Flu and RSV Cases Surge As the flu season progresses, our AFC Urgent Care clinics are seeing a sharp rise in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. Understanding the current trends and risks is crucial for keeping you and your family safe. Flu Cases Spike Dramatically The first week of December saw relatively few flu cases diagnosed across our clinics—However, the numbers skyrocketed by nearly 500% over the holidays. This increase reflects broader ...
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including our bedtime routines. Many people use electronic devices right before bed, whether scrolling through social media, watching TV, or responding to emails, leading to much research into the relationship between technology and sleep. Join us as we explore how technology affects sleep, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for creating a more restful, tech-free sleep environment. How Technology and Sleep Are Connected Technology ...
Vertigo is common yet unsettling - for some, vertigo is a mild inconvenience, while it can significantly disrupt daily life for others. But how long does vertigo last? Whether you're experiencing brief episodes or ongoing bouts, the duration of vertigo largely depends on the underlying cause and the type of vertigo you have. What Is Vertigo? Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy—it’s a specific sensation where you or your surroundings seem to ...
As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many people struggle with increased body aches and joint pain. It's a common experience to feel more discomfort during the colder months, and while it may seem like a simple coincidence, there's more to this phenomenon than meets the eye. Why Do My Joints Hurt When It's Cold? When the weather turns cold, the body's response includes constricting nerves and blood vessels in ...
Can exercise improve your mood? Regular aerobic activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and even dancing have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Understanding how exercise impacts both your body and mind can empower you to use physical activity as a tool for better mental well-being. Exercise Can Improve Your Mood When you exercise, your body does more than just burn calories—it also enhances brain function. One key way exercise boosts ...
Is psoriasis itching? Read on to learn more about this skin disease. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells. While itching is one of the most common symptoms of psoriasis, it’s far from the only challenge those with the condition face. Flare-ups, where symptoms worsen significantly, can be triggered by a variety of factors, making it crucial to understand what ...
What does a broken ankle look like? Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you take a simple misstep while walking or participating in a more vigorous activity like sports, a twist or fall can lead to a painful ankle injury. However, distinguishing between a sprain and a fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Understanding the Ankle Structure The ankle is a ...
As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help your child lose weight, but taking proactive steps is essential for their future well-being. Addressing childhood obesity is more than a matter of physical appearance; it's about preventing long-term health complications. By learning more about the causes and effects of obesity and taking action through small lifestyle changes, you can make a big difference in your child's life. What Is ...
While poison ivy rashes are common, many people aren’t fully aware of the different stages they go through—from the moment you make contact with the plant to the final stages of healing. In this post, we’ll walk you through each of the poison ivy rash stages, helping you understand what’s happening to your skin and how to manage the discomfort. Schedule Now Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...
At AFC Urgent Care Houston, we have begun using virtual reality (VR) goggles to enhance our patients’ experience and alleviate discomfort during medical treatments. This approach was first introduced to our Chief Operating Officer when his daughter was undergoing medical treatments at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He saw how something as simple as VR distraction helped alleviate his child’s anxiety and made the medical visits less stressful. He knew ...
