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Mondays with your MD – Breast Cancer Screening (Part 2)

2022-10-24T04:36:18+00:00October 21st, 2022|Adults, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Part II: Screening

On average, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Do you know which screening test is best and when to start screening for breast cancer?

There is more than one type of screening test for breast cancer and there are varying recommendations from different organizations. Education with individualized planning (based on your personal risk for breast cancer) can help determine the best screening test for you.

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Mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of your breasts and can find cancer early.

Different experts have varying advice for when to initiate screening and how frequently to screen average-risk women ages 40 to 49. All experts agree that at a minimum screening should occur at least every 2 years between ages of 50-74.

For average-risk women screening mammography can be performed every one to two years based on patient preference.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to screen women who have a high risk of breast cancer

MRI is a procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. MRI does not use any x-rays and there is no exposure to radiation.

For women with moderately increased risk factors (based on breast density, reproductive history, and hormonal history), breast ultrasound in conjunction with mammogram or a MRI can be considered on an individual basis.

Use of MRI for supplemental screening in women with dense breast tissue has shown higher rates of detection, but there is no evidence that health outcomes are improved overall.

Women with high risk factors (based on a history of chest radiation, ancestry, genes and genetic conditions) may benefit from more frequent screening with enhanced modalities. Obtaining annual MRI and/or consultation to consider risk reduction treatment and intensification of surveillance are viable options.

It is clear that the type and timing of breast cancer screening is highly personalized. You should discuss your risk factors with your board-certified physician so that you can make an informed decision about breast cancer screening.

This is part TWO of a THREE part series on Breast Cancer Awareness.

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Mondays with your MD – Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2022-10-17T23:16:13+00:00October 16th, 2022|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Many of us have been touched by breast cancer- perhaps through a personal diagnosis- or by a family member, friend, or colleague diagnosed with this disease. Breast cancer, after all, is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death in women. Please join me over the next few Mondays to discuss prevention, screening, and warning signs.

Education is Key for Prevention

Do you know the risk factors associated with an INCREASED risk for breast cancer?

  • Hormonal factors can influence your risk for breast cancer. Higher levels of endogenous estrogen and hormonal combined estrogen/progesterone replacement has been associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Reproductive factors associated with a higher breast cancer risk include earlier onset of menstruation, not giving birth or having first child later in life, and a late menopause.
  • Family history and genetic mutations. The risk of breast cancer is affected by the number of first-degree female relatives diagnosed with breast cancer and the age at which they were diagnosed.
  • The highest breast cancer risk occurs among White women (although it remains he most common cancer among women of every major ethnic/racial group).
  • Alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
  • A higher BMI in postmenopausal women is associated with increased risk for breast cancer. 

Do you know how to DECREASE your risk for breast cancer?

  • Breastfeeding. For every 12 months of breastfeeding there is an approximate 4% reduction in the relative risk of breast cancer.
  • Increased physical activity at all ages lowers risk.
  • Dietary factors may modify breast cancer risk although data is limited. Eating a low-fat high fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is recommended.

This is part ONE of a THREE part series on Breast Cancer Awareness. STAY TUNED. Next week we will review breast cancer screening options and recommendations.

 

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Mondays with your MD – 5 tips to prevent eczema flares

2022-10-10T21:29:01+00:00October 7th, 2022|Adults, Family Medicine, Health Care|

Winter is coming… 5 tips to prevent eczema flares!

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? Your skin works as a barrier to prevent infection. When your skin barrier is weakened you experience dryness, irritation, and inflammation. These are all signs that your skin needs attention. Follow these 5 tips to avoid flare-ups….

Keep Skin Moisturized

Moisturizing is key and it must be fragrance free! Slather on gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day, especially right after bath/shower. Highly recommended brands include CeraVe and Aquaphor.

Avoid Irritants

Highly sensitive skin is prone to irritation with perfumes, dyes, and chemicals found in everyday household products. The trick is to use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products. Minimize flare-ups and itching by using fragrance-free soaps, shampoos, and detergents.

Be Temperature Aware

Pay attention to temperature and humidity. Take shorter baths with luke-warm temperature water. Avoid exposure to extreme heat/cold and wear 100% cotton allowing skin to breath. This helps with overheating and excessive sweating which can trigger a flare-up.

Supplement with Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplementation and direct sun exposure can lessen the severity of eczema symptoms and support your skin barrier and immune system. Vitamin D supplementation is a safe and tolerable therapy.

Partner with your physician

With eczema-friendly skin care and trigger management most people can control eczema. Your physician can create custom-tailored treatment plans that can include topical medications, specialized dressings, oral medications, or UV light therapy each of which has unique risks/benefits.

At Roots Health DPC, we partner board-certified physician services with patients who prioritize their own health and wellness. If you are interested in joining our practice please schedule a free meet and greet with Dr Diaz today.

Mondays with your MD – Getting to the root of your healthcare concerns

2022-10-08T18:48:36+00:00October 3rd, 2022|Community, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Membership|

Are you frustrated with the existing health care system? Is your doctor treating your individual symptoms but not helping you find the root cause for the constellation of symptoms you have? Are you wondering if your health care needs might require an integrative approach?

Roots Health DPC provides a patient-centered approach that engages the whole person; nourishes the mind, body, and spirit; and encourages the conscious creation of personal health and wellness. Patients have constant direct access to board-certified medical care with ample time to fully evaluate and treat the root cause of symptoms.

Did you know that the average length of time spent in an office visit to cover patient concerns and circumstances is 7 minutes in the traditional insurance-based health care model? That’s right… 7 minutes! It is no small wonder that the typical health care experience feels piecemeal and rushed. You would not expect your mechanic to diagnose, let alone treat, your car problem in 7 minutes…. so why do we accept this substandard care for our own health and well-being?

At Roots Health DPC, we know that your health is the most important thing. It is the foundation for living life on your terms.

Why should you consider direct primary care for your health care?

Quality time
Quality time to understand your health care needs with your physician and create an individualized health care plan. We focus on the whole patient as a unique individual –taking into account each element of a person’s health, environment, and lifestyle.

Communication
Communication with your board-certified physician that is easy and ongoing making it simple to adjust the plan as necessary to meet your health care needs. Unlimited physician access and visits… in office and virtual

No Waiting. No Copays. Ever.

Affordable Transparent Pricing.

A low monthly membership fee provides unlimited direct access to your physician to work with you as a team to obtain and maintain your optimal health and well-being. Steep discounts on labs, medications, supplements, and imaging.

If you are looking for a board-certified physician that you trust to look at the whole picture and get to the root of your health concerns and help you build a healthier life…. consider joining us at Roots Health DPC. Schedule a Free Meet and Greet with Dr Diaz today.


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    Mondays With your MD – New Covid Vaccine: Bivalent Boosters

    2022-09-25T19:22:53+00:00September 24th, 2022|Community, Coronavirus, Family Practice, Health Care, Pandemic, Public Health, Vaccine|

    The new bivalent booster offers better protection against recently circulating COVID-19 variants and helps restore waning protection from previous vaccination. It offers broader protection for new variants. People must complete the primary series (original monovalent vaccines) before getting a bivalent booster dose.

    covid-19-booster

    Who should get the new booster?

    • People 12 years and older should receive the updated Pfizer or Moderna (bivalent booster)
      This includes people who have received all primary series doses and people who have received the original (monovalent) boosters
    • At this time children ages 12-17 years can only receive the updated Pfizer bivalent booster.
    • Children under 12 years do not get a bivalent booster yet.

    What is considered “Up to Date” with all these boosters?

    Once you have completed the covid-19 vaccine primary series and received he most recent booster dose that is recommended

    When should I get the new booster? Which brand should I get?

    The new bivalent booster can be given at least 2 months or more after your last COVID vaccine. The monovalent booster should no longer be given to anyone 12 years of age and older.


    It is fine to get a booster from a different brand than the primary series or previous boosters. For example, if your primary series was Moderna you can get the Pfizer bivalent booster.

    What about kids under 12 years old?

    At this time, children under 12 years old will NOT receive the new bivalent booster dose although this is likely to change in the future.

    Children 5 years – 11 years who received Pfizer for their primary series should still get a monovalent booster 5 months after the last dose of the primary series.

    Children 5 years – 11 years who got Moderna for their primary series do not get a booster at this time.

    Children 6 months – 4 years should get all COVID-19 vaccination primary series doses.

    At Roots Health DPC we help our patients navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines around
    testing, treatment, and prevention. Set up a FREE “Meet and Greet” with Dr Diaz today.

     


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      Mondays with your MD – Covid … Again? What you need to know

      2022-09-12T18:57:23+00:00September 12th, 2022|Community, Coronavirus, Covid-19 Testing, Pandemic, Public Health, Vaccine|

      There seem to be more cases of COVID circulating in our community now… so I thought I would share the most common questions and concerns I hear from patients.

      My family member has COVID. How often do I need to test myself?

      • If you develop symptoms it is recommended to test immediately.
      • If you have symptoms and your rapid test is negative it is recommended you obtain a PCR test.
      • If you do not have symptoms, you should wait at least 5 days after your exposure to do testing.
      • If you are vaccinated and do not have symptoms you do not need to isolate before testing.

      Can I really get COVID again? I already had it.

      Yes. Everyone 12 years of age and older can receive an updated COVID booster which targets the new COVID variants. Although your disease may not be as severe, you can still catch COVID and pass it to others who may be more vulnerable.

      My COVID test is positive… still.

      Some patients believe they need a negative test to return to work. The truth is that once you have a positive test there is no reason to repeat a test. The isolation period is 5 days and can last up to 10 days depending on the severity of your illness. If your isolation ends on day 5, you should intentionally wear a mask whenever you go in public until the full 10 days has elapsed.

      What is Paxlovid and does it work?

      Paxlovid is one of the medications used to treat COVID. It is highly recommended for those at risk for disease progression and it significantly decreases the severity of the disease. Do not delay seeking care as this treatment must be started within days of when you first develop symptoms to be effective.

      When you have questions about urgent health concerns, you want accessible advice from your physician. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just text your doctor and ask? At Roots Health DPC that is how we provide medical care! We are available to our patients by phone, email, and text anytime. Schedule a FREE “Meet and Greet” at Roots Health DPC to find out more.


       

      We are now accepting new patients and would love the privilege of serving you in our clinic.

      Mondays with your MD – Who gets sleep apnea?

      2022-08-29T19:03:01+00:00August 29th, 2022|Adults, Health Care, Sleep|

      Did you know that trouble concentrating, headaches, urinating frequently at night, and many other symptoms can be caused by sleep apnea? Unfortunately, sleep apnea is often misdiagnosed in women.

      Learn about sleep apnea and signs that it might be affecting your health.

      Who gets sleep apnea?

      Both men and women can have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is commonly under-diagnosed in women because they do not present with “typical” symptoms. Often, women’s concerns are “dismissed” by their physician. Some doctors may have preconceived notions about what a typical sleep apnea patient looks like, and may overlook the reported symptoms by women when they don’t fit the common portrait. Education is key and allows women to advocate for their own health care needs.

      What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

      Snoring is the most obvious sign but it is more common in men. Other signs and symptoms of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) include:

      • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
      • Restlessness during sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings
      • Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking
      • Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
      • Cognitive impairment, such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness or irritability
      • Mood disturbances (often dismissed as depression or anxiety which can co-exist with sleep apnea)
      • Night sweats
      • Frequent nighttime urination
      • Sexual dysfunction
      • Headaches

      How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

      Speak with your primary care physician about your symptoms. If your doctor determines that you have symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, you may be asked to have a sleep evaluation with a sleep specialist or an overnight sleep study to objectively evaluate for sleep apnea.

      How is sleep apnea treated?

      The treatment for sleep apnea is extremely individualized and based on the underlying cause for the sleep apnea. Most commonly the cause of the obstruction to the airway is treated. In a many cases the airway obstruction can be relieved with conservative therapies targeting the underlying cause.
      These       may include:

      • Weight loss
      • Sleep position changes
      • Treatment for underlying sinus or nasal congestion

      Additional therapies utilized (based on the underlying cause of the sleep apnea) include:

      • CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines or other mechanical therapy
      • Dental appliances that keep the airway open
      • Surgical procedures are usually reserved for unresponsive cases

      Diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea are important for your long term health. If you are looking for a physician who spends the time required to evaluate your health concerns and will get to the root of the your health care needs, schedule a FREE “Meet and Greet” at Roots Health DPC.



      We are now accepting new patients and would love the privilege of serving you in our clinic.

      Mondays with your MD – Back-to-school Health Tips

      2022-08-22T19:59:16+00:00August 22nd, 2022|Families, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

      It’s that time of year again! Today we can review how to help children have a successful year.

      Focus on Nutrition

      Packing a healthy school lunch is key for giving your child a healthy energy boost during their school day.

      High protein foods (yogurt, cheese, beans, hummus) with fresh vegetables and fruits are best.

      Avoid empty calories added from sugars and solid fats.

      Hydrate with water. Drink the number of 8oz cups daily equal to age. (5 cups for 5 year old)

      Make Sleep a Priority

      Most healthy children need EIGHT TO TEN HOURS of sleep each night

      Put away electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime

      Encourage children to read a book before bedtime

      Eating a light healthy snack before bed can be beneficial, but avoid caffeine

      Learning Styles and Behaviors

      Now is a good time to schedule an annual exam with your doctor

      Review any questions or concerns you may have about age-appropriate behavior, developmental milestones, and learning needs that can affect your child’s ability to learn in a classroom

      Vision Screening is important. If your child is squinting, tilting head and holding handheld devices too closely are just some of the signs your child may have a vision problem.

      Exercise: Get Active

      School age children need 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity each day

      Encourage sports and outdoor activities after school

      Walk or Bike to school

      It is an exciting time with lots of changes to the routine. Parents play a key role in helping children make a successful transition.

      Mondays with your MD – HPV: What you should know

      2022-08-15T21:41:16+00:00August 15th, 2022|Adults, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

      Human Papilomaviurs, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.

      70- 80% of women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lifetime. HPV can cause cervical cancer.

      The following questions and answers address what you need to know about HPV and screening for cervical cancer:

      What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

      HPV is a group of viruses that can be passed through sexual contact. The types that infect the genital area are called genital HPV.

      Who gets HPV?

      Genital HPV is the most common STI in the United States. It is so common that 70-80% of women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lifetime.

      What are the symptoms of HPV?

      Most people with HPV do not have any symptoms which is why women need regular Pap tests starting at age 21. The Pap test can find changes on the cervix caused by HPV. If you are a woman between ages 30 and 65, you can also do a DNA test for HPV strains of the virus that cause cervical changes.
      HPV infections can sometimes cause genital warts. Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area and       physicians can usually diagnose warts by looking at the genital area.

      What health problems can HPV cause?

      HPV usually goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems including: cervical cancer and genital warts most commonly.

      Do I need to get tested for HPV?

      • If you are 21 to 29 years old, your doctor might suggest the HPV test if you have had an unclear Pap test result. Most women younger than 30 do not need the HPV test, because the immune system fights off HPV in the vast majority.
      • If you are 30 years or older, you may choose to have the HPV test and Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. If both tests are normal, the chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low and often you can wait up to five years for your next HPV screening.

      How can I prevent HPV?

      There are two ways to prevent HPV. One way is get an HPV vaccine. The other way to prevent HPV or any STI is to avoid sexual contact with another person.

       

      If you do have sex, lower your risk of getting an STI with the following steps:

      • Use condoms. Condoms are the best way to prevent STIs when you have sex.
      • Limit your number of sex partners. Your risk of getting STIs goes up with the number
        of partners you have.

      If I get the HPV vaccine, do I still need to use a condom?

      Yes. The vaccine does not replace or decrease the need to wear condoms. Using condoms lowers your risk of getting other types of HPV and other STIs.

      Do I still need a Pap test if I got the HPV vaccine?

      Yes. There are three reasons why:

      • Although the HPV vaccine protects against many of the HPV types that cause cervical cancer, it does not prevent all HPV types that cause cervical cancer.
      • You might not be fully protected if you did not get all the vaccine doses (or at the recommended ages).
      • You might not fully benefit from the vaccine if you were vaccinated after getting one or more types of HPV before vaccination.

      Talk to your doctor today about HPV screening

      Mondays with your MD – Monkeypox: Questions and Answers

      2022-07-31T14:56:29+00:00July 31st, 2022|Adults, Families, Public Health, Urgent Care|

      Monkeypox is caused by a virus that is usually not serious, though the rash is painful and can cause scarring.
      Although a public health emergency, Monkeypox disease is not similar to COVID and no one should panic.

      What is monkeypox?

      Previously, monkeypox was known as a rare disease. It was first seen in humans in 1970 and caused by an infection with the monkeypox virus (a part of the same family of viruses as smallpox). The disease is milder than small pox symptoms and it is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease that lasts 2-4 weeks.

      What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?

      • Headaches
      • Muscle aches
      • Exhaustion
      • Fever
      • Sore throat, cough, congestion
      • Swollen lymph nodes
      • Rash

      What does the rash look like?

      The rash can be extremely itchy or painful and goes through different stages before forming a scab and healing. It can be located near genitals but also on hands feet and other parts of the body.

      How does the virus spread?

      • Through close skin to skin contact
      • Contact with surfaces used by someone with monkeypox (shared towels for example).
      • Direct contact with rash or body fluids from someone with monkeypox.

      How can I protect myself?

      • Limit contact by avoiding close skin to skin contact of persons with a rash.
      • Do not share utensils, plates, or cups with person who has monkeypox.
      • Do not handle bedding towels or cloths with person who has monkeypox.
      • Wash hands frequently.
      • The vaccine is limited and recommended for people who have been exposed to monkeypox.

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