When your child suddenly develops a fever during a shopping trip to Franklin Square or twists an ankle after playing outside at Martha Rivers Park, a visit to urgent care may quickly become necessary. While convenient and timely care is essential, many children feel anxious or fearful about medical visits, especially when they’re already not feeling their best. Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can help make the visit much smoother and far less ...
On a beautiful spring afternoon in Gastonia, it’s easy to enjoy strolling around downtown, grabbing a sweet treat from Tony’s Ice Cream, and soaking in the sense of community. But while life feels normal, a concerning health issue is quietly making headlines across the country: a measles outbreak is spreading, with confirmed cases in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and other states. This has many people wondering if they should be worried about the ...
Have you ever debated whether to call it an STD or an STI while enjoying a cone from Tony’s Ice Cream? You’re not alone. The terms “STD” (sexually transmitted disease) and “STI” (sexually transmitted infection) are often used interchangeably, but the distinction is more than just a matter of semantics. With millions of new cases diagnosed each year in the United States, it’s important to understand the difference and why it matters ...
A thriving business begins with a healthy workforce. Whether you’re a local business owner or a member of the Gaston Chamber of Commerce, you understand the direct link between employee health and workplace productivity. Investing in occupational health services not only helps prevent injuries and illnesses but also ensures compliance with industry regulations and improves overall workplace morale. AFC Gastonia offers comprehensive employer health services designed to support businesses in keeping their teams healthy ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...