Summer might be fun, and spring is lovely, but some people believe the best season is fall. The changing of the leaves, the brisk winds and outdoor festive activities bring everyone closer. Over a third of Americans list fall as their favorite season, blowing all of the other seasons out of the water. However, fall requires a change of habits to stay healthy, especially as the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder. Follow ...
September is Healthy Aging Month, and AFC Urgent Care is dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy and happy lives as they age. As you age, your healthcare needs become more unique. Situations might arise that are scarier as a senior adult than they would have been if you were 20 years younger. At AFC Urgent Care, we understand the special nature of senior adult health concerns, and are equipped to provide a positive, comfortable ...
With the new school year slowly creeping up on us, it’s time to start thinking about physicals for the Fall season! Scheduling an annual physical is important for a child’s health, especially since their bodies are constantly developing. School physicals allow parents, teachers and doctors to monitor a child’s growth and health. In addition, school physicals can help prevent serious diseases and old injuries from reoccurring, detect previously unaware conditions and ensure ...
Summertime is the best time for grilling outdoors with family and friends. But while you’re grilling and chilling, here at AFC Urgent Care want to make sure you are staying safe, as well. So take some time to remember these tips for your next summer barbecue, and you’ll be more prepared to keep you and your family safe around the grill. Grill Away from Your House It may come as no surprise that ...
This summer, AFC Urgent Care wants you to watch out for these poisonous plants, and know what to do if you come into contact with them! When it comes to poisonous plants, the three that stand out are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. All three plants cause rashes with a chemical known as urushiol. The rash itself is not contagious, but after touching the plant, oils from the leaves can be transferred everywhere ...
Summer is prime time for beach action but there are some risks you might not know about lurking in the depths of the ocean. It is important to remember to practice safe beach behaviors any time you’re at the coast. Read on for tips to help you stay safe while having fun in the sun. Rip Currents The ocean is very different from a swimming pool, so you have to be aware of what ...
Gorgeous spring and summer weather means it’s time for the whole family to head outside! Unfortunately your family members are not the only ones wanting to enjoy the warmer weather — this time of year is when all kinds of bugs like to come out in full force. While we love seeing all the pretty ladybugs and beautiful butterflies, there are some creepy crawlies that we wish we could avoid. In addition to painful or ...
Here at AFC Urgent Care (formally known as AFC ) we like to remind our patients to take care of their health and be safe every day. This can also mean being safe in the kitchen. There are potential hidden dangers around every corner, especially when using a knife. We partnered with Chip’s Family Restaurant in Fairfield to get a few safety tips when using knives in the kitchen. Adam Bajko, Manager of Chip’s ...
AFC Urgent Care Bridgeport and Fairfield Receive National Recognition Out of 160 Centers, AFC Corporate Honors the Bridgeport and Fairfield Sites With Two Distinguished Awards (Fairfield, Conn. – May 11, 2016) – Dr. Steven Heffer, owner and medical director of AFC Urgent Care in Bridgeport, CT and Fairfield, CT, received national recognition during American Family Care’s National Conference last week held in New Orleans, Louisiana. American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care is the largest national chain ...
Early spring means it’s time for all young athletes to get ready to join their teams to compete in their spring/summer sport. According to a report Sports and Fitness Industry Association, about 21.47 million children in the United States participate in organized sports, which comes to about 75 percent of boys and 69 percent of girls. One essential step in your preparation for your sport of choice should be an athletic physical ...
Now that March is here it is officially National Nutrition Month. This month the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides nutrition education and an informational campaign available to all. The focus of this campaign is to bring attention to the importance of making healthy choices and developing wide-ranging and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is, “Best Fork Forward.” The theme was created as a reminder that we hold the tool to make healthier ...
The United States is one of the most diverse nations in the world. As different as we may seem, our health issues can be very similar. Health care trends tend to be pretty consistent across large groups of the population, so it’s important to pay attention when one becomes widespread. AFC in Bridgeport can advise you on which conditions should concern you and how to take action to prevent them. The No. 1 health ...
Here is the second part of our series on flu season! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the seasonal flu activity peaks between December and February but activity can last as late as May. Now we’re going to get a bit more into the nitty-gritty about how the flu spreads and what makes the flu vaccine work. The influenza virus is a respiratory virus, and it spreads primarily through contact ...
National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 3, 2017. This special day was created in order to bring awareness about the risk of heart disease and stroke in women. Each year, 1 in 3 women lose their lives by being affected by heart disease and stroke. 80% of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Women are encouraged to wear red on this day to take a stand and raise their voice ...
The influenza virus is a seasonal epidemic that typically hits the United States around October and can last until May. Even though this is a yearly occurrence, there are still some misconceptions about the flu and what people should do to protect themselves. To keep our readers informed, we are doing a two-part series on important facts people should know about the flu. Part two will be released next week. The flu is not just ...
Every January, you see the determined, motivated faces of people all around you working to improve themselves in the New Year. Inevitably, by March or even sooner, the vast majority of those have found themselves off-track or completely given up on their goals. It’s not a lack of desire for these changes or even a lack of commitment that has knocked them off the path toward a better self. For many people, change is ...
As we wait for snow to arrive this season it is also time to gear up for all the excitement that comes with winter sports. These outdoor sports include sled riding, skiing, hockey, ice-skating, and snowboarding. Millions of people flock to the parks, ski slopes and skating rinks every year. Dr. Kelly Powers, a podiatrist at Associated Podiatrists of Fairfield mentioned that “snowboarding boots are typically softer than ski boots therefore putting the individual at ...
January 1st marks the beginning of a new year. This year instead of making resolutions that we may have tried in the past, let’s try setting new, realistic ones that will last all of 2017. You will be in it for the long haul this time so set yourself up with determination for a happier and healthier you! Know your numbers – Keep your health as your top priority in 2017 and know your numbers ...
This holiday season give the gift of good health! Instead of spending a fortune on the latest fad, invest in your health and the health of your loved ones. Trends come and go, but good health will always be in style. Whether you’re shopping for a non-athletic individual or a fitness fanatic, this guide will help you find the perfect healthy gift for all the special people in your life. Reusable water bottle The ...
‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings and parties with friends, family and co-workers. Research indicates that it’s not the parties that prompt us to eat, but being around friends and family that may lead to diet missteps. In a study conducted at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, researchers found that dining in a group causes the average person to eat 44 percent more calories than they normally would eating alone (Cooking Light, http ...
