Recent Articles

from Sand Canyon Urgent Care
Dec 21
0
Prescription Antibiotics

Antibiotics: What You Should Know 

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Antibiotics stand as a remarkable achievement in modern medicine, serving as potent defenders against bacterial infections. While they offer relief and healing, it’s crucial to understand that antibiotics may not always be the universal solution. Here are key considerations for you and your loved ones the next time a doctor suggests antibiotics.

 

  1. Unintended Consequences: Antibiotics and Gut Health

Antibiotics, in their mission to combat bacterial infections, don’t discriminate between harmful and beneficial bacteria. Alongside addressing the infection, they can unintentionally eliminate good bacteria, leading to common side effects like upset stomachs and diarrhea. To counteract this, consider supplementing your diet with probiotics.

 

  1. Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Concern

Bacteria possess a remarkable ability to adapt and survive. Over time, exposure to specific antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant strains. This resistance poses a challenge as some infections evolve, rendering commonly used antibiotics less effective. Understanding this dynamic emphasizes the importance of responsible antibiotic use and finishing the whole course of antibiotics when prescribed.

 

  1. Diagnostic Challenges: Bacterial vs. Viral Infections

Distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections isn’t always straightforward. Symptoms may appear similar, yet the treatment approaches differ significantly. If you or your loved ones are experiencing mild symptoms, consider discussing with your doctor whether waiting a couple of days is prudent before opting for antibiotics. Viral infections like the common cold and COVID-19 are viral and do not respond to antibiotic treatment. 

 

  1. Your Health Questions Answered at Sand Canyon Urgent Care

Still have questions? We are here to help! At Sand Canyon Urgent Care, with convenient locations in Irvine and Laguna Hills, our expert team is ready to address your concerns. Whether you need urgent medical attention or advice on antibiotic usage, our facilities have extended hours to accommodate our patients.  

 

Irvine Hours:

Mon-Fri: 8:00am-8:00pm

Saturdays: 9am-1pm

Sun: 11:00am-5:00pm

 

Laguna Hills Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:00pm

Saturdays: 9am-1pm

Sunday:     Closed

 

Walk-ins are always welcome, ensuring you receive timely and efficient care at a location that suits you best.

Dec 08
0
woman sick at home with ovid-19 or the flu

Navigating Symptoms: Differentiating Between COVID-19 and the Flu

By | Urgent Care | No Comments

As we head into flu season, it’s crucial to be able to distinguish between common respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu. Recognizing the subtle differences in symptoms can help you make informed decisions about when to seek medical attention. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these symptoms:

Key Symptoms Shared by COVID-19 and the Flu:

Fever and Chills:

  • Both COVID-19 and the flu are often present with fever and chills. Pay attention to the intensity and duration of your fever.

Cough:

  • A persistent cough is a common symptom for both illnesses. Observe if your cough is dry or produces mucus.

Muscle or Body Aches:

  • Muscle and body aches are typical in both cases, but they might be more pronounced in the case of the flu.

Fatigue:

  • Feeling unusually tired can be associated with both COVID-19 and the flu. Note the severity and whether it hinders your daily activities.

Differentiating Symptoms:

Loss of Taste or Smell:

  • An unusual symptom associated with COVID-19 is a sudden loss of taste or smell. If you experience this, it may be indicative of COVID-19.

Eye Redness or Discharge:

  • Is another unique symptom associated with certain variants of COVID-19. If you experience this, it may be indicative of COVID-19.

Shortness of Breath:

  • While both illnesses can cause difficulty breathing, severe shortness of breath is more commonly associated with COVID-19. Seek medical attention if you experience this symptom.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

Severe Symptoms:

  • If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips or face, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Persistent Symptoms:

  • If your symptoms persist or worsen over time, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Exposure to Confirmed Cases:

  • If you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or the flu, monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice if needed.

Next Steps:

If you suspect you have COVID-19 or the flu, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Sand Canyon Urgent Care with offices in Irvine, CA and Laguna Hills, CA offers walk-in appointments and is equipped to handle respiratory illnesses and can provide guidance on testing and treatment options. Remember to follow CDC guidelines, including self-isolation if necessary, to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

By staying informed and proactive, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding your health and that of those around you. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact us and seek professional medical advice—it’s better to be cautious when dealing with respiratory symptoms.

Apr 27
0

Updated 2020: Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergy Relief

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Home Treatments for Your Seasonal Allergies

An allergy is an overaggressive immune response triggered by numerous factors, whether it’s ingesting certain foods, touching certain substances, or inhaling an irritant such as pollen or animal dander. During this time of year, seasonal allergies start to act up. Just as you’re enjoying the delights of fall, you get hit with a stuffy nose and itchy eyes. These allergies to pollen affect the respiratory predominantly and are often the most difficult to control.

Take a look at a few natural and simple tips for easing seasonal allergies this year.

Dietary Change

Loading up on food with anti-inflammatory properties helps your body to repair itself, bringing back balance and strength to fight off allergies. A few of the best foods to incorporate into your diet this season are:

  • Garlic
  • Lemons
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Coconut milk
  • Probiotic-rich foods (think sauerkraut, miso, kombucha)
  • Almond butter and seeds (for those who do not have a nut allergy)

Raw, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Taking one tablespoon of raw and organic apple cider vinegar can work wonders. Do this every morning before going outside and let the ACV block your body’s histamine reaction and reduce inflammation. Mix one tablespoon of ACV with a cup of warm water. For best results, make sure the ACV comes with ‘the mother.’

Use a Neti Pot

Advised only for adults, a neti pot is a natural way to cleanse your nasal passages from pollens and other allergens. Make sure that the water you use for the neti pot is distilled and as sterile as possible. If you don’t have access to a neti pot, you can try a salt water sinus rinse by mixing sea salt with warm water and inhaling it through one nostril.

IV Drip Therapy

When your body is missing key vitamins and nutrients, dietary changes and other home remedies can take a while to start having an effect. The good news is that IV drip therapy bypasses your digestive tract, delivering the key vitamins and nutrients you need directly where you need it. Administered through an IV in the comfort of our clinic, you can get a cocktail tailored for your needs.

If you’re struggling with allergies, check out the top five foods that natural allergy fighters that can help you keep sniffles and sneezes away. Additionally, Sand Canyon Urgent Care is there to help you through your medical issues. To visit us in Irvine or Stanton in California, call us today.

Jan 13
0
jump-start-2020-health

Health and Wellness Tips to Kick-Start the New Year

By | Lifestyle | No Comments

Jump-Start Your Health This 2020!

The New Year is here, and that means that millions of us will strive to be a happier, healthier, and better version of ourselves. Most of the time, we set ambitious New Year’s resolutions only to quit them a couple of months down the line. This year, choose to be a healthier and better version of yourself all year long with easier, more realistic goals. These ideas can help you kick-start 2020 in the best way!

Look at your diet

The festive period may not be an accurate indication of how you eat all year round, but now is the time to take stock of how you plan to eat a nutritionally-balanced diet. Consider your daily schedule. Plan out your meals. Food prep to avoid eating fast food. If you must eat fast food most locations now have “a lighter menu option.”

Plan to strengthen social relationships

Do you think time together with family and friends is nice but not necessary? Think again! Scientists have found that social relationships can help us to live a longer life, so make sure you schedule time to interact with loved ones.

Try a new form of exercise

If you struggle to get yourself moving, perhaps you haven’t found the right exercise that suits you. This year, try something different. Visit a different gym, run outside, take a new class, try yoga, opt for a personal trainer – the options are endless! You may just find your new (and healthy) hobby.

Develop an attitude of gratitude

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Research has found that counting our blessings instead of our problems not only reduces depression and stress and lowers blood pressure, but it can reduce the signs of aging.

How are you jump-starting your 2020? Let us know! For all of your health concerns and any of your medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in patients at our Irvine and Laguna Hills locations. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!

Dec 05
0
stay-healthy-during-holidays

Five Ways to Help You Stay Healthy in the Holiday Season

By | Health | No Comments

How to Have a Healthier Holiday Season

For many people, the festive period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day represents fun, family, friends, and gifts. However, an unexpected illness or accident is a sure way to put a damper on your holiday festivities. So that you can enjoy the holidays to the fullest, take a look at these tips to stay healthy.

Prevent Illness

The best way to avoid getting ill this season is to practice good hand hygiene. Many viruses are transmitted via handshakes, common-use surfaces, and sneezing. You can help to reduce your chances of getting sick by washing your hands regularly or using antibacterial hand sanitizer as an alternative for when you’re on-the-go.

Limit Indulging

Holiday parties call for feasts of food and drinks. As a result, this period is a time when many of us gain a little weight. To maintain a healthy weight, eat a snack before attending a holiday party to fill you up and suppress temptation. Opt for healthier options like fruits, nuts and vegetable platters that are higher in nutritional value. And lastly, portion control is key!

Watch the Alcohol

Drinking too much makes you more prone to make poor eating decisions. Ones more, over-consuming alcohol can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to getting sick. Drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated. Better yet, sip on club soda or flavored seltzer water instead of a cocktail.

Prioritize Sleep

Holiday events can leave you feeling rushed off your feet. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to sleep, even if that means declining a couple of parties. Lack of sleep not only negatively impacts your immune system, but it can spark stress in your body.

Take Care

Festivities, candles, Christmas trees, and decorations come with the season. Unfortunately, so does the risk of accident and injury. Keep objects that could be dangerous out of reach of children and pets. Never leave candles, stoves, or heaters unattended, and remember to place your Christmas tree out of high-traffic areas.

The team at Sand Canyon Urgent Care wishes you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season! If the worst does happen, visit our Irvine or Laguna Hills facilities for medical assistance. We accept walk-in patients and provide quality, affordable care that can help you get back to your festive season quickly.

Nov 12
0
Taking Antibiotics

5 Facts You Need to Know About Antibiotics

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Understanding Antibiotics

Since the Second World War, antibiotics have been used to help humans treat infections. Unfortunately, misconceptions about antibiotics have led to unnecessary prescribing by health care professionals and misuse by the public. Although antibiotics are safe and used correctly by most people, they are still powerful drugs that are commonly misunderstood. Here’s what you should know about them.

1) Antibiotics do not work on viruses

Many people group viruses and bacteria into the same category, but the reality is that they are very different. Although antibiotics are very powerful, they don’t work for everything. They won’t help against illnesses caused by a virus, such as the common cold, flu, non-strep sore throats, and chicken pox.

2) They should only be taken for bacterial infections

Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, effectively fighting bacterial infections only. Some common types of bacterial infections include strep throat, UTIs, and pneumonia. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them puts you at risk for antibiotic-resistant infections and potentially harmful side effects.

3) Antibiotics can cause side effects

As with any other medication, antibiotics come with potential side effects ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include diarrhea, antibiotic resistance, rashes, yeast infections, and nausea. If you feel unwell when taking antibiotics, call your doctor right away.

4) It’s important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor

Many patients start to feel better after a couple of days of taking antibiotics and feel that they don’t need them anymore. However, it’s absolutely essential that you complete the course that the doctor prescribed. This is because antibiotics may have killed most of the symptom-causing bacteria but some stronger bacteria may remain. Once they have been exposed to a certain antibiotic, those stronger bacteria can adapt to that antibiotic and eventually become a superbug.

5) It is not advised to take old antibiotics

Different bacteria cause different sicknesses. Since there is no one-size-fits-all antibiotic, this means a different antibiotic may be necessary for different illnesses. Taking an old antibiotic could result in your body becoming resistant to that particular antibiotic, which means it won’t work when you actually need it.

At Sand Canyon Urgent Care, we help you understand your health and can prescribe antibiotics when you are in need. With facilities in Irvine and Laguna Hills, we can help. We welcome walk-ins and have an expert team of medical professionals ready to help you. Contact us today to get started.