Recent Blog Posts

Learning how to improve kidney health is vital for maintaining overall well-being. Your kidneys are crucial in filtering waste and excess fluids from your body, regulating blood pressure, and balancing essential minerals. Despite their importance, many people overlook kidney health until a problem arises. Pre-Register The Importance of Kidney Function Your kidneys are essential to your overall health, serving as your body’s natural filtration system. These small, bean-shaped organs remove waste products, toxins, and ...

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Managing allergies while traveling is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, requiring preparedness. Researching destination allergens, communicating dietary restrictions, and packing essential medications are vital steps. AFC Gastonia NC offers personalized treatment plans and emergency guidance for seasonal allergies, empowering travelers to explore worry-free.

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by Olivia Miller | May 14, 2024 | Healthy Living Protein and Weight Loss With the arrival of cookout season, many of us indulge in an array of delicious grilled meats. However, there’s a growing trend toward incorporating more plant-based proteins into our diets to diversify our nutritional intake, boost nutrient levels, and increase fiber consumption. Understanding Protein: The Basics Protein is a crucial macronutrient composed of amino acids, which are essential for numerous bodily functions ...

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Understanding how to treat insect bites and stings is essential for anyone spending time outside. In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips for avoiding bites and effective methods for treating them if they occur. Preventing Insect Bites and Stings Adopting preventive measures is key to protecting yourself from insect bites and stings. Here’s how you can minimize your risk: Use Insect Repellent Apply insect repellent that contains 20-30% DEET to exposed skin and ...

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The Role of Occupational Health in Employee Satisfaction Occupational health plays a pivotal role in the various dimensions of employee well-being. As companies strive to create a positive work culture and enhance employee satisfaction, the focus on workplace health has gained prominence. Join us on this journey as we discuss the critical role of health at work in shaping the well-being and satisfaction of employees across diverse industries. Pre-Register Understanding Occupational Health Health at work ...

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by Olivia Miller | Apr 29, 2024 | Healthy Living Am I Sick, or Just Allergic? The dull dreary days of winter are in the rear-view mirror. People are emerging from their winter cocoons with close quarters and communal germs. It’s spring and you want to get on with some warm weather fun…….local activity…. but you feel lousy. You thought warmer weather would chase all the contagions away, so what’s up with all the ...

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The Importance of Normalizing STD Testing Despite advances in medical knowledge and technology, STDs remain pervasive, presenting a complex challenge for healthcare providers and individuals alike. The stigma surrounding STDs often leads to silence and avoidance, further exacerbating the problem. However, breaking this silence and normalizing discussions about STD testing is crucial in combating the spread of these infections and safeguarding individual and community health. Join us as we shed light on the prevalence of ...

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by Olivia Miller | Apr 14, 2024 | Emergency Clinic How Do I Know If I Need an X-ray? Spring is in the air, and with it comes the excitement of outdoor sports. Whether you’re playing a friendly game of soccer, taking a bike ride, or enjoying a round of golf, the risk of injury is always present. Imagine you’re in the middle of an exhilarating game of soccer, sprinting towards the goal, when you ...

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Should You Use Ice or Heat for Gout Relief? Are you wondering if you should use ice or heat for gout relief? Both ice and heat therapies can be utilized for managing pain and inflammation; however, cold therapy is likely the best choice for managing pain and inflammation during a gout flare. Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort during flare-ups. This condition, characterized by sudden and severe attacks of ...

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by Olivia Miller | Mar 30, 2024 | Family Health Protecting Your Child from Ticks It’s that time of year again, time to get back outdoors and visit one of your favorite Gaston County parks. You aren’t sure which mood will strike once you’ve finished your picnic lunch, so your solution is to pack it all—your fishing pole, running sneakers, and your bike. People aren’t the only ones prepared for warmer weather ...

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An annual walk-in physical exam is an essential part of preventive healthcare. It allows your healthcare provider to check for conditions and diseases before they become severe and detect changes in your overall health. During the exam, your healthcare provider will take a complete medical history, review any medications you are taking, perform a physical examination, and may order laboratory tests or imaging studies if needed. It is also an opportunity to talk about risk ...

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Fall is cherished for its vibrant foliage, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything. However, for many, it also marks the onset of fall allergies, which cast a shadow on the season's beauty. As the air becomes crisper, a multitude of allergens materialize, triggering a range of uncomfortable symptoms. This article aims to guide you through the intricacies of seasonal allergies and provide valuable tips for effective management. Whether you're a seasoned allergy sufferer or ...

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Is Urgent Care Covered by Insurance Have you been wondering, "Is urgent care covered by insurance?" You've come to the right place.  When an unexpected illness or injury strikes, the need for medical attention can arise suddenly, leaving individuals grappling with where to turn for prompt care. In such instances, urgent care facilities are invaluable resources, offering a middle ground between the high costs of emergency room visits and the long wait times associated ...

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by Olivia Miller | Mar 13, 2024 | Family Health How Do You Catch Measles? Measles is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through airborne droplets. Here are common methods of transmission: Sharing utensils or beverages Intimate interactions like kissing Physical greetings, including handshakes or hugs Contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching one’s face Additionally, pregnant women can transmit measles to their unborn child, during birth, or while breastfeeding. What is Measles ...

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If you've noticed red bumps in the back of your throat, you may be experiencing cobblestone throat or tonsillitis. Cobblestone throat is caused by enlarged lymphatic tissue in the adenoids or tonsils, often due to postnasal drip or pharyngitis. Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections.

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Are Syphilis Sores on Your Hand Contagious? Syphilis infection rates have risen to their highest levels since the 1950s and the Charlotte area has the highest incidences in the state of North Carolina. Charlotte is ranked 13th in the nation of 100 cities studied. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that conjures up images of painful sores and which spreads through sexual contact between two people. Most cases in the U.S. are diagnosed ...

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How Common is Bronchitis? Did you know that more than 3 million people get sick with bronchitis each year in the United States? For most, the inconvenience lasts just a week or two and the rest required while recovering makes it the perfect time to binge your favorite shows. Below, our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team provides more information about bronchitis and provides tips on how to best deal with the symptoms. What Is Bronchitis ...

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How Long Do Kidney Stones Last? Understanding Kidney Stones: Formation, Symptoms, and Treatment Kidney stones are a common and often painful condition that affects many individuals. Optimizing your knowledge about their formation, symptoms, and the latest treatment options can empower you to navigate this health challenge with confidence. What Triggers Kidney Stone Formation? Kidney stones, or renal calculi, form when certain waste products in urine do not dissolve properly, leading to an imbalance that causes ...

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Gastonia, situated in scenic Southwest North Carolina, is a gem with its natural beauty and historic small-town charm. Recognized as a three-time All-American City and a U.S. Conference of Mayors Top Livability winner, it’s a community where families are thriving. Parenthood brings its own set of challenges, including dealing with common issues like ear infections in young children. If your little one is experiencing the discomfort of an ear infection, fear not. AFC ...

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Why Does My Skin Get Dry During the Winter? As winter settles across Gastonia, North Carolina, a chill in the air adds a touch of coziness to the season. It’s the perfect time to enjoy innovative dining in Uptown Charlotte, learn more about the natural world at the Schiele Museum of Natural History, or enjoy lakeside views at Rankin Lake Park. However, the winter air also brings an unpleasant dryness that can leave your ...

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