Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc.

Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. is dedicated to promoting a healthier community by providing quality

TREATING HEAT RELATED ILLNESSIt is important to treat heat related illnesses promptly. It could be a matter of life and...
06/09/2026

TREATING HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

It is important to treat heat related illnesses promptly. It could be a matter of life and death. So here are some tips to follow if you or someone near you is experiencing a heat related illness:

Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually happen when someone is doing heavy exercise in a hot environment. Runners often experience heat cramps. The cramps often affect the calves, arms, belly and back. You are more likely to get heat cramps if you sweat heavily during activity.

If you think you have heat cramps, rest and cool down, drink clear juice or a sports drink or water with electrolytes. Massage the affected area and do not resume strenuous activity for several hours after the heat cramps go away.

Heat exhaustion is a body's response to high temperatures and strenuous activity. Heat exhaustion may affect you suddenly or slowly over time. Symptoms may include cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, heavy sweating, faintness or dizziness and fatigue. Muscle cramps, nausea and a headache may also occur.

If you believe you have heat exhaustion: Stop all activity and rest. Move to a cooler place. Go inside an air-conditioned place if you can or seek shade and drink cool water or a sports drink. If you are with someone who has heat exhaustion, seek medical help if the person becomes confused or distressed, loses consciousness, is not able to drink or who has a body temperature over 103 degrees.

Follow these tips to avoid heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Remember: You will have a really COOL summer if you avoid heat related illnesses. And by doing so, you and your loved ones will keep COOL all summer long!!!

FROM KIDS TO SENIORS: HOW TO BEAT THE HEATHeat can be dangerous for people of all ages. A very high temperature can da...
05/31/2026

FROM KIDS TO SENIORS: HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT

Heat can be dangerous for people of all ages. A very high temperature can damage the brain and other organs. Some health conditions like obesity, dehydration, heart disease and drug and alcohol abuse can make it harder for the body to stay cool in hot weather. So when temperatures are very high, make sure to:

Get Plenty to Drink - Sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. When it is hot, drink more water, juices and sports drinks. Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, soda) and alcohol.

Stay Cool Indoors - The best way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don't have an air conditioner, go to a shopping mall or public building for a few hours. A cool shower or bath is also a good way to cool off.

Wear Light Clothing and Sunscreen - Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. A wide brimmed hat will keep your head cool. And, use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully - Try to be less active during the hottest part of the day. While outdoors, rest often in a shady area. Never leave kids or pets in a parked car.

Pace Yourself - Take frequent, regularly scheduled breaks. If activity in the heat makes your heart pound or leaves you gasping for breath, stop activity, get into a cool or shady area and rest.

Use A Buddy System - During a heat wave, check on your friends and family and have someone do the same for you. Check on the elderly and those with health conditions. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. High temperatures can cause serious health problems. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and be ready to help.

Part 3 - Treating Heat Related Illness - Coming Soon!!!

WE ARE HIRING! APPLY TODAY!We are looking to recruit new team members.Give HR a call at 409-999-6655OrSend us an email a...
05/18/2026

WE ARE HIRING! APPLY TODAY!

We are looking to recruit new team members.

Give HR a call at 409-999-6655

Or

Send us an email at [email protected]

Gulf Coast is committed to providing health related information that will be helpful to all our patients. We are please...
05/15/2026

Gulf Coast is committed to providing health related information that will be helpful to all our patients. We are pleased to prevent a series on how to prevent heat related illnesses. Here is the first in the series called Preventing Heat Related Illnesses:

HOW TO STAY COOL AND BEAT THE HEAT: TIPS FOR SENIORS

As the summer heat sets in, it is important for people of all ages to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated. However, seniors and heat really don't mix well: for older adults, being overheated can lead to serious illnesses. Here's why it is essential for seniors to protect themselves during the hot summer temperatures.

Why Staying Cool Is Vital For Seniors

Seniors are vulnerable to the intense heat due to physiological changes that come with aging. Older bodies are less efficient at regulating body temperature and are more susceptible to heat related illnesses. These commonly affect older adults in the following forms:

Heat stroke is the most severe condition, where a body temperature is 103*F or higher, along with symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry skin.

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, weakness, nausea and dizziness.

Heat cramps result in painful muscle spasms, often in the legs or abdomen.

Heat syncope is sudden dizziness or fainting, which may occur due to dehydration and inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Given these increased risks it's essential for seniors to take preventive measurement to avoid these illnesses and prioritize their well-belling during the warm season.

Part 2: How Seniors Can Beat The Heat - Coming soon!!!

Gulf Coast Health Center recently participated in the Port Arthur Independent School District's Head Start Community Reg...
04/28/2026

Gulf Coast Health Center recently participated in the Port Arthur Independent School District's Head Start Community Registration Event at Wheatley Early Childhood Development Center. GCHC providers offered school physicals, blood pressure checks and staff shared educational information on health measures with participants. And lots of three and four year old children registered for Wheatley's Head Start program for the 2026-2027 school year!

Surprise Research Finding on Lung Cancer Mortality Rate The mortality rate for lung cancer in the United States has decl...
04/24/2026

Surprise Research Finding on Lung Cancer Mortality Rate

The mortality rate for lung cancer in the United States has declined significantly since 1990. New lung cancer cases have fallen in men since the mid-1980s and in women since the mid-2000s, declining annually by 3.0% and 1.4%, respectively, from 2012 to 2021.

However, while the overall incidence has gone down, researchers are concerned about a different trend: Increasing lung cancer rates in younger nonsmokers, especially women.

Researchers in a new study utilized data from an Epidemiology of Young Lung Cancer study case to examine this trend more closely. Surprisingly they found an association between healthier eating patterns and the early onset of lung cancer among nonsmokers.

This finding is only an association, however, and does not prove that eating vegetables, fruits, or whole grains causes cancer. The researchers suspect that environmental factors may be contributing to this link. Unfortunately, pesticides and other contaminants on the healthy foods we eat may be the culprit.

The researchers presented the study’s findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. They plan to continue to explore this link and provide further results.

What this means for us: Sometimes even eating healthy foods can negatively impact us, when the healthy food is affected with contaminants!

Understanding the Types of Physical Activity – Best for Longevity For years we have known that a mix of healthy lifesty...
04/13/2026

Understanding the Types of Physical Activity – Best for Longevity

For years we have known that a mix of healthy lifestyle choices — like eating a healthy diet, not smoking, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and getting enough physical activity can help us all live longer, healthier lives. But what can be confusing is knowing what types of physical activity are best for longevity.......

A recent study helps answer that question by finding that regularly engaging in a variety of physical activities may be the best way to prolong your life span. In this study, researchers reviewed data from two studies that involved 173,000 people. During these studies, participants had their physical activity assessed over more than 30 years.

Those participating were asked about their involvement in certain activities, including:
• Cardio activities like walking, jogging, running, cycling, rowing, tennis and swimming.
• Lower-intensity exercises like yoga, stretching, and toning.
• Weight or resistance training.
• Vigorous activities like mowing the lawn.
• Moderate-intensity outdoor work, such as gardening.
• High-intensity outdoor work, like digging and chopping.

At the end of the study, researchers found that the total physical activity and most individual types of physical activity, except for swimming, were linked to a lower risk of death from any cause. However, total physical activity leveled off after reaching a certain number of hours.

All activities included in this study have limits, meaning that no additional benefits may be gained beyond certain amounts of exercise. So, combining different activities together may be more effective to receive health benefits - as long as the total activity level is maintained.

Researchers also discovered that people who engaged in a greater variety of physical activities had a lower mortality risk. Those with the broadest range of physical activities had a 19% lower risk of death from all causes, and a 13-14% lower risk of death from heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer, and other causes.

This means that engaging in more types of activities may offer additional health benefits toward longevity. It also means that although maintaining a high level of total physical activity is still most important, mixing up different types of activities is best.

So with physical activity, variety appears as important as volume.

APPLY TODAY!We are looking to recruit new team members.Give HR a call at 409-999-6655OrSend us an email at bfrank@gulfco...
03/02/2026

APPLY TODAY!

We are looking to recruit new team members.

Give HR a call at 409-999-6655

Or

Send us an email at [email protected]

Here is the BEST of the BEST at Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc.12 GCHC Employees selected as 2025 Employee of the Month a...
02/05/2026

Here is the BEST of the BEST at Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc.

12 GCHC Employees selected as 2025 Employee of the Month and the 2025 Employee of the Year - Shaquita Posey!

Congratulations to ALL!

CONGRATULATIONS to our Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. Employees who received their 5, 10, 15, & 20 Year Service Awards a...
02/05/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to our Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. Employees who received their 5, 10, 15, & 20 Year Service Awards at our recent Quarterly Staff Meeting!

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