IN Shaler Summer 2016 | Page 17

INDUSTRY INSIGHT URGENT CARE/FAMILY CARE SPONSORED CONTENT When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you’re feeling blue… L et’s face it: it’s summertime and the last place you want to be is at a doctor’s office! Between family vacations, BBQs, picnics and Pirates games, rest assured that AFC Urgent Care/Family Care is there when the need arises for emergency and routine medical care. Open every day from 8-8, AFC Urgent Care/Family Care (formerly Doctors Express) has been taking care of the residents of Pittsburgh since 2012. “AFC Urgent Care/Family Care is a great choice when your condition is not considered life or death,” says Dr. Morreale, owner. One of the advantages of AFC is that you always see a doctor. So no matter whether you have a dog bite, a bee sting, a cut, or a broken bone, rest assured that AFC has probably seen it before and is ready to get you back to what you do best… enjoying life! Did you know that AFC Urgent Care/Family Care accepts most major insurance plans, including UPMC and Highmark? Being an independent urgent care/family care facility allows the staff to focus on the patient and his/her medical needs. “Our mission is to provide the best health care possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, with times and locations that are convenient to our patients,” says Morreale. AFCUrgentCarePgh.com With the warm weather upon us, here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe and healthy this summer: 1. Leave fireworks to the professionals. About 47% of persons injured from fireworks are under the age of 20 and most of the injuries are the result of firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers. Males are injured three times more than females. 2. To lower your risk of the West Nile or Zika viruses, wear long sleeves after sundown, use mosquito repellent, repair screened windows and doors, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites like areas of standing or stagnant water (in wheelbarrows, old tires and buckets, for example). 3. Lyme disease can become a serious problem if not diagnosed correctly. If you’re spending time outside hiking or camping, take a few precautions to minimize your risk. Use a repellent, try to cover up exposed areas, shower soon after being outdoors, and lastly, call AFC Urgent Care/Family Care if you get a fever or rash. 4. Bee stings are no laughing matter. If you or a loved one is stung by a bee, wasp or hornet, follow these recommendations to avoid complications: Stay with the person who was bitten to make sure he/she doesn’t have an allergic reaction, wash the site with soap and water, gently remove the stinger by wiping with a gauze pad or scraping with a fingernail (never try to squeeze the stinger out or use tweezers), apply ice to reduce swelling, and lastly, try not to scratch the area as this will increase swelling, itching and the risk of infection. 5. Summertime increases the risk for puncture wounds and animal bites. Seek immediate medical help if the wound: was caused by an animal or human bite, keeps bleeding after a few minutes of direct pressure, is deep or dirty, or was caused by a metal object. For other wounds, wash your hands; stop the bleeding; rinse the wound with clear water, then clean using soap and water; apply an antibiotic cream; and cover the wound with a bandage. Change the dressing periodically and watch for signs of infection. If you develop an infection, go to AFC Urgent Care/ Family Care immediately! 6. Is it a fracture? To see is to know; not to see is to guess! AFC will not guess with your health! The office is able to provide full x-rays and, in most instances, have them read by a boardcertified radiologist before the day’s over! Need a splint? Don’t worry. AFC provides the right care. Right now. $30 for Back to School and Sports Physicals Expires : 07/31/16. Shaler | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 15