Better Health Blog

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
13 October, 2024

The Optum Long Island team enjoyed sponsoring and participating in the Jones Beach American Heart Association Walk, held in Wantagh, New York, on September 22. This annual event brought the community together to raise awareness and funds for heart disease research.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
27 September, 2024

Mutations to certain genes, such as BRCA, can increase your odds of getting breast cancer.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
27 September, 2024

You can’t prevent natural disasters. But you can take action to stay safe during them. Here’s how to prepare.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
18 September, 2024

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s an important time for women and their families to stay informed about breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States. About 10% of new cases are in women under age 45.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
17 September, 2024

The payoff of getting a flu vaccine is huge. Taking some time out of your day could save you time sick in bed or worse. And it can help protect the people you care about.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
17 September, 2024

It can be tough to overhaul your diet if you’re a meat-and-potatoes kind of eater most nights a week. Why not get started by adding one nutritious, delicious food to your plate each day of the week?

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
4 September, 2024

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, one of the most common cancers among men in the United States. About 13 out of every 100 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives and sadly, 2 to 3 of these 13 may die from this disease.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
8 August, 2024

Your primary care provider is typically the first stop on your way to better health. Make sure they’re the right fit for you by looking for these seven important traits.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
8 August, 2024

Pollen allergies happen in the fall, too. If you’ve got a runny nose and itchy eyes, you may need to see a doctor.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
5 August, 2024

Preparing for the new school year involves more than just buying supplies. To help your child start the year off right, it is important for them to be healthy, both physically and mentally.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
17 July, 2024

It can be hard to find time to exercise. But even short bursts of activity can add up to big health benefits. Get going with these tips.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
17 July, 2024

Warm weather can pose unique risks for people who struggle with chronic skin conditions. Here’s how to help protect your skin and still have fun in the sun.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
11 July, 2024

The Art in Medicine program displays the talents of Optum clinicians across the tri-state region.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
10 July, 2024

As the hot summer weather begins, so do fun events like festivals, concerts, and BBQs where there can be potential health risks associated with extreme heat. According to the CDC, extreme heat claims the lives of over 1,200 people in the United States each year.¹ Although these statistics are concerning, heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
13 June, 2024

These cholesterol-lowering drugs are incredibly common, but they’re often misunderstood. Here’s what to know about them.  

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
13 June, 2024

It’s peak season for foodborne illness. So, before you fire up the grill, learn how to sidestep common mistakes that increase your risk of getting sick. 

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
11 June, 2024

As we step into June, we not only welcome the warmth of summer but also commemorate Men’s Health Month. It’s a timely occasion to remind ourselves and the men in our lives that wellness isn’t just an occasional thought—it’s a priority. While many men are attentive to their health, there’s a pressing need for greater emphasis on preventive care to ensure a healthier future.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
6 June, 2024

We all have biases, even if we don’t realize it. Here’s why considering other people’s perspectives can build empathy and respect.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
14 May, 2024

Sleep isn’t just a pause in your day. It’s an essential part of your health and well-being. What does healthy and not-so-healthy sleep look like? And how can you get the rest you need? Learn why a good night’s rest is so important, and get some strategies for sleeping more soundly.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
14 May, 2024

You might not think much about the air you breathe. That is, unless you’re one of the millions of Americans living with a condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions affect your lungs and make it harder to breathe. And what’s in the air can make these conditions worse. These simple tweaks around your home may help relieve symptoms of asthma, allergies or COPD.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
13 May, 2024

Women’s Health Awareness Month, observed in May, is an important reminder for women to prioritize their health. So, let’s delve into the crucial aspects of women’s health, including maternal health, well-woman visits, risk reduction strategies for chronic conditions, menopause, and steps toward overall well-being.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
1 May, 2024

Discover the reasons why you should follow up with your doctor your primary care doctor (PCP) within 5 days of going home from the hospital or ER.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
19 April, 2024

If your primary care provider refers you to a specialist, it’s important to know why and what to expect. Often, your PCP will treat you directly. But for a more complex health issue, sometimes you need to see a specialist with advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine. Learn what questions you can ask to help guide the conversation.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
19 April, 2024

Research shows that fruits and vegetables can lower your risk of serious health problems like cancer and heart disease. But with the increasing cost of fresh produce, there are still ways to save. One good way to cut costs? Buy fresh produce in season when prices are at their lowest. And keep in mind that frozen and canned veggies are also good for your health. Learn more about 8 springtime fruits and veggies that won’t break the bank.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
13 February, 2024

Health care is always changing. And we have the devoted medical professionals of the past to thank for that. Among those are Black health care professionals. Health care wouldn’t be the same without their dedication, sacrifice and contributions. But, despite their contributions, health disparities still exist.