Recent Blog Posts

How to Help My Child Lose Weight: All About Childhood Obesity

As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help your child lose weight, but taking proactive steps is essential for their future well-being. Addressing childhood obesity is more than a matter of physical appearance; it's about preventing long-term health complications. By learning more about the causes and effects of obesity and taking action through small lifestyle changes, you can make a big difference in your child's life. What Is ...

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From Contact to Recovery: Demystifying Poison Ivy Rash Stages

While poison ivy rashes are common, many people aren’t fully aware of the different stages they go through—from the moment you make contact with the plant to the final stages of healing. In this post, we’ll walk you through each of the poison ivy rash stages, helping you understand what’s happening to your skin and how to manage the discomfort. Pre-Register Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

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How Many Days Does the Flu Last?

Sep 11, 2024 | Healthy Living With so many illnesses to keep track of, like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Despite our best efforts to stay healthy, catching influenza remains a possibility for many. If you’re currently dealing with the flu, we understand how frustrating it can be. Typically, influenza is a common respiratory virus that resolves within a week. To help you manage your symptoms and recover more ...

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The Critical Role of Sleep in Athletic Performance

In the realm of athletic performance, we often focus on training regimes, nutrition, and mental strategies. However, one crucial element frequently overlooked is the relationship between sleep and athletic performance. Sleep is not merely a passive state but a vital component of an athlete's recovery and performance. The adage "sleep is for the weak" couldn’t be further from the truth; adequate rest is a cornerstone of peak physical and mental functioning. Pre-Register The ...

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8 Common Autumn Health Risks and How to Stay Safe

Aug 30, 2024 | Uncategorized Autumn is a season of vibrant colors, crisp air, and outdoor fun in Gastonia. Whether you’re raking leaves, hiking through scenic trails, or enjoying cozy evenings by a bonfire, there’s a lot to love about this time of year. However, with the change in season also comes a rise in certain injuries and ailments. At AFC Gastonia, we notice a pattern each fall as patients come in with issues ...

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Sitting Less, Moving More: The Role of Workplace Wellness Programs

Whether at a desk in the office or working remotely from home, many employees spend the majority of their day seated. While this may seem like a routine part of adult life, research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can impact our health. Workplace wellness programs offer a solution. These initiatives can help counteract the negative effects of sitting and promote overall well-being. Join us as we explore the dangers of prolonged sitting and how ...

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Common Symptoms of Back Pain

Aug 15, 2024 | Healthy Living Common Symptoms of Back Pain Back pain is a widespread issue that affects millions of people, often disrupting daily activities and quality of life. Whether it’s a sudden sharp pain or a persistent dull ache, understanding the underlying causes of back pain can help you find relief and prevent future episodes. Here’s a look at why back pain occurs and what you can do to alleviate it. Back ...

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Do You Need X-Ray Services to Diagnose Whiplash?

Whiplash can often be diagnosed through a history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, how long they have lasted, and how the injury occurred, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-ray services to confirm the extent of the injury. While commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash can also occur from sports injuries, falls, or physical assaults. It's characterized by symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive disturbances, which can ...

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What Vaccines Are Required for International Travel?

Are you planning a trip abroad and find yourself wondering, “what vaccines are required for international travel?” AFC in Gastonia NC provides all this information and more in this guide. One crucial aspect of travel preparation is ensuring you're protected against diseases that may be rare or nonexistent in the United States but prevalent in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are a key part of this protection, helping to prevent the spread of ...

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Why Is it Better to Go to Urgent Care and Not the Hospital?

Why Is it Better to Go to an Urgent Care Clinic and Not the Hospital? In a medical situation, most people’s first reaction is to rush to the nearest hospital. But often, this isn’t the right decision regarding healthcare. Thankfully, other options – such as urgent care clinics – provide excellent treatment while saving time and money. An urgent care center is a medical center that provides immediate, short-term care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries ...

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Can Humans Get Fleas from Dogs?

Can humans get fleas from dogs? Fleas are tiny, persistent parasites that primarily target our beloved pets, such as dogs. However, many pet owners wonder if these pesky insects can also infect humans. Understanding the relationship between fleas, dogs, and humans is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. What Are Fleas? Fleas are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Despite their size, they are formidable parasites that survive by feeding on the ...

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How Many Vaccines Do Kids Get? Standard Procedure in the US

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health, especially for children, as they protect against a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. But how many vaccines do kids get? In the US, children follow a carefully structured immunization schedule designed to provide protection from their earliest stages of life. This schedule ensures that kids receive the right vaccines at the right time, helping to build immunity before exposure to common infectious diseases. How Many Vaccines ...

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Is PCOS a Chronic Illness?

by Olivia Miller | Jul 30, 2024 | Healthy Living Is PCOS a Chronic Illness? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women around the world, yet there’s still some uncertainty about whether it should be classified as a chronic illness. Let’s break down what PCOS is, its symptoms, and how it impacts long-term health to answer this important question. What is PCOS? PCOS is a hormonal disorder commonly seen in women of reproductive age ...

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How Long to Fast Before Blood Work

If you’ve been wondering how long to fast before blood work, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, AFC in Gastonia NC breaks down the essentials of fasting before blood work to guide you through the process. Fasting before blood work can be confusing, but it’s crucial to ensure accurate test results. Whether you’re checking your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, or other key health indicators, what you eat—or ...

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Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC Gastonia Today

Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC Gastonia Today From urgent care to lab testing, AFC offers many services.* As we navigate through the complexities of life, the demand for accessible and high-quality healthcare has never been more important. This article aims to shed light on the myriad services provided by AFC, focusing on our commitment to delivering exceptional care across various facets of health management. *Please note that services may vary across locations. Please contact ...

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Is My Tattoo Infected?

by Olivia Miller | Jul 14, 2024 | Healthy Living Is My Tattoo Infected? Has the skin around your tattoo become tender, swollen, or even leaky with discharge? You may have an infection. Know the signs and learn the steps you should take to treat it. After getting your new tattoo, you’ve been eagerly monitoring its healing process. However, you’ve noticed some alarming changes after spending hours at the pool during the summer. The skin ...

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The Different Types of Drug Testing and Screening Available

The Different Types of Drug Testing and Screening Available Drug testing has become a cornerstone of employment protocols across various industries, serving as a crucial tool for ensuring workplace safety, productivity, and regulatory compliance. As employers strive to maintain a drug-free environment and uphold the well-being of their employees, the need for reliable testing services has never been more paramount. Join us as we delve into drug screening and testing, exploring the diverse options available ...

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How Fast Does Food Poisoning Hit?

Food poisoning is an all-too-common ailment that affects millions of people each year, often catching them off guard after what seemed like a harmless meal. Understanding how fast food poisoning hits is crucial, as it helps you recognize the symptoms early and seek the necessary medical care before the condition worsens. Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning Food poisoning can manifest in various ways, but some symptoms are more common than others. Typically, the body reacts ...

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Am I Dealing With a Poison Ivy Rash?

by Olivia Miller | Jun 30, 2024 | Healthy Living Am I Dealing With a Poison Ivy Rash? For anyone who spends time outdoors from hiking the trails to climbing mountains, the risk of encountering poison ivy is ever-present. This troublesome plant can cause an intensely itchy, oozing rash that can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. While avoiding contact with the plant is ideal, it’s important to know how to identify and treat a poison ivy ...

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When to Seek Medical Attention for Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can significantly impact one’s quality of life, especially during peak allergy seasons. As flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, millions of individuals battle sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.  While many can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter remedies, there comes a point where seeking medical attention becomes necessary.  Pre-Register Understanding Seasonal Allergies Allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens ...

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