Recent Blog Posts

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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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. Save Your Spot The ...

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Dehydration is a common condition during the warmer summer months. When the temperatures increase, our bodies sweat more which uses up more of our internal water supply. It is vital to keep your body well hydrated because water is required for proper organ function among many other crucial bodily functions. This being said it can sometimes be difficult to remember to drink water. Keep reading to learn more about how your diet can help keep ...

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Staying active is important for your overall health. Incorporating moderate exercise into your schedule on a routine basis can help you maintain good cardiovascular strength, build and maintain your muscles, and supplement healthy joints. It can also decrease your risk for diseases related to obesity. Sometimes injuries happen unexpectedly while being active. Pulled muscles are very common injuries that can be painful and take time to heal. Learn more about treating and preventing pulled muscles ...

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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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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 Bedford MA 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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Stings and bites from insects are common, especially during the summertime when we tend to spend more time outdoors in their space. In most cases, insect bites are harmless and barely noticeable. However, there are certain circumstances where you should seek medical care after a bug bite. Keep reading to learn more about tips for healing bug bites and signs that your bite requires treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our clinic offers walk-in care ...

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Children spend most of their time outside playing during the summer. While this is essential to their mental development, they risk sun damage if they are not properly protected from the sun's harmful UV rays. This article explains how to help prevent your child from getting sunburnt and when to seek medical attention for a sunburn. For same-day sunburn treatment, walk into AFC Urgent Care Bedford. Our walk-in clinic offers rapid care without an ...

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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 Bedford MA 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 Bedford 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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