Recent Blog Posts

What Is the Best Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

You may wonder, "What is the best diet for irritable bowel syndrome?" The answer depends on your unique symptoms and needs, but several dietary strategies have been known to bring relief. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects millions of people, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, making thoughtful changes to your diet can play a significant role in ...

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Do I Have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, many people in Ballantyne look forward to festive activities like ice skating at the Whitewater Center or enjoying holiday lights with family. However, for some, the winter season brings more than just chilly temperatures; it also brings persistent sadness, low energy, and difficulty staying motivated. If you find yourself feeling down every year when winter arrives, you might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Visit AFC ...

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Wrist Sprain: How to Heal Quickly

A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Pre-Register Table of Contents How To Tell if You Have a Sprained Wrist Severity of Sprained Wrists How To Treat a Sprained Wrist How To Heal a Sprained Wrist Fast Sprained Wrist Medical Devices Should I Go to the ER or Urgent Care? Activities to Avoid With a Sprained Wrist Visit AFC for Help ...

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Deep Cut Treatment: What to Do & When to Get Stitches

If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Pre-Register Table of Contents What is Considered a Deep Cut? How Deep Does a Cut Need to Be for Stitches? Treatment Other Concerns to Keep in Mind Where To Go for Treatment What is Considered a Deep Cut? A deep laceration is generally considered over a quarter inch deep, but this also depends ...

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Why Does My Skin Itch in the Winter?

As winter continues in Ballantyne, the crisp air and festive outings, like catching the film at Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen, make the season a blast for you and your family. But along with the winter fun comes an unwelcome side effect: itchy, dry skin. If you’ve been struggling with skin irritation as temperatures drop, you’re not alone. Understanding why your skin itches in the winter and knowing how to manage it can ...

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Stomach Pain After Eating: What's Causing It & How To Fix It

Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Pre-Register Table of Contents Potential Causes and Treatments Upper Stomach vs. Lower Stomach Pain What To Do If Other Symptoms, like Diarrhea, Accompany the Stomach Pain What Do I Do If My Stomach Pain After Eating is Frequent? When Do I Need to See a Medical Provider? Potential Causes and Treatments ...

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Ear Bleeding: Causes, Treatment & When to Seek Medical Attention

Ear bleeding can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments. Pre-Register Table of Contents Middle or Outer Ear Infection Head Trauma or Falling Torn or Ruptured Eardrum Foreign Object Barotrauma Other Infections Other Symptoms To Watch For When To Visit a Healthcare Provider Visit Your Local AFC Middle or Outer Ear Infection Infections in the ear, whether in the ...

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Lingering Cough After Cold: How to Get Rid of Your Residual Symptoms

A lingering cough after a cold can be irritating and exhausting. Use these tips to get rid of your residual cough. Table of Contents What Causes a Lingering Cough How to Get Rid of a Chronic Cough Medications to Try When to See a Provider Visit Your Local AFC What Causes a Lingering Cough One of the most common causes of a chronic cough is a postnasal drip caused by allergies or a cold. Plus ...

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Is a Flu Shot Safe While Sick?

Flu season in Ballantyne is the perfect time to enjoy cozy coffee shops, like Summit Coffee. However, it’s also when the flu virus begins to circulate, putting everyone at risk of illness. Staying healthy is key to fully enjoying everything the local area has to offer, and one of the best tools at your disposal is the annual flu shot. But what happens if you’re feeling under the weather? Can you still get ...

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The Relationship Between Technology and Sleep

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including our bedtime routines. Many people use electronic devices right before bed, whether scrolling through social media, watching TV, or responding to emails, leading to much research into the relationship between technology and sleep. Join us as we explore how technology affects sleep, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for creating a more restful, tech-free sleep environment. Table of Contents How Technology and Sleep ...

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What is Food Poisoning?

Living in Ballantyne means enjoying a variety of amazing local eateries, like Juniper Grill, and seasonal food festivals. Still, even some of the best meals can have unexpected consequences. Food poisoning is a common yet unsavory health concern that can ruin your whole day and even present serious health risks if left untreated. Knowing its causes, symptoms, and treatment options puts you out of its way and back onto your feet when it does strike ...

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How Long Does Vertigo Last?

Vertigo is common yet unsettling - for some, vertigo is a mild inconvenience, while it can significantly disrupt daily life for others. But how long does vertigo last? Whether you're experiencing brief episodes or ongoing bouts, the duration of vertigo largely depends on the underlying cause and the type of vertigo you have. Table of Contents What Is Vertigo? How Long Does Vertigo Last? Can Stress Cause Vertigo? How to Prevent Vertigo Visit AFC ${city ...

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Why Cold Weather May Cause Body Aches and Joint Pain

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many people struggle with increased body aches and joint pain. It's a common experience to feel more discomfort during the colder months, and while it may seem like a simple coincidence, there's more to this phenomenon than meets the eye. Table of Contents Why Do My Joints Hurt When It's Cold? Strategies to Manage Body Aches and Joint Pain in Winter Concerned About Your ...

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Hot Tub Rash: What Is It & How to Treat It

If you’ve recently enjoyed some time in a hot tub and now find yourself dealing with an itchy, bothersome rash, you might be experiencing what’s commonly referred to as hot tub rash, also known as hot tub folliculitis. A hot tub rash — with itchy, bumpy, red skin — is an infection from common bacteria in hot tubs and swimming pools. Learn how to treat it. Pre-Register Table of Contents What Is It? Signs and ...

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Strep Throat & Pregnancy: How to Soothe a Sore Throat When You're Expecting

Getting strep throat during pregnancy doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s what to know about treating your symptoms. Pre-Register Table of Contents How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? Risks of Getting Strep Throat While Pregnant Strep Throat Treatment Preventing Strep Throat During Pregnancy Visit AFC for Answers How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? A bacterial infection causes strep throat and typically comes with a sudden onset of ...

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What Is Barking Cough?

As the winter chill takes hold in Ballantyne and festive events fill your calendar, it’s a season for cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations. But while strolling through the Shops at Ardrey Kell or enjoying community festivities, you might hear your child’s cough suddenly take on a strange, bark-like sound. Understandably, this could raise concern and prompt questions about what’s causing it. AFC Ballantyne is here to provide clarity and support when it ...

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RICE Method: What It Is & When to Use It

If you’ve twisted your ankle or sprained your wrist, you may have been told to follow the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and it can help soothe injured joints and tissues. Pre-Register What Is RICE? RICE is a self-care technique that can relieve pain, reduce swelling, and speed up the recovery process for minor musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises. Medical providers often use it as part ...

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Can Exercise Improve Your Mood?

Can exercise improve your mood? Regular aerobic activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and even dancing have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Understanding how exercise impacts both your body and mind can empower you to use physical activity as a tool for better mental well-being. Exercise Can Improve Your Mood When you exercise, your body does more than just burn calories—it also enhances brain function. One key way exercise boosts ...

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What Is Walking Pneumonia?

As winter approaches, illnesses like colds, flu, and respiratory infections become more common. Among these is walking pneumonia—a milder form of pneumonia that can still cause discomfort and disrupt daily life. In Ballantyne, staying healthy is essential, especially with so many outdoor activities to enjoy in the local area. Understanding the symptoms of walking pneumonia and knowing when to seek medical care can help you stay ahead of this illness. Visit AFC Ballantyne today ...

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AFC Urgent Care Opens Earlier to Better Serve Ballantyne, NC

Cold and flu season is here, and for many in Ballantyne, NC, mornings bring the first signs of illness—sore throats, fevers, and fatigue. AFC Urgent Care is making it easier for you to get care when you need it by opening earlier! Our new weekday hours are 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, providing even more access to high-quality healthcare. This small but impactful change allows patients to receive treatment ...

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