When to go to the emergency room for back pain February 21, 2023 Best Neighbors Ever Back pain stands as the leading cause of disability worldwide, keeping millions of people from participating in work and other everyday activities. It is so common in the U.S. that 8 in 10 Americans will experience it at some point in their lifetimes, and 5% of people who struggle with it once will likely develop… Read More
Best Exercise for Heart Health February 7, 2023 Best Neighbors Ever The human heart beats an estimated 2.5 billion times throughout an average lifetime, pumping millions of gallons of blood to nourish every part of the body. It has a never-ending job pushing fuel in the form of oxygen, hormones, essential nutrients, and other compounds to support our vital bodily functions. Like any well-oiled machine, a… Read More
How urgent is appendicitis? January 24, 2023 Best Neighbors Ever We all have this small, tubular organ attached to our large intestine called the appendix. While the jury is still out on what function the appendix serves in your body, you will find yourself in need of an emergency room urgently if it ever becomes inflamed (appendicitis). Appendicitis is usually caused by an infection or… Read More
Resource Roundup: Health Insurance Basics You Need to Know January 10, 2023 Best Neighbors Ever It’s that time of year again! Many healthcare plan deductibles reset on January 1st, so now is the perfect time to brush up on your health insurance basics. There are so many moving parts and pieces to health insurance that they may seem impossible to understand, and it’s normal to feel confused. We know how… Read More
Current ER Trends at Neighbors: Our Top 5 Diagnoses Right Now December 20, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever People seek emergency medical care for a variety of reasons. Here at Neighbors Emergency Center, we track diagnoses daily for all patients. As we approach the end of the year, we’re sharing a closer look at our trends in emergency department visits. Here are the top 5 diagnoses we’re seeing at our six emergency centers… Read More
Are kidney stones an emergency? December 6, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Each year, more than half a million people will flock to emergency rooms to treat a kidney stone. Although kidney stones are not always an emergency, they’re more common than you might think, with an estimated 1 in 10 people developing an issue with one over the course of their lives. Kidney stones usually result… Read More
How to Eat Healthy on Thanksgiving November 15, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Thanksgiving is a day for enjoying time with loved ones, reflecting on what we have to be grateful for, and eating a LOT of food. On average, Americans eat somewhere between 3,000 and 4,500 calories during their Thanksgiving meal. By comparison, the recommended daily calorie allowance is around 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories… Read More
Best and Worst Foods for Diabetics November 1, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Today, the number of people with diabetes in the U.S. is higher than it’s ever been, at around 37 million. Diabetes affects 1 out of every 10 people in the United States alone and does not yet have a cure. Over time, having diabetes dramatically increases the risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, and… Read More
Top 3 Reasons to Go to the Emergency Room October 18, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Sometimes it’s obvious when a situation is an emergency. But oftentimes, it may not be. When every minute counts, you want to feel confident in your decision on whether or not to seek emergency medical care. But how do you know when you should go to the emergency room? Emergency room visits took a sharp… Read More
When to Get a Flu Shot October 4, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever During flu season, it’s important to keep yourself and your family healthy and safe, and getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. An important question on your mind might be, when is the best time to get a flu shot? Keep reading to find out when flu season… Read More
What Parents Need to Know About Childhood Obesity Prevention September 20, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Childhood obesity prevention is an important health topic, especially during the month of September, which is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is a prevalent issue in the United States. It puts children at risk for poor health throughout life and can result in health conditions including: High blood pressure High cholesterol Type 2… Read More
3 Types of Foods to Avoid with High Blood Pressure September 6, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Blood pressure is the force of blood that pushes against the walls of your arteries. When this pressure is too high, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body, causing a number of related health problems. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is unfortunately very common. In fact, 1 in 2 adults… Read More
When to Take Your Child to the ER August 23, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever As a parent, you always want the best medical care for your child. You have a trusted pediatrician who sees your child on a routine basis, but what should you do when your child gets unexpectedly hurt or ill and your doctor isn’t available? It’s important to know when it’s okay to wait and make… Read More
Back To School: Health and Wellness for College Students August 9, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Back to school season is here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to start the new school year off on the right foot. College is a fun but demanding period of life when essential life skills are developed. Part of this means creating lasting habits that care for both your mental and physical health. In this… Read More
National Picnic Month: Healthy food swaps for your summer picnic July 19, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Who doesn’t love a good picnic? July is National Picnic Month, and it’s the perfect opportunity to grab some friends, pack the picnic basket, and enjoy some al fresco dining. Whether you’re picnicking at the beach, park, campground, or tailgate, picnics are a fun and nostalgic way to share a meal and spend quality time… Read More
Essential summer health tips for the whole family July 5, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Summer is here! The days are long, kids are home from school, and there are seemingly endless amounts of activities and sunshine. Here are our top summer health tips to learn for a safe and healthy season. How much time in the sun is safe? A safe level of sun exposure largely depends on the… Read More
Why Practice Yoga? For Mental and Physical Health! June 21, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever There’s a reason yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. The practice combines physical movement with breathing techniques and meditation with variations that are accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Yoga is now a common form of exercise in the U.S., with 36 million Americans practicing it regularly. Practitioners and… Read More
When is a headache serious? June 7, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Headaches are an unfortunate fact of life, but most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about. They can certainly slow us down, but they’re usually easy to treat with a pain reliever and rest. However, there are some instances when a headache can indicate a serious problem that needs immediate medical attention. It’s important… Read More
What Parents Need to Know About Lyme Disease in Kids May 24, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Lyme disease affects an estimated 476,000 Americans every year, in both adults and children. Though it’s treatable when caught early, many people can go undiagnosed for years without realizing it. However, because untreated Lyme disease can lead to serious long-term symptoms affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system, it’s important for parents to be aware… Read More
Surprising Causes of High Blood Pressure: Your Questions Answered! May 10, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common yet serious medical condition nearly half of American adults struggle with on a daily basis. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood that pushes against the walls of your arteries. When this level is too high, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout… Read More
Stress Management at Work April 26, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Most people spend at least eight hours a day — often more — dedicated to work and professional obligations. This is a significant amount of time, and it’s no surprise that many workers feel the effects of work-related stress. Work stress happens for a variety of reasons, and the American Institute of Stress reported that… Read More
What to Expect at a Sports Physical April 12, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Playing sports is a great way for your child to stay fit, have fun, and develop important life skills like teamwork, leadership, and accountability. But before student-athletes can safely hit the ground running, it’s important to ensure they’re healthy enough to play competitive sports. Part of that process is getting an annual sports physical, which… Read More
National Physicians Week: Meet Our Phenomenal Doctors March 29, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Meet the Docs Helping Neighbors to Make Lives Better National Physicians Week celebrates the doctors who have dedicated their lives to healing and the art of medicine. At Neighbors, we are proud of the phenomenal physicians that promote our mission of providing extraordinary healthcare in the community. To celebrate our physicians, we’d like to introduce… Read More
Is Daylight Saving Time Bad for Your Health? March 15, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Flowers are blooming, temperatures are warmer, and the birds are chirping. Spring is here, which means moving our clocks up an hour for a longer day of sunshine. Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. March 13, 2022, and lasts until it’s time to “fall back” eight months later, on Nov. 6. While the extra… Read More
Sports Injury Prevention: Top 8 Youth Sports Safety Tips March 1, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Youth sports are great opportunities for children to learn confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork, among other important life lessons. But children’s bodies are young and developing, with significant differences in coordination, strength, and stamina. This makes them both more susceptible to injury and incapable of maintaining an adult training and practice regimen. Ensuring that kids… Read More
Four February Heart Health Tips for American Heart Month February 15, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever If there were a symbol for each month of the year, the heart would be the symbol for February. Of course, this month sees the holiday of love, Valentine’s Day, but there’s another reason for hearts to have heavy significance this month as well…It’s American Heart Month! What is American Heart Month? American Heart Month… Read More
National Fasting February: Is Fasting a Good Idea? February 1, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Intermittent fasting is a growing trend around the globe among those looking to lose weight and improve their health. But is not eating for 16-24 hours actually good for you? Is intermittent fasting healthy? For National Fasting February, we’re talking all about intermittent fasting, breaking down the health risks and benefits of this popular diet. … Read More
Resolutions: Achieving Healthy Weight January 18, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever New Year, new you? It’s that time of year when we typically begin to realize that we’re probably not going to keep up with the resolutions we decided upon at the end of the previous year--a mere 2 weeks ago. Especially if that resolution was to simply “lose weight.” It’s one of the most common… Read More
10 Common ER Visits January 4, 2022 Best Neighbors Ever Emergency room visits are generally not known for being positive experiences. To begin with, the reason for your visit is likely painful and scary. On top of that, there are often long wait times, particularly at hospital ERs, as you are added to a queue among other patients who will all be seen in the… Read More
Holiday Safety Tips December 21, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The holidays are here, and with lighter COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and travel bans lifted, celebrations will likely be in full swing this year. We hope you have a wonderful holiday, but make sure to keep safety in mind. Your Best Neighbors Ever want to make sure you are aware of all the potential… Read More
Urgent Care or ER? Where Should You Go? December 3, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. And when they do, you’ll need to quickly decide where to go: urgent care, or emergency room? You may see the words ‘urgent’ and ‘emergency’ and think they’re interchangeable due to the immediacy those words portray. But when it comes to sudden illness or injury, knowing the difference between an… Read More
Children with Asthma November 30, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever It’s a tough time of year for children with asthma. The change in temperature, the spread of respiratory illnesses among friends at school, and exposure to seasonal allergens can trigger asthma attacks, resulting in hospital visits and missed school days. It's tough for the child and let’s face it, it’s tough for the parents, too.… Read More
COPD Awareness Month November 16, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Have you or someone you love been suffering from shortness of breath, making it difficult to take part in normal daily activities? While you may shrug it off as just a symptom of getting older, it’s important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor, as they may be the result of a much more severe… Read More
Emergency Imaging Services Explained November 2, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Emergency Imaging Services (or Emergency Radiology Services) refer to any medical imaging that occurs in the ER to diagnose illness or injury. These services include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds. Who performs these imaging services? Rad Techs! Next week is National Rad Tech Week, and last year we celebrated with a blog that introduced… Read More
The Season of RSV October 19, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The leaves are changing, there’s a crispness to the air, and the days are getting shorter. We all know what this means. Fall is here. Unfortunately, it means something else too. Although we have been dealing with COVID-19 for close to two years, the Cold and flu season is officially upon us. This can often… Read More
Breast Cancer: What You Need To Know October 5, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The words “breast cancer” are perhaps the scariest words a woman can hear and without a doubt, it’s one of the scariest diagnoses a woman can receive. It attacks without bias and oftentimes with no warning at all. According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. About… Read More
Blog Round-Up: Prioritizing Self-Care September 21, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Chances are you’ve heard of “self-care” before, but have you ever thought about what it really means? The definition of self-care is the practice of taking care of our minds, bodies, and souls by engaging in activities that will reduce stress and promote well-being. Self-care will look different for everyone, but one thing that is… Read More
Fall Houston Activities September 7, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The days are getting shorter, the leaves are starting to turn, and school is back in full swing. That can only mean one thing. It’s fall, y’all! Fall is a perfect time to explore Houston and take advantage of all the fun family activities it has to offer. From farmer’s markets to playgrounds, to taking… Read More
Top Choking Hazards for Kids August 31, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Children, especially babies, are naturally curious. They want to explore the world around them and that usually means putting things in their mouths. You can try all you want to stop it, but eventually, something is going to make its into baby's mouth. Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in children under… Read More
Medic Alert Systems: What Are They and Do I Need One? August 17, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever What’s A Medical Alert System? You’ve heard of them, seen the commercials - “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” - you might even know someone who uses them, but do you really know what Medical Alert Systems are? A medical alert system provides emergency monitoring both in and out of the home. The goal… Read More
August Activities for the Houston Area August 10, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever August in Houston is one of those weird shoulder months - it still feels like summer, but the kids will be back in school soon (if they aren’t already). We hope that you’ve had a wonderful summer full of adventure. But just because school is back in session doesn’t mean that the fun has to… Read More
Back to School Health Checklist August 3, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever It’s that time of year, again - that’s right, back to school time. The end of summer can be such a busy time of year, trying to squeeze in all the last of the fun while also preparing for the new school year. We decided to help simplify the process by creating a checklist of… Read More
Hepatitis: Myths and Misconceptions July 27, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever World Hepatitis Day, which falls on July 28th every year, is a public holiday created to raise awareness about hepatitis. Hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases that mainly attack the liver. A healthy liver is vital to a healthy life. If you want to read more about the importance of liver health, check out… Read More
Summer Safety Roundup! July 20, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The days are longer, the sun is shining, the kids are home….there’s no denying summer is here! If you’re anything like us, you like to make the most of your summer! Between vacations, swimming, and playing with the kids, summer is full of fun and full of potential emergencies. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!… Read More
How to Keep Kids Active This Summer July 13, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The sun is shining, the temps are rising, and summer is here! With the glorious summer months comes kids being home. It can be easy to fall into those lazy hazy days of summer, but studies show that kids who are active during the summer months do better year around. But with television, iPads, and… Read More
7 Signs You Might Be Vitamin D Deficient July 6, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Are The Outdoors Calling Your Name? This summer, perhaps more than ever before we are itching to get outside. After a year of being cooped up in our homes, the sunshine is calling to us - and with good reason! We crave that Vitamin D. Vitamin D is unlike any other Vitamin out there.… Read More
6 Benefits of Staying Hydrated & 6 Ways To Do It! June 22, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever We all know the stat. Your body is 60% water. Clearly, water is essential for life on earth to continue. From plant life and wildlife, all the way up to us humans, we need water! Every living creature needs water to survive, and just because people are made up of mostly water doesn’t mean we… Read More
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month: Benefits of Gardening June 15, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever We all know that eating fruits and veggies is a great way to maintain a healthy diet. We also know that fresh fruits and veggies are the cream of the crop. In addition to providing you with a variety of nutrients like fiber, minerals, and vitamins, fresh fruits and veggies are naturally low in fat,… Read More
National Call Your Doctor Day June 8, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Are you guilty of putting off a doctor's visit? Do the reminder emails and postcards come in and get sent straight to the trash bin? If you are, you’re not alone. 31% of Americans delayed trips to the doctor in 2020, and more than 50% of seniors canceled appointments altogether. While fears surrounding COVID-19 contributed… Read More
How to do the Heimlich/CPR June 1, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Did you know choking is a leading cause of death in children? Recent studies report that every five days, at least one child dies from choking. While the most common cause of choking is food, small toys, coins, and other household items are also potential dangers. It's recommended to keep a close eye on children… Read More
Get Active! Health Tips For Seniors May 25, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Lace-up the sneakers and grab your water bottle because May 26th is National Senior Health and Fitness Day! Every year on the last Wednesday in May, more than 100,000 senior adults across the country unite with one common goal: raising awareness about senior citizen health and keeping senior citizens fit. The Benefits of Physical Activity… Read More
Skin Cancer Awareness Month May 18, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? Over 5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year in the United States. While skin cancer is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, it can also be one of the most dangerous if gone undetected.… Read More
5 Questions to Ask At Your Check-up May 11, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The doctor is in. Alright, ladies, you’re in the hot seat. When’s the last time you had a "yearly check-up"? A year, two years, three years? Maybe even longer? We get it; going to the doctor isn’t an ideal way to spend a day, but it is crucial. The second Monday in May is National… Read More
COVID-19 Vaccine Breakdown May 4, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever The vaccines are here! It’s been over a year since the Coronavirus turned everything upside down. The entire world went into complete lockdown, separating friends, families, and loved ones around the planet. As a whole, the world has seen over 132 million cases and more than 2 million deaths. The United States alone has over… Read More
Prepareathon – Be Ready For Hurricane Season April 27, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Always be prepared. We know, we know, it's only April, but hurricane season isn't that far away. Typically hurricane season in the United States runs from June 1st to the end of November; however, just like so many other things, 2020 might have changed that. After the record-breaking 2020 hurricanes, NOAA - National Oceanic and… Read More
Infant Immunization Week April 20, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever A brief history Vaccines are nothing new, but they date back further than you might think. Chinese societies developed the first record of inoculation in 1000 CE. The practice spread to Africa and Turkey, eventually making its way to Europe and America. In 1796, Edward Jenner, an English physician and scientist, ran with the idea… Read More
Administrative Professionals Day April 13, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Say hello to our administrative professionals! Our dedicated staff works 24/7/365 to provide you with continuous emergency care, and we want you to get to know and love them as much as we do. April happens to bring us Administrative Professionals Day, so we're taking this opportunity to introduce you to the team that keeps… Read More
Monoclonal Covid Treatment Explained April 6, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Oh, what a year it has been. As we approach the year marker of COVID-19 shutting down the country, new hope for prevention and treatment is on the horizon. Even as the approval of new vaccines and treatments for the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus brings hope after a long and difficult year, it also raises several… Read More
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Common Causes and Symptoms March 23, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs, are a common cause of permanent injury and death in the United States. While severity levels vary from mild to critical, it’s estimated that 1.5 million Americans sustain TBIs every year. Of those 1.5 million, over 230,000 results in hospitalization, and 50,000 result in death. Severe TBI often causes comas,… Read More
Accidental Poisoning: National Inhalants and Poison Awareness Week March 16, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever They live in all of our homes, resting under sinks, sitting in cabinets, and stored in laundry rooms—cleaning and household products that are dangerous and potentially deadly. The third week of March is National Inhalants and Poison Awareness Week. While it was primarily created to bring awareness to the abuse of these products, there's another… Read More
Copay Vs. Coinsurance March 9, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Understanding your healthcare coverage can feel daunting, frustrating, and even rage-inducing. Trust us; we get it. Even after you've filled out every form, sifted through all the required reading, and followed every rabbit hole to try and find an answer, it can still feel like you're at square one. According to a recent study done by… Read More
Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy March 2, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever It's common knowledge that the kidneys are a major organ in the human body. They filter blood and remove excess waste and fluids. They also regulate the body's potassium, acid, and salt content. Kidneys produce certain hormones that affect the function of other major organs. They stimulate red blood cell production and help to control… Read More
National Eating Disorders Awareness Month February 23, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are a collection of psychiatric illnesses that also have severe physical impacts. Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions (like depression or anxiety) and have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders - both from the physical effects the various disorders have on the body and… Read More
Early Detection Saves Lives – 5 Questions for National Self-Check Month February 16, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever We hear a lot these days about “self-love” and taking time for “self-care.” One of the most important acts of self-care is performing self-checks to ensure that your body is healthy. If you don’t already have a self-check routine, now is the perfect time to start since February is National Self-Check Month. What does performing… Read More
Women and Girls in Science February 9, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we introduce some of the great women who work in the science of healthcare every day in our centers. As only 35% of students enrolled in STEM education, we recognize these women as great role models for girls in science education & beyond.… Read More
National Burn Awareness Week – Burn Prevention and Treatment for Children February 2, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Burn Prevention and Burn Treatment for Kids Many people have, or know someone who has, a story about learning the concept of ‘hot’ as a child through getting burned. 300 children ages 0-19 are treated in emergency rooms every day for injuries related to burns. Increased public awareness about burns has helped to lower the… Read More
Bath Safety to Ensure Family Fun January 26, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Bath time can be fun for the whole family. Most kids love to splash and play in the water, and many parents love a warm bath for its calming effects that help lull kids to sleep. To ensure the safety of your children (and most fun!) during bath time, follow these important tips. Always… Read More
Should I Donate Blood? January 19, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Did you know that January is Blood Donor Awareness month? Blood donation is an important, life-saving donation for which there is no substitute. One in seven people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lifetime, but only one in twenty of those who are eligible will donate. So, why should you donate… Read More
The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screening January 12, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever Approximately 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. While formerly the most common cause of cancer deaths in women, cervical cancer deaths have been steadily on the decline, thanks in part to awareness about the disease and screening. Learn more about cervical cancer and prevention during cervical cancer awareness month, and make sure… Read More
5 Questions to Achieve a Healthy Weight January 5, 2021 Best Neighbors Ever It’s the new year, when many people are thinking about resolutions - especially around their health and weight. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is a great goal. If you find yourself in this group, make sure that you are setting yourself up for long-term success by setting realistic, incremental… Read More
Immune Support to Keep you Healthy This Winter December 29, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Your immune system defends you against pathogens - microorganisms that make you ill. How your immune system responds to germs and pathogens determines whether you get sick and how long you feel bad. So, can you ‘boost’ your immune system to make sure that it can keep you from getting sick? Let’s start with understanding… Read More
Support for Seasonal Affective Disorder December 23, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is associated with the winter months when cooler weather and shorter days cause feelings of sadness, low energy, and other symptoms associated with depression. SAD is thought to be triggered by lower levels of serotonin, due to reduced sunlight, a disruption in melatonin, and… Read More
5 Questions for…. Creating a Holiday Emergency Plan December 15, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever We all want to have enjoyable holidays, whether we’re creating memories with our friends or families, starting new traditions, or merely taking a needed break from our daily lives. No one wants a memorable holiday because of an emergency. While not all emergencies are avoidable, the 5 questions below can help you plan your holidays… Read More
Emergency Insurance Coverage in Texas December 4, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Insurance coverage and medical billing are topics that we - understandably - get many questions on. Even as medical professionals, we can get confused by insurance language (luckily, we have a whole team of experts to help us and YOU navigate billing and insurance). Because the topic is complicated, we try to help our communities… Read More
The Different Types of Diabetes November 23, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when your body either does not make insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas and helps the body to pass glucose (sugar) from our food into the bloodstream to be used by the body. When this process doesn’t work… Read More
6 Questions for… Recognizing Alzheimer’s Disease November 18, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia frequently recognized by its hallmark forgetfulness. But Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that - different from standard age-related memory problems - starts a decade or more before symptoms of cognitive impairment appear. In this edition of our ‘5 Questions’ series, we’ll look at six (yes, more than… Read More
Insurance: What’s the Difference Between ‘Accepted’ and ‘In-Network’ Insurance? November 13, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever We know that health insurance is a complicated topic and we work hard to try to be informative about health insurance in general and transparent about our specific billing policies. We’ve covered information you should know before purchasing health insurance, but we’re excited to now be in-network with several insurance companies! Since we know that… Read More
Rad Tech Week November 10, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever It’s Rad Tech week! Neighbors Emergency Center has amazing Rad Techs that help provide the very best in emergency care for our patients. But you may be asking yourself… what IS a Rad Tech? What does a Rad Tech do? Rad Tech stands for Radiologic Technologist. Rad Techs are health care professionals who operate the… Read More
First Aid for Someone Who is Having a Seizure November 2, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and since 65 million people around the world - including 3.4 million in the US - have epilepsy, it’s likely that at some point in your life you will know someone with epilepsy, and possibly witness a seizure. Whether it’s a family member or friend, or a situation you witness… Read More
The Importance of Liver Health October 27, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Despite the fact that your liver is approximately the size of a football and one of your most important organs (you can’t live for a week without it!), many people don’t give it a second thought - until it’s not functioning optimally. Your liver helps to metabolize your food, remove toxins from your body, adjust… Read More
What is the Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest? October 22, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever October is Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. Did you know that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and a heart attack are not the same things? Because the cause of sudden cardiac arrest is different, it should be treated differently. In both instances, fast action can help save lives so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and take… Read More
Organizing Your Medical Info For Emergencies October 8, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever When someone is having a health emergency, it is often difficult to think clearly and decide on the best course of action. In the action that is unfolding, it is easy to forget the important information that the medical and facility staff may need to know in order to provide the best possible treatment. Information… Read More
The Importance of Getting Your Flu Shot October 2, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever “It’s time to get your flu shot!” You’re probably used to hearing those words every year about this time. There are many reasons why getting your flu shot is important every year, but even more so this year during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll explain why the flu shot is important, and how it can keep… Read More
Women’s Health & Fitness Day September 30, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is observed on the last Wednesday in September every year. Most years, it is observed with large local fitness events to encourage community support of your personal health journey. This year will look a little different but as your neighborhood health resource, we want to encourage you on your… Read More
Kids Take Over the Kitchen – Teaching Healthy Cooking to Help Combat Childhood Obesity September 13, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever It’s Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day, right in the middle of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is a prevalent issue in the US and places children at risk for poor health throughout life. One of the best ways to combat childhood obesity and its lifelong effects is to establish healthy eating habits… Read More
Considerations for Employers as Employees Return to Work September 2, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever 01Are cleaning and sanitization being adjusted to prevent the spread of disease?You will likely need to adjust your sanitation process to include deep cleaning that is performed regularly while the building is empty in order to clean the building of any potentially lingering virus (or other communicable diseases). You may also need to consider… Read More
Keeping Kids Safe During National Childhood Injury Prevention Week September 1, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever The first week of September marks National Childhood Injury Prevention week. Injury is the leading cause of death in children, but the good news is that the majority of childhood injuries are preventable. Here are some of the biggest injury categories, and tips to keep your kids safe: PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE SAFETY:Start early, teaching… Read More
Understanding Vaccines August 25, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever The Coronavirus has sparked renewed conversation around vaccines and their development, as medical researchers race to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. There is a significant amount of misinformation on the Internet, so we’re dispelling myths and explaining the basics of vaccinations and immunity. What is a vaccine?First things first - what is a vaccine?… Read More
Returning to the Office Safely August 17, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Coronavirus is affecting all aspects of our lives, but maybe none more than our work lives. Some people have continued to go into work daily, some will continue to work from home, and some have already returned to the office or will be soon. What should you do to protect yourself at work in the… Read More
Keeping Your Kids Safe as They Head Back to School August 17, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever The spread of Coronavirus has affected all aspects of our daily lives, including what it may look like to return to school in a few weeks. Kids may only be returning to campuses part-time, or to significantly reduced class sizes. What should you do to prepare your kids for returning to school in the midst… Read More
Prevent Drowning With These Pool Safety Tips August 12, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever It’s August in Texas, and it is HOT. Many people choose to head to the pool to cool off. But pools can pose a serious hazard. In the United States, drowning accounts for about 10 deaths per day, with one in five occurring in children 14 or younger. The majority of these deaths occur at… Read More
Tips for Exercising with Your Kids during Exercise with Your Child Week August 4, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Today marks the beginning of Exercise With Your Child week, a national initiative to create active, healthy kids (and parents, too!). Kids and adolescents should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. While this can be achieved during active play, there are benefits to exercising with your children. Setting a positive… Read More
Why Curbside Testing? July 30, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever There is a lot of confusion and sometimes deception in medical billing. There are many reasons for both of these outcomes that we won’t get into here; however, as we roll out curbside COVID testing at our locations, we have heard of other facilities that are using some questionable billing practices for Coronavirus testing. We… Read More
Options to Address Your Healthcare Needs During COVID-19 July 28, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect society, people are wondering - what about my healthcare needs? Some people have prescriptions that require refills and need to visit physicians, some have mental healthcare needs that should not be put on hold long-term, and some are even experiencing emergencies that need immediate attention. So, what are… Read More
COVID-19 Testing Explained July 21, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Testing for COVID-19 has been an understandably popular topic in traditional and social media alike, complete with misinformation and plenty of questions. Since this is a topic we get many questions about, we wanted to address the different types of testing available, how the tests work, and at what stage of infection they should be… Read More
The Risks of Stress Eating and Drinking July 13, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever During times of high-stress, people often turn to comfort food or alcohol in an attempt to alleviate their stress. Many people have reported stress eating or drinking - or both - during the COVID pandemic and stay-at-home orders. But did you know there is a biological reason (in addition to psychological reasons) why people turn… Read More
5 Questions…for Returning to the Office during the Covid-19 pandemic July 8, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Employers are starting to reopen offices, with employees returning to work on a partial or full schedule. As you prepare to return back to your office, make sure that you are asking your employer or building manager the following questions to ensure your health and safety: 1. How is cleaning and sanitization being adjusted… Read More
Healthy Habits to Avoid Burnout When Working From Home July 5, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Working from home seemed like the dream just a few months ago, but has suddenly become commonplace thanks to stay-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the time saved on your former commute and the ability to work in your pajamas are definite perks, it’s possible to experience burnout at home, too. Burnout can… Read More
Summer Travel Safety During the Coronavirus Pandemic July 3, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Between travel restrictions and quarantines overseas - and even some domestic - vacations have been disrupted for the foreseeable future. Experts are still advising against non-essential travel, as some parts of the US are starting to experience a second increase in COVID cases. But with many people starting to express frustration with being at home,… Read More
5 Questions – When Shopping For Health Insurance June 28, 2020 Best Neighbors Ever Health insurance is complicated; it’s complicated for us, and we’re healthcare professionals. So we understand the anxiety and frustration that comes with understanding your insurance coverage and medical bills. To help our communities, we provide billing advocates that can help you navigate your insurance coverage and work with you on your bill. In addition, we… Read More