As the seasons transition and weather conditions fluctuate, many people may find themselves experiencing unexpected allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergies are a common condition that over a quarter of the population struggle with. There’s often a fair amount of speculation over what causes allergies to develop, and whether or not sudden weather changes can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between weather changes and allergy symptoms so you ...

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Altitude sickness, sometimes referred to as acute mountain sickness, is a common condition that affects those who ascend to high altitudes too quickly. Altitude sickness typically occurs when individuals travel to elevations over 8,000 feet– when the body doesn’t properly adjust to the decreased oxygen levels. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness, how long symptoms last, and what factors can influence the recovery timeline. For same-day ...

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If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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If you've ever experienced swimmer’s ear, you know that it's not a fun experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to cure swimmer's ear quickly. This blog will outline some of the fastest ways to treat the condition and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. AFC Urgent Care Lakewood provides same-day treatment for a wide range of conditions, including swimmer’s ear. Our team of board-certified providers can ...

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Lyme disease is a very common illness, with more than 200,000 cases reported each year in the U.S. The bacterial infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick and can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. If you’ve ever had Lyme disease, you may be wondering whether or not you’re at risk for reinfection. This blog will provide the answer to that question and explore ways to relieve your ...

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Physical for sports exams, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), help determine whether a person is physically fit to participate in organized sports activities. This physical exam aims to identify any possible medical conditions that could put the athlete at risk for severe injury or illness during practice or competition. Sports physicals are typically done annually, though some states may require more frequent exams based on age and the type of sport being played ...

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Swollen tonsils are a common symptom of several ailments, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Tonsillitis and strep throat are two primary causes of swollen tonsils, paired with symptoms like difficulty swallowing and fever. If you’re experiencing swollen tonsils, you may be wondering: how long will this last? In this blog, we’ll explore the answer to that question, as well as some tips for relieving symptoms and preventing them from recurring ...

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Sinus infections and allergies can often share similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to determine which condition you may be dealing with. While both conditions affect the nasal passages, they have different causes and require different treatments. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the differences between sinus infections and allergies and provide some tips on getting the proper care. For same-day general illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Lakewood. Our ...

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While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in Lakewood indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Lakewood has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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