Click for current information on Mercy Urgent Care openings and relief resources

Top

Mercy Urgent Care

Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Columbus, Waynesville & Weaverville NC

Hurrican Helene Relief Fund donate now

health care

Summer safety tips

by

As summer begins and the temperature turns up in Western North Carolina, Mercy Urgent Care urges you to keep your cool, whether you’re hard at work in the sunshine or floating down the French Broad River. Here are some tips to beat the heat and symptoms to look out for if you think you might have a heat-related illness.

Beat the heat

Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn’t just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat exhaustion to heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.

  • Hydrate. Drink plenty of water, ideally two to three liters a day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol—these drinks speed up the heart rate, elevate blood pressure and cause the body to dehydrate quicker.
  • Adjust your diet. Eat smaller meals and choose foods that have a high-water content, such as watermelon, bell peppers, fruits, cucumbers, and greens. Spicy foods can also help keep you cool as they encourage your body to sweat.
  • Change your schedule. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually 11a to 2p. Plan outdoor exercise and work for cooler times such as the early morning or late evening.
  • Dress for the weather. Wear light, breathable clothing in fabrics like cotton or linen, and avoid synthetic fabrics. Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hats will help protect you from the sun’s rays, but still remember to apply your sunscreen!

Know the symptoms

When the body begins to overheat, it sends out signals to let you know. Early symptoms of heat-related illnesses include fatigue, heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea and a high pulse rate. Patients may begin to feel faint or weak, develop muscle cramps and notice clamminess of the skin. 

As heat-related illnesses progresses, an individual may begin to experience life-threatening symptoms, such as a high body temperature, confusion, convulsions or fainting. Due to severe dehydration, patients may also have red, hot and dry skin. 

Heat-Related IllnessSymptoms and Signs
Heat stroke• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Unconsciousness
• Seizures
•Heavy sweating, or hot, dry skin
• Very high body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
Heat exhaustion• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Heavy sweating
•Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate
Heat rash• Clusters of red bumps on skin, which often appear on neck, upper chest, and skin folds
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)• Muscle pain
• Dark urine or or reduced urine output
• Weakness

Treating heat illness

If you or someone you know is experiencing the early symptoms of a heat-related illness, immediately stop all activity, move to a cooler place to rest and sip water or an electrolyte replenishing sports drink. For individuals experiencing heat exhaustion, loosen any clothing items, place cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath. Visit one of Mercy’s eight locations if you are in need hydration via intravenous fluids.

If the individual begins to vomit, has a history of heart problems or experiences worsening or prolonged symptoms, seek medical help right away. 

For severe symptoms that may indicate heat stroke — such as fainting, high fever, confusion, dry skin and a fast, strong pulse — call 911 right away. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and can be fatal without medical intervention. While waiting for medical professionals, move the individual to a cooler place, remove excess clothing and help lower the body temperature by whatever means available, concentrating ice packs or cool, wet cloths around the neck, armpits and groin. If the person is not alert or is vomiting, do not give him or her anything to drink.

Urgent Care Awareness Month

by

When unexpected injuries or health issues arise, many people’s first reaction is to head to an emergency room. But when those illnesses and injuries aren’t life-threatening, these trips often end up costing patients more in both time and money.

And that’s where urgent care centers like Mercy come in. Knowing the best option for care can be essential in beginning the healing process, and urgent care centers fill a critical gap in the health care industry.

Urgent Care bridges the gap between primary care and emergency care. Treating minor burns, scrapes and cuts is a vital, yet singular piece of the urgent care puzzle. Urgent care also treats conditions such as allergic reactions, ear infections and strep throat; provides x-ray imaging and lab services such as testing for COVID-19, STIs, pregnancy and blood glucose; provides support and treatment for mental health concerns; and offers preventative services in the way of physicals and vaccinations.

Facilities like Mercy help to alleviate the burden on emergency rooms, enabling area hospitals to make better use of their resources and provide faster ER care for true emergencies. “When people know where to go based on their circumstances, the system works best,” said Dr. Robert Kimball, president of the UCA Board of Directors.

Statistics indicate that Urgent Care centers prevent approximately 24.5 million emergency room visits annually, significantly alleviating the strain on emergency departments while saving patients and the healthcare system valuable time and resources. This data underscores the importance of Urgent Care centers in managing non-emergent cases effectively and underscores their essential status within the healthcare system.

To make these important services even more accessible to the community, Mercy Urgent Care offers MercyMe healthcare memberships. These memberships provide individuals and families access to a full menu of health services — from annual wellness checks and yearly flu shots to access to urgent care services like x-rays, wound care and lab testing — without an appointment or lengthy check-in procedures.

With eight locations across WNC and a MercyMe card, you’ll never be without affordable, quality healthcare resources. Learn more about MercyMe by clicking here, spread awareness this month about the differences between urgent care and emergency departments, and keep us in mind for any of life’s unexpected, non-life-threatening events. Stay well!

MercyMe Team Care Spotlight: Homeward Bound

by

Mercy Urgent Care is proud to offer comprehensive healthcare packages for individuals and families through its MercyMe membership program — and employers throughout Western North Carolina have taken note. Through an affordable monthly membership, MercyMe Team Care allows employers to offer workers access to high quality healthcare services at any of Mercy’s eight convenient locations across Buncombe, Brevard, Haywood, Polk and Yancey counties.

MercyMe is a great way to offer employees the health care services they need — from primary care to treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses — all for a fraction of the cost of traditional insurance options.

Recently, local nonprofit Homeward Bound took advantage of this opportunity to offer coverage to its employees, and Mercy couldn’t be happier to provide compassionate care to those individuals who make this community a better and brighter place for all.

About Homeward Bound

Founded in 1988, Homeward Bound is dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Buncombe County through permanent housing and support, and in 2022 alone, the nonprofit provided homes for 38 veterans and 69 chronically unhoused people in the community. That same year, the organization prevented 162 individuals from becoming homeless, including 30 veterans.

In addition to providing homes for those in need, Homeward Bound also operates the AHOPE Day Center, which provides a place for hundreds of Buncombe County’s homeless neighbors to pick up mail, store their possessions, take care of hygiene needs and more. AHOPE acts as the front door to the nonprofit’s housing services, where people who are homeless can connect to the services and resources they need to find a safe and stable place to live.

Homeward Bound helps people like James, a veteran and successful plumber, who lost his job and home after sustaining a severe injury to his toe at work, which developed into a bone and blood infection that resulted in the amputation of his leg just below the knee. This medical crisis cost James the life he once knew. But with help from Homeward Bound, he has since become housed and is on his way to getting back on track with employment, ongoing health care and support.

In September 2023, Homeward Bound opened Compass Point Village, a permanent supportive housing project made specifically for low-income residents with disabilities, many of whom are chronically homeless. The 85-unit apartment complex, at the site of the former Days Inn on Tunnel Road in East Asheville, provides on-site behavioral health services, case management and job training.

MercyMe team care memberships

As a nonprofit itself, Mercy Urgent Care is proud to offer MercyMe Team Care memberships to organizations like Homeward Bound, so that those who make the biggest difference in our community can access the care and support they need to continue their impactful, life-changing work. Homeward Bound is one of many nonprofits in the local area that have opted in for MercyMe Team Care since the program’s inception in 2022 — but memberships are available to all employers, from small businesses to corporations, with a minimum enrollment of five employees.

Protection for individual employees costs $59 per month per employee or $89 per month for family coverage of up to four people. MercyMe Team Care memberships include unlimited in-office or virtual urgent care visits, a yearly health physical, direct primary care services, flu shots, BMI, A1C and blood pressure assessments, vision screenings and discounts on durable medical equipment and lab work. Find a full list of MercyMe membership services here.

Plans for individuals and families are also available outside of the workplace, with Essential Care plans starting at $29 per month and Premium Care plans starting at $79 per month. Find iInformation on individual and family care plans here.

To learn more about MercyMe Team Care, contact Director of Growth and Marketing Jon Medin at 828.252.3443 or jmedin@mercyurgentcare.org.

Winter Safety

by

Nestled up in warm and cozy homes, we often feel safe and secure in winter‘s wonderland — protected against the harsh weather with a crackling fire and a cup of hot cocoa. But it’s easy to forget that this season isn’t always perfectly picturesque.

When freezing temperatures and stormy weather combine, dangerous situations and health hazards can easily (and unexpectedly) arise. This winter, Mercy Urgent Care wants to keep you safe and warm — and, to help you do so, we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks for braving the chilliest months of the year. From the flu to critically cold conditions, carbon monoxide to icy road conditions, Mercy hopes you’ll heed these precautions and stay safe in 2024.

Thinking ahead is essential in winter months, long before a storm creeps across the mountains. And while ice and snow pose a visible threat, it’s easy to underestimate the danger that’s harder to see, like daily freezing temperatures and chilling winds.

First, prepare for the long freeze by winterizing your home, including:

  • Professionally servicing your heating system to ensure that it’s clean, working and ventilating properly.
  • Testing smoke detector batteries, installing a carbon monoxide detector and having an alternate (and safe) source of heat, along with a supply of necessary fuel. (And never run a generator in a garage or other enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.)
  • Keeping an emergency kit containing flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra medicine and a cache of nonperishable food items that do not need to be cooked.

In addition to in-home safety, prepare your vehicle for winter road conditions by:

  • Checking tire treads to ensure proper traction on slick roads.
  • Keeping fuel lines free of ice by maintaining a full gas tank.
  • Creating an emergency car-kit that includes a portable cell phone charger, blankets, food and water, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a tire pump and a bag of sand or cat litter for emergency tire traction.
  • Being aware of winter weather advisories and traffic conditions before driving — and avoiding travel when advisories are in place.

During a winter storm or blizzard, stay indoors as much as possible, wear warm, layered clothing and keep hydrated. And don’t forget your furry friends: Bring any pets or outdoor companion animals inside (or move to properly sheltered areas), and ensure that each animal has access to a constant supply of nonfrozen water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of carbon monoxide poisoning drastically increase during winter — and in January, the study cites that at least two people die per day from the odorless, colorless gas. Given off by gas furnaces, cars, grills, propane stoves and portable generators, carbon monoxide gives little warning (headache, lightheadedness and nausea) to its presence and, in prolonged, steady doses, is fatal without proper ventilation.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the CDC recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors around the home (and testing detector batteries frequently) — and adhering to the following precautions when using heaters, stoves, generators or other sources of CO:

  • Keep all generators or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors, more than 20 feet from the home, and away from any windows, doors or vents.
  • Ensure that all chimneys or vents are free of debris and lead outside the home.
  • Never leave your vehicle’s motor running while parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage — even if the door is open.
  • Do not use a gas range or oven to heat a home — and do not use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors.
  • Call 911 immediately if CO poisoning is suspected.

When outdoors in freezing conditions, wear layered clothing, including water-repellent outer garments, gloves or mittens and a hat. Keep dry and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite — and remember that overexertion or strenuous outdoor labor (the kind that makes you sweat) can easily lead to hypothermia.

Avoid icy sidewalks and other slick surfaces when possible, but take the following precautions to protect against a slip or fall:

  • Wear shoes with thick-treaded rubber or neoprene soles when walking on icy surfaces and prop yourself up by using a walking stick or gripping walls or handrails where applicable.
  • Learn the penguin walk: Feet apart, knees slightly bent, arms out for balance — and take slow, shuffling steps.
  • If a fall is inevitable, minimize impact by leaning forward, bending the elbows and knees and relaxing your muscles. Try to break the fall with your thigh, hip or shoulder, as bones in the arms, wrists and knees are easier to fracture — and protect your head from hitting the ground.

If you do happen to slip and hit your head, Mercy Urgent Care has you covered. Concussion assessment is available through BrainScope technology, available at the West Asheville and Weaverville locations.

Mercy Urgent Care knows that winter danger is tempting to dismiss. After all, cold weather comes and goes each and every year. But don’t be caught off-guard: Save yourself some slips and chills, and have a safe winter.

Burnsville location expands hours

by

Mercy Urgent Care is expanding operating hours at its Burnsville location beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2024. The Burnsville clinic, located at 41 Charlie Brown Rd., will now be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

“We opened our Burnsville facility in September 2018 to fill a need in the community, and it continues to be warmly received as an area resource for healthcare,” said CEO Rachel Sossoman. “We look forward to increasing our healing presence in Burnsville.”

The hours for the other seven clinics remain the same — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week for the Brevard location; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week for the East Asheville, South Asheville, Columbus and Waynesville locations; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at the West Asheville and Weaverville locations.

Locations

West Asheville

1201 Patton Avenue | phone icon (828) 252-4878
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

Waynesville

120 Frazier Street Suite 6 | phone icon (828) 210.8333
Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

Weaverville

61 Weaver Boulevard Suite 105 | phone icon (828) 645-5088
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

Brevard

22 Trust Lane | phone icon (828) 883.2600
Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; closed on Sundays
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

Foothills (Columbus)

140 West Mills Street, Columbus | phone icon (828) 802-1011
Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

Burnsville

41 Charlie Brown Road | phone icon (828) 536-5575
Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

East Asheville

1272 Tunnel Road | phone icon (828) 210-8325
Monday - Sunday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

South Asheville

1833 Hendersonville Road | phone icon (828) 274-1462
Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
7 Days a Week, 362 Days a Year (Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Request a ride: UBER | LYFT
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

Boone

200 Watauga Village Dr., Boone NC 28607 | phone icon
Coming Soon
Request a ride:
clock-icon Check In location-icon Directions

Celebrate health

by

Festive gatherings and delicious meals abound during the holiday season, but it’s important to strike the right balance between celebration and health. This November, during National Diabetes Month, remember to prioritize your well-being and make mindful choices, even amidst carbohydrate-heavy holiday cheer. Read on to find a few helpful tips for making the holidays a bit healthier — without missing out on any of the fun.

Try the Diabetes Plate Method

According to the American Diabetes Association, all healthy eating plans have a few things in common: fruits and vegetables, lean meats and plant-based sources of protein, less added sugar and fewer processed foods. This Thanksgiving, consider trying out the Diabetes Plate Method, which helps you create balanced portions that manage blood sugar.

First, fill half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, eggplant, mushrooms, okra, green beans, peppers, salad greens or squash. (Remember: Steer clear of sugar-laden casseroles or anything heavily glazed.) Then, fill one-quarter of your plate with lean protein, like turkey. Next, fill the remaining quarter with carbohydrates — grains, potatoes, pumpkin, beans, dairy products — which have the greatest effect on blood sugar. Limiting carbs to just a quarter of your plate can help keep blood sugars from rising too high after meals.

Keep Portion Size in Mind

Of course, managing your one-quarter plate portions on Thanksgiving — a day when dishes are piled sky-high with homemade sides and sweets — might be tricky. Instead, keep these visual reminders for one serving of carbs handy: Two tablespoons of cranberry sauce is the size of a golf ball. A quarter-cup of stuffing is the size of one large egg. A half-cup of mashed potatoes or green bean casserole is the size of a computer mouse.

Practice Mindful Eating

Before grabbing a snack or going in for seconds, try to assess your hunger level. Are you actually hungry? Many people snack while socializing out of habit, so it’s good to check in with your body’s needs. While eating, chew slowly and try to savor every bite. Eating too quickly can easily lead to overindulgence, as it takes about 20 minutes for the brain to register fullness. Also, don’t forget to check your blood sugar levels one to two hours after eating.

Choose Smart Substitutes

Modify traditional recipes with healthier ingredients or swap in protein-rich foods that will fill you up on fewer calories. For example, try mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. Use reduced sugar cranberry chutney instead of cranberry sauce. Make mini-desserts in shot glasses rather than tempting guests with large slices of pie. For diabetic-friendly recipes and holiday meal ideas, visit diabetesfoodhub.org.

Stay Active

Don’t let the holiday hustle and bustle disrupt your exercise routine. Staying active is crucial for managing diabetes and maintaining overall health. Plan family activities that involve movement, such as a post-dinner walk or a friendly game of touch football. Encourage your loved ones to join in, making fitness a fun and inclusive part of the celebration.

Be Mindful of Alcohol Intake

Alcoholic beverages are often part of holiday celebrations, but it’s crucial to consume them in moderation. Excessive alcohol can lead to spikes or drops in blood sugar levels, so if you choose to indulge, do so responsibly. Consider drinking a “light” alternative to your beverage of choice or dilute your drink with water or seltzer.

Monitor with Mercy

Embracing health and wellness is, perhaps, the best way to give thanks to your body this holiday season — and Mercy is here to help. Stop by your nearest Mercy Urgent Care location and treat yourself to a wellness check. Test for diabetes, check your blood pressure or speak to one of our knowledgeable medical practitioners to learn how to better manage your health.