Recent Blog Posts

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 ...

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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 ...

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It is estimated that over 100 million adults in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These symptoms are particularly common around September as medical professionals record a sudden increase in cold and feverish cases. September sniffles are gradually becoming more prevalent than ever due to climate change which is causing more extreme seasonal changes. This change tends to favor pollen longevity in the atmosphere ...

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As fall approaches, certain ailments such as allergies, colds, the flu, sore throats, and ear infections increase in frequency. To stop their spread, it's crucial to be aware of the ailments that thrive in the fall and winter. In this article, we highlight common illnesses to watch out for in September. We also outline a few ways you can protect yourself from these illnesses this fall. Common fall illnesses & their symptoms Due to the ...

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Back-to-school sports physicals are vital for student athletes. They ensure health and meet requirements. Urgent care clinics offer quick, comprehensive exams with convenience and confidentiality. AFC provides affordable physicals, prioritizing your child's well-being.

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Statistics show that millions worldwide have infected cuts and wounds each year. An infected wound must be identified and treated immediately to prevent it from escalating. Signs And Symptoms Of An Infected Cut Identifying the signs and symptoms associated with an infected cut is essential to receive quick medical care. Infected cuts often exhibit redness, swelling, and warmth. A thick yellow fluid that indicates that the cut is infected, commonly referred to as pus, may ...

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As the summer's warmth surrounds them, it is important for individuals to take care of their diet consumption. High temperatures may cause food-borne illnesses such as diarrhea, sore throat, respiratory tract infections, and food poisoning. The illness due to any infection/disease suppresses the patient's immune system. In this case, an individual must choose the diet plan wisely because a proper diet empowers the immune system to fight against illness. This article aims ...

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If you have an STD but haven't been sexually active, you may have contracted it through sharing needles, tattoos/piercings, blood transfusions, or other means. Some STDs are asymptomatic but can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. AFC urgent care clinics offer confidential STD testing and treatment.

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If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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Physical for sports exams, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), help determine whether a person is physically fit to participate in organized sports activities. This physical exam aims to identify any possible medical conditions that could put the athlete at risk for severe injury or illness during practice or competition. Sports physicals are typically done annually, though some states may require more frequent exams based on age and the type of sport being played ...

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While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in Southcenter indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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Schedule Online As supplies keep getting low, truck drivers are working extremely hard to keep items moving despite the extreme difficulties, post COVID-19. Even after a pandemic, they work longer hours to keep pharmacies and grocery stores stocked with essential supplies. Commercial drivers are since then required to make sure that they are taking precautions to safeguard themselves from unwarranted exposures and other problems brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the rules and ...

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Schedule Online Introduction As our healthcare system continues to evolve, patients are searching for new and innovative ways to access medical care. Urgent care is a popular choice because it provides high-quality medical services for non-life-threatening conditions conveniently and cost-effectively. In this article, we'll look at why urgent care may be the best option for your healthcare requirements, giving you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your medical care. Urgent ...

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Schedule Online Preparing for a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is important to ensure that you are able to pass the exam and maintain your commercial driver's license (CDL). If you're a truck driver, you need to have a clear understanding of your upcoming DOT physical which is a medical examination required by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). DOT physical is for commercial drivers who operate vehicles that weigh over 10 ...

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Schedule Online Sexually transmitted infections (STDs) are likely far more prevalent than we realize. Every year, nearly 20 million new cases of STDs are diagnosed. This corresponds to 110 million Americans living with STDs, or more than one-third of the total US population. STDs mainly affect individuals between 15 to 24 years. But according to the American Sexual Health Association, merely 12% of the youth, who comprise 50% of all new STD infections, have recently ...

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So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Southcenter has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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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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Urgent care providers offer convenient, time-saving alternatives to visiting an emergency room for minor, non-life-threatening medical conditions. These healthcare centers typically have shorter wait times and offer services like X-rays, urgent treatment of colds and flu, sprains, strains, and fractures, on-site lab tests, and physicals. Urgent care centers provide efficient diagnoses of various health problems, ranging from minor to severe. Some are also equipped with on-site lab testing capabilities so that patients can get results ...

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A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a frustrating ailment that causes a runny nose, congestion, swollen and/or itching eyes, a sore throat, headaches, and other symptoms. While there isn’t necessarily a quick sinus infection cure, there are certainly ways that you can ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery.  If you’re suffering from sinusitis, know that you aren’t alone; approximately 90% of patients with colds have an element of viral ...

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Local urgent care centers in Southcenter, 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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