Do I Have a Cold or The Flu?

A Black woman blowing her nose, showing symptoms of a cold or flu."

What is the difference between a cold and the flu? The common cold and influenza (flu) are both contagious respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms, making it difficult to tell the difference between them, especially during the cold and flu season (late fall to early spring). The key difference is that different viruses cause them. […]

Urgent Care vs Primary Care

child smiling at doctor

What You Need to Know at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care The terms “urgent care” and “primary care” are often confused, especially since some services overlap. However, understanding the key differences can help you decide when to visit urgent care or primary care. What is Urgent Care? Urgent care is for conditions that require immediate attention […]

Are Your Employees Turning to the ER More Often Than Necessary?

young boy needing stitches

As an employer, you might have noticed a concerning trend: employees heading to the emergency room (ER) for health issues that could easily be addressed through more convenient care options. You’re not alone—this is a common challenge many organizations face. The Costly Misstep of ER Visits Frequent ER visits not only strain healthcare resources but […]

Why Do Children Break Bones? Common Causes and How to Prevent Them

A young boy with a plaster cast on his arm sits on his bed, coloring in a book with his dog by his side.

  One minute, your child is happily running around the playground, laughing with friends. The next, they’ve tripped, fallen, and are in tears. A visit to urgent care might reveal a broken bone, or fracture, which is quite common among kids. It’s a fact that between 30% and 40% of children will experience a fracture […]

What Do You Need to Know About Strep Throat?

Young girl with long hair holding her throat, showing symptoms of a sore throat or strep.

What is strep throat? Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils that is more common in children than adults but does affect individuals of all ages. Commonly mistaken for a sore throat or common cold, especially during the winter season, strep throat accounts for only a fraction of sore throats. The […]

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: How to Make the Right Choice

Reducing the burden on hospitals is more important than ever, and one way you can help is by visiting urgent care instead of the ER when appropriate. However, it can be confusing to know when to go to urgent care or the emergency room. The key is to get the right care from the right […]

How do you know if ear pain is serious enough to see a doctor?

Woman with ear pain

Earache is a common problem, particularly in children. It can be worrying, but it’s usually caused by a minor infection and will often get better in a few days without treatment.  What are the signs and symptoms of earache? Earache can be a sharp, dull, or burning pain in the ear that comes and goes […]

Timely Treatment for Sinus Infections

sinus pain

Do you feel like your cold symptoms are lingering longer than usual and you have pain and pressure in your face and your head hurts? It’s possible that you could be dealing with a sinus infection rather than a common cold.  At the first sign of a sinus infection, take action! At Exemplar Care, we […]

What do I need to know about tick bites?

tick bite symptoms

Should I be concerned about a tick bite in Iowa? If you live in Iowa, you know that ticks are a common problem, especially during the summer months. While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, which can cause serious health problems if left untreated. So, it’s essential to […]

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat Exhaustion

When your body undergoes overexertion in hot weather, it sometimes isn’t able to efficiently cool itself to retain a normal temperature. Exemplar Care is equipped to administer IV fluids when appropriate, which helps to replenish the liquids and electrolytes (sodium) that your body needs to function.  Did you know that the average body temperature is […]