Breast Cancer Awareness

2023-10-09T15:41:49+00:00October 9th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Many of us have been touched by knowing someone with breast cancer. It is, after all, is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death in women.

We are raising awareness and prioritizing breast health.

Education is the Key to Prevention
Know the risk factors associated with an INCREASED risk for breast cancer:
  • Hormonal factors influence your risk for breast cancer. Speak with your physician about your personal risk associated with hormonal therapies.
  • 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).
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.
  • Routine screening and regular self-breast exams

Empower yourself to take proactive steps for your breast health and well-being.

How Prioritizing Your Well-Being Can Transform Your Life

2023-09-11T14:01:00+00:00September 11th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Mental Health|

MIND over MATTER

We all lead full lives, but are we really “too busy” to prioritize ourselves first? It can be hard to prioritize our own well-being when we have so many other seemingly “more important” obligations. Sometimes, it feels like there is “not enough time” to get it all done and some might just choose to skip the self-care piece. I have been in your shoes and had that thought… “I am just too busy.”

What if there was plenty of time? What would that feel like?

Would you focus your attention and spend time on the things that brought you joy intentionally? Would the endless “to do” task list in life feel less like a “checklist” burden and instead become a source of meaning and purpose in all the activities of your day?

I understand how balancing parenting, work, and our own growth can seem impossible and leave you feeling like you cannot do a great job in one area without compromising other areas.

We all have unique challenges that serve as a catalyst for our own personal growth and evolution ….and we learn from those experiences.… but WHAT we learn is actually the most important. Alone, we are limited… we can only teach ourselves what we already know. But the brain is truly an amazing organ… it is malleable, teachable, and trainable. Our thoughts and perspective actually have the ability to completely change our lives even when our circumstances remain pretty much the same. Questioning our thoughts and beliefs about what is “true” gives us the ability to adopt new habits that help us grow and thrive rather than merely survive. Knowing that “what we focus on grows” gives us the gift of being able to gather up our experiences from the past and move forward in the direction of our dreams.

Ready to Embrace Positive Change and Unleash Your Full Potential?

Take the First Step Toward a Life Filled with Meaning and Purpose!

“When my thinking changed, my life changed.”

When I look at my “to do list” today, I view it as something I “get to do” instead of something “I have to do.” I prioritize time for self-care and self-development and become a more focused and productive participant in my own life. TIME is our most valuable resource. When we know exactly how we want to spend it, we can live a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Self-care is the foundation for success in all the areas of your life. Filling your own cup first so that you can serve others is not selfish…. it is necessary.

Self-care is the foundation for success in all the areas of your life. Filling your own cup first so that you can serve others is not selfish…. it is necessary.

Discover Health Sharing Plans (HSP)

2023-09-04T13:25:27+00:00September 4th, 2023|Adults, Community, Direct Primary Care, Health Care, Public Health, Uncategorized|

Navigating Health Care Alternatives:

Health Sharing Plans and Direct Primary Care

Insurance costs are increasing and have become a growing source of stress for individuals and families.  Many are not aware there is another alternative—and it’s called health care sharing plans. Health sharing plans (HSP), also known as medical cost sharing, can save you and your family a lot of money on healthcare. We review the basics of these plans and explore how they differ from traditional insurance coverage.

WE are doing health care differently at Roots Health Direct Primary Care…..

Health Sharing Plans (HSP): How It Works

Members in an HSP “share” medical costs. As part of an HSP, you are responsible for paying an initial unshareable amount (IUA) each month (like a premium). There is also an “annual unshared amount” (like a deductible) that your medical expenses must exceed before the plan shares your expenses.

Health care sharing can be great for people who:

  • Are generally in good health
  • Are not eligible for a tax credit based on income
  • Lack access to insurance through an employer or government program
  • Only want/need catastrophic coverage
  • Can’t afford current health insurance premiums

HSP vs Health Insurance

The Pros:

  • HCP counts as insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), even though they are not insurance. This allows for affordable healthcare benefits while avoiding the tax penalty for going uninsured.
  • HSP are provided at a much lower monthly cost.
  • The annual “unshared amount” is much, much lower than deductibles for insurance plans.
  • You have any choice of provider. There are no network requirements. If you pay out-of-pocket, health sharing plans reimburse your expense.

The Cons:

  • Health care sharing plans are not required to cover pre-existing conditions at the time of enrollment such as cancer, diabetes, or smoking. Those who have them may be declined membership or won’t have the conditions fully covered for a year or more.
  • Health care sharing also doesn’t typically cover the essential health benefits like wellness exams or mental health counseling.

HSP and Direct Primary Care work well together

The DPC will meet vast majority of a person’s primary health care needs and any urgent care needs for a low monthly fee without copays or deductibles. DPC will ensure access to high quality low cost laboratories, medications , and consultations with specialists. You receive higher quality care with better access to your physician without waiting.

Experience Comprehensive Care Now at Roots Health DPC

Affordable Medications

2023-08-28T12:51:05+00:00August 28th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Prescription Costs, Uncategorized|

Are Medications Affordable?

Medications do not need to be expensive.

Out-of-pocket costs for medications have skyrocketed.  We know patients are sick of trying to figure out how to get medications at a reasonable cost.  At Roots Health DPC, we are making medications easily affordable for our patients. How?

We buy medications at wholesale cost – and pass that value to our patients…without marking them up. We remove the middleman, pharmacy benefit managers/retail pharmacies, that come between patients and their medications. We have effectively lowered the cost of prescriptions by 50% to 90% for our patients.

Here are Just a few Examples of Medications for Under $5/month

Metformin

Ibuprofen

Lisinopril

Amlodipine

Sertraline/Zoloft

Lovastatin

Sumatriptan/Imitrex

Loratadine/Claritin

We’re rewriting the script on healthcare by offering medications directly to you at discounted rates.

A Simple Solution for a “Complex” Problem

DPC stands for Direct Primary Care – we deliver health care services, including medications, directly to our patients. We provide medications at discounted rates because we know everyone deserves fair pricing on the medications they require to stay healthy. We are uniquely qualified to partner with our patients to determine which medications will best treat their medical conditions and ensure they receive those medications at a reasonable price.

Learn more about how Roots Health DPC is transforming health care for the better.

Retinoids: Your Skin Care Essential

2023-08-21T13:14:56+00:00August 21st, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

Skin Care Routines: The Lowdown on Retinoids

As we age, collagen production slows… causing wrinkles and signs of aging. Eating a diet rich in anti-oxidants, staying hydrated, using daily facial sunscreen and moisturizer are all critical components for a healthy skin care routine. Today we look at retinoids as a basic foundation for anti-aging skin care routines.

What are retinoids?

A derivative of vitamin A, retinoids can tackle everything from fine lines and pigmentation to acne. They achieve this by boosting the turnover rate of skin cells. Retinoids accelerate the rate of skin cell division and new cell growth which helps thicken the top layer. Retinols and other retinoids also work deep in the skin’s dermis layer to stimulate collagen and elastin production. These skin proteins naturally decrease with time, leading to thinning skin and other visible signs of aging. Boosting their production, then, allows retinoids to offer pro-aging support.

What’s Retinol?

When it comes to retinol and retinoids, plenty of people get a little confused — but with good reason. These two anti-aging ingredients aren’t entirely different. In fact, retinol is a sub-type of retinoid.

From reducing the appearance of wrinkles to easing the effects of sun damage retinoids can offer plenty of skin benefits. Retinoids most often describe more powerful prescription products, while retinol generally refers to weaker over-the-counter (OTC) formulas. OTC formulas tend to be less drying but they are still effective… if used consistently over long periods of time.

Feeling confident in our skin is an important part of well-being. At Roots Health DPC we support our patients on their wellness journey.

Should you use retinoid or retinol?

Before deciding, you’ll want to consider your skin type and the severity of the problem you’re trying to treat. Retinols are generally recommended for dry skin as they tend to be less drying and often are formulated with hydration ingredients.

Side effects of retinoids including irritation, redness, burning suggest an overly aggressive routine and can occur if you do not “ease your way” into retinoid use by starting slowly.

Contraindications to all retinoids include pregnancy, lactating, or trying to conceive.

How to use retinoids?

WHEN to put them into your skin care routine: at night after washing with a gentle cleanser. Start 3 nights per week and increase to daily after a few weeks if your skin can tolerate.

HOW to apply: use a pea-size amount when face is dry. Apply moisturizer afterward to avoid irritation. Using sunscreen on a daily basis is a MUST while applying retinoids.

ANYTHING ELSE? Check the ingredient list of your other skin care products, as retinoids can interact with other formulas and should not be used with benzoyl peroxide for example.

Combining retinoids with ethyl alcohol or acidic products, can dry out your skin and lead to redness and irritation.

If you have dry skin, creamier formulas can offer more hydration. If you have normal, oily, or combination skin, you might prefer a thinner gel consistency.

We are accepting a limited number of new patients.

Migraine Headaches

2023-08-07T13:38:06+00:00August 7th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Is it a Migraine Headache?

Migraines can cause throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. These headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can interfere with daily activities.

What is an Aura?

A warning symptom, an aura, can occur before the headache. An aura might be visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, or other disturbances, like tingling on one side of the face, arm or leg or even difficulty speaking.

Risk Factors for Migraines

Family history: If you have a family member with migraines, then you have a good chance of developing them too.

Sex. Women are three times more likely than men to have migraines..

Age. Most people have their first migraine during adolescence, but migraines can start at any age, usually before age 40.

Hormonal changes. Headaches can begin around menstruation. They can change during pregnancy or menopause. Migraines generally improve after menopause.

Are you looking for a board-certified physician who you can just text to answer your medical questions when you don’t feel well?

Triggers for migraines

Certain Drinks and Foods . Alcohol and excess caffeine can trigger migraines.

Stress triggers migraines. Stress includes feeling overwhelmed at home or work. But you can also become stressed by exercising too much or not getting enough sleep.

Senses: Loud sounds, bright lights , or strong smells may trigger migraines.

Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in estrogen, such as around menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause can worsen migraines.

Illness. Infections, such as the cold or the flu, may trigger migraines, especially in children.

Weather changes. A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine.

Medications. Some medications, including oral contraceptives, can trigger migraines

Keeping a Journal of your migraine symptoms can be a key to treatment planning.

Do you recognize the value of high-quality board-certified care with a physician you trust and can reach easily?

health insurance does not equal health care

2023-07-31T15:23:27+00:00July 31st, 2023|Direct Primary Care, Public Health|

Health Insurance ≠ Health care

“I pay high monthly premiums for health insurance… shouldn’t it cover my health care costs?”

The reality is… it does not.

If you are like many, you are frustrated with the fact that you wait days to weeks to be seen and have additional out of pocket expenses every time you need to use your insurance card. These additional costs come in the form of copays and deductibles that can really add up quickly. Out of pocket expenses often approach thousands of dollars every year before your “insurance” will cover any costs. For example, if you need an MRI… you could end up paying thousands of dollars before your insurance will even start to cover any costs.

Discover how Roots Health Direct Primary Care can alleviate your frustrations of waiting for days or even weeks to be seen, and then deal with additional out-of-pocket expenses.

What is insurance for then?

Like any insurance product… it protects against catastrophe. If you have an accident or illness that causes you to be hospitalized, you will need to be covered. What coverage you choose… whether a high deductible plan or a health share plan or other options is something that you, as a savvy consumer, will want to take the time to understand.

Auto insurance is an illustrative example. You would not use it to fill up the gas tank or change the oil. Why? If you made an insurance claim every time you filled up the gas, your car insurance premiums would sky rocket. The health insurance industry is one of the most profitable industries in the world for this reason. They have sold America on the belief that they need to use their health insurance card to get health care and this allows them to increase the premiums every time you pull out that card.

Insurance has become unaffordable for many. The number one leading cause of bankruptcy in the US is medical bills. Think about that. If values were aligned to provide people with products that kept them healthy… would the “thing” that is supposed to keep them well cause them financial ruin?

The reality is that Health Insurance does not equal health care.

There are many ways to insure against catastrophe that do not cost an arm and a leg. Better health care does not need to be expensive. DPC provides a simple straightforward health care solution that aligns the incentives to keep you well and get you the care you need. The care is higher quality: a direct relationship with your physician without all the “go-betweens.” The care is convenient: you have care when you need it without waiting. The care creates significant savings on out of pocket costs: Labs, medications, and imaging are provided at discounted pricing with MRIs starting at $250.00 and basic labs under $5.00 each.

People are choosing health care that serves them best.

Self Care

2023-07-24T14:45:13+00:00July 24th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Health Care|

Self Care is not Selfish

We all lead full lives, but are we really “too busy” to prioritize ourselves first? It can be hard to prioritize our own well-being when we have so many other seemingly “more important” obligations. Sometimes, it feels like there is “not enough time” to get it all done and some of us might just choose to skip the self-care piece. I have been in your shoes and had that thought… “I am just too busy.”

What if there was plenty of time? What would that feel like? What if you were able to focus your attention and spend time on the things that brought you joy intentionally? What if you did not just complete an endless “to do” task list but instead found meaning and purpose in all the activities of your day?

I understand how balancing parenting, work, and our own growth can seem impossible and leave you feeling like you cannot do a great job in one area without compromising other areas.

We all have unique circumstances and challenges that serve as a catalyst for our own personal growth and evolution ….and we do learn from those experiences… but WHAT we learn is what allows us to move forward in the direction of our dreams. The brain is an awesome organ… it is extremely malleable, teachable, and trainable. Questioning our thoughts and beliefs about what is “true” grants us the ability to adopt new habits that help us grow and thrive rather than merely survive.

Are you seeking healthcare that prioritizes an unhurried approach, offers comprehensive services, and ensures convenience?

“When my thinking changed, my life changed.”

When I look at my “to do list” today, I view it as something I “get to do” instead of something “I have to do.” I prioritize time for self-care and I become a more focused and productive participant in my own life. TIME is our most valuable resource. When we know exactly how we want to spend it, we can live a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Self-care is the foundation for success in all the areas of your life. Filling your own cup first so that you can serve others is not selfish…. it is necessary.

Interested in learning more? Dr Diaz takes a holistic approach to wellness at Roots Health DPC.

“The kissing disease”

2023-07-17T13:28:01+00:00July 17th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Mono, mononucleosis, is known as the “kissing disease.” This viral infection occurs in teens and young adults. It is spread through saliva and travels through groups living in close quarters, making outbreaks happen most frequently in dormitory living. It commonly causes a sore throat, but it can cause fatigue fever and swollen lymph nodes throughout the body.

What are the symptoms of mono?

Recognizing symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and effective care:

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle weakness

• Night sweats

• Sore throat

• Swollen lymph glands in your neck and/or underarms

• Swollen tonsils

Of note, these symptoms can be present in other diseases including Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer in young adults. It is important that you get an accurate diagnosis whenever you are sick. We recommend that you always seek care from your board-certified physician when it comes to your health and well-being.

Can you get into your board-certified physician quickly and easily when you need to see your doctor? At Roots Health DPC you can text your doctor directly for care when you need it.

What is the best care for Mono?

Supportive care is recommended generally to alleviate symptoms and facilitate smooth recovery. Most people recover from mono after about two weeks, though some symptoms may persist for longer.

Anti-inflammatory medications can help manage throat pain

Fluids to hydrate and nutrients to boost your immune system

Rest is crucial to prevent complications and aid recovery

Warm compresses to painful lymph nodes

Corticosteroids can be used in severe cases for tonsil swelling

Complications of mono include temporary inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), jaundice (yellowing of your skin and darkening of urine) or an enlarged or ruptured spleen.

Find Expert Board-Certified Care at Roots Health DPC Whenever You or Your Loved Ones Need Care.

Your Tiredness Explained

2023-07-10T14:05:23+00:00July 10th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

How tired is too tired?

What is the difference between “being tired” and the diagnosis of fatigue?

Tiredness happens to everyone — it’s expected after certain activities or at the end of the day. A good night’s sleep solves the problem.

Fatigue is an ongoing daily lack of energy: excessive whole-body tiredness not relieved by sleep. It can stop someone from functioning normally and affects a person’s quality of life.

What causes fatigue?

Lifestyle Factors. Taking an honest inventory of things that could be causing your fatigue is the first step toward relief.

Evaluating exercise, nutrition, alcohol use, and medications and routines can have an enormous impact on levels of fatigue.

Modifications can often dramatically impact levels of fatigue.

Medical Conditions. Speak to your doctor for an evaluation if you have fatigue.

Anemia: a common blood disorder that makes it hard for your blood to move oxygen to your organs. No oxygen, no energy.

Thyroid problems: this gland in your neck regulates your metabolism and energy levels. When the thyroid gland out of whack, you’re out of whack.

Depression: undiagnosed/untreated depression can rob your brain of the chemicals needed to work at its best.

Many other medical conditions including: Infections, Sleep Apnea, and Heart or Lung Disease can manifest the symptom of fatigue as well.

Recap:

Fatigue is never normal. Get back to living the life you want to live…seek care from your physician and get to the root cause of the problem so that you can start recovering and boost your energy levels.

Looking for a physician who listens and takes the time to answer all of your questions? At Roots Health DPC we offer unrushed comprehensive visits. Your wellness is our priority.

© Copyright 2020 Roots-MD LLC, dba Roots Health DPC
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