Greetings to our Pacific Northwest community! As winter sets in, the allure of cozy indoor retreats can be compelling. However, we’re here to encourage you that there’s more to this season than mere hibernation. In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to stay active, maintain your well-being, and relish the beauty of our region, even amid colder temperatures. Let’s delve into some thoughtful ideas to keep winter lethargy at bay. Embrace ...
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 ...
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 ...
Do you feel like recently you and/or those around you have been getting sicker in recent allergy seasons? AFC Portland’s very own Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Andrew Miller, has some insight on what’s going on and what may be causing this uptick in illnesses. “The current allergy season is the worst that it’s been in years, so we are seeing a lot of visits for congestion, sore throat, and cough. These ...
Summer is approaching along with warmer weather in the Pacific NW. After a long wet winter and spring, there is excitement for most of us. That said, it’s important to take precautions to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays and the overall heat itself. Prolonged exposure to either sun or high temperatures can lead to symptoms such as sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Because of all these factors, it is ...
Spring in the Pacific Northwest brings a vibrant array of fresh produce that fills local markets and grocery store shelves. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, the region’s fertile lands awaken with an abundance of delicious fruits and vegetables. From crisp asparagus to juicy strawberries, there is a wide variety of seasonal produce to choose from. Shopping for foods that are in season is not only a culinary delight, but it ...
Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation in Portland, Oregon, as the city wakes up from the long winter slumber. The cherry blossoms bloom, the daffodils sway in the gentle breeze, and the temperatures start to climb. However, for many residents, springtime also heralds the arrival of allergy season, bringing with it sneezing, itching, and congestion. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, the trees in Portland begin to release pollen ...
Fexofenadine, loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine are the four most popular medications used to treat allergies. These medications are antihistamines, which help to block the action of histamine, a chemical released in the body which causes an allergic reaction. Although these medications are all antihistamines, there are some differences between them. Fexofenadine (most commonly sold as “Allegra”) and loratadine (most commonly sold as “Claritin”) are both long-acting medications, meaning that they can last up to 24 ...
Spring brings the first warm days of the month for Portlanders and is a sign that warmer weather is just around the corner. What’s another sign you may ask? The constant sniffling, sneezing, and hay fever, all the signs that allergies are upon us. When you want to go out and enjoy the great weather, you can’t do so without the aid of your go-to allergy medication, eye drops, nasal decongestant, or whatever ...
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 ...
" 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 ...
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 ...
Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature and becomes dehydrated. The causes and symptoms are very recognizable and luckily, preventable. Causes of Heat Exhaustion: Physical exertion in warm, high- humidity weather Dehydration Alcohol use, drug use, or smoking Certain medications and illnesses can increase risk Children and the elderly are at higher risk Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Profuse sweating Dizziness or lightheadedness Pale, cool, clammy ...
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control says that about 610,000 Americans die each year from heart disease- that is 1 in every 4 deaths. It may sound grim, but there is good news. From 2003 to 2013, the death rate from heart disease fell about 38 percent. Even with the reduction, the number of people affected is still too high. The leading cause ...
February is American Heart Month, which strives to educate Americans about the dangers of heart disease and the steps that you can take to minimize its risk. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, as about one-out-of-four deaths can be attributed to heart disease each year. While the heart naturally ages and weakens, you can significantly slow down this process and improve the wellness of your heart by following ...
Are your summer travels taking you abroad this year? Whether it’s an African safari, a tropical beach getaway or a mountain retreat, if it’s overseas or across our border, chances are you need travel vaccinations. Travelers to third world countries are at greater risk than those who travel to developed countries, but anyone planning overseas travel should check for recommended vaccinations before their departure. Over 1 million people travel internationally each day. In ...
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and AFC Urgent Care encourages you to stop in to ensure you and your family are up-to-date on your vaccinations. As the best defense against many serious, and sometimes deadly, diseases, it is recommended that people stay current with vaccines. Take the time, either during your annual checkup or during a specific visit just for vaccines, to learn more from your healthcare provider or primary care physician. Vaccinations Can ...
We grow up learning that sharing is caring. However, when it comes to germs, that is one thing you need to keep to yourself, especially when it comes to strep throat. What Causes Strep Throat? Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus. It’s an intense inflammation of the throat that occurs because of a bacterial infection. While strep throat can occur in both adults and children, it is most commonly diagnosed among children ...
At the start of every new year, we all make resolutions to improve our health and our daily lives. But often, in the hustle and bustle of the new year, we end up forgetting or neglecting our resolutions, and which makes our goals that much harder to accomplish. This year, why not break from that pattern, and choose resolutions that will have a big impact on your life without taking an enormous effort? Choosing high-impact ...
