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Dealing With Those Annoying Spring Allergies

Spring is here! But for some, that means dealing with intense spring allergies.

pollen
 
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says over 50-million Americans suffer from allergies each year. They also claim that allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
pollen allergies spring
 

Seasonal allergies develop when the immune system becomes sensitized to its environment. Pollen from grass, shrubs, and trees causes most seasonal allergies. The results for many are sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. 

mask
 

Here are some tips that may help you deal with those annoying spring allergies:

 
  • Stay indoors and in the A/C
  • Avoid outdoor / gardening activities
  • Treat your symptoms
Over-the-counter antihistamines can work wonders for those allergy symptoms.  Eye drops and decongestants can also help ease some of the irritation.
medicine
 
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, visit your local Affinity urgent care clinic. We’ll help you get to the bottom of the issue and find some relief.

Yucky Pink Eye!! Here’s How To Get Rid Of It Fast

Yucky Pink Eye!!

Here’s How To Get Rid Of It Fast

There are actually a few different causes for pink eye: viral, allergic, and bacterial.

dr

Viral

Viral pink eye is not treatable but usually goes away within a week or so.

Allergic

Allergic pink eye is not contagious.

You can treat it with over-the-counter allergy medication or eye drops.

pills pink eye

But, it will continue as long as you’re in contact with the allergen.

Bacterial

Bacterial pink eye produces more mucus than the two other types.

For this type, you should see a doctor for prescription antibiotics.

pills

You can also use lubricating eye-drops or a warm washcloth to reduce the symptoms.

Omg! Did I Break My Toe? How To Determine If Your Toe Is Actually Broken

Omg! Did I Break My Toe?

Determine If It’s Actually A Broken Toe

Is there anything worse than stubbing your toe?

We’ve all been there. In that moment of blinding pain, you’re sure you’ve got a broken toe.

broken toe

Watch For Signs

If it starts bruising, swelling or becomes discolored, it’s time to see a medical provider.

chart

Your toe could be sitting at an incorrect angle or pulled out of alignment. It could be a fracture, which could lead to arthritis.

feet

Your provider will x-ray your foot and determine the ideal steps to ensure proper healing. It may be a simple fix of a boot, or something as serious as surgery.

The sooner you find out, the better your chance of proper healing.

feet

Urgent Care Vs. Emergency Care: Which One Do I Need?

Urgent Care Vs. Emergency Care:

Which One Do I Need?

You don’t want to be struggling over the decision of urgent care vs. emergency care in a moment of panic.

Frantic decisions can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

When a health scare happens, it’s good to know which option is best for you and your family.

Urgent Care

When a medical issue arises outside of normal business hours, urgent care is an option.

In fact, 90% of urgent care patients wait 30 minutes or less to see a provider.

If it’s a fracture, blood work, fever, stitches, cold or flu, urgent care is an excellent choice.

The majority of urgent care patients are in and out within an hour, and most take insurance.

Emergency Care

If it’s an emergency, go to the ER.

Conditions like chest pain, head trauma, loss of vision, or slurred speech are better served at an ER.

These conditions can need emergency treatment, like surgery.

Calling 911

When considering calling 911, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Never drive yourself if you’re having severe symptoms, like chest pain or vision loss.

The Room Is Spinning! What Does Dizziness Mean?

Feeling dizzy? Does it get worse when you move your head? It could be vertigo. That’s a classic symptom of this particular type of dizziness.

dizzy

When is the last time you drank water? When you’re dehydrated, your blood pressure can drop quickly, making you feel woozy.

water

It could also be an ear infection caused by a virus. In cases like this, your ears may ring, and you might feel nauseous.

It could also be a low blood sugar issue. If you are diabetic, or even pre-diabetic, glucose and insulin imbalances can occur.

Poor circulation can also lead to serious dizziness issues. Blood clots or clogged arteries can cause low blow flow to the brain.

dizziness

Sometimes dizziness is a side-effect of medication. Are you taking anything new? Antibiotics, anti-depressants, and sedatives can all cause dizziness.

pills

The bottom line: If you feel dizzy, you should get medical attention immediately.

Your provider will know how to best combat those dizzy spells.

Affinity named finalist for Small Business of the Year

Affinity Urgent Care and Affinity Laser Med + Spa were honored by the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce last week as finalists for the organization’s annual Small Business of the Year award.

The announcement was made at the Chamber’s annual meeting and gala which was held on Friday at the Tremont House in Galveston.

The Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award was one of several handed out at this year’s gala. Other awards included Large Business of the Year, Galvestonians of the Year, the Christie Mitchell Beachcomber Award and the Global Impact Award. You can learn more about the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce by visiting the organization’s website at www.galvestonchamber.com

 

Affinity blood drive set for Tuesday, Dec. 30

Affinity Urgent Care locations in Galveston and La Marque will sponsor blood drives outside their respective clinics on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The blood drive at the Galveston location – 2808 61st Street, Suite 200 – is being conducted by UTMB Health’s Blood Center. Donors who successfully give blood at that location will receive a sweatshirt hoodie while supplies last. Potential donors can make an appointment online for the Galveston blood drive by clicking here.

The drive at the La Marque location – 2600 FM 1764, Suite 190 – is being conducted by the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.

Giving blood is vital to the health of our communities. In fact, your one blood donation can help extend or save the lives of three patients. Please join us on Tuesday for this special event at Affinity Urgent Care.

You’re Invited to Spend Less Time in Front of the TV

Spending less time in front of the television and computer can mean more engaging family time, more fun, and healthier kids.

Who: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a group of more than 60,000 pediatricians who are committed to the well-being of children.

What: The AAP recommends that children over the age of two spend two hours or fewer watching TV or using the computer, not counting time spent with homework.

Children under the age of two should not watch any television.

Where: Your own living room. Keep televisions out of children’s rooms to stay in touch with what your kids are watching, and to make television more active. Ask questions about what you are watching and discuss the exaggerations of commercials.

When: Start now!

Why: When kids are watching television, they are not moving. Studies have linked screen time to childhood obesity. Unhealthy snacks often go along with TV watching, and junk food commercials targeted at kids can lead them to ask for more of it. Screen time has also been associated with lower reading scores and attention problems. Plus, finding new activities can be rewarding for both you and your children.

How:

  • Set limits. Use a timer to let everyone know when TV or computer time is over.
  • Choose wisely. Instead of just leaving the TV on in the background, decide what programs to watch in advance. Recording programs lets you be more flexible and even skip commercials.
  • Discuss rules and plans. Talk with your children about rules such as no TV until homework or chores are done and make plans about what to watch that week.
  • Be a good role model. Participate in your plan, and come up with other activities to do with your kids.

We hope to see you and your family there!