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Fall sports are here! 🏈⚽🏐 Whether your child is joining a school team, recreational league, or another athletic program, they may need a sports physical before they can participate. A sports physical helps make sure young athletes are ready to safely take part in physical activity and can identify potential health concerns before the season gets underway. What Is a Sports Physical? A sports physical, also called a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), is an exam that

Fall is getting closer, which also means flu season is right around the corner. As kids head back to school and families return to busier routines, now is a good time to start preparing for the months ahead. How Does the Flu Spread? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through close contact, which makes schools, workplaces, and other busy environments common places for illnesses to ci

Back-to-school season comes with plenty of things to remember, from school supplies and new schedules to sports and activities. It’s also a good time to check your child’s vaccination records and make sure everything is up to date. Why Check Vaccinations Before School? Schools may require certain vaccinations depending on your child’s age and grade level. Requirements can change as children get older, so reviewing their records can help prevent last-minute surprises. Vaccinat

A new school year brings exciting opportunities to learn, make friends, and create new memories. It also means spending more time in classrooms, on school buses, and around other students, making it the perfect time to reinforce healthy habits at home. The good news is that a few simple routines can help your child stay healthy and ready to learn all year long. 1. Encourage Regular Hand Hygiene One of the easiest ways to help reduce the spread of germs is by encouraging your

We all know to wash our hands after using the restroom or before eating, but what about the surfaces we touch every day? Many commonly used items can collect germs simply because they're handled so often. While it's impossible to keep every surface germ-free, regularly cleaning high-touch areas can help create a healthier environment at home, at work, and on the go. 1. Cell Phones Your phone goes everywhere with you, from your desk to the grocery store and even the gym. Wipin

Every day, we touch countless surfaces without giving them much thought: door handles, shopping carts, keyboards, phones, and even our own faces. Along the way, germs can easily travel from one surface to another. The good news? Practicing good hand hygiene is one of the simplest ways to help reduce the spread of germs and protect yourself and those around you. Why Hand Hygiene Matters Our hands are constantly in contact with the world around us, making them one of the easi

As families head to pools, lakes, rivers, and water parks this summer, keeping children safe around water is a top priority. Many parents use arm floaties, inflatable rings, and pool noodles to help their children enjoy the water. However, it's important to understand that floaties and life jackets are not the same thing. Knowing the difference can help prevent accidents and keep your family safer during summer water activities. Understanding Floaties Floaties include items s

Summer means spending more time outdoors, but it also means increased exposure to mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. Most insect bites are harmless, but some can lead to infections or allergic reactions that require medical care. Common Symptoms of Insect Bites Most bites cause: Redness Itching Mild swelling Temporary discomfort These symptoms often improve within a few days. How to Treat Minor Insect Bites You can often manage mild symptoms by: Washing the area with soap

Sunburn is one of the most common summer health concerns. While many sunburns can be treated at home, some cases require medical attention. Understanding proper sunburn treatment can help protect your skin and prevent complications. What Causes Sunburn? Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation for too long. Symptoms may include: Redness Pain Warm skin Swelling Peeling More severe sunburns can cause blistering and illness. At-Home Sunburn Treatment

Swimming and water activities are a favorite part of summer, but they also come with risks. Practicing summer water safety can help prevent injuries and keep your family safe while enjoying pools, lakes, and water parks. Supervision Is Essential Never leave children unattended around water, even for a few moments. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Designate a responsible adult to supervise children whenever they are swimming. Choose Proper Safety Equipment Life jackets

Summer in New Mexico brings plenty of sunshine and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, high temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration if you're not careful. Knowing how to stay hydrated during summer is important for people of all ages, especially children, older adults, athletes, and outdoor workers. Why Hydration Matters Your body relies on water to regulate temperature, support digestion, transport nutrients, and maintain healthy organ function. When you lose

School is out, the weather is warmer, and children are spending more time outdoors enjoying everything summer has to offer. While summer is a season of fun and adventure, it can also bring an increased risk of injuries, dehydration, sunburns, insect bites, and common illnesses. Here are some simple ways parents can help keep their children healthy and safe all summer long. Stay Hydrated Children can become dehydrated more quickly than adults, especially during outdoor activit

Warmer weather often means more time outdoors, sports activities, travel, and family fun, but it can also lead to more minor injuries. While some bumps and scrapes can be treated at home, others may need medical attention. ☀️ Common Spring & Summer Injuries: Sprains or strains Minor cuts or lacerations Burns from grills, sun exposure, or hot surfaces Insect bites or stings Dehydration or heat exhaustion Falls or sports-related injuries 🏠 When Home Care May Be Enough: You may

If you’ve never been to urgent care before, you might not know what to expect. The good news? It’s designed to be simple, convenient, and accessible when you need care without the hassle of scheduling an appointment. 🚶‍♀️ Walk In, No Appointment Needed Urgent care centers are walk-in clinics, which means you can come in whenever it works best for you. Just check in at the front desk when you arrive. 📝 Quick Check-In Process You’ll be asked to provide basic information like:

🩺 Common Causes of a Sore Throat Not all sore throats are the same. The most common causes include: Viral infections (like the common cold or flu) Strep throat (a bacterial infection) Allergies or post-nasal drip Dry air or irritation Most sore throats are viral, which means antibiotics won’t help, but it’s important to rule out more serious causes. ⚠️ Signs It Might Be Strep Throat Strep throat can’t be diagnosed by symptoms alone, but these signs may point to it: Sudden,

A fever is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care—but not all fevers are dangerous. In many cases, a fever is simply your body’s natural response to an infection. However, there are times when a fever may signal something more serious. Here’s how to know when to monitor symptoms at home and when to seek medical care. 🌡️ What Is a Fever? A fever is generally defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher . It’s a sign that your immune system is wor

If you’re dealing with constant sneezing, itchy eyes, or unexplained skin reactions, allergies may be the cause. Allergy testing can help identify what’s triggering your symptoms so you can get the right treatment and relief. 🌼 What Are Allergies? Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a substance (called an allergen) that is usually harmless. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may affect your daily life. Common allergens include: Pollen (trees, gra

It’s easy to confuse the common cold and the flu, especially since they share many of the same symptoms. However, knowing the difference can help you decide how to treat your symptoms and when to seek medical care. 🤧 What Is the Common Cold? The common cold is a mild viral infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. Symptoms usually develop gradually and are generally not severe. Common cold symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat Mild cough Mild fatigu

Knowing where to go for medical care can save you time, money, and stress—especially when you’re not feeling well. While both walk-in clinics and emergency rooms provide important services, they are designed for different types of health concerns. This guide will help you understand when to visit a walk-in clinic and when a trip to the emergency room (ER) is the better choice. 🏥 When to Visit a Walk-In Clinic Walk-in clinics are ideal for non-life-threatening conditions th