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Prediabetes – What is it exactly?

2023-01-31T00:36:36+00:00January 30th, 2023|Adults, Diabetes, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Membership|

What is prediabetes? Who is at risk?
A look at the myths about diabetes.

Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. In fact, most people are not aware that they should be routinely screened.

So what is the harm in having prediabetes?

Prediabetes significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. As with anything… knowledge is power.

The good news is that if you have prediabetes, which is easily detected on bloodwork, you can make lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.

Is prediabetes more common than you thought?
Learn more about ways that you can maximize your wellness by setting up a FREE initial consultation with Dr Diaz to create a customized health plan based on your personal wellness goals.

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Today we are going to dispel some common myths about Diabetes.

Myth: You’re not at risk for Diabetes if you’re a healthy weight

Being obese or overweight is associated with a number of health problems, and it increases your risk for type 2 diabetes. This does not mean that you are immune to the disease if you maintain a healthy weight, however. Even people at a healthy weight can have diabetes

Myth: No One in My Family Has Diabetes, so I Can’t Get It

Having a close family member with type 2 diabetes does put you at increased risk for developing the condition. But the risk of diabetes goes up with age. The risk is higher in people with heart disease, high blood pressure, and who have excess weight or obesity, regardless of family history. Although you might not be able to change your family history or age, you can practice a healthy lifestyle to cut your risk.

Myth: There’s Nothing That You Can Do to Prevent Diabetes

Even though genetics factor into your risk for type 2 diabetes, lifestyle choices play an important role in preventing diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight, daily exercise and healthy diet modifications can help reduce your risk for diabetes. Smoking can make it difficult for your body to use insulin, so not smoking can help decrease your risk for diabetes, as well. Alcohol consumption can also play a role.

Myth: It’s Your Fault if you have Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease, and people with diabetes are not to blame. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes, and while lifestyle factors do contribute to your risk for type 2 diabetes, even type 2 diabetes is not entirely preventable.

Myth: Diabetes is Inconvenient but not Serious

Diabetes results in more deaths than breast cancer and AIDS put together. There are several risks and complications associated with diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation that impact the quality of life significantly.

Next week we will take a look at how you can figure out your risk for prediabetes and determine what type of screening is appropriate.
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Making Health Your Priority in 2023: Tips for Success

2023-01-22T20:41:04+00:00January 16th, 2023|Adults, Community, Family Practice, Health Care, Membership, Mental Health|

The goal of becoming healthier is among the most popular resolutions. Many resolve to eat healthier and exercise regularly. These resolutions are great, but they do not address the way stress can sabotage our best efforts to live a healthy life. Emotional well-being underpins our success at achieving our health goals for 2023.

Goal setting is good, but the mindset work that builds the foundation for the path to success is what is most important. Living a healthy life is a journey, not a destination, and there are no “quick cures” when it comes to health and well-being. Failure can cause impatience and it is necessary to remember that you will succeed… if you don’t expect overnight success.

>> Learn more about Roots Health DPC <<

At Roots Health DPC we provide a system and support to ensure that you achieve your health and wellness goals. We know that healthy living is the foundation for a successful happy productive life.


Use these tips to help ensure you follow through with prioritizing your health in 2023:

Stay in Touch

Connect with friends in person. It’s good for your health to maintain friendships. In general, a lack of social bonds can damage your health as much smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Surround yourself with people who are making their personal health and wellness their priority. In a technology-fixated era, it’s never been easier to stay in touch, so fire up your favorite social media and then follow up with in-person visits.

Plan for bumps in the road: A support system can help. We thrive with social interaction and support. Surround yourself with like-minded people looking to prioritize their health and wellness this year. It is important to have someone there on a regular basis to get you through those rough times.

Manage Your Stress

Stress, in small doses, can actually be helpful for short periods. But chronic stress can increase your risk of—or worsen—anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and more. The best way to manage stress is to control the factors you have agency over:

  • Get enough sleep
  • Exercise
  • Ensure you are eating well
  • Spend intentional time relaxing away from stressors

Relaxation, sleep, socializing, and taking vacations are things we all deserve and owe to ourselves for our health and well being in 2023. Finding healthy ways to cope with the stress in your life is imperative to your well-being.

Cut Back on Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess can increase risk for depression, increase memory loss, and increase hot flash symptoms in perimenopausal women. Heavy chronic drinking increases your risk for liver and heart disease, stroke, mental deterioration, and even cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast.

If cutting back on alcohol to a couple of drinks per week seems to be difficult, consider reaching out for help.

Get More Sleep

You probably already know that a good night’s rest can do wonders for your ability to function on all cylinders. But sleep is more beneficial to your health than you might realize. A lack of sleep has been linked to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Aim to get quality sleep and more of it by exercising good sleep habits. These habits can include actions such as:

  • Going to bed and waking up at consistent times daily
  • Having a comfortable bedroom atmosphere (i.e., one that is dark, quiet, and relaxing)
  • Getting exercise during the day

It’s common for people to make New Year’s resolutions, but it’s also common for people to break them. Fortunately, there are resolutions you can make with ways that can help you stick to them. At Roots Health DPC, we take the time to understand your unique health goals and work with you to address obstacles to your success. We invite you to join us and let us help you achieve your health and wellness goals in 2023.

Book a free meet and greet today!

My Child is Sick… When Should I Be Concerned?

2023-01-16T13:55:05+00:00December 17th, 2022|Colds and Flus, Family Practice, Health Care|

My child has a “virus” but is not getting better… What now?

This winter we are seeing a ton of kids with fevers and cold symptoms….cough, runny nose, and sinus. Most viral illnesses can cause a fever and often we have no idea which virus is causing the illness.

Hey Moms… we know this winter has been rough. Give yourself and your family the gift of peace of mind around all health related concerns. My patients just call or text DIRECTLY to my cell whenever they have a question. I take the time to understand their concerns and answer all of their questions. Every time.

>> Click here to Book a free meet & greet <<

I was told it is “a virus”…. What should my child be tested for?

If your child is experiencing a high fever with cough and flu symptoms you probably want a prompt evaluation for both covid and the flu. The flu is at higher levels this year and the reported symptoms are more severe. Flu can be treated with antiviral medication… but only if it is diagnosed and treated within 48hours of onset of symptoms. We all know that COVID is still circulating…. and of course you’re going to want to know if your child is positive before any family gatherings.
RSV and other common upper respiratory viruses are not commonly tested for because even if they are positive, the information will not change the plan for children receiving care at home.

Sometimes… The fever is not caused by a virus at all…

If your child has a high fever with a sore throat without a cough… you likely will get a strep test to ensure there is no strep throat.

My child is not getting better… when should I be concerned?

The course of any viral illnesses can last 1-2 weeks. Fevers can usually be controlled with medication, like Children’s Tylenol, when given in the correct dose. Fevers generally resolve within 5 days. The cough may linger around for a while afterwards.

Children who have had recent viral upper respiratory infections are at greater risk for developing a secondary bacterial infection. Generally, these occur when the cold is clearing up and the child is improving.

If your child develops a high fever at the tail-end of a “cold” or a worsening cough… then it might be time to take that kiddo in for another exam. Typical bacterial infections that occur at the end of a viral upper respiratory illness can include ear infections and pneumonia. These infections generally occur after the immune system has been weakened by the viral illness.

Signs that may warrant further evaluation with your doctor

  • Persistent fever 102 for more than 2 days /recurring/not controlled with medication
  • Fever that is above 104 at any time
  • Child looks very ill or drowsy or is not consolable
  • Signs of dehydration (dry diapers/not peeing, dry mouth and lips despite giving pedialyte)
  • Unusual rash
  • Very sore throat, bad headache or vomiting
  • Has a weakened immune system (children with underlying chronic conditions)

Get the care you deserve. Space is limited. Book an initial consultation today to find out how DIRECT PRIMARY CARE will give you exactly what you need to confidently care for yourself and your family no matter what pops up.

Book a free meet and greet today!

YOUR TIME is valuable – Mondays with your MD

2022-12-05T02:37:22+00:00December 4th, 2022|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Practice, Health Care, Membership|

YOUR TIME is the most valuable resource you have. This holiday season give yourself the gift of TIME.

You work hard to balance time between your career and your family. When one of your own has a health concern that “pops up” or just needs to be scheduled …. trying to figure out the how, where, and when to get the issue addressed can literally take hours, and even days, from your routine.

I get it. I’m a working mom and I know what it is like to balance work and family, to “carry” the mental load, and then…. to put “one more thing” on your plate. My job is to take that stress off your plate.

“My son has a sore throat and fever…. I have placed a call to his doctor’s office and am waiting for a call back….”

When you have medical concerns, the last thing you want is to pile on more stress. Let me help! My patients reach out to me, their physician, directly via text at any time of day. They get answers to the questions they have about their health immediately and can take the next steps and get back to their busy lives.

“My daughter cut open her foot. Do I take her to urgent care or ER and wait to be seen?”

No one has time to wait around for a return call from the doctor’s office for advice. You don’t have to sit in an urgent care with other contagious sick people waiting to be seen… then go back again the following week because you picked up a virus in the lobby while waiting. We take care of this without the wait!

“I am experiencing a constant feeling of being tired… but I just put off going to see the doctor because it is so hard to get an appointment and the visit takes up half my day.”

Let us make going to the doctor as easy as booking a time that works perfectly for your schedule. We even offer telemedicine so you can get care wherever you are. If you are visiting us, there is no waiting in a waiting room. Ever!

THIS IS NOT too good to be true!


Ditch the Healthcare Hassle. Give yourself the gift of Time!

Get all the health care needs for your family met with ease and grace. We know how valuable your time is and that is why we are making health care easy for families: one mom at a time.

Come and see how Direct Primary Care works….schedule a free initial consultation with us today and get all your questions answered.

>> CLICK HERE TO Book A free Meet and Greet <<

YOU DESERVE BETTER CARE

Mondays with your MD – Soothing a Sore Throat

2022-11-20T23:18:25+00:00November 19th, 2022|Community, Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Public Health|

Soothing a Sore Throat…. Be in the Know this Winter.

Pharyngitis, commonly known as a sore throat, is a symptom that signals an infection involving the back of the throat.

Signs of pharyngitis include:

  • Sore, dry, or scratchy throat
  • Pain with swallowing
  • Redness/Inflammation of the throat

What causes Pharyngitis?

The most common cause for sore throat is a virus (such as the common cold, influenza, mononucleosis, yes …even covid). Viral infections don’t respond to antibiotics, and treatment is only necessary to help relieve symptoms.

Less commonly, pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial infection. These infections require antibiotics. The most common bacterial infection is strep throat. It is imperative not to leave strep throat untreated, especially in children.

How is pharyngitis diagnosed?

Physical exam

If you’re experiencing symptoms of pharyngitis, your doctor will check your throat looking for white patches, swelling, and redness and check for swollen lymph nodes in your neck. You should report any fever or cough as well.

Throat culture

If your doctor suspects that you have strep throat, they will likely take a rapid strep test in the office which can give you a result for strep throat in a few minutes. In some cases, a swab culture is sent to a lab for further testing.

Blood tests

If another cause of your pharyngitis is suspected, your doctor may order blood work looking for specific infections, such as mononucleosis or they may perform a COVID or flu test.

What can you do at home?

If a virus is causing your pharyngitis, there are things you can do at home that can help relieve symptoms:

  • drinking plenty of fluids/ pedialyte popsicles
  • gargling with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of water)
  • using a humidifier
  • resting until you feel better
  • throat lozenges can sooth pain

Medical treatment

For pain and fever relief, consider taking over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen after speaking with your doctor.

If the infection is caused by strep or another bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary. Amoxicillin and penicillin are the most commonly prescribed treatments for strep throat. It is important that you take the entire course of antibiotics for strep throat to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever.

How can you prevent pharyngitis?

  • avoid sharing food, drinks, and eating utensils
  • avoid individuals who are sick
  • wash your hands often, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing
  • use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
  • avoid smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke

When to Seek Care

Let your doctor know right away if you are having a sore throat so that they can guide you on the next steps for evaluation of cause and best treatment options.

Looking for a doctor that you can text anytime and is easy to reach quickly? Book a Meet and greet with Dr Diaz today.

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Mondays with your MD – Not another respiratory virus…. It SNOT FUNNY!

2022-11-11T23:38:02+00:00November 11th, 2022|Families, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Winter is coming….. that means LOTS of colds/flu…. AND its WORSE than ever before ALREADY! This is the first fall with our masks off…. And all these infections are coming back out with a vengeance.

The kids are coming home from school and everyone needs more tests and notes to return to school and work than ever before. As a working parent…. I know your time is valuable… you need the highest quality and fastest care possible.

No one wants to go to an urgent care with a bunch of other sick people and pick up another virus to deal with in the home next week!

Its not a surprise that after the disappearance of COVID mitigation strategies and low population immunity, as kids have flocked back to classrooms and day cares, there is a huge upswing of respiratory viruses circulating. RSV, rhinovirus, flu, Covid… you name it. Children, on the whole, are more susceptible to these microbes then they have been in years.

Most of these viruses have been around forever and many have always posed a risk for infants/toddlers, patients with underlying respiratory diseases and immunocompromised folks. This year, flu, covid, and other commonly known respiratory viruses including RSV are on the rise to the highest levels seen in decades.

Ways to prepare for THIS cold and flu season…

Get your flu shot and COVID boosters NOW if you have not already.

Wash your hands and kids hands frequently. Use hand sanitizer to avoid germs

Avoid areas with other people with cough and cold symptoms

Breastfeed: it transfers immunity to babies to fight infections

Eat healthy with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Stay rested. Getting sleep helps your immune system stay strong

If you want to know the most effective upper respiratory infection treatments and learn how to navigate this winter to minimize the disruptions to your routine …… sign up for our FREE GUIDE to
“Best practices for the common cold, flu, and COVID”

Mondays with your MD – Open Enrollment is Here

2022-11-12T02:13:13+00:00November 5th, 2022|Adults, Copays, Deductibles, Direct Primary Care, Family Practice, Health Care, Membership, Prescription Costs|

The THINGS you DID NOT EVEN THINK to consider this Open Enrollment…..

How can I keep my costs low AND receive high quality accessible health care?

Every year we pay more for insurance while less and less is covered. When we attempt to use our insurance it is cumbersome and inconvenient at best. We have all experienced the frustration with the amount of time it requires to obtain what we need for our health and get it covered by insurance. Today we cover the basics and empower you to make decisions that will give you the most cost-effective way to obtain the high quality health care you deserve

The Jargon

Premium: the amount you pay every month for health insurance.
Deductible: the amount you must pay before you can get any services covered by your insurance in a calendar year. A few Caveats to the deductible: Not everything counts towards your deductible. Premiums and copays generally don’t count. Some plans have separate deductibles for prescriptions.

Copay: a fixed amount you pay for a covered expense (visits, procedures, medications, etc)
Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you might have to spend for covered services in a given year. This number is important to understand!
HDHP is a High-deductible Health Plan (HDHP): these plans offer lower monthly premiums and allow you qualify for a Health Savings Account (HSA)
HSA is a Health Savings Account: A type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Health Share Plans*: this is not an insurance product and offers much lower monthly premiums with low initial unshareable amount (similar to a deductible). *A cooperative where members “share” medical costs. They cover catastrophic needs (hospital stay, surgery, ER visit, etc) but are not insurance products.

What your typical open enrollment conversation is missing!!!

Smart consumers determine their out of pocket projected cost for the year and choose a high deductible plan to save on monthly premiums. Savvy consumers understand the relationship between premiums and deductibles and keep costs low by determining the most cost-effective way to lower their out of pocket-expenses over the course of the entire year.

REMEMBER HEALTH CARE DOES NOT NEED TO BE EXPENSIVE.

Direct Primary Care: The impossible Made Simple and Transparent.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) removes insurance companies from the physician-patient relationship and provides the vast majority of health care services through a low monthly fee (like a gym membership). Patients skip the hassle of traditional insurance-based care. They get more time with their physician with same day and next day appointments… all without copays or hidden fees. DPC can produce tremendous savings on out of pocket expenses when patients work with their DPC physician to find the most cost-effective appropriate health care. The enormous savings on medications, labs, and imaging often exceed the annual cost of membership.

Can you imagine if you could have easily accessible high quality health care with access to your doctor whenever you needed it AND pay less out of pocket? Have a cough and fever but dont want to go to the urgent care? ….. skip the line and the copay! Urinary tract infection while on vacation out of state?…. no problem we got you covered.

“Dr Diaz is accountable and easy to reach. I feel well taken care of and trust I am in good hands.“ – M.C.

M.C. saved 97% on her bloodwork.
Imagine getting 97% OFF… you read that right! This patient had labs with Roots Health DPC and paid $29.57. The same patient had the exact same labs billed (for the same tests) at a price of $901.24 through the same lab.

At Roots Health DPC we get it. Your health and wellness are our main goal and we are here to support our patients as they make decisions that will affect their well-being.

Open enrollment only comes once per year… make the most of it and choose the best plan to meet your health care needs.
Its your money.
Its your healthcare.
Its your choice.

If you want to learn more about how direct primary care can help you achieve your health care goals and save you money, sign up for our free guide:
“Better Healthcare for a Fraction of the Price”

Mondays with your MD – Breast Cancer Screening (Part 2)

2022-10-24T04:36:18+00:00October 21st, 2022|Adults, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Part II: Screening

On average, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Do you know which screening test is best and when to start screening for breast cancer?

There is more than one type of screening test for breast cancer and there are varying recommendations from different organizations. Education with individualized planning (based on your personal risk for breast cancer) can help determine the best screening test for you.

love

Mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of your breasts and can find cancer early.

Different experts have varying advice for when to initiate screening and how frequently to screen average-risk women ages 40 to 49. All experts agree that at a minimum screening should occur at least every 2 years between ages of 50-74.

For average-risk women screening mammography can be performed every one to two years based on patient preference.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to screen women who have a high risk of breast cancer

MRI is a procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. MRI does not use any x-rays and there is no exposure to radiation.

For women with moderately increased risk factors (based on breast density, reproductive history, and hormonal history), breast ultrasound in conjunction with mammogram or a MRI can be considered on an individual basis.

Use of MRI for supplemental screening in women with dense breast tissue has shown higher rates of detection, but there is no evidence that health outcomes are improved overall.

Women with high risk factors (based on a history of chest radiation, ancestry, genes and genetic conditions) may benefit from more frequent screening with enhanced modalities. Obtaining annual MRI and/or consultation to consider risk reduction treatment and intensification of surveillance are viable options.

It is clear that the type and timing of breast cancer screening is highly personalized. You should discuss your risk factors with your board-certified physician so that you can make an informed decision about breast cancer screening.

This is part TWO of a THREE part series on Breast Cancer Awareness.

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Mondays with your MD – Getting to the root of your healthcare concerns

2022-10-08T18:48:36+00:00October 3rd, 2022|Community, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Membership|

Are you frustrated with the existing health care system? Is your doctor treating your individual symptoms but not helping you find the root cause for the constellation of symptoms you have? Are you wondering if your health care needs might require an integrative approach?

Roots Health DPC provides a patient-centered approach that engages the whole person; nourishes the mind, body, and spirit; and encourages the conscious creation of personal health and wellness. Patients have constant direct access to board-certified medical care with ample time to fully evaluate and treat the root cause of symptoms.

Did you know that the average length of time spent in an office visit to cover patient concerns and circumstances is 7 minutes in the traditional insurance-based health care model? That’s right… 7 minutes! It is no small wonder that the typical health care experience feels piecemeal and rushed. You would not expect your mechanic to diagnose, let alone treat, your car problem in 7 minutes…. so why do we accept this substandard care for our own health and well-being?

At Roots Health DPC, we know that your health is the most important thing. It is the foundation for living life on your terms.

Why should you consider direct primary care for your health care?

Quality time
Quality time to understand your health care needs with your physician and create an individualized health care plan. We focus on the whole patient as a unique individual –taking into account each element of a person’s health, environment, and lifestyle.

Communication
Communication with your board-certified physician that is easy and ongoing making it simple to adjust the plan as necessary to meet your health care needs. Unlimited physician access and visits… in office and virtual

No Waiting. No Copays. Ever.

Affordable Transparent Pricing.

A low monthly membership fee provides unlimited direct access to your physician to work with you as a team to obtain and maintain your optimal health and well-being. Steep discounts on labs, medications, supplements, and imaging.

If you are looking for a board-certified physician that you trust to look at the whole picture and get to the root of your health concerns and help you build a healthier life…. consider joining us at Roots Health DPC. Schedule a Free Meet and Greet with Dr Diaz today.

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    Mondays With your MD – New Covid Vaccine: Bivalent Boosters

    2022-09-25T19:22:53+00:00September 24th, 2022|Community, Coronavirus, Family Practice, Health Care, Pandemic, Public Health, Vaccine|

    The new bivalent booster offers better protection against recently circulating COVID-19 variants and helps restore waning protection from previous vaccination. It offers broader protection for new variants. People must complete the primary series (original monovalent vaccines) before getting a bivalent booster dose.

    covid-19-booster

    Who should get the new booster?

    • People 12 years and older should receive the updated Pfizer or Moderna (bivalent booster)
      This includes people who have received all primary series doses and people who have received the original (monovalent) boosters
    • At this time children ages 12-17 years can only receive the updated Pfizer bivalent booster.
    • Children under 12 years do not get a bivalent booster yet.

    What is considered “Up to Date” with all these boosters?

    Once you have completed the covid-19 vaccine primary series and received he most recent booster dose that is recommended

    When should I get the new booster? Which brand should I get?

    The new bivalent booster can be given at least 2 months or more after your last COVID vaccine. The monovalent booster should no longer be given to anyone 12 years of age and older.


    It is fine to get a booster from a different brand than the primary series or previous boosters. For example, if your primary series was Moderna you can get the Pfizer bivalent booster.

    What about kids under 12 years old?

    At this time, children under 12 years old will NOT receive the new bivalent booster dose although this is likely to change in the future.

    Children 5 years – 11 years who received Pfizer for their primary series should still get a monovalent booster 5 months after the last dose of the primary series.

    Children 5 years – 11 years who got Moderna for their primary series do not get a booster at this time.

    Children 6 months – 4 years should get all COVID-19 vaccination primary series doses.

    At Roots Health DPC we help our patients navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines around
    testing, treatment, and prevention. Set up a FREE “Meet and Greet” with Dr Diaz today.

     

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