing it to make self-adjustments.

Neurofeedback Training

Before commencing the training, a thorough assessment is performed to check the patient’s symptoms, brainwave patterns, and areas of focus.
This helps the therapist to create a neurofeedback training plan accordingly.
During the training sessions, people sit in a chair, and various electrodes are placed on their scalp and earlobes.
The therapist monitors the brainwave activity and adjusts the feedback settings.
As the person receives feedback, they engage in different activities like watching a movie or playing a video game.
This serves as a platform to practice self-regulation.
As the training progresses, the brain gradually learns to adopt better patterns – this results in positive changes in the person’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
The number of sessions needed varies depending on the person’s condition, response, and patience.
In twenty sessions of neurofeedback, the brain has about 72,000 chances to learn a newly desired pattern of operating.

Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy

Let’s explore some neurofeedback benefits:
It reduces the symptoms related to depression: Neurofeedback therapy for depression has shown good results in reducing symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in things. It can help with a positive mood.
It can help you regulate emotions: Many people find it hard to manage their emotions. Neurofeedback can help by improving self-regulation and emotional balance. With repeated neurofeedback sessions, you can control your emotional responses and this can further improve your relationships with people.
It helps with cognitive functioning: Neurofeedback helps improve cognitive abilities like attention, focus, and memory. It can improve mental clarity, concentration, and overall cognitive performance.
It supports sensory processing disorder: Neurofeedback therapy for sensory processing disorder has been found effective. By identifying the underlying dysregulation in the central nervous system, neurofeedback can help people with SPD better process and respond to sensory information, which leads to better sensory integration and reduced sensory sensitivities.

Who is Neurofeedback Appropriate For?

Neurofeedback can treat various conditions in people of all ages, including children and adults.
Some of the commonly treated diagnoses with neurofeedback include:

• • Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Learning difficulties.
  • Behavioral challenges.
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Asperger’s syndrome.
  • Developmental disorders.
  • Sensory processing difficulties (SPD).
  • Language impairments.
  • Cognitive impairments.
  • Difficulties with reading and writing.
  • Anxiety disorders.
  • Mood disorders.
  • Impaired executive functioning.
  • Substance dependency.
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Personality disorders.
  • Bipolar disorder.
  • Stroke
  • Impaired writing abilities (dysgraphia).
  • Academic struggles.
  • Headaches and migraine headaches.
  • Optimizing performance.
  • Cognitive enhancement.

Conclusion

By training people to self-regulate their brainwave activity, neurofeedback provides an effective way to improve daily life.
With its benefits — from reducing symptoms of depression and enhancing emotional regulation to improving cognitive functioning and supporting individuals with sensory processing disorder, neurofeedback therapy has the potential to revolutionize mental health care.

How can you tell if you have dementia or Alzheimer’s? And can you die with it?

Often dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Let us give you a brief overview:
Dementia isn’t a particular disease – its symptoms fall under this umbrella term. There are also different types of dementia, and identifying symptoms can be difficult.
Some common causes of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and others.
A person with dementia has symptoms that impair their memory, thinking skills, and social abilities severely enough to affect their daily lives.
However, Alzheimer’s disease is a type of brain disease.
It is characterized by symptoms of dementia that gradually get worse with time – dementia results from progressive damage to brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
It is the most common cause of dementia and is responsible for 60-80% of cases.
Below we will explore how you can recognize the signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s and whether they can be fatal.

Recognizing the Signs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia and Alzheimer’s affect people differently, causing different symptoms at different stages.
Some common signs to look out for in the early stages are:

• Loss of memory that disrupts daily life. Forgetting important dates, names, or events often.
• Issues with solving problems. Finding it hard to plan and organize once-easy tasks.
• Difficulty in thinking things through. The inability to think things through to the end.
• Disorientation with time or place. Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, or becoming confused in familiar surroundings.

• Poor judgment and reasoning skills. Thinking logically and making wise decisions become difficult.
• Changes in mood or personality. Experiencing unusual mood swings, depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.
• Having difficulty with language and communication. Struggling to find the right words or keeping up with conversations.

Get help from a healthcare professional if you or someone you love experience any of these symptoms – these can be the warning signs.

Seeking a Diagnosis

Getting help from a professional if you suspect dementia or Alzheimer’s is important.
You can be examined by your primary care physician and referred to a specialist, such as a neurologist or a geriatrician.
To rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, these tests might involve a medical history review, cognitive tests, imaging, and blood tests.
Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer’s is a complicated process that might take some time.
Patience is important during this phase of life problem.

The Progression of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia and Alzheimer’s generally progress in stages.
The stages might differ in length and intensity among people, but they can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild Stage: In the early stages, memory loss and cognitive decline become noticeable, yet people can still perform daily tasks independently with some difficulty.
Moderate Stage: Patients in the moderate stage have worsening memory loss and will likely require help with basic tasks such as dressing and bathing. Also, changes in behavior and confusion become more apparent.
Severe Stage: Patients lose their ability to communicate, become dependent on others for care, and experience delusions, hallucinations and severe physical difficulties – swallowing and walking become impossible.
Reaching care, support, and appropriate resources are essential to maintaining the quality of life for the person and their caregivers.

Treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. There are several ways to manage symptoms and slow down the progression.

• Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) and memantine may be prescribed to manage cognitive symptoms in certain types of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
• Glutamine inhibitors help with learning and memory.
• Depression symptoms can be treated with antidepressants.
• Antipsychotic medications can be used to treat behavioral symptoms in some cases.
• Sleep medications can help changes in sleep.
• Certain types of dementia are treated differently depending on the underlying cause and might include discontinuing drug and alcohol use, treating B12 deficiency, treating hydrocephalus, and managing your blood sugar levels.
• Non-pharmacological therapies, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, occupational therapy, and reminiscence therapy, can help patients maintain cognitive abilities and function better in Alzheimer’s disease.
• Providing a supportive environment, involving caregivers in education and training programs, and accessing community resources and support groups can help.

Does Dementia Kill You?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s do not directly cause death but can cause complications that might eventually lead to death.
People with dementia can become more susceptible to infections, like pneumonia, which can be fatal.
As dementia progresses, people might also have difficulty swallowing, increasing their risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Malnutrition, dehydration, falls, and complications related to immobility can also contribute negatively to health.
Dementia’s specific impact on life expectancy varies depending on many factors, including the person’s general health, age, and the type and stage of dementia.

Excessive Sleep In Dementia

People with dementia or Alzheimer’s often have trouble sleeping.
During the day, some people may sleep excessively, while at night, they might experience restlessness or insomnia.
Changes in the brain and internal clock disruptions can cause sleep disruptions.

Final Thoughts

The early detection of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is crucial to reaching care and support.
They can affect people and their loved ones in many different ways.
Understanding the symptoms and seeking medical attention early can help you get the necessary resources and treatment.
Although dementia has no cure, early detection allows for proactive management, helping people maintain their well-being.
Don’t forget; these are the days signifying the importance of cherishing each moment and seeking the care needed now.

In 2019, the world was hit by a global pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 – the disease it causes is known as COVID-19.
A lasting impact of COVID-19 has been left on the world economy, causing permanent changes.
Even in 2023, variants of COVID-19 continue to circulate.
It is essential to understand what COVID-19 is and fully understand its symptoms to protect ourselves and get timely medical care when necessary.
In this blog post, we will discuss the nature of COVID-19, its symptoms, and other relevant aspects of this ongoing global health crisis.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused initially by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
It is spread mainly through respiratory droplets during coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing.
Touching potentially infected surfaces and touching your face can also spread the virus.
Remember that some people infected with SARS-CoV-2 can remain asymptomatic, making it easier for the virus to spread undetected.
The virus usually causes mild to moderate respiratory illness and recovers without treatment.
Those who suffer from serious illness are older, and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer.
Anyone can get COVID-19, which can cause severe health problems or even death.
Being well-informed about the disease and how it spreads is the best way to prevent and slow down transmission.

Here’s what to do:

• Stay at least 1 meter apart from others.
• Wear a mask when you’re out in public.
• Wash your hands frequently to avoid infection.
• Follow the guidance and get vaccinated.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from mild to severe and may appear 2 to 14 days after today. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• High fever
• Continuous cough (usually dry)
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea

Check the CDC’s list of symptoms associated with COVID-19.

What’s the Average Duration of COVID Symptoms?

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary.
Some people can have mild symptoms lasting a week or two, but others might have more severe ones.
You must see a doctor if symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a reasonable period.

What’s the Difference Between A Cold and COVID?

Due to overlapping symptoms, it may be difficult to differentiate between COVID-19 and the common cold.
Both conditions can cause coughs, sore throats, and congestion, but COVID-19 can be more severe and include other symptoms like fever, loss of taste or smell, and breathing problems.
If you aren’t sure about your symptoms, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and get tested for COVID-19.

Cases Still Remain High

According to WHO’s COVID-19 tracker, globally, as of 21 June 2023, there were 768,187,096 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 6,945,714 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
In the last seven days, 211,331 new cases and 1,161 new deaths have been reported to WHO.

What COVID-19 Variants are Circulating in June 2023?

The most prevalent variant nationwide is XBB.1.5 (a subvariant of Omicron), followed by XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.9.1.

COVID-19 Symptoms 2023

Symptoms of XBB.1.5 are similar to the earlier Omicron subvariants, including coughing and congestion, shortness of breath and low oxygen levels that require medical attention.
As XBB.1.5 spreads, COVID-19 may show different signs and symptoms than Alpha or Delta variants earlier in the pandemic.
Taste and smell loss can still happen with Omicron variants and subvariants, but it’s less common.
Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, nausea and vomiting.
It can last between five and seven days, depending on the person.
As a result of vaccination, acquired immunity, and the evolution of Omicron to cause a less intense acute infection – symptoms have changed.

Does COVID-19 Testing Tell Me Which Variant I Have?

No, COVID-19 tests don’t tell you what variant caused your infection – the tests detect the virus, not the variant.

Treatment of Hearing Loss After COVID-19

A review says COVID-19 can damage the audio-vestibular system, resulting in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
Immediately seek medical attention if you experience hearing loss after a COVID-19 infection.
A healthcare professional with audiology expertise can examine your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Medications, hearing aids, or other interventions can help.
Those experiencing hearing loss due to COVID-19 can benefit from early intervention and management.

Conclusion

It’s essential to get medical advice if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
We put our community’s health first at Urgent Care of Kansas.
If you have any questions, need medical assistance, or need COVID-19 testing, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends visiting vaccines.gov to find a vaccination center near you.
Keep checking the CDC’s website for the latest COVID-19 info.
Stay informed and stay safe.