Carolina Priority Care

12/07/2022

02/08/2019

01/25/2019

Getting an X-ray done can be a little scary for anyone, especially a child. You can help your child prepare for an X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and you can reassure your child that you'll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of staying still while the X-ray is taken so it won't have to be repeated. If you have questions about the X-ray, please speak with your doctor beforehand.

An ankle X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling, or deformity of the ankle joint. It can also detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

01/24/2019

Nearly everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their life; it is the second most common cause of missed days of work in the United States--only a common cold causes more missed work. Almost all of these low back injuries are due to injuries of the muscle or ligament. If you don't know the cause of your back pain, you should have it evaluated by a doctor

A low back strain, often called a lumbar strain, is an injury to the large muscles in the lumbar spine. Treatment can usually be effective with a few simple steps.

01/22/2019

Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can tell if a person has the flu. If you have any questions about your own illness, please contact Carolina Priority Care, or your primary care physician for an appointment.

Cold versus flu: Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Learn the differences between colds and flu - CDC

01/18/2019

When you or a loved one has the flu, the last thing you may feel like doing is eating. It’s certainly okay to eat a little less with the flu, as you likely have a reduced appetite.
Still, you'll need to eat small amounts of the right foods to provide you with energy and nutrients while you recover.

Read on to learn more about what you should eat and drink as well as what’s (recommended) off-limits when you have the seasonal flu.

You may not feel much like eating, but choosing the right foods to eat when you have the seasonal flu can help keep you hydrated and give your body the nutrients you need to recover. Equally important are the foods you should avoid. Learn more about both.

01/15/2019

If you have a sprain or strain, you may be wondering about the best treatments. Is it ice? Is it heat? What else can you do? It's currently thought that the best treatment for a sprain or strain is with the "RICE" method, an acronym which is helpful to remember when you have an acute injury. It's important to note that if you are unsure of the severity of your sprain or strain, you should talk to a doctor before beginning any treatment or rehabilitation.

Acute sprains and strains are common with exercise, especially wrist and ankle sprains. What are the best treatments and what is the RICE method?

01/12/2019

Workers in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Exposure to cold can be an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. For outdoor workers, what constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions where workers are unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold stress. Whenever outdoor temperatures drop significantly below normal and wind speed increases, heat more rapidly leaves the body. Serious health problems can occur when the body is unable to stay warm enough.

When you must work in the cold, always be prepared and be aware.

Learn how to be prepared and be aware.

01/10/2019

The CDC says that the flu season will be peaking either late January or early February, and they recommend that you get your flu shot if you haven't already received one.

We still have the flu vaccine available if you can't get to your regular Primary Physician - no appointment needed. Just stop by. We are here if you need us!

According to the CDC, the number of states with widespread flu is now 24, more than double from last week. This year, the swine flu is responsible for the majority of cases, particularly in those under 40.

01/07/2019

An upper respiratory infection, or the common cold, is an infection that affects the nasal passages and throat. Treatment is usually simple, unless a person also has a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma.
For an upper respiratory infection (URI) to occur, a virus enters the body, usually through the mouth or nose. A person may transmit it through touch, or by sneezing and coughing.

Any place where people gather in an enclosed space, such as a classroom, office, or home, can be a high-risk area for the spread of URIs.

Typically, a URI lasts anywhere between 3 and 14 days. In some cases, URIs can develop into more serious conditions, such as sinus infections or pneumonia.

In this article, take a look at how to identify a URI, its potential causes, and the available treatments.

An upper respiratory infection is an illness that affects the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. Learn more about upper respiratory infections here.

01/04/2019

Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isn't as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.

Learn about the symptoms and treatment of the kissing disease in adults and children.

01/03/2019

If you get the flu, antiviral drugs are a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at high risk of serious flu complications (see box below for the full list of high risk factors) and you develop flu symptoms. Flu signs and symptoms can include feeling feverish or having a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat your flu illness.

What the general public should know about flu antiviral drugs - CDC

01/01/2019

12/29/2018

Fake news is nothing new. But, what is new is how easy it's become to share information – both true and false – on a massive scale.

Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn allow almost anyone to publish their thoughts or share stories to the world.

The trouble is, most people don't check the source of the material that they view online before they share it, which can lead to fake news spreading quickly or even "going viral." So, how do you know what is real or not?

Fake health news can do real harm. Here’s how to spot the difference between false stories and verified information.

12/27/2018

Weeks of flu season yet to come means vaccination is still a good idea.

Everything you need to know about the flu illness, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.

12/22/2018

Providers at several hospitals believe better preparation could help patients awaiting elective surgeries — those planned in advance, such as hip replacements or cosmetic procedures, rather than done in an emergency — avoid those problems. They designed programs to help ensure that patients enter surgery in the best condition possible.

Programs to help patients get in shape for operations can cut down on complications.

12/20/2018

When is going to an Urgent Care better than going to the E.R.? From cost to convenience, unless you have a life threatening emergency, it is almost always going to be the most sensible choice.

For a sore throat or a minor scrape, going to an urgent care will save you time and money.

12/17/2018

Worried your sore throat may be strep throat? Strep throat is a common type of sore throat in children, but it’s not very common in adults. Doctors can do a quick test to see if a sore throat is strep throat. If so, antibiotics can help you feel better faster and prevent spreading it to others.

Seek medical care if you think you or your child may have strep throat.

12/12/2018

Driving in snow and ice can be dangerous, but walking in the same conditions can be treacherous as well. Please check out these snow & ice safety tips and be safe this winter season.

Walking safe in snow and ice is important. Slip and fall liability is a major issue and a public safety concern for snow removal professionals.

12/10/2018

When you're a kid, are there any two sweeter words in the English language than "snow day" ("pizza time" and "sleepover party" notwithstanding)? Children are right to be psyched: The hit of sunlight reflecting off the snow can boost their vitamin D levels, and research suggests that playing outdoors in nature may ease symptoms of ADHD. Plus, that snowman isn't going to build himself. Let them have their day in the snow safely with these mom-tested tips.

Prepare your little snow angel for fun and safe outdoor play this winter.

12/06/2018

When daylight saving time ends, we gain an extra hour of sleep but lose something precious: sunlight. As daylight slips into darkness earlier in the day, depression diagnoses increase, according to a 2016 study published in Epidemiology. An estimated 5% of Americans slump into a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Millions more experience the “winter blues,” a milder form of seasonal depression.

Seasonal affective disorder treatment often involves lights or lamps, but cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants may help too.

12/03/2018

Maybe your daughter got off the bus looking pale and feverish. Or maybe you feel a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose coming on. Whatever the symptoms, you expect a lot of sniffles and coughs this week.

Before the virus knocks you and your family out, try these tips to prepare for colds and flu. If you're lucky, they may also prevent at least some of your family from getting sick.

Before cold and flu season hits, stock your pantry and your medicine cabinet with sick-day supplies

11/29/2018

The holiday season is supposed to be a time for relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. Sorry to be a Grinch, but the most wonderful time of the year can also prove hazardous to your health and safety. The seemingly endless string of parties, the introduction of new foods and cooking techniques to your home, and even shopping for gifts can all put your wellbeing at risk. To ensure you make it to January 1 unscathed, follow this guide to the biggest holiday health hazards and how to avoid them.

Learn about holiday health risks and what you can do to avoid them for a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

11/27/2018

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu spreads mostly from person to person, and people with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins.

The flu can come on suddenly. Early symptoms can include fatigue, body aches and chills, cough, sore throat, and fever. For most people, influenza resolves on its own, but sometimes, the flu, and its complications, can be deadly.

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu spreads mostly from person to person, and people with flu are most contagious the first three to four days after their illness begins. Read on for more flu fact...

11/22/2018

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, (and we are open today if you need us).

11/21/2018

Millions of people are expected to travel over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and the American Red Cross is offering tips travelers can follow as they visit loved ones over the long weekend.

More vehicles will be on the roads, making the travel risks greater. Bad weather and distracted drivers add to the danger. Plan ahead and expect delays.

tTe American Red Cross is offering tips travelers can follow as they visit loved ones over the long weekend.

11/19/2018

As the end of the year approaches, it’s likely there are multiple meals and parties in your future. Carrying food from one location to another and sharing dishes with a crowd means more opportunity for bacteria to grow and cause food poisoning. Whether you’re an experienced cook, a first-time party host, or simply adding a dish to the potluck lineup, the holidays can make even the most confident chefs nervous. Follow these steps to keep your holiday season food poisoning-free.

Winter Holidays

11/14/2018

Food handling errors and inadequate cooking are the most common problems that lead to poultry-associated foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States.Follow these four food safety tips to help you safely prepare your next holiday turkey meal.

Food safety tips to help you safely prepare your holiday turkey.

11/09/2018

Getting a runny nose happens to all of us, a condition that we can easily deal with at home.

There are a few reasons why you might get a runny nose. The most common is a viral infection of the sinuses — typically the common cold.

In other cases, a runny nose may be due to allergies, hay fever, or other causes. If these common home remedies don't help, be sure to stop in and see us. No appointment needed.

Runny noses don’t discriminate. Everyone gets a runny nose from time to time. The most common culprit of a runny nose is a viral infection of the sinuses, typically the common cold. Allergies can also cause a runny nose. We break down how to stop a runny nose the natural way, from antihistamine he...

11/07/2018

Americans love to designate dietary devils. MSG. Fat. Carbs. Gluten. The latest food to be nominated for devilhood is fructans. And the focus on them came about, in part, because of our obsession with gluten.

Here’s how: We know that many people who follow a gluten-free diet don’t need to for medical reasons, such as having celiac disease. Yet some insist they aren’t going gluten-free because it’s trendy — they’re going gluten-free because it makes them feel better. Many researchers believe these people who think they can’t tolerate gluten are actually sensitive to fructans.

These carbohydrates have health benefits, so you shouldn’t automatically avoid them.

11/05/2018

Your ligaments are tough, elastic-like bands that connect bone to bone and hold your joints in place. A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by tearing of the fibers of the ligament. The ligament can have a partial tear, or it can be completely torn apart.

Ankle sprains are the most common type of sprain. Wrist, knee and thumb sprains are also common. Sprained ligaments often swell rapidly and are painful. Generally, the greater the pain and swelling, the more severe the injury is. For most minor sprains, you probably can start initial injury treatment yourself.

How to administer first aid for a sprain.

11/03/2018

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.

Information about handwashing and hand hygiene

10/30/2018

Strokes happen when an obstruction restricts the blood supply to the brain, and so the brain does not receive enough oxygen. A person's genetic makeup and their lifestyle both influence their risk of stroke, but which is more important?

Stroke risk depends on many factors, some of which are genetic and some lifestyle-related. So, can lifestyle changes outweigh the genetic risk?

10/26/2018

Halloween can be a particularly difficult time for kids with food allergies since many common candies contain one or more common allergens. The consequences can be dangerous and traumatic for kids who accidentally consume something they're allergic to. But a growing movement to give kids with food allergies some non-food treat options is making things a little safer and easier.

Halloween can be a particularly difficult time for kids with food allergies since many common candies contain one or more [...]