Recent Blog Posts

Fexofenadine, loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine are the four most popular medications used to treat allergies. These medications are antihistamines, which help to block the action of histamine, a chemical released in the body which causes an allergic reaction.  Although these medications are all antihistamines, there are some differences between them. Fexofenadine (most commonly sold as “Allegra”) and loratadine (most commonly sold as “Claritin”) are both long-acting medications, meaning that they can last up to 24 ...

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Spring brings the first warm days of the month for Portlanders and is a sign that warmer weather is just around the corner. What’s another sign you may ask? The constant sniffling, sneezing, and hay fever, all the  signs that allergies are upon us. When you want to go out and enjoy the great weather, you can’t do so without the aid of your go-to allergy medication, eye drops, nasal decongestant, or whatever ...

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Urgent care providers offer convenient, time-saving alternatives to visiting an emergency room for minor, non-life-threatening medical conditions. These healthcare centers typically have shorter wait times and offer services like X-rays, urgent treatment of colds and flu, sprains, strains, and fractures, on-site lab tests, and physicals. Urgent care centers provide efficient diagnoses of various health problems, ranging from minor to severe. Some are also equipped with on-site lab testing capabilities so that patients can get results ...

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A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a frustrating ailment that causes a runny nose, congestion, swollen and/or itching eyes, a sore throat, headaches, and other symptoms. While there isn’t necessarily a quick sinus infection cure, there are certainly ways that you can ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery.  If you’re suffering from sinusitis, know that you aren’t alone; approximately 90% of patients with colds have an element of viral ...

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Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is important for maintaining a healthy body. It’s known for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to boost the immune system. Vitamin C helps repair and regenerate tissues in the body. It aids in the absorption of iron, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. It is also necessary for the production of collagen, a protein that helps ...

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Local urgent care centers in Portland OR, or family walk-in clinics, offer patients convenient and affordable urgent healthcare services. When you visit a family walk-in clinic, you can expect quick, quality care at a fraction of the cost of your local emergency room.  Emergency rooms tend to be very busy and crowded and are associated with longer waiting times and higher fees. By going to a walk-in doctor’s office for a non-life-threatening illness or injury ...

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You may think that getting sick is just something that comes along with the cooler months, but boosting your immunity can greatly reduce your chances of illness all year round. Staying up to date on vaccines, eating a healthy diet, properly hydrating, taking beneficial supplements, exercising regularly (even a little bit), and reducing stress can increase the function of your immune system. Find out how these simple actions can have a positive impact on your ...

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As kids, many of us went to the doctors for our annual wellness exams, but as we grow older we tend to overlook and skip these exams. Your annual wellness exam is very important and only grows more important as you age. These exams also allow you to get the necessary health screenings and services that help you understand yourr general health standing. When you get your annual wellness exam done, it allows you to ...

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What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, AFC has the answers.    What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care, you can ...

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Portland, OR — American Family Care (AFC), the nation’s largest provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, is pleased to announce it now offers virtual services. This convenient solution will serve rural communities where typical urgent care is unavailable or for individuals who simply do not want to come into the clinic. While this does not replace in-person visits for laceration care or blood tests, it will cover a host of other ...

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