Recent Blog Posts

Do You Need X-Ray Services to Diagnose Whiplash?

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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What Vaccines Are Required for International Travel?

Are you planning a trip abroad and find yourself wondering, “what vaccines are required for international travel?” AFC in Charlotte NC 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 Urgent Care and Not the Hospital?

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?

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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How Many Vaccines Do Kids Get? Standard Procedure in the US

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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What’s the CDC’s Latest Take on COVID-19 in 2024?

by Isaac Zefo | Jul 30, 2024 | Healthy Living What’s the CDC’s Latest Take on COVID-19 in 2024? First sentence: Explore the CDC’s updated 2024 COVID-19 guidelines, featuring new vaccination strategies, preventive recommendations, and simplified advice for handling respiratory illnesses. As we move through 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to refine its guidance on COVID-19, adapting to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic. Here’s an in-depth look ...

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How Long to Fast Before Blood Work

If you’ve been wondering how long to fast before blood work, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, AFC in Charlotte NC 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 SW Charlotte Today

Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC SW Charlotte 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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How Does Chronic Stress Affect Your Body and Mind?

by Isaac Zefo | Jul 14, 2024 | Healthy Living How Does Chronic Stress Affect Your Body and Mind? Stress is an inevitable part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can wreak havoc on your body and mind. While short-term stress can be motivating, prolonged exposure to stressors can lead to lifestyle changes such as skipping social events, and increase your risk of developing serious health issues. Let’s explore the far-reaching effects of chronic ...

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The Different Types of Drug Testing and Screening Available

The Different Types of Drug Testing and Screening Available Drug testing has become a cornerstone of employment protocols across various industries, serving as a crucial tool for ensuring workplace safety, productivity, and regulatory compliance. As employers strive to maintain a drug-free environment and uphold the well-being of their employees, the need for reliable testing services has never been more paramount. Join us as we delve into drug screening and testing, exploring the diverse options available ...

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How Fast Does Food Poisoning Hit?

Food poisoning is an all-too-common ailment that affects millions of people each year, often catching them off guard after what seemed like a harmless meal. Understanding how fast food poisoning hits is crucial, as it helps you recognize the symptoms early and seek the necessary medical care before the condition worsens. Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning Food poisoning can manifest in various ways, but some symptoms are more common than others. Typically, the body reacts ...

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How Can You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear This Summer?

by Isaac Zefo | Jun 30, 2024 | Family Health a How Can You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear This Summer? Summer is the perfect time to hit the pool or enjoy a dip in the ocean, but with all that swimming comes the risk of swimmer’s ear. Understanding what swimmer’s ear is, who’s at risk, and how to prevent it can help ensure your summer fun isn’t interrupted by ear pain and discomfort ...

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When to Seek Medical Attention for Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can significantly impact one’s quality of life, especially during peak allergy seasons. As flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, millions of individuals battle sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.  While many can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter remedies, there comes a point where seeking medical attention becomes necessary.  Pre-Register Understanding Seasonal Allergies Allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens ...

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How Do I Know If I’m Dehydrated?

by Isaac Zefo | Jun 14, 2024 | Healthy Living How do I know if I’m dehydrated? Staying properly hydrated is essential for our bodies to function at their best, and it’s especially important in the warmer months. When we don’t drink enough fluids, dehydration can creep in, causing a range of unpleasant symptoms. If you’ve been out in the sun more and have been feeling a bit ‘off’ lately, dehydration could be ...

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Why Is a School Physical for Sports Exam Important?

Why Is a School Physical for Sports Exam Important? Whether your child is a focused athlete or one who plays simply for the fun of it, there are many benefits to undertaking an annual sports physical exam. Plus, before anyone can start playing a sport, it's essential for them to have a physical exam from their healthcare provider - this is called the school physical for sports exam.  During this examination, athletes receive a comprehensive ...

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Understanding Ticks and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

by Isaac Zefo | May 30, 2024 | Healthy Living Understanding Ticks and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) Living in one of the best spots for outdoor exploring is something you really appreciate about the Charlotte, North Carolina area. You much prefer the slower pace of rivers and forests to some of the other places you’ve lived that were more like urban jungles. You also had to pick up some new skills after your first tick ...

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Your Filtration Powerhouse: How to Improve Kidney Health

Learning how to improve kidney health is vital for maintaining overall well-being. Your kidneys are crucial in filtering waste and excess fluids from your body, regulating blood pressure, and balancing essential minerals. Despite their importance, many people overlook kidney health until a problem arises. Pre-Register The Importance of Kidney Function Your kidneys are essential to your overall health, serving as your body’s natural filtration system. These small, bean-shaped organs remove waste products, toxins, and ...

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Allergic Reactions and Travel: A Guide to Enjoy Your Vacation

Allergic Reactions and Travel: A Guide to Enjoy Your Vacation As more people embark on adventures to explore new destinations, managing allergies during travel has become crucial. Allergic reactions can range from mild inconveniences to life-threatening emergencies, making it greatly important for travelers to be well-informed and prepared. Allergies, whether to foods, environmental factors, or other triggers, can potentially disrupt and even endanger a traveler's vacation experience. Recognizing the importance of understanding, preventing, and ...

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How Long Does Sun Poisoning Last?

How Long Does Sun Poisoning Last? Spending time outdoors during the summer months is an amazing, fun-filled experience. The many green spaces, like Little Sugar Creek Greenway, beckon to be explored. What is less enjoyable, however, is the dark pink or red skin burns from the harmful components of the sun’s warm rays. For fair-skinned people, or individuals with increased susceptibility to sun damage, they may develop an allergic reaction called sun poisoning, which ...

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How Do You Treat Insect Bites and Stings?

Understanding how to treat insect bites and stings is essential for anyone spending time outside. In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips for avoiding bites and effective methods for treating them if they occur. Preventing Insect Bites and Stings Adopting preventive measures is key to protecting yourself from insect bites and stings. Here’s how you can minimize your risk: Use Insect Repellent Apply insect repellent that contains 20-30% DEET to exposed skin and ...

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Recent Blogs

Is It Allergies or COVID-19?

If you’re dealing with congestion, a runny nose, or nonstop sneezing in Southwest Charlotte, it’s easy to blame seasonal allergies ...

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What Does it Mean if My Mosquito Bite Has Gotten Worse?

Warm evenings and sunny weekends in Southwest Charlotte make it easy to spend more time outside, whether you’re out on a ...

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What Should I Do About a Sprain from Yard Work?

As warmer weather settles into Southwest Charlotte, it’s the perfect time to get outside: refresh your yard, plant new flowers, and ...

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