THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE If youve been diagnosed with high cholesterol your doctor may prescribe you a statin medication to help manage it. But getting that prescription is just half the battle. Millennium Physician Group Clinical Pharmacist Brittany Orr explains how to harness the full power of your prescription. When you think about statins, its all about prevention. A lot of different health conditions can increase our risk of heart attack and stroke. Things like obesity, high blood pressure, genetics, smoking. FACT:Statins reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke by up to 25%, and death by 10%.  Most diabetics age 40 to 75, we recommend to be on a statin medication. Or if youve had a heart attack, stroke, or other significant heart problem in the past, oftentimes your doctor will recommend a statin even if your cholesterol is normal. Statin medications are extremely important to take as prescribed. And not only do they lower bad cholesterol, which is known as LDL cholesterol but they also have decades of evidence to lower the chances of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.  FACT:Concern about side effects is the leading reason patients refuse to take or stop taking statins.  The biggest barriers that we see with statin really revolve around concerns of side effects. So particularly myalgia, which is a fancy way of saying muscle pain, it can occur in about two to 13% of patients that are prescribed statin therapy. Its really important that if you do experience these side effects you talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Because we have seven different statin medications on the market. As a pharmacist, I recommend trying at least three different statins at a different dose or frequency schedule before saying we cant tolerate statins altogether. The benefit drastically outweighs the risk.  FACT:The American Heart Association says statins continue to be the most effective lipid-lowering treatment.  The other big barrier we see with statins is just really having an understanding of why theyre so important andthat theyre really meant to be a maintenance medication for long-term use. I really recommend if you have trouble with your statin medication, dont wait. Call your provider, call your pharmacist, work together to make sure to find that there theres a better option for you. 

OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE TREATMENT IS A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO RELIEVE JOINT AND BACK PAINBack and joint pain are common conditions that your primary-care provider might refer you to a specialist for. This may lead you to consider a technique called osteopathic manipulative treatment or OMT. Millennium Physician Group Sports Medicine Physician Reginald Pinder, DO, explains this truly hands-on approach. For pain involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones, we can use targeted home exercise programs, potentially ultrasound guided injections, or even osteopathic manipulation to help treat them without doing any sort of a surgical approach. Some patients think about it being similar to chiropractic work, but the difference is that the chiropractors really are using one style of OMT called high velocity, low amplitude thrusting, explains Dr. Pinder. As an osteopathic physician, we have various different treatments, some of which are high velocity, but most of which are actually a lot more gentle, which our patients tend to improve from better. OMT has been shown to be a safe treatment for most people, and side effects are rare. Common conditions treated with OMT include lower back pain, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. In all my patient interactions, not only do I want to treat the problem thats at hand but then also talk about ways that we can prevent it going forward, Dr. Pinder says. I consider a patient a successful treatment when Im able to return them back to doing those hobbies or activities that they enjoy, in a decreased amount of pain and also improved function. Osteopathic manipulative treatment or OMT is a hands-on technique that involves moving and manipulating your muscles and joints to help diagnose, prevent, and treat certain conditions. 

During mental health awareness month in May, its important to not neglect or underestimate the power of mental health and wellbeing. In fact, unmanaged anxiety, for example, may impact sleep, activity level and diet, all of which can diminish our immune system and our bodys ability to protect against illness.Sometimes, chronic headaches, shoulder pain, nausea, chest tightness, or difficulties breathing have less to do with our physical health and more with our mental health.As a result, staying in touch with ones emotions, thinking patterns and behavioral habits boosts resilience, can lower anxiety or depression, improve symptom management and lead to better outcomes. Everyone experiences stress, but we must be mindful and self-aware, recognizing when stress starts to cross over from the healthy, adaptive kind to more unhealthy or maladaptive stress. Generally, that happens when high levels of stress intensify, persist or exceed our ability to effectively cope and function.Ignoring physical and emotional sensations, particularly after theyve been around for a while, can negatively affect the connection between ones physical and mental health and lead to conditions such as anxiety or depression, which in turn can affect physical health leading to obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure, to name a few.The connection between physical and mental health is a vital one and often underestimated or poorly understood. You do not need to wait to feel depressed or anxious, or have chronic pain, or insomnia, to seek help. It is incredibly reassuring and validating to seek help from a mental health professional, where one could learn that a particular set of symptoms or feelings are quite normal under certain circumstances or that it is time to receive help, and more importantly, that help is available.Healthcare Networks integrated care model offers mental and behavioral health screening and consultation as part of comprehensive primary care. When additional mental and behavioral treatment is needed, our new Center for Psychology and Wellness at Nichols Community Health Center offers behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors in person or via telehealth and in English Spanish and Haitian Creole without a physician referral.Its important to know when to reach out for help. Seeking behavioral health services does not mean something is wrong with you or a problem lies within you, sometimes the problem lies in life and the state of ones current world. Behavioral health services are for anyone who needs help finding some new perspectives or strategies to cope and important for overall wellness.ABOUT THE AUTHORCourtney L. Whitt, Ph.D. is Director of Behavioral Health at Healthcare Network, which treats all patients, regardless of insurance or job status. For an appointment, call 239-658-3000 or visit healthcareswfl.org. 

[Bradenton, Fla., July 26] Millennium Physician Group welcomes three new Primary-Care Physicians Marcel Ionita, MD, Alina Popa, MD, and Kristin Thiel, DO to 408 Manatee Ave. E, Ste 2 in Bradenton. Their office is now accepting new patients, offers same-day appointments, and accepts most major insurance including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Dr. Ionita specializes in Family Medicine. His clinical interests include Pediatric care, urgent care, treatment of geriatric populations with chronic and co-morbid conditions. Dr. Ionita believes his philosophy of care of maintaining healthy habits is the key to a long and healthy life. Dr. Popa specializes in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. Her clinical interests include womens health, STD treatment and testing, geriatric care, treatment of patients with co-morbid conditions, and treatment of chronic conditions. Dr. Popa believes her philosophy of care is about listening to her patients and having them involved in the decision making and a part of the plan.  Dr. Thiel is a Bradenton native and specializes in Internal Medicine. Her clinical interests include Preventive care and wellness, and addiction medicine. Dr. Theil believes her philosophy of care includes promotion of both quality of life and healthy living by providing evidence-based medical care with a focus on preventive care. To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 941.748.1331 or visit us online at MillenniumPhysician.com. About Millennium Physician GroupFounded in Port Charlotte, Florida, in 2008, and now headquartered in Fort Myers, Millennium Physician Group has quickly become the leading independent physician group with more than 800 healthcare providers across Florida and growing. Services center on primary care and are complemented by specialty care, walk-in centers, radiology, and lab services, and much more. We aim to create a genuinely connected healthcare experience for patients by providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to healthcare.

MEDICARES ANNUAL WELLNESS VISIT PUTS PREVENTION FIRSTGetting older has a lot of advantages, and if youre enrolled in Medicare, an Annual Wellness Visit is one you might be overlooking. This no-cost, yearly check-in with your primary-care provider puts prevention at the top of your to-do list.The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a unique thing to Medicare, explains Millennium Physician Group Family and Sports Medicine Physician Patrick Murray, MD. Its when we get to really spend a lot more time working on ways to help prevent problems for the patient.Since 2011, Medicare has paid for patients to meet with their doctor once a year and plan the best ways to monitor their health needs. The visit is an opportunity for providers to focus on aspects of preventive care like evidence-based screening services, personalized health risk assessments, and advance care planning that may be overlooked during sick visits.Its not a sick visit, clarifies Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Rick Waks, DO. Its not really to discuss your back pain or any other issues. Its a wellness visit to make sure that youre up to date with all of your preventive medicine.Patients and their providers work together to create a personalized prevention plan. This includes age-appropriate preventive services, cognitive screening, and personalized health advice to identify and manage risk factors.  Youll also discuss how to implement the latest recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.How do we stay away from things like breast cancer, colon cancer, or prostate cancer? explains Dr. Murray. Are we up on our vaccinations so we can reduce our chances of things like shingles and pneumonia? And make sure that we can help guide you a little bit more on those things so youre not dealing with these problems as you get older.Unfortunately, research shows an overwhelming majority of Medicare patients arent taking advantage of their Annual Wellness Visit. In fact, only 19% reported having the appointment.We want to prevent things before they happen, says Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Nicholas Heathscott, MD. We want to pick up on issues that might be coming on down the line. And we want to make sure that we can address those issues before they become big problems.I enjoy the visit, admits Dr. Murray. Because it really gets everyone to take a step back and not just think about all the things you might be dealing with in the short term, but think long term.Prevention really is some of the best medicine.

Scientists estimate hearing loss may be the biggest potentially treatable risk factor for dementia. In fact, a one study found a significant connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Matthew Connor explains how you can improve what you hear and protect how you think. Recent research has shown that hearing aids have actually been protective of cognitive decline, explains Dr. Connor. And that theres a lower incidence of dementia among hearing aid users. Hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline, but it can be corrected. Its recommended that everyone over the age of 60 get their hearing checked once a year. And the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/hearingloss/default.htmlrecommends getting your hearing checked if you notice any of these signs: Trouble understanding conversations in loud environments, like in a restaurant Difficulty understanding speech over the phone Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or to speak slower Ringing in your ears Needing to turn the TV volume way up If youre someone who has resisted hearing aids in the past, the good news is that hearing aid technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade, assures Dr. Connor. You may want to start by talking with your primary-care provider. Theyll rule out infection or injury then they can refer you to a specialist for more specific tests and treatment. The benefits of hearing aids are shared by both the person themself wearing the hearing aid and also, the people around them, their loved ones, says Dr. Connor.  We certainly like the sound of that. 

Its important to learn how to use your medicines safely to avoid unwanted side effects and interactions especially as you age. The older you get, the more likely you are to be taking additional medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) which can increase your chance of having harmful side effects and interactions. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, each year in the United States 7,000 to 9,000 people die as a result of a medication error. And the FDA receives more than 100,000 reports every year related to medication errors. Medication errors can occur in pharmacies, hospitals, and at home, so everyone, no matter your age, could use a reminder that we all need to be more aware of the proper use and storage of the medications we take.  THE FIVE RIGHTSIf youre hospitalized or in a healthcare facility, to avoid errors make sure your nurse double checks your wristband when bringing your medicine. Know that healthcare professionals are taught to observe the five rights of medication use:the right patientthe right drugthe right timethe right dosethe right route These verification measures are just one level of safety in place to avoid medication errors. There are several things you can do yourself, at home, and on a regular basis to ensure medication safety:  Keep an up-to-date list of all your current medications and supplements and understand why you take each one. Its a good idea to list both the generic and trade name of each prescription. Store all your medications in their original containers in a cool dry place, such as a dresser drawer, closet shelf, or kitchen cabinet. Storing medicine in a bathroom cabinet can expose the medicine to humidity and moisture that can cause the medicine to be less effective.  Discard your medications after the expiration date listed on the prescription label or container. Read the labels carefully to make sure you are taking your medicine exactly the way your doctor recommends, and that the medication is what your doctor prescribed.  Generic medications can vary in size, shape, and color from brand to brand, so check with your pharmacist if your medicine looks different.  Always read the information provided with your prescription to familiarize yourself with the reason youre taking it, its risks, benefits, and side effects. Never share your medication with anyone else. The FDA agrees consumers can play an important role in reducing medication errors.  Here are some of the FDAs drug safety tips: See the Institute for Safe Medical Practices (ISMPs) consumer web page, ConsumerMedSafety.org for helpful tools and resources to protect yourself from medication errors.Ask if the medicine needs to be kept in the refrigerator. Check the containers label every time you take a drug. This is especially important if you are taking several drugs because it will lower your risk of accidentally taking the wrong medicine. If you are having trouble keeping multiple medications straight, ask your doctor or pharmacist about helpful aids. Be aware of the risk of drug/drug or drug/food interactions. SPRING CLEAN YOUR MEDICATION CABINETThe expiration date is the date a medicine should be discarded, and now is a great time to check if any of your medicines should be discarded because they are expired or no longer needed. On your prescription bottles, the label will often tell you when the medicine should be discarded. On over-the-counter medicines the expiration date is often printed somewhere on the label. Look for the letters EXP stamped on the outer carton, the bottom of the bottle, or the crimp of a tube. For medicines without an expiration date or if you cant find the expiration date it is best to toss it, unless you know you purchased it within the past year.  Medicines that you no longer need or have expired should be disposed of properly. According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, you should take them to a drug take back location. If there isnt a location near you, mix the medicine with an undesirable substance (used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter) and put them in a sealable plastic bag. Then place the sealed bag in your trash. There are some medicines that can be safely flushed down the toilet. For complete instructions on disposing unused medicine, go to The FDA Guide for Disposal of Unused Medicines.  If youre ever in doubt or have questions about taking or disposing of your medications, ask your pharmacist or other healthcare provider. 

Becoming an Authorized Representative for Your Loved OneMedicares privacy policy prevents personal information from being released to anyone other than the covered beneficiary. This protects the individual but may make it hard for a caregiver who needs the information to help a loved one enroll in or manage their Medicare coverage.By law, Medicare must have written permission (an authorization) to use or give out personal medical information for any purpose that isnt set out in the privacy notice contained in the Medicare & You handbook. Your loved one may take back (revoke) their written permission at any time, except if Medicare has already acted based on their permission.If your loved one wants 1-800-MEDICARE to give their personal health information to you, they need to let Medicare know in writing so you can become their Authorized Representative.To name you as an Authorized Representative, your loved one must complete a form called the Medicare Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information. If your loved one is unable to complete the form, you may do it as long as you have legal documentation giving you that right.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AGING IN TO MEDICAREMost people look forward to becoming eligible for Medicare, but aging in to the program can be intimidating. Theres a lot to learn! We hit the streets to find out what some Medicare-age folks really think of the whole process.  Rebecca knows the basics, I know that when I turned 65, I was able to partake of Medicare that I had paid into for years. And Linda found the process a bit confusing, It should be a lot more simple, she says. Im just saying it would be easier for all of us. Deborah is a healthcare provider and she admits it could be more clear, I think right now, in terms of my contemporaries, my peers, that will be going on Medicare, they dont necessarily understand it. Definitely do your research, because you generally only have seven months to sign up for Medicare the first time. Your Initial Enrollment Period, or IEP, begins three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday, includes the month of your birthday, and ends three months after your birthday month. Of course, there are exceptions, like continuing to work past 65, or being covered under a spouses plan, or moving states even counties. Procrastinate and you could end up paying a penalty of an additional monthly fee for life. Some Medicare-age folks whove already been through the process of enrolling shared their advice:  Maybe start a little early, just so you can get questions answered before the last minute. Piers adds, Perhaps not the simplest thing, but I found somebody who could help me understand the various letters of the alphabet and it then became clear.  Easy as A, B, C, D. There are four parts to Medicare: Parts A and B, or Original Medicare are managed by the federal government. Part A is hospital coverage and  Part B is so-called doctor coverage. But this combo is not your only choice. You also have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part C. These plans are administered by commercial insurers and are backed by Medicare. They are often low-to-no cost, limit out-of-pocket expenses, and offer additional coverage like prescription drugs, vision and dental, gym memberships, transportation, or stipends for over-the-counter needs. Only need prescription drug coverage? Then a Medicare Part D Plan is for you. Even learning the lingo can be a lot. Just ask Linda, It is overwhelming and confusing, she says.  Trying to figure out the donuts and all that stuff, adds her Medicare-age counterpart. Thats where Millennium Medicare Connect and our trusted Medicare Navigators at Healthshare360 can help. You have questions and weve got your answers.  Linda offers some final words of wisdom, Be patient and its a journey, but you can get your answers.  Connect with us today at YourMedicareConnect.com   Resources: Medicare.gov 

According to the Mens Health Network, men are less healthy and have shorter life expectancies than women. June is Mens Health Month and the perfect time to discuss how men can help beat the odds by taking better care of themselves and taking charge of their own health.   In the U.S., men live about five years less than women. Experts say this is partly because men are more likely to go longer without seeing a doctor and theyre less likely to practice preventive health measures. Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Andres Santayana, MD, has important advice for men to get and stay healthier.  For men, if you are healthy, feel healthy, and are doing well its still important to at least see your physician once a year minimum for your physical, he advises. There are certain ages where we like to get some baseline labs screened for different things. Specifically, men tend to have higher incidences of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Men tend to have a higher both morbidity of having these conditions as well as a higher mortality from them and starting at an earlier age in life, says Dr. Santayana.  Two-thirds of American men say they avoid going to the doctor for as long as possible. And about 30% report having no personal doctor or healthcare provider. Dr. Santayana explains this can be a dangerous decision. You might have a family history of some things that we need to keep an eye out for. So really seeing your primary, getting your physicals done and kind of sharing your history and family history with your physician as well. Having a primary-care physicians important for various reasons, not only access to healthcare, you dont have to worry about ERs and urgent care, but being able to have them play a part in your health, long term. And then down the line, if you do develop any chronic illnesses your primary-care doctor will already be there to help you manage it and maintain a healthy life.  A survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that more than half of men said their health wasnt something they talk about. Dr. Santayana encourages all men to take an active approach to their own health. While men might be at higher risk of developing some of these conditions, it doesnt mean that you have to suffer from it, he says. Early screening, having your primary-care doctor, something as easy as a blood test to tell you if youre at higher risk and you can make those changes, lifestyle modifications, just to keep yourself healthy and prevent you from having those complications. 

A LETTER TO PATIENTS FROM MILLENNIUMS DIRECTOR OF VALUE-BASED PHARMACYDear Valued Patients,  Taking your medications as prescribed is an important step in preventing complications from your chronic health conditions. Complications from diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can be severe and may even increase your risk of hospitalization and poor health. Thats why your care team at Millennium Physician Group is dedicated to optimizing your medication regimens on a regular basis.  According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one in five new prescriptions are never filled, and among those filled approximately 50% are taken incorrectly, particularly with regard to timing, dosage, frequency, and duration. We know it can be easy to get off track, especially if youre managing multiple medications each day. At each visit, your provider will go over all the prescription medications you take. You may find it helpful to bring ALL your medication bottles (including those over the counter) with you to the appointment to get the most out of this conversation. We encourage you to talk to your physician and care team during and in between appointments about ANY concerns that you may have with your medications.  COMMON BARRIERS INCLUDE:Forgetfulness Side effect concerns Cost Transportation Refill request delays  Feeling like you have too many medications or too many doses per day Feeling like your medication is not needed or is not helping  Not knowing why you take it and how not following the label directions TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK:Get organized with a pill box  Set pill reminders Request/accept family/caregiver support Seek peer support Take advantage of important services available at your pharmacy: Pharmacist consultation 90/100-day supplies for your long-term medications Automatic refill avoid gaps in medication Refill reminders  Mail order or delivery  Digital notifications  Early refills for travel or weather emergencies Remember, medication adherence barriers are common, and theres no one-size-fits-all solution. Our providers and care teams are dedicated to listening to your concerns and finding a medication regimen that meets your individual needs. We also have a team of clinical pharmacy professionals working behind the scenes to monitor and support this goal. For most chronic drug therapies, a minimum of 80% adherence is needed to achieve the most clinical benefit. That means that even missing your medication two out of seven days per week may decrease the effectiveness. SUCCESS STORYOne of our clinical pharmacists recently reached out to a patient who was significantly overdue in refilling his Rosuvastatin, an important medication used to lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. The patient expressed multiple barriers he faced with taking his medication as prescribed. He shared that he often forgot to take it and would also occasionally skip his dose on purpose due to side effects. He also admitted he wasnt quite sure why he was taking it in the first place. The pharmacist reviewed the purpose of the medication and emphasized the importance of adherence, drawing on the mutual goal of preventing a second heart attack. She also worked with his primary-care provider to adjust the dose of the medication as well as recommended a pill box on his kitchen counter and a dose reminder system to get him back on track. The patient also took advantage of 90-day supplies covered by his drug plan to decrease the number of trips he would need to take to the pharmacy throughout the year. All of these solutions combined put that patient one step closer to achieving his best possible health outcome.   This is just one example of a medication adherence success story within Millennium Physician Group. If you are experiencing barriers to taking your medications as prescribed dont wait for your next scheduled office visit. Connect with your physician and care team today. Millennium Physician Group Your connection to a healthier life.  Brittany Orr, PharmD, BCACP Director of Value-Based Pharmacy Millennium Physician Group 

Listen Up! Better Hearing Leads to Better HealthTAKE THIS AT-HOME HEARING TESTThink about the last time you were in a social or group setting. Maybe dinner with friends, your weekly card night, or a pickleball playoff. Now, think about this morning at home. Did you catch the local news on TV or take a surprise phone call from your grandkids? Now, ask yourself, in any of those instances did you: Have trouble hearing over the phone Find it hard to follow conversations Ask people to repeat themselves Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complained Think that others seem to mumble Have a problem understanding when women and children spoke to you In the United States, its estimated that one in eight people over the age of 12 has hearing loss in both ears. Despite the prevalence of hearing loss, studies show that only around 20% of those who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Its been shown that hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline.  Some people have a hearing problem and dont realize it, and the National Institutes of Health recommends seeing your doctor if you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms. Regular hearing tests are recommended for individuals of all ages, but especially if youre at a higher risk for hearing loss, this includes if youre older,you have a family history of hearing loss, and if you have a history of noise exposure. TEST YOUR HEARING AT HOMEIf youre not really sure if youre hearing has gotten worse lately, even before you make that appointment with your doctor, a hearing test is an easy first step. And you can even get the ball rolling by taking a simple one over the phone from the comfort of your own home. The National Hearing Test is easy and convenient, and your results are confidential. The test is $8 or AARP members can take a free test. The National Hearing Test is a screening test you can take over the telephone. Youll listen to three-digit sequences presented in a background of white noise and then enter the digits using your phone keypad. The first of its kind in the US, the test was developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health with the goal of giving you information to help you decide if you should seek a full-scale evaluation. MEDICARE MAY COVER YOUR HEARING EVALUATIONIf youre covered by Medicare, its important to note that Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Medicare may cover hearing aids in some cases, but coverage can be limited. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage for hearing aids and related services. Its important to review the specific details of your Medicare coverage to understand what is and isnt covered. Regardless of insurance coverage, its important for individuals to prioritize their hearing health and get regular hearing tests. By catching hearing loss early on, individuals can take steps to manage and treat it, reducing the impact it has on their daily lives. 

HOW A SIMPLE TEST CAN HELP PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AVOID SERIOUS COMPLICATIONSIf youre one of the millions with diabetes or youre one of the millions more who are considered pre-diabetic, knowing and understanding your A1C is vital. A valuable screening tool, measuring your A1C isnt just for people already diagnosed with diabetes. Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Andres Santayana explains what A1C is, who should be tested, and when.  When we screen for diabetes, we do a blood test called hemoglobin A1C, he explains. That gives us an idea if your blood sugar tends to run high on average, versus just what we see in the moment if we were to check your sugar.Why A1C Levels Matter Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, and its a valuable screening tool to help you and your healthcare team manage your diabetes. Your doctor can tell you how often you need the A1C test, but if you have diabetes youll typically have it at least twice a year if youre managing your condition. If youre not meeting your goals or you change treatments, you may need to get an A1C test more often.  A lot of people really should have the screening more so than they do, admits Dr. Santayana. I think basically if you have a family history of diabetes, if youre overweight or obese and have any other risk factors, including just the sedentary lifestyle, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) actually recommends just anyone who doesnt get activity often and is overweight should already be screened for diabetes.  A1C vs. eAG According to the ADA, your doctor might report your A1C results as eAG. eAG is similar to what you see when monitoring your blood sugar at home with a meter. But since youre more likely to check your blood sugar in the morning and before meals, your meter readings will likely be lower than your eAG. Its important to note that A1C doesnt replace regular blood sugar testing at home, but it is an important tool for managing your diabetes.  A normal A1C level is less than 5.7, explains Dr. Santayana. When people have prediabetes or theyre at risk of developing diabetes, they might be in between 5.7 and 6.4, anything, 6.5 and above on your A1C is considered diabetes.  *American Diabetes Association  Your personal A1C goal will depend on several factors like your age and any other medical conditions. You should work with your doctor to set your own A1C goal. The most important thing is that youre taking control of your health, assures Dr. Santayana. 

National Minority Health Month is observed the entire month of April. Family Medicine Physician Chantel Jacobs explains why the color of your skin shouldnt affect the quality of your care.All Americans should have equal opportunities to pursue a healthy lifestyle, but research reveals thats not always the case. Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Chantel Jacobs explains why the color of your skin shouldnt affect the quality of your care. Certain health disparities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, these are all prevalent within the Black community, she explains.  In fact, recent studies have shown that despite the improvements in the overall health of the country, racial and ethnic minorities experience a lower quality of healthcare and are less likely to receive routine medical care. And unfortunately, many of the reasons why are out of the control of the patient, admits Dr. Jacobs. So such as not having great access to healthcare or if they do have access to healthcare, its very limited.  Dr. Jacobs goes on to explain that in other cases, patients simply dont feel comfortable with their physician.  If they dont feel comfortable with their doctor, it makes it difficult for them to actually be honest with their doctor.  According to the Pew Research Center, 31% of Black adults say they would strongly prefer to see a Black healthcare provider for their routine medical care. All I want to do is give them the best treatment possible, says Dr. Jacobs. Help them understand how their body works, help them to get on good meal plans, so that they can help lose weight and help with their diabetes and high blood pressure and their high cholesterol. Many of them dont have access to even simple information as to, Okay, what diet should I have? So its my job to make sure that they have access to all that knowledge so that they stay as healthy as possible. 

Weve all been impacted by the storm, and now more than ever its essential to take charge of your healthcare. We realize you may have other things on your mind, but your health is a priority. And staying healthy starts with the right healthcare coverage, which is why we want to help you with this years Medicare Open Enrollment. Whether youre aging into Medicare, or youve been covered for years, you have options when it comes to coverage, and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (which runs from October 15 to December 7) is your opportunity to assess your healthcare needs for the coming year. Learn what new plans have to offer, compare benefit options and enroll, so you can make sure you have the absolute best health coverage for you. You can opt for Original Medicare coverage, which is Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor coverage), but you could be on the hook for 20% of your expenses. Youd have to pick up additional drug coverage to cover prescriptions and supplemental coverage if youre concerned about out-of-pocket costs. Or you can compare the many options available from Medicare-approved private companies offering what are called Medicare Advantage Plans (or Medicare Part C.) These plans are often called all-in-one plans because they can include several different benefits in one, which can be any combination of drug coverage, hearing, vision, and/or dental, plus they can be low-to-no cost and offer spending caps. Open Enrollment Options     Original Medicare     Part A - hospital coverage     Part B - doctor coverage     Medicare Advantage (Part C) Medicare Advantage Plans Can Include     Drug coverage     Hearing     Vision     Dental     Spending caps This enrollment period really is your chance to make sure youre in great shape for the next year! Call our partners, the Medicare experts at HealthShare360 for help learning about your options, comparing coverage, and enrolling during the Open Enrollment Period. Connect with HealthShare360 at 844.878.5012 or FLMedicare.com. * If you already receive Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will automatically enroll you in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). Theyll mail you all the information you need a few months before you become eligible. If you dont receive Social Security benefits and are not ready to apply for them yet, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.You can do this using the SSA online application or you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 am 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  

Hurricanes can affect our health for months even years after the storm often in surprising ways. Research shows extreme storms can have long-term effects on not only our physical health but our mental health as well. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, before, during, and after a storm, its normal for hurricanes to cause depression-like symptoms including:overwhelming anxietyconstant worryingtrouble sleepingAnd these will not appear necessarily until days to months to years after the storm, explains Dr. Perez-Trepichio.A recent study of Florida residents found repeated direct impact, indirect impact, and media exposure to hurricanes were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms, generalized worries, global distress, and functional impairment. Another study suggests strong storms can lead to mental disorders among previously healthy people. Its important to note, untreated mental health issues can have a negative impact on our physical health.When we do not treat these conditions that are not on the surface, theyre not visible, they do affect internally, and may actually prolong or worsen our chronic conditions, says Dr. Perez-Trepichio. Dr. Perez-Trepichio goes on to say theres no right or wrong way to feel, but you have to find healthy ways to cope.One of the most important aspects of taking care of this kind of below-the-surface issues is not to ignore them, advises Dr. Perez-trepichio. Anxiety and depression are real conditions. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Its something that we can treat and we can very effectively manage.When were talking about the health effects that come after a hurricane, we have to recognize there are some that are typical, physical that you can see. Injuries and so forth, explains Millennium Physician Group Chief Medical Officer Alejandro Perez-Trepichio. But there are others not less important. I will argue more important. They are on the behavioral science side of things.

A LETTER TO PATIENTS FROM MILLENNIUMS DIRECTOR OF VALUE-BASED PHARMACYDear Valued Patients,  Taking your medications as prescribed is an important step in preventing complications from your chronic health conditions. Complications from diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can be severe and may even increase your risk of hospitalization and poor health. Thats why your care team at Millennium Physician Group is dedicated to optimizing your medication regimens on a regular basis.  According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one in five new prescriptions are never filled, and among those filled approximately 50% are taken incorrectly, particularly with regard to timing, dosage, frequency, and duration. We know it can be easy to get off track, especially if youre managing multiple medications each day. At each visit, your provider will go over all the prescription medications you take. You may find it helpful to bring ALL your medication bottles (including those over the counter) with you to the appointment to get the most out of this conversation. We encourage you to talk to your physician and care team during and in between appointments about ANY concerns that you may have with your medications.  COMMON BARRIERS INCLUDE:Forgetfulness Side effect concerns Cost Transportation Refill request delays  Feeling like you have too many medications or too many doses per day Feeling like your medication is not needed or is not helping  Not knowing why you take it and how not following the label directions TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK:Get organized with a pill box  Set pill reminders Request/accept family/caregiver support Seek peer support Take advantage of important services available at your pharmacy: Pharmacist consultation 90/100-day supplies for your long-term medications Automatic refill avoid gaps in medication Refill reminders  Mail order or delivery  Digital notifications  Early refills for travel or weather emergencies Remember, medication adherence barriers are common, and theres no one-size-fits-all solution. Our providers and care teams are dedicated to listening to your concerns and finding a medication regimen that meets your individual needs. We also have a team of clinical pharmacy professionals working behind the scenes to monitor andsupport this goal. For most chronic drug therapies, a minimum of 80% adherence is needed to achieve the most clinical benefit. That means that even missing your medication two out of seven days per week may decrease the effectiveness. SUCCESS STORYOne of our clinical pharmacists recently reached out to a patient who was significantly overdue in refilling his Rosuvastatin, an important medication used to lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. The patient expressed multiple barriers he faced with taking his medication as prescribed. He shared that he often forgot to take it and would also occasionally skip his dose on purpose due to side effects. He also admitted he wasnt quite sure why he was taking it in the first place. The pharmacist reviewed the purpose of the medication and emphasized the importance of adherence, drawing on the mutual goal of preventing a second heart attack. She also worked with his primary-care provider to adjust the dose of the medication as well as recommended a pill box on his kitchen counter and a dose reminder system to get him back on track. The patient also took advantage of 90-day supplies covered by his drug plan to decrease the number of trips he would need to take to the pharmacy throughout the year. All of these solutions combined put that patient one step closer to achieving his best possible health outcome.   This is just one example of a medication adherence success story within Millennium Physician Group. If you are experiencing barriers to taking your medications as prescribed dont wait for your next scheduled office visit. Connect with your physician and care team today. Millennium Physician Group Your connection to a healthier life.  Brittany Orr, PharmD, BCACP Director of Value-Based Pharmacy Millennium Physician Group 

SPRING CLEAN YOUR SLEEP ROUTINEA good nights sleep sure seems to put a little pep in our step. But can you really sleep your way to better health? Benjamin Franklin said, Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise, and more recently Beyonce was quoted in an article saying, Having peace, happiness, and healthiness is my definition of beauty. And you cant have any of that without sleep.  Sleep is as important for health as nutrition and exercise, explains Millennium Physician Group Sleep Specialist Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, MD. It really is one of the three pillars of health, and you have to make sure that you get enough. It helps with healing of our body and our muscles and has been shown to be important for metabolism. Sleep has multiple benefits, and we all need to make sure we prioritize sleep. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports if not getting enough sleep is a regular part of your routine, you may be at increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, poor mental health, and even early death. If you dont get enough sleep night after night, it can lead to all sorts of physical effects. But even a few missed nights of sleep can take a real physical toll on your body. I dont really worry about an occasional bad night. What I worry about is consistently not getting enough, because that can affect our health, Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg explains. Theres a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes if you dont get enough sleep. There are also problems with being sleepy during the day, which then increases your risk of accidents in terms of car crashes and work-related accidents. Not getting enough sleep can affect your overall health, your mood, and your stress levels. And racking up those sleepless nights can also take a real toll on your personal relationships.  We know that people who dont get enough sleep tend to be less empathetic, Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg reveals. So, in any relationship, either at work or at home, sleep deprived people tend to be grumpier and more likely to be short tempered, which then affects  all their interpersonal interactions. SPRING CLEAN YOUR SLEEP ROUTINETheres a misconception that people need less sleep as they get older. For folks 65 or so, they still need seven hours of sleep. The problem that we see is that they tend to have more medical issues, and it becomes a little bit more difficult for folks over the age of 65 to make sure that theyre prioritizing sleep.  Theres a whole host of things that can affect your sleep, specifically as you age: Certain medicationsNew and different schedules after retirementGoing to sleep much earlier than you used to, and waking up much earlierTaking naps during the afternoonChanges in your bladder functioning/overnight bathroom scheduleSleep apneaThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports sleep problems are also a common symptom of depression, and you should see your healthcare provider to find out whether depression or another underlying health condition is affecting your sleep. The NIH goes on to list the following common sleep problems or disorders are common in older adults and should be addressed by your healthcare provider: InsomniaRestless legs syndromeNarcolepsy or hypersomniaSleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops for a time during sleep, can cause severe problems.LOSING THAT HOUR OF SLEEP: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIMEMany agencies, including the Sleep Research Society agree research shows that daylight saving time causes acute sleep loss and chronic circadian misalignment. This means that by increasing light exposure in the evening, daylight saving time can cause a delay in the bodys production of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, resulting in a later bedtime and a shorter sleep duration. Daylight saving time has a negative impact on our health, agrees Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg. The problem is that extra hour of light in the evening delays our sleep. That makes it more difficult to fall asleep and then leads to chronic sleep loss. HOW TO BECOME A CHAMPION NAPPERYou might be looking to naps as a way to bank some Zs. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, a third of U.S. adults nap on any given day. And believe it or not, you could be doing it wrong. There are keys to make the most of your next nap. Keep the naps short. Short meaning between 20 and 40 minutes at the most, advises Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg. I often recommend that you take a nap earlier in the day, so somewhere between 1:00 and 2:30 in the afternoon. There is some good data that shows if you are taking the nap to increase performance, drinking a little caffeine before you take your nap makes a big difference and can be very effective so that you can function for the rest of the day. In fact, caffeine followed by a brief nap has been shown to improve alertness and mental acuity in several studies. One study, specifically of night shift workers, showed that a combination of napping plus caffeine was the most effective way to improve alertness and performance tests evaluating reaction time, sustained attention, verbal fluency, and other cognitive skills. TIP THE SLEEP SCALES IN YOUR FAVORThere are some simple steps you can take to improve your sleep:Limit exposure to electronic devicesMake your bedroom a comfortable sleep environmentAvoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine close to bedtimeExercise regularlyManage stressAvoid large means before bedtimeAnd whether its daylight saving time or a bout of jet lag, Dr. Abassi-Feinberg offers up a few bonus tips to get back on a healthy sleep schedule.  Getting up in the morning at the same time is probably the best thing that you can do for your sleep. And getting outside into the sunshine is the second-best thing you can do to reset your biological clock. Dr. Abbasi-Feinberg adds that you should consider seeking help from your healthcare provider if you have persistent sleep problems. Sweet dreams! 

We all know how to prepare our homes for hurricane season, but what about our health? Being medically prepared when a hurricane or tropical storm approaches could save your life. Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Eilene Weibley, MD, says medical preparedness is often overlooked when hurricanes are on the horizon. During a hurricane, things move rather quickly. You dont know when theyre going to change the warnings, when you might have to evacuate, she says.  The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. So, now is the perfect time to take steps to protect yourself and your family. The most important thing you can do as hurricane season approaches is to get yourself, your family and your home prepared. Dr. Weibley shares her medical checklist: The most important thing is, if you dont have a primary-care doctor make sure you have a primary-care doctor, she advises. And make sure you have their contact information on you ready to go so you dont have to search for it. The second thing would be making sure that you have a current list of your medication, Dr. Weibley adds. So everyone seems to have an idea of what they think they might take, but actually taking the time to sit down and make a list of your medications, not just the names, but the doses and the frequencies of how often youre taking them. Third, make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your medications. Thats why its important to have a primary care physician so that if you do need a refill, you can call in right before a storm. Some states have emergency prescription refill laws that authorize pharmacies and pharmacists to dispense early refills of certain medications when under an emergency declaration. The Centers for Disease Control  (CDC) keeps a current list of state-by-state emergency prescription refill laws. I would say the last thing would be to make sure we think about the non-medication, but medical devices. For example, if youre a diabetic, making sure that you have your lancets, your test strips, your glucometer. Make sure thats all packed and ready to go so that you can continue to take care of your health and monitor your blood sugar. In addition to Dr. Weibleys checklist, its recommended you assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. The first aid kit should include: adhesive bandages sterile dressing gauze bandage gauze pads. germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer antiseptic wipes. medical grade non-latex gloves. Adhesive tape Anti-bacterial ointment Cold pack Scissors Tweezers When a storm threatens, preparing to manage chronic conditions and care for the medical needs of you and your family can help you stay healthy and even keep you out of the hospital.  

We all know how to prepare our homes for hurricane season, but what about our health? Being medically prepared when a hurricane or tropical storm approaches could save your life. Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Eilene Weibley, MD, says medical preparedness is often overlooked when hurricanes are on the horizon. During a hurricane, things move rather quickly. You dont know when theyre going to change the warnings, when you might have to evacuate, she says.  The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. So, now is the perfect time to take steps to protect yourself and your family. The most important thing you can do as hurricane season approaches is to get yourself, your family and your home prepared. Dr. Weibley shares her medical checklist: The most important thing is, if you dont have a primary-care doctor make sure you have a primary-care doctor, she advises. And make sure you have their contact information on you ready to go so you dont have to search for it. The second thing would be making sure that you have a current list of your medication, Dr. Weibley adds. So everyone seems to have an idea of what they think they might take, but actually taking the time to sit down and make a list of your medications, not just the names, but the doses and the frequencies of how often youre taking them. Third, make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your medications. Thats why its important to have a primary care physician so that if you do need a refill, you can call in right before a storm. Some states have emergency prescription refill laws that authorize pharmacies and pharmacists to dispense early refills of certain medications when under an emergency declaration. The Centers for Disease Control  (CDC) keeps a current list of state-by-state emergency prescription refill laws. I would say the last thing would be to make sure we think about the non-medication, but medical devices. For example, if youre a diabetic, making sure that you have your lancets, your test strips, your glucometer. Make sure thats all packed and ready to go so that you can continue to take care of your health and monitor your blood sugar. In addition to Dr. Weibleys checklist, its recommended you assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. The first aid kit should include: adhesive bandages sterile dressing gauze bandage gauze pads. germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer antiseptic wipes. medical grade non-latex gloves. Adhesive tape Anti-bacterial ointment Cold pack Scissors Tweezers When a storm threatens, preparing to manage chronic conditions and care for the medical needs of you and your family can help you stay healthy and even keep you out of the hospital.  Comments are closed.

WHEN TO ENROLL IN MEDICARE TO AVOID PAYING PENALTIESIf youre turning 65 soon, youve hopefully started your personal Medicare journey. Theres a lot of information, and it can be confusing. A valuable service by Millennium Physician Group is our Millennium Medicare Connect program. It delivers access to programs, network, and doctors that give you the confidence to make the right Medicare choices and the tools to get the most out of your healthcare.If you dont sign up for Medicare when youre first eligible or pick up Part B within 60 days of retirement, you may incur a late enrollment penalty that will stay with you every year, explains Valentina Ayala, a Medicare Advisor from HealthShare360.IF YOURE TURNING 65 AND NO LONGER PLAN TO WORK:You should enroll in Medicare Part B to avoid paying a penalty for late enrollment. Part B is the medical insurance (or doctor coverage) youre entitled to. It requires a monthly premium, and you have a limited time to sign up. If not, you could delay your coverage until the following year.IF YOURE TURNING 65 AND PLAN TO CONTINUE WORKING:If you (or your spouse) are still working, Medicare works a little differently. It depends on how you currently get your health insurance and how many employees there are in your company. There are a lot of variables, so its recommended you talk to an unbiased, qualified expert in Medicare plans and options to determine how you get Medicare based on your situation.IF YOUVE RETIRED BUT ARE GOING BACK TO WORK:If you can get employer health coverage thats considered acceptable as primary coverage, you are allowed to drop Medicare and re-enroll later without penalties, or you can use it as your secondary coverage.Every situation is unique, which is why I encourage [people] to talk to an insurance agent specializing in Medicare about your plan options to help you enroll in the plan thats best suited for your individual needs, says Ayala.Millennium physicians lead the country in the quality of care they deliver to Medicare patients. To find out more about your Medicare options, including connecting with our Medicare Advisors, visit YourMedicareConnect.com.

Early screening for memory issues is clinically important in diagnosing conditions like Alzheimers disease and other dementias. There are some useful outpatient screenings healthcare providers as well as psychiatrists often use in their office practices. The One-Minute Naming Test is a simple one you can try at home if you think you or someone you love may be experiencing memory issues. Take special note that performing this test without professional assistance or evaluation should not replace advice from your healthcare provider. THE ONE-MINUTE NAMING TESTGrab a stopwatch or timer for this brief test. When youre ready, go ahead and name as many objects in a category (for example, animals) as you can within one minute. Have a friend or family member keep track of how many you name. Its considered good if you can come up with the names of more than 21 objects. If, on the other hand, you cannot name 15 or more objects, you could be experiencing some cognitive impairment and should seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.  Its important to be aware of minimal cognitive impairment (MCI) because of the associated risk to later develop dementia. The prevalence of MCI in adults over 65 is as high as 19%, and more than half of people with MCI go on to develop dementia after five years. TALK TO YOUR PRIMARY-CARE PROVIDERAn annual memory screening is included in the free Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, and it is just one of the many reasons that regular check-ins with your doctor are so important.  Any good primary-care provider is going to look for early signs of Alzheimers and screen for it, explains Family Medicine Physician Ryan Baker, MD. Its a simple non-invasive screening done right in the office, but it lets me know what, if any, next steps need to be taken, like medications or referral to a specialist. Scheduling an Annual Wellness Visit is also a great opportunity for the spouse or caregiver of a person with Alzheimers to address their own healthcare. Caregivers of people with Alzheimers have a tough role, and very often let their own physical and mental health needs go unaddressed.  If youre living with or caring for someone with Alzheimers, its so important that you take care of yourself as well, advises Dr. Baker. If you dont take care of yourself, you cant take care of your loved one.  If youre concerned about memory problems or other symptoms, call your doctor. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed, seek out trusted information from reliable sources, including the Alzheimers Association and the National Institutes of Health Alzheimers website. 

I didnt know you were so stressed outGlancing over at J, I focused on the orange fluorescent lights flickering in darkness through his glasses as we drove southbound on the freeway.  Sensing the involuntary disappointed downturn of the corners of my mouth, I quickly averted my gaze out the passenger window so he wouldnt see.You didnt know I was stressed out?  Because me doing dishes at 6:30 in the morning is normal??  How could you not know?With a sharp inhale, I willed myself back to calm while my thoughts turned to the last time I was this agitated: the night of the 2020 election when I found myself obsessively cleaning the shower at 9:45.  Furiously rubbing Comet with bleach powder in a counter-clockwise motion, over and over again into a stain that had never washed out in the last 6 years.  But tonight is the night, Id told myself.  I would bend this to my will, unlike the political process outside of my control.It didnt work.  But boy, did I try.It was a recurrent theme, this over-functioning response to anxiety.Reinforced time and again, after every fire put out, every emergency dealt with.  Every time I impressed someone by being so calm and in control while I took more and more on in order to avoid dealing with the scary emotion of it all.  Id spent years unraveling this learned behaviour, figuring out the difference between doing things from joy vs creating the illusion of control.I thought Id made so much progress, yet here I was again, falling back into the same patterns.Was I disappointed in J, or was I actually disappointed in myself?Of course youre stressed, M.  You got your first court subpoena for a child abuse case and you testified under oath for the first time in your life!  Youre supposed to be on edge.My thumb and forefinger massaged the furrow between my eyebrows as I took in another steadying breath.It wasnt what Id expected, but then again, Id spent all morning conjuring every worst case scenario while washing the dishes and re-arranging the bedroom furniture. Imaginary spiders fell into my eyes as I cleared out a white wall appropriate enough to FaceTime in to court. I read and re-read my well worn notes on the case, tracing my fingers across my cursive script as if the keystrokes of my documentation hadnt already been seared into my memory.  The self-doubt Id carried for the last year and a half since Id watched the family walk down the hall morphed into acrid regret, sucking the moisture from my throat while I gave my testimony.  DHSs stamp of approval did nothing to settle my unease.Even then, I knew.I knew it would hunt me down some day.  I knew the name before the police office laid the subpoena down on the table, stepping away quickly so we could maintain 6 feet for social distancing while I reluctantly picked the heavy envelope up.The prosecutor was grateful for my meticulous level of detail courteous, deferential even.It wasnt me on trial, after all.And yet 8 hours later, traveling to our friends house to have a socially distanced front porch hang out on this wet Pacific Northwest March evening, I was still on edge. M?  I cant hear your thoughts, you know.  You have to say what youre thinking. Ill be fine.He sighed.Its not him, its you.  You keep pushing him out, holding him at bay.  Holding everyone at bay.Well, can you call someone?  Like, I dont know someone whos maybe testified before or H?  Hed be good to talk it over.Its already done.  And I dont feel like talking about it anymore.J recognized the finality in my tone and gave my hand a squeeze.OkayHe opened his mouth as if to say something else, but promptly closed it. okay.I knew that flash of worry so well.  The way he treaded so lightly, as not to disturb a land mine.  Me, for all my resilience, tip-toed around to not set me off.I hated it.But I also dreaded hearing yet another well-intentioned person say:That sucks.  You did your best.  Itll be okay.Or even worse, watching the discomfort grow on their faces as they tried to find the right words to say.  Feeling the need to now comfort them after Id dragged them down with me into the dark secrets of my mind, knowing they were never given a chance to ready themselves for what they were asking for.  Providing them the opening for a quick conversation pivot yet again as we try to reckon with the words we all wish I hadnt said.How many times did I need to be burned by that scenario to know it wasnt worth opening that door again?No, in these moments I dont need to seek out anyones empty reassurances or words of comfort.I dont need people telling me Ill make it through.I can tell myself these things perfectly well enough on my own.And if it comes from me, maybe Ill be more inclined to believe it.What I need are 36 degree rainy nights with unsuspecting friends, snuggled in sleeping bags to keep warm outside while we try to make the best of these weird pandemic times.I need to lose myself in the details of work from home muting mishaps and silly Uber Eats drama, mundane tales of this big wide world outside of parental negligence, daily depression/suicide screens in clinic and unhealthy coping mechanisms with a straight line to alcoholism.I need to ground myself in normal.To remember what it feels like to dabble in the mildly broken.To remind myself I can live there too.To convince myself to hold on to these bright spots as well as the dark. Visceral reactions to witnessed child abuse/trauma is normal.But if it lasts longer than a month, you may have Secondary Traumatic Stress.  Its a known phenomenon amongst healthcare professionals who take care of children whove suffered from abuse/neglect (which is where I first heard about this), but it also has been recognized more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. If youre interested in learning more in how this relates to the ongoing pandemic, please click HERE to this AAP article: Tips for recognizing, managing secondary traumatic stress in yourself.If you take care of children at risk for abuse/neglect, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network is a great resource as well, specifically this self-care resource.  It sounds trite when you go through the checklist, but I utilized many of the practices mentioned here, including writing this post after it happened in 3/2021.  If you find your self-care efforts arent enough, please seek professional mental health counseling.  If youre a physician or medical student in the US, you can reach out to the Physician Support Line at 1 (888) 409-0141 for free and confidential support, 7 days a week from 8 am to 1 am EST.  We must take care of ourselves if were to continue doing this important work.Much love,M

Have you had your colonoscopy? This is a question your primary-care provider may ask you during your annual visit. You might dread the question (and the procedure), but its an important part of preventing colorectal cancer.According to the American Cancer Society,  colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, its preventable if found and treated early, and the key to preventing it is proper screening. In fact, studies have shown screening has reduced the risk colorectal cancer by 40% and of death from colorectal cancer by 65-70%.Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the colon or rectum, the lower end of your digestive system. Most colon cancers develop from polyps or growths on the inner lining of the colon. There are several different types of polyps and not all polyps are cancerous. Identifying and removing these polyps can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer developing. Early screening is important because people may not have any symptoms until later stages of the disease.Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends colorectal screening for all adults between 45 and 75 years old. Older adults aged 76-85 should be screened based on their health history and their risk for cancer. But which choice of screening is your best option?TYPES OF COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING:Fecal occult blood test: A test that uses a special chemical to detect blood in your stool. A small sample of stool is placed on a card or in a special container and tested for blood in the lab. This type of test is recommended yearly.Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): A test that uses antibodies to detect blood in your stool. This testing is recommended yearly.FIT-DNA test or Stool DNA test (Cologuard): A test that combines FIT testing with a test to detect altered DNA in your stool. This is an at-home test that requires the collection of a full bowel movement. Its sent to a lab and checked for altered DNA and blood. This test is recommended every 3 years.Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This test is performed by a doctor. The doctor puts a short, thin flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to check for polyps in the lower part of the colon. This testing is recommended every 5 years.Colonoscopy: Considered the gold standard for screening, this is like a flexible sigmoidoscopy but examines the entire colon. The doctor is also able to remove polyps and test them for cancer during this process. This test is recommended every 10 years but may be required more frequently depending on risk factors and results.  A colonoscopy would also be required if any of the above tests were abnormal.Although all these types of testing are options for colorectal cancer screening, your primary-care provider will recommend the appropriate option based on your particular situation. Your family history and other personal risk factors for colorectal cancer will determine which screening is best for you. You should discuss all the options with your primary-care provider.OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT COLORECTAL CANCER:Eat high fiber diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The fiber helps move potential cancer-causing foods through the intestine faster, reducing the time in the intestineAvoid Red meat and processed meatsLimit alcohol: Moderate to heavy drinking (2-3 drinks per day) increases the risk of colon cancerIncrease physical activity: Studies by the National Cancer Institute have shown physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 20%Quit smoking: People who smoke may have larger and more colon polyps, increasing their risk of colon cancerWith reduction of risk factors and early prevention, colorectal cancer can be prevented. Please consult with your primary-care provider and dont be afraid to ask them, Am I due for my colonoscopy?Written by:By Erin Wolf, APRN

Medicare Open Enrollment PeriodWHEN AND HOW TO SIGN UPWhether youre aging into Medicare, or youve been covered for years, you have options when it comes to coverage, and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (which runs from October 15 to December 7) is your opportunity to assess your healthcare needs for the coming year. Learn what new plans have to offer, compare benefit options and enroll, so you can make sure you have the absolute best health coverage for you.You can opt for Original Medicare coverage, which is Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor coverage), but you could be on the hook for 20% of your expenses. Youd have to pick up additional drug coverage to cover prescriptions and supplemental coverage if youre concerned about out-of-pocket costs.Or you can compare the many options available from Medicare-approved private companies offering what are called Medicare Advantage Plans (or Medicare Part C.) These plans are often called all-in-one plans because they can include several different benefits in one, which can be any combination of drug coverage, hearing, vision, and/or dental, plus they can be low-to-no cost and offer spending caps.Open Enrollment OptionsOriginal MedicarePart A hospital coveragePart B doctor coverageMedicare Advantage (Part C)Medicare Advantage Plans Can IncludeDrug coverageHearingVisionDentalSpending capsThis enrollment period really is your chance to make sure youre in great shape for the next year! Call our partners, the Medicare experts at HealthShare360 for help learning about your options, comparing coverage, and enrolling during the Open Enrollment Period. Connect with HealthShare360 at 844.878.5012 or FLMedicare.com.* If you already receive Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will automatically enroll you in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). Theyll mail you all the information you need a few months before you become eligible.If you dont receive Social Security benefits and are not ready to apply for them yet, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.You can do this using the SSA online application or you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 am 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AGING IN TO MEDICAREMost people look forward to becoming eligible for Medicare, but aging in to the program can be intimidating. Theres a lot to learn! We hit the streets to find out what some Medicare-age folks really think of the whole process.  Rebecca knows the basics, I know that when I turned 65, I was able to partake of Medicare that I had paid into for years. And Linda found the process a bit confusing, It should be a lot more simple, she says. Im just saying it would be easier for all of us. Deborah is a healthcare provider and she admits it could be more clear, I think right now, in terms of my contemporaries, my peers, that will be going on Medicare, they dont necessarily understand it. Definitely do your research, because you generally only have seven months to sign up for Medicare the first time. Your Initial Enrollment Period, or IEP, begins three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday, includes the month of your birthday, and ends three months after your birthday month. Of course, there are exceptions, like continuing to work past 65, or being covered under a spouses plan, or moving states even counties. Procrastinate and you could end up paying a penalty of an additional monthly fee for life. Some Medicare-age folks whove already been through the process of enrolling shared their advice:  Maybe start a little early, just so you can get questions answered before the last minute. Piers adds, Perhaps not the simplest thing, but I found somebody who could help me understand the various letters of the alphabet and it then became clear.  Easy as A, B, C, D. There are four parts to Medicare: Parts A and B, or Original Medicare are managed by the federal government. Part A is hospital coverage and  Part B is so-called doctor coverage. But this combo is not your only choice. You also have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part C. These plans are administered by commercial insurers and are backed by Medicare. They are often low-to-no cost, limit out-of-pocket expenses, and offer additional coverage like prescription drugs, vision and dental, gym memberships, transportation, or stipends for over-the-counter needs. Only need prescription drug coverage? Then a Medicare Part D Plan is for you. Even learning the lingo can be a lot. Just ask Linda, It is overwhelming and confusing, she says.  Trying to figure out the donuts and all that stuff, adds her Medicare-age counterpart. Thats where Millennium Medicare Connect and our trusted Medicare Navigators at Healthshare360 can help. You have questions and weve got your answers.  Linda offers some final words of wisdom, Be patient and its a journey, but you can get your answers.  Connect with us today at YourMedicareConnect.com   Resources: Medicare.gov 

Turning 65? Avoid Paying a Medicare PenaltyWHEN TO ENROLL IN MEDICARE TO AVOID PAYING PENALTIESIf youre turning 65 soon, youve hopefully started your personal Medicare journey. Theres a lot of information, and it can be confusing. A valuable service by Millennium Physician Group is our Millennium Medicare Connect program. It delivers access to programs, network, and doctors that give you the confidence to make the right Medicare choices and the tools to get the most out of your healthcare.If you dont sign up for Medicare when youre first eligible or pick up Part B within 60 days of retirement, you may incur a late enrollment penalty that will stay with you every year, explains Valentina Ayala, a Medicare Advisor from HealthShare360.IF YOURE TURNING 65 AND NO LONGER PLAN TO WORK:You should enroll in Medicare Part B to avoid paying a penalty for late enrollment. Part B is the medical insurance (or doctor coverage) youre entitled to. It requires a monthly premium, and you have a limited time to sign up. If not, you could delay your coverage until the following year.IF YOURE TURNING 65 AND PLAN TO CONTINUE WORKING:If you (or your spouse) are still working, Medicare works a little differently. It depends on how you currently get your health insurance and how many employees there are in your company. There are a lot of variables, so its recommended you talk to an unbiased, qualified expert in Medicare plans and options to determine how you get Medicare based on your situation.IF YOUVE RETIRED BUT ARE GOING BACK TO WORK:If you can get employer health coverage thats considered acceptable as primary coverage, you are allowed to drop Medicare and re-enroll later without penalties, or you can use it as your secondary coverage.Every situation is unique, which is why I encourage [people] to talk to an insurance agent specializing in Medicare about your plan options to help you enroll in the plan thats best suited for your individual needs, says Ayala.Millennium physicians lead the country in the quality of care they deliver to Medicare patients. To find out more about your Medicare options, including connecting with our Medicare Advisors, visit YourMedicareConnect.com.