Recent Blog Posts

" As we mentioned in our last blog, sports injuries are highly preventable even though they happen to millions of adolescents and student-athletes each year. While most parents, coaches, and athletic trainers can prevent sports injuries, it is important to know when to perform first-aid for athletes. The benefits of fast and immediate first-aid for sports injuries includes stabilizing an athlete’s injury, coordinating future treatment, and increasing the effectiveness of treatment and rehab if necessary ...

Read more..

" Nearly 2 million adults annually have contracted an STD within the last two years according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and require screenings and STD tests to help diagnose symptoms. Many individuals are unsure if they currently have, or are at risk, for contracting a new STD. This is because many STDs may not present physical symptoms for a long time without a clinical test or screening. Any sexually active adults should get ...

Read more..

" Sports injuries are extremely common at all levels of competition including youth league, high school, and professional sports. Because of the prevalence of these injuries, it is important to know how to prevent any possible injuries before they happen. Thankfully, parents and student athletes can work together on preventing sports regardless of the sport they play. So how you can you help prevent sports injuries? Prevent sports injuries by stretching before One of the best ...

Read more..

" At AFC Stoneham, we strive to do everything in our power to keep you and your family healthy and safe. Besides providing high-quality and affordable urgent care services, we also are here to educate you on the latest public health updates happening across Massachusetts. The winter in Massachusetts has become increasingly flu-heavy as flu cases are growing rapidly in many parts of the state. Make sure you get your flu shot and practice good hygiene ...

Read more..

" February is American Heart Health Month and is the perfect time for friends, family, medical communities, and other groups to promote awareness of cardiac health risks, including heart disease. According to the CDC, nearly one in three Americans has high blood cholesterol that increases their risk of developing chronic heart disease later on in life. While the CDC is helping to educate the public on the risks of high blood cholesterol, patients can make sure ...

Read more..

" It’s no secret that people seem to get sick more frequently during the winter months. The flu, of course, is one ailment everyone actively tries to avoid, but there are many other viruses and bacterial infections that run rampant when it’s cold outside as well. As you continue reading this guide, you will discover some key ways to prevent winter illnesses other than the flu in your household. What ailments should I manage ...

Read more..

" While many people get the flu shot religiously every year, some do not understand the importance of getting this particular vaccination. Flu shots, however, are an excellent way to keep your entire family healthy throughout the winter season, when influenza is at its height. As you read this handy guide, you will learn more about the types of people who should get a flu shot each year. The odds are good that this will cover ...

Read more..

" Christmas is the largest family meal of the year besides Thanksgiving, which means cooking for large groups at a time. When preparing in such large volumes, it isn’t uncommon for injuries in the kitchen to occur. Emergency room medical providers see an influx of injuries each year around the holidays, but there are some simple steps you can take to avoid being one of their many unfortunate patients. Reduce Clutter in the Kitchen When ...

Read more..

" Oh, your aching head! Feeling stuffed up?  Suffering from a head cold can feel unbearable.  When you have a head cold, the membranes lining your nasal passages become swollen and produce excess mucus to flush out the cause of the irritation.  Some symptoms that accompany your head cold can include a headache/pain in your forehead, or pain under your eyes or in your upper teeth. You can catch a cold after coming into contact ...

Read more..

" Occupational Health refers to the many disciplines devoted to the safety and well-being of employees in the workplace, often concentrating on injury prevention. Even with solid practices in place, accidents do occur, and having an experienced occupational healthcare provider you trust can make all the difference. Workplace injuries can result in lost time, indemnity costs, and lower productivity for an employer. Studies have shown that the same workplace injury can have catastrophic consequences to the ...

Read more..

" You did everything you could.  You got your seasonal flu shot.  You practiced proper hand-washing techniques.  You avoided shaking hands with your sick coworker, and you avoided kissing your grandma hello during Sunday dinner.  Now you’re asking yourself, “how did I end up with the flu? Getting a seasonal flu shot and practicing good hygiene are a few ways you can avoid getting the flu, but sometimes, even with good measure in place, you ...

Read more..

" Did you know that the family is the most important social influence for physical activity? Research shows that children of active parents are 5.8 times more likely to engage in physical activity on a regular basis. Today, most children do not meet the recommended amount of daily exercise, which is crucial to healthy growth and development. To get your kids moving, it’s important that you’re moving too! Here are a few fun ...

Read more..

" The school year is approaching which means its time to start checking off things on the back to school to-do list! Vaccinations are something that every child should get while they are developing, and even into an adulthood. Vaccinations are the best way to protect you and your loved ones from deadly diseases that have once swept the nation.  Here are a few questions you may have about the importance of vaccinations. What is a ...

Read more..

" It’s that time of the year again for children to go back to school after being home all summer! For new parents, this may be the first time your child is going to school by themselves and this can be a very emotional time for you. However, you should use these safety tips below to teach your child how to be safe inside and outside of school so they can make it home every ...

Read more..

" Summertime brings many opportunities for outdoor activities. From camping and hiking to playing tag in the backyard, kids and adults alike can enjoy the warm weather. Make sure your family takes the following precautions to avoid missing outdoor fun due to mosquito and tick bites. Before you go outside: Use bug repellent on your skin and clothing. The CDC recommends wearing an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains active ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. Wear ...

Read more..

" Most years, the terms “flu season” and “flu shot” are viewed as a pesky seasonal rite of passage, a nuisance, another thing on your to-do list. But this year, the virulent H3N2 virus — which has been circulating for 50 years and dubbed the “Hong Kong flu” — is getting peoples’ attention. The 2017–2018 flu season epidemic is expected to kill more than 50,000 people 1 year or older, many of whom appeared healthy “just ...

Read more..

" As we inch toward the new year, American Family Care medical providers have been talking with patients about lifestyle changes that can help them feel healthier. It probably comes as no surprise that these discussions mirror some of the top New Year’s resolutions — eating better, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking to name a few! But, even as we address these topics, we recognize that big life changes aren’t always easy. Most people start ...

Read more..

" Poison ivy is the most common allergy in the United States, affecting about 50 million people every year. The rash from poison ivy is caused by an allergic reaction to urushiol, an oily substance in the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy, through direct contact. Urushiol is also found in poison oak and poison sumac, which means the rash can be contracted by interacting with any of the three plants. Other than direct contact ...

Read more..

" When it comes to treating your seasonal allergies with home remedies, there’s usually more fiction than fact. There are healing claims about everything from apple cider vinegar to local bee pollen. The doctors at American Family Care understand that not everyone wants to grab a drug off of the pharmacy counter, but people want to be able to breathe too! So are there any proven natural remedies that the doctors here at AFC can ...

Read more..

" Life might be easier if kids came with an instruction book. Most parents usually have enough questions to fill one and it can be extra difficult when your child is looking to you for answers and you don’t have any. That is especially true when they don’t feel good. All they want is for you to “fix it and make it better” but that’s hard to do when you aren’t so ...

Read more..