Urgent care: preventing overcooked meat

Outdoor cooking season is here

Every summer, urgent care centers see their share of patients who suffer with some type of food poisoning. Most people realize the dangers of undercooked food, or food that has been mishandled, but did you know that overcooked or over-charred food can be just as dangerous? Over charring or burning meat causes a chemical reaction that is unhealthy, even dangerous. Consider the following tips to prevent dangerously overcooked foods:

• Avoid excessive burn marks
• Use lean meat
• Cut before you cook
• Marinate your meat
• Cook more vegetables

Convenient, walk-in care for Germantown, MD

When it comes to healthcare and preventive medicine, it is important to have access to immediate care for health risks such as food poisoning. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care or urgent care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs. Simply drop in, as no appointment is necessary for immediate, non life threatening health issues. Medical Access is serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown.

Occupational health services types of protective eyewear

Protective eyewear

Occupational health services play a vital role in your company’s productivity and profitability, especially when it concerns educating employees and establishing standards for protective eyewear. When we think of protective eyewear, our first concern is dangers such as flying objects and splash of chemicals. Consider the major types of eye protection and its appropriate use:

• Safety glasses
• Safety goggles
• Shields and helmets 
• Sunglasses and tinted lenses

Convenient, occupational medicine for Germantown, MD

We all want the best for our employees, especially when it comes to healthcare and preventive medicine. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room. Their friendly staff is trained to carefully and quickly assess patient needs and provide the appropriate services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs.

Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer, and has been associated with Medical Access since 1999. She is qualified to treat almost any type of injury or illness that may present itself. In addition to these qualifications, she is also a Civil Surgeon and Medical Review Officer. This designation is granted by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, making Medical Access one of the select facilities for immigration physicals. Call them today or simply drop in, as no appointment is needed to receive timely, quality urgent care for occupational health service or any non life-threatening health issues.

Urgent Care to diagnose fractures and sprains

Activity and ankle sprains

As sure as summer brings sunshine, urgent care doctors know that they will be dealing with sprained ankles. Warm weather means outdoor basketball, hiking, rock climbing, jogging, cycling and a host of activities that place participants at risk for ankle sprains. However, severe ankle sprains require immediate medical treatment in order to rule out a fracture, or in order to treat the severe sprain appropriately.

Is it a sprain or a fracture?

Severe sprains are usually extremely painful and traumatic. In fact, it requires medical assessment by a qualified physician to receive the proper diagnosis. If you injure your ankle and observe or feel the following symptoms, get immediate care from your physician or at an urgent care clinic:

• Your ankle or foot bends at an abnormal angle
• Severe pain along with swelling
• The joint changes color or turns pale
• Numbness in the foot or toes
• You cannot move your ankle
• A popping sound when the injury occurred
• Bruising or swelling
• Inability to put weight on the affected foot
• No improvement after seven days
• Bruising or swelling for longer than 14 days

Convenient, walk-in care for Germantown and Montgomery County

We all want the best for our families, especially when it comes to general healthcare and occupational medicine. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs.

Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer, and has been associated with Medical Access since 1999. She is qualified to treat almost any type of injury or illness that may present itself. Medical Access one of the select facilities for sports physicals and immigration physicals. Call them today or simply drop in. No appointment is needed to receive timely, quality urgent care for fevers or any non life-threatening health issues.

Employment health services and CVS symptoms

Worker Productivity and Computer Vision Syndrome

Employment health services is a vital instrument in helping companies avoid lower productivity and profit loss related to Computer vision syndrome (CVS). The most common health complaints amongst computer workers are vision related. Healthy vision is critical to successfully completing virtually every task that workers perform. It does not require revolutionary thinking to realize that company profits can be increased by providing vision care benefits as a means to boost worker productivity and reduce worker disability claims.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

There are no studies or any current evidence that computer vision syndrome causes long-term damage to the eyes. However, it is documented that regular computer, tablet, and smart phone use can be the source of significant eyestrain and discomfort. Workers who suffer with computer vision syndrome may experience some or all of these symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Dry, red eyes
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Back pain

If these symptoms go untreated, they will definitely have a negative effect on worker performance.

Maintain a healthy workforce with Employment Health Services

With more than 27years of experience and expert clinicians in occupational health, Medical Access is focused on helping keep your workforce healthy and productive. In addition, we provide services through our highly convenient, walk-in location in Germantown, MD. From drug screenings to wellness programs, Medical Access offers a wide range of occupational healthservices to support employers in maintaining a healthy, safe workforce, while reducing the costs of health care for your company and your employees.

Travel vaccinations before your vacation

Preparing for your vacation

If you are preparing for an exciting international vacation, you are encouraged and in some cases mandated to get the proper vaccinations to ensure that you will be healthy on your vacation, and long after you return home. This is why urgent care clinics should be considered an integral part of your healthcare routine. Not only will you be able to schedule vaccinations on time, you and your family can get your vaccinations on by simply walking in to the clinic at your earliest convenience. Consider the list of diseases you can avoid by getting the necessary travel vaccinations:

• Polio
• Malaria
• Yellow Fever
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella

It is important to visit an urgent care clinic four to six weeks before your trip. The doctor(s) are properly trained and informed enough to discuss any necessary or mandatory vaccines. Reducing the risk of infection or death is the first step in a memorable and enjoyable vacation.

Convenient and affordable travel vaccinations in Germantown

We all want the best for our families, especially when it comes to healthcare and preventive medicine. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room or when you cannot get a timely appointment from your primary care physician. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs. Call them today or simply drop in, as no appointment is needed to receive travel physicals and vaccinations.

Occupational health services for workers in the heat

Summer outdoor health hazards

This is the time of year when occupational health services are essential; because outdoor workers are exposed to various types of hazards that depend on their type of work, geographic region, and length of time that they are outside. Outdoor workers hold numerous occupations such as farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, mechanics; lot attendants or any worker who spends time outside. It is important that employers train outdoor workers about workplace hazards, and that they provide health services that will help workers to prevent and control their exposures.

Physical hazards of outdoor workers

Outdoor workers are constantly exposed to the elements that may include:

• extreme heat
• extreme cold
• lightning
• ultraviolet (UV) rays

Outdoor heat conditions can cause heat stroke, cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and other problems. Workers in extreme cold face threats from hypothermia and frostbite. Extended exposure to loud noise can cause gradual hearing loss, a change in hearing, or tinnitus. Lightning kills close to 100 workers in the United States each year, and leaves hundreds more with temporary or permanent injuries. It is well documented how UV radiation can cause problems such as sunburn and skin cancer.

Maintain a healthy workforce with Occupational Health Services

With more than 27years of experience and expert clinicians in occupational health, Medical Access is focused on helping keep your workforce healthy and productive. In addition, we provide services through our highly convenient, walk-in location in Germantown, MD. From drug screenings to wellness programs, Medical Access offers a wide range of occupational health services to support employers in maintaining a healthy, safe workforce, while reducing the costs of health care for your company and your employees.

Urgent care: the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion

Urgent care is needed when warm temperatures place people in risk or heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Many people errantly use the terms heat exhaustion and heat stroke interchangeably. The only similarity between the two is that the conditions result from overexposure to the sun. However, when it comes to overexposure, heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. Both conditions are caused by the same basic processes. Your body maintains its internal temperature through evaporative cooling, otherwise known as sweating. When you are properly hydrated (have plenty to drink) and your body is functioning properly, your sweat glands push heated fluids through your skin, and the atmosphere wicks away that heat.

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body temperature rises above its normal 98.6-degrees. If you are not properly hydrated, your body does not have the necessary fluids to release heat as sweat. When the body loses its ability to cool itself, body heat climbs above the normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees, but remains less than 106 degrees, the condition is characterized as heat exhaustion.

Explaining the danger of heat stroke

Heat exhaustion can ruin your day and possibly keep you in bed for another; however, heat stroke is an extremely serious condition that requires emergency care. Heat stroke can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. If you observe someone:

• in a hot environment who is not sweating and has reddened skin
• has an internal temperature of more than 106 degrees Fahrenheit

They need to seek emergency care as soon as possible. Heat exhaustion is the far more common than heat stroke, that is why you should know where the nearest urgent care center is, in order to help heat exhaustion victims before heat stroke has a chance to set in.

Convenient, walk-in care for Germantown, MD

We all want the best for our families, especially when it comes to general healthcare and occupational medicine. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs.

Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer, and has been associated with Medical Access since 1999. She is qualified to treat almost any type of injury or illness that may present itself. In addition to these qualifications, she is also a Civil Surgeon and Medical Review Officer. This designation is granted by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, making Medical Access one of the select facilities for immigration physicals. Call them today or simply drop in, as no appointment is needed to receive timely, quality urgent care for fevers or any non life-threatening health issues.

Urgent care for insect bites and stings

Summer season is insect season

For most people, insect bites or stings are a minor annoyance that requires some first aid. However, for a small percentage of us, insect stings or bites can be a life-threatening concern. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology reports that there are at approximately 50 deaths each year in the U.S. due to allergic reactions from insect stings. This information is not passed on to scare you, simply to offer some well-timed tips about insect bites, their diagnosis, and treatment; so that you and your family can have a great time outdoors this summer.

When is an insect bite serious?

In the unfortunate event that you are bitten or stung, pay careful attention to the appearance of the bite. Trust your instincts and do not ignore and the way you are feeling. If your bite or sting only presents with subtle swelling and slight discomfort, then you can reasonably assume that a topical medications such as Benadryl cream will take care of the problem without the need of further medical attention. However, if you start showing a significant allergic reaction, you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of a normal, non-allergic reaction to a bee sting

Minor reactions are common with the majority of insect bites or stings such as:

• itching
• hives or rashes
• soreness in the immediate area

It is permissible to treat a bite or sting when one is NOT allergic. In most cases you simply remove the stinger, apply a cold compress or ice, administer an over the counter pain reliever, and apply topical ointments to fight any possible infection and to relieve itching.

Convenient, walk-in care for Germantown, MD

We all want the best for our families, especially when it comes to general healthcare and occupational medicine. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs.

Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer, and has been associated with Medical Access since 1999. She is qualified to treat almost any type of injury or illness that may present itself. In addition to these qualifications, she is also a Civil Surgeon and Medical Review Officer. Call them today or simply drop in, as no appointment is needed to receive timely, quality urgent care for insect bites or any non life-threatening health issues.

Choosing a capable occupational health clinic

Where will your workers go?

It is critical to identify an occupational health clinic where your workers should go if they are injured or have a work related medical complaint.

• Urgent care is not sufficient; you should choose an occupational health clinic which is dedicated to this specialized field of medicine.
• The doctors and staff must all be experienced with work injury treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-work issues.
• Sending your employees for an unwarranted visit to the ER will certainly result in an expensive bill, with no focus or emphasis on getting your worker back on the job safely and efficiently.
• Choosing a specialized clinic can save you valuable resources and time.

Work injury treatment capability

Far too often, many providers in occupational medicine do no more than simply triaging injured workers. Look for a facility that has all of the necessary diagnostic equipment on-site such as:

• computerized X-Ray
• slit lamp (for eyes)
• hearing booth
• spirometry
• diagnostic lab testing

The doctors should possess advanced injury treatment skills such as setting simple fractures or performing laceration treatment. The facility should be totally prepared for non life threatening injuries, providing immediate care without needing to refer the patient off-site. This minimizes the use of unnecessary specialist involvement.

Convenient, work injury care for Germantown, MD

We all want the best for our workers, especially when it comes to general healthcare and occupational medicine. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs.

Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer, and has been associated with Medical Access since 1999. She is qualified to treat almost any type of injury or illness that may present itself. In addition to these qualifications, she is also a Civil Surgeon and Medical Review Officer. This designation is granted by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, making Medical Access one of the select facilities for immigration physicals. Call them today or simply drop in, as no appointment is needed to receive timely, quality urgent care for fevers or any non life-threatening health issues.

The causes of workplace asthma

Occupational asthma

Occupational health clinics are on the front line of detecting and treating occupational asthma. One of the most common examples of occupational asthma would be when health care workers develop an allergy to latex gloves after inhaling the powdered proteins from the inner lining of the gloves. Workers in the petro chemical or paper mill industries frequently develop symptoms of asthma after continual exposure to chemical emissions in the workplace or plant. There are countless substances that are used in numerous industries that can cause occupational asthma including:

• Chemicals
• Adhesives
• Paints and lacquers
• plastics
•  carpeting
• Insulation
• dyes
• Animal hair and dander
• Grains
• Cotton, flax, and hemp dust
• Metals such as platinum, nickel sulfate, and welding fumes

Diagnosing occupational asthma

Your doctor will focus on identifying the specific workplace irritant(s) that causes your symptoms.

An asthma diagnosis will be ruled out or confirmed by tests that may include a pulmonary function test and an allergy skin prick test. He or she may order blood tests, chest X-rays, spirometry, Nitric oxide test, or other tests to determine if you have occupational asthma.

Occupational medicine for Germantown, MD

Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care for occupational health services. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs. Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer, and has been associated with Medical Access since 1999. She is qualified to treat almost any type of injury or illness that may present itself. In addition to these qualifications, she is also a Civil Surgeon and Medical Review Officer. This designation is granted by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, making Medical Access one of the select facilities for immigration physicals. Call them today or simply drop in, as no appointment is needed to receive timely, quality urgent care for any occupational health issues.