You know the drill: roll up your sleeve and get the squeeze at your annual checkup. But many of us don’t understand how blood pressure works–or how dangerous high blood pressure can be. Hypertension affects more than 100 million people in the United States. Experts often call it the “silent killer” because it doesn’t always have easily recognizable symptoms but can cause or worsen a range of life-threatening conditions. What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean? Your blood pressure measures the pressure of your blood against your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Many of us are familiar with fraction-style measurements we get from our primary care provider but don’t always know what it means. The top number is your systolic blood pressure, which measures ... Continue Reading

Sometimes it’s hard to talk about weight and weight loss with your doctor. Many patients want help but don’t always know where to begin. Our approach is to acknowledge that obesity is not a character flaw: it’s a chronic disease. As primary care physicians, we aim to tackle this common health issue without shaming patients, creating a productive partnership for better health. How Common Is Obesity and What Are the Health Risks? One in three American adults and one in five children experience obesity, according to the CDC. Obesity-related health conditions cost our healthcare system a staggering $173 billion per year. The CDC defines obesity as having a body mass of 30 or higher, while overweight is 25 to 30. Your body mass index is your weight divided by the square of your height. ... Continue Reading

Your primary care physician plays a valuable role in fostering heart-healthy habits and catching heart disease early. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But with early detection and prevention measures, we can stop America’s number one killer. What Is Heart Disease? The term heart disease covers multiple conditions. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup of cholesterol and other materials blocks blood flow to the heart. CAD can also weaken the heart muscle and prevent it from pumping blood effectively. Other forms of heart disease include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), ... Continue Reading

Diabetes is a silent epidemic in the United States. According to a 2022 CDC report, there are more than 37 million adults with diabetes and 96 million with prediabetes. The CDC reports that diabetes prevalence has “significantly increased” over the last 20 years. The most important steps we can take in getting this silent epidemic under control is understanding the symptoms and the essential role of high-quality primary care in preventing and managing diabetes. What Is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. In healthy individuals, the pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that helps transfer the glucose from food into your cells to fuel your body. But in some cases, your body doesn’t produce insulin, doesn’t produce enough insulin or ... Continue Reading

Protecting women from cervical cancer is a priority for healthcare providers. According to the CDC, 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are detected each year, and 4,000 women die from this disease. The Pap test (or Pap smear) is a lifesaving tool for screening for cervical cancer. But recommendations for frequency change throughout our lives. Here’s a look at why Pap smears are vital and how frequently women should get tested. What Is a Pap Smear? A pap smear is a common cervical cancer screening test. It involves collecting cells from your cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina. Your provider inserts a speculum into the vagina and uses a small tool to scrape cells from the cervix. It is typically painless and quick. These cells are then analyzed to detect ... Continue Reading

If you’re following the news, you know this year’s flu season is off the charts. We’ve seen a significant spike in November, with Flu A cases straining hospitals and doctors’ offices. The CDC estimates more than 4 million flu illnesses between October 1 and mid-November alone, with at least 38,000 hospitalizations and more than 2,100 deaths. The DMV region is experiencing particularly high rates of flu. However, we also know other respiratory illnesses are circulating, including COVID-19. How can you tell if you have the flu or something else? And what should you do if you think you have the flu? What Is Usually The First Sign of Flu? The flu is a respiratory condition caused by influenza viruses. Even though we sometimes refer to gastrointestinal viruses as “stomach flu,” those viruses ... Continue Reading