Recent Blog Posts

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 ...

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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 ...

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Sore throat is a condition marked by pain in the throat and has a broad number of causes. Most cases of sore throat are cured naturally but others require urgent care and may lead to long-term issues if left untreated. How can you determine when that dry, sore feeling in your throat requires medical attention? Use this guide for the most common causes of sore throat from mild to serious. Cold or Flu A majority ...

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“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 ...

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AFC Urgent Care center is a full-service walk in clinic servicing the residents of Bridgeport and the surrounding towns. We offer a number of services, from minor cuts and burns to blood work and x-rays. We understand your time is valuable, which is why our center provides convenient and extended hours. We are open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 ...

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AFC Urgent Care centers are known for advanced patient care provided by expert physicians and staff, particularly in the areas of urgent care and occupational medicine. We treat most non-life threatening injuries and illnesses, and you are guaranteed to always be seen by a doctor every visit. Our team at AFC Bridgeport has a professional staff of physicians, x-ray technicians and medical assistants here to not only provide you with high quality care but a ...

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Emergency Room visits can be a burden on your wallet, and most times, what you went in there for could have been treated at an urgent care center for 1/5 the cost! AFC Urgent Care in Bridgeport, CT can provide treatment to most non-life threatening injuries and illnesses. Unsure if you should go to the ER or our urgent care center to be treated? Check out a list of Urgent Care situations versus Emergency ...

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At AFC Bridgeport we are staying ahead of the game to you by bringing you the latest guidelines on sports related concussions and head trauma, and on how you can help keep your children safe when playing high impact contact sports. Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury: Protect Your Kids Connecticut is one of the first states to enact new laws requiring all those working with athletes (coaches, trainers, phys-ed teachers) and anyone working with students ...

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of many non-polio enteroviruses. At AFC Bridgeport you can get tested for EV-D68 in a quick, painless way. The test is done by performing a nasal swab, and results can be revealed within 48 hours. Below are some questions and answers provided by the CDC. For additional information on EV-D68 visit CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov ...

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Flu season is officially here – have you been vaccinated? Symptoms of the flu include headaches, body aches, fever, cough and sore throat. If you are suffering from any of the signs above, contact your doctor immediately. It is extremely important for you and your family to receive their yearly flu shots for many reasons. The most important reason is because the influenza virus causes nearly 36,000 deaths and 226,000 hospitalizations per year. Other ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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It’s hard to believe we barely survived spring allergies this year, and it looks like we are not in the clear just yet! Summer allergies are in full bloom and if you are suffering like the rest of us, you should know what it is that is causing your discomfort! Flowers and trees have already blossomed in the spring, but the pollen in grasses and weeds is what’s making us feel groggy, congested ...

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One of the most common office visits doctors will see during the summer months are complaints of ear pain and discomfort. More often than not, the discomfort is an indication of Swimmer’s Ear. Swimmer’s Ear is caused by a bacterium that builds up due to excessive moisture within the outer ear canal. It is most common during the summer months because we are showering more often, as well as hot temperatures outdoors are ...

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In order to reduce your risk of sunburn and the effects of sun damage to your skin, you should take the following steps; 10 am to 4 pm is when the sun is at its strongest. Try to avoid being outside during these hours. If you do have to be outside or made plans to go to the beach/pool then you should; Wear a wide brimmed hat Sunglasses Sun protective clothing such as; light ...

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Dehydration occurs when we lose too much fluid in our bodies causing our bodies to become unbalanced and dehydrated. Water is an extremely important component in stabilizing our bodies so you should always drink a lot of fluids, especially in the summer, because the more you sweat out, urinate and exhale, the more water you lose in your system. Symptoms of dehydration include; Weakness Dizziness Increased thirst Fainting Lack of urination/dark colored urine Weariness ...

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  Dr Heffer was interviewed by Bill Fallon of WestfairOnline, the online version of Fairfield County Business Journal Here’s an excerpt:   You’ve opened a new urgent care facility. How big is its footprint? How many on staff and in what positions? “Our urgent care center is 3,700 square feet. We currently employ 12 to 15 people, some full-time staff as well as part-time. The positions include medical assistants, nurses and radiology technicians. We ...

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At AFC Bridgeport we are already seeing people walking in with seasonal allergy symptoms,  earlier than usual. Allergies are expected to be worse than ever this year due to the extreme cold weather and the ‘polar vortex’. Because of all of the melting snow in much of the country and here in Connecticut, a lot of moisture has been produced and causes more pollen and mold spores to form. Many people are allergic to mold ...

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(Bridgeport, Conn. – March 27, 2014) – The Bridgeport Bluefish and Dr. Steven Heffer have come to terms on an agreement that makes the doctor one of the most valuable players for the team. Dr. Heffer, the Chief Medical Director of AFC Bridgeport Urgent Care Center, has been named the Official General Practitioner of the Bridgeport Bluefish Baseball Team. “It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” Dr. Heffer, said. “I’ve been a baseball fan all ...

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