Recent Blog Posts

Can You Get a Flu Shot While Sick?

From November through December, the holiday season doesn’t let up. Between errands like picking up groceries at Aldi and choosing a bouquet at Brookdale Flowers & Gifts, your days are jam-packed. You penciled in time for a flu shot but started feeling a little off, making you unsure whether it was the right move. AFC can guide you through the decision, so you stay safe and protected. Rest assured, the flu shot won’t give ...

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RICE Method: What It Is & When to Use It

If you’ve twisted your ankle or sprained your wrist, you may have been told to follow the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and it can help soothe injured joints and tissues. Pre-Register What Is RICE? RICE is a self-care technique that can relieve pain, reduce swelling, and speed up the recovery process for minor musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises. Medical providers often use it as part ...

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Can Exercise Improve Your Mood?

Can exercise improve your mood? Regular aerobic activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and even dancing have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Understanding how exercise impacts both your body and mind can empower you to use physical activity as a tool for better mental well-being. Exercise Can Improve Your Mood When you exercise, your body does more than just burn calories—it also enhances brain function. One key way exercise boosts ...

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Why Does My Child Have a Barking Cough?

As the winter season arrives and the holiday hustle and bustle ramps up, you might decide to take a break from the holiday cleaning and head to Red Lobster with the family. But during your shopping trip, you hear your child’s cough change in a way that’s hard to ignore—it starts to sound like a barking seal. At first, you chalk it up to the cold, but the cough seems to get ...

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Ringing in Ears and Dizziness: What to Do

If you’re feeling a ringing in your ears and dizziness, the causes could range from dehydration to vertigo to Meniere’s disease. Learn more. Pre-Register What Is Tinnitus? A ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise in the ears when no outside sounds are happening is called tinnitus. It’s often a symptom of various conditions but can occur due to exposure to loud noise, earwax accumulation, or age-related hearing loss. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and ...

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How Long Will My Kid Have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Kids love to interact with everything around them. Poking at fish tanks while you grab some fish food from River & Reef Aquatics, running immediately to the toys at T.J.Maxx and somehow get into the flour at home. While that curiosity is admirable, it also exposes them to sickness. One such illness this season is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). While preventable with good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, it can ...

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Pain Under My Right Breast: What's Causing It?

Experiencing pain under your right breast? Luckily, the Mayo Clinic says this pain is rarely a concern for breast cancer, nor is it closely associated with heart attacks because your heart is mainly on the left side of your chest. Everyone, not just women, can suffer from sharp pain under their right breast. It can be recurrent or pop up and a sign of multiple different concerns, ranging from mild to serious. Learn more about ...

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How Soon After Exposure Do COVID Symptoms Start?

The impact of COVID-19 has been felt by everyone in different ways. We’ve all experienced how quickly symptoms can manifest after being exposed, which underscores the importance of staying informed about our health and the health of those around us. You might enjoy a day at the park, spend another at Angel Island Fun Park, and then visit family, only to later find out that someone is unwell. While many know the steps to ...

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Is Psoriasis Itching? Learn About Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Is psoriasis itching? Read on to learn more about this skin disease. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells. While itching is one of the most common symptoms of psoriasis, it’s far from the only challenge those with the condition face. Flare-ups, where symptoms worsen significantly, can be triggered by a variety of factors, making it crucial to understand what ...

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What’s the Usual Duration of Pink Eye in Kids?

Little kids seem to get sick easily and parents do their best to keep them healthy, like bundling their little ones up to keep them from the cold or taking them to an indoor location like the The Fun Factory. Children often catch a variety of illnesses, especially if they’re in daycare, school, or shared play areas, which are hotspots for the bacteria and viruses that lead to most pink eye infections. So let ...

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What Does a Broken Ankle Look Like? Or Is it a Sprain?

What does a broken ankle look like? Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you take a simple misstep while walking or participating in a more vigorous activity like sports, a twist or fall can lead to a painful ankle injury. However, distinguishing between a sprain and a fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Understanding the Ankle Structure The ankle is a ...

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COVID vs. Flu vs. Cold Symptoms

As you enjoy the crisp air on a hike at Statesville Greenway – Fourth Creek Trailhead, it’s easy to notice the changing seasons bringing cooler temps and, unfortunately, the risk of illness. If you’ve started to feel unwell, you may be wondering: Is it COVID-19, the flu, or a common cold? Although these illnesses have overlapping symptoms, there are key differences that can help you figure out what’s ailing you. Knowing these distinctions ...

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How to Help My Child Lose Weight: All About Childhood Obesity

As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help your child lose weight, but taking proactive steps is essential for their future well-being. Addressing childhood obesity is more than a matter of physical appearance; it's about preventing long-term health complications. By learning more about the causes and effects of obesity and taking action through small lifestyle changes, you can make a big difference in your child's life. What Is ...

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From Contact to Recovery: Demystifying Poison Ivy Rash Stages

While poison ivy rashes are common, many people aren’t fully aware of the different stages they go through—from the moment you make contact with the plant to the final stages of healing. In this post, we’ll walk you through each of the poison ivy rash stages, helping you understand what’s happening to your skin and how to manage the discomfort. Pre-Register Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

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How Long Will Flu Symptoms Last?

Sep 11, 2024 | Healthy Living With illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, and the flu spreading, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Even with our best efforts to stay healthy, many people still face the risk of catching the flu. If you’re currently dealing with the flu, we understand how challenging it can be. Influenza is usually a common respiratory virus that clears up within a week. To help you manage your symptoms and recover more ...

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The Critical Role of Sleep in Athletic Performance

In the realm of athletic performance, we often focus on training regimes, nutrition, and mental strategies. However, one crucial element frequently overlooked is the relationship between sleep and athletic performance. Sleep is not merely a passive state but a vital component of an athlete's recovery and performance. The adage "sleep is for the weak" couldn’t be further from the truth; adequate rest is a cornerstone of peak physical and mental functioning. Pre-Register The ...

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Common Autumn Health Concerns

Aug 30, 2024 | Uncategorized In Statesville, the autumn season offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, from hiking and football games to preparing homes for winter. However, with these enjoyable activities come specific health concerns that are more common in the fall. Understanding and addressing these issues can help ensure a safe and pleasant season for you and your loved ones. Unique Fall Factors Autumn brings a distinct set of health challenges that require careful ...

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Sitting Less, Moving More: The Role of Workplace Wellness Programs

Whether at a desk in the office or working remotely from home, many employees spend the majority of their day seated. While this may seem like a routine part of adult life, research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can impact our health. Workplace wellness programs offer a solution. These initiatives can help counteract the negative effects of sitting and promote overall well-being. Join us as we explore the dangers of prolonged sitting and how ...

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Did I Strain My Back?

Aug 15, 2024 | Healthy Living Did I Strain My Back? Back pain is a common complaint that many people experience at some point in their lives. One of the most frequent causes of back pain is a strained back. Whether from lifting something heavy, sudden movements or simply overdoing it during a workout, a back strain can leave you feeling uncomfortable and in pain. Understanding the symptoms and causes of a back strain can help ...

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Do You Need X-Ray Services to Diagnose Whiplash?

Whiplash can often be diagnosed through a history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, how long they have lasted, and how the injury occurred, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-ray services to confirm the extent of the injury. While commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash can also occur from sports injuries, falls, or physical assaults. It's characterized by symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive disturbances, which can ...

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