Mom went ballistic when I told her about getting an IV to speed up recovery from a hangover. She prattled on about strangers pumping "God knows what" into me.
I blew her off, as usual. I need to bounce back from what will likely be a crazy New Year's Eve (My NYE party list). Then I started thinking that Mom had a good point. Who were these guys at Hydrate Medical, whose ads I've seen in Rich Saner's Rockhouse e-blasts?
Well Mom, a medical doctor, physician's assistant and a board certified acute care nurse practitioner own Hydrate Medical. Staff includes five emergency room nurses. Combined they have at least 20 years of medical experience.
Not a bad pedigree to cure a hangover. Better than my typical Alka-Seltzer and Revive Glaceau Water recovery cocktail.
Jonathan Leake, the doctor; Drew Harrill, the physician's assistant pictured below; and Keith Parris, the nurse practitioner, opened Hydrate Medical on East Boulevard in October. The clinic is licensed by the state medical board as a medical clinic.
Most of the team members work full-time in emergency rooms in regional hospitals. They noticed ER patients who simply needed an IV to address their symptoms. Yet, the patients endured the long waits, sterile environment and overall unpleasant ER experience.
"We're a great alternative to that," said Leake, who has 10 years of ER experience and did his residency at Carolinas Medical Center.
Hydration clinics are popping up all over the country. Hydrate Medical treats dehydration, jet lag, cold and stomach viruses and the reason I'm writing about them - hangovers!
"When people walk in, they realize they're getting the same medical care in a setting that's much more relaxed and much more enjoyable," said Harrill, who also has 10 years of experience as a paramedic.
The clinic feels like a modern spa with chill music, chaise lounges for treatment, plush rugs and flat screen TVs. The clinic offers a variety of packages to treat specific ailments along with a la carte services when you need a little something extra such as the prescription anti-inflammatory ketorolac. Yep, they dispense prescription drug intravenously. Although, it's a medical clinic, Hydrate Medical does not accept medical insurance.
Packages range from the basic $99 hydration package of saline and one medication to the $159 Hydrate Epic Hangover of saline, various drugs and oxygen. There's also the Myers Cocktail of vitamins named after the late Dr. John Myers. Rihanna calls it the "party-girl drip." For New Year's, book an appointment by Wednesday and receive 15 percent off treatment.
Hydrate's clients range include professional athletes, weekend warriors, runners, and over-indulgers. The clinic averages about 20-25 clients per week, and about half of the clients come on the weekends, Leake said.
"It's young professionals. It's people who don't have time to be sick," Leake said. "We want to get you back to your day."
The clinic definitely has its critics as spelled out in this Observer story, but sounds good to me - and Mom!
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