" Break out the lunch boxes and the three-ring binders, back-to-school season is upon us again! Amid the mad dash for backpacks, pencil cases and the rapidly approaching school bus, it’s easy to forget about the health concerns of going back to school. Back-to-school time is also prime time for germs and bugs; an enormous number of children spend most of the day in close contact and touch a lot of shared surfaces (e.g ...
" Now that August has arrived, that can only mean one thing — it’s time for the kids to start heading back to school! But did you know that August is also National Immunization Awareness Month? Getting immunized against infectious diseases is important for your health, as well as the health of those around you. And with the start of the new school year just around the corner, it is especially important for your child’s ...
" It’s safe to say that after last winter – one of the longest and most bitter in history – many NJ residents are craving time outdoors in the summer sun. Summer, unfortunately, comes along with increased risk of skin irritation from poison ivy. The leaves of this plant is coated with an oil named Urushiol which results in an itchy, red, and bumpy rash within 12 -72 hours of contact with skin. These rashes rarely become ...
" While there is a lot of talk about the ‘universal health benefits’ of going gluten-free, there are many aspects of the lifestyle that most people are still unsure or unaware about. We believe that there is some truth out there, but that it is also important to clear the air on some of the bigger gluten and gluten-free myths Myth #1: Everyone should try going Gluten-free! Unless you have been medically diagnosed with celiac disease ...
" While some people are still shoveling snow, many Americans are facing yet another blow from the weather just in time for spring – a sudden explosion of pollen for what’s expected to be a particularly nasty allergy season. March has yet to go out like a lamb, and we at AFC can already tell that this month’s wacky weather is wreaking havoc on allergy sufferers, as our centers are already seeing patients flock in ...
" Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a scary report, outlining the severity of the flu this year. Due to an uptick in deaths attributed to the flu, the CDC declared the flu had reached epidemic status. While that sounds serious, there are still ways for you to ward off the flu and stay healthy this season. The flu is particularly troublesome for children under 5 — and especially under 2 — and for adults ...
" “Yes, mom, we heard you! We know it’s cold out there. We’re grabbing our coats right now!” “This scratchy throat and runny nose will definitely get better with some homemade chicken soup.” “Of course we promise to cough into our elbows.” We’ve all heard our mothers’ best remedies and advice for cold and flu season, as well as some old wives’ tales that have been passed along from generation to generation. Whether ...
" For many of us, the fall season means one thing… FOOTBALL! Every weekend, millions of Americans prepare to position themselves in front of the TV for a steady diet of touchdowns, game changing plays and endzone celebrations. Of course, it isn’t a football game without tables filled with lots of tailgate treats. Between the spicy chicken wings, the cold beer, and an afternoon nap on the couch, you’re preparing the perfect recipe for ...
" Nothing feels better on a hot summer day than a dip in the pool. It’s a great way to keep kids — and parents! — occupied and happy. And while no one wants a damper on their fun, it is important to remember that pools can be dangerous places. While most trips to the pool result in a playful afternoon and fun memories, unfortunately drowning, poisoning and even chemical burns can occur. According to the CDC ...
" The scariest stuff on Halloween is often what you’d least expect. Instead of vampires, witches, werewolves and zombies, the true scares often come in the form of accidents or overindulgence. It’s so easy to get carried away with the fun of Halloween — so much candy, so little time — that you forget about the real dangers that are lurking out there. To keep your Halloween revels safe instead of scary (okay, maybe a little ...
