Recent Blog Posts

Frostbite & Hypothermia Prevention Tips

" February has been a cruel month when it comes to blizzards and freezing temps, which is why you need to be aware of frostbite and hypothermia symptoms, and what you can do to prevent these common winter dangers from happening to you! Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot keep itself warm and its internal temperature falls below 95 degrees. Common symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, poor muscle control, confusion and exhaustion. Frostbite is most common in ...

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Frostbite & Hypothermia Prevention Tips

" February has been a cruel month when it comes to blizzards and freezing temps, which is why you need to be aware of frostbite and hypothermia symptoms, and what you can do to prevent these common winter dangers from happening to you! Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot keep itself warm and its internal temperature falls below 95 degrees. Common symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, poor muscle control, confusion and exhaustion. Frostbite is most common in ...

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Common Winter Health Complaints

" 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 ...

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Common Inner Ear Infection Symptoms

" Inner ear infections are one of the most common reasons why parents will call their doctors after-hours because their children are suffering from the common symptoms. Common symptoms of ear infections include: • Ear Pain • Dull hearing • Ringing in the ear • Nausea/vomiting • Headaches • Vertigo If your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, and you cannot get a hold of your pediatric physician for medical attention, stop in to AFC Urgent Care Watertown today ...

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Don’t let the flu beat you down!

" Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a scary report, outlining the severity of the flu this year. Due to an uptick in deaths attributed to the flu, the CDC declared the flu had reached epidemic status. While that sounds serious, there are still ways for you to ward off the flu and stay healthy this season. The flu is particularly troublesome for children under 5 — and especially under 2 — and for adults ...

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CDC Says: Flu Reaches Epidemic Level

" 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 ...

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Symptoms of a Cold

" After catching a cold virus, symptoms will typically begin 1-4 days and can last up to 10 days. The first 4 days of a cold are crucial because this is when you are most contagious, so it is best to stay at home and rest. Symptoms of a cold include: Burning/inflammation of the throat Runny/stuffy nose Lethargic Mild cough A cold does not usually get much worse than the symptoms listed above, however ...

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Truth or Fiction: Unmasking Common Winter Health Myths

" “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 ...

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The ‘Who’ ‘What’ and ‘Why’ of Flu Season

" Unpredictable, yet completely avoidable, the best way to protect you and your family from the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu causes over 36,000 deaths every year, making it that more important for you to be vaccinated. What is the flu? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, causing hospitalizations and death. Some symptoms include fever, cough, headaches, fatigue and body ...

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Affordable Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room

" Did you know that Emergency Room visits have gone up by 30% in the past 20 years? Not only is that affecting your time and schedule, but it is also affecting your wallet. Urgent Care centers are 1/5 the cost of emergency room visits, and can treat most non-life threatening injuries and illnesses. AFC Urgent Care Watertown is a full service walk in clinic, with an employed staff of board certified physicians who are ...

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Eat This, Not That: What’s In Your Fridge?

" 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 ...

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Back to School: Staying Healthy In and Out of the Classroom

" 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 ...

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Safety Tips: Protecting Your Family at The Pool

" 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 ...

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Swimmer’s Ear Prevention

" Splish, splash – oops! Looks like you’ve now got Swimmer’s Ear! This doesn’t mean that every time you go into the water you will develop Swimmer’s Ear; however, it is much more common in the summer months, given all that swimming and showering because of the heat. Otitis Externa, aka Swimmer’s Ear, occurs when moisture within the ear canal promotes the growth of bacteria, causing an infection. Our ear canal skin ...

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Dehydration Symptoms & Treatments

" Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough water. Our bodies run on water/fluids and we need them to maintain functioning. While most cases of dehydration are mild with few symptoms, extreme cases can be severe and should be treated immediately. Signs that you are dehydrated are: Extreme thirst Little to no urination/dark colored urine Cramping Headache Dizziness Nausea/vomiting If you are experiencing any of these symptoms listed then you should ...

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Dehydration Symptoms & Treatments

" Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough water. Our bodies run on water/fluids and we need them to maintain functioning. While most cases of dehydration are mild with few symptoms, extreme cases can be severe and should be treated immediately. Signs that you are dehydrated are: Extreme thirst Little to no urination/dark colored urine Cramping Headache Dizziness Nausea/vomiting If you are experiencing any of these symptoms listed then you should ...

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Poison Ivy, Sumac and Oak Rashes

" Poison ivy, sumac and oak are plants that you should try to avoid this summer. These plants cause serious skin irritations which can be serious if not taken care of properly. The rash is caused by an oil found in the plant called Urushiol. The skin rash appears within 12 to 72 hours after you come into contact with the oil. A mild rash will take about 12 days to clear; a severe case could ...

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Urgent Care Patients In Newton MA Love Us!

" Recently we saw a patient from the neighboring town of Newton, MA. The patient was very satisfied with the patience and customer service that was provided to them. This is what the patient had to say: “The staff was very helpful. I had issues with finding my insurance plan but they trouble shooter with me until we figured it out. I got there fifteen minutes before closing and they got me in without a fuss ...

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DOT Physicals at AFC Urgent Care Watertown

" Beginning on May 21st, DOT Physicals must be performed by a medical examiner who is registered with the National Registry of Medical Examiners. This program is set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If you are an interstate commercial motor vehicle driver, you must have your exam performed by one of these registered physicians. AFC Urgent Care Watertown is taking necessary steps to become registered in advance. If you are in need of ...

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Spring Allergies

" Spring has sprung officially. With it comes allergy season for over 35 million Americans. Those with allergies experience symptoms after being exposed to pollen from blooming trees and plants. The immune system thinks the pollen is is an invader such as a virus or bacteria. It responds with symptoms of itchy watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. When pollen counts are high, those with allergies suffer greatly. If you have similar symptoms at the same ...

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