Recent Blog Posts

As the fall season arrives, many people experience sneezing, congestion, and runny noses due to seasonal allergies. However, with COVID-19 still circulating, it’s natural to wonder: is a runny nose a sign of COVID, or is it just allergies? Because both conditions share overlapping symptoms, understanding the differences can help you respond appropriately and protect your health. If you’re feeling under the weather, seeking medical care can help you get rid of your ...

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Lying out in the sun can be a relaxing way to spend a summer weekend. However, too much sun exposure can damage your skin. Even with proper SPF usage, sunburns can happen easily if the sun is strong and you’re not careful to reapply your sunscreen often. Mild sunburns usually go away on their own with time. However, a common side effect of a sunburn is your skin peeling once the burn is healed ...

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If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity to kick off the end of the summer, a BBQ may be high on your to-do list. Cooking out on the grill is a great way to spend some quality time outside and relax with a home-cooked meal. However, cases of food poisoning are high during the summer season, so it is important to know how to safely handle your food if you’re planning on ...

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Swimmers’ ear is a type of inner ear infection that occurs when water gets stuck inside of the ear canal. It is nicknamed swimmers’ ear because it is most commonly caused by water entering the ear after swimming. Swimmers’ ear can be very painful, making it important to be able to identify the signs so that you can seek appropriate medical treatment. Most cases of swimmers’ ear are easily treated with at-home care or a ...

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Ankle bruising can happen suddenly from a misstep, fall, or unexpected twist. And while it's often a sign of a simple sprain, it can sometimes point to a more serious injury. Knowing how to tell the difference is key to avoiding long-term damage and getting the proper treatment. The symptoms can vary widely from mild swelling to intense pain and inability to walk. If you have an ankle injury, it is important to seek ...

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Are you someone who suffers from spring allergies? Spring allergies are a very common condition that millions of people suffer from every year. Spring allergy season can last for months on end, depending on what you’re allergic to, and it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like congestion. If you’re suffering from persistent allergy-induced congestion, you’re not alone. Establishing an effective symptom management plan is vital to staying comfortable during the spring allergy season ...

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Insect bites are a common ailment during the summer months. While most insects are harmless, ticks are a commonly found insect that can transmit diseases to humans through a bite. Ticks are tiny, which makes them difficult to spot. They can easily latch onto a human and release without detection. It is important to stay vigilant for ticks when you spend time outdoors, because tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease require immediate treatment to avoid complications ...

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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. Save Your Spot 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 ...

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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. Save Your Spot Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...

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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 ...

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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. Save Your Spot Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...

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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 ...

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A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Save Your Spot 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 ...

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If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Save Your Spot 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 ...

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Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Save Your Spot 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 ...

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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. Save Your Spot 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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Vertigo is common yet unsettling - for some, vertigo is a mild inconvenience, while it can significantly disrupt daily life for others. But how long does vertigo last? Whether you're experiencing brief episodes or ongoing bouts, the duration of vertigo largely depends on the underlying cause and the type of vertigo you have. Table of Contents What Is Vertigo? How Long Does Vertigo Last? Can Stress Cause Vertigo? How to Prevent Vertigo Visit AFC ${city ...

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As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many people struggle with increased body aches and joint pain. It's a common experience to feel more discomfort during the colder months, and while it may seem like a simple coincidence, there's more to this phenomenon than meets the eye. Table of Contents Why Do My Joints Hurt When It's Cold? Strategies to Manage Body Aches and Joint Pain in Winter Concerned About Your ...

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