Spending a sunny afternoon at the Hickory Community Center or enjoying a playful morning at the nearby playground often brings joy and laughter for children and families. Yet, sometimes that carefree day can take an unexpected turn when a child feels unwell or gets injured. For many parents, the thought of taking their child to urgent care can bring worry and stress, especially if the child feels nervous or scared. At AFC Hickory, we understand ...
It’s a sunny weekend afternoon, and your family is enjoying a day at the park. In the middle of a game of catch at Civitan Park, someone slips and twists their ankle. The swelling starts right away, and the pain looks serious. You’re left asking yourself, “Should we go to the emergency room or is urgent care the better choice?” This is a question many families face, especially when sudden injuries or illnesses ...
You’ve probably debated whether to call it an STI or an STD while enjoying a sweet cone from Carolina Crafted Creamery. While it may seem like a small distinction, understanding the difference between these terms is important, especially when it comes to your sexual health. If you’re confused about whether to use STI (sexually transmitted infection) or STD (sexually transmitted disease), you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they ...
In a world where convenience is key, navigating your healthcare options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re grabbing lunch at a local favorite like The Crossing at Hollar Mill or just enjoying a day at home, health concerns can strike at any time. So, what do you do when you need medical attention? Do you opt for a virtual consult from your phone, or is an in-person visit to a clinic the better choice ...
When you’re not feeling well, every minute spent waiting to see a provider can feel like an eternity. That’s why urgent care centers like AFC Hickory are designed to offer convenient, same-day care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Still, many patients wonder: Why am I waiting at an urgent care clinic, and how can I make the process quicker next time? In this blog, we’ll break down the common reasons behind urgent ...
If you’ve ever bundled up for a morning jog along Hickory’s beautiful Geitner-Rotary Park trail or taken a brisk walk through Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park in the winter, you may have wondered: Is it safe to exercise in cold weather? While colder temperatures bring unique challenges, staying active during winter can be both safe and beneficial if you take the right precautions. Understanding how to protect your body in cold conditions ...
Few things in life bring as much joy and comfort as the companionship of a beloved pet. Whether you have a playful pup, a cuddly cat, or even a reptilian friend, pets quickly become cherished members of the family. But have you ever wondered if your furry, feathered, or scaly companion could make you sick? While the risk is generally low, certain diseases, known as zoonotic illnesses, can be transmitted from animals to humans. Understanding ...
It’s a chilly morning in Hickory, and after grabbing your coffee from Taste Full Beans, you notice a persistent cough that just won’t go away. You might brush it off as a lingering cold, but could it be something more serious like pneumonia? Pneumonia is a common, yet often misunderstood, lung infection that can develop after an illness like the flu or a cold. While the flu and pneumonia share some symptoms, pneumonia ...
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 ...
Discover the best treatments for itchy skin in winter. Visit urgent care near you for expert advice and care today. Open 7 days a week. Between holiday shopping at Valley Hills Mall and winter hikes at Bakers Mountain Park, Hickory residents are no strangers to chilly temperatures. Unfortunately, the combination of cold air outside and heated indoor spaces can lead to winter itch, an irritating dryness that makes skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Many people ...
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 ...
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 ...
Norovirus affects many communities each year. Find out why it spreads so easily and how you can help stop its spread. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory, North Carolina, combines a strong sense of community with rich cultural and outdoor activities. From walking the trails at Glenn Hilton Park to exploring the exhibits at the Hickory Museum of Art, there’s always something to enjoy. However, with community events and family ...
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 ...
Feeling down as the seasons change? Explore effective treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). Visit urgent care near you today. As the days grow shorter and darker in the winter months, many residents of Hickory, NC, might notice a dip in their mood or energy levels. While the charm of strolling through Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park or enjoying the festive season in downtown Hickory can bring joy, some may still feel ...