Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice that affects our daily routines by shifting the clocks forward or backward. This seemingly simple change can have profound consequences for our sleep patterns. Since sleep, and specifically adequate sleep, is such a vital part of overall health, it’s important to consider the notion of “ sleep debt” and the practical strategies for regaining quality slumber. How DST Affects Sleep DST causes disruptions in our internal body clock ...
What is No Shave November? Many people see No Shave November, also called Movember, as a way for men to grow out their facial hair. However, this global phenomenon, which has gained quite a large following in recent years, has significant meaning and an impact as part of a movement that goes far beyond just grooming facial hair. No Shave November has raised millions of dollars over the years as the trend gets more and ...
The holidays are almost upon us but not everyone approaches this time of year with joy and celebration. Some find the season stressful. Regardless of your point of view, when getting together with friends and family to celebrate, it’s good to remember some basics that can help us all avoid the colds and flu that are also common this time of year! Hygiene and Handwashing Practicing good hand hygiene is paramount. Encourage frequent handwashing ...
Student Health Care Centers: Vital for Campus Well-being On campus healthcare centers and staff are becoming more and more prevalent in the US. While mostly accessible only to students, these college campus centers are often run in collaboration with broader urgent care facilities. The importance of these centers extends beyond the campus, impacting overall public health in several ways. 1. Immediate Care for Students Immediate care for students is one of a student health care ...
October 8th through the 15th is National Flu Prevention Week in the US. This week is observed annually to help raise awareness and bring attention to the importance of preventative medicine and vaccinations, especially during flu season. This week-long initiative aims to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals and communities across the nation and boost overall public health. History of National Flu Prevention Week In the early 20th centuries, flu outbreaks happened fairly frequently and were ...
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 ...
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 ...
In the realm of public health, few preventative measures rival the significance of receiving the annual flu vaccine. This immunization not only safeguards individuals but also plays a pivotal role in community well-being. It is crucial to understand why getting the flu vaccine is imperative, particularly in regions like Portland and the broader Pacific Northwest. Regional Relevance in the Pacific NW Climate Variability: The Pacific Northwest experiences diverse weather patterns, with chilly, damp winters being ...
Recently, the world has witnessed a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. As the virus evolves and new variants appear, it’s become clear that COVID-19 will be present for some time. In this evolving landscape, urgent care centers have once again emerged as crucial players in the fight against viruses, providing vital support to healthcare systems and communities. The New Surge: Understanding the Numbers Several factors, including the emergence of more contagious variants and waning vaccine ...
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 ...
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 ...
A Simple Blueprint for a Healthier Fall in the Pacific NW: Navigating with Ease As summer bows out and fall’s splendid hues paint the Pacific Northwest, it’s time to embrace the beauty and prepare for the seasonal shifts. To ensure your well-being remains intact during this transition, here’s a detailed yet simple guide with essential health tips to thrive in the Pacific NW’s fall. 1. Dress Right for Changing Weather The ...
High school fall sports provide valuable physical activity and team engagement, but they also bring the possibility of injuries that can impact young athletes. Understanding these risks and taking preventive measures is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable sports experience. 1. Sprains and Strains In sports like soccer, football, and cross-country, sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle/tendon injuries) are common. These can lead to pain, swelling, and limited movement, potentially causing lasting joint ...
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 ...
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 ...
Why Should I Tell My Partner? First off, notifying a partner about a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is essential for maintaining trust within the relationship. Honesty and open communication are fundamental to any successful partnership. Sharing this sensitive information demonstrates respect and consideration for one’s partner’s health and well-being. Early disclosure allows for timely medical intervention. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring are necessary for STIs. Informing one’s partner promptly allows both individuals ...
Sports physicals are vital to ensure the health and well being of those keen on participating in athletic activities. They are thorough medical exams that are necessary to gauge the physical fitness levels of athletes. In Oregon, the Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) oversees sports physicals. The OSAA also recommends a specific form be used by medical professionals when performing this exam. The form can be found online at https://www.osaa.org/docs/forms ...
The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, and an abundance of recreational activities. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety and health while embarking on these outdoor adventures. Here are some tips to ensure a safe excursion in the Pacific Northwest this summer: 1. Plan and Prepare Before heading out, research the trail or activity you plan to undertake. Be aware of the weather conditions, difficulty level, and ...
Foods that contain probiotics have become very popular in the last couple of decades with many Oregonians incorporating them into their diets on a consistent basis – weekly or even daily! Interestingly, even Oregon State University received a grant a few years ago to use probiotics to improve the growth and health of oyster larvae. For those of us who love Pacific NW oysters, that sounds great!. But what do we really know about probiotics for ...
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 ...
