Recent Blog Posts

As the summer temperatures steadily rise, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with heat exhaustion– especially in children. Heat exhaustion can quickly escalate and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial in preventing long-term harm. In this blog, we’ll explore what heat exhaustion is, how to recognize its symptoms and different forms of treatment available to keep your child safe during the ...

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If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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Everyone experiences bruising at some point in their lives, and often we notice a bruise without being able to recognize when it happened. Bruises are normal and often heal on their own, but sometimes, they can be serious and require medical attention. Here are the differences between a bruise and a hematoma, and how to tell when you should see a healthcare provider for treatment. For same-day injury care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC ...

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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that happens in the kidneys, the bladder, or the tubes connecting them. The infection typically spreads from the anus into the urethra, where it develops. Even though UTIs begin and develop below the waist, you may be wondering if nausea is a symptom of this type of infection. Here’s what you need to know about UTIs, including whether they can cause nausea, what your symptoms ...

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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 ...

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Spring brings warmer temperatures and lots of sun, but it also brings the misery of spring allergies. If you’re an allergy sufferer you are probably already experiencing itchy, red, dry eyes, congestion, and other symptoms associated with spring allergies. Unfortunately you can’t completely get rid of seasonal allergies. But there are some things that you can do to manage the symptoms associated with spring allergies. For same-day allergy relief, visit the walk-in clinic ...

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When the spring comes the urge to grab your gear and hit the trail can be strong. But even though it’s great to get out into nature after a long winter of being cooped up, you should exercise some caution on those trails. The wet spring conditions and uncertain weather can cause injuries and illnesses that can put you on the sidelines for months. Safety first should be your motto during any spring outdoor ...

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While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in Stoneham indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Stoneham has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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The healthcare industry has evolved to include telehealth urgent care, an innovative technology that has made it easier for people worldwide to access healthcare virtually.  This medical service offers faster urgent care visits through virtual appointments, providing services from physical exams to diagnostics, which allows healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, providing care, support, and information from a distance. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility or transportation issues, with busy schedules ...

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Spring is finally here! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and… you are stuck inside dealing with seasonal allergies. We’ve all been there– and it’s no fun! This year, learn how to take control of your seasonal allergy symptoms! By following a few tips and prevention methods, you can manage your seasonal allergies this spring and get back to doing the things you love, uninterrupted. For same-day seasonal allergy treatment, visit ...

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Have you ever been playing around and accidentally jammed your finger? You may have experienced a finger sprain– a common injury that causes a moderate amount of pain and swelling. When you sustain an injury to any part of your hand, it can significantly impact your ability to perform basic tasks. A finger sprain occurs when the ligaments that support your finger become stretched or torn. This blog will explore the signs that you have ...

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Vaccines have always been a very important part of human existence. A lot of people don't understand the benefits of vaccination and because of this refuse to get their shots. Vaccines help slow down the spread of deadly, dangerous and contagious diseases. The first vaccine ever developed was the smallpox vaccine. Before the development of the vaccine, smallpox had killed over 400 million people in the last century alone.  Thanks to scientific developments the ...

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Urgent care providers offer convenient, time-saving alternatives to visiting an emergency room for minor, non-life-threatening medical conditions. These healthcare centers typically have shorter wait times and offer services like X-rays, urgent treatment of colds and flu, sprains, strains, and fractures, on-site lab tests, and physicals. Urgent care centers provide efficient diagnoses of various health problems, ranging from minor to severe. Some are also equipped with on-site lab testing capabilities so that patients can get results ...

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Breakfast has been dubbed by many, especially scientists as the most important meal of the day. The importance of this one singular meal cannot be overstated and in this article we will be discussing the importance of breakfast and why it shouldn't be missed. Being the first meal of the day, it helps boost your energy for the rest of the day's activities. For more information on ways you can boost your health ...

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A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a frustrating ailment that causes a runny nose, congestion, swollen and/or itching eyes, a sore throat, headaches, and other symptoms. While there isn’t necessarily a quick sinus infection cure, there are certainly ways that you can ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery.  If you’re suffering from sinusitis, know that you aren’t alone; approximately 90% of patients with colds have an element of viral ...

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Local urgent care centers in Stoneham, or family walk-in clinics, offer patients convenient and affordable urgent healthcare services. When you visit a family walk-in clinic, you can expect quick, quality care at a fraction of the cost of your local emergency room.  Emergency rooms tend to be very busy and crowded and are associated with longer waiting times and higher fees. By going to a walk-in doctor’s office for a non-life-threatening illness or injury ...

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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, AFC 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, you can ...

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This winter season, you might be planning to hit the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding are exciting winter activities that let us get some exercise in a fun way. However, it’s important to keep in mind the various risks we take when skiing– including sunburn. This blog will answer some frequently asked questions about potential sunburns while skiing, and outline when you should seek medical attention. It is important to take steps to protect your ...

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Unfortunately, COVID-19 has continued to affect our communities and disrupt our daily routines. As the virus has evolved since its pandemic status, many questions are left up to debate. One question that many people have is whether or not it is safe to exercise when infected with COVID-19. The short answer is that, in most cases, it is safe to work out as long as certain precautions are taken. This blog will explore some important ...

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