Recent Blog Posts

How to Identify and Treat a Broken Nose

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

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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Why Are Peanut Allergies So Common?

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?

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 it Normal for My Shins to Hurt After Working Out?

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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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 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 Much Protein Should I Eat Each Day?

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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Can Kids Get Salmonella?

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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Why Are My Lungs Burning?

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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How Long Do Kidney Stones Last?

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?

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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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care?

Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Pre-Register What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Charlotte NC

Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Charlotte NC Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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Why Do I Feel Sad During the Winter?

A Guide to Boosting Vitamin D and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) The holidays bring a lot of travellers through Ballantyne this time of year, whether to visit family or to venture out to the nearby Grayson Highlands State Park. It’s a busy time for everyone finishing up holiday shopping at shops like Ballantyne Village or grabbing an extra dose of energy at local favorites like Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply. No matter what this ...

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Is Going to Urgent Care Like Going to the Emergency Room?

Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

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Can I Stay Healthy Throughout the Holiday Season?

This is the question we all want the answer to! Staying healthy at this time of year is crucial so you don’t have to miss out on the fun family events, holiday traditions and quality time spent with your loved ones. However, with all of the different infections and illnesses circulating around, it can sometimes be hard to do. We want you to stay as healthy as possible this year, so taking care of ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Charlotte NC Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?  Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia.  When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns

What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns So, what are the degrees of burns? If you’ve been wondering how to identify burns, we’ve got the answers for you. Burns are a common injury that can occur from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, and sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is crucial ...

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Recent Blogs

When Does My Child Need Stitches for a Playground Cut?

From climbing structures to running across the playground, kids are always on the move and sometimes that means bumps, scrapes, and cuts ...

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Can’t Breathe This Spring? How to Tell if It’s Allergies or a Sinus Infection

When spring arrives, so do blooming trees, longer days, and for many people, relentless congestion. If you’re dealing with sinus pressure ...

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How Long Am I Contagious If I Have the Flu?

If you’ve come down with the flu, one of the first questions that usually comes up is, “How long am I ...

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