Recent Blog Posts

Seasonal allergies can significantly impact one’s quality of life, especially during peak allergy seasons. As flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, millions of individuals battle sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.  While many can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter remedies, there comes a point where seeking medical attention becomes necessary.  Pre-Register Understanding Seasonal Allergies Allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens ...

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Sports physical exams, required for athletes before participation, are crucial for identifying risks and ensuring safety in physical activities. These comprehensive health assessments, conveniently accessible at urgent care centers, focus on musculoskeletal health, heart disease, and concussions. Early detection of potential issues allows for prevention of injuries and the implementation of preventive measures.

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by Isaac Zefo | May 30, 2024 | Healthy Living What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)? Ballantyne offers a multitude of exciting hiking trails that beckon adventurers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re hiking solo, with friends, or with family, the joy of exploring the outdoors is unmatched. However, after an invigorating day on the trails, it’s important to stay vigilant about your health. Symptoms like a sore throat, lingering ...

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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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Managing allergies while traveling is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, requiring preparedness. Researching destination allergens, communicating dietary restrictions, and packing essential medications are vital steps. AFC Charlotte NC offers personalized treatment plans and emergency guidance for seasonal allergies, empowering travelers to explore worry-free.

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by Isaac Zefo | May 14, 2024 | Healthy Living How Can I Tell If I Have Sun Poisoning? Two hours. You’ve just applied sunscreen for a trip out on the kayak and you’ve got two hours before you need to seek shade or reapply it. You’ve struggled with keeping to that timeline in the past, but now that you are experiencing frustrating sun-related symptoms, you are redoubling your efforts to watch the clock ...

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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 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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by Isaac Zefo | Apr 28, 2024 | Emergency Clinic A typical comedic scenario involves a character stepping on a rake and getting whacked in the face by the handle. It’s funny until it happens to you—or something similar, like tripping and slamming your face into a door frame. Now, you’re contemplating creative stories to explain your injury, perhaps claiming you’re learning to box, rather than admitting to a moment of clumsiness. You ...

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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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by Isaac Zefo | Apr 14, 2024 | Healthy Living Caramel popcorn with peanuts has always been your favorite treat, but after it landed you in the emergency room, it’s now off-limits. With an allergist appointment on the horizon and two epinephrine auto-injectors in your bag, avoiding peanuts has become your top priority. Let’s look at why peanut allergies are so common and what’s driving this trend. Understanding Peanut Allergies Peanut allergies are among ...

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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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So, you’ve dusted off your old sports gear after a long hiatus indoors, feeling the burst of spring energy propelling you towards a more active lifestyle. But as you eagerly dive back into your favorite activities, you might find your shins protesting the sudden increase in movement. So, the question arises: could it be shin splints? What Are Shin Splints? First off, let’s clarify what we mean by “shin splints.” This term encompasses ...

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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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If you've noticed red bumps in the back of your throat, you may be experiencing cobblestone throat or tonsillitis. Cobblestone throat is caused by enlarged lymphatic tissue in the adenoids or tonsils, often due to postnasal drip or pharyngitis. Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections.

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Indulging in a sumptuous steak or savoring a perfectly grilled chicken is a quintessential American delight. Our culture glorifies meat, often leading us to consume more protein than necessary in a single meal. Before you head out for a night on the town at Let’s Meat KBBQ or O-Ku for some sushi take a moment to learn about protein and your body’s basic requirements. Understanding Protein: The Building Blocks of Life Proteins consist ...

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Are you ever tempted to let your child pop a few grape tomatoes into their mouth, or let your child snack on that fresh carrot before you can get home to wash it? You may find the risk simply isn’t worth it. Young children are known for constantly catching colds or fighting some sort of illness, but children, particularly those under five and infants who are not breastfed are also at higher risk of ...

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Experiencing a burning sensation in your lungs can be alarming, particularly when it comes hand in hand with difficulties in breathing or persistent coughing. While a strenuous workout in chilly weather may be a common cause, it is crucial to recognize that this sensation might also signify an underlying issue, such as bronchitis. What Causes the Burning Sensation in Lungs? Our lungs are responsible for the essential exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. These intricate ...

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Kidney stones are a prevalent and often painful condition that impacts nearly one in 10 Americans each year. While the experience can be challenging, knowledge about kidney stones, their symptoms, and potential treatment options is crucial. What are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid formations that start in the kidneys. They form when certain waste products struggle to dissolve properly in urine, leading to the creation of crystals due to an ...

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Can Humidifiers Help You From Getting the Flu? During this time of year, Ballantyne sees an influx of travelers, whether they’re visiting family or exploring the nearby Grayson Highlands State Park. The season is bustling with people wrapping up their holiday shopping at places like Ballantyne Village or recharging with a boost of energy at local favorites such as Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply. Regardless of the busyness this season entails, it’s crucial to ...

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