Posts about Primary Care
When caring for patients with dementia, some of the hardest moments don’t come from the diagnosis itself—but from the complex, emotionally charged decisions that follow. From driving safety to end-of-life planning and managing agitation, there are no easy answers. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate the challenges, support families, and make thoughtful, patient-centered decisions in the clinic.
Prescribing antibiotics in the outpatient setting is more complex than it gets credit for. We’re balancing evolving guidelines, limited face-to-face time, patient expectations, and a growing public health threat: antimicrobial resistance.
Gambling isn’t just a Vegas weekend anymore. It’s in your pocket, on your screen, and baked into your patients’ day-to-day lives—from push notifications for the next big game to ads between TikToks. This growing accessibility? It’s a serious concern for the rising rates of gambling disorders—and it’s something more of us in medicine need to be paying attention to.
It is tragic that in 2025, measles—a fully preventable disease—has caused two deaths (at the time of writing) and sickened hundreds across the United States. With outbreaks making headlines, patients are flooding our inboxes and exam rooms with urgent questions:
Thyroid management is filled with nuances that make clinical decision-making feel like a moving target. From determining when to test to selecting the right treatment option, especially in tricky cases like subclinical hypothyroidism, the questions can pile up fast.
As healthcare providers, we know the many physical benefits that exercise brings—better cardiovascular health, improved mobility, and weight management. But what about the broader benefits of exercise, especially for older adults? It's one thing to prescribe physical activity, but it's another to communicate why it matters, particularly when it comes to enhancing cognitive function, preventing falls, and fostering mental well-being.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. While most cases are diagnosed in individuals over 65, rates are rising in adults under 50, making early screening more critical than ever. Screening reduces CRC mortality by catching cancer in its early, treatable stages, yet many patients remain hesitant or unsure of their options.
Magnesium has been making waves in the wellness world, with claims ranging from improved sleep, mood, gut health, and brain function. As healthcare providers, patients often ask us whether magnesium supplementation is a good idea. Is it really “magic,” or is it just another wellness trend? In this blog post, we’ll break down what the literature says about magnesium, review who might benefit from supplements, and offer practical advice on...
Creatine has come a long way from being a supplement for bodybuilders and elite athletes. Today, it’s generating buzz in women’s health, aging, and even brain health. Patients are asking about it, and the research is catching up. So, is creatine really worth the hype? Let’s break down what we know, what’s still unclear, and how you can guide your patients.
Here’s what I was taught: you are the clinician, and the patient is the patient. Your job is to diagnose and treat. Don’t diagnose or treat friends or family—your emotional closeness could cloud your judgment. And don’t turn patients into friends. Don’t let empathy cross an invisible line. Keep appropriate boundaries.
The “red eye” is a common presenting symptom in primary care, spanning a spectrum of conditions from benign to sight-threatening emergencies. Knowing how to differentiate these conditions quickly is key to providing safe, effective care.
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is having a moment, and patients are taking notice. With more women seeking relief for vasomotor symptoms of menopause, the demand for evidence-based conversations and clear guidance is growing. Yet, many of us were taught little about how to prescribe MHT confidently. If you’ve ever hesitated at the prospect of prescribing hormone therapy, this guide is here to help. Here we will provide you with practical...