Recent Blog Posts

Everyone has struggled with a runny nose at some point. Although runny noses are not considered to be a severe illness symptom, they can be frustrating to manage. Runny noses can sometimes indicate that you’re sick. However, runny noses can happen due to other conditions as well. Keep reading to learn about what causes a runny nose and how to tell whether your runny nose is caused by an illness or something else. If ...

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If you’re feeling a ringing in your ears and dizziness, the causes could range from dehydration to vertigo to Meniere’s disease. Learn more. Save Your Spot What Is Tinnitus? A ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise in the ears when no outside sounds are happening is called tinnitus. It’s often a symptom of various conditions but can occur due to exposure to loud noise, earwax accumulation, or age-related hearing loss. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and ...

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Experiencing pain under your right breast? Luckily, the Mayo Clinic says this pain is rarely a concern for breast cancer, nor is it closely associated with heart attacks because your heart is mainly on the left side of your chest. Everyone, not just women, can suffer from sharp pain under their right breast. It can be recurrent or pop up and a sign of multiple different concerns, ranging from mild to serious. Learn more about ...

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During the fall illness season and busy back-to-school season, it is not uncommon for children to get sick. Knowing when to bring your child to urgent care for illness symptoms can be challenging for any parent. While many common childhood ailments, such as colds or minor fevers, can be treated at home, there are times when professional medical attention is necessary. Delaying care for an illness that requires treatment can result in a longer recovery ...

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With flu season upon us, the question of whether children should receive the flu shot is a critical one for parents. While the flu is a very common seasonal illness, the flu can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children. Because of this, healthcare professionals recommend that all children over 6 months old receive their annual flu vaccine. The flu shot has limited risks associated with it and is proven to reduce the risk ...

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Is psoriasis itching? Read on to learn more about this skin disease. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells. While itching is one of the most common symptoms of psoriasis, it’s far from the only challenge those with the condition face. Flare-ups, where symptoms worsen significantly, can be triggered by a variety of factors, making it crucial to understand what ...

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What does a broken ankle look like? Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you take a simple misstep while walking or participating in a more vigorous activity like sports, a twist or fall can lead to a painful ankle injury. However, distinguishing between a sprain and a fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Understanding the Ankle Structure The ankle is a ...

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The change from warm summer weather to cooler fall weather can be jarring. Not only are the days shorter, but the temperature and weather patterns change drastically. In addition to this, fall marks the start of the school season. We tend to see a spike in illness cases in the fall, but is this trend caused by the change in the weather? While weather can impact your health in certain ways, illnesses are caused by ...

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Have you ever experienced pain inside of your ear? Ear pain can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to diagnose. Your ears are a complicated series of inner tubes that work to protect your eardrum from damage so that you can hear. Ear pain can indicate the presence of an infection or injury inside of the ear which can cause harm to your eardrum. There are various potential conditions that could lead to ear pain. However ...

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As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help your child lose weight, but taking proactive steps is essential for their future well-being. Addressing childhood obesity is more than a matter of physical appearance; it's about preventing long-term health complications. By learning more about the causes and effects of obesity and taking action through small lifestyle changes, you can make a big difference in your child's life. What Is ...

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While poison ivy rashes are common, many people aren’t fully aware of the different stages they go through—from the moment you make contact with the plant to the final stages of healing. In this post, we’ll walk you through each of the poison ivy rash stages, helping you understand what’s happening to your skin and how to manage the discomfort. Save Your Spot Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

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In the realm of athletic performance, we often focus on training regimes, nutrition, and mental strategies. However, one crucial element frequently overlooked is the relationship between sleep and athletic performance. Sleep is not merely a passive state but a vital component of an athlete's recovery and performance. The adage "sleep is for the weak" couldn’t be further from the truth; adequate rest is a cornerstone of peak physical and mental functioning. Save Your Spot The ...

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Poison ivy is a very common plant across all of North America. It grows in all sorts of places and can be difficult to identify among thick vegetation. However, coming into contact with a poison ivy plant can be dangerous because most people are allergic to the oils that the plant produces. Keep reading to learn more about what happens when you accidentally touch poison ivy. If you think you came into contact with a ...

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This season, tick populations are at an all-time high. This means that Lyme disease diagnoses are becoming more common than in previous years. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that humans can contract from deer tick bites. It can cause serious illness and if not treated early, can become a chronic condition. Keep reading to learn more about diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. If you are bitten by a tick, AFC Urgent Care Waltham offers ...

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Whether at a desk in the office or working remotely from home, many employees spend the majority of their day seated. While this may seem like a routine part of adult life, research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can impact our health. Workplace wellness programs offer a solution. These initiatives can help counteract the negative effects of sitting and promote overall well-being. Join us as we explore the dangers of prolonged sitting and how ...

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Whiplash can often be diagnosed through a history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, how long they have lasted, and how the injury occurred, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-ray services to confirm the extent of the injury. While commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash can also occur from sports injuries, falls, or physical assaults. It's characterized by symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive disturbances, which can ...

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Are you planning a trip abroad and find yourself wondering, “what vaccines are required for international travel?” AFC in Waltham MA provides all this information and more in this guide. One crucial aspect of travel preparation is ensuring you're protected against diseases that may be rare or nonexistent in the United States but prevalent in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are a key part of this protection, helping to prevent the spread of ...

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Why Is it Better to Go to an Urgent Care Clinic and Not the Hospital? In a medical situation, most people’s first reaction is to rush to the nearest hospital. But often, this isn’t the right decision regarding healthcare. Thankfully, other options – such as urgent care clinics – provide excellent treatment while saving time and money. An urgent care center is a medical center that provides immediate, short-term care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries ...

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Can humans get fleas from dogs? Fleas are tiny, persistent parasites that primarily target our beloved pets, such as dogs. However, many pet owners wonder if these pesky insects can also infect humans. Understanding the relationship between fleas, dogs, and humans is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. What Are Fleas? Fleas are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Despite their size, they are formidable parasites that survive by feeding on the ...

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Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health, especially for children, as they protect against a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. But how many vaccines do kids get? In the US, children follow a carefully structured immunization schedule designed to provide protection from their earliest stages of life. This schedule ensures that kids receive the right vaccines at the right time, helping to build immunity before exposure to common infectious diseases. How Many Vaccines ...

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