Author Archives: Rae Beyer

Staying Safe From Ticks This Summer: What You Need to Know

With summer in full swing, tick activity is ramping up here in the DMV. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or even just spending more time outdoors, it’s important to protect yourself and your family (including pets) from tick bites and the illnesses they can transmit.

How Can I Prevent Ticks?

The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent bites in the first place. If you have pets, talk to your vet about tick prevention for animals. Dogs and cats can carry ticks indoors, even if they’re mostly indoor animals. The CDC recommends following these few strategies for humans:

Use insect repellant containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) on exposed skin and clothing. You can also treat gear or clothing with products containing permethrin, which remains protective even after washing.
Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and light colored clothes to help spot ticks more easily.

Avoid brush areas with high grass or bushes, and stick to the trails when hiking.

Check for ticks daily, especially after time outdoors. Focus on hidden spots and crevices like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, around the waist, and behind the knees. Shower soon after being outdoors.

Are Insect Repellants Safe to Use?

Yes. For most people, insect repellants are safe to use as directed. The CDC and EPA both approve ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for use on your skin. Always be sure to follow instructions and avoid applying it near eyes, mouth, or open wounds.

What Do I Do If I Find a Tick?

If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Follow these steps from the CDC’s tick removal guidelines:

Use fine tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the surface of your skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tweezers, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off in your skin.
Dispose of the live tick by either placing it in a sealed container, flushing it down the toilet, submerging it in alcohol, or wrapping it tightly with tape. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.

Can I Try to Burn Off a Tick?

No. Despite what you may see online, you should never try to burn off a tick using heat or any other method. According to the Mayo Clinic, using matches, lighters, or hot objects can actually increase the risk of infection by causing the tick to release more saliva into your skin. Stick to safe removal with normal tweezers.

When Should You See a Doctor About a Tick Bite?

Most tick bites are harmless, but some ticks do carry diseases like Lyme Disease. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), you should talk to your MPCP physician if you:

Develop a rash, especially if it’s bullseye or circular in shape.
Experience any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches within a few weeks of getting bit.
Aren’t sure how long the tick was attached on your skin.

Be Tick Smart This Summer

By starting a few simple precautions when outside, you can enjoy your summer activities with peace of mind. Know how to prevent tick bites, check for ticks regularly, and act quickly if one is found. And, if you’re ever unsure or start noticing symptoms, make an appointment to speak with your MPCP physician.

Headlines, Hashtags, and Health: What to Trust (and What to Skip)

Smart choices start with smart sources. Here’s what to know.

When it comes to your health, quality, credible information matters–and not all of it is information equal.

Today, more people are turning to social media platforms like TikTok, Youtube, and even AI tools like ChatGPT to answer their health questions. While they can sometimes be helpful as a starting point, they’re not a substitute for personalized, evidence-based care. In fact, relying on viral content or attention-grabbing headlines can sometimes do more harm than good if the information is outdated, overly simplified, or just plain inaccurate.

With that being said, where should you go for trustworthy, up-to-date health information?

Start with your primary care provider.

Your MPCP physician knows your health history, your medications, concerns, and personal risk factors. They’re your first and most reliable source when it comes to understanding symptoms, treatment options, and preventative care. Trained providers, like those at MPCP, have learned to break down health information, weigh evidence, identify when a specialist may be required, and guide you through decisions based on your individual needs—not internet fearmongering.

If you’ve seen something online that concerns you, bring it to your appointment and your provider will talk it through with you.

Turn to trusted medical institutions.

Many leading hospitals and research centers offer free, easy-to-understand health resources online. A few reliable options include:

Mayo Clinic: Offers in-depth information on conditions, symptoms, and treatments.
Cleveland Clinic: Publishes health articles written and reviewed by medical professionals.
Harvard Health Publishing: Backed by Harvard Medical School, this site breaks down research and offers practical wellness tips.
MedlinePlus (from the National Library of Medicine): Provides peer-reviewed information and links to scientific sources.

When reading health news, context matters.

News articles and health headlines can raise awareness about upcoming research and treatments, but they don’t always tell the full story. Scientific studies often involve limitations or early-stage results that get lost in translation. When reading health news, ask: Who conducted the study? Was it peer-reviewed? Was this study done on humans? How many subjects or people were studied? And remember, “promising” doesn’t always mean “proven.”

Be cautious with influencers and online personalities.

There are many well-meaning health creators out there, but also plenty who are unqualified or spreading misinformation. If you get health tips from a podcast, Instagram post, or video, check the person’s credentials and ensure that they are speaking within their specialty.

Be cautious of supplements or treatments being sold through social media. Unlike prescription medications, most supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, and some may be ineffective or even harmful. You could end up spending money on something that doesn’t help, or worse, puts your health at risk. Always talk to your primary care provider before starting any new supplement or health product.

What about tools like ChatGPT?

AI tools can help summarize concepts or point you in the right direction, but they aren’t medical professionals. Always verify health-related content with a trusted source, and never use AI tools to diagnose or treat a condition without speaking to your MPCP provider.

The Bottom Line

If something sounds too good to be true, or if you’re not sure who to trust, start with your primary care provider. At MPCP, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your health.

Need advice or have a question about something you’ve read online? Ask your provider for support on your next visit, or read our collection of health and wellness blogs: https://www.mpcp.com/health-wellness/

7 Ways to Prepare for Your Annual Physical

Your annual check-up is for you. Here’s how to make it count.

Your annual physical is one of the best times to focus on your long-term health. Unlike sudden illnesses, this visit is entirely about your health goals, concerns, and preventative measures. It’s a chance to check in on your overall well-being, catch potential issues early, and make a plan to help you stay healthy and active for years to come. Keep in mind that your physical is a wellness-focused visit. If you’re dealing with new or urgent symptoms, it’s best to schedule a separate appointment so your provider can give it the full attention it needs.

A little preparation can go a long way in helping your provider see the full picture of your health and make the most of this once-a-year opportunity. Start with these simple steps:

Bring your questions and health history. Be sure to write down any and all symptoms, lifestyle changes, concerns, or questions ahead of time so you don’t forget to mention them. Make note of your family health history, and if you see specialists, ask them to send over recent records so your provider has access.

Review your medications and pharmacy information. Bring a list, or the actual bottles, of all prescription medications, supplements, or products you take. Know your preferred pharmacy in case any prescriptions need to be sent after your visit.

Know your numbers. If you’ve recently had lab work done or are tracking blood pressure or glucose at home, bring those recent readings with you.

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and calendar. We’ll need to verify your information and take a photo for your MyChart account. Having your calendar handy makes it easy to schedule any follow-up appointments on the spot.

Check what your insurance covers. Health insurance covers different parts of a physical depending on your plan. Don’t hesitate to ask about billing or why certain services might generate a separate charge. Learn more here.

Ask if you need to fast. Some lab tests, like glucose or cholesterol, require you to avoid food or even caffeine for several hours beforehand. Be sure to check if you need to fast and if so, when to stop eating.
Be honest. Your MPCP physician is here to help, not judge. Be open about habits like smoking, alcohol use, diet, and exercise so your doctor can give you the best, most accurate care.

A little preparation and thought into your health goals or concerns can make your visit more productive and more personal.

Need to schedule your next annual physical? Call your MPCP office today.

Fact vs. Fiction: Summer Safety Myths and Tips

Summer is a great time to be active and get outside, especially if you have kids. But between the heat and increased UV radiation, summer also comes with increased health risks. Whether you’re heading outdoors for fun or fitness, it’s important to make sure your summer habits are helping–not hurting–your health.

Unfortunately, the last few years have seen an uptick in misinformation and myths related to summer safety. Read on as we bust some summer safety myths and share the tips to keep you and your family having fun outside all summer long!

Myth #1: Sunscreen isn’t safe to use (or, only mineral sunscreens are safe)

The Truth: Both chemical and mineral sunscreens are considered safe and effective by dermatologists and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The most important thing is that your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30, especially for people with lighter skin.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have a preference between chemical and mineral sunscreens! Some people who prefer mineral sunscreens are often recommended due to sensitive skin, but others prefer chemical sunscreens since they tend to apply more smoothly and usually leave less of a white cast. As the American Academy of Dermatology says, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear every single day.

Myth #2: You only need sunscreen on sunny days

The Truth: UV rays can cause skin damage even if it’s cloudy, or when you’re indoors near a window. UVA rays, which contribute to early aging and skin cancer, can pass through clouds and glass. That’s why dermatologists and the FDA recommend wearing sunscreen everyday, regardless of the weather. As the AAD notes, “Daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%”.

You also want to make sure that you’re wearing enough sunscreen. Many people only apply 20-50% of the amount of sunscreen necessary to protect against damage. Choosing a higher SPF sunscreen can help compensate for this under-application, but correct use still matters. Apply about 1 ounce (a shot glass full) for your entire body, and reapply every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. If you are just looking to protect your face and neck, apply approximately ½ tsp of sunscreen.

When it comes to kids and infants, be sure to take extra care: children’s skin is especially sensitive to UV damage, and sunscreen shouldn’t be used on babies under 6 months old. The FDA recommends keeping infants in the shade and dressed in lightweight clothing rather than applying sunscreen.

Myth #3: It’s not safe to exercise in hot weather.

The Truth: Outdoor activity can still be safe as long as you take the right precautions. The CDC recommends avoiding peak heat hours (10 am to 4 pm), drinking plenty of water, and wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks, especially for older adults or people with medical conditions. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs like dizziness, confusion, muscle cramping or nausea during or after exercise in the heat–these symptoms should never be ignored. Planning your workouts for cooler times of the day and staying consistently hydrated can help you stay active without putting your health at risk.

Myth #4: It’s best to drink a sports drink or electrolytes when exercising outside.

The Truth: When it comes to how you hydrate, it depends how long and how intensely you’re exercising. Northwestern Medicine advises that water is typically enough for moderate workouts and exercise lasting under an hour.

Sports drinks can help replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat, but many contain added sugars and high levels of sodium that aren’t necessary for the average person. If you’re planning to do a high intensity, long workout–especially in the heat–electrolyte replacements or sports drinks might be helpful, but make sure to read labels closely and choose based on your specific needs.

Stay Healthy All Summer Long

Summer is meant to be enjoyed–but as we’ve seen, common myths around sun safety, hydration, and heat can get in the way of smart decisions. Whether you’re spending more time outdoors, exercising more, or just trying to stay cool, a few informed choices can help you avoid preventable risks.

If you have questions about sun protection, hydration, or exercising safely, ask your MPCP physician. No matter the season, they’re here to support your health.