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

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?

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