Every August, as parents shop for notebooks, backpacks, and new shoes, school nurses across Massachusetts are looking at something entirely different: immunization records. Whether your child is entering kindergarten, middle school, or high school, the start of a new academic year often comes with vaccine requirements. Massachusetts has some of the strongest school immunization laws in the country. These rules aren’t in place to make your life more complicated; they’re designed to protect ...
As the school year kicks into gear, so does something parents dread: the return of classroom germs. No matter how careful your child is about washing their hands or covering their mouth when coughing, schools are the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to spread. In Beverly and surrounding North Shore communities, we see a spike in certain illnesses every year once kids are back in classrooms, cafeterias, and sports programs. These illnesses can spread ...
The start of a new sports season is exciting, with fresh uniforms, new teammates, and a chance for your child to develop skills both on and off the field. But before the first whistle blows, there’s one crucial step that’s sometimes overlooked: the sports physical. Also known as a Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE), this screening is more than a school requirement. It’s a proactive way to protect your child’s health, prevent ...
There's nothing like a day at the beach in Massachusetts, whether you're lounging on Cape Cod, diving into Walden Pond, or enjoying a family outing to Revere Beach. But while you're soaking in the sun and sea, your body may be picking up more than just a tan. From swimmer's ear and bacterial skin infections to fungal rashes, warm water, sand, and sweat can create the perfect storm for summer infections ...
It happens in an instant: you're enjoying a picnic, walking barefoot through the grass, or gardening in your backyard, and suddenly, you feel a sharp, burning pain. You've been stung by a bee. While most bee stings cause only momentary pain and swelling, some can lead to severe reactions that require immediate medical attention. During the warmer months in Massachusetts, bee stings are common, and AFC Urgent Care Swampscott regularly treats patients with ...
When we think about summer skin damage, sunburn is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, the truth is that the sun's effects run far deeper than surface redness. From accelerating aging to altering your immune response, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause serious, long-term harm to your skin, often before you even realize it. In Massachusetts, whether you're heading to Cape Cod, kayaking on the Charles, or just running errands on ...
Summers in Massachusetts may be beautiful, but the rising temperatures, humidity, and prolonged outdoor activities can push your body past its limit. That's where heat exhaustion comes into play, a condition that can quickly turn dangerous if not addressed early. From construction workers and hikers to beachgoers and kids at camp, anyone can suffer from heat exhaustion, regardless of fitness level or age. The key is knowing the warning signs and taking action early ...
The Massachusetts summer brings sunshine, cookouts, hiking trails, and, unfortunately, mosquitoes and ticks. Whether you're headed to the Cape, camping in the Berkshires, or just enjoying your backyard, these tiny pests can leave behind more than just an itchy bite. They can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Bug sprays claim to protect you, but how reliable are they? Are natural remedies enough? And what should ...
Almost everyone has had a bad meal that led to some not-so-fun consequences. You eat something questionable, your stomach churns, and before you know it, you're camped out in the bathroom. Usually, it's a classic case of food poisoning, unpleasant but short-lived. But sometimes, it's more than just a reaction to spoiled food. From viral infections to severe gastrointestinal conditions, the symptoms of food poisoning can overlap with other medical issues that ...
From Cape Cod to the North Shore, Massachusetts beaches are the go-to destination for relaxation, water sports, and coastal fun in the summer. But beneath the surface of all that sun and surf lies a hidden risk: waterborne illnesses, red tide exposure, and skin rashes that can seriously affect your health. The truth is that even clean-looking water can carry unseen threats. Whether it's a bacterial infection from a small cut or irritation from ...
It is summer in Massachusetts, which means sunshine, beach trips, backyard grilling, and, unfortunately, heat exhaustion, sports injuries, bug bites, and mystery rashes. For many people, the first instinct when something goes wrong is to head to the nearest emergency room. But unless the issue is truly life-threatening, that trip to the ER could cost you more time, money, and stress than necessary. This is where AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts steps in. With multiple convenient ...
Every year, millions suffer from seasonal allergies, which cause Sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and Fatigue. As pollen and other allergens take over the air, seasonal allergies can be life-threatening, but they can severely impact daily life, affecting work, school, and sleep. At AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts, we know how frustrating seasonal allergies can be. That’s why we’re here to help you understand what causes them, how to identify your triggers, and how ...
Allergies are one of the most common health conditions in children, affecting millions worldwide. From food and seasonal allergies to pet dander and insect bites, children can experience a variety of allergic reactions that impact their daily lives. As a parent, understanding how to recognize early allergy symptoms, take preventative measures, and seek medical care is essential in keeping your child safe and healthy. At AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts, we provide expert pediatric allergy care ...
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million Americans have diabetes, with millions more at risk due to poor lifestyle habits, genetics, or prediabetes. While diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged, the good news is that effective treatments, lifestyle changes, and innovations have made diabetes management more accessible than ever. At AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts ...
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many may not even know it. While medication can be an effective treatment, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in lowering blood pressure naturally and preventing long-term complications. At AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts ...
HFMD is often perceived as an illness that only impacts young children, but adults can get hand, foot, and mouth, too. Dispelling the myth that HFMD exclusively affects children is critical, especially since adults may not realize they're carrying the virus and could inadvertently spread it. Reserve Your Spot What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children, typically those under the age of five. It ...
When your little one develops a fever, it's natural to worry and wonder, "How long do fevers last in infants?" Fevers are often the body's way of fighting infections by creating a less hospitable environment for germs. While fevers can seem concerning, they are usually not harmful and often resolve on their own. Reserve Your Spot Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...
Are sugar rushes real? For decades, many parents have believed in the idea of a “sugar rush,” a phenomenon where kids become hyperactive after consuming sugary snacks or drinks. This belief has led to widespread efforts to limit sugar intake, especially during times when parents want their children to stay calm and focused. Despite its popularity, scientific research shows that the so-called sugar rush is actually a myth. In this blog post, we'll explore ...
Does menopause make you tired? Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While it’s often associated with hot flashes and mood swings, many women also experience persistent fatigue during this transition. Feeling tired or low on energy can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when combined with other menopause symptoms. Reserve Your Spot Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...
You may wonder, "What is the best diet for irritable bowel syndrome?" The answer depends on your unique symptoms and needs, but several dietary strategies have been known to bring relief. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects millions of people, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, making thoughtful changes to your diet can play a significant role in ...