Recent Blog Posts

What You Should Know About American Diabetes Awareness Month

The prevalence of diabetes is rising at an alarming rate, and it’s not just impacting adults. It can start at a young age, making the lives of our children more complicated than it already is.  This is a condition you don’t want to develop as it usually requires frequent monitoring and management, and of course, because it can be life-threatening.  November has been dedicated to Diabetes and  raising awareness about this disease as ...

Read more..

Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

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 ...

Read more..

Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal

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 ...

Read more..

RSV or Influenza? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Your Symptoms

AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is your dedicated partner, committed to equipping you and your family with comprehensive knowledge and readiness in preparation for holiday gatherings this winter. We all know winter is a common time for people to come down with the flu, RSV and other respiratory illnesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. Today, AFC Urgent Care New Bedford will delve into the differences of RSV and the Flu ...

Read more..

Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

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 ...

Read more..

Pain in the Lower Left Side of the Abdomen for Females: What Is it?

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 ...

Read more..

Can the Flu Shot Make You Sick? Why the Stick Can Make You Feel Ick

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 ...

Read more..

Augusty Checklist: Back To School Physicals, Immunizations and College Vaccines

As we embrace "National Immunization Awareness Month," it becomes evident that back to school season is the ideal time to prioritize your child's annual physical, aligning with the goals of this important observance. The focus on immunizations during this month reinforces the significance of safeguarding your child's health as they embark on a new school year. AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is committed to providing comprehensive care during back to school physicals, emphasizing ...

Read more..

Can You Get an STD Without Having Sex?

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 ...

Read more..

5 Steps to Keep Swimmer's Ear at Bay with AFC Urgent Care New Bedford

Why does your ear always hurt after swimming at the pool or in the warmer humid months? Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa is the culprit! It’s an unwelcoming  infection that sets up camp in your outer ear canal. Whether you're a water enthusiast or just caught in a sweat-soaked moment, excess moisture can create a perfect breeding ground for pesky bacteria and fungi. AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is here ...

Read more..

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: What It Looks Like for Adults & Kids

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 ...

Read more..

Urgent Care for Broken Bones & Fractures: What Urgent Care Treats

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 ...

Read more..

Comprehensive Guide to Preventive Men's Health: The Significance of Men's Health Month

Men's Health Month holds great importance as it sheds light on the specific health issues that men face, which can be effectively prevented through regular check-ups. However, it is a fact that men are less inclined than women to seek medical assistance or engage in preventive care, making them more susceptible to health problems as they age. At AFC Urgent Care New Bedford, we strive to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive check-ups that ...

Read more..

Here’s What Happens During a Physical for Sports Exam

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 ...

Read more..

Lyme Disease Prevention: How To Remove A Deer Tick 101

  As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will be spending time outdoors. Unfortunately, this means that deer ticks will be out in full force, looking for their next meal. If you've been bitten by a deer tick, it's important to take the proper steps to remove the tick and prevent the spread of Lyme disease.  AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is worried about our friends and families in the New Bedford ...

Read more..

Is My Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID? AFC Answers

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 New Bedford 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 ...

Read more..

What Is Mono and What Are the Symptoms?

So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in New Bedford 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 ...

Read more..

Telehealth Urgent Care | Technology in the Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry has evolved to include telehealth urgent care, an innovative technology that has made it easier for people worldwide to access healthcare virtually.  This medical service offers faster urgent care visits through virtual appointments, providing services from physical exams to diagnostics, which allows healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, providing care, support, and information from a distance. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility or transportation issues, with busy schedules ...

Read more..

I Had Unprotected Sex; Am I At Risk Of Contracting An STI Or An STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (also known as STD’s and STI’s) are very common in the U.S and they continue to be a growing concern for certain age groups, especially over the last few years. Yes, STD’s and STI’s are very common. Meaning, there are quite a number of them out there. The stigma of an STD or an STI is still around and hasn’t changed a bit. Unfortunately ...

Read more..

Is My Sneezing Related To COVID-19 Or Spring Allergies?

Sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes? Spring has sprung early this year and some of you might be coming down with symptoms of spring allergies. With that being said, we hope that you don’t panic when your coworker sneezes next to you. As some of you are still on your toes about whether or not a cough or a sneeze is COVID, flu or something else, in this case it might just be allergies. AFC ...

Read more..

Recent Blogs

About Our Services:

Call (508) 990-1900 for more information about our New Bedford urgent care services.