Recent Blog Posts

As the temperatures continue to drop and winter sets in, many people might feel inclined to stay indoors. It can be easy to forgo our exercise routine in the winter. However, it’s important to stay active in order to support our overall health and wellness. To ensure your workouts remain enjoyable and safe during colder weather, here are some essential tips for exercising in cold weather. As much as we try to prevent them ...

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As we head closer to the cold and flu season, it’s not unlikely that you may find yourself stuck in bed with the sniffles. The flu is a very common respiratory illness that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. In this blog, we’ll explore the duration of flu symptoms, as well as preventive measures and treatment options so you can get the care you need, when you need it. For a walk-in ...

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Halloween is rapidly approaching! Do you have your costumes planned? While the holiday can bring about a great amount of excitement, it’s crucial to not forgo health and safety measures. Prevent injuries and illnesses on Halloween night by continuing to read the tips outlined in this article. Visit AFC Urgent Care Livingston for quality, convenient, and affordable family care. We’re open seven days a week and never require appointments– just walk-in! Avoiding Injuries ...

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As a prominent care provider of accessible primary care, urgent care, and occupational medicine services nationwide, American Family Care (AFC) is uniquely positioned to guide and educate the public on pertinent health issues, such as the FDA’s recent decisions on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine.  The FDA held a Non-Prescription Drug Advisory Committee meeting on September 11-12, 2023, to deliberate on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine as an active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cough ...

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Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal Home remedies for warts might not be as effective as you hope, so we recommend seeing an urgent care doctor for wart removal to treat these pesky growths at their source. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear almost anywhere on the body, causing both physical discomfort and self-consciousness. This article takes you through everything you need to know about ...

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As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, the annual questions about flu season begins again. Some people wonder, “Do I really need a flu shot every year?” The short answer is yes, and this blog will explain why getting a flu shot annually is crucial for your health and the health of those around you. For your annual flu shot, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. We focus on making flu ...

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Uncomfortable symptoms can often be concerning and lead people to question which ailment they are experiencing. While symptoms between a urinary tract infection (UTI) and a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can overlap, distinguishing between the two is crucial for proper treatment and to prevent the spread of infections. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between UTIs and STDs to help you understand and address these distinct health issues. For same-day UTI and ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Save Your Spot The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen in females can indicate unique problems related to women’s health. Learn more about what can cause pain and when to seek medical attention. Where is the pain coming from? There are many organs on the left side of the abdomen. When experiencing lower left side pain, it could be coming from one of these organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic: Small intestine Colon Appendix Ovaries ...

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As the days grow shorter and the air gets cooler, we all know that fall is just around the corner. Along with the changing leaves and cozy sweaters, the flu season is also fast approaching. While many of us associate flu with a general illness, it's important to recognize that the virus can pose serious health risks– especially for vulnerable individuals. This blog will explain how getting an early flu shot is a crucial ...

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School sports are an essential part of many children’s lives. However, as a parent, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with sports– like the risk of concussions. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can have lasting effects on a child’s health and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore what every parent should know about school sports and concussions, including prevention, recognition, and proper management ...

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From 2010 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 9.4 million to 41 million flu illnesses every year. But there is an easy way to protect yourself — the flu shot. Studies show that the severity of the flu is significantly less if you catch the flu but are vaccinated. The CDC says the flu vaccine reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for the flu by 40% to ...

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I Have an STD, But I'm Not Sexually Active If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but are not sexually active, there are a few reasons why this could be the case. "STD" refers to the constellation of diseases that result from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For example, cervical cancer is an STD from the STI of HPV. Though it is possible to contract an STI even if you are not ...

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The common cold is an illness that most people experience at least once during their lives. While it’s not typically a serious health concern, a cold’s contagious nature can be a cause for concern. Understanding the contagious period of the common cold is crucial to prevent its spread, so those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are protected. In this blog, we’ll explore how long the common cold is contagious ...

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With the upcoming school year on the horizon, many illnesses are expected to start circulating in our communities. One common fall illness that poses a risk to many students is mononucleosis, or mono. Mono is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It primarily affects adolescents with a range of debilitating and uncomfortable symptoms. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between mono and sore throat, and the necessary steps for diagnosis ...

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What does hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) look like? The symptoms can look different for kids and adults. See what the symptoms can be and how to treat them. What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease? HFMD is a common viral illness caused by the enterovirus, most commonly the coxsackievirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease primarily affects children under 5, but anyone, including adults, can contract it. It’s typically a mild illness. The disease ...

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If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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Physical for sports exams, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), help determine whether a person is physically fit to participate in organized sports activities. This physical exam aims to identify any possible medical conditions that could put the athlete at risk for severe injury or illness during practice or competition. Sports physicals are typically done annually, though some states may require more frequent exams based on age and the type of sport being played ...

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While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in Livingston indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Livingston has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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