Recent Blog Posts

Understanding the Impact of Excessive Screen Time  In our digital age, we find ourselves immersed in screens for work, entertainment, and social interactions. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to screens has been linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our circadian rhythm, affecting the quality of our sleep. Moreover, the constant stream of information and social comparison on social media platforms can contribute to ...

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Gratitude’s Impact on Mental Health Beyond normal conversational niceties, expressing genuine gratitude profoundly influences mental health. Numerous studies consistently link regular gratitude to a significant reduction in stress and depression. It should also be noted that a grateful mindset extends beyond mere positivity; it represents a cognitive shift, reframing perceptions from a sense of lack to a sense of abundance. This shift not only increases general resilience but also fosters a sustained positive outlook ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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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Almost three decades ago, in 1994, Congress established Men’s Health Week for the week leading up to Father’s Day. The declaration and observation was designed to raise awareness about the health challenges that men face. It is also a time to promote preventative health and the overall well-being of men. Since then, the observation expanded to include the entire month of June and is now observed by multiple other counties, making it “International ...

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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 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 ...

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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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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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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 ...

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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 ...

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Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is important for maintaining a healthy body. It’s known for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to boost the immune system. Vitamin C helps repair and regenerate tissues in the body. It aids in the absorption of iron, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. It is also necessary for the production of collagen, a protein that helps ...

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You may think that getting sick is just something that comes along with the cooler months, but boosting your immunity can greatly reduce your chances of illness all year round. Staying up to date on vaccines, eating a healthy diet, properly hydrating, taking beneficial supplements, exercising regularly (even a little bit), and reducing stress can increase the function of your immune system. Find out how these simple actions can have a positive impact on your ...

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As kids, many of us went to the doctors for our annual wellness exams, but as we grow older we tend to overlook and skip these exams. Your annual wellness exam is very important and only grows more important as you age. These exams also allow you to get the necessary health screenings and services that help you understand yourr general health standing. When you get your annual wellness exam done, it allows you to ...

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