" Break out the lunch boxes and the three-ring binders, back-to-school season is upon us again! Amid the mad dash for backpacks, pencil cases and the rapidly approaching school bus, it’s easy to forget about the health concerns of going back to school. Back-to-school time is also prime time for germs and bugs; an enormous number of children spend most of the day in close contact and touch a lot of shared surfaces (e.g ...
" With summer approaching, it is important to understand how to prevent contact with poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. These plants thrive in summer weather and, and their stems and leaves are covered in a layer of oil called urushiol. Once this oil comes into contact with your skin, it causes red bumps that irritate and inflame the skin. These reactions usually occur within 12-72 hours of contact, and can ...
" Everyone’s heard it before. “We were stuck in the ER for hours.” It makes sense; your primary care physician might be booked till next Tuesday, but sudden illnesses and injuries can’t wait that long. So you shuttle your sick or injured loved one to an emergency room and wait. And wait. And … well, you get the picture. Here are some reasons why it might be a better idea to take a quick trip ...
" While some people are still shoveling snow, many Americans are facing yet another blow from the weather just in time for spring – a sudden explosion of pollen for what’s expected to be a particularly nasty allergy season. March has yet to go out like a lamb, and we at AFC Urgent Care can already tell that this month’s wacky weather is wreaking havoc on allergy sufferers, as our centers are already seeing patients ...
" February can be a bleak month, filled with gray, dreary days and chilly, blustery nights. While the chill in the air can’t be blamed for bugs going around the office or school, the cold itself can irritate the body, causing minor ailments. Each winter season, doctors here at AFC Urgent Care find more and more patients complaining of some common winter issues, in addition to colds and flu. Topping the list of patient complaints ...
The recent and tragic death of a 17 year old teen from Minnesota has many concerned about the flu epidemic currently on rise in the United States. Statistics show that flu activity is high in nearly half the country — 22 states and Puerto Rico, and experts are urging people to take preventive action by getting vaccinated, regardless if they are healthy or not. The elderly are generally those worst-affected. Flu-related hospitalizations among people 65 and ...
" “Yes, mom, we heard you! We know it’s cold out there. We’re grabbing our coats right now!” “This scratchy throat and runny nose will definitely get better with some homemade chicken soup.” “Of course we promise to cough into our elbows.” We’ve all heard our mothers’ best remedies and advice for cold and flu season, as well as some old wives’ tales that have been passed along from generation to generation. Whether ...
" Millions of Americans are visiting the Emergency Room each year, and the costs of those visits are starting to add up. Urgent Care facilities are 1/5 of the cost of emergency rooms, and can treat most non-life threatening injuries and illnesses. We are a full service walk in clinic, employed with a board certified staff of physicians and medical professionals. We offer on-site lab and X-ray services to diagnose immediate treatments, and can have ...
" AFC Urgent Care centers each have a staff of licensed and board-certified physicians (doctors, nurses and x-ray technicians) who are on-site every day. The team at AFC Urgent Care Waltham can provide walk-in treatments for most non-life threatening injuries and illnesses. We guarantee you will receive the highest quality medical care, offering a convenient and affordable alternative to the hospital emergency room. Our team is constantly looking for more ways to help you and your ...
" An extra 10 pounds, days spent tired and listless or just an overall sense of ickiness is often what makes people take a step back and consider what’s going on health-wise with their bodies. Simple solutions are often the best when it comes to general health, and one thing that tops the list when seeking health answers is your diet. Popping a few berries here and there and eating a salad on occasion isn ...
" Over the past two weeks, you have likely noticed the media blast regarding patients in the Midwest infected with a virus called HEV-68. “HEV-68” stands for “Human Enteorvirus-68,” and this virus has infected over 1,000 patients in 10 states. HEV-68 was first identified in 1962, and there have been several outbreak clusters since that time. The virus is very similar to the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Most enteroviruses cause only mild illnesses ...
" It’s that time of the year when the weather begins to cool down and the kids are heading back to school, but have you remembered to get your annual seasonal flu shot? If you haven’t done so yet, then we suggest that you put that on your check list in the next couple of weeks! Flu season in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May ...
" We don’t know about you, but sometimes it seems like unhealthy temptations lurk around every corner! Whether it’s a whipped cream smothered coffee drink or a savory fried dinner option, making healthy lifestyle choices can be a challenge! At the same time, we are also bombarded by new health and lifestyle fads at every turn. From cleanses and superfoods to antioxidant drinks and workout programs, we are promised quicker, easier and more intense ...
" You’ve heard about the flu and all of the symptoms that go along with it but have you ever heard of the norovirus? Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that presents itself like the flu but includes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus can be spread in many ways including on environmental surfaces, through person-to-person contact, and can be aerosolized from vomit and fecal matter. It is extremely important to wash your ...
" Kids spend more time at school during the year than anywhere else, and while every parent knows the back to school season is filled with shopping excursions, new school supplies and other preparations, there is one other important thing many people forget. It’s time to make your children’s health part of your back to school to-do list. You know, something you can actually feel good about spending your money on! Whether they’re ...
" Nothing feels better on a hot summer day than a dip in the pool. It’s a great way to keep kids — and parents! — occupied and happy. And while no one wants a damper on their fun, it is important to remember that pools can be dangerous places. While most trips to the pool result in a playful afternoon and fun memories, unfortunately drowning, poisoning and even chemical burns can occur. According to the CDC ...
" If you’ve recently done a lot of swimming and you are starting to feel some discomfort in your ear, there is a possibility that you may be suffering from swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s Ear, caused by moisture built-up inside the ear, is an inflammation of the ear canal. Contrary to popular belief, swimmer’s ear isn’t only caused by swimming, it could occur from a routine shower or from the muggy weather ...
" The heat is turning up outside and the sun is at its strongest meaning we are at higher risks of getting a sunburn while enjoying our outdoor activities. Ideally, you should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outside. Mistakes can happen and sometimes you forget that you need to reapply your sunblock every two hours while in the sun. If this happens and you become burned, you should; Assess the ...
" It’s important that with the summer heat coming, you should keep yourself hydrated at all times! Lacking the appropriate amount of water in your body can result in dehydration and if not treated properly, can lead to death. Water is essential in your body because it balances your temperature so that you don’t overheat. Your body does this by sweating, but if it has no sweat to produce due to lack of fluids ...
" Now that summer is just around the corner, it’s time you learned some information on heat exhaustion and how you can prevent it from happening to you! Heat exhaustion occurs when your body basically becomes too hot. If you are properly hydrated, then your body cools off by sweating. However, if you are dehydrated and exposed to high temperatures, then your body will produce more heat than it can release causing heat exhaustion. If ...
