Women’s Guide to Cervical Screening 2026

2026-01-19T16:52:06+00:00January 19th, 2026|Cancer, Public Health|

Cervical Health Awareness Month 2026: The Truth About Pap Smears, HPV, and Your Risk

What every woman should know—and why clarity should guide your care.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and every year I see the same mix of emotions in my patients: confusion about guidelines, anxiety about HPV, uncertainty about screening intervals, and worry about what results actually mean. It’s understandable—women receive a flood of conflicting messages about cervical cancer prevention, and the traditional healthcare system rarely takes the time to explain any of it clearly.

But here’s the truth: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

And with the right information and regular screening, most women can feel empowered—not fearful—when it comes to their cervical health.

My hope for you this year is simple:

Replace confusion with clarity. Replace fear with knowledge. Replace overwhelm with a sense of grounded confidence in your wellbeing.

Let’s walk through what actually matters.

What Is the Cervix and Why Does Screening Matter?

Your cervix is the small, donut-shaped opening at the lower end of your uterus. Cervical cancer develops slowly—over years—and begins with subtle cellular changes detectable on routine screening.

This slow progression is what makes cervical cancer so preventable.

When we catch abnormal cells early, treatment is straightforward and highly effective. Cancer is PREVENTED.

When we don’t, small changes can evolve into something more serious.

Screening is not about scaring —it’s about staying a step ahead.

Understand your results, your risk, and your next steps.

The Role of HPV: What You Really Need to Know

Most cervical changes are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).

And here’s the part that most women have never been told clearly:

HPV is incredibly common—nearly everyone is exposed at some point.

This is not a sign that something is wrong. It’s not a judgment on your behavior. It’s not something to be embarrassed about.

HPV is a normal virus in the human population, and in the vast majority of cases, your immune system clears it naturally.

Only a small percentage of people develop persistent HPV, and an even smaller percentage develop precancerous changes.

Your body is wise. Your immune system is capable.

And most results are manageable with time and follow-up.

Understanding Screening: Pap, HPV Testing, and What’s Recommended in 2026

Screening guidelines have evolved—and it’s no wonder women feel confused. Here’s the simplified version:

Ages 21–29:

Pap smear every 3 years (assuming they are normal)

Ages 30–65:

One of the following for previously normal pap results:

  • HPV test alone every 5 years
  • Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years
  • Pap smear alone every 3 years

If this feels complicated, don’t worry—what matters is that you’re screened regularly and your doctor explains it so that you understand what the results mean.

The real problem isn’t the guidelines; it’s the system that rushes women through visits without the time to explain them.

At Roots Health DPC, we slow down. We talk through your history, your risk, and your concerns.

You never walk out of an appointment unsure of what was done or why.

What Happens if Your Pap or HPV Test Is Abnormal?

Abnormal results for anything can be a little scary… but most of these represent low-grade, reversible changes that simply require follow-up.

Here’s the breakdown:

ASC-US or LSIL:

Usually mild changes. Often related to transient HPV. Often resolves on its own.

HPV positive:

Common. Not an emergency. Often cleared by your immune system.

HSIL or more advanced changes:

Needs closer follow-up, sometimes a colposcopy. Still highly treatable when caught early.

Abnormal does not mean cancer. It means we need to take next screening steps and support your body appropriately.

HPV Vaccination: Your Best Preventive Tool

The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools ever created.

Who should get it?

  • Recommended for ages 9–26
  • Can be given up to age 45 for many adults

Vaccination + screening is the strongest combination to prevent cervical cancer.

 

How DPC Supports Better Women’s Health

Women’s health isn’t a checklist—it’s a conversation.

At Roots Health DPC, your cervical health screening includes:

✓ Unhurried visits

Time to ask questions, understand results, and talk through your concerns.

✓ Personalized recommendations

No guessing. No cookie-cutter screening schedules.

✓ Rapid follow-up when needed

No waiting months to be seen.

✓ A physician who knows your story

History matters. Patterns matter. Your lived experience matters.

✓ Affordable, transparent pricing

No surprise bills—ever.

This kind of care is what allows women to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Your screening should never feel like an afterthought.

This Year, Choose Clarity Over Fear

If you’ve been putting off your Pap smear…

If you’re unsure about your HPV status…

If you’ve had abnormal results in the past…

If you’re not sure when your last screening was…

This is your gentle nudge toward clarity. Your body already knows how to move toward wellbeing.

Screening simply gives us the information to support you along the way.

If You Want Support With Your Cervical Health This Year…

If you want your women’s health to feel clear, grounded, and connected—not rushed or confusing—

Your healthiest life is waiting — you just have to say yes.

Don’t wait on your wellbeing—get expert, personalized women’s care.

End of Year Wellness Guide for Families

2025-12-29T13:21:55+00:00December 29th, 2025|Community, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Finishing the Season Strong. Start the New Year With Clarity — Not Burnout

You run a career, a household, and handle a calendar full of endless logistics.

You are the CEO of your family’s health and rhythm —And here’s the truth:

You don’t need more pressure, rules, or perfection to thrive right now. What will benefit you most going into the New Year is a clear plan that protects your energy and fills your cup.

This is your end-of-year playbook.

✅1. Choose YOU

Ask yourself these questions before committing your time and energy to a project.

Does this support my vision, goals and wellness? If not, its fine to say “No.” Remember that “No” is a complete sentence.

Your energy is a finite resource.

Spend it deliberately.

✅2. Protect Routines

You don’t need it to be perfect — but you need anchor habits that steady your body and mind.

What new habits are you cultivating in your daily routine? Stacking habits is one way we work with patients to help them reach their goals. From ensuring you get a full night sleep and changing snacking habits to increasing exercise and adding daily meditation to your routine… habit stacking goes a long way.

What are your goals for the New Year and how will you reach them?

Developing “High-yield” habits that protect mood, boost immunity, increase metabolism, and strengthen resilience support you in reaching your goals.

See how DPC helps you find clarity.

✅3. Build in Recovery Time — Not Just Activity

Executives schedule recovery cycles. Athletes schedule rest days. Families thrive when pauses are planned, not leftover.

Try to calendar: Recovery morning after big events, Downtime for unstructured family evening, laundry and rest day after big travel, or a “no committment” day between holidays.

Quiet space isn’t indulgence. It is intentional foundation for stability and clarity.

✅4. Hold Family Emotional Tone — Without Holding Every Emotion

As the family wellness leader, you influence the environment —

but you don’t need to absorb everyone’s stress or expectations.

Practice leadership-energy:

You model peace, presence, and emotional maturity — not overfunctioning.

✅4. Seed the New Year With Clarity — Not Pressure

You don’t need resolutions. You need new habits that point you in the direction of your goals.

End-of-year reflection prompts: What habits kept you well this year? What routines anchor you and your family? What supports would you like in place and where could you welcome those into your life? How can you adjust your routines to maximize your wellness in small manageable ways?

The goal: Start January with alignment and momentum.

✅5. DPC: Your Partner in a Strong Start

As your physician and wellness partner, DPC gives you:

✨ Accessible care and a Partner in Wellness

✨ Preventive Care and Accountability

✨ Mental health + Stress support

✨ Holistic, family-centered guidance

✨ Same-day access when you need it most

✨ No healthcare hassles taking up your bandwidth

Enter the new year with clarity, support, and confidence.

You don’t need to do it alone — you just need a system designed for working families.

You are the CEO of your family.

You are building a life.

You deserve structure and peace —

Finish this year the way you intend to live the next:

With clarity and peace of mind.

Start the year with clarity, support, and a care model designed around your life.

Holiday Stress Guide for Busy Families

2025-12-15T09:10:31+00:00December 15th, 2025|Community, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Navigating Family Dynamics, Sharing the Load & Letting Go With Love — For a Calmer, Connected Season

The holidays can bring joy, nostalgia, and family connection — and also… expectations, opinions, overstimulation, and emotional landmines.

As a working mom, you already carry a lot: career deadlines, school logistics, household operations, childcare, meal planning, emotional support, and holiday magic-making.

Add extended family dynamics — in-laws, intergenerational traditions, different parenting philosophies, cultural expectations — and suddenly the season meant for connection can feel burdensome.

This year, let’s shift: from managing everything to creating intentional peace, partnership, and spaciousness to receive.

Prepare — Not Just Logistically

Choose to schedule activites that fill you up and matter most for your family.

Where can you choose simplicity? What can you Let Go of this year

This clarity anchors you.

Learn how having a doctor who truly knows your family changes everything.

Align With Your Partner (Before the Chaos Begins)

Healthy families run on teamwork — one person cannot work in a vaccuum and sometimes 2 people cannot even get it all done.

Try a 10-minute weekly holiday sync: to divide up responsbilities and ensure you are on the same page for events and logistics. This really does go a long way to avoid confusion and conflict later

Divide up tasks based on capacity & preference. Then — and this is the growth edge —release control of the how.If your partner wraps gifts differently, dresses the kids differently, or loads the dishwasher the “wrong way”… Let. It. Go.That’s love, partnership, and nervous-system peace.

Detach with love.Not controlling or correcting everything = freedom.

The Sandwich Generation Reality

Many moms are caring for kids — and aging parents — at the same time. It’s sacred, and it’s exhausting.

During gatherings: Lower your expectations so that you can enjoy what is and schedule breaks and step outside to breathe, stretch, reset.

When you stop showing up as the director, everything changes and you can take responsiblity for yourself.

Healthy Boundaries ARE LOVE in Action

Changing the way you approach your thinking about things and your responses to others… might look like:

  • “We’re keeping things simple this year.”
  • “We parent differently, and that’s okay.”
  • “I love you and I am not available to have that conversation right now.”

Your tone can be soft. Your boundary can be firm.

Regulate Your Nervous System in the Moment

When emotions rise, choose presence over reaction:

  • 4 slow breaths
  • Name what’s happening: I feel overwhelmed, not wrong.
  • Step outside for air
  • Put a hand on your heart

Your peace is worth protecting.

You Don’t Have to Earn Rest

You don’t need to “deserve” rest. Everyone needs to take breaks. In fact, the breaks are what give us the energy to move forward more efficiently…

Schedule nourishing pauses like appointments:

  • 🕯️ quiet coffee before everyone wakes
  • 🧘‍♀️ gentle movement / yoga / tai chi
  • 📚 20 minutes to read
  • 🚶‍♀️ walk outside alone
  • 💆‍♀️ an hour off-grid to breathe

Rest is not indulgence. Rest is necessary for effective leadership and good relations.

This season…………..

Connection — not control.

Presence — not perfection.

You are doing an amazing job.

Your family doesn’t need a perfect holiday —

they just need you, grounded and well.

 

If you’re craving more calm, connection, and clarity — support is one click away.

Protect Your Energy This Holiday Season

2025-12-08T16:10:19+00:00December 8th, 2025|Community, Direct Primary Care, Families, Family Medicine, Family Practice, Health Care, Public Health|

Holiday Overload Reset: Time-Block Your Energy, Health & Peace This Season

The holidays bring joy…. and a calendar that fills faster than a Target cart on December 1st. School events, office deadlines, travel plans, teacher gifts, family dinners… Before you know it, the month is almost gone — and so is your energy.

For working moms, December can feel less like celebration and more like project management with glitter.

At Roots Health DPC, we don’t believe your health should take a holiday. So what is the goal? Not “surviving the season,” but being present for it with energy, calm, and intentional joy.

Let’s protect what matters most — your time, your wellness, and your peace.

✅ Time-Blocking: Your #1 Holiday Health Strategy

If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. Especially during December.

Most Mom’s calendars include:

  • School Events
  • Kids’ sports & activities
  • Work & meetings
  • Travel
  • Holiday social events

But many forget to schedule the things that keep them functioning.

So this holiday season, try blocking time for:

Recharge Rituals

  • 10-minute guided meditation (morning is ideal to set stage for the day)
  • A bath + audiobook (I like this at the end to unwind)
  • Sitting with coffee in silence before kids wake
  • A “nothing hour” on Sundays

Movement That Nourishes You

  • Gym sessions
  • Yoga or Pilates
  • Lunchtime walk with sunlight

Self-Care Breaks

  • Read a chapter of that book you were trying to finish
  • Call a friend who fills your cup
  • Journal gratitudes daily
  • Tai Chi class, stretching, or breathwork

Put these in your calendar the same way you schedule all the other stuff on your calendar.

Self-care is not spontaneous. It’s intentional and scheduled.

Ready to see why more families are switching to smarter, stress-free healthcare?

✅ Set Your “Non-Negotiable” December Boundaries

Choose 2–3 personal health priorities and commit:

✔️ 7 hours of sleep minimum

✔️ Movement most days

✔️ Nutrition that fuels energy (add protein + greens before sugar)

✔️ No holiday decision-making after 8pm (decision fatigue sets in)

Boundaries protect your body and your bandwidth.

✅ “Energy Budget” to see what goes on the calendar

This season, ask:

➡️ Does this nourish me?

➡️ Does this align with our family values?

➡️ Is this a “should” or a “want”?

Give yourself permission to say: “We’re keeping this season simple.”

It’s not less festive. It’s more intentional.

✅ Why DPC Helps You Actually Stay Well During Busy Seasons

With a Direct Primary Care membership, health never drops to the bottom of the list:

✨ Same-day visits

✨ Easy text access

✨ Stress + sleep support

✨ Personalized supplement + preventive guidance

✨ Labs + check-ins without waiting months

No rushing. No reactive medicine.

Just a doctor who knows your family — and helps you stay well through the chaos.

This season isn’t about doing everything. It’s about protecting what matters: your energy, your health, your presence.

Your time matters. Your health matters. Let’s take care of both—starting now.

Because the best gift you can give your family is a healthy, rested, joyful you.

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?

Calmer Holidays Ahead

2025-11-17T15:57:34+00:00November 17th, 2025|Community, Families, Public Health|

Preparing for Holiday Stress — A Medical & Wellness Toolkit

The holidays are meant to be merry—but between the packed schedules, family dynamics, and endless to-do lists, many people end up feeling overwhelmed instead of uplifted.

From tension headaches to sleepless nights and fatigue, your body often tells the story of stress long before you do.

At Roots Health DPC, we know that managing holiday stress isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most for your health and well-being. Let’s walk through your medical and wellness toolkit for a calmer, healthier holiday season.

Recognize How Stress Shows Up in the Body

Stress isn’t “just in your head.” It can show up as:

  • Tight shoulders or headaches
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Digestive changes
  • Fatigue or brain fog
  • Weakened immunity or more frequent colds

💡 Doctor’s Tip: If you find yourself feeling irritable, tense, or tired more often, your body may be asking for a pause—not just caffeine.

Curious how DPC keeps you healthy year-round?

Build Your Holiday Wellness Toolkit

1. Prioritize Restful Sleep

Sleep is the single most powerful way to restore the nervous system.

  • Set a consistent bedtime routine
  • Avoid screens an hour before bed
  • Try deep breathing or a short meditation

2. Keep Your Nutrition Grounded

Holiday meals are meant to be enjoyed—but skipping balanced meals or overdoing sugar can leave you drained.

  • Eat protein and fiber before events
  • Hydrate often (stress increases dehydration)
  • Don’t skip breakfast

3. Move—Even Briefly

Exercise releases endorphins that help manage stress and improve mood. A 10-minute walk counts!

4. Mind Your Mind

Mindfulness, gratitude journaling, or even short breaks from social media can reset your mood and calm anxiety.

When Stress Becomes More Than Seasonal

Sometimes what feels like “holiday burnout” might be something deeper—such as anxiety, depression, or hormone imbalance.

As your DPC provider, we can help evaluate symptoms that persist beyond the season and create a personalized plan, from lab work to counseling referrals and lifestyle strategies.

Because at Roots Health DPC, we treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to a Peaceful Season

You don’t have to navigate the holidays on autopilot. With accessible, affordable, and personalized care, our DPC model helps you:

  • Schedule same-day visits (even during the busy season)
  • Address stress-related symptoms early
  • Refill medications or review labs without the hassle
  • Get support for both physical and emotional wellness

Your Season of Health Starts Here

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of calm.

Small, consistent steps—paired with a trusted care partner—make all the difference.

Book your complimentary meet-and-greet today and start your customized plan for a healthier, happier holiday season.

Ready to feel better before the holidays hit?

Winter-Ready Immunity

2025-11-10T22:26:20+00:00November 10th, 2025|Colds and Flus, Public Health|

Immune Resilience — Getting a Head Start Before Flu Season

Don’t Wait Until You’re Sick to Strengthen Your Immune System

As the temperatures drop and holiday plans fill up your calendar, remember….it’s not just the season of giving—it’s also the season of sniffles, fatigue, and lingering colds.

But here’s the truth: your immune system isn’t just something you use after you get sick—it’s something you can strengthen right now.

At Roots Health DPC, we focus on prevention. By taking a proactive approach this fall, you can build immune resilience that helps your body respond, recover, and thrive all winter long.

What Is “Immune Resilience”?

Immune resilience is your body’s ability to stay balanced and bounce back from everyday stressors—whether it’s a busy work week, travel, or exposure to viruses.

It’s not about “boosting” your immune system with quick fixes. It’s about supporting it with the right foundations:

  • Sleep: Quality rest helps regulate immune cells and inflammation.
  • Nutrition: Whole foods rich in vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants fuel your defenses.
  • Movement: Regular activity improves circulation and immune response.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress weakens immunity, so relaxation isn’t a luxury—it’s medicine.

💡 Doctor’s Tip: Even small daily habits—like a brisk 20-minute walk, 7+ hours of sleep, and staying hydrated—go a long way in strengthening your immune system.

Real care. Real access. Real savings.

Preventive Checkpoints Before Winter

Now is the perfect time to get ahead on your annual health to-do list. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

  • Schedule your annual physical and review labs (vitamin D, blood sugar, thyroid).
  • Stay current on vaccines, including your flu shot.
  • Check for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or anemia, which can reduce immune strength.

At Roots Health DPC, members enjoy easy scheduling, same-day or next-day appointments, and transparent pricing—so preventive care stays simple and affordable.

Immune Support—Without the Hype

With so much information presented… from social media trends to overflowing supplement aisles, “immune boosters” can get confusing.

The good news: you can be well. Stick with evidence-based support like:

  • Vitamin D (especially during shorter daylight months)
  • Probiotics for gut health
  • Elderberry and zinc (when used appropriately)

For personalized supplement guidance, talk with your DPC doctor—because what works best depends on you.

Proactive Care Starts Here

This fall, let’s shift from reactive to resilient. Your immune system thrives on consistency, connection, and care that’s built around you.

Book your complimentary meet-and-greet today and create a personalized immune plan that keeps you and your family healthy all season long.

Healthy seasons start here.

Don’t Skip These Screenings

2025-10-27T15:07:30+00:00October 27th, 2025|Adults, Community, Direct Primary Care, Public Health|

Health Screenings You Shouldn’t Skip in Your 40s and 50s

Turning 40 or 50 often feels like a milestone—and it’s also the perfect time to prioritize preventive health. Regular screenings can detect problems early, when they’re most treatable, and keep you on track for a healthier future.

Here’s a practical checklist of the screenings you shouldn’t skip:

✅ Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

  • Why it matters: High blood pressure and cholesterol often have no symptoms but raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • When: At least every 1–2 years—or more often if you have risk factors.

✅ Blood Sugar / Diabetes Screening

  • Why it matters: Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in midlife, and catching it early can prevent serious complications.
  • When: Starting at age 45, or earlier if you’re overweight or have family history.

✅ Cancer Screenings

  • Breast Cancer: Mammograms are recommended for women starting at 40–50, depending on risk factors.
  • Colon Cancer: Colonoscopy or stool-based screening should begin at 45.
  • Prostate Cancer: Men should discuss PSA testing with their doctor around age 50, or earlier with risk factors.
  • Skin Cancer: Regular skin checks for unusual moles or lesions are important at any age.

✅ Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)

  • Why it matters: Osteoporosis risk increases with age, especially for women after menopause.
  • When: Women over 65 and men over 70 should be screened—but your doctor may recommend earlier if you have risk factors.

Overwhelmed by which screenings you actually need? Don’t guess—

 

✅ Vision & Hearing Checks

  • Why it matters: Subtle changes in vision and hearing can impact daily life and safety, yet often go unnoticed.
  • When: Eye exams every 2 years; hearing checks if you notice changes.

✅ Immunizations

  • Why it matters: Protection against illness doesn’t stop at childhood. Staying up to date reduces serious risks.
  • Key vaccines: Shingles (age 50+), annual flu shot, Tdap booster, and COVID-19 vaccines/boosters as recommended.

Why This Matters More in Your 40s & 50s

These decades are often the “sandwich years”—balancing careers, families, and aging parents. It’s easy to put your health last. But screenings are one of the most powerful ways to stay healthy, independent, and present for the people who count on you.

Your Partner in Prevention

At Roots Health DPC, we take the guesswork out of prevention. Together, we’ll create a personalized screening plan based on your history, lifestyle, and risks. With direct access to your doctor, longer visits, and ongoing support, you’ll never feel rushed or overlooked.

One-size-fits-all care leaves dangerous gaps. Get a screening plan built for you.

Let’s make sure you’re up to date with the screenings that protect your future health.

Because prevention isn’t just medicine—it’s peace of mind.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2025-10-21T13:23:42+00:00October 21st, 2025|Breast Cancer, Public Health|

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Putting Prevention First

At Roots Health Direct Primary Care, we believe awareness is only the first step—prevention and early detection are where lives are saved.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime, but the good news is that when caught early, survival rates are much higher. That’s why October is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make your health a priority.

Beyond Awareness: Taking Action

Knowing your risk and creating a personalized screening plan matters more than ever. Family history, lifestyle, and breast density all influence the best screening strategy for you.

  • Mammograms remain the gold standard for early detection.
  • Ultrasound and MRI may be recommended for women with dense breast tissue or higher risk factors.
  • Self-awareness—regularly checking your breasts and reporting changes—empowers you to partner with your doctor in prevention.

At Roots Health DPC, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Instead, we take time to listen, assess your individual risks, and guide you to the screening plan that’s right for you.

See how Direct Primary Care puts time and attention back into your health.

 

Warning Signs to Watch For

While screening is key, being alert to changes matters too. Contact your doctor right away if you notice:

  • A lump or thickened area in your breast or underarm
  • Skin dimpling, redness, or swelling
  • Nipple changes, including inversion or discharge
  • Unexplained changes in breast size or shape

Most changes are not cancer—but they are worth checking promptly.

Why Roots Health DPC is Different

When questions or concerns arise, you don’t need to wait weeks for an appointment or feel rushed through a system that doesn’t have time for you. Our patients have direct access, same-day visits, and ongoing support—because your health deserves more than a quick check-box approach.

Create a prevention plan designed just for you.

 

Because at Roots Health DPC, you’re not just another patient—you’re a partner in care.

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