Recent Blog Posts

Wrist Sprain: How to Heal Quickly

A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Pre-Register 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 ...

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Deep Cut Treatment: What to Do & When to Get Stitches

If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Pre-Register 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 ...

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Why Is My Skin So Dry and Itchy in Winter?

Winter brings its own unique magic—cozy nights by the fire, holiday celebrations, and fresh, crisp air. For many of us in the SW Charlotte area, the season also brings something less charming: dry, itchy skin. You’re not alone if your skin feels tight or uncomfortable as temperatures drop. Understanding the cause of winter dryness and knowing how to manage it can make all the difference, so you can focus on enjoying everything this ...

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Stomach Pain After Eating: What's Causing It & How To Fix It

Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Pre-Register 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 ...

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Ear Bleeding: Causes, Treatment & When to Seek Medical Attention

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. Pre-Register 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 ...

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Lingering Cough After Cold: How to Get Rid of Your Residual Symptoms

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 ...

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Are Flu Shots Safe for Sick Kids?

As the crisp winter air sweeps through SW Charlotte, the cozy appeal of a hot drink from your favorite local coffee shop, like Sumaq Coffee, becomes irresistible. But while you’re warming up with your go-to latte, it’s important to think about keeping your kids healthy during this time of year. With flu season in full swing, one question that many parents often ask is whether it’s safe to get a flu shot ...

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The Relationship Between Technology and Sleep

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 ...

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Food Poisoning Tips

Living in the vibrant and bustling community of Southwest Charlotte, we enjoy a wide variety of dining options, from local restaurants to food trucks offering a taste of everything. But as delicious as our meals may be, food poisoning is an unwelcome health concern that can strike when least expected. Whether you’re at a cookout, grabbing a quick meal, or enjoying The Eagle, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments for food poisoning is essential ...

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How Long Does Vertigo Last?

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 ...

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Why Cold Weather May Cause Body Aches and Joint Pain

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 ...

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Hot Tub Rash: What Is It & How to Treat It

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. Pre-Register Table of Contents What Is It? Signs and ...

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Strep Throat & Pregnancy: How to Soothe a Sore Throat When You're Expecting

Getting strep throat during pregnancy doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s what to know about treating your symptoms. Pre-Register 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 ...

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What Do I Do if My Kid has a Barking Cough?

As the holiday season arrives in Charlotte, families are enjoying seasonal activities and cozy nights indoors. However, with the change in weather comes an increase in respiratory illnesses, and one common concern for parents is the barking cough in children. This distinct cough can be alarming, but understanding what it means, its causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical care can help ease your worries. At AFC Urgent Care Southwest Charlotte, we are dedicated to ...

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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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Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options for Walking Pneumonia

As the colder months approach in Charlotte, staying informed about common illnesses is crucial for protecting your health and the health of your loved ones. One illness that often goes under the radar is walking pneumonia—a milder but still impactful version of pneumonia. Early recognition and treatment are essential to minimizing symptoms and preventing complications. Whether you’re spending time exploring the vibrant local parks or enjoying community events, it’s vital to stay ...

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AFC SW Charlotte Extends Hours for Your Convenience

We’ve all been there—waking up with a sore throat or fever and wondering how to squeeze in a doctor’s visit before work. At AFC Urgent Care SW Charlotte, we’re making it easier by opening our doors earlier. Weekdays are now open at 7:30 AM Monday through Friday. This change is especially important during cold and flu season, when mornings can bring a rush of patients needing care before work or ...

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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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When Should I Expect My Child to Feel Sick After Being Exposed to COVID?

Autumn in Charlotte is a wonderful time for families to enjoy local fall activities like pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes. But with fun gatherings often comes increased exposure to seasonal illnesses, including COVID-19. If your child has been exposed to the virus, it’s natural to worry and wonder when symptoms might start to appear. Understanding the typical timeline for COVID-19 symptoms and knowing what to look out for can help you make informed ...

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