AppFamily Medicine

07/24/2025

☀️ Sunscreen isn’t just for summer—it’s your year-round defense against skin cancer, wrinkles, and early aging! But did you know there are two types of sunscreen? 🧴 Physical vs. chemical—and they work in different ways.

Not all sunscreens are the same, so let’s clear up the confusion and help you choose the one that’s right for your skin.

➡️ Learn the difference and find your perfect match for safer, sunnier days!

We know that regular application of sunscreen can reduce the chances of skin cancer and prolong the development of wrinkles and/or sun spots, yet many of us are unaware that there are two types of sunscreen: physical and chemical sunscreen. So, what is the difference and why does it matter?

07/23/2025

🕷️ Tick Talk: Stay Safe Outdoors! 🌲☀️
As the weather warms up and we spend more time outside, ticks become more active. These tiny pests can carry diseases like Lyme disease, so it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones.

✅ Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or in grassy/wooded areas
✅ Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin
✅ Do a full-body tick check after coming indoors
✅ Shower soon after being outside to wash off any unattached ticks
✅ Keep your yard tick-safe by mowing regularly and clearing brush

Read more here:

Learn about what you can do to protect yourself from ticks and how to appropriately respond to a tick bite.

07/22/2025

🎉 A big shoutout to the Pathology Lab at Watauga Medical Center - recipients for July!

This incredible team works tirelessly behind the scenes, performing hundreds of tests daily and playing a vital role in diagnoses across our organization.

They were nominated by the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, who shared: “The pathology team works behind the scenes but is so integral to patient care. UNC Health Appalachian is very lucky to have the staff in the pathology department!”

07/21/2025

Medical emergencies can happen anytime—knowing where to go can make all the difference.

Some of our resident doctors are sharing tips to help you decide when to head to the ER and when a same-day clinic might be the better option.

🔴 Life-threatening emergency? Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
🟢 Minor illness or injury? Same-day appointments are available at AppInternal Medicine (Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists) in Boone and Baker Center for Primary Care in Linville.
Make informed choices and get the right care at the right time.

https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/services/emergency-same-day/

Send a message to learn more

07/17/2025

🌟Employee Spotlight 🌟
on Sam Crabbe, RACR
People Services/ Human Resources

Sam Crabbe, our Allied Health Recruiter, has been a valuable part of the People Services team for the past three years. Sam supports recruitment across ancillary, clinical, and non-clinical roles—helping connect the right people with the right opportunities.

“My favorite part of my job is that it gives me the ability to create relationships with a diverse group of people in a community that I grew up in,” he said.

Sam grew up in Watauga County and graduated from Watauga High and App State. Outside of work, you’ll find him coaching or playing basketball, fishing, or spending time with his rescue pup 🐾 and girlfriend. He’s also dedicated to mentoring local youth through the Western Youth Network.

07/16/2025

Help us welcome Dr. Garret Duron to the High Country! 🎉 We're excited to share that he has joined the team at AppPulmonology and is now seeing patients.

07/15/2025

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! 💙 We’re honored to have been there for your son and family during such a stressful time. It means the world to hear that our team helped ease his anxiety and made you feel cared for every step of the way. We’re grateful to know we made a difference.

07/14/2025

☀️ With these hot summer days, staying hydrated is more important than ever! Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, so getting enough fluids is key to staying healthy and feeling your best. 💧
Hydration needs can vary from person to person—so take time to learn what your body needs not just in summer, but all year long.

👉 Find out how much water you should be drinking:

It’s getting warmer in the High Country. This means we need to be drinking more water to stay hydrated and healthy. Since our bodies are made up of 60% water...

07/11/2025

If you are ready to start taking care of yourself and eating better, you need to watch this Virtual Health Talk with Dr. Olivia Dhaliwal. Here she sifts through the noise of modern diet trends to reveal timeless, simple eating habits that focus on nourishing your body – by counting nutrients, not calories. Whether you're seeking a fresh perspective on food or a sustainable way to fuel your life, this talk will leave you inspired and ready to transform your eating habits.

Dr. Dhaliwal is a resident physician at AppFamily Medicine. To learn more about AppFamily, visit: unchealthappalachian.org/locations/profile/appfamily-medicine/

07/11/2025

If you are ready to start taking care of yourself and eating better, you need to watch this Virtual Health Talk with Dr. Olivia Dhaliwal. Here she sifts through the noise of modern diet trends to reveal timeless, simple eating habits that focus on nourishing your body – by counting nutrients, not calories. Whether you're seeking a fresh perspective on food or a sustainable way to fuel your life, this talk will leave you inspired and ready to transform your eating habits.

Dr. Dhaliwal is a resident physician at AppFamily Medicine. To learn more about AppFamily, visit this link: unchealthappalachian.org/locations/profile/appfamily-medicine/

07/11/2024

Attention Parents of young Ashe County Athletes: AppFamily Medicine is providing free sports physicals for students in grades Pre-K-6. These will take place at the Ashe County High School on Saturday, July 13 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. No appointment is needed. For more information call, 828-382-2222.

07/08/2024

We are excited to introduce our new podcast,
🌸Here’s to Her Health. 🌸

Just like the name implies, this podcast is all about ’s Health. Each month we will feature local healthcare providers who share their expertise, debunk myths,
and offer practical advice.

Tune in for candid conversation, expert insights, and a community that celebrates women’s health.

Check out our first episode where we unravel the Myths, Mysteries and Misconceptions of with Dr. Beverly Womack. Learn more in the comments ⬇

11/13/2023

AppFamily Medicine will be closing at 5 p.m. today.

06/22/2023

If you live in Ashe County and have a child participating in sports this fall, don't miss this opportunity.

The resident doctors at AppFamily are offering FREE sports physicals and EKG screenings for children in grades Pre-K – 8 at Ashe County High School on Saturday, July 22nd from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Click this link to let us know if you’re planning to attend: https://forms.gle/xsGMBLCxa4Lvjyt59

04/20/2023

04/20/2023