Recent Blog Posts

How Much Protein Should I Eat?

How Much Protein Should I Eat? If there is one thing that can be said of we Americans, it’s that we love our meat! In our culture, barbeque grills are ubiquitous in our celebrations of summer. Unfortunately, our affinity for animal protein often results in us eating more than our body needs or can process in one meal. So, before you pack only that huge bag of jerky for your next hike on the ...

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How Do I Know If I Have Salmonella?

How Do I Know If I Have Salmonella? When you get sick, it can be hard to know what you have picked up or from where. Many illnesses share the same basic symptoms, especially gastrointestinal conditions, or infections. If you are experiencing fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, you might have the stomach flu, or you may have contracted salmonella, one of the most common types of food poisoning. Salmonella is a bacterium that infects the ...

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What Causes Burning In My Lungs?

What causes burning in my lungs? Encountering a burning sensation in your lungs can be alarming, especially when paired with breathing difficulties or a lingering cough. While intense workouts in chilly weather are a common trigger, it’s vital to consider underlying issues such as bronchitis. Could It Be Bronchitis? Bronchitis, a widespread respiratory infection, presents with distinct symptoms that require timely recognition for intervention. While a persistent dry cough is a hallmark, the presence ...

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How Long Do Kidney Stones Last?

How Long Do Kidney Stones Last? Kidney stones are a prevalent and often painful condition that impacts nearly one in 10 Americans each year. While the experience can be challenging, knowledge about kidney stones, their symptoms, and potential treatment options is crucial. What are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid formations that start in the kidneys. They form when certain waste products struggle to dissolve properly in urine, leading to the ...

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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care?

Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Pre-Register What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Hixson TN

Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Hixson TN Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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How do humidifiers help prevent the flu?

How do humidifiers help prevent the flu? Hixson and its surrounding area offer a range of attractions and activities to explore. From the scenic beauty of Greenway Farms to the vibrant shopping scene at Northgate Mall, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a delightful meal at local gems like Mike’s Tavern, adding a flavorful touch to your experience. Amidst these adventures, it’s crucial to stay mindful of how weather conditions might influence your ...

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Is Going to Urgent Care Like Going to the Emergency Room?

Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

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How Can I Avoid Getting Sick This Season?

‘Tis the season for all of the fun seasonal gatherings, holiday traditions and delicious food! The holidays are here, and we are so excited about it. While we are all busy planning for the upcoming parties and other seasonal events, getting sick in the thick of it all is always a possibility. A single infection at this time of year could spread throughout your entire family and make everyone really sick, causing you to miss ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Hixson TN Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?  Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia.  When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...

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How to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

How can I boost my Vitamin D intake and Manage my Seasonal Affective Disorder? The holidays bring a lot of travelers through Hixson and the nearby area this time of year, whether to visit family or to venture out to the nearby Greenway Farms. It’s a busy time for everyone finishing up holiday shopping at shops like Northgate Mall or grabbing a bite to eat at local favorites like Mikes Tavern. No matter what ...

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns

What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns So, what are the degrees of burns? If you’ve been wondering how to identify burns, we’ve got the answers for you. Burns are a common injury that can occur from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, and sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is crucial ...

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Does RSV Always Cause Respiratory Distress?

RSV can seem like a scary virus, and sometimes it is! RSV can infect anyone at any time, but the fall and winter months tend to experience higher caseloads because everyone is inside and spending more time closer together. Most adults will only experience mild symptoms when infected with RSV, but children and infants can have a much harder time overcoming the illness. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team explains more about ...

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Do My Kids Need the Flu Shot Every Year?

It can seem like a constant battle to keep your kids healthy at this time of year. RSV, COVID-19, strep throat and the flu are all circulating right now, and your children will come into contact with them at some point at school, on the bus or while out and about. While avoiding illness entirely is not possible, taking preventive steps now can help them stay healthier throughout the season. Getting your annual flu shot ...

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Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

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

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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How Do I Know If It Is COVID-19 or Another Infection?

Getting sick is always inconvenient no matter what you come down with. A scratchy throat, lingering cough and a fever can make it really hard to get anything done! Feeling better is everyone’s top priority in these situations, but it can be hard to find the right treatment if you don’t know what you have. Since many illnesses cause similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell what illness you have on your ...

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Who Is at Risk of Serious COVID-19 Complications?

What a crazy few years we have had as a community! We dealt with a worldwide pandemic and a mysterious illness for years as our talented medical community dedicated their lives to protecting us and keeping us healthy. We are grateful that the emergency status for COVID-19 has expired, but we also know that COVID-19 still remains in our community and has the ability to make people very sick. We don’t want you to ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

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. Pre-Register The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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