Recent Blog Posts

It’s summertime! The air is warm, the sun is out, and yet, you’re sniffling. Is it a cold? It might be. You can get a cold in the summer. While colds are more common in the winter, they can still occur during the warmer months. This is because the viruses that cause colds, primarily rhinoviruses, circulate year-round. Factors such as air conditioning can dry out the nasal passages and make them more susceptible ...

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The symptom timeline of Lyme disease– a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi– is complex and variable. Initially, individuals may experience early localized symptoms, typically within 3 to 30 days post-tick bite. If untreated, the disease can progress to early disseminated Lyme disease within weeks to months. Understanding the progression and recognizing the sign of each stage is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. For same-day tick bite and Lyme disease treatment ...

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If you’ve been wondering how long to fast before blood work, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, AFC in West Orange NJ breaks down the essentials of fasting before blood work to guide you through the process. Fasting before blood work can be confusing, but it’s crucial to ensure accurate test results. Whether you’re checking your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, or other key health indicators, what you eat—or ...

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Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC West Orange Today From urgent care to lab testing, AFC offers many services.* As we navigate through the complexities of life, the demand for accessible and high-quality healthcare has never been more important. This article aims to shed light on the myriad services provided by AFC, focusing on our commitment to delivering exceptional care across various facets of health management. *Please note that services may vary across locations. Please contact ...

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The Different Types of Drug Testing and Screening Available Drug testing has become a cornerstone of employment protocols across various industries, serving as a crucial tool for ensuring workplace safety, productivity, and regulatory compliance. As employers strive to maintain a drug-free environment and uphold the well-being of their employees, the need for reliable testing services has never been more paramount. Join us as we delve into drug screening and testing, exploring the diverse options available ...

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Food poisoning is an all-too-common ailment that affects millions of people each year, often catching them off guard after what seemed like a harmless meal. Understanding how fast food poisoning hits is crucial, as it helps you recognize the symptoms early and seek the necessary medical care before the condition worsens. Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning Food poisoning can manifest in various ways, but some symptoms are more common than others. Typically, the body reacts ...

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If you have been battling a stubborn cough that just won’t go away, you might be wondering about the underlying cause. One often overlooked culprit is allergies. While allergies are commonly associated with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, they can also trigger a persistent cough. Understanding how allergies can lead to chronic coughing is crucial for finding effective relief and improving your overall well-being. For same-day seasonal allergy relief, visit ...

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Bronchitis is a common respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs. This inflammation often leads to a persistent cough, mucus production, and discomfort. Given the discomfort that bronchitis causes, many people wonder whether antibiotics are necessary for treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore when antibiotics are appropriate for bronchitis and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention. For same-day bronchitis and cough treatment ...

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Seasonal allergies can significantly impact one’s quality of life, especially during peak allergy seasons. As flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, millions of individuals battle sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.  While many can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter remedies, there comes a point where seeking medical attention becomes necessary.  Save Your Spot Understanding Seasonal Allergies Allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens ...

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Why Is a School Physical for Sports Exam Important? Whether your child is a focused athlete or one who plays simply for the fun of it, there are many benefits to undertaking an annual sports physical exam. Plus, before anyone can start playing a sport, it's essential for them to have a physical exam from their healthcare provider - this is called the school physical for sports exam.  During this examination, athletes receive a comprehensive ...

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Dehydration is a serious concern, especially during the warmer months. Spring and summer might have people excited to get outside and enjoy cookouts in their favorite parks or lounging on their favorite beaches. Through all of the excitement, it can be easy to forget to stay hydrated. The increased temperatures can cause your body to sweat and dehydrate much faster. Understanding the symptoms of dehydration can help keep you safe. In this blog, we’ll ...

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Allergies can be anything from an annoying disruption in your daily life to something that causes serious symptoms– especially for those with underlying conditions like asthma. Because allergies frequently present similar symptoms to other respiratory illnesses, there is often concern that allergies can lead to sinus infections, colds, or flu. It is important to understand how allergies and illnesses can be linked. While allergens often do not carry the bacteria and viruses necessary to cause ...

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Learning how to improve kidney health is vital for maintaining overall well-being. Your kidneys are crucial in filtering waste and excess fluids from your body, regulating blood pressure, and balancing essential minerals. Despite their importance, many people overlook kidney health until a problem arises. Save Your Spot The Importance of Kidney Function Your kidneys are essential to your overall health, serving as your body’s natural filtration system. These small, bean-shaped organs remove waste products, toxins, and ...

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Allergic Reactions and Travel: A Guide to Enjoy Your Vacation As more people embark on adventures to explore new destinations, managing allergies during travel has become crucial. Allergic reactions can range from mild inconveniences to life-threatening emergencies, making it greatly important for travelers to be well-informed and prepared. Allergies, whether to foods, environmental factors, or other triggers, can potentially disrupt and even endanger a traveler's vacation experience. Recognizing the importance of understanding, preventing, and ...

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Understanding how to treat insect bites and stings is essential for anyone spending time outside. In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips for avoiding bites and effective methods for treating them if they occur. Preventing Insect Bites and Stings Adopting preventive measures is key to protecting yourself from insect bites and stings. Here’s how you can minimize your risk: Use Insect Repellent Apply insect repellent that contains 20-30% DEET to exposed skin and ...

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The Role of Occupational Health in Employee Satisfaction Occupational health plays a pivotal role in the various dimensions of employee well-being. As companies strive to create a positive work culture and enhance employee satisfaction, the focus on workplace health has gained prominence. Join us on this journey as we discuss the critical role of health at work in shaping the well-being and satisfaction of employees across diverse industries. Save Your Spot Understanding Occupational Health Health at work ...

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As the weather continues to warm up and summer approaches, many people are eagerly planning their travel adventures. Whether you are embarking on a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being while traveling. Traveling can expose you to various health risks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, here are some tips for avoiding travel-related health issues this summer. For same-day travel health services, visit the walk-in ...

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Ankle injuries are common and can range from mild strains to severe sprains or even fractures. Whether you have twisted your ankle during physical activity or experienced a fall, knowing how to differentiate between a strain, sprain, or break is essential for seeking appropriate treatment and promoting optimal healing. To accurately determine the severity of your injury, you need some familiarity with the injuries. In this blog, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of ...

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The Importance of Normalizing STD Testing Despite advances in medical knowledge and technology, STDs remain pervasive, presenting a complex challenge for healthcare providers and individuals alike. The stigma surrounding STDs often leads to silence and avoidance, further exacerbating the problem. However, breaking this silence and normalizing discussions about STD testing is crucial in combating the spread of these infections and safeguarding individual and community health. Join us as we shed light on the prevalence of ...

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Should You Use Ice or Heat for Gout Relief? Are you wondering if you should use ice or heat for gout relief? Both ice and heat therapies can be utilized for managing pain and inflammation; however, cold therapy is likely the best choice for managing pain and inflammation during a gout flare. Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort during flare-ups. This condition, characterized by sudden and severe attacks of ...

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