Important Update: ExperCARE Health Closure on Tuesday, August 6th
Closure Notice:
Due to the expected impact of Tropical Storm Debby, all ExperCARE Health locations in Georgia will be closed on Tuesday, August 6th. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and community.
What This Means for Patients:
Appointments: If you have an appointment scheduled for Tuesday, our team will be reaching out to reschedule at a convenient time. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to accommodate everyone.
Stay Informed: We encourage you to stay informed about the storm’s progress and to follow all safety advisories from local authorities. Your safety is our utmost concern.
Our Commitment to You:
At ExperCARE Health, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and service to our patients. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated with any further changes. Our goal is to resume normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time. We are grateful for the trust you place in us for your healthcare needs.
Please stay safe and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance.
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Featured-Image-ExperCARE-Severe-Weather-Closure-web-banner.jpg684845Melanie Farranthttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgMelanie Farrant2024-08-05 22:35:242024-09-05 20:54:55Important Update: ExperCARE Health Closure on Tuesday, August 6th
Halloween is the season of spooks, but there should be no frights in your bites! ExperCARE introduces “Safe Sweets”, our exclusive October initiative, ensuring your Halloween goodies are free from unwanted surprises. ExperBEAR knows that while treats should be delightful, they should also be safe. From the 1st to the 31st visit any ExperCARE location to have your candy X-rayed for any trace of foreign metal. It’s fast, efficient, and absolutely free. It’s not just about candy; it’s about peace of mind. Because at ExperCARE, your safety is our treat! Remember, this Halloween, bear the responsibility of ensuring every bite is just right!
Hurricane Season on the Atlantic Coast and in Savannah is from June 1 through November 30, with the peak times being August and September. Hurricanes cause high winds, flooding, and heavy rain. Hurricanes do not only affect the coastline; severe rain, wind, and tornadoes are also a threat inland.
Here are six healthcare tips to keep you and your loved ones prepared for hurricanes and other inclement weather:
1. Review and update important documents.
Make sure your personal documents, such as health insurance policies, passports, medical documents, and personal identification forms are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
2. Have emergency supplies ready.
Make sure you have enough emergency medical supplies such as any prescription medicines, inhalers, and a first aid kit. You may not have access to these supplies for several days or weeks after a hurricane. In addition, have bottled water, food, and flashlights on hand. Your emergency food supply should have a long shelf life with limited cooking and should not require refrigeration. For more information on emergency food and water supplies, visit the CDC’s website here.
3. Make an emergency plan.
Discussing where you will evacuate, how you will receive emergency information such as alerts and warnings, and a shelter plan are all important to know ahead of time. Also sharing this information with your children and having a family communication plan in place can help provide clarity in inclement weather situations. For pet owners, pre-identifying a pet friendly shelter can cause peace of mind. Local animal shelters may be able to offer advice on what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate your home.
4. Gather important phone numbers.
Find phone numbers for your physician, pediatrician, pharmacist, counselor, and veterinarian. Other important numbers you should know include:
-Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
-Animal Poison Control Helpline: 888-426-4435
–Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990
When you know a hurricane is forecasted, keep your cell phone charged and have any portable or backup chargers nearby.
5. Know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
-A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour [mph] or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start.
-A hurricane warning is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.
6. Get your family ready.
If you or a loved one is older or disabled and won’t be able to leave quickly, get advice on what to do during any inclement weather conditions. Call the hospital, public health department, or the police about any special needs.
ExperCARE is always here for you! Walk in at your convenience or book ahead at any of our convenient Georgia urgent care locations. Book ahead and contact us here.
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hurricane-Prep-Blog-Post-705x411-1.png411705Jackie Schotthttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgJackie Schott2023-08-08 17:58:572024-12-04 20:28:196 Tips for Hurricane Season Preparedness in Savannah
Firework Safety: Tips to Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe
Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate many occasions, from Independence Day to New Year’s Eve. However, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are 7 tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while enjoying fireworks:
1. Follow the Law
Before purchasing or setting off fireworks, make sure you are following all local laws and regulations. Some areas prohibit fireworks altogether, while others have specific rules about when and where they can be used.
2. Keep a Safe Distance
Always keep a safe distance from fireworks when they are being set off. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 500 feet away from any fireworks display.
3. Wear Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear, such as safety glasses and earplugs, can help prevent injuries from fireworks. It’s also a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin.
4. Never Relight a Dud
If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t try to relight it. Wait at least 20 minutes and then soak it in water before disposing of it.
5. Keep Water Nearby
Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of a fire. It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand.
6. Don’t Drink and Light
Never set off fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can impair your judgment and increase the risk of injury.
7. Supervise Children
Children should never handle fireworks without adult supervision. Even sparklers can be dangerous and cause serious burns.
By following these tips, you can enjoy fireworks safely and avoid injuries. Remember, safety comes first when it comes to fireworks.
ExperCARE is here for you this July 4th holiday. Walk in at your convenience or book ahead at any of our convenient Georgia urgent care locations!
Friday, June 30: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 1: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 2: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, July 3: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4th: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Happy celebrating!
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fireworks-Safety-Blog-1030x601-1.jpg6011030Jackie Schotthttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgJackie Schott2023-06-26 17:27:232024-09-13 17:51:08ExperTIPS – Firework Safety – 7 Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe
Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors! But before you head out, it’s important to take precautions and protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays. Here are some ExperTIPS to keep in mind:
1. Wear Protective Clothing
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from UV rays is to wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with wide brims. Look for clothing made with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric, which is specifically designed to block out UV rays.
2. Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have when spending time outdoors.
According to the CDC’s Sun Safety information it is recommended that you put on broad spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.
SPF: Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they filter out UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.
Reapplication: Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Expiration date: Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
3. Seek Shade
When possible, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you’re at the beach or pool, consider bringing an umbrella or setting up under a shady tree.
4. Wear Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block out 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when spending time outdoors. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you and drink regularly to stay hydrated.
By following these UV safety tips, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful sun rays.
While we hope you won’t need us, we’re here for you throughout the summer. ExperCARE is open 7 days a week, extended hours, and we treat all ages. Stay safe and have fun!
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sun-Safety-Tips-1-300x300-1.png500500Jackie Schotthttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgJackie Schott2023-06-05 19:16:522024-09-13 18:11:32UV Safety Tips: Protecting Yourself from Harmful Sun Rays
Recently, ExperCARE founder and CEO, Catherine Grant, set aside some time to meet with Savannah Morning New’s Adam Van Brimmer to discuss COVID-19, vaccines, testing and more! Tune in to “The Commute” or read the transcription here!
The following is an excerpt from a “The Commute” podcast interview with ExperCare CEO Catherine C. Grant. ExperCare is a Savannah-area medical urgent care provider.. Comments have been condensed in the interest of space. Full episodes are available at SavannahNow.com/podcasts or through mobile device podcast apps by searching “The Commute with @SavannahOpinion”.
Question: The COVID-19 news is coming fast and furious these days. The Pfizer vaccine has been fully approved by the FDA, and at the same time the delta variant is causing a surge in cases and hospitalizations. When somebody asks you, ‘You’re in the health care field, what do I really need to know right now?’ what do you tell them?
Catherine Grant: “The hardest thing about it is we’re all hearing a lot of different statistics and a lot of things that are being presented as evidence. So it’s hard to know what to believe and how it applies to you. We’ve been working through this pandemic since March of last year and been involved in everything from testing to vaccinating to treating patients. We share the unanimous position of area health care providers that what we’re experiencing right now is unlike what we have seen prior. The demand for health care and for testing is exceeding the capacity of our health care system right now, whether its at point-of-care places such as urgent cares or primary care offices or pediatricians offices or hospitals. So the most important thing we can focus on is what we can do right now to mitigate the spread of this illness that’s burdening the health care system. We need to do everything we can to slow it down a bit and allow the health care system to catch up.”
Q: Your urgent care centers have been working with the state since the start in performing COVID-19 testing, and of all the disturbing stats we’ve seen lately, the percentage of positive tests is one of the most telling. What’s going on there?
CG: “We’re definitely seeing an exponential increase in the demand for testing. We track our data very carefully, and as of the middle of July, we were seeing positivity rates that were very low, below 5%. Since then the rate has climbed, and for the first three weeks of August, it’s been over 20%, sometimes even getting as high as 25%. That means our community transmission is high, and people are infecting others whether they know it or not.”
Q: Let’s take this opportunity to talk a little bit about the testing. There’s a lot of myths or exaggerations about the COVID-19 tests and about how effective they are, how accurate they are. What do people need to know about these COVID tests and their accuracy?
CG: “First, tests are just tools that help us in making decisions. So there are different types of testing: Rapid antigen testing and PCR testing. Rapid testing can mean a whole lot of different things but most people think of it in terms of getting an answer quickly. PCR testing, on the other hand, is typically performed in a lab but there are some point-of-care providers who can do PCR testing as well. Rapid antigen testing is very, very reliable, especially when you already have symptoms, and PCR testing is very reliable when the specimen is taken properly and you make sure you have a piece of that viral matter.
“The big takeaway is like anything else, a COVID test is not 100% and should be taken in context of everything else that’s going on. For example, if you develop a fever and a cough and you’ve recently had a negative test, remember that test is just a snapshot in time. You may need another COVID test. You may need a flu test. You may need to be checked for some other illness entirely. Testing is helping us in terms of making clinical decisions and helping us identify people who, whether they have symptoms or not, could potentially be spreading the virus.”
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/covid-19-blog.jpg321845Emma Rhodeshttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgEmma Rhodes2021-09-06 02:04:462021-09-06 02:09:33ExperCARE founder and CEO, Catherine Grant discusses COVID-19, vaccines, testing and more on Savannah Morning News
ExperCARE is proud to have recently donated over 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to area churches ahead of their holiday services.
They say their primary concern is their patient’s health and wellbeing. “2020 has been a year of challenge and change for every business, family and person,” said ExperCARE CEO and founder Catherine Grant. “ExperCARE is grateful for the patients who choose us as their first choice for on demand healthcare. We want everyone to do their part to keep safe during the holidays and we’re happy to help in this small way.”
In an effort to spread holiday cheer and promote hand hygiene, ExperCARE is thankful for the opportunity to deliver hand-held hand sanitizers to 25 different churches in the Savannah and Richmond Hill area.
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/blog-20210105.jpg740961Emma Rhodeshttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgEmma Rhodes2021-01-06 01:39:382021-01-06 01:39:38ExperCARE Donates Thousands of Hand Sanitizers to Area Churches for Holiday Services
What could be more immediate than your health? What could be a more pressing and time-sensitive issue? And yet, for decades the health industry expected patients to wait for hours in an emergency room or for weeks to make an appointment with their regular provider.
We saw this dilemma on the faces of my friends and family members who turned to us for help with their medical issues because they had nowhere else to go. It’s what inspired us to find a solution by opening our first urgent care location in June of 2009. The concept was simple, and effective. Quality, on-demand healthcare. No appointment necessary. No long waits. You can use your insurance, or pay affordable cash rates. But above all, access to quality healthcare you can trust, before a small problem festers and becomes a bigger one.
Nearly 12 years later, ExperCARE’s continuous expansion and growth supports the concept of on-demand healthcare filling a much needed void in our healthcare system and in our communities. In a country that has same-day delivery for goods and services and instant delivery of entertainment, why should we wait three weeks, and sometimes three months(!!) to address a medical concern?
And yet, around the country, many people continue to wait because they don’t have access to the type of on-demand, high-quality healthcare that ExperCARE provides. According to a Merritt Hawkins study in 2017, a survey conducted in 15 major cities and 15 mid-sized markets of the United States, on average, it takes 24 days for new patients to get an appointment with a physician. That wait is even longer in Savannah, which averages 35 days. The study found that even cities with the highest doctor-to-patient ratios had long wait times.
Patients seek on-demand healthcare because of their busy schedules and the unpredictable nature of illnesses and injuries. Many can’t afford to take time off work to see a doctor or don’t want to cash in their hard-earned vacation time to sit in a waiting room. This is one reason why our customers and their families love that we are open seven days a week, extended hours. In addition, our facilities are also open throughout the workweek to maximize availability when it is most convenient!
Did you know that at ExperCARE, we also partner with and support employers with their occupational health programs by offering a full-range of services such as drug and alcohol testing, physicals, PFT’s, audiometry, immunizations and experienced workers compensation injury evaluation and management. We understand how to serve both the employer and the employee while treating the injury appropriately and efficiently, minimizing the need for lost time, OSHA recordability, and unnecessary work restrictions.
ExperCARE’s most recent expansion and continued growth is proof that this model is benefitting not only patients and their families but also employers, providers and insurers by decreasing crowding in Emergency Departments and offering an effective alternative to healthcare access.
The fact that all major insurers have embraced our delivery model is just another example of how ExperCARE’s model of on-demand access to healthcare is also benefiting the insurance industry. The consumer-driven business model saves insurers money because people are more likely to seek non-emergent medical attention in an appropriate setting such as an urgent care versus an Emergency Room, if it’s accessible, convenient and affordable. Early detection and treatment could head off a more serious illness that might result in more expensive hospitalization or emergency care.
ExperCARE’s access to healthcare model is the wave of the future. Stop by and see Why!
Transcript of Video
We’ve been delivering care since June 1 of 2009 in Richmond Hill. I had moved to Richmond Hill not too long before that. At the time I was seeing friends and family members in my kitchen sometimes because there was nowhere to go.
There’s such a need for on-demand medical care. This whole idea of retail medicine and on-demand health care when you need it that’s not a compromise was an industry that was being born again and so I think the complement of being in this community that had a need with an industry that was on it’s way up was really an exciting time.
So, June 1, 2009 we opened our doors in Richmond Hill. And the second location is next to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Savannah right on Mall Boulevard. And our third and newest location downtown on Abercorn. It is so exciting. Who knows where we’re going to go next? Stay tuned.
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/blog-20201202-img.jpg9331400Emma Rhodeshttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgEmma Rhodes2020-12-02 19:24:352020-12-02 19:24:35You Deserve On-Demand Access When it Comes to Your Healthcare Needs….
As the new year comes around so too do the resolutions, “the new year, new me” mentality, and folks flooding in to get gym memberships. Now that a were are well into the new year of 2020, many of us realize it’s not so simple to stick to those life altering changes.
So how can we integrate healthy habits into our daily lives so that they are sustainable? At ExperCARE, we like to stress playing for the long game. When we try to change everything all at once it doesn’t always work… but making small shifts are easier to maintain long term. Here are five habits to add to your lifestyle:
Add a Walk to Your Daily Routine
Your brain needs a break at work, take twenty minutes and go on a walk. Ask a friend or colleague to join you, it’ll give you time to socialize AND exercise. By doing this, you’ll notice an increase in energy levels throughout the work day.
Try to Multi-Task
We all have those points in the workday where we feel as though we could be doing something else more productive, right? You should try to double task! Return someone’s phone call while going on a walk. Do some reps (crunches, curls, pushups) while you’re on a conference call. Listen to a book or podcast designed to help you grow while commuting to and from work or school.
Cook double
Less is not more in this situation. Make an effort to cook double batches of your dinner. Especially on the weekends, strive to cook extra, freeze it and use it for dinner or lunch when you’re in a rush! There’s a healthy meal right at your fingertips!
Pack Your Lunch the Night Before
Let’s face it! It’s so much easier to run out and go through the drive through on your lunch break. But… it’s so much healthier to pack a lunch from home. Each night, take 10 minutes to put leftovers in a container or bag some carrots, fresh fruit and a sandwich for the next day. Pro tip: leave a sticky note on the door out of your house, to remind yourself to grab your lunch on your rush out the door in the morning.
Drink Lots of Water
Make it a part of your day! When you feel fatigued, it’s often times because you are dehydrated. Grab a big bottle of water at the beginning of every day, have it sitting in your line of vision throughout the day and make a conscious effort to drink, drink, drink. Set alerts on your phone every couple of hours as a reminder. It’s great for your skin, digestive and circulatory systems, and helps . Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
If this still seems overwhelming, think even smaller… Start by doing just one of these new healthy habits each week. Focus on your achievements, not your setbacks. Celebrate your successes. This will help create momentum and increase your chances of sustained success. You’ve got this!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! During the holiday season, we cherish time with our family and friends, eat lots of yummy food, and get some time to unwind and relax. It is certainly merry and bright, but sometimes it isn’t quite so jolly for our waistline or our health in general. ExperCARE has compiled a few reminders to help keep you healthy and safe over the holidays!
Eat mindfully
We all want to dig into Mom’s homemade mashed potatoes and Grandma’s famous apple pie! And we certainly should. But the holidays are all about moderation and balance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests limiting your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Try to substitute that not so healthy food for a fruit or veggie. Also don’t forget to give your tummy time to digest before going back for seconds!
Wash your hands
Germs, germs, and more germs! We are traveling, snuggling up together, and out of our regular routine all during flu season. Be sure to keep your hands clean to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. This is your friendly reminder to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if not, use your elbow but not your hands). This helps keep yourself and those around you healthy.
Get your flu shot
Unfortunately, flu season is in full swing this time of year… But don’t let the bug dampen your holiday cheer. Plan to get your flu shot before the Christmas chaos begins. No one wants to spend their Christmas at ExperCARE or on the couch with a fever. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. The CDC suggests everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. ExperCARE has the flu vaccine at both locations.
Stay active by changing up your holiday workout
‘Tis the season to pack our social calendars with Christmas activities and parties, eating and drinking festive foods, shopping until we drop, and spending time with family and friends. If you notice the schedule isn’t necessarily centered around daily exercise. But in order to stay motivated, you should set goals for yourself and be sure to add a few workouts onto your holiday checklist. The best idea is to reinvent what you would usually do. Plan to split you activity into smaller, more manageable workouts. Don’t stress over making it to the gym for an hour everyday. Instead, have your family go out for a 30 minute walk, use a workout app on your phone for 15 minutes, or play outdoor games with your family.
Relax, manage stress
As much as the holidays are about fitting everything into your schedule, they are also about taking time for yourself. Don’t let the holiday rush stress you out or take a toll on your mental or physical health. Do at least one thing everyday that makes YOU happy, whether it’s meditation, reading a good book, or watching a Christmas movie.
Last but not least, ENJOY the most wonderful time of the year! ExperCARE wishes you and yours a cheerful, restful, and healthy holiday season!
https://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/9.png10801920Supporthttps://expercarehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Expercare-Logo-UPC.svgSupport2019-12-13 17:00:252019-12-13 17:00:25‘Tis the Season to be Healthy