Recent Blog Posts

As autumn approaches and the leaves change, it's the perfect time to rejuvenate your wellness routine. Fall brings cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and a fresh opportunity to prioritize your health. Whether you're aiming to boost your immune system or find ways to stay active as the days grow shorter, this blog will guide you through five essential tips for a healthier, more balanced you in the fall season. Embrace the crisp air and ...

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As a prominent care provider of accessible primary care, urgent care, and occupational medicine services nationwide, American Family Care (AFC) is uniquely positioned to guide and educate the public on pertinent health issues, such as the FDA’s recent decisions on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine.  The FDA held a Non-Prescription Drug Advisory Committee meeting on September 11-12, 2023, to deliberate on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine as an active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cough ...

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Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal Home remedies for warts might not be as effective as you hope, so we recommend seeing an urgent care doctor for wart removal to treat these pesky growths at their source. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear almost anywhere on the body, causing both physical discomfort and self-consciousness. This article takes you through everything you need to know about ...

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is commonly associated with infants and young children. However, it can also affect adults. When RSV strikes, it can lead to respiratory symptoms and discomfort. Read this article to understand the causes and symptoms of RSV in adults. It will also help you to explore the duration of RSV symptoms and how to diagnose and treat them. For same-day RSV testing and care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care ...

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Coughing is a common occurrence. It is often your body's way of clearing irritants from your airways. Most of the coughs are harmless and resolve on their own. However, there are situations where a cough may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Read this article to identify when it is advisable to seek medical attention for a cough. For a thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan, visit the walk-in clinic at ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Book Online The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen in females can indicate unique problems related to women’s health. Learn more about what can cause pain and when to seek medical attention. Where is the pain coming from? There are many organs on the left side of the abdomen. When experiencing lower left side pain, it could be coming from one of these organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic: Small intestine Colon Appendix Ovaries ...

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Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is a condition that affects the outer ear canal. It is typically caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, often due to water remaining in the ear after swimming or exposure to moisture. Swimmer’s ear can last for months and are common among children and teenagers who swim often. Swimmer’s Ear Causes and Symptoms Swimmer’s ear is common in children due to its narrow ...

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Do you think you have been dealing with an ear infection? Want to verify whether it’s true or not? Read further to learn what ear infection is, what is causing it, and how to treat it. What Causes an Ear Infection? Also known as acute otitis media or sudden infection, an ear infection develops when fluid containing viruses or bacteria gets trapped in the middle part of the ear. Over time, these trapped germs ...

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From 2010 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 9.4 million to 41 million flu illnesses every year. But there is an easy way to protect yourself — the flu shot. Studies show that the severity of the flu is significantly less if you catch the flu but are vaccinated. The CDC says the flu vaccine reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for the flu by 40% to ...

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I Have an STD, But I'm Not Sexually Active If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but are not sexually active, there are a few reasons why this could be the case. "STD" refers to the constellation of diseases that result from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For example, cervical cancer is an STD from the STI of HPV. Though it is possible to contract an STI even if you are not ...

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What does hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) look like? The symptoms can look different for kids and adults. See what the symptoms can be and how to treat them. What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease? HFMD is a common viral illness caused by the enterovirus, most commonly the coxsackievirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease primarily affects children under 5, but anyone, including adults, can contract it. It’s typically a mild illness. The disease ...

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If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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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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While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in West Orange indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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About  X-rays are radiation that can pass through your body and photograph what's inside. Doctors use these images to check for fractured bones or other issues. A contrast medium, usually iodine or barium, is put into your body for some X-ray examinations to provide more clarity on the pictures. However, excessive X-ray exposure can be detrimental, so healthcare professionals must take measures to protect you from too much radiation. Here are some of the ...

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Injuries are a fact of life for many sportsmen, whatever the sports may be. Since sportsmen have to be active and present their game always, it's crucial to receive the appropriate care as soon as they occur through an urgent care center. But one would wonder when trips to the urgent care centers are necessary for typical sports injuries. What kinds of sports injuries can an urgent care center treat? Plus, is it safe ...

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A sore throat may seem harmless, but it is a basic cause of many other infections and diseases, such as sinus, flu, and viral infections. Many think of a sore throat as normal or harmless, leading to great discomfort and bodily stress afterward. Understanding the real causes and symptoms of a sore throat can greatly help get immediate medical care. The following details are crucial to understanding the causes of a sore throat and knowing ...

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STDs can infect and spread to people of all ages, but they mainly affect young people. An STD can spread through any sexual contact. What Types of STD Tests are Performed at an Urgent Care Center? Contacting an urgent care office is a great way to get an STD test. These facilities may offer a variety of STD tests to help you find out if you have any infection. Urgent care centers are a great ...

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So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in West Orange has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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