Recent Blog Posts

Seasonal injury risks in the fall

" As the seasons change, your injury risks do as well. Fall is a time when many people, adults and children alike, start to reset their routines as school ramps back up. Many children begin participating in sports again, and many adults head back to the gym.  The increase in activity increases the risk of an injury. Risk can also increase for those who are transitioning from a summer sport to a fall one. Follow these ...

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Sports Injury Prevention in the Fall

" For many children and adults across the country, fall signals a time for sports to start.  That also means that injuries from sports are also on the rise. Heavy-contact sports, such as football, ramp up on the fall, which does lead to some of the increase in injuries. However, even non-contact sports can result in injuries.  Preventing Injuries The best way to treat injuries from sports is to prevent them from happening in the first ...

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The Benefits of Getting A Flu Shot As Early As Possible

" While for many of us, fall brings to mind colorful leaves, pumpkin spice, and caramel apples, it is also a reminder of the upcoming flu season. Once the flu shot is available in your area, it is not too early to receive the vaccine. There are several benefits to receiving the flu shot once it is available. Flu protection for the majority of flu season By receiving your flu shot early, you gain immunity for ...

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What are some options for a flu shot?

" Children are more likely than adults to receive their flu vaccinations. Many parents want to protect their children from getting sick, and back-to-school physicals or wellness checks for toddlers and infants are a convenient time to get this vaccination.  However, many adults do not get annual physicals like they should. When an adult is already sick and at their primary care physician’s office, it may not be an optimal time to get the flu ...

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Seasonal health impacts on young children

" Each season presents its own unique health risks for children 1 year or older. As the weather changes, we like to enjoy different activities, which each present their own challenges. Kids, in particular, are at risk for a variety of health issues as seasons change, since they’re active and spend so much time in big groups at school. Here’s what you need to know about the way the seasons impact your kids.  Key ...

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The benefits of getting the flu shot as early as possible

" With flu season fast approaching, it’s essential to start thinking about getting a flu shot. The flu can take you out of your regular routine for several days with its uncomfortable symptoms, and it can also exacerbate any existing health conditions you may have. To stay healthy through the entire flu season, make sure you get your flu shot as early as possible. Here’s why you should start planning your flu shot today ...

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Seasonal Illnesses to be Aware of During the Summer

" Heat rash is self-explanatory– a rash that’s caused by the heat. Most commonly, the rash forms under wet clothes during humid and hot conditions. Adults rarely suffer from heat rash, but young children can develop it very quickly. The heat rash may cause some itching and slight discomfort, but it should clear up on its own in a few days. Sunburn Did you know that it takes just 15 minutes for sun damage to ...

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How to Lower Stress When Getting Lab Tests and Blood Work

" Needing to get lab work or blood testing done is a daunting task. You have to go to the testing location, wait, and then face a hefty bill at the end. People often wonder if there’s a simpler way and get lab tests. Now there finally is! Taking the stress out of lab work and blood testing is as simple as a trip to your local urgent care. Faster Testing Urgent care centers are ...

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Sun Safety Tips for the Entire Family

" Summertime is also sunshine time, which means that all the outdoor fun and games are coming in just a few days! With the summer fun also comes a big health risk if you’re not careful: too much sun exposure. Getting outside and participating in frequent recreational activities can improve fitness and overall wellness. But it is also important to limit overexposure to the sun so you don’t experience a variety of health and ...

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How to Prepare for a DOT Physical

" If you want to be behind the wheel of your truck, keeping up on DOT physicals is a must. You shouldn’t try and manipulate your test results and pass the physical if there’s actually something wrong with you. However, you’ll want to make sure that you test results are not improperly skewed against you. Prepare for your DOT physicals with these tips: Cut Back on Caffeine and Salt before your DOT physical ...

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What are some of the most common Travel Vaccinations?

" Travel vaccinations are an important part of making sure that you are safe and healthy whenever you go on specific international trips. Many patients however don’t fully understand why travel vaccines are necessary, the diseases they protect from, and the process on how to get an updated travel vaccine. Thankfully, we’re here to help you understand why certain vaccines are critical, how they help you, and where AFC Urgent Care Waltham fits into ...

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When should you get a travel vaccination?

" Warm weather is approaching which means it’s officially vacation season for many families. While traveling to a new place and experiencing a new location is exciting, it can also be very dangerous. Without the proper preparation your vacation could turn into a long-term hospital stay. What’s the most important part of that preparation? Vaccinations! What Are Travel Vaccinations? Travel vaccinations are a type of vaccination used to protect you when you enter a ...

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When should you get an STD Test?

" STDs affect millions of adults every year as cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis eclipse 2.6 million cases annually, based on updated CDC statistics. However, STDs disproportionately affect certain adult populations. Characteristics including age, sexual orientation, and drug use may increase or lower your STD risks; for example, LGBT individuals under the age of 25 are more likely to get an STD than older adults. Even though some groups of people have higher risks ...

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Sports Injuries To Watch For This Spring

" Sports injuries affect nearly 3.2 million student athletes every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If your child is planning on participating in any sports this upcoming spring or related recreational activity, then it will help to understand the main types of sports injuries your child could experience. The good news about most injuries is that they are highly preventable with a few steps. These steps include: Providing adequate athletic equipment ...

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Mass. Public Health Updates to Keep Aware of: Feb. 2019

" At AFC Waltham, we strive to do everything in our power to keep you and your family healthy and safe. Besides providing high-quality and affordable urgent care services, we also are here to educate you on the latest public health updates happening across Massachusetts. The winter in Massachusetts has become increasingly flu-heavy as flu cases are growing rapidly in many parts of the state. Make sure you get your flu shot and practice good hygiene ...

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Keep your Heart Health in Check for American Heart Month!

" February is American Heart Month and is the perfect time for friends, family, medical communities, and other groups to promote awareness of cardiac health risks, including heart disease. According to the CDC, nearly one in three Americans has high blood cholesterol that increases their risk of developing chronic heart disease later on in life. While the CDC is helping to educate the public on the risks of high blood cholesterol, patients can make sure they ...

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Foods That Can Boost the Immune System For Flu Season

" Every year when the weather cools down, the risk of contracting the flu heightens, even if you’ve had a flu shot. There are, after all, dozens of different strains of influenza that can affect people 1 year or older. Although you may think your changes of not contracting the flu are good the risks are extremely high during peak flu seasons. Thankfully, there are actually some simple prevention tips to keep from getting sick ...

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Top Injuries That Occur During Winter

" No matter what time of year it is, it’s possible to get injured. When the weather turns frigid in the winter and ice and snow blanket the ground, however, the risk of injury tends to increase. The best way to avoid getting hurt is to be aware of the types of injuries that are most common, then take the proper steps to stay out of situations that could put you at risk. Several of ...

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Should You Treat Yourself This Holiday Season? Of course!

" The holidays are a time when food is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Instead, it is good or bad. For those who are concerned with packing on the holiday pounds, it’s easy to dread this time of year. Feeling like you can’t treat yourself when you’re surrounded by holiday snacks is actually much worse than indulging. Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind before loading up ...

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How to Get Rid of a Cold

" Unfortunately, once you have one, there’s not real cure to get rid of a cold.  And once your symptoms have settled in, doing simple tasks become that much harder, and all you’ll want to do is lay in bed.  While you have to let your cold run its course, there are a few tried and true ways to ease your cold symptoms. Stay hydrated Did you know that certain drinks can help treat ...

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