Uncategorized Archives | American Family Care

Most Common Men’s Health Issues

June 30, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

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June may be Men’s Health Month, but that doesn’t mean men shouldn’t be taking care of their health all year long. In fact, studies show that far too few men are getting annual physicals to check up on their wellness — and potentially save themselves from complicated, costly and painful health problems. So, what should men be watching out for in terms of their health? Here are some of the most common health issues among men, and how you can avoid them:

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., affecting around 1 in 3 men every day. The biggest risk factors for heart disease are high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking, however, other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can increase your risk as well. These conditions include:

Diabetes
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Obesity and being overweight
Excessive alcohol consumption

Regular checkups, as well as healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle habits can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease. And, if you already have heart disease, it’s not too late to turn things around. Engaging in healthy habits can reduce your risk, no matter your current health condition. Just be sure to consult a medical professional for help before undergoing any major lifestyle changes.

Cancer

Despite continued research and advancements in cancer treatment, it remains the No. 2 killer of men in the U.S. While cancer can sometimes feel impossible to avoid — seemingly healthy people are diagnosed with cancer all the time — there are still certain things you can do to prevent it. The best thing you can do is to continue getting an annual health checkup. With many cancers, your survival rate increases dramatically the sooner the cancer is found. Regular checkups allow your doctor or a medical professional to keep an eye on you, and discuss any pains or problems you may be having before it’s too late. The three most common, and most deadly, cancers in men are:

Prostate cancer
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer

Along with regular checkups, men can maintain good health habits to reduce their risk of cancer. Avoiding tobacco products, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet are all proven ways to reduce your risk.

Diabetes

More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and more than half of them are men. This should come as no surprise when many of the risk factors for diabetes are strikingly similar to those of heart disease. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, include:

Obesity and being overweight
Lack of exercise
High blood pressure
Family history

Changing your lifestyle isn’t easy, but it can be one of the best ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. With healthy diet and exercise, your risk for diabetes is significantly lowered. Monitoring your health with regular checkups can also help you reduce your risk.

Have you noticed a common theme yet? Along with a having a healthy lifestyle, scheduling regular checkups with a doctor is one of the best ways to prevent some of the most common men’s health issues. If you haven’t had an annual checkup yet this year, head over to your nearest American Family Care for a quick and convenient Man Up Checkup — no appointment necessary. It’s time to take care of yourself this Men’s Health Month, and American Family Care can help.

The Best (And Healthiest!) Summer Activities for You and Your Kids

June 29, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

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Summertime – the kids are home with loads of free time! They may feel inclined to relax on the couch until school starts up again in the fall, but don’t let them miss out on the lively energy of those summer months. American Family Care encourages parents and kids to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some time getting active this summer. Here are several healthy activities that you and your little ones can enjoy together.

Find a Farm and Get to Picking

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries — whatever savory treat you and your kids enjoy, pick them yourself. Local farms and nurseries are the perfect locations to tackle a fun task of collecting something you both like, together. Once your buckets are filled, head to the kitchen to try out your favorite fruit-filled recipes. Visit your local farmers’ market for a larger selection and give your kids a few dollars to spend. Turn this into a yearly tradition and they’ll look forward to it every time! Now you can check a few items off your grocery list in exchange for sweet memories.

Put Your Green Thumb to the Test

If you currently have a home garden, or are willing to practice your planting skills, encourage your kids to join you. Take the time to plan how big or small you’ll make your garden, where and what vegetables or flowers you want to grow. No need to commit to a huge project; this will be a rewarding pursuit for everyone involved, no matter the size. You could even offer a small section as their own responsibility. They will take pride in playing an important role in the summer-long upkeep and benefit from having a healthy snack right outside the house.

The Outdoors are IN!

Ditch the digital distractions (except for maybe a camera) and head outside to soak up the vitamin D. Spend a Saturday with your kids navigating through a nearby state park or nature reserve; you can spend some time hiking, swimming, canoeing or taking a leisurely nature tour. Depending on your child’s age and abilities, there are a wide variety of outdoor adventures to undertake. This is a great chance to get some exercise and give your kids the opportunity to explore. Pack the sunscreen, plenty of water and a picnic lunch for your day-trip destination, and you’ll be good to go.

Create Your Own Masterpiece

Whether it’s decorating flower pots, painting a picture or assembling a homemade bird feeder, you can’t go wrong with arts and crafts. A few simple supplies and a child’s imagination can go a long way. Exercising your child’s mind with creative crafting has been linked to lifelong brain development gains. This is also a smart way to keep busy while escaping the summer heat or seeking shelter from a thunderstorm.

Keep a close eye on your kids to prevent any injuries during your summertime fun. Staying hydrated and avoiding sunburn will ensure the good times last even longer. However, if you or your children experience a minor emergency situation, please visit your nearest American Family Care for assistance.

How Allergies Can Affect You Long-Term

May 17, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

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Allergies may not seem like a significant illness that needs immediate treatment, but ignoring your symptoms can have serious, long-lasting effects. If left untreated, allergies can greatly affect your quality of life; you may suffer from increased risk of health problems, decreased brain function and even mood instability. Early treatment is key to avoiding allergy-related health problems later down the road, and American Family Care has just what you need to make it through allergy season unscathed.

Increased Health Risks

Allergies are much more than a minor inconvenience; studies have shown that untreated allergies can contribute to a plethora of chronic illnesses including asthma, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, ear infections and general susceptibility to illness. Allergens frequently cause nasal and sinus passages to become irritated and swollen. When this occurs, your body cannot effectively drain fluids which may ultimately lead to an infection. Constantly fighting off sickness can be exhausting and lead to a lifetime of costly doctor visits and possibly even hospital stays.

The health risks are amplified even further if you have asthma. Approximately 70 percent of people with asthma also have allergies. The combination of allergies and asthma can cause extreme wheezing, shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, and may even trigger an asthma attack, which can be a very serious and traumatic event.

Trouble Sleeping and Decreased Brain Function

Allergies also tend to negatively affect your sleep. Disrupted sleep is a huge contributing factor to a general decrease in brain focus, so get treated early! Neglecting your health can leave you struggling to focus. Being in a constant state of mind-fog is exhausting and may ultimately be detrimental to your success in school and work.

It has been found that on average, an allergy sufferer can lose 2.3 hours of productivity each day that they are symptomatic. In a 40-hour work week, that equates to 11.5 hours of wasted time; that’s almost 30 percent of your time down the drain. With so much unproductivity, bosses and teachers are sure to take notice. Early treatment of allergies can help keep you alert, focused and on the path to success.

Mood Instability

Constantly dealing with allergies can be mentally damaging. It’s not uncommon for those who suffer from long-term, untreated allergies to see drastic changes in their mood. Irritability, mood swings, impulsiveness, rapid changes in attitude and hostility may all develop as a result of the prolonged stress of untreated allergies.

Save your health, money and quality of life by seeking allergy treatment early. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to go through the hassle of making an appointment with your general physician to get the help you need; AFC centers have the equipment, tools and staff necessary to treat your allergies. With on-site lab equipment, AFC can help identify the source of your allergic reaction and provide you with the appropriate treatment. The qualified staff is also happy to provide you with medical information that could help you to better understand your allergy symptoms – including how to better protect yourself from a reaction in the future! To find an AFC near you, visit AFCUrgentCare.com.

Skip the Flowers! Gifts for a Health-Conscious Mom

May 12, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to appreciate all the mothers in our lives. We love taking the day to dote on much-deserving mothers, new and old alike, with gifts of flowers, chocolates, candles and anything else we can think of to show our love and gratitude for all that they have given us. While many choose to give flowers for Mother’s Day, some mothers may not want the sneezing, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms that come along with that beautiful bouquet. Make sure the allergy-stricken mom in your life gets all the love she deserves this Mother’s Day with these healthy and pollen-free Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Exercise Equipment

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Whether your mom is a hardcore yoga enthusiast or simply looking to tone up those arms, exercise equipment is often a welcome gift among moms. Opt for a set of dumbbell or kettlebell weights, a yoga mat, or even an exercise ball. And the best part? Most of these items can be found in fun spring colors!

Vegetable Spiralizer

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If your mom loves to cook, this is the gift for her! Vegetable spiralizers and slicers are gaining popularity in the kitchen as people look for ways to include more vegetables in their diet. Veggie noodles are a great, healthy alternative to traditional pasta, and spiraled fruits and vegetables can add excitement to a salad.

Notebook

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Help your mom exercise her mind this year by giving her a pretty notebook to store her thoughts. Notebooks are great for journaling, tracking health goals, meal planning and more! You can even inscribe a sweet Mother’s Day message inside the front cover.

Reusable Water Bottle

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Reusable water bottles are great gifts that will be good for your mother’s health, as well as the environment. Many moms have goals to drink more water each day, and you can help your mom out with a stylish water bottle in her favorite color.

Healthy Snack Subscription Box

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Subscription boxes are all the rage right now, so take advantage of this fun trend by getting your mom a subscription to a monthly box full of healthy snacks. Instead of sweets, chips and other not-so-good-for-you treats, your mom can munch on the nutritious options delivered right to her door.

Dark Chocolate

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For a decadent, luxurious Mother’s Day gift with a healthy twist, try some dark chocolate. In moderation, dark chocolate is actually beneficial to your health, so your mom can enjoy her guilty pleasure without any of the guilt!

Massage Gift Certificate

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A relaxing massage can do wonders for the mind and body, and your mom will love being pampered for the day. Leave your mom feeling relaxed and re-energized this Mother’s Day with a massage gift certificate.

Luxurious Sheets

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It’s no secret that better sleep equals better health. Give your mom the gift of a good night’s sleep this Mother’s Day with a new sheet set that’s nicer than the one she already has.

Fitness Tracker

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For the mom who is serious about getting and staying fit, a fitness tracker is the way to go. Depending on the brand, she’ll be able to monitor everything from daily steps to heart rate to more advanced measurements. And the bands come in bright, stylish colors.

Fruit Bouquet

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If you MUST get your mom a bouquet, why not swap out those pesky, allergy-causing flowers for some fresh fruit instead? Have a fruit bouquet delivered to her home or work for a fun, and delicious, surprise.

Just because your mom has pollen allergies, doesn’t mean she won’t have an amazing Mother’s Day. And for those moms who are especially allergy-stricken, tell them to head over to their nearest American Family Care to get the relief they need.

How to Help Your Kids Grow Up Allergy-Free

May 2, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

allergy free kids

Spring is a beautiful time of year, with trees and flowers starting to bloom. But it can be a miserable time of year for people with allergies. You know all too well the sniffling and sneezing that comes with the season. You also know that you can find relief thanks to the doctors at your local American Family Care.

Imagine being able to stop allergies in children before they even develop. Here are some things to consider trying:

Man’s Best Friend

Turns out, Fido may be your best friend in your baby’s fight against allergies. And it starts before your baby is even born. Researchers in Canada looked at babies in families with pets, especially dogs. They found those babies have higher levels of microbes in their guts that help lower the risk of developing allergies. The researchers think the exposure to the dirt and bacteria off the dog’s fur is the key.

Plants

The great outdoors that causes your allergy suffering every spring may be just the thing to prevent all that suffering, too. One study, done in Australia, found that children who grow up on farms were far less likely than their urban counterparts to deal with allergies as adults. Obviously, most of us can’t just pick up and move to a farm. But just living around green space can make a difference. The more forest and agriculture you grow up near, the better. Even growing native plants in your yard can have an impact.

Bad Habits That Aren’t So Bad

You might not want to stop your child from sucking his thumb or biting his nails. According to a study in the journal Pediatrics, adults who had these bad habits as kids are less likely to have problems with allergies, including those caused by dust mites and grass. Why? Every time a little one sticks his fingers in his mouth, he’s putting all sorts of microbes into his system. When that happens when we are still little, the body learns to fight instead of creating an allergic response.

Pacifiers and How You, Uh, Clean Them

When your baby’s pacifier falls on the floor, do you wash it off or just stick it in your own mouth for a quick rinse? Believe it or not, sucking on it may be your better option! Swedish researchers found that when Mom or Dad pop the pacifier in their mouth to give it a quick clean, they end up passing Baby some of their own bacteria. Researchers think that these bacteria can stimulate a baby’s immune system. The study published in Pediatrics found the babies were less likely to develop eczema and asthma – both caused by allergic reactions.

Get Dirty

Many scientists agree that over-sanitizing removes helpful microbes from a child’s environment, raising their likelihood of suffering from immune disorders like allergies. Megan Scudellari wrote in the February 2017 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal that rising rates of immune conditions could be linked to a reduced exposure to good bacteria during day-to-day activities for most kids. Scientists have determined that the immune systems of kids who have not been exposed to ordinary bacteria may overreact to common proteins like those found in grass or dust. Of course, children should wash their hands in situations where they could get sick, such as after handling raw chicken or being around someone with a cold. But don’t be afraid to let your kids play in the dirt! A little dirt now could mean avoiding hay fever later.

If you do have allergies, there’s no reason to suffer. Visit your local American Family Care for help breathing easier.

Five Cleaning Tips to Help Reduce Spring Allergies

April 28, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

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Spring cleaning is typically meant to help us shed the dust and dirt we’ve accumulated over the course of a cold winter inside. But for seasonal allergy sufferers, spring cleaning can be like medicine. How, you might ask? By getting rid of the allergens that causes seasonal allergy suffering. If your seasonal allergies are kicking up, try these cleaning tips from AFC Urgent Care to get some relief!

Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the best tools in your arsenal for removing allergens from your inside air. These can be used with your HVAC system, as well as with appliances like vacuum cleaners. You don’t have to run your air conditioning all day to see the benefits, but it might be wise to use it for a few minutes every time you come back into the house!

Vacuum frequently

Vacuuming will help remove pollen and dust from the floor and the air, especially if your vacuum has a HEPA filter. At least once a week, break out your vacuum cleaner and run through the carpeted areas in your house. You can even vacuum your curtains, furniture and ceiling fans to remove dust and pollen. And try to avoid shampooing your carpet as much as possible, to stem the growth of mold.

Double Your Laundry Efforts

No one likes to hear that they should do more laundry, but the sooner you clean your clothes after you’ve worn them outside, the less pollen and dust you’ll have to breathe in. This is because the particles that get on your clothes when you’re outside will begin to circulate when the air around them moves, so every time you turn on a fan or air conditioning, those particles will be picked up. Really hot water will kill dust mites, so remember to separate your clothes into like colors and wash at around 130* Fahrenheit.

Keep Areas Free of Mold

Everywhere that there’s moisture, there is the potential for mold. Using a dehumidifier is an easy first step to eliminate the excess moisture in your home. Then, focus on drying out any areas that are often exposed to moisture. This includes your bathrooms, entrances, bedding and laundry. Clean bathrooms and entrances at least once a week, and leave fans running so that these areas dry completely. Wash your sheets frequently, and if you can, use dust mite resistant sheets and pillowcases. Be sure to use a dryer instead of air drying your clothes.

Don’t Make Your Bed

This tip might seem counter-intuitive, but every time you make your bed, you tuck in the dust mites and bacteria that feed on your shed skin cells and trigger your allergies. Instead, let your covers remain open for much of the day so they can dry and air out.

These cleaning tips could make the difference between muddling through your spring days and greeting each morning with a spring in your step. Being protected from allergens in your own home is the least you can ask during allergy season, and these measures can make a huge difference in how you feel. If you would like to pair your spring cleaning with a more targeted allergy treatment, visit your local AFC Urgent Care for help!

How to Help Your Kids with Seasonal Allergies

April 24, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

Seasonal allergies affect a lot of people in the springtime. As soon as the trees begin to bloom, many people are met with sniffling noses, watery eyes and endless coughing, among other symptoms. It can be hard to deal with your own allergies, but when your kids get allergies, it’s especially tough. Here are some tips from American Family Care to help your kids beat their seasonal allergies:

Keep it clean

If your child has allergy symptoms, it is important to ensure that they are staying clean, especially after spending time outside. When your child gets in from the outside, have them wash their hands, and make sure that they take a shower or bath each night to get the majority of pollens and grasses off of their body. When bathing, also make sure that they wash their hair every night because this will eliminate a lot of the allergens that nestle in their hair follicles.

Cool Down

If your child has itchy and watery eyes, a cold compress is a great trick to relieve their suffering. Have them relax and lie down with a cold compress over their eyes. This will relieve the strain and reduce itchiness. Also, try to keep your house cool with air conditioning instead of by opening windows. This will cut down on some of the outside allergens getting into your home.

Heat Up

While cooling down is important, heat can also play a vital role in reducing allergy symptoms. Encourage your kids to try to eat spicy foods to flush out their nasal passages and clear their sinuses. Also, encourage them to drink hot beverages like tea to soothe a soar throat or cough. Different types of heat can help the body fight off multiple allergy symptoms in different ways.

Allergy-proof your home

In order to keep your family happy and healthy during allergy season, your home needs to be free of allergens. To do this, you should dust and vacuum frequently. While this won’t completely eliminate all allergy symptoms, doing both of these things will remove a lot of the allergens from the surfaces and air in your home.

When dealing with allergies, there are a lot of specific conditions and behaviors that affect each person differently. The most important way you can help your kids is to speak with them about their symptoms. Determining the symptoms will help you to best determine what you need to do to help your child. If home remedies are not doing enough for your child, you should seek a doctor’s help. At your local American Family Care, there are plenty of resources like allergy shots and general consultations to help you and your kids fight the various allergy issues that appear during the springtime.

Avoid the Wait for Your Primary Care Physician

April 17, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

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Visit AFC Urgent Care for Your Seasonal Allergy Needs

With allergy season upon us, it can be tempting to schedule a visit with your primary care physician to find some relief. Unfortunately, trying to set up a doctor’s visit can result in a logistical nightmare as you struggle to schedule a timely appointment that fits in your busy schedule. You can avoid the hassle by visiting an American Family Care (AFC) location. AFC is your local urgent care, family care and walk-in clinic designed to provide relief for minor sicknesses, wounds and of course, seasonal allergies.

It can take days or sometimes weeks to book an appointment with your primary care physician; for many allergy sufferers, that’s far too long. At AFC, there is no need to make an appointment – walk-ins are always welcome! In addition to avoiding the headache of making an appointment, patients at AFC can cut down on their wait time as well. At primary care offices, it’s not uncommon to be kept waiting amongst sick patients in germy waiting rooms for long stretches of time. At AFC, patients are typically seen within a half an hour of checking in.

If expenses are a concern, no need to worry. AFC is an affordable, convenient and reliable option for those with a jam-packed schedule who just want some relief from their spring allergies.

When considering where to go for treatment for your allergies, more than likely the emergency room isn’t ideal. There are several reasons why the emergency room won’t be the best option for treating your seasonal allergies. In some cases, as when an allergy-sufferer is going into anaphylactic shock, an emergency room is appropriate, but most allergies can be tended to in an urgent care facility.

Emergency rooms are notoriously overcrowded and uncomfortable places. It’s not uncommon for patients with “lower priority” sicknesses to wind up waiting to be seen for hours on end. In addition to saving you time and money, choosing to visit an urgent care over an emergency room will help free up hospital resources. By reducing the number of patients in an emergency waiting room, doctors and nurses can tend to those patients who have more serious injuries or illnesses. Avoid the stressful wait and stop by an AFC location near you to be treated promptly.

When visiting an AFC location, you can feel confident that you will be well-attended to. AFC is committed to providing the best possible healthcare in a kind, nurturing atmosphere. Patients are always treated with respect and seen by a physician as soon as possible. By taking measures to keep patients from spending hours wasting away in cramped waiting rooms, AFC is able to ensure patients can wait in comfort. You can rest easy knowing that every AFC location is fully staffed with qualified medical professionals, eager to help you feel better, faster. To find an AFC location near you, visit AFCUrgentCare.com.

Your Month-By-Month Allergy Guide

April 4, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that the months when your allergen is most active in the air can be the most awful of the year. But allergies are unique to each individual, so a seasonal allergy sufferer can actually experience the worst symptoms any time of the year. Here’s a month-by-month guide to which allergens become prevalent when, so you can know when to visit AFC Urgent Care for allergy treatment!

January

Indoor heating encourages air circulation, which can introduce dust from the heating ducts into the air. Winter allergies can be just as bad as spring and fall if you’re allergic to dust, but there are measures you can take to reduce them. Try using a dehumidifier to reduce your home’s humidity and prevent the growth of mold, and use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter regularly. You can also use pillowcases and sheets with dust-mite-proof covers. Outdoors, there isn’t much to worry about apart from cedar tree pollen in southern states.

February

Tree pollen can be seen in the U.S. as early as February. The most common allergens are the pollen of the catalpa, elm, hickory, olive, pecan, sycamore and walnut trees. Pollen won’t be dense in the air yet, but February is a good time to start thinking about allergy shots or other treatment options.

March

March is the beginning of spring, and the start of the most commonly-recognized “allergy season.” As the weather gets nicer, the pollen from trees and grasses will only get denser. A good tip is to keep your eye on the pollen count. The higher the count outside, the worse your symptoms will be. Your local news will likely have this information, but you can also check the National Allergy Bureau of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.

April

The grass and flowers that began reappearing in March start to reach their peak in April. Pollen will be an even bigger problem than in March, as you’re likely still dealing with what the trees unleashed just a month before. Trees like pine, mulberry and willow will all be at the highest pollen production period. It’s important to take measures such as closing your windows and doors, washing your clothes after coming in from the outdoors, and wearing sunglasses and masks while working outside to protect yourself and prevent a worsening of your symptoms.

May

Tree and grass pollen will be the biggest trouble-causers in May, so take care to continue your allergy measures and treatments. Pollen will actually be at its highest level for most grasses and trees, so this month might be the worst for people with pollen allergies.

June

In June, it’s all about grass. Seasonal allergy sufferers in most areas of the country will struggle with the effects of grass pollen. This will be influenced by the temperature, the rainfall levels and the time of day. Bermuda, rye and oat grasses will be the most problematic. We recommend adjusting your activity according to the pollen count and outside conditions, and maybe leave mowing the lawn to someone else!

July

Just as tree pollen begins to subside, fungus and mold spores begin to rear their ugly heads. Mold can grow on fallen leaves, compost piles, grasses and grains, and fungus grows most after rainy weather and in very damp areas. Weed pollen will also start up in earnest, so sitting out on a blanket in the park for the Fourth of July might be tempting fate in a big way.

August

Mold spores peak during the hot, humid weather of August. Running the air conditioning or fans in your house with HEPA filters is a surefire way to lessen your symptoms and decrease the agony of the dog days of summer. Weeds like pigweed, ragweed and nettle will also be permeating the air.

September

When the weather begins to turn and the days begin to get shorter, ragweed comes front and center for seasonal allergy sufferers. Weed pollen is especially lightweight, so the wind can carry it much farther. The wetter and windier it gets, the more the ragweed pollen will spread, and this allergen can stick around through to October or even November.

October

This month, many seasonal allergy sufferers in northern states will finally get some relief. In the warmer southern states, it might take a bit longer to see an abatement of your symptoms, especially if you also suffer from mold or fungus allergies. The rainy weather can increase the amount of mold spores in the air, which can prolong your symptoms.

November

This month is one of the best for outdoor allergy sufferers, as most of the plants that cause allergies will be on the way out. However, if you have allergies to pet dander or indoor molds, take precautions to lessen their effects. HEPA air filters and preemptive allergy shots or treatments can make a huge difference once you start spending more of your time indoors, away from the cold winter weather.

December

Real Christmas trees are beautiful, but for people with mold allergies, they can be more of a pain than they’re worth. Since they remain outside after they are cut down, molds can hitch a ride into your home via the tree’s branches. For people with an allergy to dust, however, a fake tree is not the answer. Being kept in storage for 11 months out of the year can leave your tree blanketed in dust. Whether you go real or fake, a good tip is to allow enough time for the tree to air out in an enclosed porch or garage, and then shake it to get rid of mold spores and dust.

For seasonal allergy sufferers, any month of the year can bring on the allergy agony. Instead of just trying to cope with your symptoms until your allergen goes away, take action! Visit your local AFC Urgent Care for allergy treatment and tips on avoiding the most common allergy triggers.

Five Habits that Make Allergies Worse

March 20, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

Mild Winter Ushering in Prolonged Allergy Season

American Family Care Physicians Identify Five Habits That Make Allergies Worse

(March 20, 2017) – This year, your sneezes, coughs and sniffles may have started sooner than ever before. We can thank an abnormally warm winter that is causing flowers, trees and plants to bloom weeks earlier than expected. That yellow blanket of pollen outside is developing faster and thicker this year because of the earlier arrival of those spring-like temps. The early warmth could make for a very long pollen season, especially for people who suffer from horrible seasonal allergies.

With a prolonged allergy season in the forecast, doctors at American Family Care (AFC) have identified the Top Five Habits That Make Your Allergies Worse. AFC physicians see more than two million patients every year. With more than 170 medical centers in 26 states, they evaluate more allergy sufferers than any other health care provider outside of the federal government.

“We have a unique perspective on the severity of the season and how to mitigate suffering,” says Dr. Jeremy Allen, a board-certified family practitioner at American Family Care. “More and more people visit our clinics thinking they have a cold, but in many cases, it is an allergy attack.” Indeed, visits by allergy sufferers are on the increase in AFC clinics, and many of those patients have everyday habits they should avoid to keep their allergies from flaring up.

Top Five Ways to Make Your Allergies Worse:

Drinking alcohol: An extra glass of wine at dinner could irritate existing allergies. A Danish study* found every additional alcoholic drink in a week increased the risk of seasonal allergies by three percent. The researchers suspect the bacteria and yeast in the alcohol produce histamines and cause a stuffy nose or itchy eyes.
Making your bed: Dust mites love to put down roots in bedding and mattresses. AFC physicians say at night, while you sleep, moisture from body sweat helps keep the little critters alive. When you make your bed in the morning, you are tucking in those pesky bugs so they cannot escape. Airing out your sheets can make it harder for allergens and bedbugs to stay alive.
Wearing contact lenses: AFC doctors say, in some cases, lenses can trap pollen against the surface of the eye. This can be an even bigger issue for anyone who is already suffering from red, itchy eyes triggered by seasonal allergies.
Eating certain fruits and vegetables: We are raised to think eating our veggies is good for us. Researchers with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found proteins in certain foods can cause ragweed sufferers to end up with an itchy mouth. The experts say bananas, melons and tomatoes can cause a cross-reaction.
Using the dishwasher: A Swedish study** published in the journal Pediatrics found children do not develop as many allergies if they eat off hand-washed dishes rather than plates or bowls cleaned in a dishwasher. Researchers found automated dishwashers kill so much bacteria children cannot build up an immunity.

Many allergy treatment options are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These include three sublingual (under the tongue) prescription products to treat hay fever (also called “allergic rhinitis”) — with or without the eye inflammation, called “conjunctivitis” — caused by certain grass pollens and short ragweed pollen. The products — Grastek, Oralair and Ragwitek — can be taken at home, but the first dose must be taken in a health care provider’s office.

Tips to Fight Symptoms:

Stay inside during the times of the year when symptoms surface.
Keep car and house windows closed, use air conditioning instead.
Take a shower before bed to rinse pollen off hair and skin.
Wear a dust mask outside.

*Clinical and Experimental Allergy, July 2008: Glostrup Allergy Study: Thyssen JP, Nielsen NH, Linneberg A.

** Pediatrics, March 2015: Pediatric Allergology, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, Bill Hesselmar, MD, PhDa,b,c, Anna Hicke-Roberts, MDd , Göran Wennergren, MD, PhDa,c