Category: primary care

  • What is Primary Care?

    What is Primary Care?

    Primary care is the foundation of the healthcare system, focusing on providing continuous, comprehensive care to patients. It’s the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention, offering a wide range of services that address most of your health needs. Primary care providers (PCPs) are typically family physicians, internists, pediatricians, or nurse practitioners who are skilled in treating patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

    Here’s what you can expect from primary care:

    1. Comprehensive Health Management

    Primary care physicians are trained to manage and treat a variety of health conditions, ranging from acute illnesses like the flu to chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. They aim to offer holistic care by considering your overall well-being rather than focusing on isolated symptoms.

    2. Preventive Care

    A key component of primary care is preventive health. Your primary care provider will help you take steps to prevent diseases and manage risk factors early on. This includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, screening for cancers, and providing health advice on lifestyle changes such as nutrition and exercise.

    3. Long-Term Relationships

    Primary care providers often build long-term relationships with their patients, which leads to a deeper understanding of their health history, preferences, and needs. This continuity helps improve diagnosis accuracy, treatment effectiveness, and overall patient satisfaction.

    4. Coordination of Care

    Primary care providers also serve as coordinators for any specialized care that may be required. If you need to see a specialist for a particular condition, your primary care physician will guide you, ensuring that all aspects of your care are integrated.

    5. Access to Your Physician

    One of the major benefits of primary care is easy access to a physician who knows you and your health background. Whether it’s a quick question, a follow-up on a treatment plan, or guidance on an emerging issue, you can reach out to your PCP for advice and care.

    6. Mental and Emotional Health

    Your primary care provider is also a valuable resource for mental and emotional health. They can help you manage conditions such as stress, anxiety, or depression and refer you to counseling or psychiatric services if needed.

    Why Primary Care Matters

    Having a primary care provider is essential for both short-term and long-term health. They help prevent serious health issues, catch potential concerns early, and offer consistent care tailored to your unique needs. In a world where health systems are often complex and fragmented, primary care is the continuity that ensures you’re getting the best care possible.

    At Everwell Health Solutions, we understand the importance of personalized, accessible, and preventive care. As a Direct Primary Care clinic, we focus on offering comprehensive services that go beyond just treating illnesses. By developing a lasting relationship with you, we help prioritize your wellness through proactive care, easy access to your physician, and the support you need to stay healthy. Whether you are seeking preventive health guidance, managing a chronic condition, or simply want to take control of your health journey, we are here to partner with you every step of the way.


    To find out more about what we offer, check out our site: https://everwellhealthsolutions.com/primary-care-services/.

  • What Is the Flu? Symptoms, Prevention, and When to Call a Doctor

    What Is the Flu? Symptoms, Prevention, and When to Call a Doctor

    According to multiple sources, this flu season is the most intense one we have seen in 15 years. At Everwell, we want everyone to be informed about symptoms, prevention, care, and when to seek help.


    What Is the Flu?

    The flu is an illness that can make you feel very sick. It can cause fever, cough, body aches, and tiredness. The flu spreads easily from person to person, especially in the fall and winter.

    What Causes the Flu?

    The flu is caused by tiny germs called viruses. These viruses can travel through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. You can also catch the flu by touching something with flu germs on it and then touching your face.

    What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?

    If you have the flu, you might:

    • Have a fever (your body gets very warm)
    • Feel very tired
    • Have a headache or sore muscles
    • Cough or have a sore throat
    • Have a runny nose

    The flu can come on suddenly, meaning you might feel fine one day and really sick the next.

    Is the Flu Dangerous?

    For most people, the flu is not serious, and they get better at home in about a week. But for some people, the flu can be dangerous. It can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection.

    People who are at higher risk of getting very sick include:

    • Babies and young children
    • People over 65
    • Pregnant people
    • People with health problems like asthma or diabetes

    How Can I Prevent the Flu?

    The best way to prevent the flu is to:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water
    • Stay away from sick people
    • Get a flu shot every year
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow
    • Keep the air fresh by opening windows when possible

    How to Care for Yourself at Home

    Rest and symptom management are key to flu recovery. Follow these steps to help your body heal:

    Follow Discharge Instructions

    Discharge instructions provide essential guidance on how to care for yourself after a medical visit. Make sure you understand and follow your physician’s recommendations. If anything is unclear, ask questions.

    Home Care Tips

    • Rest: Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities.
    • Hydration: Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and help thin mucus.
    • Medication: Take any prescribed antiviral medication as directed. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and body aches.
    • Steam Therapy: Take warm, steamy showers to soothe your cough and loosen congestion.
    • Soothing Remedies: Use cough drops or hard candy for a sore throat.
    • Use a Humidifier: If recommended by your physician, use a cool mist humidifier to keep your airways moist. Be sure to clean it regularly.
    • Saline Nasal Drops: These can help relieve nasal congestion.
    • Manage Fever: Dress in lightweight clothing and cover with a light blanket to avoid overheating.

    Prevent Spreading the Flu

    To protect those around you, take these precautions:

    • Stay home while you have a fever or feel unwell.
    • Limit close contact with others, and wear a mask if necessary.
    • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
    • Avoid touching your face, as the flu virus spreads through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Do not share personal items such as cups, food, towels, or bedding.
    • Clean frequently touched surfaces, like door handles, remote controls, and phones, with a disinfectant that kills viruses.
    • Return to work or school only when your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.

    Most people get better on their own. But call a doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or if you start to feel worse after feeling better.

    Can the Flu Be Treated?

    Yes, doctors can give you medicine to help fight the flu. This medicine works best if you take it soon after getting sick. But antibiotics do not work on the flu because the flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

    What About the Flu and Pregnancy?

    If you are pregnant, the flu can be more dangerous for you and your baby. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor right away. It is also very important for pregnant people to get the flu shot.

    When Should I Stay Home?

    If you have the flu, stay home from work or school until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without medicine. This helps keep others from getting sick.

    When to Seek Medical Help

    While most people recover from the flu at home, some symptoms require urgent medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you:

    • Struggle to breathe and can only say one or two words at a time.
    • Need to sit upright constantly to breathe or cannot lie down.
    • Are exhausted from trying to breathe or are sweating from the effort.

    Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

    • Trouble breathing even while sitting still.
    • Severe chest discomfort.
    • Confusion or disorientation.
    • Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.
    • Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, muscle cramps, or dizziness when standing.

    Follow-Up Care

    Your physician may recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery. Be sure to schedule and attend any necessary check-ups.

    Final Thoughts

    Recovering from the flu takes time, but with proper care, you can ease your symptoms and get back to feeling your best. Rest, stay hydrated, and follow these steps to protect yourself and those around you.

    If you have any concerns or your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your physician.


    You can also schedule an appointment with Everwell Health Solutions here: https://everwellhealthsolutions.akutehealth.com/appointments

    To learn more about what we do and how we can help you, check out this page: https://everwellhealthsolutions.com/primary-care-services/