Better Health Blog

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

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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.

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

It’s February and time to talk about protecting your heart. While it may be American Heart Month, this should be something we talk about daily. Your heart is one of the most vital organs in your body. Its job is to pump oxygen and nutrients to all the major organs and keep blood flowing in the right direction through the blood vessels.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
26 January, 2024

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in women around the world, and in the United States, it was once the most common cause of death.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
25 January, 2024

The new year is here and it’s a great time to  begin planning how to be a healthier you. You can take charge of your health and head into the year focused, relaxed with a plan of action.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
22 January, 2024

Making good food choices can help lower your cholesterol, blood sugar and weight.

Salvatore Spinelli, MD
2 January, 2024

A new year brings new resolutions that can lead to improvements in daily habits as well as health benefits for many older Americans.

In fact, according to a 2020 study, older adults who engaged in healthy lifestyle choices such as physical activity, not smoking, not heavily drinking, following a healthy diet, and taking part in mentally stimulating activities, had a 60% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

1 November, 2023

As the holidays approach, and the season’s expectations and demands draw near, it is not uncommon for some, especially older adults, to catch a case of the “holiday blues.” But it’s important to know when it’s more than just the “blues” and how other conditions, like diabetes, can be linked with depression.¹

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
6 September, 2023

Did you know that we spend a third of our lives sleeping? But what happens if you snore or can’t sleep altogether? You aren’t able to get the restful sleep your body needs. More importantly, it could be a sign of a sleep disorder.

Mark P. Abrams, MD, Cardiac Electrophysiology
7 July, 2023

In medicine, AFib is not an exaggeration of the truth. Rather, it is an abbreviation for atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia — or abnormal heart rhythm. AFib results from disorganization of the heart’s electricity that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Many people are not aware the condition has serious consequences such as an estimated four- to five-fold increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
7 July, 2023

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and Optum Medical Care is encouraging patients to think about their feet and the importance of taking care of them. Our feet are often overlooked as a vital part of the body and most tend to ignore issues that are affecting their feet.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
7 July, 2023

Breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months of their life,¹ and then continuing to breastfeed while introducing solid foods is highly recommended by most pediatricians. However, when to start weaning your baby is an entirely personal decision and is truly up to you. Some women prefer to wean right away, while others choose to wait until their precious little ones are toddlers.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
6 July, 2023

Strengthen and support your immune system with better, restful sleep.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
28 June, 2023

Pregnancy is such a beautiful experience and one that women are not soon to forget. For months, you are preparing for and anticipating the arrival of your precious newborn child. However, as the end of your pregnancy approaches, you may find yourself getting a bit anxious and even fearful of knowing when you should get to the hospital in time for your delivery.

Neil C. Dunleavy, MD, FAAOS, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
28 June, 2023

A tear or injury to the rotator cuff, an important part of your shoulder, can be painful and debilitating. Not all tears are the same, so each repair is tailored to the specific needs of an individual patient.