Nobody likes to think about STDs. Whether it's transmitting them, having them, or getting tested for them, it seems to be a subject that many people try their hardest to avoid. The reality is that STDs are out there whether you talk about them or not, and it's important to get tested for them. STD testing centers make these examinations quick and easy and even offer anonymous STD testing. It might be uncomfortable ...
Everyone knows that winter is peak time for contagious illnesses. While many believe it's because of the harsh winter weather, that really isn't the case. In the colder months, people are more and more likely to stay indoors where they are exposed to more people, instead of germs diluting through the fresh air, they are contained in schools, daycares, and work offices. So what exactly is going around this time of year? In ...
Everyone knows that winter is peak time for contagious illnesses. While many believe it's because of the harsh winter weather, that really isn't the case. In the colder months, people are more and more likely to stay indoors where they are exposed to more people, instead of germs diluting through the fresh air, they are contained in schools, daycares, and work offices. So what exactly is going around this time of year? In ...
Between 2003 and 2009, waiting time spent in emergency rooms increased from 46.5 minutes to 58.1 minutes. While there are some instances that require the care of an emergency room, it is often preferable to visit an after hours urgent care center for minor injuries and illnesses. Despite how easy it is to visit an urgent care center, it can sometimes be a challenge knowing when it is required. To help you determine ...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases an annual report disclosing the status of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. The 2015 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report showed that the U.S. currently has a record number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Most of these cases were among young adults and teenagers. Over half of all gonorrhea and chlamydia cases were found in those under 25 years of age. As ...
Cool and comfortable autumn weather has many people prepping their homes for the winter. Cleaning gutters, chopping wood, covering delicate plants, and raking up leaves are annual chores for many. And while we often don't give these chores much thought beforehand, it's best that we do. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 333,000 people went to the emergency room for injuries related to garden equipment in 2014. That same ...
Summer is nearly over, and it's likely that you've spent some time in the sun. As tans start to fade, however, many people find themselves going to tanning salons to keep up on their summer glows. While having tan skin may make you feel great, tanning can have long-term effects on your health. Since 1975, skin cancer rates have more than tripled. This is partly due to the thinning of the earth's ...
Summer is nearly over, and it's likely that you've spent some time in the sun. As tans start to fade, however, many people find themselves going to tanning salons to keep up on their summer glows. While having tan skin may make you feel great, tanning can have long-term effects on your health. Since 1975, skin cancer rates have more than tripled. This is partly due to the thinning of the earth's ...
Is your primary care available when you are? Are you apprehensive about visiting a family health clinic to get tested for an STD? Look no further, as there are more options for STD testing than you might have thought possible. While the U.S. does need more primary care physicians -- about 52,000 more by the year 2025 -- online STD testing is available in the meantime. Skeptical? Here's what you should know! How does ...
Is your primary care available when you are? Are you apprehensive about visiting a family health clinic to get tested for an STD? Look no further, as there are more options for STD testing than you might have thought possible. While the U.S. does need more primary care physicians -- about 52,000 more by the year 2025 -- online STD testing is available in the meantime. Skeptical? Here's what you should know! How does ...
Summer might be fun, and spring is lovely, but the best season has got to be fall. The changing leaves, the brisk winds and the warm fires bring everyone closer, and the leisure activities can’t be beat. Over a third of Americans list fall as their favorite season, blowing all of the other seasons out of the water. However, fall requires a change of habits to stay healthy, especially as the days grow shorter ...
For many kids, the summer is a three-month-long outdoor adventure, and they celebrate the warm weather and free time by riding bikes, hiking and playing sports. But as the school year begins, it can become harder for families to carve out the time to be active and stay healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids are getting less physical activity and more junk food than ever, which can lead to a ...
September is Healthy Aging Month, and AFC Urgent Care is dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy and happy lives as they age. As you age, your healthcare needs become more unique. Situations might arise that are scarier as a senior adult than they would have been if you were 20 years younger. At AFC Urgent Care, we understand the special nature of senior adult health concerns, and we are equipped to provide a positive ...
When your child returns to school, it can often mean a renewed exposure to germs and possible injuries. AFC Urgent Care has a tried and true list of recommendations to keep your kids healthy, even when they aren't with you. Here is our back-to-school health kit, a complete list of the portable tools and items that can make the school day much healthier, without much effort on your part. This health kit can fit ...
Family care providers are extremely important if you take the health of you and your family seriously. But while some people have family health care plans provided through their employer, other families are either severely underinsured, on public health insurance, or lack any health insurance coverage at all. No matter your family's insurance situation, there are many benefits to visiting family care providers rather than just going to the emergency room for every little ...
Nighttime fireworks shows, long stays at summer camp, family vacations and the late sunsets of summertime are some of the many joys your child may have experienced during their summer vacation. But getting to take part in these fun-filled moments over the past few months may also mean your child was allowed to have some later bedtimes than normal. Now that school is back in session, you may be wondering how these late bedtimes over ...
Vaccinations are one of the biggest public health innovations in history. Because of the myriad vaccines we have available, we have completely or nearly eliminated several devastating diseases, saving countless lives in the process. Diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough and chickenpox can be debilitating, or even fatal. In order to keep your children — and other students— healthy, you must ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date before school starts. AFC Urgent Care is there for you ...
If your child plays team sports through their school, you are probably looking forward to cheering them on during their season, and planning out your schedule around their practices. But have you planned for their sports physical yet? The pre-participation sports physical is required almost universally in the United States. Sports physicals help prevent risk and assess the health and fitness of children to ensure the activity will be healthy for them. Here’s why ...
The summer equinox, also known as the longest day of the year, was June 20, and the rest of summer is looking pretty bright. With the sun shining that much, most people will be applying more sunscreen than usual. But here at AFC Urgent Care, we know that you need just as much sunscreen on cloudy days and during the winter as you do now. Sun damage can sneak up on your skin if you ...
Summertime is the best time for grilling outdoors with family and friends. But while you're grilling and chilling, we at AFC Urgent Care want to make sure you are staying safe, as well. So take some time to remember these tips for your next summer barbecue, and you'll be better prepared to keep you and your family safe around the grill. Grill Away from Your House It may come as no surprise that ...
