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?

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.

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.

EXHAUSTION

2025-07-14T13:03:49+00:00July 14th, 2025|Families, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

Feeling Wiped Out?

3 Questions Reveal What Your Body’s Really Telling You

You’re not sleeping well.

Your energy crashes every afternoon.

You’re foggy, irritable, and tired—even after a weekend “off.”

It’s easy to blame it on burnout, the kids’ summer schedule, or just “getting older.”

But let me be clear: chronic exhaustion isn’t something you just have to live with.

The truth is, when someone tells me they’re feeling wiped out, I don’t assume it’s just stress or overdoing it. I start asking root-cause questions—the kind that reveal what your body’s really trying to say.

Question 1: Is This Physical, Hormonal, or Emotional Fatigue?

Fatigue is a signal—but the source isn’t always obvious. Here’s what we need to rule out first:

🔬 Anemia – Especially in menstruating women or those with low iron stores. Even “mild” anemia can cause crushing fatigue.

🧠 Thyroid dysfunction – Low thyroid hormone can mimic depression and zap your energy, focus, and mood.

😴 Sleep apnea – If you’re waking up tired after a “full night’s sleep,” this is one to investigate—especially if you snore or feel sluggish midday.

⚖️ Perimenopause/menopause – Hormone shifts can cause brain fog, insomnia, mood swings, and extreme fatigue that feel totally disorienting.

💭 Depression or high-functioning burnout – Many women push through for months before realizing their low energy and motivation aren’t “normal.”

All of these issues present with similar symptoms—but require very different treatment plans. And that’s why a quick “you’re just stressed” from a rushed visit won’t cut it.

You’re not lazy. You need answers—and we’re here to help.

Question 2: What Does True Rest Look Like For You?

Spoiler alert: zoning out on the couch or scrolling your phone isn’t real rest.

Your body needs restorative inputs, not just time off. In my practice, we often talk about the difference between:

🧘‍♀️ Restorative rest – sleep hygiene, nervous system regulation, quiet time

🍷 Escapism – wine, screens, or numbing out when you feel overwhelmed

🧩 Alignment – the activities that actually recharge you, not drain you

Sometimes fatigue isn’t about illness—it’s about disconnection from what your body and brain actually need to recover.

Question 3: What Patterns Are Emerging?

One of the best things about Direct Primary Care? I know my patients’ stories.

When you’re in my care, we’re not starting from scratch every visit. I track your labs over time, notice your stress triggers, and look for patterns—seasonal dips, hormone cycles, major life transitions. It’s how we catch issues early before they escalate into burnout, hormone imbalance, or chronic illness.

Energy Isn’t Just About Willpower

You’re not lazy or “making it up” and you don’t need to “just push through.”

You might need a custom iron plan. Or a thyroid adjustment. Or help navigating perimenopause. Or a deeper look into sleep quality.

The point is: your body has a reason—and you deserve a doctor who takes the time to help you find it.

The Kind of Care Our Members Get Daily

At my DPC practice, you’re not a chart or a checklist. You’re a whole person and the relationship between physician and patient is front and center. When your energy is low, we listen. We test. We uncover. We treat at the root cause.

We get to the bottom of your symptoms.

Making Healthcare Easy

2025-06-04T23:43:21+00:00June 4th, 2025|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Membership|

What Direct Primary Care Means for Busy Families

If you’re like the rest of us, your calendar is full, your mental to-do list is overflowing, and the last thing you want to do is sit in a waiting room with a sick kid for hours—only to get five rushed minutes with a doctor you’ve never met before.

Interested in how Direct Primary Care works?

That’s why Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a better way to care for your family.

At Roots health DPC, we’re flipping the script on traditional care with a smarter, more personal approach designed to save you time, eliminate stress, and give you peace of mind that your family’s health is always in good hands.

Here’s what busy families love most about DPC:

✅1. Same- or next-day appointments — No long waits. You text or call, and we make it happen.

2.✅ Direct access to your doctor — Skip the front desk. You communicate directly with your physician.

3.✅ No surprise bills — One monthly membership covers all your visits. No co-pays, no deductibles.

4.✅ More time during visits — We don’t rush. We listen, answer questions, and treat the whole person.

5.✅ Care for the whole family — From your toddler’s rash to your cholesterol…. we’ve got you.

Busy doesn’t mean you have to compromise on care.

In fact, the busier you are, the more DPC makes sense. You don’t have time to chase down next steps or wait weeks to be seen. With Roots Health DPC, you get modern high quality care with an old-school feel—where your doctor knows you, calls you back, and shows up for your family.

We’re growing—fast. Join today.

We are enrolling through the end of June. We’re committed to keeping care personalized and unrushed so we keep our patient panel size manageable. Take a spot now before we open our waitlist in July.

Join Now — and experience what healthcare should feel like

High Blood pressure

2025-05-26T14:09:15+00:00May 26th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

Why Blood Pressure Matters

Blood pressure is critical to our overall health as it affects all the organs of our body. When we leave high blood pressure unchecked… it can lead to stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease to name a few. Avoiding complications from high blood pressure is simple once we understand what it is and how to manage it.

Looking for a holistic approach for health care?

 

What Numbers Are Too High?

Blood pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is contracting and pumping (systolic) and the measurement when your heart is relaxed and filling (diastolic). An optimal reading is less than 140/90 mmHg and sometimes lower if you have other conditions.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

What Causes High Blood Pressure Readings?

Blood pressure can fluctuate based on several factors including diet, stress, sleep, lifestyle, and exercise. It can also be affected by underlying medical conditions that you may not even know you have (kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, and heart/lung conditions to name a few). The key is to check your blood pressure and not ignore a high reading.

Blood pressure can be lowered without medication. Addressing underlying disease and optimizing wellness can dramatically lower your blood pressure and increase the length of your life.

Avoid high blood pressure. Get great care.

Better Sleep Month

2025-05-12T13:10:26+00:00May 12th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health, Sleep|

The Path to Restful Sleep

May is Better Sleep Month, highlighting the importance of quality rest and how poor sleep can impact overall health. Many adults struggle with insomnia and restless nights. Sometimes sleeplessness isn’t just about stress or a busy schedule.

The Story: From Sleepless Nights to Restful Sleep

One of my favorite patients, a 42-year-old marketing executive and busy mom, was struggling with poor sleep… for years. She was frustrated and running out of options. At her intake visit it was revealed that she would toss and turn for hours, waking up exhausted and irritable. Over-the-counter sleep aids worked a little, but the grogginess and dependence on them weren’t sustainable.

We took a comprehensive approach to her sleep struggles. This was different from her previous experience with quick visits and a perscription for a pill as the solution.

See how our personalized model goes beyond the quick fix.

 

The Root Cause: More Than Just Stress

After a thorough evaluation and in-depth conversation, we uncovered a few key factors contributing to her insomnia:

  1. Lifestyle Habits: Late-night screen time and caffeine intake were interfering with her sleep cycle.
  2. Underlying Health Condition: Bloodwork revealed an undiagnosed thyroid imbalance, which can significantly impact sleep quality.
  3. Medication side effects: This patient was taking 2 different types of medication (one for her asthma and on for her ADHD) that were contributing to her poor sleep.

The Solution: A Personalized Sleep Plan

Instead of simply prescribing a sleep aid, we focused on long-term solutions:

  1. Lifestyle Adjustments: We guided this mom what works for her kids… routine. We created a consistent bedtime routine, reducing blue light exposure before bed, and adjusting her diet to support sleep.
  2. Medical Support: Treating her thyroid condition helped stabilize her energy levels, naturally improving her ability to sleep. We adjusted her asthma and ADHD meds to avoid side effects in the evening.
  3. Stress Management: With mindfulness techniques and small habit changes, we helped her get to a place of peace and unwind before bed, which led to deeper more restorative sleep.

 

The Results: Sleeping Better, Feeling Better

Within weeks, she noticed significant improvement—she fell asleep faster, stayed asleep longer, and woke up feeling refreshed. She finally had the energy and mental clarity to tackle her busy days without relying on excess caffeine and sheer willpower.

Struggling with Sleep? Let’s Find a Solution Together.

If you’re experiencing persistent insomnia, or daytime fatigue, it might be time to take a closer look at the underlying causes. At our Direct Primary Care practice, we offer personalized, comprehensive care to help you get to the root of your health concerns—so you can finally sleep soundly.

Ready for a Personalized Care?

Asthma Awareness Month

2025-05-05T13:41:26+00:00May 5th, 2025|Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care|

 Common Misconceptions About Asthma

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month—a perfect time to clear up common misconceptions about asthma. Many people assume that asthma is only a problem during physical activity or in response to obvious triggers like dust colds or smoke. However, one of the most overlooked signs of asthma is something many parents might not realize—nighttime coughing.

Is Your Child’s Nighttime Cough a Sign of Asthma?

Many parents assume that an occasional cough at night is due to a lingering cold or seasonal allergies. However, persistent coughing—especially at night—can be a key indicator of uncontrolled asthma.

Asthma-related coughing often worsens at night because of changes in airway function, exposure to allergens like dust mites, and the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Unlike a typical cold, which resolves within a couple of weeks, asthma-related coughing tends to persist and can interfere with sleep quality. If your child frequently wakes up coughing, it’s something to discuss with your doctor.

Knoweldge from a trusted source.

 

Common Asthma Myths—Busted!

  • Myth: Asthma is only triggered by exercise.

    Truth: While exercise-induced asthma is real, triggers can also include allergens, heartburn, weather changes, and even stress. Asthma is a chronic condition that requires control to avoid ongoing lung damage.

  • Myth: If my child isn’t wheezing, it’s not asthma.

    Truth: Wheezing is a common asthma symptom, but some individuals—especially children—experience chronic coughing instead. This can be known as “cough-variant asthma.”

  • Myth: My child will outgrow asthma.

    Truth: While some children’s symptoms improve with age, asthma is considered a lifelong condition. Proper management, including identifying triggers and having a personalized care plan, is key to keeping symptoms under control.

  • Myth: Inhalers are only needed during an attack.

    Truth: Many people with asthma use daily controller inhaler medications to prevent flare-ups, not just a rescue inhaler when symptoms get worse. Consistent management helps prevent future attacks.

Convenient, Hassle-Free Care for Busy Families

As a working mom, you already juggle a full plate—so managing your family’s health should be simple and stress-free. At our Direct Primary Care practice, we provide personalized, accessible care without the long waits or insurance headaches. Whether you need a comprehensive asthma action plan, prescription management, or just peace of mind, we’re here to help.

The Healthcare that your Family Deserves

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

2025-04-14T21:54:03+00:00April 14th, 2025|Community, Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Health Care, Public Health|

Navigating the Path to Relief

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) should not slow you down. At Roots Health Direct Primary Care, we help patients manage symptoms through an individualized approach and get them back to enjoying life.

IBS and Its Impact

IBS affects the large intestine causing a myriad of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These effects can be disruptive to daily life, making it difficult to enjoy meals, social activities, and work. The complexity of IBS, combined with its varied symptoms, can make it overwhelming for those newly diagnosed. But the good news is, with the right support, IBS can be effectively managed.

At Roots Health Direct Primary Care, we understand that no two cases of IBS are the same. That’s why we offer a personalized, patient-centered approach to treatment. Whether you’re dealing with constant bloating, unpredictable bowel movements, or the stress that comes with the diagnosis… we are here to guide you toward relief.

Identify triggers and develop a plan that works.

 

Managing IBS Symptoms

We work closely with patients to create tailored care plans that address all aspects of the condition, including ensuring the correct diagnosis is made. From managing diet and lifestyle changes to exploring treatments that help alleviate symptoms, we help patients navigate the complexities of their diagnosis in a supportive, empathetic environment.

We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our patients find comfort in knowing they have access to ongoing support and a physician that listens and responds to their unique needs.

A Personalized Approach to IBS Treatment

At Roots Health DPC we provide the time and attention necessary to get a solution that works. Unlike traditional healthcare settings, where time with your physician is often limited, our approach allows for in-depth discussions about your health, lifestyle, and treatment options. We can help you identify triggers, make dietary adjustments, and explore strategies to manage stress—all tailored to your specific needs.

We offer comprehensive support that empowers you to take control of your health.

Find a better way to Navigate Health Care

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