Recent Blog Posts

During the holiday season, we tend to cook way more than usual. One unfortunate side effect of this is that cases of food poisoning tend to rise due to improper preparation and storage of food. Food poisoning happens when you consume food that has been contaminated with a virus or bacteria. Typically proper cooking can kill any pathogens that could make you sick, however, undercooked foods or spoiled foods pose an invisible risk to your ...

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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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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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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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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. Save Your Spot Table of Contents What Is It? Signs and ...

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Getting strep throat during pregnancy doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s what to know about treating your symptoms. Save Your Spot 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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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. Save Your Spot 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? 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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Seasonal changes can affect our bodies in big ways. The transition from summer to winter can be harsh on the body and we often see an increase in illness cases among other ailments such as dry skin and general fatigue. If you’re feeling the effects of the seasonal changes, you may want to consider adding a humidifier to your home. Humidifiers have a plethora of health benefits and they are an affordable way to ...

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When you’re sick, it can feel like your symptoms are lasting forever. The severity and duration of illness symptoms can vary greatly from person to person depending on factors like what is causing the symptoms and your overall health. Generally speaking, if your symptoms last more than a week, you should seek medical care. It is unusual for a cough to last more than a week and could indicate an underlying condition that requires ...

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If you’re feeling a ringing in your ears and dizziness, the causes could range from dehydration to vertigo to Meniere’s disease. Learn more. Save Your Spot What Is Tinnitus? A ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise in the ears when no outside sounds are happening is called tinnitus. It’s often a symptom of various conditions but can occur due to exposure to loud noise, earwax accumulation, or age-related hearing loss. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and ...

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Experiencing pain under your right breast? Luckily, the Mayo Clinic says this pain is rarely a concern for breast cancer, nor is it closely associated with heart attacks because your heart is mainly on the left side of your chest. Everyone, not just women, can suffer from sharp pain under their right breast. It can be recurrent or pop up and a sign of multiple different concerns, ranging from mild to serious. Learn more about ...

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Halloween can be challenging for anyone focused on maintaining health goals with sugary treats and indulgent snacks seemingly everywhere. However, enjoying the holiday doesn’t have to mean completely derailing your progress. By planning, setting mindful boundaries, and making smarter choices, you can still partake in the festivities while staying on track. We will discuss practical tips to help you navigate Halloween without compromising your health. This way, you can enjoy the fun while feeling ...

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The belief that cold weather alone can make you sick, particularly if you're not wearing a jacket, is a common misconception. While exposure to cold temperatures without proper clothing can make your body feel chilled and uncomfortable, it doesn't directly cause illness. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not the cold itself. However, being in cold environments can weaken your immune system temporarily, making you more susceptible to contracting various infections. So ...

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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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As the seasons change and back-to-school season begins, you may find yourself reaching for tissues and fighting illness symptoms. There are many different illnesses that can circulate around during the fall months. One very common illness associated with the fall season is the flu, which is a viral infection that can sometimes cause severe illness. If you’re worried about getting sick this fall season, you’re not alone. Keep reading to learn more about ...

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The common cold is caused by a viral infection that impacts your respiratory system. Colds are a widespread ailment with irritating symptoms which often prompt individuals to seek medical treatment. Despite the prevalence of antibiotics as a go-to solution for bacterial infections, they are ineffective against viral illnesses like colds. Understanding the nature of colds and the role of antibiotics is crucial for effective treatment and for promoting responsible medication use. If you’re feeling ...

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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. Save Your Spot Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

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