Recent Blog Posts

Winter weather can bring many different challenges to our daily life. From snow-covered roads to icy walkways, frozen pipes, and limited hours of sunlight, winter certainly requires some lifestyle adjustments. Cold weather increases the risk of injury, however, it also has other impacts on our health. Cold air is very dry, which can lead to dry and itchy skin. Learn about why your skin gets so dry during the winter and how to prevent it ...

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Winter is cold and flu season, but it also is a common time for other contagious illnesses. The increased time spent indoors with poor air circulation and close contact with others makes the winter time a common time to get sick. The stomach flu is a gastrointestinal infection that causes intense stomach cramping among other unpleasant symptoms. Learn about what causes the stomach flu, what to do if you think you have it, and when ...

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Have you ever felt sick with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea? You may have Norovirus, which is often referred to as the stomach bug. Norovirus is an infection that can lead to sudden onset of severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and is often found in contaminated water and food. Norovirus symptoms can be intense and can affect anyone. If you’re sick with norovirus symptoms and are looking for information about ...

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Even though the days of the pandemic are behind us, COVID-19 is still a common illness that has not gone away. Thankfully, the COVID-19 vaccine helped curb the number of infections and create herd immunity during the pandemic. As a result, COVID-19 booster vaccines have been released annually to continue herd immunity and lessen the risk of COVID-19 causing serious illness. With increased COVID-19 vaccination rates, the death toll of COVID-19 has decreased since 2020 ...

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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Save Your Spot What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Waltham MA Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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There are nearly 3.4 million truck drivers in the United States, according to a 2020 survey by the American Trucking Associations. Most truck drivers must pass a Department of Transportation Physical (DOT Physical) to keep a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you’re wondering what a DOT physical is, here’s what to expect during one. Understanding What a DOT Physical Is The U.S. Department of Transportation sets the DOT physical ...

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Physical for sports exams, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), help determine whether a person is physically fit to participate in organized sports activities. This physical exam aims to identify any possible medical conditions that could put the athlete at risk for severe injury or illness during practice or competition. Sports physicals are typically done annually, though some states may require more frequent exams based on age and the type of sport being played ...

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Are you wondering if you have genital herpes or a vaginal yeast infection? Learn the common signs of genital herpes vs. vaginal yeast infections so you know what to discuss with your doctor. What is Herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by two types of viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In addition, there are genital and oral herpes. Unfortunately, both are chronic ...

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You’re at soccer practice for your son, and he trips and falls on his arm and is immediately in pain. While your first thought might not be, “How much is an x-ray?” there are a few things to consider when choosing where to go for treatment. Before you visit an ER for an x-ray, you may want to consider the cost. Here’s what ER x-rays cost vs. urgent care x-rays, including x-ray cost ...

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What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, American Family Care has the answers. What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care ...

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An itchy throat is a common symptom that can have a variety of causes. It can make daily living uncomfortable as it’s difficult to talk or swallow with an irritated throat. Explore itchy throat remedies that can help soothe symptoms from allergies or other itchy throat causes. Causes of an Itchy Throat A number of factors can cause an irritated throat. Allergies and viral infections are the most common. Some of the other common ...

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Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities, but protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important. However, it’s essential to know the common signs and symptoms of sun poisoning and when to seek treatment. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply spending time in your own backyard, understanding the signs and risks of sun poisoning ...

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In the sweltering heat of summer or during periods of intense physical activity, many of us have experienced the discomfort of heat rash symptoms. This common skin condition, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can put a damper on our outdoor adventures and leave us itching and irritated. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for heat rash is crucial to managing this condition and ensuring our skin stays healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to ...

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As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child's illness or injury requires urgent medical attention. Pediatric urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for children with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. These centers are designed to provide accessible care that is much more affordable than pediatrician or primary care physician visits ...

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As the seasons change and the temperature drops, it's not uncommon to hear warnings about the arrival of cold and flu season. During this time, many people become more wary of their health and take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. However, amidst the heightened awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions about this season have been perpetuated over the years. American Family Care (AFC) debunks these myths and separates fact from fiction, enabling you to ...

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What Causes Sinus Infections Your sinuses are the inner canals within your skull that connect your nose and other cavities of your head to each other. The purpose of your sinuses is to produce mucus which traps debris and viruses before they can reach your lungs and cause an infection or irritation. The sinuses increase airflow and help drain mucus into your nose and away from your lungs. This mucus also helps moisten the air ...

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Although we are no longer living in a COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have concluded that COVID viruses are here to stay. Much like other viruses, such as the flu, the COVID viruses mutate annually and tend to reappear during the colder winter months. Although most COVID viruses are less deadly than the strain that was infecting people during the pandemic, it may be worthwhile to get tested before traveling or seeing family. Learn more about ...

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Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

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Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Waltham MA Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

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