Dr. C's Guide to Iron Iron is the unsung hero of your body. It's what helps your red blood cells carry oxygen to every corner of you, from your brain to your toes. When you're low on iron, everything feels harder. You're tired, you can't think straight, and climbing a flight of stairs feels like summiting Everest. Let's fix that. The Two Types of Iron (And Why One Is Way Better) Not all iron is created equal. Your body is picky about which kind it likes. Heme Iron: VIP This i

We are excited to share some historic news from the world of women's health! Last month, Dr. Correa attended the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) conference alongside her colleagues in internal medicine & gynecology. This gathering brings together physicians and researchers dedicated to advancing women's health at all stages, including menopause. At this year's conference, we celebrated a landmark achievement: the removal of the boxed

Your feet carry you through life, taking approximately 5,000 to 10,000 steps each day. It's no surprise that foot problems are among the most common complaints we see in primary care. The good news is that most foot conditions can be effectively managed with proper care and early intervention. This newsletter will help you understand, recognize, and address the most common foot problems. Plantar Fasciitis: The Morning Heel Pain What is it? Plantar fasciitis is the most common

If you've ever told a doctor you're allergic to penicillin, you're not alone. About 1 in 10 Americans carry this label in their medical records. But here's the surprising truth: more than 95% of people with a penicillin allergy label are not actually allergic. This matters more than you might think. Having an incorrect penicillin allergy label can significantly impact your health. Why This Matters for Your Health When doctors believe you're allergic to penicillin, they must p

Brrr! Winter is here, and your skin knows it. If you’re feeling more lizard than human lately, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about why your skin is rebelling against you and what to do if things get itchy. Why Does My Skin Feel Like a Cracker? (The Science Bit) When the air gets cold and dry, your skin loses water faster than you can say “trans epidermal water loss” (TEWL for short). Think of your skin barrier as a brick wall: the bricks are your skin cells, and the mortar is

It’s November, the month of gratitude and stress. What better time to talk about something we’re both grateful for and occasionally grumble about: steroids! (No, not the kind that make you look like a bodybuilder. We’re talking about the medical kind: prednisone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, and their many cousins.) When Do We Use Steroids? Steroids are the Swiss Army knives of internal medicine. We reach for them when your immune system is a little too enthusiastic/di

Welcome to the illuminating world of light therapy, where science meets skincare, hair care, joint pain relief, and even some pretty wild surgical tricks!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A Proven Solution for Sleep Problems Many people struggle with insomnia (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early). CBT-I is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps retrain the mind and body for better sleep. It is recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, just like physical therapy is always the first step with chronic knee pain. It is a time and energy investment, but the

Why Am I Bruising Like a Banana? Bruising and mild bleeding are common and usually nothing to worry about. As we age, our skin gets thinner and our blood vessels get a bit more delicate. Dr. Correa calls it "vintage skin". Medications like aspirin, blood thinners, and even some supplements can also make bruises pop up more easily. Sometimes, a bump you barely remember can leave a big bruise! Types of Bruises: What's Normal? Classic Bump Bruises: These show up after bumping in

What is dry mouth? Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is when the mouth feels unusually dry. This happens when the body does not make enough saliva. Saliva is important for keeping the mouth comfortable, helping with chewing and swallowing, and protecting teeth from cavities and infections. How common is dry mouth? Dry mouth is very common. Studies show that about 1 in 4 adults experience dry mouth symptoms, and it is even more common in older adults and women. The risk i

This month, we explore the surprising health benefits of singing. Whether you sing in the shower, join a choir, or simply hum along to your favorite tunes, singing can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Overall Physical Health: Studies have found that singing can lead to better oxygen levels , heart rate , and even help with balance in older adults. Some research suggests that singing may help lower markers of inflammation in the body, which makes a l

This newsletter focuses on the important topic of bone health as we age. It's a natural process for bone density to decrease over time, which usually doesn't cause any immediate discomfort. However, this can potentially lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures (ouch!). In this edition, we will cover how bone density changes as we get older, what steps can be taken to prevent its decline, and available treatments if bone loss occurs. Bone Density:

This month, we focus on prostate health, a crucial aspect of men's health, particularly as they age. The prostate plays a key role in the male reproductive system, and while most men do not die OF prostate problems but rather simply WITH prostate problems, it is certainly a worthwhile topic! Understanding the Prostate The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder. It surrounds part of the urethra and contributes to seminal fluid production, which nourishes and tran

Happy Spring! In this post, Dr. Correa is giving us the latest information on avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

Happy Holidays! Enjoy your feast, then take a 10-minute walk. It’s a simple way to keep blood sugar levels in check & feel great.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eager to reconnect with loved ones and embark on festive journeys. While travel can be exciting, it's important to prioritize your health and well-being during your trips. Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy and safe this holiday season: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Journey Medication Matters: Ensure you have an adequate supply of medications, especially if you have chronic conditions. Pack them in your carry-on l

As we approach the time of year when we adjust our clocks for Daylight Saving Time, it’s important to consider how this change can affect our health and well-being. Daylight Savings this year falls on November 3rd . This transition can disrupt our internal body clock, leading to sleep disturbances, mood changes, and even impacts on our physical health. Here are Dr. Correa's tips, tricks, and medical recommendations to help you smoothly adjust to the time change: 1. Gradual T

This September, Dr. Correa is shedding light on the latest advancements, timeless strategies and insights into managing and understanding hair loss. Whether you’re experiencing changes in your own hair or supporting someone through their journey, our goal is to provide you with valuable information empowers and informs. As a reminder, we are always open to topic suggestions for our future newsletters! After all, this newsletter is created for you - our patients - and is par

Dear Patients, Please join us in congratulating Dr. Correa on passing the rigorous Menopause Certification Exam in June and officially earning the Menopause Society Certified Physician (MSCP) credential! The menopause transition marks the end of the reproductive years and the beginning of (what Dr. Correa believes to be) even healthier, wiser and more joyful years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and can bring a variety of physical, emotional, and psycholog

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! This month, we're focusing on tongue disorders as we have had several cases of tongue disorders in the last few weeks. Disorders of the tongue can affect its appearance, sensation, and function. Your tongue is a vital organ for tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking; addressing tongue disorders early can improve oral health and overall well-being. Common Tongue Disorders Geographic Tongue: What is it? Geographic tongue