Vaccinations are one of the biggest public health innovations in history. Because of the myriad vaccines we have available, we have completely or nearly eliminated several devastating diseases, saving countless lives in the process. Diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough and chickenpox can be debilitating, or even fatal. In order to keep your children — and other students— healthy, you must ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date before school starts. AFC Urgent Care is there for you ...
We couldn’t wait for warmer weather…well, now it’s here! Summer is well underway and with the sun and fun comes a number of safety concerns to keep in mind. With the right tools and preparation, summertime can be a safe and relaxing time for you and your family. Hydration: As the mercury rises this summer, pay close attention to your hydration. With increased temperatures and outdoor activities, our bodies tend to lose ...
What would the world be like with no tobacco use? For one day, the World Health Organization (WHO) wants us to try and find out. WHO coordinates the annual World No Tobacco Day with the goal of eliminating tobacco use around the world. This year, the goal of World No Tobacco Day is to encourage countries to legislate the packaging allowances for tobacco companies. Plain packaging is proven to reduce the attractiveness of smoking and ...
You may experience a hoarse cough, a stuffy nose, and feel sore even though you’re long overdue for a workout. Are you experiencing a cold, or do you have the flu? The symptoms of the common cold and the flu are very similar. Some of the similarities include: Dry cough Runny or stuffy nose Watery eyes But the biggest differences between common cold and flu symptoms is that the flu comes on very suddenly ...
The time has finally come where we start to say goodbye to the summer season and gearing up for fall! And what is one of the most favorite pastimes of the fall season among Americans? Sports! Our team at AFC Urgent Care Portland wants to help you step forward into the fall sports season with some insight about how to keep your young athlete safe on the field or court. Read on as we take ...
The United States is one of the most diverse nations in the world. As different as we may seem, our health issues can be very similar. Health care trends tend to be pretty consistent across large swaths of the population, so it’s important to pay attention when one becomes widespread. Your local AFC Urgent Care can advise you on which conditions should concern you and how to take action to prevent them. The No ...
" This Valentine’s Day, show your loved one you care by sharing your love, not your germs. Date nights are no fun if you both end up getting sick, so here are some tips for keeping you (and your date) healthy this Valentine’s Day. If You’re Sick, Postpone It may put a damper on your plans, but if you or your date are sick, do both of you a favor and postpone! Valentine ...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that around 34.2 million people living in the United States smoke. During American Heart Month, it’s important to learn the effects smoking can have on not just your health, but specifically on your heart health. Why Do People Smoke? People start smoking for a number of reasons. While most people start during their teenage years for the cool factor, they continue to smoke because of ...
The much-dreaded flu season is here, which means it’s time to protect yourself against the virus and common myths that surround it. Every year these misconceptions surface and spread…well…like a virus. Flu myths such as these are equally as harmful as they are false, so don’t let misinformation about the flu and the preventative vaccine blind you from the truth! Instead, turn to the physicians you trust at AFC Urgent Care ...
The summer equinox, also known as the longest day of the year, was June 20, and the rest of summer is looking pretty bright. With the sun shining that much, most people will be applying more sunscreen than usual. But here at AFC Urgent Care, we know that you need just as much sunscreen on cloudy days and during the winter as you do now. Sun damage can sneak up on your skin if you ...
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and those celebrations bring green beer and pub crawls. This St. Patrick’s Day, the team of physicians at your local AFC Urgent Care wants to raise your awareness of binge drinking and the harmful effects that it may have on your health. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is defined as a pattern of drinking that brings the blood ...
Summer is prime time for beach action, and for good reason! The surf and the sand are so much easier to enjoy when it’s warm enough to play in them. But there are some risks you might not know about lurking in the depths. As we reach the end of Rip Current Awareness Week on June 5 through June 11, 2016, it’s important to remember to practice safe beach behaviors any time you ...
Summer might be fun, and spring is lovely, but the best season has got to be fall. The changing leaves, the brisk winds and the warm fires bring everyone closer, and the leisure activities can’t be beat. Over a third of Americans list fall as their favorite season, blowing all of the other seasons out of the water. However, fall requires a change of habits to stay healthy, especially as the days grow shorter ...
People who suffer from seasonal allergies are bracing for what is expected to be an early and long allergy season. They know that scratchy eyes and drippy noses are about to make an appearance. They are waiting, with tissues in hand, for the season to pass and their symptoms to subside. While proper medical treatment offers long-term care and comfort to those who battle seasonal allergies, there are also easy lifestyle changes that can help ...
Spring is in the air! There is no need to worry about the flu, right? Unfortunately, even during the spring season, you can still catch the flu. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Portland wants you to stay safe this spring by learning the signs of the flu, as well as ways to prevent the illness in the first place. How Long Does the Flu Last? If you’ve ever had the flu, you know ...
Our skin changes all the time, especially as we age. However, when a mole changes, it could signal a health concern. During National Healthy Skin Month this November, our team at AFC Urgent Care Portland wants you to know when you should be concerned about a mole on your skin. Is It Normal to Get New Moles? For children, it is extremely common to get a new mole. When you’re older, though, it could ...
Maintaining your health not only takes determination, it can cost money. Fortunately, even with a tight budget, there are some affordable purchases you can make to help protect your health. Here are 6 minor investments that can lead to a healthier you. 1 – Invest in your eyes Get sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, preferably with 100% UV protection. This minor investment can help reduce your risk of eye damage, including cataracts. Bonus ...
Nighttime fireworks shows, long stays at summer camp, family vacations and the late sunsets of summertime are some of the many joys your child may have experienced during their summer vacation. But getting to take part in these fun-filled moments over the past few months may also mean your child was allowed to have some later bedtimes than normal. Now that school is back in session, you may be wondering how these late bedtimes over ...
Injuries can happen when you least expect them — and they can be disorienting and chaotic when they do occur. You may be in too much pain to help yourself, or it may be during a time when your primary care doctor’s office is closed. So how can you get help when you need it? And what can you do to treat the injury on your own? Find out what to do in the event ...
It might seem like a cold at first, but with over half (54.6%) of U.S. residents estimated to test positive for at least one or more allergens, that stuffy nose might actually be allergies. Since it can be hard to tell, here’s what you need to know about seasonal allergies, and what can be done to reduce or eliminate your symptoms this year. Question: What is an allergy? Answer: An allergy is ...
