From hiking the trails at the Barton Creek Greenbelt to spending weekends at Circle C Metropolitan Park or taking dogs to local off-leash areas, outdoor recreation is a major part of life in Southwest Austin. Residents regularly share parks, trails, neighborhoods, and natural spaces with pets, wildlife, and insects. While most encounters are harmless, animal bites and stings can happen unexpectedly and may require medical evaluation. Animal bites are particularly common during Austin’s warm ...
Riding bikes and scooters is one of those childhood experiences that sticks with you; cruising through neighborhood streets or park trails with a sense of freedom and excitement that kids and adults alike enjoy. In Southwest Austin, TX, with its mix of rolling hills, busy suburban roads, and beautiful trail systems, it’s also a popular way to get outside and stay active. But here’s the truth: while biking and scootering are fun, they ...
Spring in Austin has a way of pulling everyone outdoors. Sunshine, blooming plants, and those warm Texas afternoons make it the perfect season to refresh flower beds with new plants from the Natural Gardener, tackle yard projects, and finally give your garden the attention it deserves. Whether you’re planting herbs, pulling weeds, or transforming your backyard into your own personal oasis, gardening can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend a day ...
In a vibrant, active city like Austin, injuries can happen anywhere from cooking at home to spending time outdoors at Zilker Metropolitan Park. Whether it’s a minor cut, a fall, or a sudden choking emergency, knowing how to respond with basic first aid can make a critical difference in those first few moments. Organizations like the American Red Cross emphasize the importance of immediate care before professional treatment is available. At AFC Urgent Care ...
As spring settles into Austin, it's hard not to take advantage of the warmer weather, blooming plants, and extra sunshine. From walking along Barton Creek Greenbelt to spending time outdoors with family walking the trails at Lady Bird Lake, this time of year naturally brings more time outside. But with all that fresh air also comes higher pollen levels, something Austin is especially known for, which can trigger uncomfortable symptoms for many people. One ...
Living in Austin means enjoying beautiful weather, outdoor trails, youth sports, and year-round activities. But for many residents, especially those with asthma, the local environment can also bring challenges. From high pollen counts to changing weather and air quality, asthma symptoms can flare up quickly if not properly managed. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it harder to breathe. While it can range from mild ...
HFMD is often perceived as an illness that only impacts young children, but adults can get hand, foot, and mouth, too. Dispelling the myth that HFMD exclusively affects children is critical, especially since adults may not realize they're carrying the virus and could inadvertently spread it. Save Your Spot What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children, typically those under the age of five. It ...
When your little one develops a fever, it's natural to worry and wonder, "How long do fevers last in infants?" Fevers are often the body's way of fighting infections by creating a less hospitable environment for germs. While fevers can seem concerning, they are usually not harmful and often resolve on their own. Save Your Spot Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...
Are sugar rushes real? For decades, many parents have believed in the idea of a “sugar rush,” a phenomenon where kids become hyperactive after consuming sugary snacks or drinks. This belief has led to widespread efforts to limit sugar intake, especially during times when parents want their children to stay calm and focused. Despite its popularity, scientific research shows that the so-called sugar rush is actually a myth. In this blog post, we'll explore ...
Does menopause make you tired? Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While it’s often associated with hot flashes and mood swings, many women also experience persistent fatigue during this transition. Feeling tired or low on energy can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when combined with other menopause symptoms. Save Your Spot Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...
You may wonder, "What is the best diet for irritable bowel syndrome?" The answer depends on your unique symptoms and needs, but several dietary strategies have been known to bring relief. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects millions of people, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, making thoughtful changes to your diet can play a significant role in ...
A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Save Your Spot Table of Contents How To Tell if You Have a Sprained Wrist Severity of Sprained Wrists How To Treat a Sprained Wrist How To Heal a Sprained Wrist Fast Sprained Wrist Medical Devices Should I Go to the ER or Urgent Care? Activities to Avoid With a Sprained Wrist Visit AFC for Help ...
If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Save Your Spot Table of Contents What is Considered a Deep Cut? How Deep Does a Cut Need to Be for Stitches? Treatment Other Concerns to Keep in Mind Where To Go for Treatment What is Considered a Deep Cut? A deep laceration is generally considered over a quarter inch deep, but this also depends ...
Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Potential Causes and Treatments Upper Stomach vs. Lower Stomach Pain What To Do If Other Symptoms, like Diarrhea, Accompany the Stomach Pain What Do I Do If My Stomach Pain After Eating is Frequent? When Do I Need to See a Medical Provider? Potential Causes and Treatments ...
Ear bleeding can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Middle or Outer Ear Infection Head Trauma or Falling Torn or Ruptured Eardrum Foreign Object Barotrauma Other Infections Other Symptoms To Watch For When To Visit a Healthcare Provider Visit Your Local AFC Middle or Outer Ear Infection Infections in the ear, whether in the ...
A lingering cough after a cold can be irritating and exhausting. Use these tips to get rid of your residual cough. Table of Contents What Causes a Lingering Cough How to Get Rid of a Chronic Cough Medications to Try When to See a Provider Visit Your Local AFC What Causes a Lingering Cough One of the most common causes of a chronic cough is a postnasal drip caused by allergies or a cold. Plus ...
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including our bedtime routines. Many people use electronic devices right before bed, whether scrolling through social media, watching TV, or responding to emails, leading to much research into the relationship between technology and sleep. Join us as we explore how technology affects sleep, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for creating a more restful, tech-free sleep environment. Table of Contents How Technology and Sleep ...
Vertigo is common yet unsettling - for some, vertigo is a mild inconvenience, while it can significantly disrupt daily life for others. But how long does vertigo last? Whether you're experiencing brief episodes or ongoing bouts, the duration of vertigo largely depends on the underlying cause and the type of vertigo you have. Table of Contents What Is Vertigo? How Long Does Vertigo Last? Can Stress Cause Vertigo? How to Prevent Vertigo Visit AFC Stamford ...
As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many people struggle with increased body aches and joint pain. It's a common experience to feel more discomfort during the colder months, and while it may seem like a simple coincidence, there's more to this phenomenon than meets the eye. Table of Contents Why Do My Joints Hurt When It's Cold? Strategies to Manage Body Aches and Joint Pain in Winter Concerned About Your ...
If you’ve recently enjoyed some time in a hot tub and now find yourself dealing with an itchy, bothersome rash, you might be experiencing what’s commonly referred to as hot tub rash, also known as hot tub folliculitis. A hot tub rash — with itchy, bumpy, red skin — is an infection from common bacteria in hot tubs and swimming pools. Learn how to treat it. Save Your Spot Table of Contents What Is It? Signs and ...