" What is it about guys and going to the doctor? A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that men are 80 percent less likely than women to regularly visit a medical professional. AFC Urgent Care would like to take a minute to address why men don’t go to the doctor, and why they really should. They don’t think anything is wrong. No nagging pains, no skyrocketing fever and ...
" Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It’s often brought on by water that remains in your ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that aids bacterial growth. Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in your ears also can lead to swimmer’s ear by damaging the thin layer of skin lining your ear canal. Swimmer’s ear ...
" Last week, we told you about a young woman who shared her graphic battle with skin cancer with the world. We brought you up to speed on the dangerous realities of tanning beds and the harm they can cause your skin. This week, we’re taking a look at some of the best ways to prevent skin cancer as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and ...
" A story making the news rounds caught our eye recently. A long-time tanning bed devotee posted a graphic selfie featuring her face with some pretty severe looking damage, which she said was a direct result of her time spent in tanning beds during her teen years. After being diagnosed with two types of skin cancer, the 20-something’s candid shot of her treatment has put a, well, face, on the disease and given others something ...
" Who’s got a question? You should! When it comes to urgent care, patients often expect to be the ones answering questions, but it’s important for patients to ask questions, too. This helps your doctor develop an accurate diagnosis and helps you take an active role in your health. At AFC Urgent Care , we know it’s easy to clam up or feel embarrassed in front of a doctor, but caring about your health ...
" Regular physical activity is good for everyone’s health, and people 1 year or older and body types can be physically active. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to spread the word about the benefits of getting active. Here are just a few benefits of physical activity: Children and adolescents – Physical activity can improve muscular fitness and bone and heart health. Adults – Physical activity can lower risk for heart disease, type ...
" Now that August has arrived, that can only mean one thing it’s time for the kids to start heading back to school! But did you know that August is also National Immunization Awareness Month? Getting immunized against infectious diseases is important for your health, as well as the health of those around you. And with the start of the new school year just around the corner, it is especially important for your child’s ...
" Whether it’s a few steps around your living room or a line dance with friends, dancing can have immediate health benefits, as well as long-term effects for life. Dancing is a popular, doctor-recommended activity that offers cardiovascular exercise, social interaction and other health benefits to keep you moving! Although the benefits vary based on the type of dance routine you choose, dancing is still a great way to keep your body healthy. Immediate Benefits ...
" How can I tell if my child has broken a bone? Although the term fracture may sound serious, it is just another name for a broken bone. As you probably remember from your own childhood, fractures are very common. In fact, they are the fourth most common injury among children under age six. Falls cause most of the fractures in this age group, but the most serious bone breaks usually result from car crashes. A ...
" Nothing says “America” quite like the summer sun, burgers sizzling on the grill and later, the crackle-boom of fireworks in the night sky. This Independence Day, we want you to take pride in your country and enjoy fireworks with your families safely. According to a 2013 study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 230 people visit the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries every day during the 4th of July timeframe. Instead of spending that time ...
" Break out the lunch boxes and the three-ring binders, back-to-school season is upon us again! Amid the mad dash for backpacks, pencil cases and the rapidly approaching school bus, it’s easy to forget about the health concerns of going back to school. Back-to-school time is also prime time for germs and bugs; an enormous number of children spend most of the day in close contact and touch a lot of shared surfaces (e.g ...
" Strolling the streets of Paris or taking in the scenery in the Greek islands are great ways to spend a summer vacation abroad. But with all the memories you’ll be making, don’t make the mistake of getting sick. Going abroad comes with its own set of health dangers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a comprehensive list of diseases to be wary of. But if you don’t anticipate coming ...
" As Mother’s Day approaches, most of us are planning visits and meals or hunting for a last-minute gift to celebrate Mom. Whether you’re a mom, a dad, or just a grateful child, Mother’s Day is a great time to think about health. After all, we want Mom to be around forever! At AFC Urgent Care , we’re urging moms to use the day as a way to make health a priority. In ...
" Everyone’s heard it before. “We were stuck in the ER for hours.” It makes sense; your primary care physician might be booked till next Tuesday, but sudden illnesses and injuries can’t wait that long. So you shuttle your sick or injured loved one to an emergency room and wait. And wait. And … well, you get the picture. Here are some reasons why it might be a better idea to take a quick trip ...
" While there is a lot of talk about the ‘universal health benefits’ of going gluten-free, there are many aspects of the lifestyle that most people are still unsure or unaware about. We believe that there is some truth out there, but that it is also important to clear the air on some of the bigger gluten and gluten-free myths Myth #1: Everyone should try going Gluten-free! Unless you have been medically diagnosed with celiac disease ...
" With flu season amping up and people in close contact during events with friends and family, it’s easier than ever to pick up a bug that can knock you on your heels and keep you on the sidelines, missing the holiday action. At AFC Urgent Care , we want to make sure you get to sample Grandma’s eggnog without sneezing your way through the party. The best way to do that? Protect yourself from ...
" An estimated more than 800 million travelers worldwide cross international boundaries each year. However, whether associated with tourism, humanitarian efforts, globalization of industry, or migrant workers, studies suggest only a small number seek pre-travel health advice. In addition, the composition of those traveling continues to become more diverse and medically complex, creating a vastly different perspective on travel-associated medical concerns, preparations, and required medical knowledge. With these decreasing boundaries and increasing activities, travel medicine has ...
" You probably know firsthand that sleep affects mood. After a sleepless night, you may be more irritable, short-tempered, and vulnerable to stress. Once you sleep well, your mood often returns to normal. Studies have shown that even partial sleep deprivation has a significant effect on mood. University of Pennsylvania researchers found that subjects who were limited to only 4.5 hours of sleep a night for one week reported feeling more stressed, angry, sad, and ...
" They don’t call it that crazy little thing called love for no reason. Being in love releases tons of chemicals that can do crazy things to your body. No need to worry, though, all the little things love does to you can have a major positive impact on your physical well-being. Here are a few reasons why your health benefits from the effects of love! Physical fitness: It comes as no surprise that being ...
" Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to both good and bad experiences that can be beneficial to your health and safety. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones and increasing your heart and breathing rates. Your brain gets more oxygen, giving you an edge in responding to a problem. In the short term, stress helps you cope with tough situations. Stress can be triggered by the pressures of everyday responsibilities at work ...
