Recent Blog Posts

Itchy Throat Remedies: What Causes It & 6 Ways to Make it Stop

An itchy throat is a common symptom that can have a variety of causes. It can make daily living uncomfortable as it’s difficult to talk or swallow with an irritated throat. Explore itchy throat remedies that can help soothe symptoms from allergies or other itchy throat causes. Causes of an Itchy Throat A number of factors can cause an irritated throat. Allergies and viral infections are the most common. Some of the other common ...

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Common Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities, but protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important. However, it’s essential to know the common signs and symptoms of sun poisoning and when to seek treatment. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply spending time in your own backyard, understanding the signs and risks of sun poisoning ...

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Heat Rash Symptoms and Treatment

In the sweltering heat of summer or during periods of intense physical activity, many of us have experienced the discomfort of heat rash symptoms. This common skin condition, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can put a damper on our outdoor adventures and leave us itching and irritated. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for heat rash is crucial to managing this condition and ensuring our skin stays healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to ...

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When to Take Your Child to Pediatric Urgent Care

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child's illness or injury requires urgent medical attention. Pediatric urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for children with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. These centers are designed to provide accessible care that is much more affordable than pediatrician or primary care physician visits ...

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Debunking Cold and Flu Season Myth

As the seasons change and the temperature drops, it's not uncommon to hear warnings about the arrival of cold and flu season. During this time, many people become more wary of their health and take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. However, amidst the heightened awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions about this season have been perpetuated over the years. American Family Care (AFC) debunks these myths and separates fact from fiction, enabling you to ...

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Embracing Winter Wellness

As winter descends on the Pacific Northwest, the region undergoes a transformation marked by misty landscapes and cool temperatures. While the season brings unique charm, it also ushers in health challenges that we Northwesterners must navigate. Staying well during the winter months involves a combination of mindful practices and adaptation to the conditions of our region. Below is a concise ‘guide’ to assist us as we transition through fall into winter. Nourishing Nutrition Fresh local ...

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Is Going to Urgent Care Like Going to the Emergency Room?

Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

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Giving Thanks This Thanksgiving

Gratitude’s Impact on Mental Health Beyond normal conversational niceties, expressing genuine gratitude profoundly influences mental health. Numerous studies consistently link regular gratitude to a significant reduction in stress and depression. It should also be noted that a grateful mindset extends beyond mere positivity; it represents a cognitive shift, reframing perceptions from a sense of lack to a sense of abundance. This shift not only increases general resilience but also fosters a sustained positive outlook ...

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3 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many of us look forward to indulging in delicious meals and spending quality time with loved ones. While the traditional Thanksgiving feast often includes rich and calorie-laden dishes, it’s entirely possible to create a spread that is both indulgent and healthy. In this blog post, we’ll explore three mouthwatering recipes that not only celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving but also prioritize your health and well-being. 1. Roasted Brussels ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Tigard OR Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?  Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia.  When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns

What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns So, what are the degrees of burns? If you’ve been wondering how to identify burns, we’ve got the answers for you. Burns are a common injury that can occur from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, and sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is crucial ...

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Overcoming Fall Time Sleep Debt

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice that affects our daily routines by shifting the clocks forward or backward. This seemingly simple change can have profound consequences for our sleep patterns. Since sleep, and specifically adequate sleep, is such a vital part of overall health, it’s important to consider the notion of “ sleep debt” and the practical strategies for regaining quality slumber.  How DST Affects Sleep  DST causes disruptions in our internal body clock ...

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Movember: More than Facial Hair

What is No Shave November? Many people see No Shave November, also called Movember, as a way for men to grow out their facial hair. However, this global phenomenon, which has gained quite a large following in recent years, has significant meaning and an impact as part of a movement that goes far beyond just grooming facial hair.  No Shave November has raised millions of dollars over the years as the trend gets more and ...

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Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays are almost upon us but not everyone approaches this time of year with joy and celebration. Some find the season stressful. Regardless of your point of view, when getting together with friends and family to celebrate, it’s good to remember some basics that can help us all avoid the colds and flu that are also common this time of year!  Hygiene and Handwashing  Practicing good hand hygiene is paramount. Encourage frequent handwashing ...

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Importance of Health Centers

Student Health Care Centers: Vital for Campus Well-being  On campus healthcare centers and staff are becoming more and more prevalent in the US. While mostly accessible only to students, these college campus centers are often run in collaboration with broader urgent care facilities. The importance of these centers extends beyond the campus, impacting overall public health in several ways.  1. Immediate Care for Students Immediate care for students is one of a student health care ...

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National Flu Prevention Week

October 8th through the 15th is National Flu Prevention Week in the US. This week is observed annually to help raise awareness and bring attention to the importance of preventative medicine and vaccinations, especially during flu season. This week-long initiative aims to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals and communities across the nation and boost overall public health. History of National Flu Prevention Week  In the early 20th centuries, flu outbreaks happened fairly frequently and were ...

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Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

As a prominent care provider of accessible primary care, urgent care, and occupational medicine services nationwide, American Family Care (AFC) is uniquely positioned to guide and educate the public on pertinent health issues, such as the FDA’s recent decisions on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine.  The FDA held a Non-Prescription Drug Advisory Committee meeting on September 11-12, 2023, to deliberate on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine as an active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cough ...

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Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal

Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal Home remedies for warts might not be as effective as you hope, so we recommend seeing an urgent care doctor for wart removal to treat these pesky growths at their source. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear almost anywhere on the body, causing both physical discomfort and self-consciousness. This article takes you through everything you need to know about ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Save Your Spot The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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