Good Sleep Is Good Medicine
Dear friends, If there were a prescription that could improve your memory, help regulate your blood pressure, boost your mood, keep your immune system strong, and even slow the aging process, wouldn’t you take it? Well, that miracle medicine already exists. It’s called sleep. Give yourself permission to rest. In a world that constantly pushes […]
Let’s Talk Men’s Health
Dear friends, Ladies, let’s talk. In your household, you’re probably the appointment-makers, the gentle nudgers, and the health whisperers when it comes to healthcare for your family. You’ve likely done it all at one point or another: scheduled your dad’s colonoscopy, convinced your husband to get that blood pressure checked, and made sure your teenage […]
Grief: A Personal Reflection on Managing Mental Health
Dear friends, I recently experienced something that every single soul on this planet has or will eventually go through. I lost my Mom. Grief impacts the body as well as the mind. When possible, focus on getting restful sleep, more movement, and staying hydrated. These small, but powerful acts of self-care can support healing from […]
To Improve Medical Outcomes, Value Cultural Competency
Dear friends, Have you ever felt like your doctor just didn’t get you? Like they were treating your condition, but not seeing you? Early in my career I met a young woman living with sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease that causes small clumps of immune cells, called granulomas, to form in the lungs, skin, eyes, […]
Women’s Health Matters: Speaking Up and Taking Action
Dear friends, I still remember one of my first patients at Planned Parenthood. Let’s call her “Amy.” She was a young woman in her late teens, nervous but determined. She had questions about contraception, but as we talked, it became clear that she also had fears—about being judged, about how much this visit would cost, […]
Nurture Heart-Healthy Relationships
Dear friends, As a physician, I am always a champion of heart health and especially love to talk about it during Heart Month. But today, I want to explore heart health in a different way—the kind that flourishes when we nurture meaningful connections with others. Strong connections can shield us from stress and illness, and […]
How Balanced Is Your Digital Health?
Dear friends, Happy New Year! I recently had an eye-opening moment. It was after midnight and there I was, bleary-eyed and scrolling through work emails, family messages, and social media, trying to squeeze everything into the day already past. The irony hit me: here I was, a physician and patient advocate, talking about self-care to […]
Health, Balance, and New Experiences: A Year-End Reflection
Dear friends, The holidays bring joy. But they can also bring stress, overindulgence, and sometimes sadness. Self-care is important at any time, but especially essential during the busy season. One simple form of self-care is prioritizing your health. Finding balance and prioritizing your health can feel elusive during this season. It’s easy to get swept […]
Care for the Caregiver Should Not Go Overlooked
Dear friends, “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” These words from the late First Lady of the United States Rosalynn Carter, who was an incredible messenger and lifelong advocate […]
Know the ABCs of Health Literacy
Dear friends, Have you or someone you know ever found yourself at the doctor’s office, nodding along while thinking, “Wait, what does that even mean?” If so, you’re not alone! Health information can feel like it’s written in a different language, so that’s where health literacy comes in to help interpret. What exactly is health […]