Recent Blog Posts

During the fall season, waking up with a stuffy nose or sore throat is not rare. However, did you know that these symptoms could be from seasonal allergies, not an illness? Although seasonal allergies are known to occur during the spring season, they can last through the summer and fall depending on what you’re allergic to. Fall allergy symptoms can mimic mild illness symptoms, making it important to seek medical care to properly diagnose ...

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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 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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Fall marks the beginning of flu season. The flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness, even in healthy individuals. Medical professionals recommend that anyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu vaccine to prevent the spread of the flu. However, there are differing opinions about when you should get the flu vaccine and whether it is possible to get it too late. Keep reading to learn more about ...

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During the busy back-to-school season, life can be stressful. Having a sick child or parent can increase the strain on any family. Indoor spaces such as schools can be a breeding ground for contagious illnesses. Between young children who don’t practice proper hygiene and having to be in the classroom 5 days a week, it is no surprise that illnesses can spread like wildfire within schools. With the back-to-school season upon us, you may ...

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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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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. Save Your Spot Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

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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. Save Your Spot The ...

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Skin rashes are a very common condition during the summer months. There are a variety of different conditions that can lead to a skin rash including insect bites, seasonal allergies, poison iv, and more. If you experience a skin rash this summer, seeking medical care can help ensure that you treat it effectively. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for same-day skin rash diagnosis and treatment services. Our clinic is open 7 days a week from ...

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) can be a taboo topic. However, STDs are very common and are usually easily treated with medication. However, it is important to understand some early warning signs of an STD so that you know when to seek medical care for treatment. Keep reading to learn about common STDs and their symptoms so that you can get the appropriate treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an STD, or are in need ...

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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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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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Are you planning a trip abroad and find yourself wondering, “what vaccines are required for international travel?” AFC in Stoneham MA provides all this information and more in this guide. One crucial aspect of travel preparation is ensuring you're protected against diseases that may be rare or nonexistent in the United States but prevalent in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are a key part of this protection, helping to prevent the spread of ...

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Why Is it Better to Go to an Urgent Care Clinic and Not the Hospital? In a medical situation, most people’s first reaction is to rush to the nearest hospital. But often, this isn’t the right decision regarding healthcare. Thankfully, other options – such as urgent care clinics – provide excellent treatment while saving time and money. An urgent care center is a medical center that provides immediate, short-term care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries ...

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Can humans get fleas from dogs? Fleas are tiny, persistent parasites that primarily target our beloved pets, such as dogs. However, many pet owners wonder if these pesky insects can also infect humans. Understanding the relationship between fleas, dogs, and humans is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. What Are Fleas? Fleas are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Despite their size, they are formidable parasites that survive by feeding on the ...

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Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health, especially for children, as they protect against a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. But how many vaccines do kids get? In the US, children follow a carefully structured immunization schedule designed to provide protection from their earliest stages of life. This schedule ensures that kids receive the right vaccines at the right time, helping to build immunity before exposure to common infectious diseases. How Many Vaccines ...

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While springtime is renowned for severe seasonal allergies, this is not the only time of year that you can suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms. Spring, summer and fall all are seasons with high levels of allergens. Suffering from seasonal allergies often comes along with common cold symptoms and can trigger underlying respiratory conditions. This article highlights common summer allergy symptoms and how you can manage them. For same-day symptom diagnosis and treatment, walk into AFC ...

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It's summer, yet your nose is running. Are you sick? Congestion during the summertime can have a variety of different causes. Most commonly, congestion during the summer is caused by seasonal allergies and mild viral infections like colds. However, the treatment for these two conditions is very different. Learn more about causes of congestion during the summer and how to treat them. If you’re suffering from symptoms like congestion, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham ...

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If you’ve been wondering how long to fast before blood work, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, AFC in Stoneham MA breaks down the essentials of fasting before blood work to guide you through the process. Fasting before blood work can be confusing, but it’s crucial to ensure accurate test results. Whether you’re checking your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, or other key health indicators, what you eat—or ...

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Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC Stoneham Today From urgent care to lab testing, AFC offers many services.* As we navigate through the complexities of life, the demand for accessible and high-quality healthcare has never been more important. This article aims to shed light on the myriad services provided by AFC, focusing on our commitment to delivering exceptional care across various facets of health management. *Please note that services may vary across locations. Please contact ...

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