Recent Articles

Practices These Easy Stretches to Alleviate Joint Paint

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from aches and pains, you know how difficult everyday tasks can be. Many people find that stretching reduces pain and allows them to go about their day without or lessened pain. If you’re sitting down at a desk or driving a vehicle all day, your body will need some release to alleviate pain. If you’re aching, the good news is that you’re just a few simple stretches away from relief. Take a look at these five stretches that can help prevent back and neck pain from hindering your day – and health.

Hamstring Stretch

Begin by sitting on the floor with one leg straight and the other bent. Maintain a flat back, lean forward by hinging from the hip, and aim to catch the big toe. Repeat on the other leg. Hold each stretch for at least 10 seconds.

Hip Swings

Stand next to a sturdy chair, holding on to it with one hand for balance. Bend your knees slightly and start to swing your outer leg back and forth. Keep your back straight and try not to arch your spine. Move to the other side of the chair and repeat with the opposite leg.

Cat-Cow Back Stretch

Begin on all fours. As you inhale, drop the belly towards the floor, arch your back towards the ceiling, and look up. On the exhale, arch your back towards the ground, drop the head, and look towards the thighs. Repeat three times.

Seated Lower Back Stretch

Sit forward in your chair, bringing one of your knees up to your chest. Catch your shin in your hands and pull it gently into your chest, keeping your back straight. Hold for 30 seconds. Relax and repeat with the other leg.

Head Tilt

While sitting, relax your shoulders and look straight ahead. Tilt your head to one direction. For reinforcement, push your head down gently with your hand. Bear in mind, this should not be uncomfortable or painful. Repeat by tiling your head the opposite way.

A few simple stretches can help keep your joints and muscles pain-free. If an injury does occur, visit your closest Sand Canyon Urgent Care facility. Call our Irvine location on (949) 417-0272 or our Stanton urgent care on (714) 604-2850. We welcome walk-in patients and offer a wide variety of medical treatments.

Home Remedies to Alleviate the Symptoms of Bronchitis

Anyone who’s experienced bronchitis knows what a pain it can be. It can feel like that cough, heavy chest, and fatigue is following you round like a shadow. It’s believed that bronchitis is a very serious condition that will always need doctor visits and prescription medications. Although it can be serious, it tends to clear up on its own, even though it may take a while. In the meantime, here are some natural remedies for bronchitis that can help to speed up the healing process and alleviate symptoms.

• Breathe in steam

The goal is to thin the phlegm in your chest and get it moving so that you can cough it up and out. Generally, the most direct approach is the breath, so inhalation treatments are a great start. You can start by pouring hot water into a bowl and leaning over it, draping a towel over your head. The hot steam will help to loosen up the mucus in your lungs. To make this treatment even more effective, add a couple of drops of eucalyptus or pine oil into the water.

• Remove irritants

If your bronchitis is triggered by things like cigarette smoke or environmental pollution, work to remove yourself from these substances. An air filter or purifier is a great way to prevent irritants from causing respiratory issues.

• Stay hydrated

Hydration is incredibly important for overall health, but it becomes especially important in cases of bronchitis. Your body needs even more water than usual when you’re ill. Herbal teas and water are the best choices to stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Avoid dairy products.

Cows’ milk contains lactalbumin, which stimulates the production of mucus in the upper and lower respiratory tract and in the intestines. Young calves (with four stomachs) need this extra mucus to protect their intestinal tracts from strong stomach acids. You do not. When humans drink cow’s milk, excessive mucus is often the first reaction.

• Rest

Good quality sleep is essential for almost every aspect of our health, so getting enough sleep and rest are great starting points to fight illness. If you have trouble sleeping on a regular basis, try to unwind before bed, create a cool and dark bedroom, and manage your stress.

For all of your health concerns and any of your medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in patients. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!

What You Can Do to Prevent the Flu This Season

There are holidays to prepare for, feasts to cook, shopping to get done, end of year deadlines at work – it is a busy time of year. Unfortunately, this is also the time when the flu rears its ugly head. Between now and spring, colds and the flu spread like wildfire across the country. Fortunately, you can prepare for the worst and reduce your flu risk this season.

• Get the shot

First things first, get the flu vaccine. Although flu vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season, it definitely lessens the severity of the flu if you do catch it. For the elderly and for pregnant women, it means fewer complications and hospitalizations.

• Get plenty of rest

Although this is a busy season, you must schedule time for yourself and get plenty of rest. Getting good quality sleep can keep your immune system at its best. If you happen to catch the flu, do yourself a favor – rest and stay hydrated.

• Wash your hands regularly

Maintaining good hygiene before getting sick is imperative to keeping yourself and those around you free from any illness. Keep in mind that washing your hands when you are sick is just as important.  Carry hand sanitizer with you at all times so you can keep your hands germ free when you don’t have access to soap and water.

•  Drink plenty of fluids

Allowing yourself to become dehydrated will cause additional stress on your body, in turn, weakening your immune system. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and herbal teas instead of sodas and diuretics like coffee.

• Stock up on supplies

Even if you maintain good hygiene, others may not. You never know who is sick around you, so you have to assume the flu is everywhere. In public places, the flu can spread like wildfire. If you do succumb to this illness, have these remedies on hand:

• Fever-reducers (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Saline drops for the nose
• Cold and sinus medications
• Cough drops
• Antiviral treatments (that may require a doctor’s prescription)
• Thermometer
• Tissues
• Humidifier (to help clear mucus from your sinuses)

Now’s the time to prepare your family for the cold and flu season and take preventative measures to avoid getting sick.

Whether you’re looking to get the flu vaccine or you need medical attention, we can help. At Sand Canyon Urgent Care, our staff will provide treatment for common family illnesses and injuries. For minor to moderate injuries and medical issues, visit or call us today for more information about our Irvine and Stanton centers.

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their children. From choosing the right car seat to installing baby gates, you are always thinking of how to protect your child. But did you know that one of the best ways to protect your kid is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?

How do vaccines work?

Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Vaccinations are designed to protect us from serious, and sometimes even deadly, bacteria and viruses. A vaccine is a weak strain of bacteria or virus that is injected into the body. The body then detects the invaders and instantly creates T-cells and antibodies to fight off the bacteria or virus. As a result, you now know how to destroy the bacteria or virus, which means that your immune system is better prepared for future exposures to that invader.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes! Ongoing research and studies continue to show that vaccines are safe and effective for people of all ages. Every recommended vaccine must go through vigorous tests governed by reputable organizations including the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC). A common concern among parents is about their child getting ill after a vaccine. Keep in mind that the vast majority of children experience only mild symptoms from vaccinations – if any at all.

What can vaccines protect me from?

Immunization has been proved to protect individuals from a wide variety of fatal illnesses. Some of the recommended and more common vaccines include:

• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Influenza (flu shots)
• Varicella (chickenpox/shingles)
• Gardasil (Human Papillomavirus Virus)
• Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
• Meningococcal (Meningitis)

Where can I get a local vaccinations from in Irvine or Stanton?

Whether you need travel vaccinations, vaccinations to bring you up to speed, or vaccines for your child, head to your nearest Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We have facilities in Irvine and Stanton, and are ready to catch you and your family up on vaccines. We welcome walk-ins and have an expert team of medical professionals ready to help you.