Recent Blog Posts

Back Pain Diagnosis & Treatment

" Now that spring is here, many people are in spring cleaning mode.  This means moving boxes around and the possibility of a back injury.  Lifting heavy objects puts a lot of strain on our bodies and many times we end up working too hard, resulting in back pain.  If you know this feeling you know how much of an inconvenient it is.  If you do have back pain, lay down, ice or heat the painful ...

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Summer Camp Physicals

" AFC Urgent Care in Waltham, MA, would like to invite all future campers to come in for a quick physical exam.  Most summer camps require their campers to provide a recent exam, so do not let it slip your mind and miss out on the summer fun because of a formality. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham we offer quick, inexpensive, and comprehensive sports & camp physical exams.  As always, appointments and referrals are not necessary, and ...

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Pneumonia

" Pneumonia is a lung infection which can make you very sick. Pneumonia symptoms are coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Illness can be mild or severe. Those prone to severe illness include the elderly, babies, and those who may have other conditions. Diagnosis includes an examination and a chest x-ray and blood test if necessary. Pneumonia is treatable. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Antibiotics may be prescribed to you. Always remember to take ...

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Spring Break Aftermath: Illness or Injury

" Spring Break is over and there is nothing to do but face those back to school blues.  To make matters worse you may have come back from break with an illness or injury.  Whether you got a food borne illness while away or caught a nasty cold on a plane or train ride back, coming back sick is not fun. AFC Urgent Care Waltham is here to help.  We treat a huge variety of non-life ...

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Seasonal Allergies

" If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how aggravating this condition can be. Whether your allergies are severe or mild, a runny nose, watery eyes, and a constant sneeze can get in the way of many daily activities. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat seasonal allergies, including medication and allergy shots. Understanding Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies tend to occur just as you would they think – in certain seasons. Why is this? Because ...

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Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

" The inflammation of the tissue in the sinuses is referred to as Sinusitis. Infection can occur when the sinuses are blocked and germs begin to grow. Symptoms of sinusitis include stuffiness, runny nose, congestion, and a tenderness in the face. Diagnosis includes an examination by a physician and tests, if necessary. The physician may apply pressure to sinus area to test for tenderness and may also tap your teeth. Use of a humidifier may help ...

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Bronchitis

" Bronchitis is a respiratory disease which causes inflammation of the bronchial passages inside the lungs. When these passages become inflated, the airways become restricted and shut off which can cause coughing and breathlessness. Bronchitis can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis can last about a week. Chronic bronchitis can last months and return frequently. Acute bronchitis is often caused by a virus but can occasionally be bacterial. Chronic bronchitis is often severe and ...

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Give your Valentine flowers…not an STD

" We know it’s a sensitive topic but, Valentine’s Day may be the perfect day to be reminded that taking care of your sexual health is extremely important – not only for you but also for your partner. Here are some alarming statistics that may hit you harder than cupid’s arrow: There are more than 19 million new cases of STDs every year in the U.S. One in two people will get an ...

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Increased Risk of Hepatitis C for People Age 50+

" Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver.  It can cause liver disease, liver cancer, and even death if untreated. According to WHO statistics, 3% of the world’s population has been infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV).  This translates into 170 million chronic carriers of the virus. Statistics show that Baby Boomers (people born between the years of 1945 and 1965) are five times more likely to be infected with Hepatitis C.  The ...

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Spring Break and Travel Medicine

" Hey Bentley University students!  The semester just started and it already feels like it’s never going to end, but you do have Spring Break to look forward to!  When it’s freezing outside and you’re stuck in the Bentley bubble, there is nothing to get you through these long, cold days.  How about day dreaming about tropical paradises, or European adventures?  Before you get too caught up in the fantasy of relaxing with ...

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Winter Storm Safety Tips

With all of the winter storms we’ve already had and with such a long winter still ahead of us, we here at AFC Urgent Care in Waltham, MA want to provide you with some useful tips to make sure you are prepared and stay safe during winter storms. Be prepared: Make sure you have an “emergency kit” prepared in your home or car with items like bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, a flashlight, and ...

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Winter Olympics 2014

In a few weeks, millions of people are going to descend upon Sochi, Russia to witness great feats by the world’s best winter athletes. If you are planning on being one of the millions, you should take some precautions before you go. The US State Department issued an alert for those traveling to the Olympics. In the alert, it is mentioned that travelers consider the medical care environment. They warn the medical infrastructure in ...

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Urinary Tract Infections: Causes, Risks, and Treatment

" Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are infections in the urinary system, including kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The population with the greatest risk of infection is women; however, men can develop UTIs as well. Symptoms include strong persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation, cloudy or red urine, pelvic (women) or rectal (men) pain. Should a UTI spread to your kidneys, there can be serious complications and consequences. The infection is caused when bacteria enters through the ...

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Sore Throat Remedies

" A sore throat can be many things. It can be a sign of a cold, strep, or just plain irritation. We have many ways that you can remedy a sore throat at home. Take an anti-inflammatory (NSAID): It can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help with a fever if you have one Gargle saltwater: water mixed with salt can help reduce swelling as well as loosen mucus and remove irritants and bacteria. Lozenge and ...

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Winter Sports Injuries

" With the Winter Olympics right around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy of being an Olympic athlete and forget that injuries are a serious and all too common part of winter sports.  Ice skating, hockey, and skiing are all fun but come with the chance of serious injury occurring.  These injuries can range from muscle pulls to bone breaks and concussions.  We here at AFC Urgent Care have some ...

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Winter-time Slips and Falls

" Winter is the time of year for ice skating, snowball fights and sledding, but don’t get caught off guard by the slippery conditions outside.  With the snow accumulating you’ll want to make sure you take extra care, especially the elderly and young children.  Slipping and falling on icy sidewalks and roadways can lead to serious injuries. There are however, some things you can do to make sure you stay safe this winter.  Wearing ...

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Don’t Let Illness Take the Cheer Out of Your Holidays

" Nothing is worse than getting sick over the holidays… except for getting sick when you’re traveling over the holidays! You’re out of your element, in a strange city, probably sleeping in a strange bed, you’re spreading your germs all over your friends and family members, and no doctor’s office on the planet is open. If you go to the Emergency Room, you’re looking at long a wait and a hefty ...

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Student Health Center Alternative

" What options are there for college students who need health care while away at school? The student health center is always a great option, but likely has limited hours and resources. Going to the ER is time-consuming and expensive and often not the right level of care for every day aches, pains, or ailments. An emergency room alternative, such as AFC Urgent Care Waltham Urgent Care, can provide exacting care for the student body in ...

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Flu Shots For Seniors

" Adults age 65 years or older typically have weaker immune systems and, therefore, are more susceptible to the influenza virus (the flu). Most hospitalizations and deaths from the seasonal flu occur in people over the age of 65 who have underlying medical conditions. This is why it is important that all Senior Citizens get a flu shot as soon it is available in their area. In fact, in a recent study by the Center for ...

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Lyme Disease: causes, symptoms, and prevention

" Lyme Disease is a type of bacterial infection that is transmitted through the bite of a deer tick. The disease was discovered in children back in the mid-1970s and was originally mistaken for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. While it might look like a skin infection, Lyme Disease can actually lead to arthritis and can also spread to the heart, brain and nervous system if left untreated. Cases of Lyme Disease have been reported in every U ...

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Archives

Recent Blogs

Do I Need Urgent Care For A Sprained Ankle?

Do I Need Urgent Care For A Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle may require urgent care when pain, swelling, or trouble walking makes it hard to tell how serious the injury ...

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How to Treat a Bee Sting and Recognize an Allergic Reaction

How to Treat a Bee Sting and Recognize an Allergic Reaction

Outdoor activities around Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, and nearby Massachusetts communities often increase exposure to bees, wasps, and other insects during warmer months ...

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Tick Bites and Lyme Disease: Early Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Tick Bites and Lyme Disease: Early Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Finding a tick on your skin can quickly ruin a great day spent outdoors. As the weather warms up, families spend more ...

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Call (781) 894-6900 for more information about our Waltham urgent care services.