We offer quality medical care when it’s inconvenient for you to get to your primary care provider or if your illness doesn’t warrant a trip to the ER.

Our extended evening hours, including weekends at select locations, make feeling better, more convenient, and more affordable, helping you get back on your feet.

Affordable and Convenient Care

Many conditions, like cold and flu or aches and sprains, don’t require an expensive trip to the hospital. If your situation isn’t life- or limb-threatening, you can be seen at one of our 10 locations. Click here to see a list of examples of the conditions we treat.

How Would you Like to be Seen?

With the kids back in school and busy fall days head, we’re here to help ensure that sickness doesn’t stop you in your tracks. We also offer Telemedicine appointments, which you can schedule online by clicking here.

Regardless of how you choose to be seen, regular office visit or Telemedicine, one of our providers will give you the care you need to get on with your busy life.

The post Now Open Later During the Week! appeared first on Quick Med Care.

It’s Good for your Body

Research on positive emotions is limited, as most research only looks at the impact of negative emotions and stress. The studies that we do have suggested many benefits to your health, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life.

Not to say that there isn’t a place in life for negative emotions, everything has a purpose in the right situations. The key is finding a balance between the two extremes.

The positive emotions fight against depressive symptoms and help alleviate people from stress, which there have been many studies done on the ailments it can cause.

Happy Actions Lead to Happy Thoughts

So how do I start living on the sunny side of life? Is it as easy as “think happy thoughts,” as Peter Pan would say? Taking walks in nature, meditation, and having an open and warmhearted mentality are some great starters to get your thoughts right.

Clearing your head of the everyday stressors and focusing on the beautiful things around you is an excellent start to getting on the right track to happiness.

Friends Help with Optimism

You can also reach out more often to your friends and family to feel more socially connected. Social connectivity gives our brains the warm fuzzy feelings without much effort, as you typically are happier around other people.

The psychological benefits of just having a brighter outlook make a big difference in your everyday life. You sleep better and maintain a higher level of antioxidants.

All you need to do is take some time to think about the positive things in your life and appreciate them. It becomes a habit before you know it, and you don’t even need to force it.

The post Think Positively. It Can Improve Your Health appeared first on Quick Med Care.

A restorative night’s sleep is a great way to keep nasty germs at bay. Your immune system relies on you getting around 7 hours’ sleep a night on a consistent basis to operate effectively.

A busy schedule of work, kids, plus more work, with a mix of daily stressors from the media, can sabotage your sleep and your well-being all at the same time. Mom is right – you need your beauty sleep, but your body can benefit from quality sleep in other ways too. That’s because sleep gives your body the time it needs to rest and recover.

Ever wonder why you’re tired when you’re sick? It’s no coincidence – you body craves that rest to heal itself. Now, we’re going to have a short science lesson to explain why sleep is important to maintain immunity from pathogens, like viruses.

Time for Immunology 101

The T cells in your body detect and combat infected cells, destroying them. What’s key is a sticky protein called integrin, which helps the T cell stick to the viral invader, killing it.

Numerous studies indicate that those of us who have a consistent sleep pattern have higher levels of this protein activated within our cells.

If the functioning of your T cells is not up to par, your body will have a harder time warding off disease. Better yet, your body remembers these invading pathogens, fighting them off in the future if you’re exposed to them a second time.

Sleep: The Foundation of Health

If you consistently have less than 5 hours’ sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. The good part is that you can make healthy choices to help your body get the restorative rest that it needs.

Try keeping stress in check by limiting time on social media or watching the news. Alternately, make the most of your time by catching up on reading; playing games with your kids; or finally get around to those tasks that are perpetually on your procrastination list, like bathing the dog.

A positive mindset during the day will make it easier for you to sleep at night.

The post Sleep Gives Your Body the Boost it Needs to Stay Healthy appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Now, throw in a pandemic and your world might be a little out of whack; however, it doesn’t have to be that way.

You are what you eat

Truth be told, there’s nothing wrong with “being” a hot dog with extra-spicy relish, but you probably don’t want to make that a dietary staple.

A lot of the canned and dried foods have flown off the shelves in the stores, but fresh produce is always an option too. Simply pick up some freezer bags and stow away produce that can’t be eaten in the foreseeable future.

If you have a blender, use some frozen fruit and dream up some of your own healthy smoothies. Don’t forget to name your concoctions and share them on Instagram for others to enjoy.

The stores are still open too, so there’s not reason at this point to squirrel away every canned good in sight. Try to shop smartly by making a list and planning out your menu for the week.

For our nervous snackers out there who require a great deal of crunch in their life, put down the high-sodium chips and MSG-sprinkled crackers. Opt for whole foods, like apples, cucumber, celery, and carrots. They’re better for your waistline and full of vitamins and minerals

Missing the gym, are we?

Now, if you’re missing the gym, there are options at home that will keep you in shape. Remember that you can still venture outside for a brisk walk or a run. If you’re feeling nostalgic, dust off your playlist from back in the day as motivation for a workout. Justin Timberlake will thank you.

There are plenty of exercises you can do in a small space that don’t require any equipment. Youtube has some great options, and you might even decide to keep up this routine once you resume your gym workouts.

Another great way to burn calories is to clean your house. We’re talking about moving furniture, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning out closets, power washing the house, and the list goes on. Just think how satisfying it will be to have your house so spotless. Reward yourself by laying on the couch and Netflixing.

Practice good sleep hygiene

Stressing about COVID-19 and its effect on your life may lead to bouts of sleeplessness. Put down digital devices and turn off your television a couple hours before bed.

If you’re stressed, keep a journal, talk to an old friend, or confide in fido. Dim your lights and do some quiet evening activities, like water your plants, brush your dog, do some yoga, or work on a puzzle.

Wait until you’re sufficiently sleepy before you go to bed to avoid onset insomnia. It’s to your detriment to lay in bed for hours, not sleeping, as your body will start to associate your bed with wakefulness.

Don’t ignore your health

It’s important to be mindful of how we think and feel during this unprecedented event in our lives. Take the time to organize all aspects of your life for optimal balance. Remember, we are all in this together, and nobody is alone.

If you’re feeling under the weather, please do not put off seeking medical care. Click here to schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers.

The post How to Stay Healthy During a Pandemic appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Flu season starts in October and runs through to the end of March; however, you can still catch the flu in the off-months. Because of this, it’s a good idea to take year-round measures to ensure optimal healthfulness, like thorough hand washing; proper sleep; nutritious meals; and a consistent exercise regimen.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop an immune response to the vaccine, making October is the best time to get vaccinated. Even if you’re not vaccinated prior to peak flu season, it’s still important to get a shot; particularly if you’re surrounded by sick individuals.

There’s a misconception that a flu shot can make you sick. Flu shots are comprised of an inactive virus, meaning that the virus present in the flu shot cannot infect you. However, it does take 2 weeks for the flu shot to offer protection, so it’s possible to contract the flu within this span of time. Moreover, it’s possible to catch a strain of the flu virus that’s not covered by the shot. The shot is a great defense against catching the flu, but it’s not perfect.

Side effects from getting a flu shot are minimal, and include headaches, nausea, fever, and soreness at the injection site. If you have an allergic reaction, your symptoms include hoarseness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips and eyes. In this type of situation, you should seek urgent care immediately.

There are tried-and-true steps you can take to remain healthy during flu season. Of course, getting a flu shot should be your go-to defense against developing the flu, but a comprehensive approach is best:

• Choose a flu shot option that fits your situation, like a “typical” flu vaccine; Flu Mist, which is a nasal spray; an egg-free flu vaccine if you have an egg allergy; or Fluzone, which is a high-dose version for individuals who are 65 years old or older.

• Wash your hands often throughout the day with warm soapy water.Refrain from touching your eyes, mouth or nose without first washing your hands.

• Do not share cups or utensils.

• Make healthy Lifestyle Choices by eating a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, and exercising regularly.

Stay healthy this flu season and be proactive in your approach to staving off the influenza virus, not only during its most active months, but year-round. Click here to find your closest Quick Care Med location.

The post How to Decrease your Chances of Getting the Flu appeared first on Quick Med Care.

When you are feeling terrible, your first thought is usually “How do I get better?” Whether what you’re feeling is a common cold, or the flu, seems like a formality. However, it could be an important distinction, especially if you are one of the millions of Americans at risk for complications.

Both the common cold and the flu are viral infections that can spread quickly, especially through close contact. Because both are viral, antibiotics will not be effective and will not be prescribed. However, a Quick Care Med provider may be able to help you by treating the symptoms, and by ensuring there is nothing more serious going on.

Common Cold Symptoms

A cold can make you feel miserable. The good news is that should only last a few days to a week. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you probably have a cold:
• The initial symptom for most people is a sore throat. This usually only lasts for the first day or two
• A stuffy, runny nose usually follows, along with nasal congestion
• Mild body aches and/or fatigue are common
• Adults will rarely have a fever. A low-grade fever may be present in children
• A cough may develop 3 to 5 days into the cold

You do not need to see a medical professional for a cold unless it persists for more than a week. At that point, if symptoms are not improving, or are getting worse, you may have developed a bacterial infection, and you should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a more serious viral infection that can progress to other illnesses, like pneumonia, especially if you are in one of the at-risk categories – the very young, the very old, and anyone who has a weakened immune system. The flu should be closely monitored in at-risk patients, or anyone who is getting worse over time. Symptoms of the flu include:
• The illness comes on suddenly
• Moderate to severe body aches and fatigue
• Fever, especially above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Exhaustion, especially during the first few days
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Diarrhea and vomiting (mainly in children)

If you visit a Quick Care Med provider within the first two days of the beginning of flu symptoms, the provider may be able to prescribe antiviral medication, which has been shown to have an impact on the severity of symptoms, and can also shorten the number of days you are sick with the flu. Those most at risk for complications should begin the antivirals whether or not they are within the two-day symptom period.
If you start to experience shortness of breath, or if your fever returns after being gone for a few days, see a provider right away as this could point to pneumonia.

Home Care for Cold and Flu

The following home care might help to relieve symptoms during your recovery:
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen, for body aches and pains
• Gargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat or earaches
• Drink lots of fluids, and REST
• Use a nasal rinse or saline drops
• Use a mentholated topical ointment to help with breathing
• Employ a vaporizer or humidifier
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are not recommended for young children, but can be used to manage the symptoms of adults

Your Quick Care Med providers can perform tests to determine which treatments need to be administered, and how to get you back on your feet in no time!

The post Congestion, Runny Nose, and a Cough? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Ear infections occur when the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid is trapped behind the ear drum. An ear infection often occurs alongside a cold, the flu, or some other type of respiratory illness, but it is possible to get an ear infection without any of these other issues present.

The ear is connected to the upper respiratory system by a pathway known as the Eustachian Tube. Because of this connection, when harmful germs grow in the nose or sinus cavity, they can travel up that tube to the middle ear. It is also common for the Eustachian Tube to become swollen or blocked, which will trap fluid in the ear where it will become stagnant and grow bacteria.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection in Infants and Children

Infants and young children cannot tell us they are having ear troubles, so watch for these symptoms:
• Irritability, and overall restlessness
• Excessive crying, especially when lying down
• Tugging or pulling the ear
• Fever
• Ear drainage
• Lack of appetite

Symptoms of an Ear Infection in Adults:

While less common, adults can also get ear infections. Watch for these signs:
• A sharp, stabbing pain, or a constant, dull pain, in the ear
• Hearing like you are under water
• Feeling like the ear is full
• Nausea
• Drainage from the ear

When to Seek Medical Advice

It is always better to seek professional medical advice when suffering from an ear infection. However, some ear infections will go away without treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, Quick Med Care is here to help:
• Any potential ear infection in an infant or child should be evaluated. More serious infections, or even hearing loss, can occur when ear infections are not treated
• If body temperature rises above 100.4
• Hearing seems to be affected
• Your child develops a stiff neck or becomes lethargic

Treatment Options

Only a qualified medical professional can determine whether or not there is an ear infection, and what has caused it.
Some ear infections are caused by a virus, and will just require waiting the virus out.
Those ear infections thought to be caused by bacteria will be treated with antibiotics.

Ways to Relieve Symptoms at Home

Ear infections can be very painful. To feel better quicker, try these tips:
• Lie on a heating pad, set on the lowest setting, or apply a warm compress
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. Follow dosing directions carefully for children
• Gargling with salt water can help clear the Eustachian Tubes
• Keep the air around you clean. Smokers with ear infections should refrain from smoking as much as possible, and children with ear infections should be kept away from second-hand smoke

As always, visit your nearest Quick Care Med location – we’re there when you need us!

The post It’s the Weekend, and Your Child is Crying Non-Stop with Ear Pain? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Whether you’ve suffered a bad sunburn, been scalded by hot liquid, or burned your arm on the BBQ grill, each and every burn should be carefully monitored.

Determining if you need to seek medical attention for a burn is difficult because they do tend to hurt badly, and for a long time. To help us with this, doctors classify burns based on degrees – the higher the degree of the burn, the more likely medical attention is necessary.

Two exceptions to this rule exist:

1) If any type of burn happens to someone very young or very old, a medical professional should be consulted.

2) If any type of burn covers a large area, especially a sensitive one, such as the face, groin, or buttocks, this should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Burns by Degree

The degree of the burn is determined by how much of the skin is damaged.

• First-degree burns only damage the outer layer of skin. The first-degree burn will be painful and red, but won’t have blisters. Most sunburns are first-degree burns. Many first-degree burns can be treated at home.
• Second-degree burns are often identified by the blisters that form on the skin. With second-degree burns, both the top layer of skin, and the layer underneath (the dermis) are damaged. Skin will often be swollen, and appear red, shiny, and wet. Quick Care Med providers can evaluate your burn and recommend treatment.
• Third-degree burns have damaged two full layers of skin, and likely destroyed nerve endings. Instead of red, this type of burn will often be brown, white, or yellow. Due to the destroyed nerves, the burn will not hurt as much as the first two, but will require treatment at an emergency room
• Fourth-degree burns are the most serious and are life-threatening. This type of burn not only destroys skin, but also muscles, tendons, and bones.

Treatment for Burns

• For treatment of minor, or first-degree burns, run the burn under cool water for five to 15 minutes, or apply a cool compress to the burn
• Antibiotic ointment may be applied to the burn
• DO NOT USE ice, butter, or other oils on the burn
• Cream containing aloe may help soothe the burning feeling
• Cover the burn with a non-stick gauze
• DO NOT pop blisters. If blisters pop on their own, clean the area, apply antibiotic ointment and keep covered
• Take over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain
Always keep an eye out for infections. If a burn is oozing, getting redder, or appears to be getting worse, visit Quick Care Med right away for assistance.

A Note About Sunburn

Many think of sunburn as just a part of living in Florida, but sunburns can be severe just like any other type of burn.
If a sunburn blisters, or is accompanied by fever and chills, it should be evaluated and treated by a Quick Care Med provider.

To avoid sunburn:

• Apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF AT LEAST 20 MINUTES before going outside. Sunscreen takes that long to soak into your skin and offer protection. If you apply sunscreen once you’re outside, you can burn in the 20 minutes it takes for it to begin working. Reapply after swimming or every 2 hours
• Wear protective clothing whenever you have to be in the sun. Hats with wide brims, gauzy, breathable fabrics, and sunglasses will help protect you from the harmful rays
• Avoid being in direct sunlight when the sun is directly overhead – between the hours of 10am and 3pm
• Remember that sunburn can occur even on cloudy days, so if you’re outside, it’s best to be protected

The post Does This Burn Require Medical Treatment? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Strep Throat Symptoms

• Pain in your throat that is significant and came on quickly
• A fever, especially with a temperature 101 degrees or higher
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen tonsils, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• A throat that appears inflamed and has white or yellow spots
Less-common symptoms may include:
• Body aches, stomach aches, or chills
• Nausea and vomiting (present mostly in children)
• Rash
• Loss of appetite

If you have a sore throat accompanied by cold or flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose or nasal congestion, coughing, or sneezing, you most likely do not have strep throat. However, if pain in the throat lasts a few days, it’s still best to have it checked out.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection, but it is still contagious. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breaths, tiny droplets of the bacteria are released into the air. These droplets can be breathed in by another, or can settle on surfaces that, when touched, can transfer the bacteria onto the hands.
Strep throat is most common in the late fall and early spring when children are spending the greatest amount of time inside.

Treatment for Strep Throat

A Quick Care Med provider can determine whether or not you have strep throat in about 10 minutes using a simple, in-office test.

If strep throat is confirmed, you will be given antibiotics to help you start to feel better, and to stop the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

You can try these remedies at home while waiting for the antibiotics to work:
• Take over-the-counter Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen to control the fever
• Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest (it is best to stay home as you will still be contagious for the first 24 hours after starting antibiotics
• Use a humidifier to keep air moist
• Gargle with warm salt water, as needed
• Use over-the-counter throat spray or drops
• Eat soft foods that don’t further irritate the throat

The post Painful Throat or Trouble Swallowing? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Allergies are very common. According to WebMD, 1 in 5 Americans suffers from some sort of allergy. And just because you were not allergic to something in the past, does not mean you are not allergic to it now.

What is an allergy?

Our bodies are designed to protect themselves from anything harmful that enters, or comes in contact with the skin. Allergies occur when the body mistakes the normal material for something dangerous, and reacts by releasing a chemical known as histamine. Too much histamine produces the allergy symptoms we experience.

Some allergic reactions can be very quick and hardly noticeable, and will go away once the allergen is removed. Others will stick around and make the body miserable. The most severe type of allergic reaction is known as anaphylactic shock, and this type of reaction can be very dangerous of even deadly.

Common allergy symptoms include:

-Itchy/Watery eyes

-Nasal drainage and/or itchy nose

-Sneezing

-Hives or skin rash

-Feeling overly tired/ill

More severe reactions could suggest your body is experiencing anaphylaxis, and require immediate medical treatment. These include:

-Chest tightness/wheezing/shortness of breath

-Nausea or vomiting

-Tingling in the lips, scalp, feet, or hands

-All-over itchiness or hives

-Swelling of the tongue or throat

If you experience any of these symptoms, and have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it immediately, then call 911. It is important to seek medical assistance even after you have administered the medicine, and even if you feel better, because symptoms may return.

Common allergens

While it is possible to be allergic to almost anything, there are some common categories and triggers. These include:

-Food allergies – peanuts, eggs, shellfish, milk, gluten

-Airborne allergens – Mold, dust mites, animal dander, pollen

-Skin – certain textiles, types of plants, latex

-Medicines – most commonly penicillin

-Insect bites or stings – bee stings, fire ant bites

-Allergy Treatments

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with allergies, the good news is there are several good treatments available. Although there is no cure for allergies, you can feel better with the right combination of treatments.

-Medications, such as antihistamines, either over-the-counter or from your doctor

-Nasal sprays and eye drops

-Allergy shots

-The use of air purifiers or dehumidifiers

-Mattress pads and pillow covers

-Try to “allergy-proof” your environment as much as possible

It goes without saying that it is always best to try to avoid the allergen whenever possible. In the real world, that’s often impossible. Therefore, if you are prone to severe allergic reactions, be sure to have your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, and inform those around you of your condition in case you are unable to speak up in an emergency.

The post Sneezing, Itchy Eyes, and a Runny Nose that Won’t Quit? appeared first on Quick Med Care.