Tag Archives: preventative care

Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes

Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting around 38 million Americans, with 90-95% of them having Type II diabetes. When blood sugar, or glucose, is too high, it can lead to serious health complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and can even increase the risk for certain cancers. The good news? With the right steps, you can lower your risk and manage diabetes to live a healthier, more vibrant life.

Lifestyle Interventions Can Help with Diabetes Prevention

Unfortunately, the number of Americans with Type II diabetes is growing – as is the number of Americans with prediabetes. Prediabetes is defined as having elevated blood sugar, before reaching the levels needed for Type II diabetes. 

About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes, yet over 80% aren’t aware. Without action, many could develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, it is possible to prevent progression or even reverse prediabetes through simple lifestyle interventions like a well-balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Ask your MPCP physician if you’re at risk for diabetes or prediabetes, and learn steps to protect your health.

Know the Symptoms

Regular screening is key, especially if you have risk factors for Type II diabetes. Early detection can make all the difference. Knowing the symptoms can help you know when you should request screening or speak with your physician:

  • Increased Thirst
  • Frequent Urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred Vision

Risk Factors You Should Know

While some risk factors can’t be changed, others are within your control. Major risk factors include:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of diabetes

If you have one or more of these risk factors, consider talking to your MPCP physician about screening options and lifestyle adjustments.

Take Action to Lower Your Risk

  1. Choose a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables. Limit sugary and processed foods to help keep blood sugar stable.
  2. Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Regular activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports healthy blood sugar levels and supports your overall wellness.

Keep Up with Screenings: Regular check-ups can catch changes early. If you’re at risk, ask your MPCP physician about scheduling a diabetes screening.

For Those Managing Type II Diabetes—Small Changes, Big Impact

If you’re managing diabetes, daily habits are crucial. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

  • Monitor Blood Sugar: Regular checks help you understand how food, activity, and medications impact your levels.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress affects blood sugar. Try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies to reduce stress.

Check Your Feet: Diabetes can cause circulation issues, particularly in the feet. Inspect your feet daily to catch potential issues early.

Ask Your MPCP Physician

Concerned about your risk of developing Type II diabetes or need guidance on managing it? Your MPCP physician can help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals.

Take control this Diabetes Awareness Month—get in touch to connect with your MPCP provider for support and guidance to protect your health and live well with diabetes.

 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Let’s Talk About Early Detection

October is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, supporting those affected by breast cancer, and encouraging regular screenings for early detection.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, affecting one in eight women in their lifetime. Did you know men can develop breast cancer, too? 

Everyone—regardless of gender—should know their risk factors and talk to their MPCP provider if they notice any unusual changes.   

Who’s At Risk of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer risk is influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from age and genetics to lifestyle choices. Understanding these risk factors can help make informed health decisions and engage in preventive care.

  • Age: Especially for women over 50.
  • Family History: Includes genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
  • Breast Tissue Density: Dense breast tissue can be a contributing factor.
  • Reproductive History: Early menstruation, having children later in life, or not having children.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, carrying excess weight, and lack of physical activity.

Regular Mammograms and Screenings Matter

Regular screenings are the best way to catch breast cancer early—before it has a chance to spread and when it’s most treatable. Experts recommend starting annual mammograms at age 40.

Mammograms can detect small changes in breast tissue long before symptoms appear, giving you more treatment options and a better chance of successful outcomes.

Can Men Be Affected by Breast Cancer?

While breast cancer in men is rare, it’s still something to keep in mind. Men with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic conditions should talk to their MPCP provider about their risk and whether screening makes sense for them.

Make Breast Health a Priority

This month, take a moment to prioritize your health or remind someone you care about to do the same. If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule your screening today. Early detection saves lives. Have concerns or questions about your risk factors? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your MPCP provider.

 

Dementia Prevention: It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Start

More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, a figure expected to nearly triple by 2050, with 10 million new cases each year. Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older adults globally. It can be overwhelming for patients, families, and caregivers, with significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts.

While dementia isn’t fully preventable, addressing modifiable risk factors early and continuing throughout life can reduce the likelihood of developing it. Research suggests that around 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by managing these risk factors. The good news? It’s never too early or too late to make these changes.

Proactive Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia

Dementia isn’t just a concern for older adults. Risk factors accumulate across your lifetime. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and even social isolation starting in childhood can contribute to cognitive decline later in life​. However, taking steps to reduce these risks at any age—from your 20s to 70s—can still make a meaningful difference.

No single behavior guarantees dementia prevention, but proactive changes can lower your risk. Here are several evidence-backed ways to support your brain health:

  1. Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise promotes blood flow to the brain and supports overall brain health.
  2. Maintain Heart Health: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in check, as hypertension and diabetes increase dementia risk.
  3. Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing oxygen to the brain. Quitting at any age can benefit brain health.
  4. Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like those in fish, nuts, and olive oil) protects the brain.
  5. Get Regular Hearing Checkups: Hearing loss increases dementia risk. Protect your hearing and seek treatment if needed.
  6. Get Your Vision Checked: Vision loss is associated with increased dementia risk. Vision-correcting measures like eyeglasses, contacts, and cataract surgery can help prevent vision loss. 
  7. Stay Socially Engaged: Social connection help prevent cognitive decline. Join activities, spend time with loved ones, or try new hobbies.

Prevention at Any Age

Starting these healthy habits early is ideal, but taking action at any age can benefit brain health. Younger adults can focus on building lifelong habits such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management. Midlife is a crucial time to address heart health, quit smoking, and stay engaged socially and mentally. Keeping your mind active through reading, puzzles, and social interaction can slow cognitive decline ​for older adults.

Take Control of Your Health

In addition to reducing your risk of dementia, these healthy habits can improve your overall health, lowering your risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding dementia, which often leads to stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis and care. If you’re concerned about your risk for dementia or want to learn more about how to protect your brain health, starting a conversation with your MPCP provider is a great first step. We’re here to help you navigate these concerns.

 

 

Dr. Rahman joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians in 2024, and sees patients in the Arnold practice. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Grace University School of Medicine, and completed her residency at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.

Flu, Covid-19, RSV: Which vaccines do you need?

By: RAFEENA BACCHUS, M.D.

As fall arrives, it’s not just time for cozy sweaters and holiday preparations—it’s also a critical time to think about seasonal health protection. This year, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines are essential tools to keep you and your loved ones safe.

At Maryland Primary Care Physicians (MPCP), we make vaccination easy with convenient scheduling through our Patient Portal and supportive care from our dedicated team. Let’s walk through what you need to know this season to stay healthy.

Why Get Vaccinated for Flu, COVID-19, and RSV?

These three viruses—flu, COVID-19, and RSV—are known for causing severe illness, especially in young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. Vaccination offers a proven way to reduce your risk, lessen symptoms, and protect your community. Here’s how each vaccine can help:

  • Flu: Protects against the most common flu strains, reducing severity and risk of hospitalization.
  • COVID-19: Protects against the latest variants, helping avoid severe symptoms and complications.
  • RSV: Especially important for seniors and infants, who are at higher risk of RSV complications.

At MPCP, we focus on preventive care and compassionate support for all patients. Our experienced providers are here to help you make informed vaccination decisions and answer any questions along the way.

Schedule an appointment to get vaccinated in your patient portal. 

Who Should Get Vaccinated? CDC Recommendations

The CDC offers specific guidance on who should get each vaccine, based on age, health status, and other risk factors:

Flu Vaccine

  • Recommended for: Everyone 6 months and older.
  • Especially Important for: Adults 65+, children under 5, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women.
  • When to Get It: Early fall, as flu season peaks in winter.

COVID-19 Vaccine

  • Recommended for: Everyone 6 months and older.
  • New Variant Coverage: The latest COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect against current variants, like EG.5.
  • When to get it: Fall, with annual boosters available for continued protection.

RSV Vaccine

  • Recommended for: Adults 60+ (especially those with chronic conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immunity).
  • Additional Protection: For infants at high risk, long-acting antibody treatments are also available.

When to Get It: Any time during RSV season, which often overlaps with flu season in fall and winter.

Can You Get All Three Shots Together?

You may be able to streamline your vaccination schedule by getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. However, because the RSV vaccine is newer, health experts recommend receiving it separately. Here’s what you should know:

  • Flu & COVID-19: Generally safe to get these vaccines together. Just let your healthcare provider know so they can guide you.
  • RSV: Consult with your MPCP provider if you’re considering getting this vaccine with others, especially if you have a health condition.

Your MPCP provider will work with you to plan the best timing and combination for these vaccines, tailored to your health needs and lifestyle.

FAQs: About Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines

  • Why do I need these vaccines every year? Viruses like flu and COVID-19 mutate, creating new strains each year, and immunity from previous vaccinations fades over time. Annual vaccines ensure you’re protected against the latest strains
  • Are these vaccines safe to take together? Yes, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can usually be taken at the same time, saving you a trip while keeping you protected. If you’re also getting the RSV vaccine, your doctor may advise taking it separately for the best immune response.
  • What are the possible side effects? Most people experience mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or a low fever, which usually resolve within a day or two and are signs that your body is building protection.

Why Choose MPCP for Your Vaccination?

At MPCP, we make it simple to manage your health. Our Patient Portal lets you:

  • Schedule appointments online for all your healthcare needs, including vaccinations.
  • Access your medical records anytime, so you stay informed about your vaccination history and health.
  • Message your provider directly, a helpful option if you have follow-up questions or health concerns after your visit.

Our team emphasizes a personalized approach to healthcare. We’re here to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Don’t wait — get ahead of the season by scheduling your flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines with MPCP today. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, and MPCP is here to make the process easy and comfortable whether you’re scheduling for yourself or a loved one.

Take Action Today: Contact your MPCP healthcare provider or log into the Patient Portal to schedule your vaccines and ensure you and your family are prepared for a healthy season!

Rafeena Bacchus, M.D.Dr. Rafeena Bacchus sees patients at MPCP’s Columbia office. She received her medical degree from SUNY at the Buffalo School of Medicine and completed her residency program in Internal Medicine at the University of Maryland. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.