Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory is growing into one of the most desirable cities in the U.S. From the competitive arts community, hot housing market, low cost of living, and famous furniture hub, it’s no wonder why Hickory ranked in the U.S. News Best Places to Live Near the Mountains. Whether you’re going to the Downtown Hickory Art Crawl, Kiwanis Park, or shopping at one of the several unique shops, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hickory for residents and visitors alike.

Why should I visit AFC Urgent Care and Walk-in Clinic?

AFC Urgent Care provides fast relief and efficient care when accidents and illnesses occur. We understand it’s never a good time to get sick, and you don’t want to sit in a waiting room for hours of your day. It’s not always convenient to visit the emergency room or fit in an appointment with your primary care doctor. No one likes sitting at the ER for hours or paying the expensive bill afterwards. The average ER visit is $1,300 while a basic urgent care visit is typically $100. Urgent care is a great alternative to emergency rooms now that urgent cares can treat roughly 70% of ER visits. When you visit AFC Urgent Care, we respect your time with short wait times and thorough visits. Our team is well equipped with top-tier medical professionals, with a doctor always on-site. We treat common illnesses such as strep throat, flu, common cold, allergic reactions, and more.

Stay healthy while you’re shopping in Hickory.

While you’re out shopping in the furniture capital of the world, be cautious of spreading and catching germs. Surfaces in high-traffic areas are some of the largest sources of spreading contagious illnesses. Most surfaces in public areas are highly contaminated with bacteria and virus droplets. This is why it’s important to practice cough and sneeze etiquette. If you are sick, be sure to sneeze or cough into your elbow to prevent germs settling on commonly touched surfaces, especially in condensed areas. Wash your hands, and use hand sanitizer frequently to prevent the spread of germs. As a growing suburb in North Carolina, Hickory is home to over 40,000 residents. It is crucial to keep the community healthy to continue flourishing into one of the state’s best neighborhoods.

Here are a few healthy habits to implement into your daily life to prevent sickness and build your immune system:

• Get the recommended amount of sleep.
• Eat nutritious foods with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Stay active, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
• Stay hydrated. Discuss with a professional how much water you should be drinking.
• Keep your environment clean.
• Avoid public areas if you are sick or begin experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness.
• Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap.

Whether you’re hitting Hickory’s best antique stores, Hickory Furniture Mart, or exploring the Catawba Science Center, AFC Urgent Care wants you to stay safe and healthy as you enjoy all that Hickory has to offer.

Visit our walk-in clinic today!

Even with every precaution, sickness and accidents still occur. When you feel sickness coming on, visit AFC Urgent Care to receive the best care in town. We care about giving you treatment that will get you back to feeling better than ever. Come see us 7 days a week, with no appointment necessary.

Sources:

• https://www.hickorync.gov/get-know-hickory
• https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/mar/where-do-germs-hide/
• https://www.visithickorymetro.com/articles/post/hickory-the-furniture-capital-of-the-world/
• https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/slideshows/the-best-places-to-live-near-the-mountains