If you have been smoking for a large majority of your life, we are sure you have heard many of the statistics and warnings about the dangers of chronic smoking. It has become more apparent over the last few years just how dangerous this addictive habit can be. We know that quitting an addictive habit can be really hard, but the work you put in now will pay off in many big ways later when ...
We are certainly grateful to live and work in the Chattanooga area. The valley offers wonderful outdoor opportunities and nature trails to explore, and we are glad to see so many of our community members outside right along with us. While you are out and about, beware of bugs! Not all insects are dangerous, but some can cause some uncomfortable symptoms and can actually make you sick if you get bitten or stung. Read on ...
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are incredibly common in our community and across the country. While it may feel uncomfortable to think about potentially contracting an STD, it is always a possibility that you may develop one sometime. Did you know that AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga tests for STDs? We can run a series of tests, including some rapid tests, to get to the bottom of your symptoms and help you feel better faster. Read ...
We are all vulnerable to developing illnesses and conditions throughout our life, no matter how old we are. While some illnesses are more common in childhood, others are more common as you age. Dementia is one illness that becomes more of a risk as you reach later adulthood. No one wants to think about the possibility of losing their memory. Dementia is not only hard on the person who has been diagnosed, but also for ...
When you are pregnant, you are always on high alert when it comes to diet and nutrition. After all, you are working hard to provide the best environment for your perfect little son or daughter! So when you start to feel ill after a meal, it can be a scary experience. Coming down with food poisoning is never fun, but it is especially troublesome when you are pregnant. You are not only more tired and ...
Raise your hand if you love summer! The warmer temperatures are here, and we are loving it right along with you. While the summer season is a favorite for many people, it is important to protect yourself against the dangers of the strong summer sun. Minimizing your long-term exposure and protecting your skin from burning should always be your priority whenever you are outside. Repeated sunburns (and even sun exposure without a burn) can increase ...
The foods you choose to eat on a daily basis have a direct impact on your overall health. It may not feel like it at the moment, but you will feel the effects of a poor diet as you get older and start to experience health complications. One part of our bodies that benefits from a healthy and well-rounded diet is our bones! Having strong bones helps you navigate your day-to-day tasks more easily, and ...
If you suspect a bronchitis or pneumonia infection, you may be feeling pretty sick. Any time our lungs are affected by infection, it can make it harder to breathe normally and can cause a nasty cough. While you may feel sick for a while, the majority of cases will go away on their own in a week or two. That being said, it is crucial that you receive a proper diagnosis for your illness! Certain ...
Influenza is one of the most common contagious illnesses in the world! Because of this, chances are you have at least had it or been exposed to it already this year. Since it is such a common illness, it is important to understand what symptoms are associated with the flu. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there is still time! Getting vaccinated at any point during the season can offer you protection ...
Getting sick is never on anyone’s to-do list, especially around the holiday season. Unfortunately, this time of year is usually when it is more likely that you will get sick. Influenza is all around us, but we have the tools at our disposal to help ward off serious illness. This is where an annual flu shot comes in handy! Our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team recommends that everyone eligible should get a flu shot ...
When we stop to think about some of the greatest human inventions, things like the internet, the telephone and the wheel all probably come to mind! We would also add the development of antibiotics to that star-studded list. The development of antibiotics has reduced our risk of serious complications or death due to a bacterial infection drastically. Coming down with an ear infection or strep throat is no longer usually a threat to your life ...
When you have vertigo, it is more than just a dizzy spell. Your entire body and head is affected and your world seems to continually spin or shift around you. It can be debilitating and begin to impact your daily life. Even though vertigo can be a diagnosis, it is not a disease. Rather, it is a symptom coming from a variety of conditions. Approximately 40% of Americans end up having a case of vertigo ...
Strep throat is a very common infection—especially among those between the ages of 5 and 15. While this infection is very common, it can also turn quite severe if not treated quickly and effectively. With one of strep’s most common symptoms being a sore throat, how are you supposed to know if you actually have this contagious infection or not? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga has some answers, so read on ...
COVID-19, to say the least, has been an unpredictable virus. With symptoms differing in every case, it has been difficult to pinpoint what to expect when experiencing this sickness. However, there is some good news as recent studies have shown that COVID-19 often shows similar initial symptoms, so read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga provides some helpful info. What Are the First Symptoms of COVID-19? According to recent studies done by ...
UTIs, or urinary tract infections, affect millions of men and women every year. Although they’re often treated with antibiotics, there are many things that you can do at home to both treat them and prevent them from occurring again down the road. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga provides some helpful info. Where to start: Figure out if what you’re experiencing constitutes a UTI. A few common symptoms include ...
If it’s not a desk at your office, it’s a kitchen or dining room table. No matter your location, many Americans are sitting a lot more this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. As we all know, lots of sitting is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, but there are still ways you can stay healthy even if you’re working your desk job. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care ...
CDC-recommended health precautions are definitely helpful and necessary; however, they aren’t foolproof protections against COVID-19. While that sounds like scary news, the CDC does state that most cases can be worked through in the comfort of our own homes. If you’ve followed the proper health-safety precautions and you still have come down with a case of the coronavirus, don’t panic! Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga is here to guide you ...
Too much of it will, absolutely. This is unfortunate news for many of us due to the increased amount of time we are spending in our homes. In fact, a recent survey showed that 53% of Americans feel burnt out on screens and most Americans spend an average of 12 hours a day looking at a screen! This much screen time is bound to affect your overall health, and our team at AFC Urgent Care ...
With food apps like DoorDash and UberEats becoming more and more popular, choosing your ingredients and learning to make a home-cooked meal is becoming less and less popular. If you’re looking to become healthier, though, cooking your own meals on a more frequent basis will help if you are intentional in choosing the right ingredients. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga explains why. How Is Cooking a Healthier Option Than ...
Yes, they do! Wearing a mask in public is essential in slowing the spread of COVID-19, particularly until an effective vaccine can be distributed. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga explains why below. What Do Masks Do? Masks limit the amount of respiratory droplets in the air and protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with other droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs. The World Health Organization and the CDC ...
