Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (historically referred to as STDs)  are more prevalent than many think and if left undetected and untreated, can have severe consequences. Regular STI testing ensures early identification of any infections, enabling prompt medical intervention and preventing further transmission.  Consistent STI testing helps individuals take control of their sexual health. Many STIs may not display obvious symptoms after contraction, making testing the only reliable method for detection. Regular testing allows individuals to ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Mental health refers to the overall state of an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect how we feel, think and behave. Mental health is important just like physical health, and a positive state of mental health is key to overall health.  The importance of mental health awareness can’t be overstated. Despite increased attention to mental health issues in recent years, the stigma surrounding mental ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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With the rise of telemedicine, there is an increasing availability of virtual doctor appointments. This is often a more convenient option for patients, but it is important to know when an in-person doctor’s appointment is necessary. However, in some cases, a virtual appointment may actually be the best option available.  In-person appointments should be booked when a physical exam is needed. This includes physical conditions such as broken bones, lacerations, or other ailments that ...

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Local urgent care centers in Portland OR, or family walk-in clinics, offer patients convenient and affordable urgent healthcare services. When you visit a family walk-in clinic, you can expect quick, quality care at a fraction of the cost of your local emergency room.  Emergency rooms tend to be very busy and crowded and are associated with longer waiting times and higher fees. By going to a walk-in doctor’s office for a non-life-threatening illness or injury ...

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What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, AFC has the answers.    What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care, you can ...

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If you’ve ever arrived at the emergency room with an urgent medical concern, you know how frustrating it can be to sit in a waiting room while you continue to suffer. Emergency rooms these days are just too overcrowded, and they often fail to treat the specific ailments that you are facing. Urgent care facilities have revolutionized the emergency care process, making it faster and easier to receive immediate medical attention. Emergency room visits ...

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