Have a SAFE and very merry New Year!

Be safe this holiday season

Bringing Smiles to 22 Children!

Every year during this charitable season, Texas Orthopedics finds a way to give back to the community. Through the local charity Partnerships for Children, we've focused our giving to the littlest and most vulnerable members of our Central Texas community - abused and neglected children who are in the care of Child Protective Services.

The response from our physicians and staff has been overwhelming. Twenty-two children will have a brighter and merrier holiday filled with toys, clothes and other important needs.  Happy Holidays!

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Dr. Bergin Earns 'Reining' Bragging Rights

Texas Orthopedics’ very own Dr. Barbara Bergin received Top Ten honors in three events at this year’s National Reining Horse Association’s 2013 Futurity and North American Affiliate Championship in Oklahoma City.  Riding Starbucks for Chex (barn name Sampson for his long mane), Dr. Bergin won two 3^rd places and one 7^th place.

This is the first time Dr. Bergin has advanced to this level.  She qualified three times in the past, but her horse, Señor, went ‘lame’ every year. (For those not familiar with the term ‘lame’ it means there is either an injury or medical condition that causes a horse to be unsound).  Dr. Bergin retired Señor last year. T

his was her first year competing with Sampson. They start their 2014 season at the end of January.

Congrats, Dr. Bergin!

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Stay Safe While Stringing Holiday Lights: Don't let "Ho, Ho, Ho', turn into 'Ouch'!

 

Who can forget the scenes of Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold hanging thousands of lights in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? While his careless and clumsy manner makes for some good humor, the reality is that every year, holiday light hanging causes serious injuries.

At Texas Orthopedics, we've treated several Central Texans who've suffered serious falls that have resulted in back, hip and leg injuries.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a three-year study and found that about 18,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for falls alone while hanging Christmas lights. That number only includes people who sought medical treatment in an emergency room. It's estimated that the real number of injuries is significantly higher; perhaps two or three times this number.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hospital ERs treat about 12,500 people for injuries such as falls, cuts, and shocks related to holiday lights, electrical decorations, and Christmas trees every year.

Safety Tips:

These tips may seem like common sense but we'd rather be safe than sorry:

• Don't hang lights in the rain
• Never put a ladder or stool on a slippery or wet surface
• Never plug lights in if you are near water or ice
• Be careful if it's windy. A gust could knock you off balance
• Always decorate in daylight and watch out for old nails, staples and broken bulbs from years past
• Never hang over an edge from the roof to hang lights
• Make sure the ladder you use is wide-based and in good condition to handle your weight and body size. Don't stand on the very top of the ladder.
• Don't mix alcohol with decorating - that can be downright dangerous.
• Have someone present with you while hanging the lights to get help should an accident occur

While you may want to outdo Clark Griswold, use common sense and take the extra precautions so you can fully enjoy this holiday season.

From all of us at Texas Orthopedics, have a safe and happy holiday!

Have a question? Ask us on Facebook or Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic)

 

 

FREE joint replacement seminar this Thursday

Learn more about non-surgical arthritis treatment options as well as total hip and total knee replacement surgery at Arthritis Camp! Refreshments are served. Bring your friends and family!

Date: Thursday, December 5th
Time: 5 PM to 7 PM
Location: Northwest Austin, 4700 Seton Center Pkwy, Ste. 200, Austin, 78759
Speaker: Marc DeHart, MD

Please RSVP by registering online or call 439-1100. If you can't make this seminar, plan to attend our next seminar on Thursday, January 9th.