American Family Care Castle Rock, CO on American Family Care Castle Rock, CO

Safeguarding Summer Fun: Distinguishing Between Broken Bones and Fractures in Kids

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 12:01:11 UTC

Imagine a vibrant summer day at the park, children frolicking under the sun. Suddenly, a misstep on the monkey bars leads to a tumble. Amidst the laughter and commotion, it’s crucial to discern whether the injury is a broken bone or a fracture.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains the difference in bone injuries below so you can take action quicker to help your children recover faster.

Spotting a Break: Broken Bones

Broken bones result from significant force or trauma, such as falls from heights or collisions during sports.

Signs of a broken bone include:

Intense Pain: Pain localized at the injury site.
Swelling and Bruising: Visible inflammation and discoloration.
Deformity: Limb may appear misshapen or out of alignment.
Inability to Use Limb: Difficulty or inability to bear weight on the injured limb.

Understanding Fractures

In contrast, a fracture refers to a partial crack or break in the bone, which can also occur due to trauma.

Symptoms of a fracture may include:

Persistent Pain: Discomfort worsens with movement or pressure.
Swelling and Tenderness: The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch.
Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving the injured area normally.
Possible Misalignment: The bone may appear slightly out of place.

Ensuring Safety: Tips for Summer Activities

As families embrace summer adventures, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some practical tips to minimize the risk of bone injuries during summer activities:

Gear Up: Equip children with proper safety gear, including helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards for activities like biking and skateboarding.
Supervise Play: Provide active supervision during outdoor play to prevent accidents and ensure safe play.
Educate About Playground Safety: Teach children about playground etiquette and safe use of equipment.
Stay Hydrated: Keep kids hydrated and take regular breaks during outdoor activities to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents.

If you do suspect a fracture or a broken bone, come see us immediately. The longer you wait to seek care, the worse the injury could become, which could result in a a longer recovery period.

In the event of an injury, AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock stands ready to provide expert evaluation and treatment. Come see us any day of the week.

Are All Insect Bites Dangerous?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:01:05 UTC

Insect bites and stings can turn a pleasant outdoor experience into an itchy, uncomfortable ordeal. Knowing how to identify different types of insect bites and stings is the first step in effectively treating them.

Mosquito bites are commonly recognized by their small, raised bumps accompanied by itching. In contrast, bee stings often result in immediate pain and swelling, with a visible stinger left behind.

Other insects, such as ants and wasps, can also cause painful stings or bites, each with its own distinct characteristics. Being able to identify the culprit can help determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains more about the differences in bites and stings below so read along with us to learn more.

Understanding Treatment Options

Once you’ve identified the insect bite or sting, it’s essential to know how to properly treat it to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Here are some treatment options to consider:

Remove the Stinger: If you’ve been stung by a bee, promptly remove the stinger to prevent further venom from entering your skin. Use a flat-edged object, like a credit card, to scrape the stinger out without squeezing it, which could release more venom.
Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the affected area with soap and water to remove any dirt, bacteria, or venom that may be present.
Apply Cold Compress: To reduce swelling and relieve pain, apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Use Over-the-Counter Remedies: Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can help alleviate itching and reduce allergic reactions. Hydrocortisone creams or calamine lotion can also provide relief from itching and inflammation.
Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on the bite or sting site for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most insect bites and stings can be effectively treated at home, certain situations warrant medical attention. It’s essential to know when to seek professional help to ensure proper care and prevent complications. Consider seeking medical attention if:

You experience severe swelling, especially if it affects your face, lips, or throat, as this may indicate an allergic reaction.
You develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat, which could signal a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
The bite or sting site becomes increasingly red, swollen, or painful, suggesting infection.
You’re unsure whether the insect was venomous or if you’ve been bitten by a tick, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.

Treating Insect Bites and Stings

Remove the stinger promptly if stung by a bee.
Clean the area with soap and water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the area.
Use over-the-counter remedies like antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams.
Elevate the affected area if possible to minimize swelling.

Worried about a bite or sting? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock.

Are Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke the Same?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Wed, 15 May 2024 12:01:08 UTC

The summer season has arrived, and with it comes the scorching sun and intense heat. While you enjoy your outdoor activities, it is crucial to be mindful of the sun’s potential hazards.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are severe illnesses that require prompt medical attention when symptoms arise.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team offers a look at the differences between these conditions, enabling you to stay healthy and safe throughout the summer months.

What Is Heat Exhaustion?

When your body gets overheated and dehydrated due to exposure to high temperatures and humidity, you may experience heat exhaustion, which can progress to heat stroke if left untreated. With heat exhaustion, your body is starting to have trouble regulating itself and your body temperature will start to rise as a result.

Those who work outdoors, athletes who exercise outside and those not acclimated to high temperatures are at higher risk of suffering from heat exhaustion. Prevent heat exhaustion by staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in the shade and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Classic Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Heavy sweating
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a severe medical condition that occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises above 104°F due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. It can damage various body organs and even cause death if not treated promptly. If heat exhaustion develops into heat stroke, your body is no longer able to control and regulate your temperature. You will stop sweating, and your temperature can rise quickly.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that necessitates immediate intervention, including cooling the body and rehydration. To prevent heat stroke, it is essential to remain hydrated, wear light-colored and lightweight clothing and take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas. If you notice yourself or a loved one exhibiting the signs below, call for medical help immediately.

Serious Symptoms of Heat Stroke

High body temperature while outside
Rapid heart rate and breathing
Confusion
Seizure
Loss of consciousness

Our center can help you navigate non-emergent illnesses and injuries. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock.

Why Am I Not Sleeping Well?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Wed, 01 May 2024 12:01:10 UTC

Are you searching for the answer to this common question in the middle of the night? If so, you are not the only one! Issues with sleep are really common, and there are probably thousands of other Americans looking for a solution to their sleep woes just like you are.

Did you know that your relationship with sleep starts before you even lay your head down on your pillow? Your daily lifestyle choices can impact your ability to get a good night’s rest.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains more about sleep and how to get more of it below.

Do You Have Good Sleep Hygiene?

If you reach out to a medical professional about your sleep habits, chances are that he or she will be asking you about your sleep hygiene. This refers simply to your healthy sleep habits that help you wind down for bed and even the choices you make throughout the day.

For example, the food and drink choices that you make can either help or hinder your ability to relax in the evening. Your schedule and your evening routine can also be impactful when you are hoping to fall asleep easily. Our first suggestion to you is to train your body to expect sleep by creating a reliable bedtime routine. If you set up a routine that you can stick to, it will signal your body and brain that sleep is to be expected soon.

Creating a Reliable Sleep Routine

Turn off electronics.
Take a warm bath or do some gentle stretches.
Light a candle or play soft music.
Read or meditate in a relaxing space.

How Can I Structure My Day to Get More Sleep?

Like we mentioned earlier, the food and drink choices you make have a big impact on how you sleep. For example, a cup of coffee in the morning may kickstart your day, but having one with dinner or while you are sitting on the couch at night is usually not a good idea. We also suggest avoiding foods that could make you feel really full or sluggish. Spicy foods can easily cause digestion issues or really rich and heavy foods can make it hard to get comfortable once you are in bed.

You should also prioritize exercise! Regular exercise is one of the most important building blocks for a healthier life all around, plus, it is great for supporting your sleep. Exercise helps reduce stress, supports your circadian rhythm and regulates your body temperature, all of which is necessary for a good night’s sleep. Finally, set yourself up for a night of sleepy success. Make your bedroom a sleeping oasis by making it comfortable, dark and welcoming.

Designing Your Perfect Sleep Environment

A room temperature of 60–65 degrees
A comfortable mattress, pillows and blankets
Darkness, usually the darker, the better
White noise or a fan to block out unwanted sounds

Struggling with sleep? We are here to help. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock.

Does AFC Castle Rock Offer Physicals?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:01:08 UTC

Taking care of yourself takes work every day. You eat well, get the right amount of sleep, move your body when you can and make sure to address injuries or illnesses right away to help you live your best life. We also hope that you get a yearly wellness check to help support your overall wellness!

Seeking out the assistance of a medical provider when you are sick or injured is common, but it can be easy to overlook the importance of maintaining your health when you feel fine.

That’s where physicals come in! Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock center offers physicals as well as a more complete wellness exam that can help you live your best life.

What Happens During a Regular Physical?

When you come to us seeking help for an injury or illness, we can often base your visit off of your symptoms and it is much more hyper-focused. Physicals are a much different kind of exam. We aim to get a thorough overview of your health from your head to your toes! To start, we will get a full health history of not only yourself, but the health history of your blood relatives as well.

After that, we will do a full-body assessment, checking out your nose, throat, ears, eyes, skin and muscles. We will be looking for any obvious signs that something is amiss, and we will also check for lumps, bumps or anything present that shouldn’t be there. We can check things like reflexes and blood pressure, and we will also have a conversation with you about your lifestyle choices. If you smoke, consume alcohol or have any other drug habits, we will want to know so we can talk about your risks and any recommendations that we have for you.

What Is Included in a General Wellness Physical

Physical exam
CBC (complete blood count)
CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel)
Lipid panel

What Tests Are Part of a Wellness Check?

Great question! A complete blood count is a simple blood test that will look at your overall health. It will measure things like your red and white blood cell count, your hemoglobin, hematocrit and your platelets to help identify issues like anemia, infection and even leukemia. A comprehensive metabolic panel is another type of blood test that measures 14 different substances in your body. This information gives our providers information about your sodium and potassium levels as well as how well your kidneys and liver are working.

Finally, a lipid panel measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood. This helps identify your risk for serious issues like heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. While all of this may sound scary, the best way to avoid emergency medical issues like these is to identify and treat minor problems before they become severe. Come see us for your general wellness physical this year.

Living Your Best Life

Drink plenty of water.
Exercise regularly.
Get good sleep.
Eat a varied and healthy diet.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.

In need of a quick wellness exam? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock.

Are Muscle Knots Always Painful?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:20:05 UTC

We can almost guarantee that you have dealt with an ache or pain at some point in your life. That’s just part of the beauty of living, working, playing and being active!

While aches and pains are a normal part of life, they can sometimes linger for longer than we want them to. If you have ever had a muscle knot, you know how frustrating that lingering pain can be.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains a few easy ways to combat muscle pain and how to find relief below.

Where Do Muscle Knots Come From?

Anyone can experience a muscle knot, even if you are a super active person or if you live a relatively sedentary life. Muscles are made up of thousands of muscle fibers that are delicately intertwined to help them move and function the way they need to. Depending on your posture, lifestyle and activity choices, those fibers can sometimes become clenched or tightened, which causes those pesky knots to form.

Muscle knots most often appear in places that we tend to hold the most tension in our bodies, like our backs, necks and shoulders. They are often not visible to the naked eye but can certainly be felt under the skin. They can be tiny little bumps under the skin or can feel like large, hard nodules. Depending on how deep and severe the knot is, it will hurt if you put pressure on the sight or it can simply hurt without any pressure at all.

Common Reasons for Muscle Knots

Poor posture
Chronic muscle overuse, like from intense exercise
Injury
Sedentary lifestyles

Will Muscle Knots Go Away?

Most muscle knots will eventually go away with a little TLC, but they will most likely come back if you don’t change up your routine or your lifestyle. Our first recommendation for treating a muscle knot lies in your hydration levels! Your muscles need water in order for them to move effectively and to recover from activity, so stay hydrated and drink even more water if you are currently dealing with a knot.

You should also evaluate what caused the knot in the first place so you can make some permanent changes. If you struggle with chronic knots in your back due to the way you sit at your desk, try getting up from your chair and take breaks more often. Better yet, ask for a standup desk so you can rotate between standing and sitting to give your back a break. You can also gently massage the knotted area to help release that tension, just be sure you are being gentle and aren’t spending too much time massaging the area. Doing so can actually injure your muscles and cause you even more pain in the process.

Tips for Preventing Future Muscle Knots

Drink plenty of water.
Stretch regularly and take frequent desk breaks.
Exercise often.
Treat injuries properly.

Dealing with chronic pain? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock.

How Can I Improve My Heart Health?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:01:04 UTC

We owe everything to our hearts! While you may not notice it pumping away on a daily basis, it is working hard to keep your body functioning without stopping. It brings your organs fresh blood and oxygen while also removing waste products like carbon dioxide.

Since your heart is so vital, taking care of it should be a top priority for you! However, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States.

AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock is on a mission to change that, so we explain some easy ways to support your heart health below.

Who Is at Risk of Suffering Heart Attacks?

While the older population historically has been at the highest risk of suffering from heart attacks, these serious heart health events are unfortunately becoming more common even for younger generations. In fact, the number of people under 40 who suffer a heart attack has been climbing in the last few years.

Your risk for suffering a heart attack is determined by a variety of factors, however, so don’t immediately panic! Genetics play a role, as well as any other pre-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. In addition, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your risk level. A poor diet, lack of exercise and a chronic smoking habit can put unnecessary strain on your body that can eventually lead to a heart attack.

Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Chest pain or intense pressure
Discomfort that spreads to your shoulders
Cold sweats
Fatigue
Heartburn or indigestion

What Are Some Easy Ways to Protect Your Heart Health?

First off, if you have a medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is crucial that you manage it carefully. Uncontrolled symptoms or complications can strain your heart and damage blood vessels, which can end in a heart attack. It is also important to change up your lifestyle a bit if you aren’t getting proper exercise or are eating unhealthy food.

Even just cooking a few more meals at home and taking the stairs instead of the elevator can be small changes that you make that have a large impact on your overall health. In addition, we really encourage you to quit smoking. Smoking has no health benefits to you and negatively impacts your body in almost every way possible. Giving up the habit will help not only your heart, but it will help your lungs, brain and skin in the long-term.

Prioritizing Your Long-Term Health

Get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.
Eat a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid smoking.
Exercise regularly.

We are always here for you. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock any day of the week.

How Can I Identify an Eye Infection?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:01:05 UTC

Coming down with any type of infection is never fun. It always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times and can leave you with a stuffy nose, cough and a stubborn fever that just won’t go away.

Bodily infections are frustrating, of course, but eye infections can also be really troublesome. After all, so many of us rely on our eyes every day to navigate the world!

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains more about what eye infections are and what to look out for, so read on to learn more.

What Causes Eye Infections?

If an infection is introduced into your body, it can spread to places like your lungs, throat or other organs and will start to spread and replicate. Eye infections are similar but are limited to your eye area. If a bacteria, virus or even a fungus is introduced into your eye, it can settle into the warm and moist eye area and will start to grow quickly.

Eye infections also spread like regular infections, so if your fingers have germs on them and you rub your eyes or if you are coughed or sneezed on by an infected person, your risk of getting sick goes up considerably. Eye infection symptoms can include redness, pain and itchiness in one or both eyes. They can also start to affect your vision and cause it to become blurry or distorted over time.

Additional Eye Infection Symptoms to Watch For

Eye sensitivity
Constant eye tearing
Small bumps or lumps behind eyelid
Tenderness around the affected area

Are All Eye Infections the Same?

While many eye infections can cause similar symptoms, they are all caused by different bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites. One of the most common eye infections is called “conjunctivitis,” or pink eye. This infection will cause your eye to become pink or red and a crusty film can develop around your eyelid. It will also feel gritty or like something is under your eyelid that you can’t get out.

Another common infection is called “keratitis,” which is specifically the inflammation of your cornea. Anyone can contract this infection, but it is more common in individuals who wear contact lenses. Eye irritation, redness and pain are common symptoms of this type of infection. Since many eye infections share symptoms, it can be hard to tell what you are suffering from on your own! Come see us any day of the week so we can take a look and diagnose you faster.

How to Avoid Eye Infections

Wash your hands often.
Try not to touch your face with unwashed hands.
Don’t share personal items like mascara or eye drops.
Keep your contact lenses and case clean.

If you are struggling with an eye infection, come see at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock for a quick visit.

How Can I Support My Heart Health?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:25:01 UTC

That reliable rhythmic thumping in your rib cage is a beautiful thing! Your heart is one of the most incredible parts about your body and has so many important functions that it performs on a daily basis to keep you healthy and to keep you moving.

Your heart is in charge of pumping blood throughout your body and it also facilitates the transfer of fresh oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide from your organs. Since your heart has such a vital role, you should prioritize its health every day!

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains some easy ways to support your heart’s health below, so read on to learn more.

Who Has Heart Attacks?

Heart attacks historically have been associated with the older population, but that unfortunately is no longer the case. The number of younger people that are suffering heart attacks has been rising every year. Heart attacks can be just as deadly for someone under the age of 40 as they are for someone 65 or older.

While genetics can play a factor, conditions like diabetes and hypertension can increase your risk of suffering from a heart attack. In addition, your lifestyle choices play a huge factor in your heart’s health. Lack of exercise, a poor diet, disrupted sleep and chronic smoking can all work against you and cause unnecessary strain on your heart that can eventually lead to a heart attack.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Chest pain or intense pressure
Discomfort that spreads to your shoulders
Cold sweats
Fatigue
Heartburn or indigestion

How Can I Change Up My Routine to Help My Heart?

If you have a condition that increases your risk of suffering a heart attack, the most important thing for you to do is to manage that condition carefully. You should also prioritize living a healthier lifestyle in whatever aspect you can! Take the stairs instead of the elevator, swap the French fries for a side salad or reach for sparkling water instead of a soda. Even these simple swaps can have a large impact on your life.

We also really encourage you to give up smoking. Cigarettes and vaping have no positive health benefits and can cause serious strain on your heart as well as your other organs. Finally, you should manage your blood pressure by getting yourself screened regularly. High blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels, which can result in a dangerous or even deadly heart attack.

Prioritizing a Healthy Life

Get between 7-9 hours of a sleep at night
Eat a varied diet with fruits and vegetables
Avoid smoking
Exercise regularly

We are always here for you. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock any day of the week.

Is My Back Pain Serious?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:01:04 UTC

Back pain. We all experience it from time to time, and it can be such a nuisance! Our backs play a huge role in our daily lives, so it’s no surprise that we can all suffer from twinges and aches on occasion.

While mild pain or soreness after a particularly busy day is not usually a concern, lingering pain or chronic issues might indicate that something more serious is going on.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains more about back pain and what it could mean, so read on to learn more.

What Classifies as Back Pain?

Back pain is a general term that encompasses any sort of pain in your upper or lower back. It can occur in your shoulders after a long day at your desk or in your lower back if you twist wrong while picking up something heavy. It can be dull and nagging or sharp and intense depending on your particular situation.

If you start to notice that your back is aching, try changing up your routine. Get up from your desk, stretch your shoulders or take some time to go for a walk. Many instances of back pain can be relieved by getting some exercise or resting. If your pain won’t go away, think back to the last couple of days to see if you can connect the pain with an accident or injury from something.

Symptoms Associated With Back Pain

Increasing pain with lifting or bending
Stiffness in the morning with reduced range of motion
Pain that radiates into the lower back, legs or hips
Numbness or weakness in legs or feet

Can an Illness Cause Back Pain?

Injuries are usually the most common cause for back pain because there are so many different muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones that make up your shoulders and back. Strains, sprains and even fractures can be the cause of your pain. A quick evaluation at our center can help diagnose you more accurately so we can treat you faster.

Of course, there is always the possibility that you have developed a painful condition like arthritis or osteoporosis. These kinds of degenerative conditions can be really painful and will continue to get worse if you don’t take steps to manage your situation. Visit with your provider to come up with reliable pain management strategies and keep a reliable exercise routine.

Reliable Ways to Ease Back Pain

Exercise regularly.
Lift weights and heavy objects with the proper form.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Keep your stress levels in check.
Treat injuries right away to prevent chronic issues.

Can’t shake your back pain? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock today.

Will I Know If I Have High Blood Pressure?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 13:01:06 UTC

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common ailments for adults across the country. In fact, it is the top risk factor for death globally.

Unfortunately, hypertension often exists without any symptoms, making it even more dangerous. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains more about high blood pressure and the dangers associated with it.

What Is a Regular Blood Pressure?

Our organs need a constant supply of fresh blood in order to function, and it’s your heart’s job to get that blood where it needs to go. When your heart pumps, it creates a force that pushes your blood through your blood vessels. A blood pressure reading is measuring the force that your heart is exerting in order to do this. A normal blood pressure is a reading of ¹²⁰⁄₈₀ mm Hg or lower.

Temporary spikes in your blood pressure are usually stress-related and aren’t a cause for concern, but if yours starts to creep up and stay above the normal range, you could be diagnosed with an elevated blood pressure, which is 120 to 129 mm Hg but the bottom number is still below 80 mm Hg. If it continues to climb and stay high, hypertension can be diagnosed.The range for a hypertension diagnosis is 130 mm Hg or higher or your bottom number is 80 mm Hg or higher.

Why High Blood Pressure Happens

Being overweight
Having a high sodium diet
Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
Being under a lot of stress

Why Is Hypertension Serious?

If you leave your high blood pressure to continue uncontrolled, it will start to cause strain on your heart as it has to work overtime to pump blood throughout the body. This uncontrolled high pressure will push against your artery walls and can increase your risk for burst blood vessels.

This excessive strain can also increase your risk for medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes, which can cause permanent damage or even death. Thankfully, staying on top of your blood pressure by getting screened regularly can help you make some important lifestyle changes to keep your condition under control.

Tips for Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally

Exercise regularly.
Eat a well-rounded diet and limit your salt intake.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Quit smoking.
Prioritize getting proper sleep every night.

We are here to help you feel better. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock any day of the week.

How Can I Make Resolutions I Can Stick To?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 13:01:06 UTC

A new year is a fresh start for so many of us! A whole 365 new days are waiting for you, and the possibilities are endless. It is also the perfect time of year to make some changes in your life.

New Year’s resolutions are a common practice that many people partake in as an effort to make healthier choices, build relationships and generally live happier lives. However, they can be hard to keep at times!

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains some helpful ways to create your resolutions so that you are successful in reaching your goals.

Why Are New Year’s Resolutions Hard to Keep?

No matter what resolution you choose, making healthier changes in your life is always a good thing! While you may start off strong and with a lot of motivation, it can be hard to keep that motivation going throughout the year, especially if your goals are lofty or naturally take a lot of time to accomplish.

Many people hope to see change happen quickly, but that is usually not realistic. For example, if you are hoping to lose weight, that could (and should) take months to see the progress that you want. Because of this, it is common to lose motivation about a month into your goal and then give up. In order to stay on track, try to give yourself goals every month instead of one large goal so you are constantly motivated along the way.

Healthy Resolutions

Quitting smoking
Losing weight/exercising more
Eating healthier
Drinking less alcohol
Reading more/finding new hobbies

Can I Meet My Goals Faster?

Unfortunately, the goals that are worth accomplishing usually are the ones that take the most time to achieve. However, that’s what makes them so important! If you struggle to stick to lofty or unrealistic goals, try to change up your behavior instead of cutting something out of your life completely. For example, try to add more fruits and veggies to your meals instead of vowing to completely give up sugar or try to cook at home at least four times a week.

It may take longer to see results, but you are much more likely to stick to your goals and make some permanent lifestyle changes. It is also important to remember that setbacks and failures are a normal part of resolutions. Give yourself grace, pick yourself back up and keep going.

Be SMART With Your Goal Setting

Specific: Define your goal with detail.
Measurable: Be sure you have a way to track your progress.
Attainable: Don’t set a goal that will be really hard to reach.
Relevant: Make sure your goal applies to your current lifestyle.
Time-bound: Set a timeline for yourself so you can stay on track.

We want you to live the healthiest life possible! AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock is here to care for you.

What Does a Migraine Feel Like?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 13:01:00 UTC

We are sorry that you are even searching this question! If you are experiencing a migraine, you are probably having trouble looking at a screen and bright lights, and you are probably in a significant amount of pain.

Migraines are a painful headache condition that affects millions of Americans, and they can be debilitating when they do occur.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains more below about migraines and what to do if you do suffer through one.

What Are Migraines?

There are over 150 different types of headaches, but all of them fall into a category of primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are a clinical diagnosis and a singular issue, while secondary headaches are a symptom of another underlying health issue.

Migraines are considered primary headaches because they are actually associated with a neurological disorder. It can be passed through family genetics, so your risk of developing migraines is increased if a family member also suffers from them. Migraine headaches can last anywhere from four hours to multiple days and they can severely disrupt your life while they occur.

Signs of a Migraine

Severe headache
Sensitivity to light and noise
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or blurred vision

How Do You Treat a Migraine?

If you start to feel that familiar pounding or if you have migraines that start with a visual aura, taking your migraine medication right away can help reduce the severity of your attack. Your medication can either stop the attack from occurring, or it can curb your symptoms to help you be more comfortable.

Lifestyle changes can also help you during this period. Turn off the lights to your room and sit in silence in a comfortable position. Temperature therapy can also help! Applying a cold compress to your head or neck can help ease the pain, or a warm shower or bath can relax tense muscles. Sipping on a caffeinated drink can also help relieve pain, as it opens up your blood vessels and can ease that constriction. If your headache does not go away after multiple days or you experience any of the warning signs below, seek medical attention right away.

Serious Migraine Symptoms

Your headache appears suddenly, like a thunderclap.
You develop a stiff neck and a fever alongside your headache.
You feel a new level of pain that you haven’t before.
You experience vision changes or feelings of confusion.

Migraines can be debilitating. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock if you are experiencing head pain.

When Does RSV Become an Emergency?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:01:04 UTC

We all want what is best for our kids and for them to live healthy lives, but that can be hard to do at this time of year. Colds, the flu and RSV are surrounding us all of the time, and we would bet your children have already come home from school with at least one frustrating illness this year.

While colds and other minor infections aren’t usually serious, infections like RSV need to be watched carefully because it can cause some severe symptoms in small children.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains more about RSV and what warning signs to watch for below.

How Does RSV Spread?

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is an upper respiratory infection that can be easily transmitted from person to person. Touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth, being coughed or sneezed on by an infected individual or even getting a kiss from a loved one can cause you or your children to become sick really quickly.

For most adults, RSV produces minor symptoms that fade away in a few days, but that is not always the case for children. Mild cold-like symptoms can develop in the beginning, but if the infection gets worse, it can manifest into breathing difficulties or even respiratory distress.

Symptoms of a Mild to Moderate RSV Infection

Fever
Runny nose/congestion
Shallow breathing
Cough
Muscle or body aches

Why Is RSV So Dangerous?

Your children have much smaller airways and breathing passages than adults do, so any sort of inflammation in this area can impact their ability to take a full breath. If your child can’t get the oxygen he or she needs, it can lead to serious respiratory issues that develop into a medical emergency.

If your child is having trouble breathing, he or she could be exhibiting signs of chest retractions. Chest retractions will cause your child’s chest to sink in just below the neck or breastbone with each breath. They will happen quickly as your child’s body is working hard to take productive breaths. If you notice this, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Symptoms of RSV That Indicate an Emergency

Shallow breathing
Blue skin or fingernails
Feeling lethargic or extremely tired
Chest pain

RSV symptoms can get worse really fast. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock for an initial evaluation.

How Can I Put My Health First This Holiday Season?

American Family Care | Castle Rock, CO — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 13:01:04 UTC

If this time of year is your favorite, you are certainly not alone! The holidays are a joyful season for many people as we all come together to celebrate family traditions, visit with old friends and revel in another year come and gone.

While this time of year can be a great time to reconnect, it is also often a time of excess and business, which can easily lead to you to become run down or sick.

Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team explains some easy ways to stay healthier while you are traveling and preparing for the holidays.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Traveling?

If you are planning to head to the airport and fly home for the holidays, taking care of yourself in the days leading up to your flight is crucial for your long-term health. Infections more easily spread wherever there are lots of people, and the airport is certainly one of those places. Get proper sleep, eat a healthy diet and try to keep a regular exercise routine to better support your immune system.

Once you are at the airport, use as many of the touchless features as possible and avoid touching doorknobs, handles and light switches when you can. You should also watch your hands or use hand sanitizer after getting through busy checkpoints like security. If you are able to choose your seat location, pick a middle or window seat versus the aisle. The aisle exposes you to everyone that is coming and going through the cabin.

Additional Health Tips for Flying

Pack an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Use disinfecting wipes on the seat, buckle and tray table.
Consider wearing a mask.
Cover all coughs and sneezes.

How Can I Make Better Food Choices?

The holidays are known for rich comfort foods, and while they certainly can be delicious, they aren’t always the healthiest options. However, we encourage these foods in moderation if they are some of your favorites! Choosing a smaller plate or a plate that is already portioned out can help you control your portion sizes and feel better when you are done eating.

Once you are through with your meal, pack up the leftovers and store them properly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and then encourage everyone to take a light walk or a stroll around the block to find some more movement in your day.

Reducing Your Risk of Foodborne Illness

Cook all meat to the recommended temperatures.
Serve meals immediately after preparing them.
Store leftovers within two hours.
Ask about any allergies or food sensitivities before making food to share.

We can help you feel better faster this holiday season. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock for a visit.