Category Archives: Health & Wellness

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.

Protecting Our Community from Measles: It Starts Here

At Maryland Primary Care Physicians, we believe that caring for our patients means caring for the communities they belong to. When one person stays healthy, we all benefit, and when someone is at risk, it’s our responsibility to help protect them.

The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed multiple cases of measles in Maryland. While this may feel like a distant concern to some, we see it differently. As physicians, we understand how quickly this illness can spread, and as members of the community, we know how deeply prevention matters.

This is about more than avoiding an illness, it’s about protecting the people around us. And as we observe National Public Health Week, we want to remind you that public health starts right here. With you. With us. Together.

Why Measles Deserves Our Attention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if one person has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated people who come into close contact will also become infected. The virus spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has left.

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure. Early signs include:

High fever (often over 104°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes

A few days later, a red rash starts on the face and spreads downward across the body.

While most people recover, measles can lead to serious health complications. These include pneumonia, brain swelling, and in some cases, death—especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. As Johns Hopkins Medicine explains, measles can still be dangerous even with modern medical care. The virus is not gone. It’s just kept in check through vaccination.

Vaccination Is the Best Protection

The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. It is safe, widely available, and incredibly effective.

According to the University of Chicago Medicine, two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. The vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella.

Here’s what we recommend:

Children should receive their first vaccination between 12 and 15 months of age
A second dose is given between 4 and 6 years old
Adults who missed one or both doses or who are unsure of their status should speak with a provider
International travelers and healthcare workers may require additional protection

Vaccination is not just a personal decision. It is a public service. It protects newborns who are too young for vaccines. It shields those going through chemotherapy or living with chronic illness. It helps build a stronger, healthier community for everyone.

Why This Matters to MPCP

Maryland Primary Care Physicians is a doctor-led organization with strong roots in the communities we serve. We are not just here to treat illness. We are here to build relationships, provide trusted information, and help you make decisions that support your health and the well-being of others.

Many of our physicians live in the same communities where they practice. That connection drives our mission. It also informs our approach. We know that public health starts at the local level—in schools, churches, workplaces, and yes, right here in your doctor’s office.

As we recognize National Public Health Week, we want to underscore what this year’s theme—It Starts Here—really means. It means:

It starts in conversations between you and your provider
It starts with the decisions you make for your family
It starts with our shared commitment to care

Let’s Take Action Together

If you need to check your vaccine records or schedule a catch-up dose, we are here for you. Talk to your provider. Book a visit. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.

It all adds up. It all matters.

It starts here.

Know Your Gut: Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Early Detection

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., yet it’s also one of the most preventable. With early detection and lifestyle changes, you can dramatically lower your risk. Colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited, so, the most important step you can take is to stay on top of your screenings and reduce your risk factors.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your gut health and take charge of your future.

What Is Colorectal Cancer and Who’s at Risk?

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and often starts as small growths called polyps. Over time, some of those polyps can turn into cancer.

Who should start screening?

Everyone should begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45.
Individuals with a family or personal history of colorectal cancer, genetic conditions (like Lynch syndrome), or inflammatory bowel disease may need to start screening earlier.

What are the most common risk factors?

Age: Most cases occur in adults over 45.
Family history: A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps can increase your risk.
Personal history: Women with uterine polyps can have a higher risk for colorectal polyps.
Genetic conditions: Conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) raise the risk significantly.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increases the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes face a higher risk, even after accounting for shared factors like weight or inactivity.

If any of these apply to you, talk to your provider about starting screenings earlier or more frequently.

Change What You Can: Lifestyle Risk Factors

More than half of colorectal cancer cases are linked to lifestyle factors that you can control. By making healthy changes, you can lower your risk factors for colorectal cancer:

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk, especially for men. Losing even a small amount of weight can help.
Eat a healthier diet: Limit red and processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon, and focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cutting back on sugary drinks can also make a difference.
Stay active: Regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and improve overall health.
Quit smoking: Smoking isn’t just linked to lung cancer; it’s also a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. Quitting now can lower your risk over time.
Limit alcohol intake: Heavy drinking is associated with higher colorectal cancer risk. It’s best to avoid alcohol, but if you drink, limit yourself to no more than one drink per day for women or two for men.

Talk to Your Provider About Your Risk Factors

Are you over 45? Do you know your personal risk factors? The best time to take action is now. Talk to your MPCP provider to discuss when you should start screenings and how you can live healthier and lower your colorectal cancer risk.

Cervical Cancer Awareness: Why Early Detection and Advocacy Save Lives

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common and deadly cancers for American women. Thanks to advances in prevention and screening, cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have dropped significantly since the 1970s.

However, recent trends reveal a complex picture: rates are increasing in some age groups, and disparities persist. This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to advocate for your health by staying informed, getting screened, and taking preventive action.

Cervical Cancer Trends: Progress and Challenges

Incidence Rates: Cervical cancer cases have dropped by more than half since the 1970s, largely due to widespread Pap testing. However, rates have stabilized in recent years, and for women ages 30–44, rates increased by 1.7% annually from 2012 to 2019.
HPV Vaccination Impact: Among women aged 20–24, rates have declined by 11% each year, showing the early effects of HPV vaccination.
Mortality Rates: Death rates have dropped by more than half since the 1970s, but disparities remain. Black and Native American women have cervical cancer death rates 65% higher than White women, underscoring the need for equitable access to care.

These numbers show that prevention works, but continued vigilance and action are essential.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early, often before symptoms develop. Pap tests detect precancerous changes, allowing providers to address them before they progress. For many women, the HPV vaccine adds an extra layer of protection, preventing the infections responsible for most cervical cancers.

Advocating for Your Health: What Every Generation Needs to Know

Prevention and early detection start with awareness and self-advocacy. Here’s what you should consider based on your age and risk factors:

Teens and Young Adults (Ages 9–26): Focus on Prevention
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given early, starting at age 9. If you or your children haven’t been vaccinated, it’s not too late. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of the vaccine for cancer prevention.
Women in Their 20s: Establish a Routine
Start regular Pap tests at age 21. These screenings are critical for detecting abnormal cells early. Consider discussing co-testing with HPV tests, which provides a more complete picture of your risk.
Women Ages 30 to 44: Practice Increased Vigilance
Cervical cancer rates are rising in this group, making consistent screening more important than ever. Ask your provider about personalized screening schedules based on your medical history.
Post-Menopausal Women: Keep the Conversation Going
Some women assume they can stop screening after menopause, but that’s not always the case. Talk to your provider about whether continued screenings are necessary based on your health history.

Addressing Health Disparities: Advocating for Equity

It’s vital to address the disparities that put some women at greater risk. Black and Native American women, in particular, face higher mortality rates. If you or a loved one has experienced barriers to screening or care, advocate for your needs. Speak openly with your provider, and don’t hesitate to seek support to ensure you receive this vital care.

Prevention Starts with You

Are you up to date on your Pap tests and HPV screenings?
Have you or your children received the HPV vaccine?
Do you know your family history and personal risk factors?

At Maryland Primary Care Physicians, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to your provider to discuss your risk factors and next steps—whether it’s scheduling a Pap test, getting the HPV vaccine, or reviewing your screening schedule.