" If you have recently come into contact with a poison ivy plant and are starting to develop an irritating and uncomfortable rash, here are a few things you can do to prevent the rash from spreading and treat the discomfort. Immediately rinse your skin with warm water Wash all clothing and anything that may have come into contact with the oils Do not scratch the affected areas, this can lead to further infection Consider a ...
" While some people are still shoveling snow, many Americans are facing yet another blow from the weather just in time for spring – a sudden explosion of pollen for what’s expected to be a particularly nasty allergy season. March has yet to go out like a lamb, and we at AFC can already tell that this month’s wacky weather is wreaking havoc on allergy sufferers, as our centers are already seeing patients flock in ...
" As temperatures plunge into dangerous territory, hitting unexpected extremes even for February, we at AFC want to remind you that cold weather comes with its own set of dangers. Along with general discomfort from those blustery winds and freezing temperatures, frostbite and hypothermia are very real risks, particularly to older people and the homeless. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, more than half of all hypothermia-related deaths occur in people 65 and over ...
" February can be a bleak month, filled with gray, dreary days and chilly, blustery nights. While the chill in the air can’t be blamed for bugs going around the office or school, the cold itself can irritate the body, causing minor ailments. Each winter season, doctors here at AFC find more and more patients complaining of some common winter issues, in addition to colds and flu. Topping the list of patient complaints are sore ...
" Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a scary report, outlining the severity of the flu this year. Due to an uptick in deaths attributed to the flu, the CDC declared the flu had reached epidemic status. While that sounds serious, there are still ways for you to ward off the flu and stay healthy this season. The flu is particularly troublesome for children under 5 — and especially under 2 — and for adults ...
" The recent and tragic death of a 17 year old teen from Minnesota has many concerned about the flu epidemic currently on rise in the United States. Statistics show that flu activity is high in nearly half the country — 22 states and Puerto Rico, and experts are urging people to take preventive action by getting vaccinated, regardless if they are healthy or not. The elderly are generally those worst-affected. Flu-related hospitalizations among people 65 and ...
" “Yes, mom, we heard you! We know it’s cold out there. We’re grabbing our coats right now!” “This scratchy throat and runny nose will definitely get better with some homemade chicken soup.” “Of course we promise to cough into our elbows.” We’ve all heard our mothers’ best remedies and advice for cold and flu season, as well as some old wives’ tales that have been passed along from generation to generation. Whether ...
" Millions of Americans are visiting the Emergency Room each year and studies have shown that over one third of these patients are not in true need of emergent care and could be treated at an urgent care center. Urgent care centers are an excellent choice for illnesses and injuries that require prompt attention but do not pose an immediate, serious threat to your health or life. Visiting an urgent care center for non-emergent care will ...
" Unpredictable, but completely preventable, making sure that you received a seasonal flu vaccination is our top priority in keeping you and your family healthy. The flu has been known to cause over 36,000 deaths and over 226,000 hospitalizations. This is completely avoidable since there are flu vaccines available to anyone who is 6 months and older. Children under 5, the elderly and pregnant women are more likely to contract the virus making it ...
" We don’t know about you, but sometimes it seems like unhealthy temptations lurk around every corner! Whether it’s a whipped cream smothered coffee drink or a savory fried dinner option, making healthy lifestyle choices can be a challenge! At the same time, we are also bombarded by new health and lifestyle fads at every turn. From cleanses and superfoods to antioxidant drinks and workout programs, we are promised quicker, easier and more intense ...
" Kids spend more time at school during the year than anywhere else, and while every parent knows the back to school season is filled with shopping excursions, new school supplies and other preparations, there is one other important thing many people forget. It’s time to make your children’s health part of your back to school to-do list. You know, something you can actually feel good about spending your money on! Whether they’re ...
" Nothing feels better on a hot summer day than a dip in the pool. It’s a great way to keep kids — and parents! — occupied and happy. And while no one wants a damper on their fun, it is important to remember that pools can be dangerous places. While most trips to the pool result in a playful afternoon and fun memories, unfortunately drowning, poisoning and even chemical burns can occur. According to the CDC ...
" Around a week ago a patient from Quincy, MA visited our urgent care facility. The individual was extremely satisfied with the entire process from filling out the initial paperwork to the efficienct diagnosis from Dr. Shevock. Here is what the patient had to say: “I had a wonderful experience at AFC in Braintree. I filled out all the necessary paperwork, barely had a wait time, and quickly saw Dr. Shannon Shevock. She was extremely efficient ...
" There has been a significant amount of snowfall and storms this winter in Massachusetts. AFC would like to offer some helpful tips to avoid injury when shoveling or driving in the snow. When shoveling make sure to: Use the shovel properly and as it was intended. Do not try to over exert yourself. Try not to lift too much snow and do not do more than you are capable of doing. Do not twist your ...
" Winters in New England can be very rough and this winter is no exception. With the extreme cold, we want to give you some tips to avoiding frostbite this winter. Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and tissue underneath. This typically affects small exposed areas such as fingers, nose, and ears. It can range from mild to severe. Mild can easily be treated by warming the skin with warm water. Severe needs medical attention ...
" Winter is the time of year that both the common cold and the influenza vaccine are prevalent. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference. Both are viruses that cause upper respiratory illness. Typically, influenza causes more severe symptoms and colds tend to be mild. Flu symptoms also include body aches, a fever, extreme tiredness, and a dry cough. A cold is more likely to have stuffy or running nose. A flu can cause ...
" It’s that time of year again. That end of summer ritual of getting your kids ready for back to school. Part of that ritual is the dreaded school and sports physicals. Does my child really need to do this?? How much of my beautiful summer day will be spent waiting to be seen? What is this going to cost me? Unfortunately, the answer is to the first question is yes, they do need to ...
" This month we’re celebrating our first year of business here at AFC urgent care in Braintree. One of the unexpected pleasures of opening our center has been getting to know our local communities and their families, and helping them to answer their pressing healthcare questions. One of those questions that we get asked a lot is “when should I use Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room for my child?” I have four children, and ...
" The top 5 reasons urgent care is right for Massachusetts Now On June 2nd, we will be bringing the second AFC Urgent Care to Massachusetts right here in Braintree. Some of you may have already seen the articles in the papers. And some of you may already have experience with urgent care in other states. Or may even remember when urgent care gained a nominal foothold here in Massachusetts for a short time years ago ...
" Check out our nationally televised AFC TV commercial produced and directed by our center director, Kevin Moehlenkamp! "
