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UV Safety Awareness Month

2024-07-01T12:51:24+00:00July 1st, 2024|Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Stay Safe in the Sun!

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and with summer here, it’s the time to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays.

Stay sun-safe this July with our essential UV protection tips!

Why UV Safety Matters?

UV radiation from the sun can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with over 5 million cases annually.

Tips to Stay Safe:

  1. Wear Protective Clothing: Use hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts.
  2. Use Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours.
  3. Seek Shade: Stay out of direct sunlight, especially from 10 AM to 4 PM.
  4. Avoid Tanning Beds: They increase skin cancer risk.
  5. Regular Skin Exams: Check for new or unusual skin changes.

Protecting your skin is crucial, regardless of skin tone. To learn about how we do health care centered around you… visit us at Roots Health DPC.

You deserve a great health care experience!

Migraine Headaches

2024-06-17T13:00:50+00:00June 17th, 2024|Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health, Uncategorized|

Is it a Migraine Headache?

Migraines typically result in throbbing pain on one side of the head and are frequently associated with nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. These attacks can persist for hours to days, significantly impacting daily activities.

What is an Aura?

A warning sign, known as an aura, can precede the headache. An aura may involve visual disturbances like flashes of light or other sensations such as tingling in 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.

Board-certified physician care at your fingertips. Text your medical concerns when you’re not 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 appreciate easy access to a trusted, board-certified physician for high-quality care?

Family Health and Fitness Day

2024-06-10T12:59:53+00:00June 10th, 2024|Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Family Health & Fitness Day:

Prioritizing Wellness Together

Let’s celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day. Roots Health DPC, is committed to promoting prevention and wellness within our community. We believe that engaging in regular physical activity and making healthy lifestyle choices are essential components of overall well-being. Instilling these values in the next generation… by participating together… can have enormous impact.

Discover the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices.

Looking for some ideas to kickstart your family’s journey to better health?

1. Get creative: build an obstacle course in your backyard, host a water balloon fight, pull out the slip-and-slide. Ask others to join in on the fun for some healthy competition to engage in teamwork and physical activity.

2. Take a walk in the forest: Enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise by taking a walk at your nearest trails. Incorporate physical activity into your day while spending quality time together as a family.

3. Find a fun activity: Engage in seasonal activities like going to a pool or water park, visiting the lakefront, spending time outside. Enjoy and provide opportunities for physical movement and bonding.

4. Sign up for a 5K or fun run: Participating in a 5K is a great way to encourage physical fitness within the family and foster a sense of accomplishment for everyone involved.

5. Go on a bike ride: Explore your neighborhood or nearby bike paths on a family bike ride. Biking is a fantastic low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels.

6. Contact your health club: Many health clubs and gyms host special events for Family Health & Fitness Day. These events offer an opportunity for families to try out new activities and connect with others in the community.

Wellness and prevention is how we roll.

We think of Family Health & Fitness Day as the beginning of a family commitment to stay more active year round. In addition to regular visits with your doctor and a balanced diet, staying active together is the best way to ensure the health and well-being of your family for years to come.
Let’s prioritize wellness, together!

Prediabetes

2024-02-26T15:11:33+00:00February 26th, 2024|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

Staying Healthy:

Understanding Prediabetes Screening

Have you ever wondered if your body’s engine is running smoothly or if it needs a tune-up? Just like your car’s “check-engine” light, prediabetes serves as a crucial warning sign, alerting us to potential health risks down the road.

But here’s the good news: with the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can steer clear of diabetes and its complications.

Ready to prioritize your health? Explore our Direct Primary Care.

Screening for Prediabetes: Your Roadmap to Health

At our Direct Primary Care clinic, we prioritize early detection and prevention. Screening for prediabetes involves simple yet effective tests that provide valuable insights into your metabolic health. Here’s what you need to know:

Fasting Glucose Test: This test measures your blood sugar levels after a period of fasting. Prediabetes is indicated by a glucose level between 100-125 mg/dL, while diabetes is diagnosed at 126 mg/dL or higher.

Hemoglobin A1C Test: Unlike the fasting glucose test, the A1C test offers a broader view of your blood sugar control over the past three months. A result between 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent suggests prediabetes, while 6.5 percent or higher indicates diabetes.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Understanding your prediabetes status is the first step towards taking control of your health journey. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and implement positive changes to prevent the progression to diabetes.

We are enrolling a limited number of new patients. Prioritize your well-being.

Causes, Treatments, and Complications

2023-12-11T13:21:12+00:00December 11th, 2023|Adults, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Heartburn: WHAT it is and WHY it happens

Heartburn, commonly known as indigestion, can occur after we eat. Acidic stomach contents can squeeze back up into the esophagus, causing reflux—a burning sensation behind the breastbone that we experience as heartburn.

What are Common Causes of Heartburn?

  • Eating a large meal
  • Excessive consumption of coffee or alcohol
  • Pressure on stomach (from vigorous exercise after eating or advanced pregnancy)

We’re putting CARE back in healthcare.

How to deal with occasional heartburn?

For occasional heartburn in healthy individuals, simple measures such as taking antacids and avoiding lying down after a meal are often sufficient.

What if Heartburn is Persistent? A more targeted approach may be necessary.

  • In Overweight People: heartburn can be improved through weight loss.
  • Smoking cessation lowers symptoms of heartburn
  • Avoiding certain foods that provoke heartburn like caffeine, alcohol, and fats.
  • Elevating the head of the bed can improve symptoms

Looking for an Individualized Wellness Approach?

You should always speak to your physician about your symptoms and be evaluated for any complications

Are there any serious complications from heartburn?

Ongoing chronic esophageal exposure to gastric juices can lead to complications such as:

1. Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus

2. Ulceration: Bleeding, scarring, and stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus

3. Barrett’s esophagus: A pre-cancerous condition associated with an increased risk of lower esophagus cancer.

HPV: Do you know the FACTS?

2023-11-07T08:35:42+00:00November 6th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

HPV

70-80% of women will have Human Papilomaviurs, HPV, at some point in their lifetime. If it’s so common…. why does it matter?

HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HPV can cause cervical cancer.

So what can you do about it?

Putting CARE back in Health Care

What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people with HPV do not have any symptoms which is why women need Pap smears.
HPV can sometimes cause genital warts. Some strains can cause cervical cancer.
Who should get tested for HPV at the time of their pap smear?
  • Most women younger than 30 do not get HPV testing, because the immune system often eradicates HPV. However, if their pap is abnormal an HPV test may be indicated.
  • Women 30 years or older, can be offered HPV test and Pap together to screen for cervical cancer.
How can I prevent HPV?
Get the HPV vaccine early, before age 26.
Avoid sexual contact and limit number of total partners.
Do I still need a Pap test if I got the HPV vaccine?
Yes. This is 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.

Looking for a doctor you know and trust that is easy to access?

Early detection saves lives

2023-10-23T13:30:48+00:00October 23rd, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Breast Cancer Warning Signs

Breast Cancer Screening is for women without symptoms. However, if you notice any signs of breast cancer you should see your doctor for an evaluation promptly regardless of when you were last screened.

Our patients have unlimited access. Anything. Anytime. Anywhere.

The warning signs of Breast Cancer:

1. If you notice a lump that feels firm or fixed in the breast or underarm area.

2. Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast skin.

3. Change in the size or shape of the breast including dimpling or puckering of skin.

4. Nipple retraction or change in position of nipple.

5. Discharge from your nipple.

Although the vast majority of breast cancers are found through abnormal mammograms, up to 30% of breast cancer patients present with a mass that occurs between mammograms.

Being proactive in your health choices improves your well-being.

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?

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