Recent Blog Posts

Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Stoneham MA Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

Read more..

There are nearly 3.4 million truck drivers in the United States, according to a 2020 survey by the American Trucking Associations. Most truck drivers must pass a Department of Transportation Physical (DOT Physical) to keep a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you’re wondering what a DOT physical is, here’s what to expect during one. Understanding What a DOT Physical Is The U.S. Department of Transportation sets the DOT physical ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Are you wondering if you have genital herpes or a vaginal yeast infection? Learn the common signs of genital herpes vs. vaginal yeast infections so you know what to discuss with your doctor. What is Herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by two types of viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In addition, there are genital and oral herpes. Unfortunately, both are chronic ...

Read more..

You’re at soccer practice for your son, and he trips and falls on his arm and is immediately in pain. While your first thought might not be, “How much is an x-ray?” there are a few things to consider when choosing where to go for treatment. Before you visit an ER for an x-ray, you may want to consider the cost. Here’s what ER x-rays cost vs. urgent care x-rays, including x-ray cost ...

Read more..

What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, American Family Care has the answers. What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care ...

Read more..

Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities, but protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important. However, it’s essential to know the common signs and symptoms of sun poisoning and when to seek treatment. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply spending time in your own backyard, understanding the signs and risks of sun poisoning ...

Read more..

In the sweltering heat of summer or during periods of intense physical activity, many of us have experienced the discomfort of heat rash symptoms. This common skin condition, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can put a damper on our outdoor adventures and leave us itching and irritated. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for heat rash is crucial to managing this condition and ensuring our skin stays healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to ...

Read more..

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child's illness or injury requires urgent medical attention. Pediatric urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for children with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. These centers are designed to provide accessible care that is much more affordable than pediatrician or primary care physician visits ...

Read more..

As the seasons change and the temperature drops, it's not uncommon to hear warnings about the arrival of cold and flu season. During this time, many people become more wary of their health and take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. However, amidst the heightened awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions about this season have been perpetuated over the years. American Family Care (AFC) debunks these myths and separates fact from fiction, enabling you to ...

Read more..

With temperatures continuing to drop and the holiday season among us, injury cases become more common. There are a variety of situations and conditions that cause injuries to be more prevalent during this time of year. Learn about common winter injuries so that you and your loved ones can stay healthy this holiday season. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for urgent injury care near Stoneham, MA. Common Winter Injuries During the colder winter months, the ...

Read more..

With winter upon us, most of us are well into the season of using indoor heating. Staying nice and warm indoors will help prevent us from getting sick, right? Did you know that indoor heating actually can have negative impacts on your health? Learn more about the impacts of indoor heating on your health and how to stay healthy this winter. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for same-day illness diagnosis & treatment near Stoneham, MA. Is ...

Read more..

Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

Read more..

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Stoneham MA Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

Read more..

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?  Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia.  When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...

Read more..

What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns So, what are the degrees of burns? If you’ve been wondering how to identify burns, we’ve got the answers for you. Burns are a common injury that can occur from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, and sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is crucial ...

Read more..

Ear infections can be difficult to diagnose due to their broad symptoms. Luckily, ear infections typically resolve on their own. However, in certain cases, medical intervention may be necessary to treat an ear infection. Walk into AFC Urgent Care Stoneham today for rapid illness diagnosis and treatment near Stoneham, MA. Causes and Symptoms of Ear Infections Unlike many illnesses, ear infections are unique because they can be caused by a viral infection or a bacterial ...

Read more..

Influenza season is upon us and cases of the flu are rising. In order to protect yourself from getting sick, or from spreading your illness to others, learn about common flu symptoms. Get flu symptom diagnosis and treatment by visiting AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. What Causes the Flu? The flu is a respiratory illness that is caused by the Influenza virus. Like many viral infections, the flu virus is very contagious. You can catch the ...

Read more..

The best way to treat an illness is taking steps to prevent it in the first place. Or, is it? Learn about how flu vaccines protect you from serious illness, and whether you are still vulnerable to getting the flu this fall. Benefits of Getting the Flu Shot The flu shot is a very simple way to increase your body's ability to fight off the flu. However, it does not completely prevent you from ...

Read more..

Pink Eye is an uncomfortable infection that can cause irritation around the eye and other uncomfortable side effects. Learn about pink eye, what causes it and how to avoid it in this article. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for Pink Eye diagnosis & treatment by walking in today. What is Pink Eye? Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, can be a viral or bacterial infection which affects the eye. It is often referred to as pink eye ...

Read more..