Recent Blog Posts

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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Whiplash can often be diagnosed through a history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, how long they have lasted, and how the injury occurred, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-ray services to confirm the extent of the injury. While commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash can also occur from sports injuries, falls, or physical assaults. It's characterized by symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive disturbances, which can ...

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Are you planning a trip abroad and find yourself wondering, “what vaccines are required for international travel?” AFC in West Long Branch NJ provides all this information and more in this guide. One crucial aspect of travel preparation is ensuring you're protected against diseases that may be rare or nonexistent in the United States but prevalent in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are a key part of this protection, helping to prevent the spread of ...

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Why Is it Better to Go to an Urgent Care Clinic and Not the Hospital? In a medical situation, most people’s first reaction is to rush to the nearest hospital. But often, this isn’t the right decision regarding healthcare. Thankfully, other options – such as urgent care clinics – provide excellent treatment while saving time and money. An urgent care center is a medical center that provides immediate, short-term care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries ...

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Can humans get fleas from dogs? Fleas are tiny, persistent parasites that primarily target our beloved pets, such as dogs. However, many pet owners wonder if these pesky insects can also infect humans. Understanding the relationship between fleas, dogs, and humans is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. What Are Fleas? Fleas are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera. Despite their size, they are formidable parasites that survive by feeding on the ...

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Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health, especially for children, as they protect against a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. But how many vaccines do kids get? In the US, children follow a carefully structured immunization schedule designed to provide protection from their earliest stages of life. This schedule ensures that kids receive the right vaccines at the right time, helping to build immunity before exposure to common infectious diseases. How Many Vaccines ...

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Getting a small cut may not seem like an immediate reason to rush to the doctor. However, there are some circumstances where getting a cut can require medical care. Small cuts can harbor bacteria and easily become infected, leading to a more painful and long-lasting injury without proper medical treatment. If you accidentally cut yourself and are wondering whether you should seek medical care, keep reading to learn more about treating minor cuts. For same-day ...

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During the summer months, dehydration is a serious health risk. With temperatures at an all-time high, our bodies require more water intake than usual to support our internal organs. It can be difficult to encourage drinking water for young children. However, young children are at an especially high risk of dehydration, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or are super active. Keep reading to learn more about how much water your children ...

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If you’ve been wondering how long to fast before blood work, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, AFC in West Long Branch NJ breaks down the essentials of fasting before blood work to guide you through the process. Fasting before blood work can be confusing, but it’s crucial to ensure accurate test results. Whether you’re checking your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, or other key health indicators, what you eat—or ...

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Lab Testing and More: Visit AFC West Long Branch Today From urgent care to lab testing, AFC offers many services.* As we navigate through the complexities of life, the demand for accessible and high-quality healthcare has never been more important. This article aims to shed light on the myriad services provided by AFC, focusing on our commitment to delivering exceptional care across various facets of health management. *Please note that services may vary across locations. Please contact ...

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The Different Types of Drug Testing and Screening Available Drug testing has become a cornerstone of employment protocols across various industries, serving as a crucial tool for ensuring workplace safety, productivity, and regulatory compliance. As employers strive to maintain a drug-free environment and uphold the well-being of their employees, the need for reliable testing services has never been more paramount. Join us as we delve into drug screening and testing, exploring the diverse options available ...

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Food poisoning is an all-too-common ailment that affects millions of people each year, often catching them off guard after what seemed like a harmless meal. Understanding how fast food poisoning hits is crucial, as it helps you recognize the symptoms early and seek the necessary medical care before the condition worsens. Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning Food poisoning can manifest in various ways, but some symptoms are more common than others. Typically, the body reacts ...

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Staying active is vital to maintaining your overall health and wellness. During the summer months, it can be difficult to stay motivated due to the heat. For some, the heat brings additional challenges to their workout routine such as heat rash. Heat rash occurs when the heat traps sweat in our pores which can result in a nasty rash. If you’re someone who struggles with heat rash after exercising in the summer, keep reading ...

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Dehydration is a common condition. It can affect anyone during any time of year but typically is most common among active people in the warm summer months. Our bodies require water in order to function properly. During the hot summer months, our bodies require us to drink more water because the hot temperatures cause us to sweat, which utilizes our body’s water supply. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and lightheadedness. Monitoring ...

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Seasonal allergies can significantly impact one’s quality of life, especially during peak allergy seasons. As flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, millions of individuals battle sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.  While many can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter remedies, there comes a point where seeking medical attention becomes necessary.  Save Your Spot Understanding Seasonal Allergies Allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens ...

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Why Is a School Physical for Sports Exam Important? Whether your child is a focused athlete or one who plays simply for the fun of it, there are many benefits to undertaking an annual sports physical exam. Plus, before anyone can start playing a sport, it's essential for them to have a physical exam from their healthcare provider - this is called the school physical for sports exam.  During this examination, athletes receive a comprehensive ...

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Learning how to improve kidney health is vital for maintaining overall well-being. Your kidneys are crucial in filtering waste and excess fluids from your body, regulating blood pressure, and balancing essential minerals. Despite their importance, many people overlook kidney health until a problem arises. Save Your Spot The Importance of Kidney Function Your kidneys are essential to your overall health, serving as your body’s natural filtration system. These small, bean-shaped organs remove waste products, toxins, and ...

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