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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?

“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.

Brain Health Matters

2023-06-12T14:05:04+00:00June 12th, 2023|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Mental Health, Public Health|

Brain awareness JUNE 2023

Brain health matters… it helps to keep us sharp and staves off the effects of dementia. There are lots of great things you can do to keep your brain healthy and there has never been a better time to start than now!

Keeping Your Brain Strong

Eating Healthy, Exercising Daily, Getting Plenty of Sleep, Paying Attention to Your Mental Health and Socializing with others are critical components to brain health. Today we are going to focus on the most important Tip for Brain Health: Continuing to Learn New Skills.

Your Mind Matters. Your Brain Health is critical to your Well-Being. Are you looking for a physician that cares for the Whole Person? At Roots Health we are changing the way health care is done.

Use it or Lose It.

Become a lifelong learner to keep your brain active and healthy. Engage in activities that stimulate your brain!

Every time you learn something new you build new connections between your brain cells and the more stimulated your brain is, the more active it becomes. Challenging the brain is key.

  • travel to new places
  • learn a new language
  • take a course
  • play a new game: puzzles, chess, workbooks
  • read a book
  • draw or paint
  • listen to new music
  • learn new recipes
  • play a musical instrument: piano is thought to engage both left and right brain at the highest level

More than ever, it’s important to take care of our minds in the same way we take care of our bodies. At Roots Health DPC, we help patients by prioritizing health and wellness so they can reach their goals in life. Limited space available. Join today.

Tips for Early Detection of Skin Cancer

2023-05-15T14:01:40+00:00May 15th, 2023|Adults, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health, Uncategorized|

What are the skin changes you should not ignore? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Knowing how to do a skin self-exam and what the warning signs are for melanoma are the key for decreasing risk. Follow these tips to increase your chances of spotting skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

How to perform a skin self-exam

Examine your body in a full-length mirror-Examine your body front and back in a mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.

Look at your underarms, forearms, and palms-Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, underarms, and palms.

Look at your legs, between toes, and soles of your feet-Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.

Use a hand mirror to examine your neck and scalp-Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part your hair for a closer look at your scalp.

Use a hand mirror to check your back and buttocks-Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

If you notice any new spots on your skin, spots that are different from others, or spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.

Get your FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING IN MAY with board certified dermatologist, Dr Kiracofe!

Remember the “ABCDE rule”

Note changes in moles or birthmarks that can be warning signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

A-Asymmetry where one half looks different from the other

B-Borders of the mole that are irregular or not sharply demarcated

C-Color is varied from one area to another

D-Diameter over 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)

E-Evolving or changing in size shape or color

Are you looking for High Quality health care with a board certified physician that you know and trust? Set up an initial complimentary consultation to learn more about how we always put patients first.

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