Recent Blog Posts

Hot Tub Rash: What Is It & How to Treat It

December 16, 2024

If you’ve recently enjoyed some time in a hot tub and now find yourself dealing with an itchy, bothersome rash, you might be experiencing what’s commonly referred to as hot tub rash, also known as hot tub folliculitis. A hot tub rash — with itchy, bumpy, red skin — is an infection from common bacteria in hot tubs and swimming pools. Learn how to treat it. Save Your Spot Table of Contents What Is It? Signs and ...

Read more..

Strep Throat & Pregnancy: How to Soothe a Sore Throat When You're Expecting

December 9, 2024

Getting strep throat during pregnancy doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s what to know about treating your symptoms. Save Your Spot Table of Contents How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? Risks of Getting Strep Throat While Pregnant Strep Throat Treatment Preventing Strep Throat During Pregnancy Visit AFC for Answers How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? A bacterial infection causes strep throat and typically comes with a sudden onset of ...

Read more..

RICE Method: What It Is & When to Use It

December 2, 2024

If you’ve twisted your ankle or sprained your wrist, you may have been told to follow the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and it can help soothe injured joints and tissues. Save Your Spot What Is RICE? RICE is a self-care technique that can relieve pain, reduce swelling, and speed up the recovery process for minor musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises. Medical providers often use it as part ...

Read more..

Can Exercise Improve Your Mood?

November 30, 2024

Can exercise improve your mood? Regular aerobic activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and even dancing have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Understanding how exercise impacts both your body and mind can empower you to use physical activity as a tool for better mental well-being. Exercise Can Improve Your Mood When you exercise, your body does more than just burn calories—it also enhances brain function. One key way exercise boosts ...

Read more..

How Long is a Cough Contagious For?

November 28, 2024

During the fall and winter, experiencing a cough is very common. A cough can be a common symptom of various respiratory illnesses, but understanding whether your cough is contagious is important for preventing the spread of infection. The period of time that a cough is contagious depends on the underlying cause. Many different conditions can lead to a cough, however, respiratory infections such as the flu, the common cold, or COVID-19 are very common causes ...

Read more..

Ringing in Ears and Dizziness: What to Do

November 14, 2024

If you’re feeling a ringing in your ears and dizziness, the causes could range from dehydration to vertigo to Meniere’s disease. Learn more. Save Your Spot What Is Tinnitus? A ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise in the ears when no outside sounds are happening is called tinnitus. It’s often a symptom of various conditions but can occur due to exposure to loud noise, earwax accumulation, or age-related hearing loss. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and ...

Read more..

Pain Under My Right Breast: What's Causing It?

November 7, 2024

Experiencing pain under your right breast? Luckily, the Mayo Clinic says this pain is rarely a concern for breast cancer, nor is it closely associated with heart attacks because your heart is mainly on the left side of your chest. Everyone, not just women, can suffer from sharp pain under their right breast. It can be recurrent or pop up and a sign of multiple different concerns, ranging from mild to serious. Learn more about ...

Read more..

How Long Does a Cold Normally Last?

October 28, 2024

Have you ever woken up with a cold? Experiencing nagging illness symptoms like a runny nose or congestion can be frustrating. If you are feeling sick, you may be wondering how long your symptoms are expected to last. If you’re sick with a cold, symptoms should go away on their own within 2 weeks. Cold symptoms don’t usually require medical treatment, however, for severe symptoms visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch. Our ...

Read more..

Do Falling Leaves Cause Allergy Symptoms?

October 28, 2024

During the fall season, cases of runny noses and sore throats tend to increase. These symptoms can occur due to a variety of conditions, including common colds and the flu. However, if you are experiencing a chronic case of the sniffles, you may be experiencing fall allergies. Fall allergy season often is overlooked, however, falling leaves can create airborne mold particles which can trigger allergy symptoms for many. If you’re experiencing symptoms of fall ...

Read more..

Is Psoriasis Itching? Learn About Psoriasis Flare-Ups

October 9, 2024

Is psoriasis itching? Read on to learn more about this skin disease. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells. While itching is one of the most common symptoms of psoriasis, it’s far from the only challenge those with the condition face. Flare-ups, where symptoms worsen significantly, can be triggered by a variety of factors, making it crucial to understand what ...

Read more..

What Does a Broken Ankle Look Like? Or Is it a Sprain?

September 29, 2024

What does a broken ankle look like? Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you take a simple misstep while walking or participating in a more vigorous activity like sports, a twist or fall can lead to a painful ankle injury. However, distinguishing between a sprain and a fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Understanding the Ankle Structure The ankle is a ...

Read more..

What Illness Causes a Sore Throat?

September 26, 2024

Waking up in the morning with a sore throat can be frustrating. Although sore throat can be caused by a variety of different conditions, a sore throat often indicates the early stages of an illness. If you notice a sore throat but aren’t sure what is causing it, keep reading. This article will review the common ailments that cause a sore throat. It will also review treatment options for getting rid of a sore ...

Read more..

How Often Should I Get Tested for STDs?

September 26, 2024

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a serious health risk. Cases are on the rise among young people, however, STDs are largely misunderstood. Young sexually active people see the highest rates of STDs. This is largely due to cases of unprotected sexual intercourse. Healthcare professionals recommend that sexually active individuals get proactively tested for STDs annually or following unprotected intercourse. Keep reading to learn more about common STDs, how STDs spread and treatment options available for STDs ...

Read more..

How to Help My Child Lose Weight: All About Childhood Obesity

September 18, 2024

As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help your child lose weight, but taking proactive steps is essential for their future well-being. Addressing childhood obesity is more than a matter of physical appearance; it's about preventing long-term health complications. By learning more about the causes and effects of obesity and taking action through small lifestyle changes, you can make a big difference in your child's life. What Is ...

Read more..

From Contact to Recovery: Demystifying Poison Ivy Rash Stages

September 15, 2024

While poison ivy rashes are common, many people aren’t fully aware of the different stages they go through—from the moment you make contact with the plant to the final stages of healing. In this post, we’ll walk you through each of the poison ivy rash stages, helping you understand what’s happening to your skin and how to manage the discomfort. Save Your Spot Contact with Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac These plants all ...

Read more..

Why Do I Get Muscle Cramps While I'm Sleeping?

September 6, 2024

Muscle cramps during sleep can be an unpleasant and disruptive experience, often leaving people puzzled about the cause. These involuntary contractions, known as nocturnal leg cramps, can occur for various reasons. This ranges from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances to muscle fatigue and underlying medical conditions. Understanding the potential triggers for these cramps is crucial in finding effective prevention and relief strategies, ensuring a restful and uninterrupted night's sleep. For same-day care for muscle cramps ...

Read more..

Is it Normal to Have a Runny Nose During the Summer?

September 6, 2024

A runny nose is often associated with cold weather and illnesses like a cold or the flu, but experiencing this symptom during the summer is not unusual. While many people expect clear, sunny days to relieve sniffles, various factors can cause or exacerbate a runny nose, even in warm weather. Common triggers include seasonal allergies, exposure to air conditioning, or sudden temperature changes. Understanding these causes can help determine whether a summer runny nose is ...

Read more..

The Critical Role of Sleep in Athletic Performance

September 1, 2024

In the realm of athletic performance, we often focus on training regimes, nutrition, and mental strategies. However, one crucial element frequently overlooked is the relationship between sleep and athletic performance. Sleep is not merely a passive state but a vital component of an athlete's recovery and performance. The adage "sleep is for the weak" couldn’t be further from the truth; adequate rest is a cornerstone of peak physical and mental functioning. Save Your Spot The ...

Read more..

Sitting Less, Moving More: The Role of Workplace Wellness Programs

August 18, 2024

Whether at a desk in the office or working remotely from home, many employees spend the majority of their day seated. While this may seem like a routine part of adult life, research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can impact our health. Workplace wellness programs offer a solution. These initiatives can help counteract the negative effects of sitting and promote overall well-being. Join us as we explore the dangers of prolonged sitting and how ...

Read more..

Do You Need X-Ray Services to Diagnose Whiplash?

August 14, 2024

Whiplash, a neck injury from sudden movements, is often diagnosed through physical exams and medical history. While X-rays help rule out fractures, they may not detect soft tissue damage. For a comprehensive evaluation, including thorough exams and personalized treatment, visit AFC West Long Branch NJ

Read more..

Recent Blogs

About Our Services:

Call (732) 222-8000 for more information about our West Long Branch urgent care services.