Open Enrollment

2025-10-13T13:24:39+00:00October 13th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Open Enrollment, Public Health|

A Smarter Way to Protect Your Family This Open Enrollment: More Care, Less Cost

Every year, healthcare premiums rise while coverage seems to shrink. Families are paying more, small businesses feel squeezed, and many people avoid care because of surprise bills or endless insurance hurdles.

But this year’s Open Enrollment brings good news — and a chance to break the cycle.

What’s New This Year?

  • HSAs Can Now Cover DPC MembershipsThanks to recent law changes, you can now use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for Direct Primary Care memberships — tax-free. That means predictable care at transparent prices, without losing HSA benefits.
  • Catastrophic Plans ExpandedAs of November 1, 2025, more people are eligible for low-premium catastrophic health plans. These plans cover worst-case scenarios while keeping monthly costs down.
  • Catastrophic + Bronze Plans Now HSA-CompatibleCertain catastrophic and Bronze high-deductible health plans are now recognized as HSA-eligible, giving families and small business owners even more flexibility to pair affordable coverage with DPC.

Discover how DPC fits your family’s health and budget

Why Pairing DPC With a Catastrophic Plan is a GAME CHANGER.

At Roots Health DPC, we offer membership care that makes sense for families and entrepreneurs alike:

  • Adults: $78–$98/month
  • Kids: $36/month
  • Labs: under $30 (often less than a typical copay)
  • X-rays: $60
  • MRIs: from $250
  • Medications: often cheaper than insurance copays

That means you can lower your monthly premium costs with a catastrophic plan — and still enjoy unlimited access to your physician, no copays, no surprise bills, and transparent pricing for everything else.

Who Benefits Most?

  • Individuals & Families: Convenient care without hassle. No avoiding visits because of surprise costs.
  • Small Business Owners: Affordable health options for yourself and employees.
  • Solopreneurs: Reliable, personal care with catastrophic coverage for peace of mind.

Take Action Before Open Enrollment Ends

Open Enrollment is your chance to stop overpaying and finally choose care that works for your family and your budget.

Open Enrollment won’t last — let’s review your options and build a plan that actually fits your family’s needs.

Don’t wait — enrollment deadlines come fast. This year, you have more choices. Let’s make them count.

Ovarian Cancer

2025-09-29T14:40:19+00:00September 29th, 2025|Cancer, Public Health|

Understanding Ovarian Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this often-overlooked disease. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. Unfortunately, due to the lack of a reliable early detection test and the subtlety of its symptoms, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. However, persistent symptoms that last for more than a few weeks should not be ignored. Common signs include:

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Quickly feeling full when eating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new or unusual for you, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider promptly.

Skip the stress—Roots Health DPC makes care simple and direct.

Understanding the Risk Factors

While ovarian cancer can occur in any woman, certain factors may increase the risk:

  1. Age: Most cases occur in women over the age of 50.
  2. Family history: A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer may increase risk.
  3. Inherited gene mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly raise the risk.
  4. Hormonal factors: Use of hormone replacement therapy may influence risk.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of ovarian cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. While there is no standard screening test for ovarian cancer, determining your risk and discussing with your physician as well as staying vigilant about any unusual symptoms can aid in early detection.

At Roots Health DPC, we are committed to your health and well-being. If you have concerns about ovarian cancer or any other health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer complimentary consultations to discuss your health and any questions you may have.

Menopause

2025-09-22T11:55:34+00:00September 22nd, 2025|Menopause, Public Health|

Navigating Menopause: Symptoms You Might Not Expect—and How to Manage Them

Menopause is more than hot flashes and night sweats. For many women, the transition brings a variety of symptoms that can affect daily life, from sleep disruption and fatigue to mood changes and joint aches. Recognizing what’s normal—and knowing how to manage it—can make this stage of life far more comfortable.

Common Menopause Symptoms

While each woman’s experience is unique, here are some of the issues frequently seen during perimenopause and menopause:

  1. Sleep Disruption: Trouble falling or staying asleep is common. Poor sleep can contribute to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
  2. Fatigue: Hormone fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to feeling run-down.
  3. Mood Changes: Anxiety, irritability, or low mood can emerge, sometimes overlapping with other life stressors.
  4. Joint and Muscle Aches: Declining estrogen can increase inflammation and reduce natural lubrication, leading to stiffness or pain.
  5. Heart Palpitations: Short episodes of a racing or fluttering heart may occur, often linked to hot flashes.
  6. Weight and Body Composition Changes: Many women notice increased abdominal fat and decreased muscle mass during menopause.
  7. Sexual Health Changes: Decreased estrogen can cause vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and changes in libido.
  8. Urinary or Bladder Changes: Weakened pelvic floor muscles may lead to urgency, incontinence, or recurrent UTIs.
  9. Neurological Changes: “Brain fog,” difficulty focusing, or memory lapses are common during hormone fluctuations.
  10. Skin, Hair, and Nail Changes: Thinning hair, brittle nails, and drier skin can result from declining estrogen levels.

Learn how Direct Primary Care supports women through every stage of menopause.

What You Can Do to Feel Your Best

While menopause can be challenging, there are practical steps you can take to manage symptoms:

  1. Prioritize Sleep: Maintain a consistent bedtime, create a relaxing nighttime routine, and limit caffeine or electronics before bed.
  2. Stay Active: Regular exercise supports heart health, helps manage weight, and reduces joint stiffness.
  3. Eat for Hormone Balance: Focus on whole foods, fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats to support overall health.
  4. Mind Your Mental Health: Mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help manage mood swings and anxiety.
  5. Pelvic Floor Care: Strengthening exercises can reduce urinary symptoms and improve sexual comfort.
  6. Consider Medical Options: Hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, or supplements may be appropriate based on your individual needs—always under medical guidance.

Don’t Navigate Menopause Alone

Every woman’s experience is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. At Roots Health DPC, we take the time to listen, understand your symptoms, and collaborate with you on a personalized plan—so you can feel like yourself again.

Start managing your menopause symptoms with expert guidance and individualized care.

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.

Unseen Summer Pests

2025-09-08T13:12:52+00:00September 8th, 2025|Families, Public Health|

Cicada Mites: My Unexpected Summer Surprise

Late summer in my garden should have been relaxing. I was enjoying the sunshine, tending to my plants, and listening to the soft hum of summer insects. But the next morning, I noticed itchy red bumps spreading across my arms. At first, I thought it might be an allergic reaction to something I touched—but soon I realized this itchy rash was from something different: cicada mites.

What Are Cicada Mites?

Cicada mites (Pyemotes herfsi) are tiny, nearly invisible pests that usually feed on cicada eggs and other insects. During cicada emergences, they can bite humans, causing intense itching and small, red, raised bumps. The effect can be similar to an allergic reaction localized.

 

Symptoms You Might Notice

Cicada mite bites/burrowing can cause:

  1. Intense itching—sometimes hours after exposure
  2. Red, raised bumps or welts, often on exposed skin
  3. Localized rash, commonly on the arms, neck, and upper torso
  4. Occasional secondary infection if bites are scratched repeatedly

For me, the itching was relentless and the lesions actually became “weepy.”

How I Managed It

I found relief through:

  • Topical steroid creams to calm inflammation
  • Oral antihistamines to control itching
  • Calamine lotion for soothing relief
  • COLD ice applied to soothe worked well

I also learned a few prevention tips to avoid future issues:

  • Avoid spending time near oak trees during peak cicada activity
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when gardening
  • Shower soon after outdoor activities to remove any mites on the skin

When to Seek Help

While cicada mite bites are usually harmless, severe reactions, widespread rashes, or persistent symptoms warrant a medical check-up. At Roots Health DPC, we provide personalized guidance to help you manage reactions, prevent complications, and get back to enjoying your summer.

Get relief and learn how to protect yourself.

HDL vs. LDL

2025-09-02T09:10:21+00:00September 2nd, 2025|Cholesterol, Public Health|

September Is National Cholesterol Education Month: What You Need to Know

When was the last time you checked your cholesterol? If it’s been a while—or if you’ve never known your numbers—September is the perfect time to start.

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, yet it plays a major role in heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. The good news? By understanding your cholesterol levels and taking steps to manage them, you can significantly improve your long-term health.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that circulates in your blood. Not all cholesterol is the same:
  • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called “bad cholesterol” because high levels can build up in your arteries.
  • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “good cholesterol” because it helps clear LDL from the bloodstream.

The key is balance. Too much LDL or too little HDL increases your risk of heart problems.

Prevention starts here—see how DPC supports heart health.

 

Why It Matters

When cholesterol levels are off, plaque can build up in your arteries. Over time, this raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Since high cholesterol doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, the only way to know your levels is through a blood test.

Why It Matters

When cholesterol levels are off, plaque can build up in your arteries. Over time, this raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Since high cholesterol doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, the only way to know your levels is through a blood test.

How Roots Health DPC Can Help

Managing cholesterol isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Roots Health DPC, we provide:
  • Personalized Screenings – More than just a number, we look at your overall risk profile.
  • Custom Plans – Tailored lifestyle recommendations, nutrition guidance, and—if needed—medications or supplements.
  • Ongoing Support – Regular follow-ups to keep you on track and adjust your plan as your needs change.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health This Month

Don’t wait for a problem to appear—prevention is powerful. By checking your cholesterol now, you’re taking a proactive step toward protecting your heart for years to come.

Let’s work together to keep your heart strong and healthy.

Start School Strong with DPC

2025-08-11T14:23:48+00:00August 11th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Public Health|

Back to School,

the Easy Way:

DPC Families Start the Year Strong

Backpacks are getting dusted off. Lunchboxes are reappearing. And kids? They’re bouncing between excitement and nerves.

It’s that time again—back-to-school season, and for most families, it comes with a checklist a mile long:

📝 School physicals

🩹 Updated vaccinations

😷 Coughs, colds, and lingering summer sniffles

🧠 A mental wellness and Routines reset

At Roots Health DPC, we’re here to make that list a little less overwhelming—and a lot more convenient.

Discover a better, family-centered way to do healthcare.

Last week, one mom from the practice called about her 8-year-old son who had a rash that wouldn’t go away. She was worried it might be something serious, so we got him in quickly. During the visit, as we were wrapping up the exam, and she hesitated for a second and said:

“Oh, shoot—I still need to schedule his school physical!”

Here’s the beauty of Direct Primary Care: she didn’t have to.

We just added the school physical right then and there—no second appointment, no waiting weeks to be seen, no juggling another calendar slot. She left with peace of mind, a healthy kid. The school physical form was completed…. and that was one more thing crossed off her list.

This is the kind of care families need—especially during busy seasons.

With DPC, you get:

  • Same or next-day appointments
  • No rushed visits—we handle everything you need in one stop
  • Care that fits into your life, not the other way around

Whatvere your healthcare needs… a school physical, stitches, a mental health check-in before the school year starts, or you just want to text your doctor with a quick question — you’re in the right place.

We’re here to partner with you to make this school year the healthiest one yet.

Want to experience a better way to get care for your family?

Travel Smarter with DPC

2025-07-28T14:40:26+00:00July 28th, 2025|Direct Primary Care, Public Health|

Jet Lag, Germs & Global Travel: Why International Trips Can Hit Hard

(And How to Travel Smarter with DPC)

Ever notice how a “trip of a lifetime” abroad can leave you feeling… totally wrecked?

The jet lag is brutal. Your stomach’s off. You’re not sure if the coffee is helping or hurting. And somewhere between adjusting to local time and trying to avoid sunburned, you realize: traveling internationally is no joke for your body.

But most people think the only fix is to just “push through.”

That’s where I come in.

Your Body Has a Clock—And Travel Throws It Off

Every time you cross multiple time zones, your circadian rhythm gets disrupted. That’s the internal clock that governs everything from sleep and energy to digestion and mood. And when it’s off, your entire system has to scramble to recalibrate.

So how do we fix it faster?

🕶️ Light exposure – Morning light helps reset your internal clock to your new location. Get outside within the first hour of waking. Avoid bright screens at night to keep melatonin levels normal.

Caffeine – Yes, you can use it—but strategically. Use caffeine in the morning at your destination to stay alert. Skip it after 2 PM local time so you’re not sabotaging your sleep.

💊 Melatonin – This is your body’s “sleep cue.” I usually recommend 0.5 to 3 mg about 30 minutes before your new bedtime for a few nights once you arrive. It helps re-sync your rhythm without grogginess.

🛫 Start adjusting before you go – If possible, shift your bedtime and wake time 1–2 hours toward your destination’s time zone a few days before your trip.

Travel Healthy with a Doctor Who Supports YOU.

But Wait, What About the Other Kind of Travel Prep…

When patients tell me they’re traveling internationally, I always ask:

“Have you checked your destination’s vaccine and medication requirements yet?”

Cue blank stares.

Because let’s be honest, the CDC travel site is not user-friendly. It feels like you need a PhD in epidemiology just to figure out if you need a typhoid shot, malaria meds, or a yellow fever card.

The reality?

Getting it right matters.

You don’t want to realize at the airport that you needed proof of a vaccine—or worse, wind up in a remote area without the meds to prevent a totally avoidable illness.

DPC Makes Travel Simpler, Safer, and Smarter

When you’re in my practice, you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re heading to Italy or Indonesia, we walk through it together:

✅ I decode the CDC guidance for your destination

✅ We plan circadian rhythm strategies to fight jet lag

✅ You get the right vaccines, refills, and travel meds on time

✅ And you get peace of mind knowing your doctor travels with you (virtually, of course)

Travel-Ready Care Starts Before You Pack

Don’t wait until you’re already on a plane with the wrong meds and no plan for sleep.

We’re not full yet—but we’re getting close. If you’ve got international travel coming up, now’s the time to join the practice and prep like a pro.

Get travel-ready care without the guesswork

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.

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.

No waiting. Healthcare delivered when you need it.
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