Everybody is different. Really- every body. This means not every exercise is the best for different age groups, health goals, or physical abilities. The National Institute on Aging indicates four main types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Let’s walk (no pun intended) through each category and discuss which type is best for different bodies.   Endurance These activities are also known as aerobic, which means the heart rate remains high and breathing intensifies consistently. Common exercises include: Dancing Swimming Brisk Walking Hiking Biking Basketball Tenni ..read more

When you’re feeling under the weather, struggling to schedule a doctor’s appointment is the last thing you need. At First Care Clinics, we offer more services than just school physicals. Our staff of clinicians helps care for numerous ailments every day. Here is a complete list of common illnesses treated by our medical staff.    Allergies and minor allergic reactions Patients suffer from allergies year-round and, of course, can experience allergic reactions at inopportune times. Whether you’re looking for preventative medication or life-saving treatment from reactions, we can help ..read more

Who doesn’t love summer? It’s a time for fun, relaxation, and creativity while school’s out! Families with stay-at-home parents look forward to this season because it means quality time with the kids. But we all know the infamous phrase that makes parents shiver especially when they’re in the middle of a task: “I’m bored!” Trust us, summer fun and summer boredom are both real things. Unfortunately, the standard recommendations like playing outside or reading don’t always cut it, so parents are looking for ways to get creative. Try keeping the kids busy this summer with these elevated activitie ..read more

Everyone gets excited about summer- school is out, and the weather is beautiful! But hot summer temperatures can cause concern if you aren’t drinking enough water. Low water intake can lead to dehydration and heat stroke, especially in the sun for long periods. So let’s take a closer look at each illness and how it relates to hydration and proper treatment.   Dehydration By definition, dehydration is when a person’s body loses water and is not replenished by drinking or eating foods with liquid. In addition, sickness with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause dehydratio ..read more

We often hear about spring allergies and fall allergies, but summer allergies are rarely mentioned. Yet, for many people across the country, once spring allergies start, they don’t seem to stop until winter begins; for others, there is no break, not even when winter begins. Why is this? And how do you stop it?    During the harsh winter months, most plants, trees, flowers, and the like are dead and do not release pollen or other allergens. For many, this is the allergy break they anticipate. However, spring allergies start to kick off once the cold weather ends and plants, flowers, a ..read more

It’s no surprise that kids love the summer – it’s warm, they can play outside, and school is out. It’s a few months of hanging out with friends, taking naps, and releasing their energy and boredom through play. But, as much as they may love it, it’s essential to ensure their safety in the matter. The sun is a beautiful resource, but it can be dangerous if viewed as a bright toy.    We know much more now about sun damage than we did years back when we were growing up. Then, Sunburns used to hurt and annoy us, but now we know that just one sunburn can double your chances of melanoma in ..read more

Summer is a great time for kids to get out and get active. One of the best ways to ensure they do so is group sports. Every June, we celebrate Sports America Kids Month to encourage healthy habits and essential life skills in our kids.  Sports are a wonderful thing, whether as a group or solo activity. Most kids start by playing soccer, baseball, or dancing and turn to basketball or football as they grow. These activities instill important skills into our children, such as teamwork, communication, patience, competition, and empathy. The younger your children start playing sports, the earl ..read more

Every June, we celebrate Men’s Health Month by encouraging the men in our lives to practice healthy habits, eat right, exercise, and take care of themselves, both physically and mentally.    In many cultures, including ours, men are strong, care for their families, and don’t show weakness. We’re here to break that mold. While those are great qualities, it’s time to stop hiding behind masculinity and instead start opening up and caring for yourself. Treating yourself with love and respect can do wonders for your health.    While there are many things to do to stay healthy, h ..read more

Summertime is full of pool days, beach days, and picnics. Nothing is better than spending a warm day by the pool with the best snacks or having outside get-togethers where everyone brings something to share. The best summer snacks to bring are healthy, delicious, and refreshing! Keep reading below to learn some ideas for these gatherings and the health benefits these tasty treats will bring! Homemade Fruit Popsicles Homemade fruit popsicles are the perfect treat on a hot summer day. They are easy to make, healthy, and refreshing! Fruits are full of essential vitamins, and they are high in fibe ..read more

Did you know May is Better Sleep Month? Getting enough sleep each night is vital for your overall physical, mental, and emotional health. Many people do not realize the importance of getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Getting inadequate sleep can have negative long-term effects such as an increase in stress hormone production and high blood pressure. Poor sleep can lead to mood swings, reduced concentration, a weakened immune system, weight gain, and diabetes. Improve your overall sleep quality and quantity with these tips below! Daily Physical Activity Staying active during the day burns ..read more