Family Sick-Season Survival Plan

2025-12-01T12:40:35+00:00December 1st, 2025|Community, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Sick Season Survival Guide for Busy Families: Stay Healthy Without ER Visits, Endless Sick Days, or Panic

The holidays are magical—but let’s be honest: this is also prime sick-season.

Colds, flu, RSV, strep… suddenly every child, coworker, and playmate can be a risk fro germ exposure.

For working moms who are balancing meetings, meals, school drop-offs, and holiday events….one sick day can turn into a week of disruption. We know you don’t have time for that.

At Roots Health DPC, our goal is to help your family stay healthy and recover quickly, so you can enjoy the season (and show up at work without stress).

Let’s build your Sick-Season Survival Plan.

✅ 1. Prevention First: What Actually Works

Forget the TikTok immunity hacks. Evidence-based seasonal immunity support includes:

  1. Prioritizing 7+ hours of sleep
  2. Vitamin D + zinc (if appropriate; personalized dosing is ideal)
  3. Daily movement/exercise, even 10–15 minutes
  4. Keeping sugar + alcohol reasonable (immune-sparing)
  5. Hydrating like it’s your job
  6. Handwashing and hand sanitizer
  7. Saline nasal spray or rinse after flights/crowded events

💡 DPC Mom Tip: Make a family “night routine basket”: books, calming night light, humidifier nearby. Sleep is immune medicine.

✅ 2. When Illness Hits: Smart, Calm Response

Instead of using Dr Google or going to urgent care, use a plan:

  1. Reach out to Your DPC Doc
  2. Honey for cough (age > 1)
  3. Acetaminophen/ibuprofen rotation guidelines
  4. Humidifier + gentle steam
  5. Nasal saline + suction for young kids

And remember:

  1. Antibiotics don’t treat viruses…. but can give you diarrhea.
  2. Fever isn’t the enemy; dehydration is. Lots of fluids are key

💚 Bonus of DPC: Same-day access, texting your doctor, rapid testing, and guidance so you don’t waste hours in waiting rooms.

LEARN THE MODEL THAT SAVES PARENTS TIME, MONEY, AND ENDLESS URGENT-CARE VISITS.

 

✅ 3. Know When to Seek Care

Call the doctor (or text, if you’re a DPC member) if there’s:

  1. Breathing difficulty
  2. Dehydration signs
  3. High fever > 72 hours
  4. Ear pain
  5. Lethargy or concerning symptoms

Instead of guessing and overusing urgent care, you get professional reassurance fast.

✅ 4. Working Mom Sick-Season Systems

Success doesn’t happen by chance — it happens by planning. Try these real-life systems:

  1. “Sick bin” ready to grab: thermometer, saline, honey, humidifier tabs, electrolyte packets
  2. Emergency freezer meals for low-energy days
  3. Car kit: tissues, wipes, extra water bottles, spare mask
  4. School note template saved in phone
  5. Backup childcare/partner “sick-day swap plan”

You don’t need to be superhuman — just prepared.

✅ 5. Why DPC Is a Working Mom’s Secret Weapon

Membership benefits that matter most in winter:

✨ Same-day/next-day visits

✨ Text your doctor for guidance

✨ Transparent pricing (no surprise bills)

✨ Avoid urgent care + long waits

✨ Whole-family preventive plan

✨ Partnership — not rushed “in-and-out” care

When your time is stretched thin and your family’s health is everything, having a direct line to your physician is the ultimate mom superpower.

This season, protect what matters most — your health, your energy, and your peace of mind.

START YOUR WINTER WITH A PLAN—AND A DOCTOR WHO HAS YOUR BACK.

You don’t need to juggle it all alone — we’ve got you.

Healthy Holiday Travel

2025-11-24T06:34:35+00:00November 24th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Family Travel & Health — Smart Safety, Sleep, and Screening Tips

Health Doesn’t Take a Vacation

The holidays are around the corner—and so are the road trips, flights, and family visits that make this season special. But along with travel comes new germs, disrupted routines, and the inevitable fatigue that can throw your body off balance.

At Roots Health DPC, we believe staying healthy on the go is essential. Whether you’re flying cross-country or driving to Grandma’s house, here’s your trusted checklist for healthy holiday travel.

Plan Ahead—Your Pre-Travel Health Check

Healthy trips start before you pack your bags. A quick pre-travel check-in can prevent unwanted surprises.

Before you go:

  • Schedule your annual physical if it’s due—especially for kids or older adults.
  • Make sure vaccines are up to date (flu, tetanus, etc.).
  • Refill any medications and pack an extra supply in case of delays.
  • Ask your DPC doctor about travel-specific needs—like altitude sickness meds or motion sickness prevention.

💡 Doctor’s Tip: Pack medications and key documents (insurance card, ID, DPC contact info) in your carry-on—not checked luggage.

Healthcare that fits your life (and your travel plans).

In-Transit Health Hacks

Travel often means tight schedules, irregular meals, and less sleep—but small habits can make a big difference.

For Flights & Long Drives:

  • Stay hydrated (air travel dries you out faster than you think).
  • Move or stretch every couple of hours to improve circulation.
  • Sanitize high-touch surfaces like tray tables and seat belts.
  • Pack healthy snacks (nuts, fruit, granola bars) to avoid sugar crashes.

For Families with Kids:

  • Bring a comfort item or blanket to help them settle.
  • Keep wipes, hand sanitizer, and a mini first-aid kit handy.
  • Plan downtime after arrival—fatigue can make little ones more prone to illness.

Protect Your Sleep & Immune Rhythm

Time changes, jet lag, and unfamiliar environments can disrupt your sleep, which directly affects immunity.

Try these travel-doctor-approved tips:

  • Stick to your usual bedtime routine as much as possible.
  • Get morning sunlight to reset your circadian rhythm.
  • Avoid caffeine after noon in the new time zone.
  • Keep rooms dark and cool for better sleep.

Remember: Sleep is medicine. It helps your body recover, regulate stress hormones, and fend off infection.

DPC Makes Travel Health Simple

With a Direct Primary Care membership, your doctor is just a text or call away—no waiting rooms, no guessing games.

Even if you’re out of town, we can:

  • Review symptoms virtually
  • Advise on local urgent care or prescriptions
  • Refill meds if you lose or run out during travel
  • Provide peace of mind that you’re not alone on the road

Because good care travels with you.

Travel Confidently, Stay Healthy

This season, make your health part of the plan—not an afterthought.

With a little preparation… your holidays can be both joyful and healthy.

Book your complimentary meet-and-greet today to see how DPC keeps you covered year-round—wherever life takes you.

Ready for care that goes wherever you go?

What is Direct Primary Care?

2025-11-03T15:53:33+00:00November 3rd, 2025|Direct Primary Care|

What Is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

A Simpler Way to Get the Healthcare You Deserve

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling rushed, confused about your bill, or frustrated that you didn’t get the care you really needed? If so, you’re not alone. Many families and small business owners feel trapped in a healthcare system that is expensive, impersonal, and hard to navigate.

That’s where Direct Primary Care (DPC) comes in—a simpler, more affordable, and more personal way to get the healthcare you deserve.

So, what exactly is DPC?

At its core, DPC is membership-based primary care. Instead of paying per visit or going through complicated insurance billing, you pay a flat monthly fee (at Roots Health DPC, that’s $78–$98 per adult and $36 per child). That monthly membership gives you unlimited access to your doctor—in person, by phone, or even text.

No copays. No surprise bills. No long waits.

Discover how affordable, unlimited doctor access really works

What’s included in DPC?

Your membership covers:
  • Unlimited visits (no rushing through appointments)
  • Same-day or next-day appointments
  • Extended time with your doctor (30–60 minutes, not 7–10)
  • Preventive care and chronic disease management
  • Discounted labs, medications, and imaging (often cheaper than insurance copays)
  • Direct access to your doctor by phone, text, or email

Think of it like having a trusted doctor on speed dial—someone who knows you, your family, and your health history.

Why do families and small businesses love DPC?

  • Families: Parents love knowing their kids can see a doctor quickly without a giant bill.
  • Small businesses: Owners save money while still offering employees real access to healthcare.
  • Busy professionals: No time wasted in waiting rooms; care happens when it’s needed.

Is DPC insurance?

No—it’s better. Insurance is still important for emergencies, specialists, or hospital stays. But for everyday healthcare needs (about 80–90% of care people use), DPC is the smarter, more affordable option.

The Roots Health DPC Difference

At Roots Health DPC, we combine modern medicine with old-school service. Our patients get:
  • Affordable membership pricing
  • Direct access to their doctor
  • A personalized plan that fits their health goals

Healthcare shouldn’t feel like a battle. With DPC, it doesn’t.

Get all your DPC questions answered today

Don’t Skip These Screenings

2025-10-27T15:07:30+00:00October 27th, 2025|Adults, Community, Direct Primary Care, Public Health|

Health Screenings You Shouldn’t Skip in Your 40s and 50s

Turning 40 or 50 often feels like a milestone—and it’s also the perfect time to prioritize preventive health. Regular screenings can detect problems early, when they’re most treatable, and keep you on track for a healthier future.

Here’s a practical checklist of the screenings you shouldn’t skip:

✅ Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

  • Why it matters: High blood pressure and cholesterol often have no symptoms but raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • When: At least every 1–2 years—or more often if you have risk factors.

✅ Blood Sugar / Diabetes Screening

  • Why it matters: Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in midlife, and catching it early can prevent serious complications.
  • When: Starting at age 45, or earlier if you’re overweight or have family history.

✅ Cancer Screenings

  • Breast Cancer: Mammograms are recommended for women starting at 40–50, depending on risk factors.
  • Colon Cancer: Colonoscopy or stool-based screening should begin at 45.
  • Prostate Cancer: Men should discuss PSA testing with their doctor around age 50, or earlier with risk factors.
  • Skin Cancer: Regular skin checks for unusual moles or lesions are important at any age.

✅ Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)

  • Why it matters: Osteoporosis risk increases with age, especially for women after menopause.
  • When: Women over 65 and men over 70 should be screened—but your doctor may recommend earlier if you have risk factors.

Overwhelmed by which screenings you actually need? Don’t guess—

 

✅ Vision & Hearing Checks

  • Why it matters: Subtle changes in vision and hearing can impact daily life and safety, yet often go unnoticed.
  • When: Eye exams every 2 years; hearing checks if you notice changes.

✅ Immunizations

  • Why it matters: Protection against illness doesn’t stop at childhood. Staying up to date reduces serious risks.
  • Key vaccines: Shingles (age 50+), annual flu shot, Tdap booster, and COVID-19 vaccines/boosters as recommended.

Why This Matters More in Your 40s & 50s

These decades are often the “sandwich years”—balancing careers, families, and aging parents. It’s easy to put your health last. But screenings are one of the most powerful ways to stay healthy, independent, and present for the people who count on you.

Your Partner in Prevention

At Roots Health DPC, we take the guesswork out of prevention. Together, we’ll create a personalized screening plan based on your history, lifestyle, and risks. With direct access to your doctor, longer visits, and ongoing support, you’ll never feel rushed or overlooked.

One-size-fits-all care leaves dangerous gaps. Get a screening plan built for you.

Let’s make sure you’re up to date with the screenings that protect your future health.

Because prevention isn’t just medicine—it’s peace of mind.

Open Enrollment

2025-10-13T13:24:39+00:00October 13th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Open Enrollment, Public Health|

A Smarter Way to Protect Your Family This Open Enrollment: More Care, Less Cost

Every year, healthcare premiums rise while coverage seems to shrink. Families are paying more, small businesses feel squeezed, and many people avoid care because of surprise bills or endless insurance hurdles.

But this year’s Open Enrollment brings good news — and a chance to break the cycle.

What’s New This Year?

  • ✅ HSAs Can Now Cover DPC MembershipsThanks to recent law changes, you can now use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for Direct Primary Care memberships — tax-free. That means predictable care at transparent prices, without losing HSA benefits.
  • ✅ Catastrophic Plans ExpandedAs of November 1, 2025, more people are eligible for low-premium catastrophic health plans. These plans cover worst-case scenarios while keeping monthly costs down.
  • ✅ Catastrophic + Bronze Plans Now HSA-CompatibleCertain catastrophic and Bronze high-deductible health plans are now recognized as HSA-eligible, giving families and small business owners even more flexibility to pair affordable coverage with DPC.

Discover how DPC fits your family’s health and budget

Why Pairing DPC With a Catastrophic Plan is a GAME CHANGER.

At Roots Health DPC, we offer membership care that makes sense for families and entrepreneurs alike:

  • Adults: $78–$98/month
  • Kids: $36/month
  • Labs: under $30 (often less than a typical copay)
  • X-rays: $60
  • MRIs: from $250
  • Medications: often cheaper than insurance copays

That means you can lower your monthly premium costs with a catastrophic plan — and still enjoy unlimited access to your physician, no copays, no surprise bills, and transparent pricing for everything else.

Who Benefits Most?

  • Individuals & Families: Convenient care without hassle. No avoiding visits because of surprise costs.
  • Small Business Owners: Affordable health options for yourself and employees.
  • Solopreneurs: Reliable, personal care with catastrophic coverage for peace of mind.

Take Action Before Open Enrollment Ends

Open Enrollment is your chance to stop overpaying and finally choose care that works for your family and your budget.

Open Enrollment won’t last — let’s review your options and build a plan that actually fits your family’s needs.

Don’t wait — enrollment deadlines come fast. This year, you have more choices. Let’s make them count.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month

2025-09-15T11:43:13+00:00September 15th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Health Care, Public Health|

September Is AFib Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Protect Your Heart

September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most common heart rhythm disorders. AFib affects millions of people, often without obvious symptoms, yet it can significantly increase your risk of stroke and other heart complications.

What Is AFib?

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat. Instead of a steady, regular rhythm, the heart may beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. While some people notice palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue, others may have no symptoms at all—making regular screening especially important.

Common Signs and Symptoms

While AFib can be silent, watch for:
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  • Palpitations (“fluttering” in the chest)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Chest discomfort

If you experience any of these, it’s important to talk to your physician. Early detection can prevent serious complications, including stroke or heart failure.

Discover how Roots Health DPC supports lifelong heart health.

 

Why Screening Matters

AFib often goes undiagnosed until a serious event occurs. A simple heart rhythm evaluation—like an ECG or wearable heart monitor—can detect irregularities early. Knowing your risk and catching AFib early allows for effective management and treatment, keeping your heart healthier for the long term.

How Roots Health DPC Can Help

At Roots Health DPC, we take the time to:
  • Review your heart health and risk factors
  • Offer individualized screenings for AFib and other cardiac conditions
  • Create personalized plans to manage and reduce risk
  • Provide ongoing support so you never have to navigate your health alone

Take Action This September

Don’t wait for symptoms to disrupt your life. Early detection of AFib can make all the difference in preventing complications.

Get a heart rhythm check—protect your heart and peace of mind.

How DPC Works for Families

2025-08-19T13:29:09+00:00August 19th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Health Care|

Concierge Care vs. Direct Primary Care:

What’s the Difference and Why DPC Is the Smarter Choice for Families

When it comes to primary care, many people are confused by the options. You may have heard terms like Concierge Medicine and Direct Primary Care (DPC) used interchangeably. But while they may sound similar, they are very different models of care—especially when it comes to cost, access, and who they’re really for.

If you’ve assumed DPC is just “concierge care by another name,” let’s set the record straight.

Not Just for the Wealthy: DPC Was Built for Everyday Families

Concierge care has often catered to the wealthy, with price tags to match—think $2,000+ annual fees on top of regular insurance costs.

At Roots Health DPC, we’ve taken a completely different approach: make high-quality, personalized primary care available and affordable for working families—whether you’re insured, underinsured, or not insured at all.

And it starts at prices that might surprise you:

  • Children: $36/month
  • Adults: $78/month

No copays. No surprise bills. No middlemen.

Ready to See the Difference?

 

So What’s the Difference? Let’s Break It Down:

Here’s a quick look at how Direct Primary Care (DPC) stacks up against Concierge Medicine:

Feature

Direct Primary Care (DPC)

Concierge Care

Monthly Fee

Low and affordable ($36–$78)

High annual retainer ($2,000+)

Insurance Required

❌ No

✅ Yes

Copays or Deductibles

❌ None

✅ Often required

Visit Time with Doctor

30–60 minutes

30–60 minutes

Same/Next-Day Appointments

 ✅Yes ✅Yes

Direct Doctor Messaging/Access

 ✅Yes

✅Yes

Focus

Affordability + Access

Luxury + Convenience

Ideal For

Families, individuals, small business employees

Wealthy executives

Why Roots Health DPC Just Makes More Sense

  1. ✅ Predictable monthly pricing for your whole family
  2. ✅ Direct access to your physician via call, text, or video
  3. ✅ Unlimited visits, longer appointment times, and no rushed care
  4. ✅ Chronic care management without added costs
  5. ✅ Same-day appointments when your child wakes up with a fever

You shouldn’t need a platinum credit card to get platinum-level care. And with Roots Health DPC, you don’t.

Still Think DPC Sounds “Too Good to Be True”?

We get it—when something offers this much value, people assume there’s a catch. But this is healthcare reimagined: no gimmicks, no hidden fees, just smarter care designed to help your family thrive.

It’s time to stop settling for overbooked doctors and overpriced insurance plans. Experience a model that works for you—not against you.

Simplify your family’s healthcare—without the stress.

Start School Strong with DPC

2025-08-11T14:23:48+00:00August 11th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Public Health|

Back to School,

the Easy Way:

DPC Families Start the Year Strong

Backpacks are getting dusted off. Lunchboxes are reappearing. And kids? They’re bouncing between excitement and nerves.

It’s that time again—back-to-school season, and for most families, it comes with a checklist a mile long:

📝 School physicals

🩹 Updated vaccinations

😷 Coughs, colds, and lingering summer sniffles

🧠 A mental wellness and Routines reset

At Roots Health DPC, we’re here to make that list a little less overwhelming—and a lot more convenient.

Discover a better, family-centered way to do healthcare.

Last week, one mom from the practice called about her 8-year-old son who had a rash that wouldn’t go away. She was worried it might be something serious, so we got him in quickly. During the visit, as we were wrapping up the exam, and she hesitated for a second and said:

“Oh, shoot—I still need to schedule his school physical!”

Here’s the beauty of Direct Primary Care: she didn’t have to.

We just added the school physical right then and there—no second appointment, no waiting weeks to be seen, no juggling another calendar slot. She left with peace of mind, a healthy kid. The school physical form was completed…. and that was one more thing crossed off her list.

This is the kind of care families need—especially during busy seasons.

With DPC, you get:

  • Same or next-day appointments
  • No rushed visits—we handle everything you need in one stop
  • Care that fits into your life, not the other way around

Whatvere your healthcare needs… a school physical, stitches, a mental health check-in before the school year starts, or you just want to text your doctor with a quick question — you’re in the right place.

We’re here to partner with you to make this school year the healthiest one yet.

Want to experience a better way to get care for your family?

Back to Routine

2025-08-04T13:00:21+00:00August 4th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care|

How Are You Doing—Really?

I just got back from a break that stretched me in the best ways. My family and I traveled to two places I’d never been before: the Azores and Morocco. In the Azores, we saw limitless numbers of hydrangeas in bloom along the roadside and watched sperm whales in all their majestic splendor. We kept forging into new places and spent a night in the Moroccan desert—riding ATVS, eating under the stars, and meeting new people. An experience that made me feel at once small and at the same time very much alive.

It was magical. And unfamiliar. And fun.

But what really struck me was how good it felt to experience something new.

As a doctor, I often talk about the importance of healthy habits and steady routines. But here’s the other half of the story: our brains need change, too. New experiences help us grow, challenge old patterns, and create new neural connections. They wake us up.

Coming home has reminded me of how easy it is to fall back into the busy swirl of work, family, logistics, and caregiving.

So I want to gently ask you a question I’ve been asking myself: How are you doing—really?

Not just “holding it together.” But deep down. Are you fulfilled?

Do you sleep soundly? Do you feel rested, clear, and supported in your body and mind? Are you grateful for the life you are living?

If not—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

At Roots Health DPC, I offer personalized, direct primary care that’s centered around you. No rushed visits. No jumping through insurance hoops. Just thoughtful, comprehensive care built on real connection.

So if you’ve been putting yourself last—maybe this is the nudge to put yourself first again.

Book your complimentary consultation today.

Travel Smarter with DPC

2025-07-28T14:40:26+00:00July 28th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Public Health|

Jet Lag, Germs & Global Travel: Why International Trips Can Hit Hard

(And How to Travel Smarter with DPC)

Ever notice how a “trip of a lifetime” abroad can leave you feeling… totally wrecked?

The jet lag is brutal. Your stomach’s off. You’re not sure if the coffee is helping or hurting. And somewhere between adjusting to local time and trying to avoid sunburned, you realize: traveling internationally is no joke for your body.

But most people think the only fix is to just “push through.”

That’s where I come in.

Your Body Has a Clock—And Travel Throws It Off

Every time you cross multiple time zones, your circadian rhythm gets disrupted. That’s the internal clock that governs everything from sleep and energy to digestion and mood. And when it’s off, your entire system has to scramble to recalibrate.

So how do we fix it faster?

🕶️ Light exposure – Morning light helps reset your internal clock to your new location. Get outside within the first hour of waking. Avoid bright screens at night to keep melatonin levels normal.

☕ Caffeine – Yes, you can use it—but strategically. Use caffeine in the morning at your destination to stay alert. Skip it after 2 PM local time so you’re not sabotaging your sleep.

💊 Melatonin – This is your body’s “sleep cue.” I usually recommend 0.5 to 3 mg about 30 minutes before your new bedtime for a few nights once you arrive. It helps re-sync your rhythm without grogginess.

🛫 Start adjusting before you go – If possible, shift your bedtime and wake time 1–2 hours toward your destination’s time zone a few days before your trip.

Travel Healthy with a Doctor Who Supports YOU.

But Wait, What About the Other Kind of Travel Prep…

When patients tell me they’re traveling internationally, I always ask:

“Have you checked your destination’s vaccine and medication requirements yet?”

Cue blank stares.

Because let’s be honest, the CDC travel site is not user-friendly. It feels like you need a PhD in epidemiology just to figure out if you need a typhoid shot, malaria meds, or a yellow fever card.

The reality?

Getting it right matters.

You don’t want to realize at the airport that you needed proof of a vaccine—or worse, wind up in a remote area without the meds to prevent a totally avoidable illness.

DPC Makes Travel Simpler, Safer, and Smarter

When you’re in my practice, you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re heading to Italy or Indonesia, we walk through it together:

✅ I decode the CDC guidance for your destination

✅ We plan circadian rhythm strategies to fight jet lag

✅ You get the right vaccines, refills, and travel meds on time

✅ And you get peace of mind knowing your doctor travels with you (virtually, of course)

Travel-Ready Care Starts Before You Pack

Don’t wait until you’re already on a plane with the wrong meds and no plan for sleep.

We’re not full yet—but we’re getting close. If you’ve got international travel coming up, now’s the time to join the practice and prep like a pro.

Get travel-ready care without the guesswork

© Copyright 2020 Roots-MD LLC, dba Roots Health DPC
Toggle Sliding Bar Area
No waiting. Healthcare delivered when you need it.
Go to Top