Recent Blog Posts

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and often easy to treat– especially when caught early. But if left untreated, a simple UTI can spread beyond the bladder and lead to a more serious condition: a kidney infection (also known as pyelonephritis). So, how do you know when a UTI is turning into something more serious? And what symptoms should you watch for? In this blog, we’ll explore how to identify a kidney infection and ...

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When most people think of mononucleosis, commonly known as just “mono,” they associate it with extreme fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. But what about stomach issues? Can mono cause gastrointestinal (GA) symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, or loss of appetite? The short answer is yes, mono can affect the digestive system, but it’s not very common. GI symptoms are present in more severe cases or younger children. Continue reading to learn more ...

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We’ve all been warned about the dangers of sunburn, but sun poisoning takes sun exposure to another level. Often mistaken for a severe sunburn, sun poisoning is an extreme reaction to prolonged UV exposure– and yes, it can absolutely cause symptoms beyond your skin, including an upset stomach. In this blog, we’ll explain what sun poisoning is, how it causes digestive symptoms like nausea, and what you can do to feel better fast ...

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Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection of the outer ear canal that often develops after water gets trapped inside the ear. If you’ve been prescribed antibiotic ear drops to treat it, you may be wondering– how long will it take to feel better? The good news is that swimmer’s ear usually responds quickly to treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down what to expect during recovery, how long symptoms last, and ...

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Spending time in the sun or exercising on a hot day can leave you feeling exhausted, and sometimes with a pounding headache. While many people associate heat with sunburn or dehydration, few realize that a heat-related headache is one of the earliest signs your body is struggling to cope with high temperatures. So, how long does a heat-related headache last? The answer depends on the cause, the severity of symptoms, and how quickly you act ...

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Whether you’re working out at the gym, spending time outside on a hot day, or just going about your daily routine, a sudden muscle cramp can affect anyone. These sharp, involuntary contractions are not only painful, they can also be a sign that something is off in your body– and one common cause is dehydration. Understanding why this happens can help you prevent future episodes and know when it’s time to seek medical ...

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Coughing caused by allergies can be more than just an annoyance– it can disrupt your sleep, impact your ability to focus, and make it difficult to get through the day. Unlike a cough caused by a cold or respiratory infection, an allergy-related cough is triggered by your immune system’s reaction to something in your environment. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to treat it and prevent it from returning. In this blog, we’ll ...

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Lyme disease is often associated with joint pain, fatigue, and the classic “bull’s-eye” rash– but many people are surprised to learn that dizziness can also be a symptom. Caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, Lyme disease can affect various parts of the body, including the nervous system. If you’re feeling off-balance or lightheaded and have recently spent time outdoors, it’s worth considering whether Lyme disease could be the cause ...

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Spending time outdoors comes with its fair share of minor hazards– bee stings, tick bites, and mysterious rashes can appear out of nowhere, especially during the spring and summer months. While some of these issues can be managed with simple first-aid, others require prompt medical attention to prevent complications. So how do you know when urgent care is necessary? In this blog, we’ll provide a breakdown of what to watch for and when it ...

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If you deal with seasonal allergies, you’re probably all too familiar with symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and postnasal drip. But sometimes, what starts out as a simple allergic reaction can turn into something more serious– a sinus infection. Knowing the difference between allergy symptoms and a developing sinus infection can help you take action sooner and avoid unnecessary discomfort. In this blog, we’ll explore how to tell when allergies may be turning into ...

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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. Check-In Online 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 ...

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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. Check-In Online Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...

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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 ...

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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. Check-In Online Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...

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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 ...

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A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Check-In Online 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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If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Check-In Online 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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Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Check-In Online 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 can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments. Check-In Online 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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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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