Recent Blog Posts

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 Stamford ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Pain Under My Right Breast: What's Causing It?

Experiencing pain under your right breast? Luckily, the Mayo Clinic says this pain is rarely a concern for breast cancer, nor is it closely associated with heart attacks because your heart is mainly on the left side of your chest. Everyone, not just women, can suffer from sharp pain under their right breast. It can be recurrent or pop up and a sign of multiple different concerns, ranging from mild to serious. Learn more about ...

Read more..

Does My Child Have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

As a parent, noticing unusual symptoms in your child can be alarming. One common viral infection that often raises concerns is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Particularly prevalent among young children, HFMD is typically mild but can be uncomfortable and concerning. In this blog post, we’ll explore what HFMD is, its signs and symptoms, how long it lasts, treatment options, and when you should seek medical care at AFC SW Charlotte. Read on ...

Read more..

Why Am I Coughing?

Fall is approaching in Charlotte, which means dry coughs and other respiratory symptoms are becoming more prevalent. A cough can be an irritating, persistent symptom that causes discomfort and concern. While coughing is the body’s natural way of clearing the airways, it can also signal various underlying conditions, especially during cold and flu season. From the common cold to more serious infections like the flu or COVID-19, the reasons behind your cough can vary ...

Read more..

Is Psoriasis Itching? Learn About Psoriasis Flare-Ups

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 ...

Read more..

What Does a Broken Ankle Look Like? Or Is it a Sprain?

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 ...

Read more..

Can the Cold Turn into the Flu?

There is nothing to be worried about. While it might feel like you’re jumping from one illness to another, colds and the flu are caused by different viruses, meaning you can’t catch the flu from a cold. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola is here to share some important facts about the flu, so you can get back to your daily walks at Freedom Park or whatever you like ...

Read more..

How to Help My Child Lose Weight: All About Childhood Obesity

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 ...

Read more..

From Contact to Recovery: Demystifying Poison Ivy Rash Stages

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. Pre-Register Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

Read more..

The Role of Amino Acids

Sep 10, 2024 | Healthy Living The Role of Amino Acids Life in SW Charlotte, especially around the bustling Tyvola Road area, is always on the go. Whether you’re catching a game at the nearby Bank of America Stadium, taking a stroll through the scenic Renaissance Park, or managing a busy work schedule, staying healthy and energized is key. A crucial part of maintaining that energy and wellness is ensuring your body gets the right ...

Read more..