Recent Blog Posts

Where Can I Get Tested for STDs?

Imagine strolling into Candy’s Cheesecake Shoppe on a crisp spring morning, the air filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked goods. There’s something about springtime desserts that lifts your spirits. Just as you take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, it’s also important to take care of your health, especially your sexual health. If you’re wondering where to get tested for STDs, AFC Gastonia offers a convenient, confidential ...

Read more..

Is Norovirus Contagious?

If you’ve been hitting the gym at Ultimate Fitness to keep up with your fitness goals, you may be sharing more than just workout equipment. Highly contagious viruses like norovirus can spread quickly in public spaces, leading to unpleasant symptoms that can sideline your routine. But just how contagious is norovirus, and what can you do to protect yourself? At AFC Gastonia, we understand the importance of staying healthy, especially during peak illness seasons ...

Read more..

Dispelling Myths: Can Adults Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is often perceived as an illness that only impacts young children, but adults can get hand, foot, and mouth, too. Dispelling the myth that HFMD exclusively affects children is critical, especially since adults may not realize they're carrying the virus and could inadvertently spread it. Pre-Register What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children, typically those under the age of five. It ...

Read more..

How Long Do Fevers Last in Infants?

When your little one develops a fever, it's natural to worry and wonder, "How long do fevers last in infants?" Fevers are often the body's way of fighting infections by creating a less hospitable environment for germs. While fevers can seem concerning, they are usually not harmful and often resolve on their own. Pre-Register Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...

Read more..

Are Sugar Rushes Real and How Do They Work?

Are sugar rushes real? For decades, many parents have believed in the idea of a “sugar rush,” a phenomenon where kids become hyperactive after consuming sugary snacks or drinks. This belief has led to widespread efforts to limit sugar intake, especially during times when parents want their children to stay calm and focused. Despite its popularity, scientific research shows that the so-called sugar rush is actually a myth. In this blog post, we'll explore ...

Read more..

Does Menopause Make You Tired? A Guide to Symptoms and Support

Does menopause make you tired? Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While it’s often associated with hot flashes and mood swings, many women also experience persistent fatigue during this transition. Feeling tired or low on energy can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when combined with other menopause symptoms. Pre-Register Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...

Read more..

What Is the Best Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

You may wonder, "What is the best diet for irritable bowel syndrome?" The answer depends on your unique symptoms and needs, but several dietary strategies have been known to bring relief. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects millions of people, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, making thoughtful changes to your diet can play a significant role in ...

Read more..

What Are the Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

As winter continues in Gastonia, many people look forward to family outings like Monster Mini Golf. However, for some, the colder months bring more than just holiday cheer; they also bring persistent sadness, low energy, and difficulty staying motivated. If you find yourself feeling down as the days grow shorter, you might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Understanding the signs of SAD is essential for recognizing when it’s time to seek help. In ...

Read more..

Wrist Sprain: How to Heal Quickly

A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Pre-Register Table of Contents How To Tell if You Have a Sprained Wrist Severity of Sprained Wrists How To Treat a Sprained Wrist How To Heal a Sprained Wrist Fast Sprained Wrist Medical Devices Should I Go to the ER or Urgent Care? Activities to Avoid With a Sprained Wrist Visit AFC for Help ...

Read more..

Deep Cut Treatment: What to Do & When to Get Stitches

If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Pre-Register Table of Contents What is Considered a Deep Cut? How Deep Does a Cut Need to Be for Stitches? Treatment Other Concerns to Keep in Mind Where To Go for Treatment What is Considered a Deep Cut? A deep laceration is generally considered over a quarter inch deep, but this also depends ...

Read more..

What Causes Itchy Skin During Winter?

Winter is a time for cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and fun outings like catching a family movie at the Regal Franklin Square. However, alongside the festive joys of the season, many people find themselves battling an unpleasant winter side effect: itchy, dry skin. If you’ve noticed your skin feeling tight, flaky, or irritated, you’re not alone. Understanding what causes itchy skin during winter and learning how to manage it can help you stay ...

Read more..

Stomach Pain After Eating: What's Causing It & How To Fix It

Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Pre-Register Table of Contents Potential Causes and Treatments Upper Stomach vs. Lower Stomach Pain What To Do If Other Symptoms, like Diarrhea, Accompany the Stomach Pain What Do I Do If My Stomach Pain After Eating is Frequent? When Do I Need to See a Medical Provider? Potential Causes and Treatments ...

Read more..

Ear Bleeding: Causes, Treatment & When to Seek Medical Attention

Ear bleeding can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments. Pre-Register Table of Contents Middle or Outer Ear Infection Head Trauma or Falling Torn or Ruptured Eardrum Foreign Object Barotrauma Other Infections Other Symptoms To Watch For When To Visit a Healthcare Provider Visit Your Local AFC Middle or Outer Ear Infection Infections in the ear, whether in the ...

Read more..

Lingering Cough After Cold: How to Get Rid of Your Residual Symptoms

A lingering cough after a cold can be irritating and exhausting. Use these tips to get rid of your residual cough. Table of Contents What Causes a Lingering Cough How to Get Rid of a Chronic Cough Medications to Try When to See a Provider Visit Your Local AFC What Causes a Lingering Cough One of the most common causes of a chronic cough is a postnasal drip caused by allergies or a cold. Plus ...

Read more..

Can You Get a Flu Shot While Sick?

Between November and December, the holiday rush keeps everyone busy. From grocery runs to Harris Teeter to last-minute trips to Fine & Fancy Flowers Inc for a festive bouquet, your schedule stays packed. You were determined to get your flu shot, but a lingering cough or sniffle made you second-guess. Don’t stress—AFC is here to help you make the best decision about when to get vaccinated. Here’s some reassurance: the flu shot doesn ...

Read more..

The Relationship Between Technology and Sleep

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including our bedtime routines. Many people use electronic devices right before bed, whether scrolling through social media, watching TV, or responding to emails, leading to much research into the relationship between technology and sleep. Join us as we explore how technology affects sleep, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for creating a more restful, tech-free sleep environment. Table of Contents How Technology and Sleep ...

Read more..

How Do I Get Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is an unpleasant experience that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal at Constantine’s Restaurant or preparing a home-cooked dish, food poisoning can strike when you least expect it. Understanding what causes food poisoning, recognizing its symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical care can help you recover quickly and prevent complications. Visit AFC Gastonia Today. What Is Food Poisoning? Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness ...

Read more..

How Long Does Vertigo Last?

Vertigo is common yet unsettling - for some, vertigo is a mild inconvenience, while it can significantly disrupt daily life for others. But how long does vertigo last? Whether you're experiencing brief episodes or ongoing bouts, the duration of vertigo largely depends on the underlying cause and the type of vertigo you have. Table of Contents What Is Vertigo? How Long Does Vertigo Last? Can Stress Cause Vertigo? How to Prevent Vertigo Visit AFC ${city ...

Read more..

Why Cold Weather May Cause Body Aches and Joint Pain

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many people struggle with increased body aches and joint pain. It's a common experience to feel more discomfort during the colder months, and while it may seem like a simple coincidence, there's more to this phenomenon than meets the eye. Table of Contents Why Do My Joints Hurt When It's Cold? Strategies to Manage Body Aches and Joint Pain in Winter Concerned About Your ...

Read more..

Hot Tub Rash: What Is It & How to Treat It

If you’ve recently enjoyed some time in a hot tub and now find yourself dealing with an itchy, bothersome rash, you might be experiencing what’s commonly referred to as hot tub rash, also known as hot tub folliculitis. A hot tub rash — with itchy, bumpy, red skin — is an infection from common bacteria in hot tubs and swimming pools. Learn how to treat it. Pre-Register Table of Contents What Is It? Signs and ...

Read more..

Recent Blogs

Is it Allergies or Covid?

If you’re dealing with congestion, a runny nose, or nonstop sneezing in Gastonia, it’s easy to assume seasonal allergies are ...

Read More

Is it a Skin Infection or Just a Bug Bite?

Spending time outdoors in Gastonia, whether you’re working in the yard, walking around Rankin Lake Park, or relaxing on your porch ...

Read More

Are Muscle Strains Possible While Doing Yard Work?

As warmer weather settles into Gastonia, it’s the perfect time to get outside: refresh your yard, plant flowers, and take on ...

Read More