Recent Blog Posts

Are Extra Pounds Weighing Down Your Immune System?

" It probably comes as no surprise that losing weight and getting healthy is high on the list when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. And like so many promises we make to ourselves, it’s usually easier said than done. At American Family Care, we see the effects of obesity every day. High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes are all commonly known side effects of obesity. But what might surprise you is the ...

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5 Tips for Staying Healthy During Winter Sports

" Winter sports are fun but not always the safest activities. If you imagine yourself careening down a hill towards another skier or skating on the rink and then getting nailed by a hockey puck – well, you can probably see how and why plenty of cold-weather athletes wind up seeing a doctor unexpectedly. And you don’t have to imagine. Statistics make it clear how dangerous winter sports can be. According to the U.S. Consumer ...

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5 Ways You Put Yourself at Risk For the Flu

" Now we’re in the full swing of flu season and you see people coughing and sneezing left and right, and now you’re wondering how to avoid catching the flu. Even if you sneeze into your elbow, fervently wash your hands, and avoid large crowds where viruses run rampant, you can still get sick.  Here are a few surprising ways you can catch a cold this flu season. You’re Not Washing Your Hands ...

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How to Prepare for Inclement Weather

" A storm is brewing. Are you ready? Even if you’re reading this when the skies are sunny and blue, chances are, sooner or later, you’re going to be confronted with inclement weather. Maybe you live in a part of the country that’s visited by hurricanes or tornadoes. Perhaps you live in a snowbelt. If you’re in the West, maybe wildfires, earthquakes or dust storms are your concern. Whatever your variety of ...

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Grow a ‘Mo and Save a Bro This “Movember”

" If you visit AFC Urgent Care this November, you might notice some of our male associates rocking a different look. In fact, you might begin noticing men around your town developing a sudden fondness for facial hair — particularly the moustache. It’s no coincidence that men are suddenly sporting an upper lip with zip this November. That’s because there’s a global movement to recognize November as “Movember,” and it’s all for a ...

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National Diabetes Month

" November is National Diabetes Month, an event designed to bring attention to diabetes and the impact this disease has every day on millions of Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association®, Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2015, 30.3 million Americans suffered from diabetes, and approximately 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in America alone. While there is no cure for diabetes yet, there ...

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Winter Is Coming…And So Is Flu Season

" The colder months are nearly here, which means it’s time to prepare yourself to fight against the flu. Catching the flu is quite a taxing ordeal, almost always resulting in having to call out sick from work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has done studies that show there is a notable spike in illness-related work absences each year during flu season. Get Your Flu Shot Failing to get your flu shot is setting yourself ...

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Why Does My Child Need a Sports Physical?

" If your child is playing a sport this fall, it’s time to start thinking about a sports physical, also known as a Preparticipation Physical Exam (PPE). Before a player can compete, most schools and sports leagues will require a physical. Typically, there are two sections the PPE – a medical history review and a physical exam. Both parts are important and can help keep your child safe and healthy as they play their heart out ...

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Health Benefits of Eating In-Season Produce

" Eating fresh produce is always a good idea when it comes to your health, but eating in-season fruits and vegetables can be even more beneficial for your well-being. A diet rich in produce can help reduce the risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and even some forms of cancer. By eating seasonally, you’ll get the full nutritional value of the produce and ingest less chemicals, all while saving money and ...

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How to Avoid Back-to-School Bugs

" It never seems to fail! By the time the new school year rolls around, and just as you’re getting your new family routine in place, somebody gets sick. Pretty soon, everyone’s back in the bed battling who knows what and your routine is out the window. Nobody likes to be stuck at home sick, and the consequences can be more stressful than just a blown schedule. With the pace of academics these days ...

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Back to School Health Tips

" After a summer full of no homework, watching TV late on weeknights, and fun in the sun, children are in for a rude awakening come the beginning of the school when they have the hit the books. Most children need help transitioning back into a daily routine for a successful start to the school year.  This includes getting them into a regular sleep schedule, getting their diet back in balance, and making sure they are ...

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Preventing Heat Injuries for the Elderly

" Summertime temperatures can pose a threat for all – especially the elderly. Due to how the body naturally changes with age, older adults are at greater risk for heat-related injuries. Society harps on young adults for the importance of sunscreen, staying hydrated and other health precautions during the warm season, but have we truly considered how rising temperatures drastically affect the elderly? AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch wants you to be educated on the preventive ...

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Grilling Good Times with Safety on the Menu

" After being cooped up in the house all winter, it’s only natural to want to get outside with family and friends and enjoy some outdoor recreation. That usually means a tasty meal cooked on an outdoor grill with plenty of cool drinks to wash it all down. As carefree as it might sound, it’s not without a few risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 16,600 patients sought emergency room ...

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What Sends People to Urgent Care in the Summer?

" Summer is a busy time for urgent care centers. Learn how you can avoid some of the most common summer injuries while you have your fun in the sun.   Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year! With vacations, backyard barbecues, fireworks shows and more to look forward to, there’s lots of fun to be had during the warm summer months. But while you’re having a blast with your family ...

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AFC Urgent Care Flu Season Update

" If you’ve gotten your flu shot already, great job! You’re much better protected against getting the flu this flu season. And if you still haven’t gotten your yearly flu shot yet, there’s no time to waste! Protecting yourself against the flu is vital to your health, as well as the health of those around you, and as we approach peak flu season you’re more likely than before to catch the ...

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The Best (And Healthiest!) Summer Activities for You and Your Kids

" Summertime – the kids are home with loads of free time! They may feel inclined to relax on the couch until school starts up again in the fall, but don’t let them miss out on the lively energy of those summer months. AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch encourages parents and kids to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some time getting active this summer. Here are several healthy activities that you and ...

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June is National Men’s Health Month

" Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday every June. For this reason, June is also Men’s Health Month. This initiative aims to drive awareness concerning the health issues that affect men. American men live an estimated five years less than American women. This heavily contradicts the life expectancy back in the 1920’s, when women only lived an average of one year longer. While men are more susceptible to a number of different ...

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How Allergies Can Affect You Long-Term

" Allergies may not seem like a significant illness that needs immediate treatment, but ignoring your symptoms can have serious, long-lasting effects. If left untreated, allergies can greatly affect your quality of life; you may suffer from increased risk of health problems, decreased brain function and even mood instability. Early treatment is key to avoiding allergy-related health problems later down the road, and American Family Care has just what you need to make it through allergy ...

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How to Help Your Kids Grow Up Allergy-Free

" Spring is a beautiful time of year, with trees and flowers starting to bloom. But it can be a miserable time of year for people with allergies. You know all too well the sniffling and sneezing that comes with the season. You also know that you can find relief thanks to the doctors at AFC Urgent Care. Imagine being able to stop allergies in children before they even develop. Here are some things to consider ...

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Five Cleaning Tips to Help Reduce Spring Allergies

Spring cleaning is typically meant to help us shed the dust and dirt we’ve accumulated over the course of a cold winter inside. But for seasonal allergy sufferers, spring cleaning can be like medicine. How, you might ask? By getting rid of the allergens that causes seasonal allergy suffering. If your seasonal allergies are kicking up, try these cleaning tips from AFC Urgent Care to get some relief! Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters High-Efficiency ...

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