Whether or not it has to do with keeping up with the pandemic, we’re all constantly checking our phones these days. But did you know? Too much screen time can potentially have pretty serious effects on our mental health. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia explains why. Why Is Too Much Screen Time a Bad Thing? Experts say that a healthy amount of screen time ranges from around two to three hours per ...
Yes! We know that having to consistently wear masks can be inconvenient at times, but the reality is that wearing them significantly helps in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Don’t believe us? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia breaks down masks and their health benefits. What Evidence Is There to Support the Health Benefits of Masks? Many scientists have done studies on masks and their usefulness in slowing the spread ...
Staying hydrated and drinking enough water has always been of the utmost importance. Drinking the right amount of water keeps your body working properly and functioning the way it should, but does it get even more important the older you get? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia sheds some light on the importance of drinking water as you age. Do I Have a Greater Risk of Being Dehydrated As I Get ...
Fall has unofficially arrived already—and the official start is just days away. That brings hopes of cooler temperatures, sweater weather and fresh apple pies…but also the threat of fall allergies! What can you do if seasonal allergies tend to plague you during the fall? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia shares some insight. What Are Fall Allergies? Odds are, if you experience allergy symptoms in the spring, you will ...
That’s a really common question! While both illnesses are viruses and they have similar symptoms, they are different. Since the flu season is coming up straight ahead, it’s important to do what you can to protect yourself. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia offers some tips on why the flu shot is important and when to get it. Is COVID-19 the Flu? No, COVID-19 is not a type of ...
The honest truth is that we’re all at risk of diabetes. But some people are at a higher risk than others for Type 2 diabetes, which is largely related to lifestyle. Want to learn more? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia offers some insight about diabetes and how to prevent it. What Are the Types of Diabetes? There are two main types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes ...
More than 100 million Americans have high blood pressure. But how would you know if you were experiencing elevated blood pressure? That’s a bit tricky, because high blood pressure is what’s known as a silent condition. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia wants to take a few minutes to talk through what high blood pressure is, how to keep tabs on your blood pressure and how to maintain a ...
It can feel wonderful to feel the sun on your skin, but in recent years, we have learned just how dangerous the sun’s harmful UV rays can be to us. Not only can sun exposure lead to painful sunburns and blisters, but it can also increase your chances of developing skin cancer as you age. The good news is that all sunburns are entirely preventable, and by practicing good sunscreen application habits, you can ...
If you spent a lot of time in the woods as a child, you have likely heard the old adage, “leaves of three, let it be” in reference to poison ivy—but if you followed those directions carefully, you may not even know if you are allergic. Even if you have experienced a rash due to poison ivy in the past, you may not be as sensitive to it now as you were then, as ...
The numbers are pretty crazy—as of June 1, more than 1.5 million Americans had been diagnosed with COVID-19. That number included nearly 30,000 North Carolinians. While the number of new cases has leveled off slightly, COVID-19 is still a real and present risk. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia wants to provide some tips on how you can protect yourself and others. What Should I Do if I ...
