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?

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month

2025-09-15T11:43:13+00:00September 15th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Health Care, Public Health|

September Is AFib Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Protect Your Heart

September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most common heart rhythm disorders. AFib affects millions of people, often without obvious symptoms, yet it can significantly increase your risk of stroke and other heart complications.

What Is AFib?

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat. Instead of a steady, regular rhythm, the heart may beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. While some people notice palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue, others may have no symptoms at all—making regular screening especially important.

Common Signs and Symptoms

While AFib can be silent, watch for:
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  • Palpitations (“fluttering” in the chest)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Chest discomfort

If you experience any of these, it’s important to talk to your physician. Early detection can prevent serious complications, including stroke or heart failure.

Discover how Roots Health DPC supports lifelong heart health.

 

Why Screening Matters

AFib often goes undiagnosed until a serious event occurs. A simple heart rhythm evaluation—like an ECG or wearable heart monitor—can detect irregularities early. Knowing your risk and catching AFib early allows for effective management and treatment, keeping your heart healthier for the long term.

How Roots Health DPC Can Help

At Roots Health DPC, we take the time to:
  • Review your heart health and risk factors
  • Offer individualized screenings for AFib and other cardiac conditions
  • Create personalized plans to manage and reduce risk
  • Provide ongoing support so you never have to navigate your health alone

Take Action This September

Don’t wait for symptoms to disrupt your life. Early detection of AFib can make all the difference in preventing complications.

Get a heart rhythm check—protect your heart and peace of mind.

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.

The DPC difference

2025-07-07T14:46:57+00:00July 7th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Health Care|

We Didn’t Go to the ER—Because We Didn’t Have To.

(And That’s the DPC Difference.)

Last month, one of my DPC families had a moment—you know the kind. It was early evening, the toddler had a fever and a weird rash, and mom was doing mental gymnastics trying to decide:

  • ER (ugh, the cost)?
  • Urgent care (are they even open)?
  • Wait it out (but what if it’s something serious)?

This family had been burnt by rushed visits and medical bills that felt like a second rent payment. But this time it was different—because they’re part of our DPC practice.

Instead of panicking or packing snacks for an all-nighter in the ER, mom pulled out her phone and sent me a picture of the rash.

We hopped on a quick video call. I asked a few key questions, gave her clear guidance, and followed up the next day to make sure things were improving.

Spoiler alert: The fever broke, the rash faded, and they never left the house.

A video call and a plan—instead of panic.

 

Why DPC Changes the Equation

It’s not just about convenience (though yes, texting your doctor in pajamas is pretty great). It’s about access—to medical advice that’s timely, clear, and from someone who knows your child and your values.

When you’re part of a DPC practice, your care isn’t bound by appointment slots or billing codes. It’s a relationship. And when something feels urgent—even if it’s not an emergency—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

You don’t have to Google.

You don’t have to guess.

You don’t have to go to the ER “just in case.”

You can just… text your doctor.

Real Care. Real Time. No Rushed Decisions.

This family spent the rest of their night watching Encanto and snuggling, not sitting under fluorescent hospital lights.

DPC gives you—freedom from panic, from surprise bills, and from care that feels cold or disconnected.

We’re Filling Fast—

If you’ve ever second-guessed whether your kid’s symptoms were “bad enough” to call someone, you’re not alone. But there’s a better way.

No urgent care. No guessing.

Why DPC Matters

2025-06-30T14:26:15+00:00June 30th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Health Care|

Health needs do not take vacation. Travel with peace of mind and take your DPC doctor with you.

Ever been sick on vacation?

One of my patients recently returned from a much-anticipated trip to Arizona—a week of hiking red rocks, spa days, and sipping prickly pear margaritas by the pool. But on day three, something unexpected showed up: a Urinary Tract Infection.

If you’ve ever had one, you know it does not matter how scenic the view is or how much you paid for your hotel. Unexpected health care needs can ruin your day.

She started having that all-too-familiar urinary urgency and burning, and by bedtime, she was panicking.

The options?

  • Wait until morning to try and get an urgent care appointment
  • Pay out of pocket and sit in a waiting room in a city she didn’t know
  • Miss out on her only full day at the Grand Canyon

OR REMEMBER—she’s a Direct Primary Care (DPC) patient.

So texted her doc.

Within 20 minutes, she had the prescription she needed sent to the pharmacy near her. She picked it up, popped in her AirPods, and took the sunset trail walk she’d been planning. No wasted time. No missed opporunities to experience the magic of adventure.

Discover why DPC makes all the difference—anywhere.

Why DPC Matters—Even When You’re on Vacation

This wasn’t a life-threatening emergency—but it was urgent. And like so many of life’s minor hiccups, it didn’t happen during business hours or within city limits.

Direct Primary Care removes the barriers. It means having a doctor who travels with you—virtually, through your phone, wherever you go.

I know that peace of mind matters—especially to busy parents, caretakers, and professionals who already carry the weight of planning everything for everyone.

Because the truth is, when you’re the one holding everything together, you can’t afford to get derailed by something simple that’s preventable or treatable… if only you had access.

Back to the Pool—and the Point

Thanks to DPC, this patient hiked Horseshoe Bend, caught her spa appointment, and even joked with me later that the prescription was ready before her coffee order.

Health hiccups are inevitable. But scrambling to get care when you’re away from home does not have to be.

Spots Are Limited—

I created this practice because I believe in accessible, human-first healthcare—and it’s catching on. We’re not full yet, but we’re getting close.

If you’ve ever wished your doctor was just a text away (on vacation or not), it might be time to join a different kind of care.

Be the first in line when new spots open.

Belly Pain

2025-06-11T14:21:29+00:00June 11th, 2025|Adults, Health Care|

Belly pain on a friday night? Avoid the Urgent Care or Emergency Room

On a friday night (while her husband was out of town) one of our patients developed severe pain in her lower belly. She was not sure what it was but realized she needed medical attention. She was getting ready to go to the ER and called her own mother to come over to stay with the kids who were almost ready for bed…. and then she remembered… she had a Direct Primary Care Membership.

So she texted me.
This is the unpredictable moment when having Direct Primary Care (DPC) makes all the difference.
Here’s what happened next:
💬 She didn’t wait on hold. She just messaged me directly.
📞 I called her within minutes. We talked about her symptoms and ruled out anything serious.
💊 I called in a prescription. She had a urinary tract infection and by the next morning, she was feeling 100% better.

🙌 No ER. No babysitters. No stress.

This isn’t the exception at Roots Health DPC.
This is exactly how it works.
Real-life care for real-life moments.
When your child spikes a fever “after hours”…
When your teenager needs a sports physical and you cannot wait weeks…
When you feel off and don’t want to “wait and see”…
You want to be able to reach someone who knows you, hears you, and can act fast.
That’s what we do here.
Roots Health DPC is built for families who need fast, trustworthy, no-hassle care. You’ll have direct access to your doctor, same- or next-day visits, and no surprise bills. It’s a monthly membership model designed to save you time and give you peace of mind.
Spots are limited—and we’re filling fast.
Join now while spaces are available.

 

 

Because no mom should have to call her own mom to cover bedtime just to get care.

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

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