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September 1, 2024admin_barryUncategorized

There isn’t a person alive who hasn’t been affected by suicide. The abrupt trauma ripples throughout a person’s entire community. Countless moms, dads, siblings, husbands, wives, fiancés, girlfriends, boyfriends, cousins, children, and friends have been impacted by a loved one’s suicide. That is why Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton is highlighting, like many other organizations, September as Suicide Prevention Month.

With suicide being the eleventh leading cause of death in the US, with 49,476 lives lost in 2022, here are 10 ways you can help a loved one who is suicidal.

#1 — Ask them about it
Although it will take wisdom and care to know how to ask your loved one, it could be the open door they need to talk about their internal struggles.

#2 — Tell them how much you love them
Reminding the people in your life that you love them and are for them is vital to any relationship — especially those contemplating suicide. Most people struggling with suicidal thoughts feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and disconnected. Affirming your love for them, or anyone you know, is never not needed.

#3 — Try to get them out and doing things they enjoy
If you know what your loved one likes, offer to go with them to enjoy those things. It could be attending a sporting event, listening to live music, going out for ice cream, or taking a walk. Make a conscious effort to do what they like.

#4 — Give them tasks and responsibilities
Often, people struggling with suicidal thoughts, feel completely worthless. Giving them a task can remind them that they’re capable and have a purpose.

#5 — Don’t minimize any self-harming talk, behaviors, or cries for attention
If your loved one frequently discusses self-harm, exhibits self-harm, or acts out, it can be easy and natural to minimize it. It’s like The Boy Who Cried Wolf. However, it is important to extend grace and patience. Never take what they say lightly.

#6 — Build a support team for when you’re not around
Your loved one, especially a child or spouse, may have a hard time taking your advice. A friend or another relative may be able to express the same things you want to, but in a way, they can hear it. Being intentional about building a community for your suicidal loved one can be a huge help and alleviate some of the pressure you feel caring for them.

#7 — Look for signs they’re preparing for departure
As hard as it is to think this way, it is vital that you don’t put your head in the sand. Be vigilant when it comes to monitoring your loved one’s mental health.

#8 — Offer to take them to counseling
Expressing thoughts and emotions is challenging for anyone — even more so with someone who is struggling with suicide. Your loved one may feel guilty talking to you about their feelings because you always try to be there for them and have already done so much. Counseling may be just what they need to bring relief and clarity. Contact us for referrals.

#9 — Send them a Lifebox
Sending them a lifebox can remind them how special they are and that they are not alone. Contact Wondherful to send your loved one a lifebox for free.

#10 — Take your loved one to get an annual physical
The body is a finely tuned and intricate system. If your diet is off, your mental state can be affected. At Direct Primary Care of Boca, we always ask our patients about their mental health because our goal is to offer holistic, affordable, compassionate healthcare.

DPC is here for you and your loved one. We want all our patients to feel comfortable enough to talk about depression, anxiety, and suicide. Make an appointment today.

Sources:
Suicide Prevention [Internet] Center of Disease Control [April 25th, 2024]
Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html

Suicide Statistics [Internet] American Foundation of Suicide Prevention [Report Retrieved May 11th, 2024] Available from: https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

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August 1, 2024admin_barryUncategorized

Did you know that if one of your eyes were a digital camera, it would contain 576 megapixels? With the world’s best camera being 150 megapixels, it is miraculous the level of detail the human eye can observe and process without getting overstimulated. Your eyes allow you to connect with the world and the people in it, which is why Direct Primary Care of Boca wants to highlight August as National Eye Exam Month.   

On a global scale, at least 2.2 billion people have near or distance vision impairment. In 2023, approximately 66 percent of American adults reported using some form of vision correction. The eyes are a barometer for the rest of your health, that is why we advocate for all our patients to get annual eye exams. 

Without regular eye exams, eye strain is highly likely, which can lead to dizziness and headaches. You may not be aware that conditions such as an aneurysm, brain tumors, blood cancers, skin/tissue cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lyme disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and sexually transmitted diseases can be detected with an eye exam. 

DPC of Boca wants to encourage you to celebrate National Eye Exam Month by doing four things: 

1. Make an eye exam appointment for yourself
   Given that an eye exam only takes 20-30 minutes, there is no reason to put it off. If you’re a member of Direct Primary Care of Boca, you can get your annual physical and your eye exam all in one visit.
    

1. Make an eye exam for your spouse, kids, or extended family
   It has been said, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” Even if your child or spouse is not complaining about their vision, it is vital they have it checked. Additionally, many visual processing disorders and vision abnormalities in children can be corrected when diagnosed early. Our team uses the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener, which is safe for all ages, from 6 months to seniors.
    

1. Ensure you and your family have the proper prescription for vision correction
   Vision changes over time, and without annual exams, we can unintentionally settle for blurry vision, which can affect our processing and overall mood. Keeping up with your family’s eye exams is a good way of showing your love and care for them.
    

1. Be intentional about vision health
   With eye health, you can apply the same rules and recommendations as you would to your overall health. A wholesome diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and a proper supply of vitamins can improve eye health. 

Don’t wait to make your eye exam appointment at Direct Primary Care of Boca. Better vision awaits you today!
 

Sources:
Eye Health Statistics [Internet] American Academy of Ophthalmology [Accessed July 2024] Available from: https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics
National Eye Exam Month [Internet] National Today [Accessed July 2024] Available from: https://nationaltoday.com/national-eye-exam-month/
Keep Your Eyes Healthy [Internet] National Eye Institute [Updated: May 19, 2021] Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy
Eyewear Industry Statistics and Facts 2024 [Internet] Overnight Glasses [April 1, 2024] Available from: https://www.overnightglasses.com/eyewear-industry-statistics/20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch [Internet] American Academy of Ophthalmology [April 24, 2024] Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/surprising-health-conditions-eye-exam-detects 

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February 1, 2024Rachel HuertaUncategorized

February is the month for healthy hearts. Not only does February host the month of love with Valentine’s Day. It also is American Heart Month, when individuals are encouraged to prioritize their cardiovascular health.

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? One in five people will die of heart disease. That means every 33 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease. 1

At Direct Primary Care of Boca, we don’t want you to be a statistic; you are more than a number to us. We seek to help you be the healthiest, best version of yourself so you can live a robust life. Here are ten tips for you to implement to become heart-healthy:

1) Eat heart-healthy fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes

• Fruits: apples, apricots, bananas, berries, grapefruit, oranges, and peaches
• Vegetables: Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, which are rich in Vitamin K, help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Beans and legumes: chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, lentils, navy beans, peanuts, peas, pinto beans, and soybeans

2) Exercise
Heart-healthy exercises include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis, and jumping rope. Any exercise that gets your heart rate up strengthens your heart. Be sure to consult with us for the best exercise for you.

3) Maintain a healthy weight
Extra weight makes your heart work harder than it should. As a member of DPC of Boca, we provide weight loss counseling. Weight can be a taboo topic, but we offer you a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your weight concerns.

4) Take niacin and pomegranate
Niacin is a B vitamin that your body produces, which turns food into energy. Because niacin assists in widening blood vessels, it improves blood flow, reducing blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, pomegranates also help reduce blood pressure. Before taking any supplements, we encourage you to make an appointment with us!

5) Eat fish
Many fish, like salmon, tuna, sardines, and herring, are a hearty source of omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce heart disease. The AHA encourages eating fish at least twice a week.

6) Begin taking CoQ10
CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, and plays a vital role in cellular energy, growth, and maintenance. CoQ10 is pivotal in cardiovascular function, energy metabolism, heart muscle function, and protecting cells against potentially damaging compounds. Check out our Metagenics line for CoQ10.

7) Manage stress and anxiety 

Your body is one system with many parts. Suppose your life circumstances are taking a toll on you emotionally or mentally and are not appropriately managed. In that case, your stress and anxiety will work themselves out in physical symptoms, i.e., sleeplessness, sickness, strokes, heart attacks, etc.

For members of DPC of Boca, we provide a mental health screening at every appointment.

8) Get enough sleep

Sufficient quality sleep is essential to maintaining good heart health. Sleep disruptions and disorders make it difficult to stay healthy. Additionally, sleep disorders have been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases.

9) Stay hydrated

When you’re hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Drinking water helps the heart pump the blood more easily through the body.

10) Keep a grateful heart
There is a proverb that says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Keeping a positive attitude is good for your heart.

Why not celebrate American Heart Month with us? We offer a comprehensive heart checkup, including blood pressure screening, calcium score, cholesterol check, EKG, and other markers for heart disease.

Your heart matters, so contact us today!

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November 17, 2023admin_barryUncategorized

2023 Nurse Practitioner’s Week

With Nurse Practitioner Week being celebrated November 12-18, 2023, we want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what a Nurse Practitioner can do, how Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton (DPC of Boca) came into existence, and how our staff can help you and your family.

Owner Rachel Huerta, APRN, knew she wanted to become a Nurse Practitioner after she went on a mission trip to Tanzania in 2005. Rachel said, “I was able to see how Nurse Practitioners were able to help patients with their advanced training and diagnose and treat independently.”

Several years after this trip, Rachel and her husband, Jody, saw the need in their community for relational, affordable, transparent primary care. Together, they researched the best way to provide concierge-style healthcare.

How Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton Came into Existence

After six months of researching the Direct Primary Care movement, Rachel and Jody opened their doors in Boca Raton in October 2017. When asked what her favorite part of being a Nurse Practitioner is, she said:

“Hands down, getting to develop a relationship with each patient and their family to promote wellness. In other practices, I would not be able to have the time to understand my patients’ needs and educate them on how to care for themselves and the conditions that they have.”

This year, DPC of Boca extended their services and added Taina Jean-Pierre MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN to the team. Taina has worked in leading hospitals, including Jackson Memorial, Joe Dimaggio, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, in the Pediatric and Neonatal ICU and the Adult Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

As a family nurse practitioner with nineteen years of experience as a registered nurse, Taina is comfortable diagnosing and treating patients from infancy to the advanced population. She is passionate about giving the highest quality care that addresses physical and emotional needs.
Patients have expressed immense gratitude for the quality, relational care they receive, giving DPC of Boca a five-star rating on Google.

What You Can Expect as a Member

As a member, you will feel seen and known while getting the affordable care you need. At DPC of Boca, you can expect:

• Same-day or Next-day Appointment (for urgent needs)
• Virtual Visits
• Sick Visits
• UTI Treatment
• Tetanus and Flu Shot
• Extended Wellness Visits
• In-House Testing – Rapid Tests for Covid, Strep, Urinalysis
• Well Woman’s Exam
• Annual Physical Exam (including EKG)
• Blood Draw
• STD/STI Testing
• Suturing
• Mental Health Screening
• Chronic Care Management (diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and more.)
• Referrals for Specialist
• Discounted Labs
• Discounted In-House Medicine Dispensing

If you’re not a member yet, we would love to provide you and your family with the quality, dependable, and affordable healthcare you need. Our members become a part of our family. Your health concerns are no longer your own. They become ours, too.

Considering Nurse Practitioners Week, we want to leave you with some facts about NPs and encourage you to allow Rachel and her staff to serve you.

Enroll Now!

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