The holiday season has already started, and so has flu season. That’s why the CDC has designated the week of December 4 – 10, 2016, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. Once November ends and the holiday season starts, people tend to forget about getting their flu shot. In fact, research from past flu seasons has shown that very few people get a flu shot after the end of November. Last flu season, only 40% of ...
This Thanksgiving, pass the turkey, not the flu! Illnesses, such as the flu, can be transferred through sneezing, coughing or surface contamination. According to the CDC, germs can live approximately two hours on surfaces such as door knobs or kitchen counters. With a few preventative steps, your friends and family will be able relax and focus on the fun and food, rather than worrying about sore throats or upset stomachs. Keep things clean, and most ...
Every year from August to March, it seems like you can’t go a day without seeing something about the flu. “Get your flu shot today!” … “When will flu season start?” … “Why this year’s strain of the flu shot is better.” … “When is the best time to get your flu shot?”… With all this information circling around your head, how can you know which things to pay attention to? Here’s why right now ...
Summer might be fun, and spring is lovely, but some people believe the best season is fall. The changing of the leaves, the brisk winds and outdoor festive activities bring everyone closer. Over a third of Americans list fall as their favorite season, blowing all of the other seasons out of the water. However, fall requires a change of habits to stay healthy, especially as the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder. Follow ...
The summer is a three-month-long outdoor adventure, where many children celebrate the warm weather and free time by riding bikes, hiking and playing sports. As soon as the school year begins, it can become harder for families to carve out the time to be active and stay healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids are getting less physical activity and more junk food than ever, which can lead to a greater ...
September is Healthy Aging Month, and AFC Urgent Care is dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy and happy lives as they age. As you age, your healthcare needs become more unique. Situations might arise that are scarier as a senior adult than they would have been if you were 20 years younger. At AFC Urgent Care, we understand the special nature of senior adult health concerns, and are equipped to provide a positive, comfortable ...
When your child returns to school, it can often mean a renewed exposure to germs and unexpected injuries. Here is AFC Urgent Care’s back-to-school health kit: a complete list of the portable tools and items that can make the school day much healthier, without much effort on your part. This health kit can fit in your child’s backpack, or can be carried to school like a lunch bag or purse. Hand sanitizer and ...
With the new school year slowly creeping up on us, it’s time to start thinking about physicals for the Fall season! Scheduling an annual physical is important for a child’s health, especially since their bodies are constantly developing. School physicals allow parents, teachers and doctors to monitor a child’s growth and health. In addition, school physicals can help prevent serious diseases and old injuries from reoccurring, detect previously unaware conditions and ensure ...
Summertime is the best time for grilling outdoors with family and friends. But while you’re grilling and chilling, here at AFC Urgent Care want to make sure you are staying safe, as well. So take some time to remember these tips for your next summer barbecue, and you’ll be more prepared to keep you and your family safe around the grill. Grill Away from Your House It may come as no surprise that ...
Are you planning a fun family trip this summer? Here are some helpful tips to keep your trip and health at its best: Be prepared: It’s always fun to explore a new city or beach resort, but it doesn’t hurt to be familiar with the vacation destination. Researching the locale for restaurants, health centers, and more can help you have a clear plan during your trip. Make sure to pack the essentials, especially ...
Summer is prime time for beach action but there are some risks you might not know about lurking in the depths of the ocean. It is important to remember to practice safe beach behaviors any time you’re at the coast. Read on for tips to help you stay safe while having fun in the sun. Rip Currents The ocean is very different from a swimming pool, so you have to be aware of what ...
This summer, AFC Urgent Care wants you to watch out for these poisonous plants, and know what to do if you come into contact with them! When it comes to poisonous plants, the three that stand out are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. All three plants cause rashes with a chemical known as urushiol. The rash itself is not contagious, but after touching the plant, oils from the leaves can be transferred everywhere ...
Gorgeous spring and summer weather means it’s time for the whole family to head outside! Unfortunately your family members are not the only ones wanting to enjoy the warmer weather — this time of year is when all kinds of bugs like to come out in full force. While we love seeing all the pretty ladybugs and beautiful butterflies, there are some creepy crawlies that we wish we could avoid. In addition to painful or ...
Here at AFC Urgent Care, we like to remind our patients to take care of their health and be safe every day. This can also mean being safe in the kitchen. There are potential hidden dangers around every corner, especially when using a knife. We partnered with Chip’s Family Restaurant in Fairfield to get a few safety tips when using knives in the kitchen. Adam Bajko, Manager of Chip’s says, “Safely but swiftly ...
AFC Urgent Care Bridgeport and Fairfield Receive National Recognition Out of 160 Centers, AFC Corporate Honors the Bridgeport and Fairfield Sites With Two Distinguished Awards (Fairfield, Conn. – May 11, 2016) – Dr. Steven Heffer, owner and medical director of AFC Urgent Care in Bridgeport, CT and Fairfield, CT, received national recognition during American Family Care’s National Conference last week held in New Orleans, Louisiana. American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care is the largest national chain ...
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how aggravating this condition can be. Whether your allergies are severe or mild, a runny nose, watery eyes, and a constant sneeze can get in the way of many daily activities. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat seasonal allergies, including medication and allergy shots. Understanding Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies tend to occur just as you would they think – in certain seasons. Why is this? There ...
Early spring means it’s time for all young athletes to get ready to join their teams to compete in their spring/summer sport. According to a report Sports and Fitness Industry Association, about 21.47 million children in the United States participate in organized sports, which comes to about 75 percent of boys and 69 percent of girls. One essential step in your preparation for your sport of choice should be an athletic physical ...
April is medication safety month. It might seem counter-intuitive to think that medications could ever hurt us, but the reality is that medication misuse and adverse reactions cause more than 700,000 visits to the emergency room each year. Many of these cases could be prevented, with careful attention to medication safety. Read on to learn the risk factors and how you can keep your family safe! The biggest risk factor of medication is user ...
Spring has sprung! For some people, this beautiful season is nothing but misery, due to the constant sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and countless other exhausting symptoms. Seasonal allergies affect as many as 50 million Americans, and it’s not just a mild annoyance. As many as 55 percent of workers, report calling in sick at work because of allergies. There are many ways to avoid the scourge of pollen, dust, mold and pet hair. Read ...
Stay mindful of these tips the next time you go grocery shopping. 1.Start with the Serving Size – Keep in mind of the portion size. If the label serving size is one cup and you eat two, you are getting twice the calories. 2.Check Out the Total Calories and Fat – To examine the single serving size. 3.Limit Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium – Saturated fat and trans fat are linked to an increased risk of ...
