Recent Blog Posts

As the weather becomes cooler in Ballantyne, respiratory illnesses like colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are more prevalent. These illnesses share several overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to determine what might be causing your discomfort. However, understanding the key differences between these infections can help you take the right steps for treatment and avoid spreading illness to others. Learn more about differentiating between COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold to keep you healthy and ...

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Is psoriasis itching? Read on to learn more about this skin disease. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells. While itching is one of the most common symptoms of psoriasis, it’s far from the only challenge those with the condition face. Flare-ups, where symptoms worsen significantly, can be triggered by a variety of factors, making it crucial to understand what ...

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What does a broken ankle look like? Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you take a simple misstep while walking or participating in a more vigorous activity like sports, a twist or fall can lead to a painful ankle injury. However, distinguishing between a sprain and a fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Understanding the Ankle Structure The ankle is a ...

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Are you worried the common cold leads to the flu? Not quite! While it might feel like you’re jumping from one illness to another, colds and the flu are caused by different viruses, meaning you can’t catch the flu from a cold. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne is here to share some important facts about the flu, so you can get back to getting coffee at Littl Madeleine ...

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As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help your child lose weight, but taking proactive steps is essential for their future well-being. Addressing childhood obesity is more than a matter of physical appearance; it's about preventing long-term health complications. By learning more about the causes and effects of obesity and taking action through small lifestyle changes, you can make a big difference in your child's life. What Is ...

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While poison ivy rashes are common, many people aren’t fully aware of the different stages they go through—from the moment you make contact with the plant to the final stages of healing. In this post, we’ll walk you through each of the poison ivy rash stages, helping you understand what’s happening to your skin and how to manage the discomfort. Pre-Register Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

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Sep 10, 2024 | Healthy Living What Are Amino Acids? Life in Ballantyne is always active, whether you’re balancing work, staying fit, or enjoying outdoor activities. We are in a quickly growing area, with beautiful housing developments, fine dining, and upscale shopping complexes which means there is always something to do. To keep up with this busy Charlotte lifestyle, it’s important to stay healthy and energized. Amino acids play a crucial role in this ...

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In the realm of athletic performance, we often focus on training regimes, nutrition, and mental strategies. However, one crucial element frequently overlooked is the relationship between sleep and athletic performance. Sleep is not merely a passive state but a vital component of an athlete's recovery and performance. The adage "sleep is for the weak" couldn’t be further from the truth; adequate rest is a cornerstone of peak physical and mental functioning. Pre-Register The ...

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Why Does Skin Become Dry During Fall? During the fall, the drop in humidity levels both indoors and outdoors leads to moisture evaporating more quickly from your skin. Cooler temperatures can constrict blood vessels, reducing the delivery of essential oils and nutrients that keep your skin hydrated. Moreover, the shift from cold outdoor air to heated indoor environments can further strip the skin of its natural moisture. These environmental changes make the skin more prone ...

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Whether at a desk in the office or working remotely from home, many employees spend the majority of their day seated. While this may seem like a routine part of adult life, research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can impact our health. Workplace wellness programs offer a solution. These initiatives can help counteract the negative effects of sitting and promote overall well-being. Join us as we explore the dangers of prolonged sitting and how ...

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Aug 15, 2024 | Healthy Living Is It Dislocated? Understanding Dislocations Staying active isn’t a difficult task in Ballantyne with its many nature parks, including the Fitness Trail, but it’s important to be gentle on your joints. A dislocation occurs when a joint comes apart, causing the bones to shift out of their normal position. This painful injury can happen to anyone, but it’s particularly common in athletes or individuals involved in physically ...

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Whiplash can often be diagnosed through a history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, how long they have lasted, and how the injury occurred, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-ray services to confirm the extent of the injury. While commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash can also occur from sports injuries, falls, or physical assaults. It's characterized by symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive disturbances, which can ...

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Are you planning a trip abroad and find yourself wondering, “what vaccines are required for international travel?” AFC in Charlotte NC provides all this information and more in this guide. One crucial aspect of travel preparation is ensuring you're protected against diseases that may be rare or nonexistent in the United States but prevalent in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are a key part of this protection, helping to prevent the spread of ...

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Why Is it Better to Go to an Urgent Care Clinic and Not the Hospital? In a medical situation, most people’s first reaction is to rush to the nearest hospital. But often, this isn’t the right decision regarding healthcare. Thankfully, other options – such as urgent care clinics – provide excellent treatment while saving time and money. An urgent care center is a medical center that provides immediate, short-term care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries ...

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Can humans get fleas from dogs? Fleas are tiny, persistent parasites that primarily target our beloved pets, such as dogs. However, many pet owners wonder if these pesky insects can also infect humans. Understanding the relationship between fleas, dogs, and humans is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. What Are Fleas? Fleas are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Despite their size, they are formidable parasites that survive by feeding on the ...

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Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health, especially for children, as they protect against a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. But how many vaccines do kids get? In the US, children follow a carefully structured immunization schedule designed to provide protection from their earliest stages of life. This schedule ensures that kids receive the right vaccines at the right time, helping to build immunity before exposure to common infectious diseases. How Many Vaccines ...

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by Isaac Zefo | Jul 30, 2024 | Healthy Living What is the CDC Saying About COVID in 2024? Learn about the CDC’s 2024 COVID-19 guidelines, including updated vaccination recommendations, preventive measures, and simplified guidance for respiratory illnesses. As we navigate through 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to adapt its guidelines and recommendations for COVID-19, reflecting the evolving landscape of the pandemic. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what the CDC ...

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If you’ve been wondering how long to fast before blood work, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, AFC in Charlotte NC breaks down the essentials of fasting before blood work to guide you through the process. Fasting before blood work can be confusing, but it’s crucial to ensure accurate test results. Whether you’re checking your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, or other key health indicators, what you eat—or ...

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Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC Ballantyne Today From urgent care to lab testing, AFC offers many services.* As we navigate through the complexities of life, the demand for accessible and high-quality healthcare has never been more important. This article aims to shed light on the myriad services provided by AFC, focusing on our commitment to delivering exceptional care across various facets of health management. *Please note that services may vary across locations. Please contact ...

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by Isaac Zefo | Jul 14, 2024 | Healthy Living How Does Stress Affect the Body? Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges and demands in life. While a little stress can be motivating, prolonged stress can have a significant impact on your body and health. You may find yourself withdrawing from social events, becoming less patient with loved ones, or experiencing conflicts more frequently. These can enforce feelings of stress and anxiety, creating a ...

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