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 ...
Aug 15, 2024 | Family Health Back-to-School Common Injuries With the start of a new school year comes increased physical activity. From gym class to after-school sports, children are more likely to experience injuries. By taking preventive measures and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can help keep your child safe and active. At AFC Hickory, we understand the importance of timely and effective injury care. Our experienced medical team is equipped to treat a ...
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 ...
Are you planning a trip abroad and find yourself wondering, “what vaccines are required for international travel?” AFC in Hickory 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
by Isaac Zefo | Jul 30, 2024 | Healthy Living Do I Have Heat Rash? On a sweltering summer day, you might suddenly feel a prickling, itching sensation on your skin. As you inspect the area, you notice tiny red bumps forming in clusters. You start to wonder, “Do I have heat rash?” Understanding how to identify heat rash, along with knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatments, can help you manage this uncomfortable skin condition and prevent ...
If you’ve been wondering how long to fast before blood work, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, AFC in Hickory 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 ...
Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC Hickory 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 ...
by Isaac Zefo | Jul 14, 2024 | Urgent Care Clinic Why Getting Annual Physical Exams is Important for Your Health Getting your annual check-up is important because it allows for the early detection and prevention of potential health issues. Regular visits to your primary care doctor enable the monitoring of vital signs, the performance of essential screenings, and the identification of early signs of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers. Early detection increases the likelihood ...
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 ...
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 ...
by Isaac Zefo | Jun 29, 2024 | Healthy Living What is Athlete’s Foot? Summer is here, which means it’s time to break free from the indoors and get moving! For many of us, this includes more trips to the gym and the pool, while others head for the river. Athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist places, including your shoes. Start this summer with all the information you need to ward off this pesky ...
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 ...
by Isaac Zefo | Jun 13, 2024 | Urgent Care Clinic Why Choose Urgent Care Over the Emergency Room? Life is unpredictable, and so are medical situations that arise at inconvenient times. Your primary healthcare provider is the one you are most comfortable seeing. When they aren’t available to help with a problem requiring immediate medical attention, you are left trying to decide if the emergency room or an urgent care center is your best option ...
Why Is a School Physical for Sports Exam Important? Whether your child is a focused athlete or one who plays simply for the fun of it, there are many benefits to undertaking an annual sports physical exam. Plus, before anyone can start playing a sport, it's essential for them to have a physical exam from their healthcare provider - this is called the school physical for sports exam. During this examination, athletes receive a comprehensive ...
by Isaac Zefo | May 30, 2024 | Healthy Living Do Fermented Foods Have Probiotics? We’ve all heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While the nutrients in fruits are known to be beneficial, there’s a deeper process at play involving probiotics that promote overall health. What Are Probiotics? Probiotics are defined by the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as “live microorganisms that, when administered in ...
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 ...
Allergic Reactions and Travel: A Guide to Enjoy Your Vacation As more people embark on adventures to explore new destinations, managing allergies during travel has become crucial. Allergic reactions can range from mild inconveniences to life-threatening emergencies, making it greatly important for travelers to be well-informed and prepared. Allergies, whether to foods, environmental factors, or other triggers, can potentially disrupt and even endanger a traveler's vacation experience. Recognizing the importance of understanding, preventing, and ...
