Recent Blog Posts

Should I Be Concerned About Bird Flu?

by Julianna Atchley | Jun 13, 2024 | Uncategorized Should I Be Concerned About Bird Flu? What is Bird Flu? Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection that mainly affects birds but can occasionally infect humans. This virus has been around since the early 1900s, initially identified in Italy. While it has always existed in wild bird populations, recent human infections and outbreaks on poultry farms have raised concerns. The potential for the virus to ...

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Why Is a School Physical for Sports Exam Important?

Why Is a School Physical for Sports Exam Important? Whether your child is a focused athlete or one who plays simply for the fun of it, there are many benefits to undertaking an annual sports physical exam. Plus, before anyone can start playing a sport, it's essential for them to have a physical exam from their healthcare provider - this is called the school physical for sports exam.  During this examination, athletes receive a comprehensive ...

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What Are The Most Common Bites and Stings in the Southeast?

by Julianna Atchley | May 30, 2024 | Uncategorized What Are The Most Common Bites and Stings in the Southeast? Imagine you’re finishing up a summer hike with your family in the Great Smoky Mountains when you suddenly feel a sharp pain above your knee. You look down and see that a bee has stung you. Quickly, you remove the stinger and grab some ointment and an ice pack from your car to reduce the swelling ...

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Your Filtration Powerhouse: How to Improve Kidney Health

Learning how to improve kidney health is vital for maintaining overall well-being. Your kidneys are crucial in filtering waste and excess fluids from your body, regulating blood pressure, and balancing essential minerals. Despite their importance, many people overlook kidney health until a problem arises. Pre-Register The Importance of Kidney Function Your kidneys are essential to your overall health, serving as your body’s natural filtration system. These small, bean-shaped organs remove waste products, toxins, and ...

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Allergic Reactions and Travel: A Guide to Enjoy Your Vacation

Allergic Reactions and Travel: A Guide to Enjoy Your Vacation As more people embark on adventures to explore new destinations, managing allergies during travel has become crucial. Allergic reactions can range from mild inconveniences to life-threatening emergencies, making it greatly important for travelers to be well-informed and prepared. Allergies, whether to foods, environmental factors, or other triggers, can potentially disrupt and even endanger a traveler's vacation experience. Recognizing the importance of understanding, preventing, and ...

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10 Common Outdoor Injuries & How to Prevent Them

by Julianna Atchley | May 13, 2024 | Family Health 10 Common Outdoor Injuries and How to Prevent Them As the weather warms and nature beckons, many of us eagerly embrace outdoor activities, from sports to leisurely strolls. However, with increased activity comes a higher risk of injury. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top 10 common outdoor injuries and how to prevent them: 1. Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains can occur unexpectedly, whether you’re an ...

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How Do You Treat Insect Bites and Stings?

Understanding how to treat insect bites and stings is essential for anyone spending time outside. In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips for avoiding bites and effective methods for treating them if they occur. Preventing Insect Bites and Stings Adopting preventive measures is key to protecting yourself from insect bites and stings. Here’s how you can minimize your risk: Use Insect Repellent Apply insect repellent that contains 20-30% DEET to exposed skin and ...

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The Role of Occupational Health in Employee Satisfaction

The Role of Occupational Health in Employee Satisfaction Occupational health plays a pivotal role in the various dimensions of employee well-being. As companies strive to create a positive work culture and enhance employee satisfaction, the focus on workplace health has gained prominence. Join us on this journey as we discuss the critical role of health at work in shaping the well-being and satisfaction of employees across diverse industries. Pre-Register Understanding Occupational Health Health at work ...

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Should I be Worried about Norovirus?

by Julianna Atchley | Apr 28, 2024 | Walk In Clinic Should I be Worried about Norovirus? After work, as you are picking your child up from daycare you are told that three children and a staff member are currently out ill. There is concern that norovirus is making its way through the center. You are handed a sheet with basic information and a warning while being asked to make sure your child and all family members ...

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The Importance of Normalizing STD Testing

The Importance of Normalizing STD Testing Despite advances in medical knowledge and technology, STDs remain pervasive, presenting a complex challenge for healthcare providers and individuals alike. The stigma surrounding STDs often leads to silence and avoidance, further exacerbating the problem. However, breaking this silence and normalizing discussions about STD testing is crucial in combating the spread of these infections and safeguarding individual and community health. Join us as we shed light on the prevalence of ...

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Can Babies Have Seasonal Allergies?

by Julianna Atchley | Apr 14, 2024 | Family Health Can Babies Have Seasonal Allergies? With the arrival of spring, the days are filled with warm air and sunshine, bringing the perfect opportunity for outdoor activities and open windows. However, as you enjoy this refreshing weather, you may notice that your baby seems more congested or less comfortable, leading you to wonder if they might have seasonal allergies. What Are Seasonal Allergies? Seasonal allergies, also known as ...

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Should You Use Ice or Heat for Gout Relief?

Should You Use Ice or Heat for Gout Relief? Are you wondering if you should use ice or heat for gout relief? Both ice and heat therapies can be utilized for managing pain and inflammation; however, cold therapy is likely the best choice for managing pain and inflammation during a gout flare. Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort during flare-ups. This condition, characterized by sudden and severe attacks of ...

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Is Heartburn the Same as GERD?

Is Heartburn the Same as GERD? Have you found yourself experiencing discomfort after indulging in your favorite foods lately? Perhaps you’ve noticed bloating or a warm sensation creeping up your esophagus after a night out with friends. If so, you might be grappling with heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What is Heartburn? Heartburn and GERD often share similar symptoms related to eating habits, food choices, or medication intake. Heartburn, scientifically termed gastroesophageal reflux ...

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Does Insurance Cover Urgent Care Visits?

Is Urgent Care Covered by Insurance Have you been wondering, "Is urgent care covered by insurance?" You've come to the right place.  When an unexpected illness or injury strikes, the need for medical attention can arise suddenly, leaving individuals grappling with where to turn for prompt care. In such instances, urgent care facilities are invaluable resources, offering a middle ground between the high costs of emergency room visits and the long wait times associated ...

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What’s the difference Between a Cold and a Sinus Infection?

What’s the difference Between a Cold and a Sinus Infection? The fields of east Tennessee are beginning to come alive with bits of green popping through the soil and soon, the fields will be bursting with all manner of colorful blooms. Many are joyfully anticipating their first-of-the-season visit to local tulip fields where they can pick vibrant bouquets and tangibly celebrate the arrival of spring. Some of us are expecting with trepidation other signs ...

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What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat?

What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat?  Have you been wondering, ‘what are the bumps in the back of my throat?’ You could be dealing with cobblestone throat or tonsillitis.  Pre-Register What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat? If you've been feeling discomfort in your throat and have noticed red bumps in the back of the throat, you may be wondering what they are. Many people have experienced ...

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How Do Adults Become Lactose Intolerant?

How Do Adults Become Lactose Intolerant? Are you planning a trip to the historic Mayfield Dairy Farms old-fashioned ice cream parlor but have some concerns about enjoying your favorite ice cream? Have you begun to experience unpleasant intestinal issues after eating it? You may be experiencing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Physiological Changes with Age As we age, our bodies begin to reduce production of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is the enzyme the small intestine ...

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What Are Kidney Stones?

More than half a million Americans will go to the emergency room with kidney stone-related issues each year. An estimated one in ten Americans will get a kidney stone in their lifetime. We’ve all heard about kidney stones, but what are they, how do we get them, and how are they treated? What Is a Kidney Stone? A kidney stone is a hard deposit made up of minerals and salts that form inside your ...

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Do I Have Bronchitis?

Do I Have Bronchitis? Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can turn a simple cough into a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. While many may associate it with a bad cold, understanding the causes and available treatment options is crucial for effective management. Common Bronchitis Symptoms Cough Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color—rarely, it may be streaked with blood Fatigue Shortness of breath Slight fever and ...

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What Happens If I Get Salmonella While Pregnant?

What Happens If I Get Salmonella While Pregnant? A safe and healthy pregnancy is a top priority for any mother-to-be. You want to practice proper exercise, diet, and follow health recommendations to keep your baby well. The Athens community has plenty of opportunities to promote health and wellness during pregnancy. Talk to your OB/GYN about safe exercises while pregnant and stay active at local fitness centers such as Athens-McMinn Family YMCA or take a ...

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