5 ExperCARE Health Tips for Getting Ready for Back to School

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Five ExperCARE Health Tips for Getting Ready for Back to School

As we approach the back-to-school season, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that both you and your child are ready for the new school year. Aside from purchasing school supplies and uniforms, it’s important to focus on your health in preparation for the busy months ahead. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 health tips for getting ready for back-to-school season.

1. Get up-to-date on Vaccinations and Sports Physicals

It’s important to make sure that your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date before beginning the new school year. Many schools require certain vaccinations, and some vaccines may take several weeks to take effect, so it is best to schedule any necessary appointments with your healthcare provider well in advance.

Need a Sports Physical? ExperCARE is offering $25 Sports Physicals at all ExperCARE locations. Book ahead or walk in any time. We are here to help you get ready for Fall sports!

2. Establish a Sleep Schedule

As the summer months come to a close and the school year begins, it is important to establish a sleep schedule for your child. This will ensure that they are well-rested and alert during school hours. Below is the most recent recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  • Ages 3-5 years: 10-13 hours (including naps)
  • Age 6-12 years: 9-12 hours
  • Age 13-18 years: 8-10 hours

3. Prepare Healthy Meals

Preparing healthy meals for your child is an important aspect of ensuring their overall health and wellbeing. Make sure that their meals consist of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It’s also important to pack healthy school lunches and snacks to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need throughout the day.

4. Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, and it can also improve academic performance. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities that they enjoy, such as swimming, biking, or dancing. Additionally, make sure that they have access to after-school activities that promote physical activity, such as sports teams or dance classes.

5. Prepare for Emergencies

It’s important to have a plan in place in case of emergencies, such as injuries or illnesses that occur during the school day. Make sure that you have updated emergency contact information on file with your child’s school, and that your child knows how to contact you in case of an emergency. Additionally, it’s important to have a well-stocked first aid kit at home in case of minor injuries or illnesses.

By following these top health tips, both you and your child will be well-prepared for the upcoming school year. Remember, making your health and wellbeing a top priority will set the foundation for a successful  school year.

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ExperCARE Founder and CEO featured on WSAV

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Earlier this week, ExperCARE Founder and CEO, Catherine Grant sat down with WSAV to discuss how urgent cares can assist members of the community with their healthcare needs.

Article: Urgent care centers serve as alternative to emergency rooms

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — WSAV News 3 previously reported that emergency wait times have gone up in Chatham County.

We learned how urgent care centers can be used as a possible alternative to emergency rooms in some cases.

The CEO of a local urgent care company shared some reasons why these emergency rooms are filling up so much.

I learned that these long wait times can be decreased by people simply going to the urgent care or their primary care physician.

“People often feel like their only option is to seek care in an emergency room- even when its not an emergency,” said Grant.

Grant insists that people should still follow protocol, and head to the emergency room for any severe or extreme symptoms and trauma.

But she says that many people are calling 911 for the wrong reasons, and that is contributing to these long wait times.

“It often comes down to education of where is the best place to seek help.”

She says urgent care can be used to treat bone breaks-sprains-infections and for many more types of routine assessments.

Although many urgent cares don’t offer emergency transportation, they are capable of handling many of the issues that people call 911 for.

“As medical services continue to evolve- talking to everybody about where these services can be sought is a huge part in getting people to the right place and seeking the right access of care.”

While urgent cares have expanded their capabilities over the years – Grant acknowledges that trust has to be built for people to turn to them instead of emergency rooms

Grant also points out that in some instances urgent care can be much more affordable than heading to the emergency room.

“There are many urgent cares that are in network with insurance. There are situations where urgent cares can cost 10 to 15 times less than an emergency room setting.”

Although urgent care can be a viable alternative in some cases–Grant says you can always call and make sure they have the capabilities to handle your problem before heading over.

LINK TO STORY

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ExperTIPS – Firework Safety – 7 Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe

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Firework Safety: Tips to Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate many occasions, from Independence Day to New Year’s Eve. However, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are 7 tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while enjoying fireworks:

1. Follow the Law

Before purchasing or setting off fireworks, make sure you are following all local laws and regulations. Some areas prohibit fireworks altogether, while others have specific rules about when and where they can be used.

2. Keep a Safe Distance

Always keep a safe distance from fireworks when they are being set off. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 500 feet away from any fireworks display.

3. Wear Protective Gear

Wearing protective gear, such as safety glasses and earplugs, can help prevent injuries from fireworks. It’s also a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin.

4. Never Relight a Dud

If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t try to relight it. Wait at least 20 minutes and then soak it in water before disposing of it.

5. Keep Water Nearby

Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of a fire. It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand.

6. Don’t Drink and Light

Never set off fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can impair your judgment and increase the risk of injury.

7. Supervise Children

Children should never handle fireworks without adult supervision. Even sparklers can be dangerous and cause serious burns.

By following these tips, you can enjoy fireworks safely and avoid injuries. Remember, safety comes first when it comes to fireworks.

ExperCARE is here for you this July 4th holiday. Walk in at your convenience or book ahead at any of our convenient Georgia urgent care locations!

Friday, June 30: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 1: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 2: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Monday, July 3: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 4th: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Happy celebrating!

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3 Quick and Easy July 4th Recipes to Celebrate Independence Day

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We love to celebrate the holidays here at ExperCARE so we had our team submit a few of their most favorite quick and easy recipes for Independence Day. Check out 3 of our favorites below! From a fun cocktail to a dessert you won’t want to skip this year, we hope you enjoy these submissions from our team! Happy Independence Day!

Beverage: Firecracker Spritzer

Ingredients:

  • ½ oz Grenadine
  • 1 ½ oz Lemon-lime soda
  • 1 oz citrus vodka (optional)
  • ½ oz blue curacao (optional)
  • Blue Tropical punch (if making non-alcoholic)
  • Pop rocks (optional)

Directions:

  1. Dampen rim of glass with lemon juice
  2. Dip rim into the Pop Rocks candies on a plate
  3. Pour grenadine into glass
  4. Fill the glass with ice
  5. pour in lemon-lime soda
  6. **if making a kid friendly drink, add blue Tropical Punch for layered effect
  7. In a shaker, a ice, citrus vodka and blue curacao (optional)
  8. Shake and slowly strain into the glass

{source: Spritzer Recipe}

Appetizer: Pigs in a Blanket

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 14 oz package of cocktail-sized smoked sausages, patted dry
  • 1 large egg
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
  • Maple-Dijon dipping sauce:
    • ¾ cup Dijon mustard
    • ¼ cup genuine maple syrup

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Unroll crescent dough sheet on lightly floured surface and separate perforated dough into 8 triangles. Cut each dough triangle into 3 equal triangles
  3. Place 1 cocktail sausage on wide base of skinny triangle. Roll sausage toward the pointed end of the triangle, allowing the dough to overlap and wrap around the sausage. Place rolled sausage on parchment-lined baking sheet, point-side down. Repeat with remaining dough triangles and sausages
  4. Whisk together egg with 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl until smooth. Brush egg wash over the dough and sprinkle with the everything bagel seasoning, if desired
  5. Bake until dough is puffed and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes
  6. Make the dipping sauce (optional) stir together the mustard and syrup until smooth

{source: Pigs in a Blanket Recipe}

 

Dessert: Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages (20 oz each) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
  • 8oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 4 oz cool whip, softened

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Press dough into either a circle shaped pizza stone or 9 x 12 cookie sheet (depends on desired shape). Make sure to grease pan first!
  3. Bake approximately 20 minutes until golden-brown on top
  4. Cool completely!
  5. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cool whip until smooth
  6. Spread this mixture over the cookie
  7. Add favorite fruit
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ExperCARE Celebrates Men’s Health Month – It’s Time to Take Action

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Men’s Health Month: Raising Awareness and Taking Action

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the health issues that affect men and encourage them to take action to improve their well-being. Men’s health is often overlooked and under-discussed, but it’s important to prioritize it in order to live a long and healthy life. Here are some key areas of men’s health to focus on this month:

1. Mental Health
Men are often reluctant to seek help for mental health issues, but it’s important to prioritize mental health just as much as physical health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can have a serious impact on quality of life. Encourage the men in your life to seek professional help if they are struggling with mental health issues.

2. Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Men can reduce their risk of heart disease by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

3. Prostate Health
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, but it can often be treated successfully if caught early. Encourage the men in your life to talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening.

4. Testicular Health
Testicular cancer is rare, but it’s important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to perform regular self-exams. Encourage the men in your life to talk to their doctor if they notice any changes in their testicles.

5. Sleep
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, but many men struggle with getting enough quality sleep. Encourage the men in your life to prioritize sleep by setting a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding screens before bed.

By raising awareness about these key areas of men’s health and encouraging men to take action, we can improve the health and well-being of men everywhere. Let’s make Men’s Health Month a time to prioritize health and wellness for all men. ExperCARE is open 7 days a week, extended hours, and accepts insurance. Walk in any time or book an appointment at any of our convenient locations today!

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ExperCARE Health Statesboro Hosts Fun Fridays in Statesboro

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ExperCARE Health Statesboro is thrilled to invite you to Fun Fridays with ExperCARE. Join us every Friday in June and July from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for “Fun Fridays” at our Statesboro location! We will have Boro Sno onsite, face painting, popsicles, ExperBEAR photos, fantastic raffles, and more! We can’t wait to meet you!

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ExperCARE Health Statesboro Hosts Popsicles With A Provider – June 27th

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ExperCARE Health Statesboro is thrilled to invite you to Popsicles With A Provider. Pop in to see our brand new, state-of-the-art facility, meet our incredible team, and grab a popsicle! Our Chief Hugging Officer, ExperBEAR, will also be onsite for photos and you’ll have a chance to enter to win $100 Publix Gift Card. Stop by any time between 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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UV Safety Tips: Protecting Yourself from Harmful Sun Rays

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Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors! But before you head out, it’s important to take precautions and protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays. Here are some ExperTIPS to keep in mind:

1. Wear Protective Clothing
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from UV rays is to wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with wide brims. Look for clothing made with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric, which is specifically designed to block out UV rays.

2. Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have when spending time outdoors.

According to the CDC’s Sun Safety information it is recommended that you put on broad spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

SPF: Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they filter out UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.

Reapplication: Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Expiration date: Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

3. Seek Shade
When possible, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you’re at the beach or pool, consider bringing an umbrella or setting up under a shady tree.

4. Wear Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block out 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when spending time outdoors. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you and drink regularly to stay hydrated.

By following these UV safety tips, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful sun rays.

While we hope you won’t need us, we’re here for you throughout the summer. ExperCARE is open 7 days a week, extended hours, and we treat all ages. Stay safe and have fun!

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Urgent Care Awareness Month: Why It Matters

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Did you know that May is Urgent Care Awareness Month? This month, we recognize the importance of urgent care centers in providing timely and convenient medical care to patients.

Urgent care centers, such as ExperCARE, are facilities that provide medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are a great alternative to emergency rooms, which can often have long wait times and high costs. Urgent care centers are typically open outside of regular business hours, making them a convenient option for patients who need medical attention quickly. All ExperCARE centers are open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. No appointment is ever needed, however, you can book ahead for your convenience at any ExperCARE location!

During Urgent Care Awareness Month, it’s important to remember the benefits of these facilities. They offer a wide range of medical services, including treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, X-rays, lab testing, and vaccinations. Additionally, they often have shorter wait times than emergency rooms and are more affordable than traditional medical facilities. At ExperCARE, most all patients are in and out in less than 60 minutes!

Urgent care centers can be especially beneficial for those who do not have a primary care physician or who need medical attention when their doctor’s office is closed. They are also a great option for those who need medical attention while traveling or who are unable to get an appointment with their regular doctor. Urgent Cares bridge the gap between primary care and emergency care, offering a crucial resource for individuals in need of immediate attention.

At ExperCARE, patients can use their insurance or we offer affordable cash pay options.

Urgent Care Awareness Month is a reminder of the important role that urgent care centers play in providing accessible and affordable medical care to patients. If you or a loved one needs medical attention for a non-life-threatening condition, consider visiting an ExperCARE today and see why we’re the regions most-loved, first-choice, for on-demand healthcare.

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ExperCARE Urgent Care Celebrates Grand Opening in Statesboro, GA with Ribbon Cutting

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STATESBORO, GA. – ExperCARE, the award-winning southeast regional leader in urgent care medicine, celebrated the opening of its Statesboro, GA Urgent Care with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 18th. Conveniently located next to Publix at 121 Tormenta Way, the brand new, state of the art facility is open 7 days a week, extended hours, accepts insurance and all ages, making it a no-brainer for residents and visitors in Bulloch County and surrounding areas. In addition, ExperCARE recently announced the addition of Coy Watkins, MSPAS, PA-C and Sebrina Watkins, MSPA, PA-C to the team as its Statesboro providers.

“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to provide the community with top-quality healthcare by providers they can trust,” said Founder & CEO Catherine Grant. “We consider it a privilege to have this opportunity to open in Statesboro and our team is excited to serve you.”

ExperCARE has four other award-winning locations including Richmond Hill, Savannah-Mall Boulevard, Historic Savannah, and Pooler.

ABOUT EXPERCARE:
ExperCARE has convenient locations across the Greater Savannah area, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, and locations opening soon in Hinesville, and Rincon. As the shortage of primary care providers grows and ER’s are over-capacity, on-demand healthcare provides a solution that serves your busy life. ExperCARE is an award-winning healthcare center, offering access to urgent care, routine care and occupational health, 7 days a week, extended hours to all ages. ExperCARE offers a full-scope of services including digital x-ray, labs and MORE. ExperCARE is in-network with all major insurance providers, and you never need an appointment. ExperCARE is the southeast regions most-loved solution for on-demand healthcare. Experience the healthcare model of the future; experience the ExperCARE difference!

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