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How Different Are Allergies and COVID-19?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:00:03 EDT

Although Groundhog Day called for six more weeks of winter, it feels like spring has come early this year! And because of that, many of our old allergy issues are starting to resurface.

The difference this year, however, is the presence of COVID-19. Can we be sure that what we’re experiencing is, indeed, allergy symptoms? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown provides some helpful info.

What Are the Key Differences Between COVID-19 and Allergies?

Although COVID-19 and allergy symptoms can look similar at times, there are some major differences between the two. Experts say that fever is one of the biggest differentiators between seasonal allergies and the coronavirus.

COVID-19 can cause a fever while allergies can’t. We’ve listed some more key differences below.

More Key Differences Between Allergies and COVID-19

Allergies will come with some level of itchiness, while the coronavirus will not. Itchy or watery eyes are common signs of allergies.
A sore throat or body aches could be an indication it’s something more serious. While allergies can cause fatigue, a quick onset of aches and pains, fatigue, exhaustion or weakness is unlikely with allergies and more common in viral infections, such as COVID-19.
If you’re producing clear-colored mucus, it’s likely allergies or cold symptoms, and not a COVID-19 infection.

What Is COVID-19, Then?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, close personal contact and interaction with fomites, which are objects or materials that are likely to carry infection, such as clothes, utensils and furniture.

COVID-19 is extremely contagious and, although vaccines are available for some, they aren’t readily available for all at the moment. If you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms of this virus, schedule a COVID-19 test at our AFC center ASAP to confirm your diagnosis.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Feeling less than your best? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Midtown team! We’re here for you now and always.

How Common Is Strep Throat Right Now?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 07:00:05 EDT

A sore throat can be cause for concern and sometimes can mean that you have strep throat; however, strep is more common among children than it is in adults. According to the CDC, up to three in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat, which is more than adults as about one in 10 adults with a sore throat actually have strep.

So, if you get a sore throat, does that mean you have strep throat? Are they the same? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown has the answers, so keep reading!

What Causes a Sore Throat?

Sore throats are most commonly caused by allergens, like dust or pollen, viral infections and bacterial infections.

A sore throat, which is technically called pharyngitis, can often be the beginning of something more serious, such as strep throat, which is specifically known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis. If you aren’t sure of the cause of your sore throat, there are things you can do at home to help alleviate the pain. We’ve listed them below.

At-Home Treatments for a Sore Throat

Warm salt water gargles
Warm liquids, such as honey and lemon tea
Warm or cool mist using a humidifier
Medicated throat lozenges
Throat sprays containing phenol

How Am I Supposed to Know If I Have Strep Throat?

A sore throat is one of the most common and first symptoms of strep throat. However, if you experience a sore throat along with a cough, you likely don’t have strep throat.

If you experience any of the symptoms that we’ve listed below alongside your sore throat, you may have strep throat, and you should visit your doctor within 48 hours to get the necessary treatment. If your doctor does believe you have strep, he or she will likely perform a rapid strep test to confirm his or her diagnosis.

Common Strep Throat Symptoms

A sudden fever, especially if it’s 101˚F or higher
A sore, red throat with white patches
A headache
Chills
A loss of appetite
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Trouble swallowing

Strep throat is a common infection, but it can cause more health complications if not taken care of promptly! If you believe you have strep, don’t wait to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Midtown to get the care you need.

What Are Some Ways I Can Improve My Heart Health?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:00:07 EST

It’s so important to take care of your heart! The heart is the control center of the body and directly influences every other body part. So, if you put your heart health on the backburner, your health will ultimately suffer.

In the paragraphs below, our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown highlights how to keep your heart healthy this winter.

Why Does My Heart Health Matter?

Did you know? Heart disease is actually the No. 1 cause of death in the United States as it claims about 655,000 lives per year.

Because your heart is responsible for pumping blood to the rest of your body, it can also affect other systems, and that’s why it’s so important to take proper care of it. Basically, a healthy heart helps you live a longer and healthier life! Listed below are a few other areas affected by your heart health.

Other Areas Directly Affected By the Heart

Mental health
Brain health
Diabetes and other diseases
The activities you can comfortably participate in

What Are Some Ways I Can Improve My Heart Health?

If you have had heart problems in the past, figuring out how to improve your heart health can be quite intimidating; however, it doesn’t have to be!

There are some simple solutions you can implement in your life that can make a big difference. Listed below are some of the habits you can establish to achieve and maintain a healthy heart.

Heart-Healthy Suggestions

Exercise. Your heart is a muscle and the way to strengthen muscles is to use them.
Quit or refrain from smoking and implement other healthy habits.
Reduce or quit alcohol consumption.
Consider losing weight if you are overweight.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Limit stress.

If your heart health is a concern, you are not alone. Your health is a priority to our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown! Do not hesitate to call or walk in today to discuss any other general medical concerns you might have.

Should I Be Worried If I Get COVID-19?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 07:00:06 EST

COVID-19 has claimed the lives of one in 1,000 Americans this past year. This is tragic news and further proof that this virus is no joke.

If you contract the virus and you feel nervous about what might happen, you’re definitely not alone. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown shares some helpful information on what to expect if you fall ill.

How Sick Will the Coronavirus Make Me?

The crazy thing about this virus is that every case is different. However, in general, the CDC states that most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and can fully recover at home without requiring special treatment.

Even with this in mind, it’s vital to practice the below-mentioned health-safety precautions to lower your risk of getting the virus and to work to slow the spread.

Ways to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Avoid large gatherings.
Avoid close contact with others who aren’t in your immediate household.
Wear a face mask over your nose and mouth when in public.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you feel sick.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

When Should I Go to the Hospital?

Hopefully, you won’t have to at all. If you don’t experience severe symptoms like severe shortness of breath, new confusion or bluish lips or face, there’s a good chance that you can fully recover at home.

Additionally, because healthcare resources are already stretched so thin due to the virus, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and check yourself into the hospital only if it’s absolutely necessary.

Things to Help Your Body Recover

Stay adequately hydrated.
Get plenty of sleep.
Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, when needed.
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home.
If possible, use a separate bathroom in the home.
Eat meals consisting of vitamins and nutrients.

AFC Urgent Care Midtown is here for you now and always! Call or visit us today for any questions or general health concerns.

How Can I Avoid Winter Weight Gain?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 07:00:06 EST

When it gets cold outside, it can be quite tough to motivate yourself to exercise. It’s a whole lot easier to say, “maybe I’ll exercise tomorrow,” turn on your favorite Netflix show and pig out. While there’s nothing wrong with a little self-indulgence every now and then, too much of it isn’t good for your health.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown explains some easy ways to avoid those added pounds during the cold months below.

What Are Some Healthy Habits to Maintain?

For starters, one of the best ways to avoid winter weight gain is by monitoring your diet. If you constantly eat processed foods and refined sugars, those things won’t do your waistline any favors.

Instead, add more fruits, veggies and water to your diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, which all boost your overall health. And drinking more water is a great way to keep your body hydrated and is a healthier replacement for those sugary sodas.

Benefits of a Good Diet

Promotes good cardiovascular health
Reduces your cancer risk
Improves self-esteem and boosts mood
Will greatly improve your gut health
Improves memory
Reduces sleep disruptions

How Can I Stay Active When It’s Cold?

The best way to stay active when it’s cold outside is by trying at-home workouts. In addition to being unsafe, many gyms are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so learning to get good exercise at home is essential in staying fit and active.

At-home workouts can be intimidating if you haven’t tried them before, but they’re actually very approachable! There are thousands of great videos online that walk you through highly beneficial, attainable exercises that are great for the mind and body.

Benefits of Staying Physically Active

Strengthens your bones and muscles
Reduces stress and anxiety levels
Improves self-esteem and self-confidence
Helps you lose weight
Improves sleep quality

We know it’s cold outside, but our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown encourages you to do your best to stay healthy and active this winter! If you do find yourself feeling ill, don’t wait to walk in for the medical care that you need.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between the Flu and COVID-19?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:00:06 EST

The winter is officially virus season, but this year’s virus season is perhaps more confusing than ever. Because of the increased presence of the flu and COVID-19, it can be quite difficult to know what you have become sick with if you do start to feel under the weather.

Because flu and COVID-19 symptoms are so similar, how are we supposed to know which virus we have? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown provides some helpful answers.

How Can I Tell If I Have COVID-19?

If you start experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed below, your first step should be getting a COVID-19 test. Because symptoms between the flu and COVID-19 overlap a good bit, testing is the only definitive way to know what illness you have.

If you have been exposed to someone that has COVID-19, the CDC says to wait five to seven days after exposure as testing tends to be less accurate before that time.

Common Symptoms of COVID-19

Cough
Fatigue
Sudden loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever or chills
Headaches

How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?

As we stated earlier, your first step when you start to feel ill is to get a COVID-19 test. If you test negative for the coronavirus, evaluate how your body feels.

One of the big differences between the two viruses is that, even though flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms look a lot alike, flu symptoms come on hard and fast.

Common Flu Symptoms

Joint and muscle aches
Pain and tiredness around the eyes
Weakness or extreme fatigue
Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
Frequent headaches
Fever

This winter, it’s vital to do your best to keep yourself and others safe! If you do start feeling under the weather, however, our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown is here for you! Make an appointment or walk in today.

How Can I Stay Healthy After the Holidays Are Over?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 07:00:06 EST

Those Christmas and New Year’s Eve treats sure were tough to turn down! If you have been generally striving to maintain healthy habits, the holidays can feel like quite the obstacle. Giving yourself a little grace might be just what you need, though.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown explains why and provides some additional tips on how to return to your top-notch health form.

How Can I Maintain My Healthy Habits?

Unless you didn’t see any family at all during the holidays, keeping up your rigorous health and eating rituals has probably proven to be quite difficult.

If you were committed to keeping off those extra pounds but still found yourself being a little loose with your holiday treat intake, it’s OK. Sometimes all we need is to give ourselves a little permission to have fun for a change before we get back to business. We’ve listed some ways to start getting your body back on track below.

Attainable Health Goals After the Holidays

Get an adequate amount of sleep every night. You can do this by waking up at the same time in the morning and going to sleep at the same time each night.
Drink lots of water! Staying adequately hydrated will make sure your body is working right and will keep you feeling fresh.
Exercise a little bit every day. Even if it’s just a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood, a little exercise is better than nothing.

Should I Totally Avoid All the Leftover Holiday Sweets?

Quitting anything cold turkey is going to be difficult—especially mom or dad’s homemade pies. While turning a blind eye to tasty holiday sweets may be doable for some people, others find it difficult to achieve such strict goals.

If you are quite worried about the weight you’ve gained this past Christmas and new year, we’ve listed some tips below so you can reverse some of that holiday weight gain.

Ways to Reverse Weight Gain

Consider choosing a “cheat day” when you allow yourself dessert or snacks that would otherwise be off-limits.
Add fruits and vegetables to your meals.
Get a little exercise every day.
Exercise portion control when eating tasty treats.
Drink water with meals instead of sugary drinks or alcohol.
Minimize late-night snacking.

Maintaining good habits is a great way to stay healthy and will allow yourself a little more peace of mind after the holidays are over. If you do find yourself under the weather, though, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Midtown.

How Can I Decorate for the Holidays in a Healthier Way?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 07:00:05 EST

Decorating for the holidays can be a magical part of the season, but it’s not uncommon for decorating to also cause stress and anxiety! This year, the last thing you need is to add more stress to an already uncertain and overwhelming time.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown is here to help you navigate this holiday season while also staying healthy. Read on as we explore a healthier way to decorate this year.

How Can I Keep Surfaces Sanitized and Spruced Up for the Season?

When you add decorations to rooms, things can pile up and make spaces difficult to clean. We suggest decorating in ways that do not overload surfaces with stuff that has to be constantly moved.

If you have to pick up and move things around, you may be less inclined to sanitize those areas. This allows dust and bacteria to grow until you clean up the decorations in a few months.

A Few Ways to Stay Clean During the Holidays

Deep-clean rooms before adding any seasonal decor.
Do not neglect wiping down areas once they are decorated.
Wash seasonal blankets and pillows regularly.

How Do I Decorate Without Adding Clutter?

Clutter can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. This holiday season, it may be helpful to decorate with a minimalistic approach to keep your home feeling fresh and organized.

Below are some tips to make your decorating more sustainable and less cluttered.

Ways to Decorate Without Adding Clutter

Do not buy new decorations every year. Try to keep a stash of things that are reusable each holiday season.
If you do not love a piece of decor, donate it! Some people cannot afford to decorate for the holidays and would love some new-to-them holiday garland.
Consider buying a real Christmas tree. Real trees are actually better for the environment because they are grown on farms that usually replant annually. Plus, if you purchase a real tree, you don’t have to store an artificial one or worry about how to responsibly dispose of it in a few years.
When you decorate for the holidays, stash away other decorations that are usually on display. This keeps things interesting and not overly full.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown is here to help you navigate this holiday season. Don’t hesitate to visit us today with your health and wellness concerns!

How Can I Become More of a Morning Person?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 07:00:06 EST

Quiet mornings are nice, but many of us don’t experience them very often because we sleep in until the last possible minute. With adequate sleep and time to rest being so hard to come by these days, why would we want to wake up early?

Well, experts say that morning people actually tend to be healthier and more productive individuals.

AFC Urgent Care Midtown supports those experts’ claims, and we further explain why it’s beneficial to be a morning person below.

What Makes Someone a Morning Person?

Being a morning person is partly a choice that you make, but a lot of the deciding factor of you being a morning person or being a night owl is based on something called your chronotype. This just basically means that part of your personal tendencies are controlled by your genetics.

If you are naturally a morning person, that bodes well for you, as researchers suggest that people who prefer waking up early might enjoy a bunch of benefits. Some of them are listed below.

Benefits of Being a Morning Person

Morning people tend to weigh less than night owls.
Morning people are more proactive.
Morning people are usually happier individuals.
Morning people usually perform well at work and school.

How Can I Start Waking Up Earlier, Then?

Your habits have a big impact on how you feel. If you go to bed late, eat unhealthy foods and aren’t very proactive when it comes to getting exercise, you won’t set yourself up for early-rising and reaping the benefits of the early morning.

Try having a set bedtime and getting exercise during the day. Maintaining a sleep schedule and daily routine will help your body get in a better rhythm and will make it easier to wake up earlier in the morning while still feeling rested.

Ways to Wake Up Earlier

Put your alarm clock farther from your bed. If you have to get up to turn it off, there’s a better chance that you’ll stay out of bed.
Don’t rationalize. If you allow your brain to talk you out of getting up early, you’ll never do it.
Allow yourself to sleep in once in a while. Make sleeping in a reward for consistent early-rising.

AFC Urgent Care Midtown believes in the benefits of being a morning person! If you have any other questions or are in need of general medical care, visit us today.

Why Is It So Important to Drink Water?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 07:00:06 EST

Did you know? Your body is composed of about 60% water!

Because your body consists of mostly liquids, it’s important to stay hydrated to replenish your fluids and keep your body fresh. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown explains the importance of proper hydration.

What Does Drinking Water Do for My Body?

Whether you realize it or not, your body loses fluids throughout the day. When you sweat, breathe and use the bathroom, important fluids are lost from your body and must be replenished. When your water intake doesn’t equal your water output, your body will become dehydrated.

When you stay hydrated, your water intake aids in things like digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients and maintenance of body temperature.

Other Benefits of Adequate Hydration

Helps control calories and manage weight
Gives muscle cells energy
Keeps your kidneys healthy

Can I Drink Too Much Water?

It’s possible, but it’s highly unlikely. Hyponatremia, which can be fatal, can be caused when too much water floods your system and upsets your blood sodium levels.

However, this won’t happen unless you drink 3–4 liters of water in one sitting, which is around 1.5 gallons. With recent studies stating that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, the risk of dramatic overhydration resulting in hyponatremia is very, very low.

How to Stay a Healthy Amount of Hydrated

Aim to drink around a gallon of water per day. Men technically need 3.7 liters a day, while women generally need 2.7 liters of water per day.
Check the color of your urine. If it’s a lighter color, you’re probably hydrated. If it’s a darker color, drink more water.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. Having convenient access to water encourages healthy hydration.
Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or a sugary drink at meals, drink water.

Staying hydrated does wonders for your body! If you are feeling like you might be dehydrated or in need of fluids, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Midtown.

Can I Grow Out of Seasonal Allergies?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 07:00:06 EST

Allergies really put a damper on the freshness that new seasons bring. The blooming flowers of spring and the falling leaves of fall are beautiful times of the year; however, they can bring about some nasty allergies for many of us.

Will those pesky allergy symptoms ever end? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown provides some helpful information on seasonal allergies.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

At the beginning of each season, different plants and trees are in bloom and emit allergens like pollen into the air.

When those allergens irritate our immune systems, our immune systems produce histamines to fight off the allergens. When histamines are produced, they cause swelling and inflammation, which in turn causes us to sneeze, sniffle or cough.

Common Seasonal Allergens

Tree pollen
Ragweed
Mold/mildew
Grass
Pollinated flowers

Is It Possible to Grow Out of Seasonal Allergies?

It is, but it’s not very common. Some experts believe that tolerance to allergens may develop if you are exposed to very low levels of a certain allergen over time.

This is similar to the way vaccines work to immunize you against certain bacteria and viruses, or the way allergy shots work to decrease an allergic response to a particular allergen.

A Few Ways to Fight Allergy Symptoms

Consider allergy shots, if recommended by a doctor.
Be aware of the pollen count outside. If it’s high, limit your time outdoors.
Stay vigilant in dusting and vacuuming your living space. The more you clean, the fewer allergens will be in the air.
If your symptoms are quite irritating, try some over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants.

Allergies take a lot of the fun out of life. If you have been dealing with them, visit us at AFC Urgent Care Midtown and we can get you the relief you need.

Is Being in Nature Really That Beneficial for My Health?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:00:06 EDT

With a lot of restaurants and businesses not operating in their full capacity due to COVID-19, a lot of people are spending more time outdoors than usual. If you are one of those people, spending time in nature is probably positively affecting you more than you realize!

Don’t believe us? Keep reading as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown offers some insight about the topic.

Why Should I Go Outside?

In a world that’s becoming increasingly dominated by screens and electronics, going outside is perhaps more beneficial for your health than ever before.

Experts have studied and proven the fact that just experiencing nature even without exercising can have great impacts on your overall wellness and mental health. As you experience the fresh air that the outdoors have to offer, being in nature is bound to lower stress levels and increase your ability to breathe well. It will also lower your anxiety and help your body relax.

Other Benefits of Being in Nature

You will increase your vitamin D exposure.
You will sleep better at night.
You may experience increased levels of creativity.

Is It Safe to Go Outside This Year?

Yes. Being in nature is generally a great and safe way to enjoy time by yourself or with your family. If you are at a park or there are other people around, though, maintaining social distancing precautions increases your chances of not contracting the virus.

If you are concerned about being around others during this time, certain outdoor activities usually lend themselves to less of a crowd, and those are listed below.

Good Socially Distanced Outdoor Activities

Rafting or paddleboarding
Hiking
Trail running or running on a local track
Playing family sports like football or badminton in the backyard
Walking your dog around the neighborhood

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this year and it’s affecting your health, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Midtown!

How Can I Stop Worrying About My Parents Falling?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:00:07 EDT

As we age, the chances of falling in the home increase. The home is supposed to be a place of comfort and safety, but if you’re often scared that the older adults in your life will lose their balance then it can be hard to relax.

How can you get over those fears? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown is here to provide some answers.

Why Does Balance Get Worse Over Time?

Sense of balance will inevitably decline as they get older. As we age, the unconscious processes our brains go through to help us balance may not integrate as well or as quickly as they used to.

Basically, the inner ear and the sense of touch in a person’s feet and ankles get weaker due to the weakening of our cognitive abilities.

Devices to Help Stay Upright

Canes
Walkers
Handrails
Grab bars

Are There Things My Parents Can Do to Lessen Their Risk of Falling?

The best thing they can do is exercise—even if it’s just a little bit at a time. It’s totally understandable to be a little over-cautious as they get older because of the increased risk of falling, but experts say that the best way to alleviate that fear is to make some sort of physical activity a regular part of their day.

Experts also recommend activities that get them out and walking in a group setting as that sense of community will build up their confidence so they can actively work on their balance. If you still can’t get over the fear of them falling in their home, having a physical therapist work with them is the next best thing to do.

When to Talk to a Doctor About Fall Risk

Increased fearfulness that an older adult will fall
When an older adult starts exhibiting a slow or cautious walk or gait
When an older adult has expressed discomfort with activities he or she used to love

A doctor can offer helpful tips and guidance on how to lower fall risk. Visit us at AFC Urgent Care Midtown today, and we can help!

Do I Need to Get a Flu Shot in 2020?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 07:00:06 EDT

Yes, you do! Unless a doctor advises you otherwise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that nearly everyone age 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu each year.

While this is important every year, it’s especially important this year. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown shares some insight about why that is.

Why Do I Have to Get a Flu Vaccine Every Year?

This is a super common question. Most of us think of the vaccines we had as children and how we only needed them once, or maybe needed the original shot plus a booster shot.

Well, the flu vaccine works differently. Different strains of the flu are prevalent each year. So the flu vaccine is reformulated each year to protect against the strains of the flu predicted to be most common that year. That’s why you need an annual vaccination.

Who Needs the Flu Shot

Nearly everyone age 6 months and older
Older adults
Pregnant women
Those with compromised immune systems

What Makes This Year’s Flu Shot So Important?

You might logically think that the flu shot is so necessary this year because the flu is expected to be more serious or widespread. But the reason the flu vaccine is so important is actually because of the unique circumstances we find ourselves in.

This year’s flu season—which begins around October and continues through March or April—will collide with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The two conditions share many common symptoms, which will make an accurate diagnosis very important. But bigger picture-wise, dual outbreaks could cause mass medical visits and hospitalizations, stressing our medical system.

Other Ways to Protect Yourself

Wear a face mask to protect you from COVID-19 and the flu.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Steer clear of anyone who may be sick.
Avoid crowds and large gatherings.
Disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.

The CDC recommends receiving your flu shot by the end of October for maximum protection. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Midtown to get yours!

Is Cholesterol a Bad Thing?

American Family Care | Midtown, AL — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 07:00:06 EDT

Cholesterol is on a food label, and cholesterol is also on your lab results. What does it all mean?

It can be difficult to make heads or tails of cholesterol—and high cholesterol specifically—so our team at AFC Urgent Care Midtown is going to break it down for you.

What Is Cholesterol?

First thing first—cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body that helps produce hormones that regulate digestion. In short, it isn’t a bad thing; it’s necessary for your body to function at its best.

But when you have too much cholesterol, that is a problem. High cholesterol can turn into plaque that blocks your arteries, making it more difficult for blood to move through. Knowing your risk factors and taking steps to change them is important.

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

Poor diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Excess weight
Diabetes
Smoking
Advanced age
Family history of high cholesterol

How Can I Lower My Risk of High Cholesterol?

Put quite simply, practice healthy lifestyle habits! While you can’t control your family medical history or your age, you control every other risk factor for high cholesterol.

They’re very lifestyle-dependent, so making changes and living a healthier life can make a difference. A healthy life doesn’t have to be difficult or uncomfortable.

How to Lower Cholesterol

Eat a diet filled with fruits and vegetables.
Limit your intake of saturated fat, added sugars and sodium.
Don’t smoke, or quit if you do smoke.
Get to—and maintain—a healthy weight as advised by your doctor.
Exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.
Find healthy ways to manage stress.
Limit your alcohol intake.

Feeling less than your best? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment with AFC Urgent Care Midtown to get the care you need from the comfort of home.