Hearts are all a flutter around Valentine’s Day. Solantic Baptist Urgent Care and the American Heart Association want to make sure yours stays in top condition so that you and the ones who love you can rest assured. That’s why the AHA named February “American Heart Month.” It’s also why Solantic offers wellness exams and physicals that include heart health checks like EKGs and pulmonary function tests. According the AHA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control:

Solantic Baptist Urgent Care offers tailored physicals to help make sure you're in good heart health.

• Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men in the United States, killing about a half million people each year;
• Each year, more than a million Americans have heart attacks In fact, the first cardiac symptom experienced by 71% of the population will be a heart attack, and one victim out of three will die;
• 90% of Women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease;
• More than 82 million American adults – one in three people – are estimated to have one or more types of cardiovascular disease;
• About 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day. That’s an average of one death every 39 seconds;
• Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among women 20 and older, killing about one woman every minute;
• More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

To help keep your ticker going strong schedule regular physicals at your nearest Solantic Baptist Urgent Care center. We offer a range of age-specific physicals, including several designed specifically for athletes and executives. And we can tailor a wellness plan that addresses your unique health need and risks. Visit our website to find an urgent care center near you and register online for quicker service. No appointment is ever necessary and we’re open evenings and weekends to accommodate your busy schedule.

When an infection of most any sort occurs, the first thought often is to load up on antibiotics. But an antibiotic is not always the answer, and can even cause further harm if used incorrectly, say physicians at Solantic Baptist Urgent Care.

Antibiotics may not always be the answer to an illness. Solantic Baptist Urgent Care explains why.

An antibiotic is a strong medication used for treating infections, including many potentially fatal contagious diseases. While knowing what conditions an antibiotic will effectively treat is important and potentially life-saving, knowing what an antibiotic won’t help is just as critical. Antibiotics are effective only against infections caused by bacteria. They offer no help against infections caused by viruses, including the common cold, flu, most coughs and sore throats. Here are a few helpful tips for knowing when you may need an antibiotic:

Cough or bronchitis: The vast majority of coughs and cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses. But a lingering illness or a problem with your lungs can be a red flag warning of a bacterial infection. If an illness won’t go away after about two weeks, head to your nearest urgent care clinic and be sure to tell your physician exactly how long you’ve been sick.

Sinus infections: Most sinus infections are viral. But if an infection that lingers after about 10 days may be bacterial. Other tell-tale signs of a possible bacterial sinus infection include a fever of higher than 101 degrees; facial pain or pain in the upper teeth; a dark, thick, yellow-green nasal discharge; and a lessening, then worsening of symptoms.

Sore throat: Again, a virus is the most likely culprit of a sore throat. The most common exception is strep throat, caused by the bacteria streptococcus. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, sudden fever, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck, a red throat dotted with white patches, abnormal taste, joint stiffness and muscle pain. Your doctor will need to take a swab of your throat for testing to determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

Ear infections: Ear infections can be either viral or bacterial. However, in the past, many physicians have been quick to prescribe antibiotics for nearly all ear infection cases – a serious issue because the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Today, antibiotics are prescribed for treatment of ear infections primarily when the patient is younger than two and/or has a fever or other illness symptoms.

If a doctor prescribes you or your child an antibiotic for any condition, be sure that you complete the entire prescribed course of medication, even if you feel better before the medication is gone. The entire course is needed to kill any bacteria in your body that could become resistant to antibiotics. For this same reason, do not take an antibiotic left over from a prior illness.

If you have any of the conditions or symptoms listed, head to your nearest Solantic Baptist Urgent Care center to see a physician today. No appointment is necessary, but registering online before you leave your home or office can help minimize your wait time.

When you say “upper respiratory illness,” most people automatically think of stuffy noses and watery eyes. Few associate a sore throat with the same term, but the fact is that a sore throat is a key indicator of several upper respiratory illnesses. Solantic Baptist Urgent Care wants to make sure you’re aware that a raw, itchy throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition.

A sore throat can be caused by a simple irritant or a much more severe medical condition.

Acute Bronchitis: Acute Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tree, made up of the tubes that carry air into your lungs. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, chest congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, chills, body aches and a cough that can bring up a clear, yellow or green mucus and may last for several weeks after other symptoms have cleared up. Most cases of acute bronchitis simply run their course and disappear. Rest, lots of water, a humidifier and over -the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain medications can help you manage the symptoms. A cough suppressant is recommended only if your cough is dry. As uncomfortable as it may be, a cough that produces mucus will help speed your recovery. A cough that persists after several weeks, however, may be a sign of a more severe condition like pneumonia or asthma.

Tonsillitis & Strep Throat: Tonsillitis is a bacterial or viral infection of the tonsils, located at the back of your mouth on each side of your throat. The infection causes the tonsils to swell. Symptoms of tonsillitis and strep throat are very similar. They include fever, headache, white patches in your throat or on your tonsils, pain when you swallow, red and swollen tonsils, swollen and sore glands in your jaw and throat, abdominal pain and vomiting. But strep throat, caused specifically by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus, differs in that if it isn’t treated, it can result in kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to a rash, inflamed joints and, in severe cases, damage to heart valves. So, if there is any indication of either of these conditions, head to your nearest Solantic urgent care center.

Mononucleosis: Mononucleosis, informally known as “mono,” is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and accompanied by a sore throat that may last for 1 to 4 weeks. Other symptoms include swollen glands in your neck and armpits, fever, headache and exhaustion.

A simple sore throat also can be caused by irritants such as smoking, breathing polluted air and allergies to pollens, molds and pet dander. But if yours is accompanied by other symptoms, you may want to stop in to your nearest urgent care clinic. There, a physician can run tests to determine whether your sore throat is caused by bronchitis, tonsillitis, strep throat, mono or another viral or bacterial condition. Solantic Baptist Urgent Care has locations throughout Florida, open evenings and weekends with no appointment necessary.

For most pet owners, Fido and Fluffy are nothing less than four-legged family members whose unconditional love helps make our every day. But urgent care centers nationwide have treated more than a few pet lovers who present with conditions caused by dogs, cats and other domesticated animals. Pets’ claws, pads and fur can harbor bacterial, viral and fungal infections picked up simply by walking in a park, playing with other animals or rooting through trash to seek out a tasty treat. Protecting yourself and your pets can keep you both healthy.

Solantic Baptist Urgent Care Center offers tips to help keep your family - including its four-legged members - healthy.

The two most common pet-prompted conditions that could send a two-legged to the nearest urgent care center are worms and ringworms. Called “larval migrans” by veterinarians, worms are found in the intestinal tract and are eliminated via feces. A case of the worms can be caused by touching feces while cleaning out your cat’s litter box or your pup’s accident, or even simply by touching soil contaminated by feces. If you fail to wash your hands after cleaning up feces, holding your pet or doing yard work in areas where your pet may have defecated, you may accidentally ingest worm eggs.  Gone unchecked, this can cause damage to your eyes, lungs, brain and other internal organs.

Pets can carry and transmit ringworm and other fungal injections in their fur. This is important to remember especially if you have cats, as they are more apt than dogs to carry fungus on their fur, but show no symptoms. Dogs, however, do exhibit signs of fungal infections including hair loss and round, raised lesions on the skin. Humans exhibit similar signs, including a raised, circular lesion that is red, inflamed, often appearing flaky and nearly always quite itchy. Pets also can harbor bacterial in their claws that can be transmitted to you through scratches or broken skin, causing infections.

Protecting yourself and your pets can be as simple as washing your hands after handling your pet or cleaning up after them. Getting your pet de-wormed regularly and giving them preventative medications can help you both avoid health woes.

Of course, pet ownership comes with health benefits aplenty as well. Multiple medical studies have shown that hypertensive patients who own cats or dogs were less likely to experience spikes in blood pressure and heart rate prompted by tension and stress than were those who did not have pets. Research also shows that pet owners are better able to deal with stress and fend off depression, and are more likely to exercise. Walking, running and playing Frisbee help keep both your pets and you in shape.

If you believe you may be affected by pet-related condition, visit your nearest Solantic Baptist Urgent Care walk-in clinic.

Winter is a busy season for urgent care clinics and doctors’ offices everywhere. Cold temperatures keep many inside for a few extra hours. All that close-quarters togetherness means viruses are handed off at greater rates than in the summertime, when people are enjoying the great outdoors. And cold-weather indulgences like wood-burning fireplaces can trigger respiratory problems.

To help keep you and your family healthy throughout the winter, Solantic Baptist Urgent Care offers preventative tips to guard against the most common cold season illnesses:

Make sure you have a healthy winter season with a visit to your nearest Solantic Baptist Urgent Care clinic.

Common Cold: Statistics show there’s a 99% chance your child will catch a cold each winter season. In fact, young kids typically get three to 10 colds each year and as you know – there is no cure outside of letting it run its course. To help dodge a cold or quicken your recovery from one keep your natural resistance through good nutrition, exercise and plenty of restorative sleep. Dry air dries out and cracks mucous membranes in your nose and throat, creating entry points for cold viruses, so turn your thermostat down a few notches and keep the humidity up in your home or office. Avoid direct contact with others who already have colds and wash up to your hands frequently.

Influenza: The flu is another tough one to dodge, especially for kids and the elderly. Up to 40 percent of all children will get hit with the flu each year. For higher risk patients including elders and people with chronic health problems, the flu can lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia. In fact, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. (including 20,000 children) are hospitalized with flu-related complications annually and flu-related deaths number in the thousands each year. Solantic Baptist Urgent Care urges you to get your flu vaccinations early, before flu season hits hard. We know – nobody likes a shot! The good news: Only one flu vaccine is needed for the 2010-2011 influenza season. Last season, different vaccines were needed to help prevent both seasonal influenza and the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. This year’s seasonal flu vaccine protects against three strains of the flu including H1N1.

Stomach Flu: Also called “Viral Gastroenteritis,” this stomach bug typically hits a full 90 percent of kids at least once by age four. But thanks to the relatively new RotaTeq oral vaccine (save for babies two months and older) 79 percent fewer children fall ill with the stomach flu each year since the FDA’s 2007 approval.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV causes common cold symptoms and triggers bronchiolitis (an infection of the small airways) in 40 percent of cases. This adds wheezing, rapid breathing and a persistent cough to RSV’s common cold-like symptoms. It’s contagious during the four- to six-day incubation period, plus three to eight days afterward and may require inhaled medication or hospitalization. Air irritants worsen RSV symptoms, so avoid exposure to wood-burning fireplaces, cigarette smoke and strongly scented lotions and perfumes.

Roseola: Unfortunately, there is no preventative vaccine for this rash-causing illness that comes with a fever, cough and often, diarrhea. Avoid exposure to those who may be infected and insist on good hygiene practices.

To ensure you and your family are ready for the winter season, stop by your nearest Solantic Baptist Urgent Care clinic for all your seasonal vaccinations. If an illness hits, Solantic is open evenings and weekends and you never need an appointment.

Halloween is a favorite holiday among both kids and adults, and Solantic Baptist Urgent Care wants to make sure yours is more treat than trick. Dressing up in elaborate costumes, decking out your yard or home in hauntingly cool decorations and, of course, stuffing your face with sweet treats – who can resist? As enjoyable as each of these Halloween traditions is, each also poses health and safety risks. In fact, statistics show that from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. each October 31, there is a considerable risk in falls, burns and pedestrian accidents. Child pedestrian accidents are more than twice as likely to occur on Halloween as on any other night of the year according to Safe Kids USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries.

To help keep your Halloween festivities rockin’ Solantic Baptist Urgent Care offers these tips:

Incidents of child injuries from tripping, burn-related accidents and pedestrian accidents more than double on Halloween night compared to any other night of the year. Solantic Baptist Urgent Care offers tips for a safe and healthy Halloween.

• - Help your child choose a costume that’s both fun and safe. Check the label to ensure materials are fireproof or treated with a fire retardant. If you opt for a homemade costume and you’re unsure whether the materials are fireproof, use a fire retardant spray.
• - Choose close-fitting costumes. Flowing fabrics increase injury risks from tripping or catching fire if the costume grazes a flame.
• - Instruct your kids to stay clear of candle-lit luminaries and jack-o- lanterns to avoid potential burns – even if costumes are marked fireproof. You can never be too safe when it comes to fire. If you’re doing the decorating, use glow sticks or battery-operated lights rather than flames.
• - Choose masks with eye holes that are large enough to allow full peripheral vision – especially if you’ll be out trick-or-treating and crossing streets.
• - Make sure that props such as knives, pitchforks and even magic wands have smooth tips and are flexible and light-weight.
• - Work reflector strips, a flash light or light stick into your child’s costume to make it more visible at night. Not only will this assure that drivers see your child, but it will help you keep an eye on him/her while trick-or-treating.
• - Fill your children’s tummies with a healthy meal or snack before trick-or-treating to ensure they won’t be tempted to munch candies along the way. In fact, instruct them to wait until they get home and allow you to inspect their loot before digging in.
• - When checking their trick-or-treat bags, throw away anything unwrapped and check for treats with ingredients to which your child may be allergic including chocolate or nuts.
• - While there’s not much healthy about candy in general, some candies are healthier than others. Dark chocolate, sugar-free gums and candies, and unopened granola, fruit and nut bars are great choices.
• - To help avoid a candy-gorging tummy ache and instill a sense of good will, convince your children to split their trick-or-treat candy with a charitable organization. Children staying at homeless shelters or domestic abuse centers often are unable to enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating. Sharing will not only make a less fortunate child’s day, but your children may find they truly enjoy and are proud of making a charitable and socially responsible choice.

In case your child does fall victim to a Halloween hazard, make sure you know the location and hours of your nearest walk-in Solantic Baptist Urgent Care clinic or hospital emergency room.

As kids and college students head back to campus, Solantic Baptist Urgent Care and the America Occupational Therapy Association are urging parents and youngsters to pay close attention to the loads of books, school supplies and gadgets they’re carrying in their backpacks. September 16 is National School Backpack Awareness Day and the ATOA is encouraging schools to hold backpack weigh-ins and other awareness events. Studies show that heavy backpacks, unevenly distributed weight loads and backpacks worn incorrectly are notorious for causing long term back and shoulder pain, muscle spasms and torn tendons. Backpacks worn with uneven straps can affect balance, which can result in urgent care needs such as twisted ankles.

A great tell-tale clue for parents: if your child tends to lean forward while wearing his or her backpack, it’s too heavy. Other signs are red marks on the shoulders, muscle spasms and tingling or numbness in the arms. A few tips:

Heavy backpacks, purses and laptop bags can cause neck, shoulder and back problems among other orthpedic health woes.

• Make sure your child is using a backpack that’s right for his size.
• Look for backpacks with pockets that help evenly distribute weight.
• A child’s backpack weight should be no more than 20 percent of his body weight according to the American Society of Orthopedics. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends going even lighter – 10-15 percent.
• Look for backpacks with shoulder straps and make sure the straps are adjusted evenly and tight enough that the backpack doesn’t hang loose – even if your kid complains that it looks “dorky.”
• Take out all unnecessary items, including all those electronic gadgets not allowed at school anyway.
• If your child is loaded down with books, he may have to carry a few by hand. If possible, purchase a second set of text books to keep at home.
• Encourage your child to place books in lockers between classes if time permits.
• Rolling backpacks might be an option if your child does not have to climb stairways to get to class, but can pose a tripping hazard for other students if hallways are overcrowded.
• When packing, make sure that the heaviest books and items are placed closest to your child’s back, as the middle of the back is where the strongest muscles are located.

Of course, these issues aren’t just about school backpacks. Those celebrity-inspired oversized purses and heavy laptop cases also can cause neck, back and shoulder strain. Carrying a heavy purse or bag over one shoulder causes the user to totally shift the body’s stance. Over time, this can shorten the muscles, resulting in a twisted or lop-sided body position. Heavy shoulder bags also strain muscles that exit the neck and continue down the shoulder, which can lead to arthritis. Orthopedic experts recommend minimizing your load, opting for a stylish rucksack instead of a purse or using wearing a long-strapped purse across your body, and using a rolling laptop bag, laptop backpack or contoured laptop bag that fits the shape of your body.

Visit Soltantic Baptist Urgent Care for all your back-to-school health need including school and sports physicals and immunizations.

Since news of the tragic explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon and the resulting BP oil spill hit, concerns about health risks associated with oil exposure have taken center stage in the media. Florida urgent care facilities are getting lots of calls from both coastal residents and would-be vacationers worried about whether the Sunshine State’s beaches are safe to swim in, the air is safe to breath and the seafood is safe to eat.

Health advisories have been issued at beaches in three Florida gulf counties as a result of the BP oil spill.

When it comes to needing urgent care, Florida beaches in three counties could pose a risk. The state’s Division of Health has issued impact notices for fifteen beaches in Escambia, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Tar balls, tar mats and a light, oily sheen have been spotted along these beaches in the water and in the sands. While there have not yet been any reports of major illnesses or injuries caused by contact with tar, oil or dispersant deposits found in Florida, prolonged contact can cause health problems that could carry long-term impacts.

The most common urgent care risk Florida beach-goers face is respiratory problems induced by odors and fumes given off by oil and toxic oil dispersants. Nasal irritation and nausea may occur, particularly in people with seasonal allergies, sensitivity to pollen or pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. If you experience this, leave the area immediately, avoid strenuous activity and get to an air-conditioned space. If symptoms worsen, go to the nearest Florida urgent care clinic immediately. Seafood purchased at restaurants and markets have been sampled and deemed safe. But NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) just recently expanded the no-fishing zone and various agencies have differing standards of safety. Petroleum contamination (whether by touching, ingesting or inhaling) is known to cause cancer and neurological conditions down the road.

To minimize your potential health risk while visiting beaches in Florida, Solantic Urgent Care and the Florida DOH offer these tips:

- Avoid wading or swimming, skiing or using personal water craft in oil-affected areas;
- If your skin comes in contact with an oil product, quickly wash it with grease-cutting liquid dishwashing detergent and water;
- Avoid contact with oil and oily materials spotted in the water or on the beach. Note that items such as tar balls may be buried beneath the sand, so be careful digging your feet into the sand and closely watch children digging holes and building sand castles (in fact, young children age five and younger should be kept from affected areas altogether);
- Do not collect tar balls or other items for souvenirs;
- Do not pick up oil product to throw in the trash. Instead, notify local officials. Only trained community workers are authorized to remove and dispose of oil product from Florida’s beaches;
- Avoid contact with dead or dying fish or other aquatic life that may be impacted by the oil. If you see an animal in distress, call (866) 557-1401;
- Do not boat through oil slicks or sheens and exercise caution when hoisting boat anchors from waters that may be affected;
- Young children (five and younger), pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and pets should not visit oil-affected areas.

If you believe you are suffering a medical condition from contact with oil products or fumes, head to your nearest Florida Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care clinic.

If you’re looking for a way to get in shape without straining your wallet, Solantic Baptist Urgent Care suggests small group fitness training. June’s end marks the year’s half-way point and most have long ago skipped out on their New Year’s resolutions. This year, many are blaming the tight economy for their fitness woes. But imagine sharing the costs of getting fit while enjoying the added benefits of a support system. That’s the beauty of small group fitness training programs popping up all across the nation. Multiple participants keep costs down. And having someone share your fitness journey can make it easier, more fun and more effective. Statistics show that fitness partners can help encourage all participants to stick to the program, even as it gets tougher.

Small group fitness training programs are an affordable way to get in great shape. Visit your nearest Solantic urgent care clinic to make sure you're ready for a new fitness routine.

The recession is affecting the physical health of thousands of people forced to forego fitness training because of financial difficulties. And it’s affecting the financial health of personal fitness trainers and gyms. Small group fitness training programs are proving to be the answer for both parties. Many of these programs are known as “fitness boot camps.” They can take place inside gyms or community centers, or outside, utilizing parks, beaches, even parking lots as fitness obstacle courses.

One attractive feature of small group fitness training is the range of workout types. Popular workouts today include:

- Zumba, which involves Latin beats and salsa-inspired moves;
- Cardio Hula Hoop, using weighted hoops to help whittle your waist, flatten your abs and boost your muscle tone;
- Cardio Pole Dancing for those who want to put a little spice into their workouts while building upper body and core strength and toning legs;
- Punk Rope, which centers on jumping rope to punk rock tunes;
- Forza, a Samurai-inspired core workout that involves thrusting, chopping and slicing your way through core, shoulder, arm and leg training using wooden swords.

Solantic Baptist Urgent Care recommends you undergo a physical examination before taking on a new workout program. We offer age-appropriate basic physicals that help you determine your current health and fitness level so that you can make an informed decision about your new exercise plan. Also, if you or your child plans to participate in school or collegiate sports come the new school year / fall semester, Solantic Baptist Urgent Care centers offer school / sports physicals required by many athletic governing bodies and in some cases, by state law.

To prepare for your new workout program, visit your nearest Solantic urgent care clinic today. No appointment is necessary and your insurance company may reimburse you all or part of your physical cost.

June 6-12 is dubbed “Sun Safety Week” nationwide, but living here in the Sunshine State makes it all the more important. Each summer, Solantic Baptist Urgent Care sees multiple patients with painfully severe sunburns or sun poisoning, an allergic reaction to the sun also called “photodermatitis.” This time of year, students of all ages are out of school on summer break and vacationing or weekending adults are looking for a little R&R. What better place to relax, recreate and have some fun than Florida’s sandy, sunny beaches. But if you’re not careful, you could end up back indoors nursing a painful condition for the remainder of your time off.

Solantic Baptist Urgent Care and the Sun Safety Alliance offer tips to "block the sun - not the fun!"

With a typical sunburn, your skin will take on a not-so-flattering shade rather than the bronze glow flaunted by swimsuit models fronting bottles of sun screen. It likely will itch and eventually peel. Chances are, you’ve had lots of experience with those. But severe sunburn may also bring small blisters that can become infected and require topical treatments. And if your day in the sun ends with nausea, fever, headache, dizziness, fluid loss and / or electrolyte imbalance, chances are you’ve got a case of sun poisoning. In this case, head to your nearest Solantic Baptist Urgent Care Center for treatment as soon as possible. If your condition worsens into extreme pain or vomiting, or if your fever tops 104 degrees, we’ll get you to an emergency room where you may need IV fluids to restore your hydration. A physician may also prescribe an oral steroid to reduce inflammation.

Solantic Baptist Urgent Care and the Sun Safety Alliance offer a few tips for avoiding and treating sunburns and sun poisoning:

- Keep covered whether you’re sunbathing or playing sports. Don a wide-brimmed hat and smooth on a sun block of at least SPF 30. Know that different beaches have different colored sands that reflect the sun in various intensities. The whiter the sand, the worse you’re liable to burn.

- Insect repellants can reduce your sunscreen’s SPF by 1/3rd, so up your SPF if you plan to use both a sunscreen and bug spray.

- Don’t count on just one slathering of the sun block. Reapply after dips in the water or playing sports. Be sure to reapply sun block to children’s skin even more often – especially rambunctious little ones who run, splash and play a lot.

- Seek the shade, especially between 10 am and 4pm when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.

- If you do get a sunburn that causes mild discomfort, drink lots of water and apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling or itching. Apply aloe and avoid oils, fragrances and exfoliants. Take aspirin or beta-carotene supplements to ward off pain and inflammation.

- For a more painful sunburn, soak for a bit in cool (not cold) water and pat, don’t rub your skin dry. Up your water intake and, if nausea hits, head to the urgent care center or emergency room.

- Keep in mind that a sunburn is more than a temporary nuisance. Each one makes you more likely to develop skin cancer in the long run.

Remember the Sun Safety Alliance’s motto: “Block the sun – not the fun!”