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What Illnesses Are Common During the Holiday Season?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:00:52 UTC

The holiday season has arrived in the Athens area once more, and we are so excited to get started celebrating. No matter what holidays you observe or how you choose to celebrate, chances are that you will be spending a lot more time with friends and family at this time of year.

All of this extra time means that the risk of getting sick increases as well, which can be problematic and can interrupt your holiday season in an instant. Easily transmissible illnesses can quickly spread through entire parties!

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team wants you to stay as healthy as possible this year, so read on to learn how to avoid certain illnesses and conditions.

What Infections Are Common During the Winter?

Any contagious infection has a higher potential to spread quickly through dense populations. That’s why colds, the flu, strep and COVID-19 caseloads all skyrocket at this time of year. While it is not possible to completely avoid coming into contact with these different viruses, you can take care of your body every day to help reduce your risk of getting sick. Eat healthy, drink enough water and prioritize sleep.

Seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night will boost your immune system to fight off infections more easily. You should also wash your hands often, and limit the amount of time spent in large groups or at gatherings. A single infected person may not practice proper handwashing and could spread the virus to every doorknob, light switch or serving utensil at that party.

Health Tips for the Season

Bundle up when it is cold outside.
Get your flu vaccine.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Wear your seatbelt while traveling.

What About Foodborne Illnesses?

You may not think about this category of illness as often, but it becomes especially prevalent at this time of year when the pot lucks and dinner parties begin! Your risk for being exposed to a foodborne illness increases every time you go to a party that has food sitting out for a long period of time.

Did you know that dangerous bacteria can start to grow on perishable food that has been sitting out for as little as two hours? Serve your meals right away when they are done cooking, and clean up leftovers as soon as everyone is done eating. A good rule of thumb is to toss any food that has been sitting out for two hours.

Kitchen Safety Tips to Follow

Use designated cutting boards for raw meat and produce.
Wash hands before handling food.
Don’t cook for others when you aren’t feeling well.
Understand specific allergies or dietary restrictions for those attending your party.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN if you aren’t feeling well.

What Does an Upper Respiratory Infection Feel Like?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:51 UTC

Upper respiratory infections become much more common in the fall and winter months, and we are already seeing a spike in different infections across our community.

While there are many different upper respiratory infections, RSV is one of the most common illnesses that impact us during this time of year. It has the potential to make certain populations really sick, so knowing what symptoms to look for is crucial.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more about upper respiratory infections and RSV specifically.

Do Respiratory Infections Spread Easily?

Infections can be really contagious and can be transmitted in a variety of ways. The most common transmission methods for RSV are through airborne droplets, like from a cough or sneeze, or from direct contact. This is why limiting who can kiss or hug your baby is important at this time of year!

If you or your child is exposed to RSV, it can start producing symptoms about one to four days later. While some infections can cause you to feel really sick really fast, RSV typically starts out slow and mirrors minor cold symptoms. However, what starts out as a mild cough or low-grade fever could quickly turn into respiratory distress.

Fever
Runny nose/congestion
Shallow breathing
Cough
Muscle or body aches

Can RSV Be Treated?

Since RSV is a viral infection, it cannot be quickly treated with something like antibiotics. It will just have to run its course in your body while you support your child’s immune system through rest and hydration.

Remember, while most RSV cases are mild to moderate and will fade away in about a week, older adults and small children are at a higher risk of severe infection. If a child or a loved one starts to experience symptoms of respiratory distress, seeking emergency medical attention is crucial and could save his or her life.

Warning Signs of Respiratory Distress

Shallow breathing
Blue skin or fingernails
Feeling lethargic or extremely tired
Chest pain

RSV can be dangerous. We are always here for you at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

When Should I Get My Flu Shot This Year?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:00:51 UTC

Can you believe it is already time to start talking about influenza? This year went by fast, and we are already starting to see flu cases rise around us for the season.

Getting your flu shot early in the season helps give you the best protection against the most common strains of the flu for this upcoming year.

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more about the flu and how to stay healthy this year, so read on to learn more.

How Do You Get the Flu?

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get their flu shot by the end of October for the best protection. Your body will build up antibodies against the most virulent strains for the season. The shot can help you avoid getting sick altogether, or it can reduce your symptom severity if you do fall ill.

Getting the shot is not the only thing you need to be doing, however! The flu virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or by touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth. Avoid anyone who is sick, wash your hands often and try not to touch your face during this time of year.

5 Symptoms of the Flu

Fever
Fatigue
Congestion
Body aches
Cough

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Since the flu is a viral infection, symptom management is typically the best form of treatment. Stay home and get as much rest as possible, drink fluids, and eat bland foods that agree with your stomach.

Most people will start to feel better within three to seven days! You can always treat your symptoms with some OTC medication, but remember that the infection will have to run its course for you to feel better overall. If you have a fever over 103 degrees, have trouble breathing or have a severe headache, come see us right away so we can evaluate you.

Healthy Foods to Eat While You Are Sick

Clear liquids like water or broth from a soup
Yogurt
Foods with vitamin C, like broccoli or oranges
Oatmeal

Feeling sick? Come see us for a rapid test at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

What Is Causing My Sore Throat?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:00:51 UTC

No one wants to get sick, but it can be especially frustrating if you start to experience symptoms that are common across many illnesses. Is it COVID-19, strep throat, the flu or just a simple cold?

A runny nose or a fever is probably not enough to diagnose yourself on your own, which is where we come in!

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team can evaluate your symptoms and offer a more reliable and accurate diagnosis. Check out our latest blog to learn more.

All three illnesses are infections, with the flu and COVID-19 being viral and strep throat being bacterial. These infections can be contracted by getting coughed or sneezed on by an infected person or by touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth or nose.

Once you are exposed, you can start to experience symptoms in just a few days. A fever, sore throat, body aches and a headache are all common for all three illnesses. A rapid test at our center can help diagnose you accurately right away! A simple swab can be run through our lab and give you results in as little as 15 minutes.

Illnesses Detected by Our Rapid Tests

COVID-19
Influenza
Strep throat

Can I Diagnose Myself at Home?

You can try, but we don’t recommend it. Strep throat should be treated properly to help you find relief and avoid a worsening infection, so come see us if you are having pain while swallowing, see white patches on the back of your throat or have swollen tonsils.

COVID-19 and the flu are a bit more similar to each other, which is why it is so important to come get tested! Your employer or your child’s school will most likely have different quarantining or isolation requirements that you need to follow if you do have COVID-19, so come see us to get tested right away.

Symptoms That Both Influenza and COVID-19 Can Produce

Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Fever

Need help determining what is making you sick? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN for a rapid test.

Is COVID-19 Still Circulating?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:00:50 UTC

It certainly has been a tumultuous few years dealing with the pandemic and various strains of the COVID-19 virus. We are grateful that the number of infections have dropped dramatically over the years, but it is still circulating throughout our community.

In fact, there has recently been a rise in cases in the South. That means we all need to be vigilant and remember our prevention strategies so we can stay safe and healthy this fall and winter.

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team refreshes your memory below about COVID-19 symptoms so you can keep an eye out and take action if you start to feel sick.

Can COVID-19 Be Treated Faster Now?

You should come see us for a rapid test as soon as you start feeling symptoms of a possible coronavirus infection. We all know how fast COVID-19 can spread and these current strains are even more contagious. If you do have COVID-19, removing yourself from work or school can help reduce the number of infections in our area.

Thankfully, there are a few different antiviral drugs available that can help you overcome the infection faster and reduce your symptom severity. They can either be given intravenously or in a pill form. Rest and fluids are also incredibly important as your body fights the infection.

Current COVID-19 Symptoms

Sudden fever
Chills
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or muscle aches

Can I Avoid Getting Sick This Year?

We are all experts by now when it comes to preventing illnesses. Maintain your distance from infected people and minimize your time spent in crowded places. Wash your hands often and disinfect high-touch areas of your home.

You should also make sure you have the latest COVID-19 booster. Anyone over the age of 6 months is eligible to be vaccinated and that can help reduce the number of transmissions. The newest boosters will be available in late September or early October.

Severe COVID-19 Symptoms That Require Medical Attention

Respiratory distress
Persistent chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin and lips

Feeling ill? Stop by for a COVID-19 rapid test at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

What Causes Falls at Home?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:00:51 UTC

It is normal to experience all kinds of changes to your body as you age. While getting older is certainly a blessing, it can bring about challenges that you didn’t expect, including at-home falls.

Falling or tripping when you were younger was often not a big deal and you would hop back up with maybe a bruise. When you are older, though, that same fall could lead to a serious injury like a broken bone or a head injury.

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team wants you to stay healthy and on your feet as much as possible, so we offer some tips to prevent falls at your home below.

Is Exercise Helpful to Prevent Falls?

It sure is! It is common to lose muscle mass as you age, and that alone can make it easier to fall or lose your balance. Regular exercise builds that muscle mass back up and can help you navigate your days more confidently. Even low-impact exercises like daily walks, swimming and chair yoga can all be beneficial.

You should also choose your shoes wisely. A sturdy pair of tennis shoes or other structured shoes can help walk with confidence. Sandals and slides can easily slip off or catch the edge of a rug and cause you to trip, so skip those while you are at home and stick to a reliable pair of shoes instead.

Things to Do at Home to Prevent Falling

Have any broken or twisted exterior steps fixed right away.
Keep your lawn tidy and roll up hoses after every use.
Turn your porch light on before leaving in the evening.
Don’t travel when it is icy, or walk slowly and cautiously if you must.

Why Is Clutter a Falling Hazard?

One of the biggest reasons for falls is due to clutter around the home. Books, shoes, knick knacks or anything else left on the ground can easily be a tripping hazard. Keep walkways clear, and put things away when you are done using them. You should also consider removing any rugs from your home or taping down the edges to keep them from curling.

Another helpful way to stay on your feet is to use light to your advantage. Dark rooms can easily conceal clutter on the ground or furniture that you weren’t expecting to be in your way. Turn on lights as you enter rooms and open curtains during the day. You should also have a bedside lamp on your nightstand to help light your way during midnight bathroom or snack runs.

Personal Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Falling

Use handrails when walking down steps.
Install non-slip treads for your bathroom tub or shower.
Invest in a raised toilet seat or grab bars.
Move slowly and always be aware of your surroundings.

If a fall has left you injured, we are here for you. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

What Does Smoking Do to Your Body?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:00:51 UTC

Most health professionals will tell you that a well-rounded diet and exercise are crucial to your health. That is certainly true, but don’t forget about your daily routine! Poor habits, like smoking, have a direct impact on your overall health and can cause some serious health issues for you later in life.

Tobacco is highly addictive, and it can be really hard to think about quitting. However, putting down the cigarettes for good will only benefit you and your family in the long run.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more about the impacts of smoking and how to start the quitting process.

Why Is Smoke Bad For Your Lungs?

Your lungs have the vital job of absorbing the oxygen you need to breathe while also removing carbon dioxide and other gases that your body doesn’t need. If you inhale smoke, that smoke will travel to your lungs and other major organs like oxygen does. Instead of providing your organs with fresh, clean air, you are exposing them to thousands of carcinogenic chemicals with each inhale you take. Over time, tar will start to build up in your lungs as a byproduct of the smoke and your other organs will suffer because of that.

Your heart and liver will have a harder time working, your skin will sag and teeth will start to yellow and fall out, and your hearing and vision can even be affected. Over time, the chronic exposure to these chemicals will increase your risk of various serious diseases.

Diseases Caused By Smoking

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Lung cancer
Heart disease
Emphysema

When Will My Body Feel Better When I Quit Smoking?

Your body will directly benefit each day that you don’t smoke. Over time, your sense of taste and smell will start to return to normal, your skin and teeth will look better and your risk of developing those diseases diminishes. Your lungs can even start to clear of that dangerous tar buildup!

Your family will even benefit from your choice to quit. Not only will you be healthier, but your kids and spouse will be able to avoid the effects of secondhand smoke and will be able to breathe cleaner air. Secondhand smoke does increase your children’s risk of developing respiratory issues and asthma, so quitting will help everyone in your household live their healthiest lives possible.

Discover Your Path to Quitting

Find your reason why.
Research different medication options.
Consider counseling.
Surround yourself with positive support.

We are always here for you. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN any day of the week.

What Lab Services Does AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN Offer?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:00:50 UTC

Diagnosing and treating illnesses often takes some investigative work. While some illnesses are pretty straightforward and can be diagnosed with a simple physical exam, others require a bit more digging in order to find the right diagnosis.

In order to do so, we have to have a few different diagnostic tools under our belts. One of these tools is our state-of-the-art lab we have right on site! This lab helps us run a wide variety of tests in-house so we can provide you with results quickly.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more about our lab services and the different labs we can run.

What Tests Are Available?

We have a variety of rapid tests that we can perform if you are feeling under the weather including flu, COVID-19, strep and RSV tests. These results can be processed in mere minutes. In addition, we have the ability to do urinalysis and cultures as well to help us check for infection.

We also can draw your blood and run what is called a CBC, or a complete blood count. This simple test is processed through our machines to count and measure the blood cells in your body. This test gives us a really good baseline for your wellness, as any sort of deviation from the healthy level of cells can tell us a lot about what might be causing your symptoms.

Potential Diagnoses Following a CBC Lab

Anemia
A variety of infections
Immune system disorders
Blood diseases

How Common Is Anemia?

Anemia is one of the most common diagnoses that we see after we run a CBC lab for our patients. It is actually the most common blood condition in the world! If you have anemia, it means that your blood isn’t producing the proper amount of red blood cells that your body needs to function the way it should.

Over time, this lack of red blood cells can lead to feelings of fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness or a rapid heartbeat. If your CBC comes back with a low red blood cell count, we can discuss treatment options so you can start feeling better and more steady on your feet quickly.

Treating Anemia

Eat iron-rich foods like lean meat, fish, eggs and dried beans.
Consume more folic acid from dark, leafy green vegetables.
Increase your vitamin D intake.
Take an iron supplement if recommended.

Have you been feeling faint or lightheaded? Come see us for a quick CBC test at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

How Can I Tell What Bug Bit Me?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:00:50 UTC

If you enjoy spending time in the Great Outdoors, chances are you have encountered at least a few bug bites in your life. While most of them are just a mild annoyance and a bit itchy, they are normally nothing to worry about.

However, if you don’t see what bit you immediately, it can be a bit worrisome! Allergic reactions can happen at any point, even if you have never had a reaction to something before.

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains some common bites and what they look like, so read on to learn more.

What Do Tick Bites Look Like?

If you discover a tick bite on your skin, chances are that it will be pretty obvious. Ticks will remain attached to you until they have had their fill of your blood, so when you notice the bite, the tick will probably still be there and the bump will be red and raised.

Your main goal should be removing it from your skin quickly. Not all ticks are carrying Lyme disease, but the ones that are need to be attached to you for around 36 hours to transmit the disease to you.

Removing a Tick From Your Skin

Use a clean tweezers and pull slowly and steadily away from the skin.
Do not twist as you pull.
Take a picture of the tick.
Dispose in the garbage in a piece of tape or flush in the toilet.
Wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

When a mosquito bites you, it is actually injecting a bit of its saliva underneath your skin. That itch you develop afterward is the reaction of your body to the saliva! Mosquito bites can appear anywhere on your body and will most likely be red, raised and irritated for a day or so. Mosquitoes can sometimes carry diseases like Zika and West Nile, but that is not as common in the United States.

If you think you got stung by something, remove yourself from the area quickly and inspect the sting. Stings will quickly irritate your skin and become red, painful and can also be itchy. If you don’t know what stung you, keep a close eye on how you feel and seek immediate medical attention if you begin having a reaction.

Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat and tongue
The appearance of hives or flushed skin
Loss of consciousness or fainting

If you are ever worried about an animal or insect bite, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

What Symptoms Indicate an STD?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 10:00:49 UTC

Contracting an STD is a common issue across the country! While the nature of the illness can be sensitive, it should be treated just like any other illness you come down with. Testing for it and treating your symptoms will help prevent the STD from getting worse, and it stops the spread from person to person.

Your sexual health impacts your overall health, so you should always make it a priority. Getting tested for STDs is important when you are showing symptoms, but it is also important to do regularly if you are sexually active.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains what kind of STD tests we offer and how we can help you feel better.

Do All STDs Cause Symptoms?

The tricky thing about STDs is that not all of them will be immediately apparent. Some STDs can be present without any symptoms, meaning you could be spreading them around without even knowing it or meaning to! This is why you are encouraged to test often, especially before changing partners.

If you are experiencing symptoms, they can range in severity and can come and go. You can expect anything from burning during urination and abnormal discharge to pain during or after intercourse or general discomfort or itchiness. Any of these signs should prompt you to stop by for a quick test.

Some STDs We Can Test for at AFC

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

Will STDs Go Away on Their Own?

Some do, but please don’t wait to see if yours will resolve on its own. We understand that discussing your sexual health with a doctor or someone you don’t know can make you uncomfortable, but we promise that STD discussions are a part of our everyday dialogue and we will take care of you respectfully and thoroughly.

Failing to treat an STD can leave you with long-term issues, like fertility troubles, pregnancy complications and pelvic inflammatory disease. All of this can be avoided with a simple test! Our rapid tests can give you results in as little as 30 minutes, and we can provide a treatment plan right after the results are in.

Preventing Future STDs

Test frequently/before a new relationship.
Communicate needs with your partner.
Always wear a condom.
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.

Don’t ignore symptoms of an STD! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

How Common Is Alzheimer’s?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:00:49 UTC

No one wants to think about the possibility of developing a memory disease as they age. Losing precious memories and connections with loved ones is hard on everyone involved.

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are relatively common. In fact, there are almost 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s right now. Memory conditions are often genetic, but there are things you can do to support your brain as you age to help reduce your risk.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more about dementia and how to support a healthy brain below.

What Is Dementia?

There are many different forms of dementia, but they all affect a person’s intellectual functioning and memory recall. Alzheimer’s is the most common, accounting for around 80% of all dementia cases. This disease destroys the cells in your brain that are responsible for your memory and critical thinking skills.

Alzheimer’s is progressive, meaning it may start out with small memory hiccups like forgetting names, events and other small things, but it will eventually get worse. It can destroy the brain so much that the person has trouble maintaining basic tasks and personal hygiene, and it can even begin to affect their personality.

Additional Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Misplacing items frequently
Deepening confusion of events and people
Mood and behavior changes
Difficulty speaking, walking or swallowing

Can Alzheimer’s Be Treated?

As of right now, Alzheimer’s has no cure. However, there are medications out there that can help slow the spread of the disease and can help you retain your memory for longer periods of time. While you can’t control your genetics, you can also take steps every day to support your brain health.

Exercise regularly, stay in contact with family and friends and challenge your brain every day. This can include word puzzles, brain games, card games or even a favorite hobby like sewing or woodworking. Your choices now directly affect your health later in life, so do the hard work every day!

Other Ways to Support Your Brain

Exercise consistently throughout life.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Prioritize time with peers and family.
Eat a healthy diet.
Manage your stress effectively.

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can progress quickly. Come to AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN if you are having trouble with your memory.

What Can AFC Do for a Fracture?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:49 UTC

Getting hurt is never fun. It can be painful, frustrating and even scary if the injury is severe enough. While many injuries are minor and heal on their own with time, what happens when the injury you thought was no big deal is lingering and causing you significant pain?

That’s where our team comes in to help! Our AFC center is fully equipped with an X-ray machine and highly skilled X-ray technicians who can help identify a fracture.

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team wants to help you on the road to recovery, so learn more about our diagnosis process below.

Why Do Fractures Happen?

Our bones are the literal foundation of our bodies! They provide us with structure and protect our organs, which means they have to be strong in order to keep us safe. They are built to withstand the regular pressures of life and can handle mild to moderate impacts without issue. They actually have a flexible quality to them to help ward off more serious injuries.

However, if the impact or fall is forceful enough, it can cause the bone to give and little cracks or a full break can occur. If you get hurt and the pain is significant, the injury site is swollen or you can see a visual deformity, come see us for a quick X-ray.

The Most Common Fracture Sites

Wrists
Ankles
Hips
Clavicle (collarbone)

How Does an X-ray Work?

An X-ray is a machine that takes a picture of a part of your body using X-ray beams. The beams aren’t able to travel through tissue or intact bone, so the image that appears is the inside of your body! If you have a fracture, those beams will be able to travel through the fracture and a dark spot will appear where the bone image would normally be a solid white.

We have a digital X-ray machine in our center, which means that instead of the image being printed on film, it is uploaded to a computer and viewed that way. This allows us to zoom in and pinpoint parts of the image without sacrificing quality. It also gives us a much clearer image that can help us quickly identify your injury. If we diagnose a fracture, we can work together to come up with the best treatment and healing plan moving forward.

Additional Benefits of a Digital X-ray

Reduced radiation exposure
Clear images
Fast turnaround
Reduced environmental impact

Our X-ray technology can help you feel better faster. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN for an X-ray today.

How Long Does a Salmonella Infection Last?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:00:49 UTC

It can be frustrating to get sick, no matter what you are suffering from. But it can be especially frustrating to start feeling ill after going out for a fun dinner with friends or making a delicious meal at home.

If your stomach starts to hurt and you are experiencing other gastrointestinal symptoms, you may start to wonder if you came down with food poisoning.

Food poisoning can occur due to many different kinds of harmful bacteria or pathogens. Today we are focusing on salmonella infections, so read on as our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more below.

Where Does Salmonella Come From?

Salmonella is actually the name of the bacteria that can make you sick. This bacteria often lives in animal feces or in infected animals. You can contract a salmonella infection by consuming meat that was undercooked or by eating unwashed fruits or vegetables. You can also contract it by petting or interacting with animals infected with the bacteria.

This is why personal hygiene and proper kitchen preparation methods are important. Wash your hands after petting any animal and definitely before starting any sort of food preparation. In the kitchen, ensure that all of your meats are cooked to the proper temperature to kill off the bacteria.

Common Symptoms to Expect

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea
Headache

Is a Salmonella Infection Serious?

Thankfully, the vast majority of people will overcome a salmonella infection on their own in a few days. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel the effects of your symptoms, however! You may feel pretty miserable for a couple of days while your body works hard to overcome the infection. While you wait, stay hydrated and rest as often as possible.

If you are experiencing significant pain or start finding blood in your vomit or stool, it is time to be seen by a medical professional. Certain populations like infants or older adults can experience a more severe infection or become severely dehydrated, so sometimes a little extra support is needed during the recovery time.

Symptoms That Warrant a Doctor’s Visit

Symptoms lasting more than a few days
Bloody stools
A high-grade fever of 102 degrees or higher that won’t go away
Severe dehydration

Stomach issues can be really frustrating. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN for a diagnosis.

What Are Some Ways to Protect My Skin in the Summer?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Mon, 01 May 2023 10:00:48 UTC

We are ready to enjoy a beautiful summer season here in east Tennessee! With all of the family fun, warm sunny days and community events, summer is definitely one of our favorite seasons in Athens.

That said, we know how important it is to take care of our skin during this time of the year, and we want you to protect your skin from the sun as well!

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains the risks of sun exposure and how to protect your skin all season long below, so check it out.

What Does the Sun Do to My Skin?

It might seem confusing, but while you need sun exposure to stay healthy, too much sun exposure is unhealthy. Are you still with us? When you are exposed to the rays of the sun, your body produces vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy body. But the sun’s UV rays are also damaging to your skin.

Over time, UV ray exposure can damage your cells’ DNA, which can negatively impact your skin’s health. You can develop sun spots, premature skin aging, sagging skin and even skin cancer. This is why caring for your skin before you head out into the summer sun is critical!

Managing Your Exposure to the Sun

Avoid being outside when the sun is the strongest.
Take frequent breaks in the shade.
Wear sunglasses and protective clothing.
Move outdoor activities into a shady spot.

How Can I Best Protect My Skin From the Sun?

The first step is to have a reliable sunscreen that you use every day. Yes, we said every day. The sun can be dangerous no matter what season we are in or what the weather is doing! Apply sunscreen to all of your exposed skin, and reapply it every two hours while you are outside.

In addition, you should be wearing sunglasses when you are able and wearing a hat! A hat is an easy way to protect the areas of your skin that are the most sensitive to the sun, like your ears, scalp and neck. You should also consider investing in some UV-protective clothing! This type of clothing is actually able to filter out the dangerous UV rays while keeping your skin safe.

Signs You Should Visit With a Medical Provider

A new change to your skin, like a growth or sore
A changing mole
Skin itchiness
The appearance of a lump under the skin

Sun safety is crucial throughout your life. If you are worried about a potential sign of skin cancer, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.

What Foods Should My Kids Eat for Stronger Bones?

American Family Care | Athens, TN — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 10:00:50 UTC

As parents and caregivers, you know that feeding your kids can sometimes feel like a full-time job! Some days, they love certain foods, and other days, they won’t touch them. It’s always an adventure with little ones.

It can be easy to fall into a routine and reliable foods for your children, but it is important to mix up their diet to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals to help support their body.

It is important to start building stronger bones in childhood, and the foods your children eat have a lot to do with that! Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more below, so check it out.

What Should My Child Eat to Build Bone Strength?

Calcium and vitamin D are the stars of the show when it comes to building bone strength. Calcium helps build bone density and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so they make the perfect pair! Offering dairy products like milk and cheese is an easy way to incorporate more calcium. If your child is a picky eater, try offering fun smoothies with hidden yogurt or milk in them.

Vitamin D is a bit more tricky. It’s not found naturally in many foods, which can make it hard to offer variety in your child’s meals. It can be found in certain fish like salmon and tuna, so a tuna sandwich can be an easy lunch every so often. In addition, certain products have been fortified to contain vitamin D, like cereal or orange juice.

Additional Ways to Support Your Child’s Bone Health

Increase your child’s physical activity.
Encourage sunlight exposure.
Offer more foods rich in vitamin D and calcium.
Avoid secondhand smoke exposure.

What Else Supports Strong Bones?

We talked about diet, so now let’s talk about exercise! A regular exercise routine is vital to a healthy lifestyle. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, and it is important for the function of many systems in your body. Your bones directly benefit from exercises like jogging, walking and stair climbing.

That’s because weight-bearing exercises put pressure on your bones that gently encourages them to build up in density and mass. For children, exercise doesn’t have to be so regimented! Offer many free play opportunities and time to run around outside, and don’t be afraid to be kind to your own bones and run around with them.

Individuals Naturally at a Higher Risk of Weaker Bones

Women
Individuals of Caucasian and Asian descent
People who take certain medications for chronic conditions
Older adults

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