Recent Blog Posts

Norovirus, often called the "stomach flu," is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Although norovirus is often called the stomach flu, they are different illnesses that lead to their own unique symptoms. The flu primarily affects the respiratory system while norovirus targets the digestive tract. Keep reading to learn more about norovirus and its symptoms. If you’re experiencing norovirus symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Cold weather can indeed trigger asthma symptoms for many individuals. When exposed to cold air, the airways may constrict, making breathing harder. This reaction can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The cold air can also dry out the airways, exacerbating inflammation and increasing sensitivity to allergens or pollutants. If you’re experiencing asthma flare ups, you may need to adjust your lifestyle and take certain preventative measures to avoid asthma ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Chest congestion can be a discomforting condition, often caused by colds, allergies, or respiratory infections, leading to tightness and difficulty breathing. It occurs when mucus builds up in the airways and lungs, making it hard to breathe and sometimes causing a productive cough. Fortunately, several effective methods exist for alleviating chest congestion and promoting better airflow. In this article, we'll explore tips for curing chest congestion, including natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

During the winter months, illnesses tend to spread quickly. One common winter illness is the flu. The flu is a viral infection that can cause severe illness and spread quickly from person to person. Because the flu is caused by a viral infection, you cannot treat it with medications. Your body will fight off the infection on its own over time, however, there are ways to manage your symptoms at home with the help of ...

Read more..

While cold weather cannot make you sick, it can indirectly lead to illnesses. This is because cold weather exposure can weaken your immune system which can make you more susceptible to contracting an illness. Cold weather also changes our lifestyle habits which leads us to spend more time indoors where illnesses spread quickly. It is important to be aware of common winter illnesses and know how to reduce your risk of getting sick during the ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ${city ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Getting strep throat during pregnancy doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s what to know about treating your symptoms. Save Your Spot Table of Contents How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? Risks of Getting Strep Throat While Pregnant Strep Throat Treatment Preventing Strep Throat During Pregnancy Visit AFC for Answers How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? A bacterial infection causes strep throat and typically comes with a sudden onset of ...

Read more..

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. Save Your Spot 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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Being sick is not fun. Illness symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the underlying illness. Having a runny nose is a very common illness symptom associated with viral infections. However, runny noses can also be caused by conditions such as allergies, the weather, and moisture in the air. Keep reading to learn more about what could be causing your runny nose and how to get rid of a runny nose fast. If ...

Read more..