Tour the School: Parents who attend open house events with their child can reduce first-day jitters. Your child gets to see their classroom, the seating arrangement, and the school supply list. If your child is new to the school, schedule a tour to explore the cafeteria, library, and gym.

Meet the Teacher(s): Children feel less anxious after meeting their teachers during open house. Familiarity with their teachers beforehand helps ease the transition. It’s like knowing someone before the first day, and it provides a glimpse of what’s ahead.

Update Immunizations and Vaccinations: Ensure your child’s immunization records are up-to-date. Most schools require proof of vaccinations. Discuss any specific requirements with your healthcare provider. At Community Quick Care, we offer comprehensive services, including physicals, to meet these enrollment requirements. Our Tenncare plans allow us to convert a Sports Physical ($29.00) into a regular physical, ensuring no out-of-pocket cost for the patient.

Sports Physicals: Ensuring Safe Participation: A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE), assesses an athlete’s fitness for sports participation. It screens for conditions that may affect safety during physical activities. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Are Sports Physicals Important?

• Risk Assessment: Healthcare providers screen for conditions that could lead to injuries or health problems during sports.
• Safety First: Sports physicals help ensure safe participation by identifying any underlying health issues.
• Collaboration: Parents, coaches, and healthcare providers work together to prevent injuries and promote well-being.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical Exam:

Your healthcare provider will:

• Take a full medical history, including allergies, medications, and past surgeries.
• Perform a physical examination, assessing reflexes, eyesight, hearing, and musculoskeletal health.

Mental Health Awareness: Discuss mental health resources available at school. Encourage open conversations about stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being. Schools often have counseling services for students.

Prepare a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit: Whether at home or in a dorm room, having a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial. Include essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers.

Remember, back-to-school preparations involve both practical steps and emotional support. By following this checklist, parents can ensure a smooth transition for their children as they head back to the classroom. At Community Quick Care, we’re committed to providing quality healthcare services with same-day availability, extended hours, and Saturday appointments. Choose us for your family’s health needs!

As the sun shines and temperatures rise, outdoor gatherings become a staple of summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a picnic, or enjoying a beachside cookout, it’s essential to prioritize food safety. After all, nothing can put a damper on a sunny day faster than a bout of food poisoning.

Why Summer Increases the Risk

Foodborne illnesses tend to spike during the summer months. Why? Bacteria thrive in warm weather, multiplying faster when the mercury rises. Additionally, outdoor cooking often takes us away from the comforts of refrigerators, thermometers, and sinks. But fear not! By following some simple guidelines, you can keep your summer events both delicious and safe.

Cleanliness Is Key: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often: Before handling food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, clean cutting boards, utensils, and countertops to prevent cross-contamination.

Separate to Avoid Cross-Contamination: Don’t Mix Raw and Cooked Foods: Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards and utensils to avoid cross-contamination.

Cook Food to Proper Temperatures: Use a Food Thermometer: Ensure that meats are cooked to safe internal temperatures. For example:

• Chicken and turkey: 165°F (74°C)
• Ground beef: 160°F (71°C)
• Steaks and roasts: 145°F (63°C)

Chill Promptly: Keep Cold Foods Cold: Bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). When serving outdoors, use extra cold sources like ice packs or frozen water bottles in your cooler. Store perishable items below 40°F to prevent spoilage.

Mind the Marination: Marinating meats adds flavor, but it’s essential to do it safely. Always marinate in the refrigerator, not on the countertop. If you plan to use some of the marinade as a sauce, set aside a separate portion before adding raw meat. Discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw proteins.

Allergen Awareness: Label Allergens: If you’re hosting a potluck-style event, ask guests to label dishes containing common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten. This helps everyone make informed choices and prevents accidental exposure.

Community Quick Care: Your Safety Net

Remember, accidents happen. If someone falls ill during your summer event, know that Community Quick Care is here for you. With our convenient LaVergne location, our primary care walk-in clinic offers urgent care hours. Staffed by compassionate Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, we prioritize high-quality comprehensive care. Most insurance plans are accepted, so you can focus on enjoying your summer without worry.

Stay safe, stay cool, and savor those summer flavors!

Summer in Tennessee is synonymous with vibrant festivals and lively outdoor events. From the soulful tunes at the Music City Jazz Festival in Nashville to the family-friendly Blackberry Jam Music Festival at Harlinsdale Farm, there’s an abundance of joy in the air. However, for those with allergies, the season can bring a different kind of blues. But fear not! Community Quick Care (CQC) is here to ensure that allergies don’t dampen your festival spirit.

Allergy Skin Testing: Your Ticket to an Uninterrupted Summer

At Community Quick Care, we understand that managing allergies is crucial to enjoying the summer to its fullest. That’s why we offer comprehensive Allergy Skin Testing and Immunotherapy Treatments in Tennessee. Our process is quick, simple, and non-invasive. We test for 48 different allergen sensitivities, ensuring that we pinpoint exactly what’s causing your discomfort. And the best part? It’s 100% covered by TENNCARE.

Immunotherapy: Dance to the Rhythm of Relief

For those who test positive, our custom-mixed, all-natural allergy medication promises a long-term solution. Imagine attending every concert, every festival, without the need for constant medication. With our Allergy Immunotherapy, you’re looking at 15-25 years of allergy symptom relief. Say goodbye to the sneezing and hello to the season’s thrills!

Seize the Summer: Allergy-Free Festivities a Test Away

Tennessee’s summer is ripe for adventure, with day trips to the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival and weekends swaying to the Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival. Not far behind is the sizzle of the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. These escapades are just a test away from being enjoyed without the worry of allergies, thanks to Community Quick Care’s Allergy Skin Testing.

Allergy-Free Tips for Outdoor Fun

To make the most of these events, here are some tips to keep allergies at bay:

• Check Pollen Counts: Before heading out, check the local pollen forecasts. Choose days with lower pollen counts for your outdoor adventures.
• Protective Gear: Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats aren’t just fashion statements; they’re your first line of defense against pollen.
• Post-Event Care: After returning home, change and wash your clothes to remove any lingering allergens.

With CQC’s Allergy Skin Testing and Immunotherapy, you’re well-equipped to dive into Tennessee’s festival season headfirst. So, schedule your test today, and prepare to experience summer in Tennessee as it should be: full of life, music, and clear skies, both overhead and in your sinuses.

June shines a spotlight on an important aspect of healthcare: National Men’s Health Month. It’s a time to encourage the men in our lives to take proactive steps towards managing their health and well-being. At Community Quick Care, we’re dedicated to supporting men at every stage of their journey towards optimal health.

Understanding Men’s Health Risks

Men face unique health challenges, and it’s essential to understand the risks. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are prevalent among men, often exacerbated by lifestyle choices and genetics. Regular health-risk assessments and screenings can be life-saving, and they’re a fundamental part of the care we provide.

The Importance of Preventive Care

Preventive care is not just about avoiding illness; it’s about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Routine checkups and personalized counseling play a significant role in preventing diseases before they start. Our comprehensive approach includes managing weight, allergies, sleep disorders, and more, ensuring a holistic path to health.

Erectile Dysfunction: Addressing a Common Concern

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sensitive issue that affects millions of men. It’s a condition that can impact self-esteem and relationships. We approach ED with the utmost confidentiality, offering effective treatments like Sildenafil to help men regain confidence in their intimate lives.

Staying on Top of Your Game with Annual Physicals

Annual physicals are a cornerstone of men’s health. They provide a clear picture of your current health status and can uncover potential issues early on. Our biometric screenings are thorough, checking everything from vital signs to family medical history, and they’re often covered by insurance at no cost.

A Partner in Your Health Journey

At Community Quick Care, we’re more than just a healthcare provider; we’re your partner in health. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions like COPD and hyperlipidemia or providing acute care, our team is here to support you. We offer a range of physicals, from DOT to sports physicals, tailored to meet your needs.

Take Action Today

Men’s health encompasses more than just treating illness—it’s about preventive care and enhancing quality of life. Conditions like hypertension and diabetes can be managed effectively with regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle. This June, let’s take action. Schedule your annual physical, get screened, and talk to our providers about any health concerns. It’s time to prioritize your health and embrace a future of vitality and wellness.

In Tennessee, where the sun’s rays can be as enchanting as the region’s rich green landscapes, protecting your skin is crucial. The Volunteer State’s diverse climate means that while residents may occasionally witness phenomena like the aurora borealis due to solar activity, they also face the more frequent and tangible impact of UV exposure. The sun in Tennessee can be particularly intense, contributing to the risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.

The Dangers of Sun Exposure Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to more than just a painful sunburn. It can cause photoaging, which includes wrinkles, leathery skin, and sunspots. More critically, it can alter the DNA in your skin cells, leading to various forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These conditions are not just cosmetic concerns; they can be life-threatening.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Here are some key strategies to protect your skin:

• Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can shield your skin from harmful rays.
• Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Early Detection and Screening Early detection of skin cancer can make a significant difference in treatment success. Regular self-examinations and professional screenings are crucial. Community Quick Care offers skin cancer screening services, where experienced healthcare professionals can check for signs of BCC, SCC, and other skin abnormalities. If they detect suspicious lesions, they can perform a biopsy to determine the appropriate treatment.

Community Quick Care’s Commitment 

At Community Quick Care, the health of your skin is a top priority. Their team is dedicated to providing comprehensive skin cancer screenings and educating patients on the importance of sun safety. They understand the risks associated with sun exposure and are committed to helping you protect your skin and detect any issues early on.

While the sun can be enjoyable, it’s essential to take steps to protect your skin. By following preventive measures and utilizing screening services like those offered at Community Quick Care, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your health. Remember, when it comes to skin cancer, prevention, and early detection are key to keeping your skin healthy and cancer-free.

For more information on protecting your skin or to schedule a screening, visit Community Quick Care’s dermatology services.