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Summer Protective Gear – Do You Have Everything on This List?

July 21, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

While you’re having your fun in the sun this summer, are you staying safe in the heat? Summer weather and more outdoor activities means there’s a higher risk of injury from things like sun exposure, dangerous insects, heat injury and more. Make sure you’re prepared for your summer fun by stocking up on these essential items that will keep you safe all summer long:

Sunscreen

When heading outside this summer, it’s important to remember to slather on the sunscreen first. Many people remember to bring sunscreen to the beach or pool, but doctors recommend wearing it every single day to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation from the sun. Not only does sunscreen prevent sunburn, but it also significantly decreases your risk of developing skin cancer later on. Experts recommend wearing at least SPF 15 sunscreen and reapplying every two hours that you are in the sun for maximum protection.

Hats

Hats aren’t just a fashion item; they can help protect your head, face and neck from the sun’s harmful rays. When heading outdoors for extended periods, consider bringing a hat along for your own protection. Whether you’re at the beach, enjoying a baseball game or simply taking a stroll around the neighborhood, your head and neck will thank you for the extra shade of a hat.

Bug Spray

You’re not the only one who is enjoying the warmer weather. Bugs love it too, and the summertime can present a whole new host of insects that enjoy snacking on unsuspecting humans. Ticks, mosquitos and spiders are some of the critters you may find a lot more of this time of year, and a bite from one of them is no laughing matter. Not only are bug bites itchy and painful, but they can also spread dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, Zika virus and more. Protect yourself from harm by investing in a bug spray to use before going outside this summer, especially before trekking through grassy or wooded areas.

Sunglasses

Did you know that your eyes can be damaged by the sun as well? UV rays can be harmful to both your eyes, and the skin around them. Sun exposure around your eyes can lead to cataracts or even skin cancer. Protect your vision with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays — the kind that wrap around your entire eye area are best. Additionally, sunglasses protect your eyes and the sensitive area around them from premature aging and wrinkles and help keep dirt and sand away.

Sun-Protective Clothing

Most people wear less clothing in the summertime. From bathing suits to shorts and tank tops, it can feel nice to show off a little skin in the summer heat. But it’s important to remember that showing off some skin means less protection from the sun’s harmful rays. When you don’t feel like wearing as much sunscreen, opt for clothing that keeps you covered in the heat. With options like beach cover-ups, light and flowy long-sleeve shirts, linen pants and flowy skirts, you’ll be sure to stay cool while remaining protected from the sun.

Don’t let summer fun turn into summer pain. Remember to stock up on sunscreen, bug spray and other protective gear before leaving the house, and you’ll be sure to have a good time in the sun. But if you do experience an unexpected injury, head to your nearest American Family Care location. With shorter wait times and lower costs than an emergency room, you’ll be back outside and having fun again in no time. And this time, don’t forget the sunscreen!

What Sends People to Urgent Care in the Summer?

July 14, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

Summer is a busy time for urgent care centers. Learn how you can avoid some of the most common summer injuries while you have your fun in the sun.

Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year! With vacations, backyard barbecues, fireworks shows and more to look forward to, there’s lots of fun to be had during the warm summer months. But while you’re having a blast with your family and friends, it’s important to be aware of the safety risks around you. What starts as fun and games could send you rushing to your local urgent care center within minutes. Here are the top summer safety concerns you should be looking out for:

Cuts and Burns

Urgent care centers often see an increase in grilling-related injuries during the summer months, including cuts, burns and even smoke inhalation injuries. While grilling out with family and friends, remember these helpful grilling safety tips:

Always grill in a well-ventilated area and NEVER use an outdoor grill indoors.
Be careful when lighting the fire and lifting the lid to avoid a blast of fire or smoke.
Use tongs, spatulas or other grilling tools to keep your hands and arms farther from the flames.
Practice knife safety while handling any sharp blades, and try to avoid distractions while cutting your food.

If you experience a non-life-threatening, but serious, cut or burn, head to your nearest American Family Care for immediate treatment.

Broken Bones

With the weather warming up, there’s more opportunity for outdoor fun and adventure! But an increase in outdoor time also means there are more chances to get hurt. Your local American Family Care can treat non-life-threatening broken bones and fractures, and with much shorter wait times than at an ER, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. To avoid a broken bone, remember to:

Avoid unnecessary danger such as climbing high rocks, trees or man-made structures without protection.
Always use the recommended safety equipment while hiking, rafting, climbing or participating in other outdoor adventure activities.
Follow all posted safety warnings and instructions at the pool, trail, lake or other outdoor recreation areas.

Sunburn

Most sunburns are uncomfortable, but will disappear after a few days. However, if you have been in the sun without sun protections for an extended period of time, it is possible to experience a more severe sunburn. Harmful UV rays are no laughing matter, and if your sunburn is showing signs of blistering or if you’re in severe pain, it’s time to seek medical help for your condition. To avoid a nasty sunburn ruining your summer fun, remember to:

Wear sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy, and reapply every two hours.
Take some time in the shade when possible, and bring things like hats and umbrellas to make your own shade where none exists.
Consider sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses when heading outdoors.

Dehydration

With so much summer fun going on, it can sometimes be easy to forget to drink enough water. And with high outdoor temperatures, you’ll be needing to hydrate more than ever during any kind of outdoor activity. Try to stay hydrated by:

Remembering to bring water with you wherever you go.
Take frequent water breaks when exercising or while outdoors.
Take a break in the shade if you notice you are hot and sweaty.
Consider scheduling your outdoor activities for the early morning or evening, when the day is cooler, and enjoying the air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day.

It’s time to seek medical help for your dehydration if you are dizzy or faint, lose consciousness, feel confused or disoriented or exhibit other symptoms of heat injury.

Don’t let your summer fun turn sour with a trip to urgent care. Use these tips to stay safe and injury-free during all your summertime activities. But if you do need medical attention, American Family Care is here to help, seven days a week with no appointment necessary. Get the care you need, when you need it — and at a fraction of the cost and wait time of an emergency room treatment. Find your nearest American Family Care location today.

Grilling Good Times with Safety on the Menu

July 6, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

After being cooped up in the house all winter, it’s only natural to want to get outside with family and friends and enjoy some outdoor recreation. That usually means a tasty meal cooked on an outdoor grill with plenty of cool drinks to wash it all down. As carefree as it might sound, it’s not without a few risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 16,600 patients sought emergency room treatment for injuries sustained while grilling outdoors during 2014. Don’t turn your party into a panic; there are simple safety tips you can follow to help make sure your good time isn’t ruined. And if you suffer an injury at a backyard barbecue, know that American Family Care has a location near you.

Burger, Burns & Blisters

Grilling season can also be burn season, due to the widespread use of grills during outdoor parties. Burns are the most common injury associated with grilling. The NFPA says that more than half of the ER visits in 2014 were thermal burns. A serious burn over a large portion of your body calls for an immediate trip to the ER, but smaller burns can be treated at your local American Family Care. Be particularly aware if the burn involves a small child or a senior citizen. What not to do: That old wives tale about applying butter to a burn — don’t do it! The butter will only slow the release of heat from your skin making the pain worse. Also, avoid icing the wound. It slows blood flow to the area and can damage tissue further.

Fire and Smoke

How many times have you lifted the lid to your grill to check on your chow only to see a wall of flames billowing up toward you? Corneal burns (burns to the surface of the eye) aren’t common, but they can happen. You’re better off letting an expert take a look. Also, under-the-lid smoke! Lifting off that lid to look at your lamb chops only to inhale a lungful of smoke usually will land you with a fit of coughing, not necessarily a trip to urgent care. But, if you find you continue to have trouble breathing, it’s best to get checked out.

Careful Cutting

Not all cookout injuries happen outside by the grill. Some of them happen during the prep. It’s tempting to talk and enjoy spending time with your friends while you’re preparing foods, but when it comes to cutting or chopping, you’re better off paying close attention. The National Food Service Management Institute provides us with some simple safety tips for using a knife:

Always use a cutting board. You might consider putting a dishtowel underneath the board to keep it from slipping.
Sharper blades are safer than dull ones. Dull blades cause more accidents because they require more pressure to work with.
Choose the correct size knife for the job.
Don’t hold food while you cut it and keep your fingers on top of the blade.
Keep knife handles free of grease or other slippery ingredients.
Never try to catch a falling knife. To hand a knife to someone else, place it on the counter and let them pick it up.
Wash knives immediately. Never put them in a sink of soapy water. Always store them in a block or case, never in a drawer.

A deep cut or puncture will necessitate a visit to the emergency room for evaluation and treatment. Here’s a tip in case of accidental amputation: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons tells us to first gently clean the amputated part with water or a sterile solution. Next, cover it with a moistened gauze wrap and place it in a watertight bag. Finally, put the bag on ice. Do not allow the amputated part to be in direct contact with ice. You could damage it further.

Wire Brush Warning

Keeping your grill clean is a simple way to keep the food you cook on it safe and reduce the chance of fire flare-ups, but did you know that what you use to clean your grill with could be dangerous? A study published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgeons) found that injuries caused by wire-bristle grill brushes were uncommon, but prevalent enough for consumers to be made aware of the dangers associated with their use. Basically, they found that vigorous scrubbing of the grill with the wire-bristle brush could cause some of those bristles to be left behind on the grill. If you don’t notice them, they can stick to food you’re cooking and become accidentally ingested!

The Right Care. Right Now.

American Family Care locations are open seven days a week with no appointments necessary so we can meet all of your urgent care needs. Our walk-in medical centers can provide nearly all the non-life-threatening treatments of an emergency room, typically at a fraction of the cost and time. So visit your local American Family Care, and then get back to your summer fun!

Most Common Men’s Health Issues

June 30, 2017/in Uncategorized /by Ellen Black

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/beach-leisure-men-ocean-outdoors-1846108/

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

Credit: http://www.parents.com/recipes/healthyeating/fruit-picking/

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

Credit: Freepik

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

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/kettlebells-gym-exercise-slimming-1677217/

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

Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ mealmakeovermoms/19482693731

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

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/travel-notebook-cowhide-420011/

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

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/bottles-water-steel-glass-774466/

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

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/almonds-nuts-roasted-salted-1768792/

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

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/chocolate-dark-coffee-confiserie-968457/

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

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/woman-girl-bella-read-sleep-2197947/

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

Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/heart-rate-monitoring-device-1903997/

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

Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/miheco/ 2908254179

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

Credit: Pixabay

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.