Tag Archives: preventative care

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.

Understanding Osteoporosis: How to Keep Your Bones Strong for Life

We often focus on our hearts, weight, or blood pressure when we think about health. But how often do you think about your bones? Strong bones are just as essential to overall health as our weight or activity levels. In fact, bone health is so critical that osteoporosis—often called a “silent disease”—can lead to serious health risks, including fractures that may impact quality of life and even shorten it.

Here’s what you need to know about osteoporosis, why it’s so important to protect your bones early in life, and how to take action if you think you’re at risk.

What Is Osteoporosis, and Why Does It Matter?

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density and strength, becoming more brittle over time. While most common in adults over 50, this deterioration can start much earlier in life due to poor habits or underlying health issues.

Fractures caused by osteoporosis aren’t just inconvenient—they’re serious. Studies show that a broken hip or spine can lead to reduced mobility, a higher risk of other health issues, and even increased mortality, similar to heart attacks or breast cancer. That’s why caring for your bones is just as important as caring for your heart.

Prevention Starts Early: Build Strong Bones Now

Building strong bones starts in childhood and continues into your 20s and 30s when bone density peaks. But it’s never too late to make changes that strengthen your bones and improve your overall health.

Here are a few key habits to adopt:

Eat for Bone Health: Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals in your diet. Don’t forget about vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium.
Get Moving: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and resistance training can help build and maintain bone density.
Ditch the Bad Habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol weaken bones over time. Quitting can make a big difference in your bone health.

Research has also shown that healthy habits benefiting your heart—like those outlined in the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8”—can also protect your bones. That’s because lifestyle factors like eating well and staying active reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Are You at Risk? Spotting the Signs of Weak Bones

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because you can’t see or feel your bones weakening. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to early warning signs:

Fractures from minor falls or bumps
A noticeable loss of height over time
Persistent back pain, which could indicate a spinal fracture

If any of these sound familiar, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis, talk to your doctor. Early detection through a bone density test can help catch the condition before a serious fracture occurs.

Watch: Early detection can make a big difference.

What If You Already Have Osteoporosis?

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, know that you’re not alone—and there are effective treatments available. Your doctor may recommend:

Medications to slow bone loss or build new bone
A personalized exercise and diet plan
Strategies to reduce fall risks and protect your bones

Sticking to your treatment plan is essential. Studies show that many people stop taking their medications or don’t follow through with their exercise or diet plans.

Take Control of Your Bone Health Today

Your bones are the foundation of your body—literally. Taking care of them is an investment in your future mobility and independence.

Here’s how you can get started:

Schedule a checkup with your primary care provider to discuss your risk factors.
Adopt bone-healthy habits like exercise and a balanced diet.
Stay informed!