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Preterm birth refers to babies born before the 37 week of pregnancy. World Prematurity Day is observed each year on November 17 to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding preterm birth. It shines a light on the challenges families with preterm infants face. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 10% of the babies born in the United States in 2020 were born too early. While COVID-19 may have impacted this number, the United States has long been one of the most dangerous countries for ... ... Read More

Learn your risk factors to prevent life-threatening blood clots. VICTORIA, Texas – The pandemic has heightened attention to the dangers of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and clot-provoked stroke. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), blood clots kill 274 Americans each day when they restrict blood flow and cause a medical emergency. While different types of blood clotting are being reported among people affected by COVID-19, particularly those who become s... ... Read More

VICTORIA, Texas, – With homeschooling and hybrid learning disrupting classroom learning for the past 18 months, it’s easy to forget what preparing for a “normal” school year might look like. In addition to buying new clothes and stocking your child’s backpack with the right supplies, an annual physical and the proper immunizations will start your child’s new school year on a healthy foundation. “When it comes to keeping your child healthy, annual wellness visits are key to establishing a baseline of inf... ... Read More

While Spring brings sunshine, emerging greenery and longer days, many people dread this season for the sinus pressure, headaches, itchy eyes and respiratory problems it brings. More than 50 million people suffer with nasal allergies and half of those also have seasonal pollen allergies, according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), which recently released a listing of the most challenging places in the country to live with allergies. “South Texas’ warm climate and abundant vegetation... ... Read More

We’ve all experienced the tiredness and lack of clarity that comes from a sleepless night, but a study published last year by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Foundation found that sleep schedule inconsistency is also a risk factor for heart disease. Dr. Imran Shaikh, a physician with DeTar Family Medicine Center, is making sure patients know how important it is to establish a regular pattern for going to bed and waking up. The cardiovascular system exhibits strong circadian rhythms, bi... ... Read More

The thought of having surgery for a nagging injury or lingering pain can make some patients feel uneasy. But, as many experts have said over the last few months, it is extremely important not to neglect medical needs during the pandemic. Patients can feel confident seeking the medical care they need at DeTar Healthcare System. Numerous steps have been put in place to keep patients safe during their visits, including: Screening all visitors for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms before they are allowed to en... ... Read More

VICTORIA, Texas – If you’ve put off seeing your doctor for fear of catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus, DeTar Medical Group family medicine physician Dr. Javier Vazquez-Ortiz wants you to know it’s safe and important to come in. Precautions for your safety include masking of all patients and providers, checking temperature of all clinic visitors, screening clinic staff multiple at each shift, pre-visit calling to ask screening questions, asking that only the patient comes in, and enhanced cleaning ... ... Read More