Category: Articles By Dr. Marc

Your Path to Better Health Starts Here

Why Prevention First Healthcare is the Future of Medicine: Your Path to Better Health Starts Here

In today’s fast-paced world, healthcare often feels like a race against time. Rushed appointments, long wait times, and feeling like just another number in a crowded practice have become the norm. But what if there was a better way? What if your doctor could honestly know you, understand your unique health needs, and work with you to prevent problems before they start?

At Prevention First Healthcare in Southampton, Bucks County, PA, Dr. Marc Rabinowitz has reimagined what healthcare should be. Prevention First isn’t just another medical practice – it’s a partnership in your health journey that puts you first.

The Power of Personalized, Preventive Care

Traditional medicine often operates on a reactive model: you get sick, then you seek treatment. Dr. Rabinowitz takes a fundamentally different approach. Through comprehensive physician physicals, detailed screenings, personalized counseling, and thorough testing, he develops a proactive plan designed specifically for you.

We do not offer one-size-fits-all medicine. Dr. Rabinowitz takes the time to explore your family history, current medical conditions, and lifestyle choices to gain a better understanding of your overall health. This comprehensive understanding enables him to tailor your individual healthcare needs and provide targeted solutions – whether that’s weight loss and nutritional counseling, customized exercise programs, smoking cessation support, or other tools specifically designed for your situation.

The Statistics Speak for Themselves: Why Concierge Medicine Delivers Superior Care

The differences between concierge medicine and traditional primary care are striking when you examine the data:

Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times:

  • Traditional primary care: Average wait time for new patient appointments is 20.6 days, with some studies showing it takes an average of 21 days to schedule a primary care visit
  • Concierge medicine: Doctors block time each day specifically for same-day or next-day acute care visits
  • Concierge practices typically see only four to six patients a day, allowing patients to make same-day appointments.

Appointment Length and Quality of Care:

  • Traditional primary care: Average visit length is 17.4 minutes, with the National Institutes of Health reporting the average primary care exam lasts 18 minutes
  • Traditional care: Annual physicals are often short and routine, lasting 20-30 minutes with standard tests
  • Concierge medicine: Offers extended appointment times, with the concierge system providing enhanced access to physicians and personalized care plans

Patient Access and Communication:

  • Traditional primary care: Patients typically wait 15 to 30 minutes before being seen, even after arriving for their appointment
  • Concierge medicine: Patients can schedule as many visits a week or month as they want and typically get access to their doctor
  • Concierge practices offer around-the-clock availability, ensuring health concerns are thoroughly addressed

Specialist Access:

  • Traditional healthcare: Among patients who didn’t make specialist appointments, 79% cited long waiting times as the reason
  • Concierge medicine: Established relationships with specialists help expedite testing and appointments, significantly reducing wait times

The Concierge Difference: More Than Just Healthcare

When you join Prevention First Healthcare, you’re not just getting a doctor – you’re getting a healthcare advocate who is genuinely invested in your wellbeing. The results speak for themselves: patients are hospitalized less frequently and require fewer medications. This translates into substantial savings on co-pays and prescription costs, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable.

But the benefits extend far beyond financial savings. Dr. Rabinowitz has created an upbeat, enlightening atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and at ease. You’ll never have to worry about something being overlooked in our ongoing effort to help you reach your personal best.

Convenience and Accessibility When You Need It Most

Prevention First Healthcare recognizes that health concerns don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why patients have access to their healthcare records online through a secure password system and, most importantly, a special cell phone number where they can reach a doctor 24 hours a day. This level of accessibility is virtually unheard of in traditional medical practices.

The practice also maintains relationships with specialists to help expedite testing and appointments, significantly reducing wait times and preventing potential lapses in diagnosis. When you need care, you get it – without the frustrating delays that can compromise your health.

Comprehensive Care When It Matters Most

While prevention is the primary focus, Dr. Rabinowitz understands that illness can still occur despite our best efforts. When diagnosis and immediate action are needed, Prevention First Healthcare strives to be there for patients every step of the way. Our patient care includes coordinating all aspects of care, from house calls to hospitalization if necessary. You’re never left to navigate the complex healthcare system alone.

Dr. Marc Rabinowitz: A Leader in Preventive Medicine

Dr. Marc Rabinowitz brings both exceptional credentials and genuine passion to Prevention First Healthcare. Growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, he always knew he wanted to be a doctor and worked tirelessly to master the skills needed to be among the best in his profession.

A Cum Laude graduate of LaSalle University, Dr. Rabinowitz received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Temple University, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha in 1986. He went on to serve as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the School before entering private practice in 1991.

Dr. Rabinowitz has become a nationally recognized healthcare professional, speaking frequently on the importance of preventive medicine and featured on CNN, MSNBC, NBC10, Action News, KYW News Radio, and in the Philadelphia Business Journal. His commitment to the medical community extends beyond his practice – he has served on the Medical Executive Committee and Board of Directors for Holy Redeemer Hospital, as well as the Board of Directors of the Patients and Physicians Alliance.

In 2008, he received his highest professional honor: being named one of America’s Top Physicians by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. While his proudest achievement will always be his children, Chloe and Dustin, Dr. Rabinowitz’s professional recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care.

A Vision Born from Patient Need

Dr. Rabinowitz founded Prevention First Healthcare because he believed his patients deserved more than a traditional practice could offer. They deserved more time with their doctor, more research into their specific medical needs, and a greater understanding of how to live a happier, healthier life.

This vision has created a practice that serves patients throughout Bucks County, PA, including those from Doylestown, Warrington, Warminster, Furlong, Ivyland, Jamison, Newtown, Richboro, Abington, Bryn Athyn, Trevose, Holland, Churchville, New Hope, Jenkintown, and Huntingdon Valley.

Your Health, Your Future

When you join Prevention First Healthcare, you’re making a statement that your healthcare needs are your top priority. You’re choosing a practice where prevention takes priority, where you’re treated as an individual rather than a number, and where your doctor is genuinely invested in helping you lead a healthy, fulfilling, and productive life for many years to come.

The choice is clear: you can continue with rushed appointments and reactive care, or you can invest in a healthcare partnership that prioritizes prevention. Your future self will thank you for making the right choice.

Ready to experience healthcare the way it should be?

Contact Prevention First Healthcare in Southampton, PA, and discover what it means to have a doctor who truly puts your health first. Because when it comes to your wellbeing, prevention isn’t just important – it’s everything.

Your Guide to a Healthy Summer

Summer Health: Your Guide to Staying Healthy During the Season

By Dr. Marc Rabinowitz, Prevention First Healthcare

As we embrace the warmer months throughout Bucks County, PA, summer brings unique health opportunities and challenges. As your concierge medicine doctor, I want to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to make this your healthiest summer yet.

Heat-Related Health: More Than Just Staying Cool

Recent medical research has highlighted the serious cardiovascular risks associated with extreme heat exposure. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that heat waves can increase heart attack risk by up to 37%. This is particularly concerning for patients with existing cardiovascular conditions.

My recommendations:

  • Stay hydrated with water, not sugary drinks
  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
  • Watch for early signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, or excessive fatigue
  • Consider adjusting medications that may increase heat sensitivity (consult with me first)

Skin Health: Beyond Basic Sunscreen

The American Academy of Dermatology recently updated their guidelines emphasizing that sunscreen should be just one part of a comprehensive skin protection strategy. New research shows that UV exposure accelerates cellular aging at a rate we previously underestimated.

Prevention First Healthcare advice:

  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every 2 hours
  • Seek shade and wear protective clothing
  • Consider a skin cancer screening if you haven’t had one recently
  • Remember that UV exposure occurs even on cloudy days

Seasonal Allergies: New Treatment Insights

Recent studies have shown that climate change is extending pollen seasons and increasing allergen concentrations. This means traditional allergy management strategies may need updating.

What’s new:

  • Nasal rinses with saline solution show remarkable effectiveness
  • Timing of allergy medications matters more than we realized
  • Air purifiers in bedrooms can significantly improve sleep quality during allergy season

Summer Food Safety: Critical Updates

Food-borne illnesses spike during summer months. The CDC reports that improper food handling at outdoor events causes thousands of preventable illnesses annually.

Key prevention strategies:

  • Keep cold foods below 40°F and hot foods above 140°F
  • Never leave perishables out for more than 2 hours (1 hour if temperature exceeds 90°F)
  • Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables
  • When in doubt, throw it out

Mental Health and Summer: The Hidden Connection

Contrary to popular belief, summer can trigger mental health challenges for some individuals. Recent psychiatric research identifies “summer depression” as a real condition affecting approximately 1% of the population.

Signs to watch for:

  • Decreased appetite during hot weather
  • Trouble sleeping due to longer daylight hours
  • Anxiety about body image or summer social activities
  • Feeling overwhelmed by increased social expectations

Hydration: The Science Behind Staying Healthy

New research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that chronic mild dehydration affects cognitive function more significantly than previously understood. This is especially relevant for our active summer lifestyles.

Optimal hydration strategy:

  • Drink water before you feel thirsty
  • Monitor urine color (pale yellow indicates good hydration)
  • Include electrolyte replacement for extended outdoor activities
  • Limit alcohol consumption, which accelerates dehydration

Exercise in Summer: Maximizing Benefits While Minimizing Risk

Recent sports medicine research shows that heat acclimatization takes 10-14 days. This means gradually increasing outdoor activity intensity is crucial for safe summer exercise.

Smart summer fitness:

  • Start outdoor activities earlier in the season to allow acclimatization
  • Choose morning or evening workout times
  • Listen to your body and rest when needed
  • Consider indoor alternatives during heat advisories

Travel Health: Post-Pandemic Considerations

With summer travel resuming, recent infectious disease data shows new patterns in travel-related illnesses. Additionally, disrupted healthcare routines during travel can affect chronic condition management.

Travel preparation checklist:

  • Ensure all routine medications are filled with extra supplies
  • Research healthcare facilities at your destination
  • Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies
  • Pack a comprehensive first aid kit

Community Health: Southampton and Bucks County Specific

There are reports of increased cases of tick-borne illnesses this summer. Additionally, air quality alerts are becoming more frequent due to climate patterns.

Local prevention focus:

  • Perform daily tick checks after outdoor activities
  • Use EPA-approved insect repellents
  • Monitor air quality indexes, especially if you have respiratory conditions
  • Take advantage of early morning hours for outdoor exercise when air quality is typically better

The Prevention First Approach to Summer Health

Remember, the best treatment is prevention. This summer, focus on:

  1. Proactive health monitoring – Don’t wait for symptoms to appear
  2. Consistent healthy habits – Maintain your routine even during vacation
  3. Regular communication – Keep me updated on any health changes or concerns
  4. Preventive care – Use this season to catch up on recommended screenings

When to Contact Your Concierge Doctor

Summer health issues can escalate quickly. Contact me immediately if you experience:

  • Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Persistent digestive issues after outdoor dining
  • Any unusual symptoms during travel
  • Concerns about existing medical conditions in hot weather

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Fall Health

As we enjoy summer, it’s also time to think about fall health preparation. September is an ideal time for:

  • Annual physical exams
  • Flu and other vaccinations
  • Routine screenings that may have been postponed
  • Medication reviews before seasonal changes

Dr. Marc Rabinowitz is a board-certified physician specializing in concierge medicine and preventive healthcare in Southampton, PA. For more information about Prevention First Healthcare or to schedule your consultation, visit 215prevent.com or call our office.

Remember: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Taking Aspirin?

Are you over 70 years old and taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack?  The latest studies from the New England Journal of Medicine provides new information to discuss with your doctor.  There may not be a benefit to taking aspirin as a preventative measure if you are healthy and over 70.

Maybe You Should See the Doctor?

Even after a week, that nagging cough won’t go away. “Maybe you should see the doctor,” your spouse suggests. The doctor? For a cough? And some sniffling? And an achy throat?

Alright, it’s time to call the doctor. You call….and get a busy signal…again and again. Finally the phone rings and it’s answered…by a machine. When they do call back, there is no opening for 5 days.
The healthcare landscape is changing and it affects us all. Every day, 10,000 people turn 65, further increasing the demands on an already stretched system. Plus, fewer doctors are entering internal medicine. This unfortunately results in longer times in waiting rooms and less time with the doctor.
This is why I created Prevention First Healthcare. Because patients deserve more–more time with their doctor, more research into their specific medical needs and more knowledge on how to live a healthier life. Our mission is not only to get you well, but to keep you well. We do this in many different ways, most importantly providing immediate access to a doctor 24 hours a day. All of my patients receive a special phone number which is answered by a live receptionist during office hours, plus my personal cell phone number for emergencies after hours. And it is our goal to make sure you are seen within one day of your call, if not sooner.
Every patient receives a comprehensive 90-minute physical evaluating every aspect of health and well-being. Through screenings, counseling and testing, we develop a proactive health and wellness plan. By exploring family histories, medical conditions and lifestyle choices, we map out your needs and provide specific remedies such as weight loss and nutritional counseling, exercise programs, smoking cessation and other tools, all tailored to you. All subsequent appointments with me last 30 minutes or longer, ensuring you are receiving the best possible treatment and all of your questions are answered.
Need testing or an appointment with a specialist? Not a problem. Before you leave the office, a member of our staff will schedule your appointment for you, dramatically reducing your wait time and any possible delay in diagnosis.
And in cases where an illness is diagnosed and action is needed, Prevention First Healthcare strives to be there every step of the way, coordinating everything from house calls to hospitalization, if necessary.
Best of all, I am ready to see you as soon as you arrive. We certainly realize your time is just as valuable as ours so we strive to make sure we always stay on schedule.

SaveSave

Bucks County senior medical practice

Three Little Words Can Do More Harm Than Good

There is a certain comfort that comes with the words “I feel fine.” The phrase provides a security blanket that assures us that if we are not feeling certain symptoms, we are “safe” for the time being. And if I am feeling fine, why do I need to see a doctor? I am not looking for trouble.

Truth be told, if you don’t see a doctor annually, you may not be looking for trouble, but trouble has a good chance of finding you.
We are taught as parents that one of our primary responsibilities is to make sure our children receive annual examinations and the necessary vaccinations. We spend thousands of dollars to take our pets to the vet and our cars to the dealership for regular oil changes and maintenance checks. And yet, as we get older, we forget that this proactive care is so essential when it comes to our own well-being.
What changes when we become adults? Well, for starters, many of us start leading much more sedentary lifestyles, with little to no exercise and absolutely zero regard to what we are eating between work and shuffling our kids to school, dance recitals, and soccer practice. The results are downright fearful with two-thirds of our population overweight, and one in every three people suffering with some form of diabetes. The onset of chronic illness such as heart disease and cancer runs rampant as our age increases, leading to 70% of all deaths. Snore at night? That heavy breathing should not be taken lightly—it may be a sign of sleep apnea, which could increase your chance of a stroke by 30%.
The fact is NOW MORE THAN EVER you need to see a doctor regularly, even when you think you are on top of your game. When was the last time you had an annual physical examination? For most of us, it was a lot longer than a year ago. And when we say a physical, we mean much more than blood work and an EKG. An adult patient deserves an adult evaluation.
-A comprehensive review of your family history, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins, to determine which ailments and illnesses run through your family tree.
-A lifestyle evaluation, reviewing your daily diet and level of activity. We examine everything from how many steps you take in a day to the number of fruits and vegetables you consume (or in most cases, don’t consume).
-An Epworth sleep evaluation to screen for sleep apnea and identify any needs for treatment.
-A mini mental evaluation which will explore the potential for memory loss and a Zung depression analysis, which will screen for any undiagnosed depression.
-An extensive review of your occupational history where we look at all of your work settings and determine the need for any specific health screenings as a result of your job(s). If we do locate a form of illness or cancer, it is far more treatable in its earlier stages.
-Lastly, a comprehensive exam while undressed which includes necessary rectal exams, prostate exams for men, and breast exams for women.
Is the annual exam a pleasant experience? I doubt it will ever top of the list of your favorite activities. However, by taking the time to have yourself checked out regularly, you can assure yourself that you will be able to continue to enjoy your favorite activities. From this exam, we put together a wellness program to make sure you feel fine for a long to come.

You don’t wait until your car breaks down before you get the oil changed. Why would you wait for your body to break down before you go to the doctor? By seeing a doctor on an annual basis, you not only add years to your life, but most importantly, you add life to your years.

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month

Heart Month is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and cardiovascular diseases.

Learn more about heart disease and its risk factors.

Heart Disease in the United States

  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.1
  • One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease.1
  • About 695,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2021—that’s 1 in every 5 deaths.1,2
  • Heart disease cost the United States about $239.9 billion each year from 2018 to 2019.3 This includes the cost of health care services, medicines, and lost productivity due to death.  (https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm)

Are You Heart Smart?

What to Know for a Healthier Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths is due to heart disease, even though the disease is largely preventable.[1]

Keeping your heart healthy starts with living a heart-healthy lifestyle. But first, you need to get smart about your heart. Knowing what causes heart disease, what puts you at risk for it, and how you can reduce those risks can help you make informed decisions to protect your heart and keep it strong.

Want to test your knowledge? Take this short Heart Smart Quiz:

Heart Smart Quiz

  1. True or False? High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and occurs when your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
  2. True or False? Your body mass index, or BMI, shows if your weight is in a healthy range for your height and is one measure of your future risk for heart disease.
  3. True or False? Cholesterol helps make hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help you digest foods. Your body needs it for good health, but in the right amounts.
  4. True or False? Eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, using fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and limiting foods high in saturated fat or sugar-sweetened beverages are all part of a heart-healthy diet.
  5. True or False? Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.
  6. True or False? To strengthen their heart, adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking each week.

Answer Key: All answers are True.

How did you do? Knowing your own risk factors for heart disease can help guide your lifestyle choices, so talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you’re clear. Just as important: know your numbers. Your weight, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels all affect your heart. If they aren’t where they should be, make a pledge to begin improving them.

Adding more physical activity to your day, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough quality sleep, and not smoking can put you on the path to better heart health.

Learn more about heart disease prevention from The Heart Truth® at www.hearttruth.gov and download the Heart Smart Basics fact sheet to improve your knowledge about heart health.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

An Apple A Day Won’t Make Me Go Away

With medical care becoming overly frustrating for most Americans, new medical recommendations coming out practically every month so it seems and the busy, crazy lives all of us lead, I do my best to simplify the complicated for my patients.

Do I recommend an apple a day?  Sure.
Should I tell you to eat bread every day like Oprah to lose weight?  Um.  This one we should tackle when you come in for a visit or call.

Obviously, there is so much more to patient care.
Take for example the most recent study by the National Institutes of Health.  A study was released finding that the systolic blood pressure once defined for high blood pressure as 140 is now being recommended and lowered to 120. What I do with my preventative and personalized care medical practice is listen to my patients and their concerns.   When they read about the blood pressure study and call me to be seen, I listen, take their blood pressure and make recommendations based upon the findings.

I always take blood pressure readings both sitting and lying down and also when my patient is standing up.  I look for Orthostatic Hypotension — also called Postural Hypotension —a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. Orthostatic Hypotension can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and maybe even faint.

What do we do when we find there is high blood pressure?
There are 3 steps every American can take to diminish their risk for high blood pressure, which is prominent in 1/3rd of the population over the age of 50.

Weight Management
When you bear more weight on your body, more blood has to be pumped throughout your system.  This puts great stress on your heart.  Watching your weight is very important to your overall health; something we promote very strongly in our preventative and personalized medicine practice.  Eat healthy, exercise regularly and reduce your caloric intake.

Salt
Be conscious of your salt intake.  I usually recommend for the average patient to keep your salt intake no higher than 4,000mg per day, if not closer to 3,000.  Salt increases fluid in your body and bloodstream and causes blood pressure to rise.  Read food labels and try to be aware when you eat out how much salt is in your food.  If you have a weak heart, restrict your diet to 2,000mg/day of salt.  If you have good kidneys, light salt is another option.  Light salt contains a percentage of potassium which counteracts the effects of salt.

Medication
Prescription medication has proven to help those with high blood pressure.  But prescriptions also cause some uncomfortable side effects.  Speak with your prescribing doctor if you have any side effects from blood pressure meds.  There are many options out there, so an adjustment may be necessary.

If you take prescribed medications to help with your blood pressure, patient compliance is crucial.  Take your medicine the same time every day and do not miss a dose.  Pack it with you on vacation and store your medication in a cool, dry location, out of the reach of young children.

What is the best solution to high blood pressure?  Being seen regularly by an accessible and knowledgeable doctor concerned with your overall health and wellness would be my number one prescription… Along with the Apple a Day Keeping the Doctor Away!

The world of healthcare may be rapidly changing for many, but hundreds who choose to put prevention first are clearly adding years to their life and life to their years. Why don’t you join them today? To schedule your FREE consultation, call 215.PREVENT (215-773-8368) or visit www.215prevent.com.

Dr. Marc S. Rabinowitz
Prevention First Healthcare

The Doctor is Ready for You…Or is He

Even after a week, that nagging cough won’t go away. “Maybe you should see the doctor,” your spouse suggests. The doctor?  For a cough? And some sniffling? And an achy throat?  Alright, it’s time to call the doctor. You call …and get a busy signal …again and again. Finally the phone rings and it’s answered …by a machine. When they do call back, there is no opening for five days.

The healthcare landscape is changing and it is affecting all of us. Every day, 10,000 people turn 65, further increasing the demands on an already stretched system. Plus, fewer doctors are entering internal medicine. This unfortunately results in longer times in waiting rooms and less time with the doctor.

This is why I created Prevention First Healthcare. Because patients deserve more—more time with their doctors, more research into their specific medical needs and more knowledge on how to live a healthier life. Our mission is not only to get you well, but to keep you well. We do this in many different ways, most importantly providing immediate access to a doctor 24 hours a day. All of my patients receive a special phone number which is answered by a live receptionist during office hours, plus my personal cell phone number for emergencies after hours. And it is our goal to make sure you are seen within one day of your call, if not sooner.

Every patient receives a comprehensive 90-minute physical evaluating every aspect of health and well-being. Through screenings, counseling and testing, we develop a proactive health and wellness plan. By exploring family histories, medical conditions and lifestyle choices, we map out your needs and provide specific remedies such as weight loss and nutritional counseling, exercise programs, smoking cessation and other tools, all tailored to you. All subsequent appointments with me last 30 minutes or longer, ensuring you are receiving the best possible treatment and all of your questions are answered.

Need testing or an appointment with a specialist?  Not a problem.  Before you leave the office, a member of our staff will schedule your appointment for you, dramatically reducing your wait time and any possible delay in diagnosis.

And in cases where an illness is diagnosed and action is needed, Prevention First strives to be there every step of the way, coordinating everything from house calls to hospitalization if necessary.

Best of all, I am ready to see you as soon as you arrive. We certainly realize your time is just as valuable as ours so we strive to make sure we always stay on schedule.

For less than $4 a day, which may be tax deductible or reimbursable through a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, you can make an invaluable investment in a healthy future. With many studies indicating that personalized concierge medicine reduces hospitalization and costs of medication, joining Prevention First could actually save you significant money.

Isn’t it time you make yourself a priority? I invite you to join the hundreds of people who have added years to their lives and life to their years by putting PREVENTION FIRST.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, call 215.PREVENT(215.773.8368) or visit www.215prevent.com.

Three Little Words That Can Do More Harm Than Good

There is a certain comfort that comes with the words “I feel fine.” The phrase provides a security blanket that assures us that if we are not feeling certain symptoms, we are “safe” for the time being. And if I am feeling fine, why do I need to see a doctor? I am not looking for trouble.
Truth be told, if you don’t see a doctor annually, you may not be looking for trouble, but trouble has a good chance of finding you.

We are taught as parents that one of our primary responsibilities is to make sure our children receive annual examinations and the necessary vaccinations. We spend thousands of dollars to take our pets to the vet and our cars to the dealership for regular oil changes and maintenance checks. And yet, as we get older, we forget that this proactive care is so essential when it comes to our own well-being.

What changes when we become adults? Well, for starters, many of us start leading much more sedentary lifestyles, with little to no exercise and absolutely zero regard to what we are eating between work and shuffling our kids to school, dance recitals, and soccer practice. The results are downright fearful with two-thirds of our population overweight, and one in every three people suffering with some form of diabetes. The onset of chronic illness such as heart disease and cancer runs rampant as our age increases, leading to 70% of all deaths. Snore at night? That heavy breathing should not be taken lightly—it may be a sign of sleep apnea, which could increase your chance of a stroke by 30%.

The fact is NOW MORE THAN EVER you need to see a doctor regularly, even when you think you are on top of your game. When was the last time you had an annual physical examination? For most of us, it was a lot longer than a year ago. And when we say a physical, we mean much more than blood work and an EKG. An adult patient deserves an adult evaluation. This includes:

  • A comprehensive review of your family history, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins, to determine which ailments and illnesses run through your family tree.
  • A lifestyle evaluation, reviewing your daily diet and level of activity. We examine everything from how many steps you take in a day to the number of fruits and vegetables you consume (or in most cases, don’t consume).
  • An Epworth sleep evaluation to screen for sleep apnea and identify any needs for treatment.
  • A mini mental evaluation which will explore the potential for memory loss and a Zung depression analysis, which will screen for any undiagnosed depression.
  • An extensive review of your occupational history where we look at all of your work settings and determine the need for any specific health screenings as a result of your job(s). If we do locate a form of illness or cancer, it is far more treatable in its earlier stages.
  • Lastly, a comprehensive exam while undressed which includes necessary rectal exams, prostate exams for men, and breast exams for women.

Is the annual exam a pleasant experience? I doubt it will ever top of the list of your favorite activities. However, by taking the time to have yourself checked out regularly, you can assure yourself that you will be able to continue to enjoy your favorite activities. From this exam, we put together a wellness program to make sure you feel fine for a long to come.

You don’t wait until your car breaks down before you get the oil changed. Why would you wait for your body to break down before you go to the doctor? By seeing a doctor on an annual basis, you not only add years to your life, but most importantly, you add life to your years.

A Number With The Power To Save Your Life

In a world of super-sizing and excessive indulgence, the term “Body Mass Index” can sound like a real bummer. But this simple number is much clearer than a crystal ball when it comes to seeing your future.

Your body mass index is easy to compute; take your weight and divide it by your height (in inches) squared, then multiply that number by 703. Remember that 1 foot = 12 inches. Let’s say that you are 5 foot 9 and weigh 165 pounds. Your BMI would be 165 divided by 69 x 69 (4761) x 703, equaling 24.4.
Ideally, we determine a normal body mass index at 25. Anything over 25 is labeled as overweight and anything over 30 is classified as obese. If your body mass index is over 25, you are not alone. Two out of every three Americans is labeled overweight. The scary thing is that studies have proven that for every five points you accrue above 25, you could be shortening your life by two years. Obesity can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and it is the number one leading factor when it comes to contracting chronic illnesses, such as heart attacks, sleep apnea, strokes, certain cancers and diabetes. A six foot, 300 pound man could be shortening his life span by 8-10 years if he does not change his habits.

John is the perfect example of this. A patient of mine for many years, I watched as he packed on the excess weight, eventually carrying many more pounds than he should. As expected, with the excess weight came the arrival of sleep apnea, swollen legs, high cholesterol, and continuous fatigue preventing him from completing everyday activities. John identified the issue and put prevention first. How? We started with nutritional counseling. This is not dieting; this is not deprivation; it’s healthy eating, It involves figuring out delicious heart-smart substitutions for his favorite foods and correcting portion sizes. Then, we taught him simple, easy steps to increase his everyday activity—for example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking at the end of the lot. John hates exercise, but by following these tips, he was getting fit without even knowing it.

Just by making simple changes in his diet and his life, John lost 50 pounds over an eight-month period. His sleep apnea improved significantly, meaning better sleeping patterns and less fatigue. His cholesterol went down, meaning no more expensive medications. His legs are no longer swollen and he feels as though he can accomplish so much more in a day than ever before. Naturally, both he and his wife are overjoyed at the difference in his quality of life.

The result is wonderful, but not at all surprising. I recently returned from a conference on personalized preventative healthcare presented by the National Institutes of Health. Through many extensive studies, the NIH concluded that while genetics will always play a role in the onset of chronic illness, obesity plays a huge factor as well. Furthermore, they have found that exercise and healthy eating have proven to be just as effective as expensive medications, if not more so, in battling diseases such as diabetes. While those who have stock in the pharmaceutical companies may not find this news so enlightening, it certainly reinforces those who invest in their own healthy lifestyles.

Try it for yourself. Start by cutting out sugary sodas and lattes, many of which can pack 200 calories or more on your daily diet. Also, walk an extra 500 steps a day. Just by following these two tips daily, you should see a positive result in a matter of weeks.

My practice, Prevention First Healthcare, offers exercise and nutritional counseling to all of our patients. We also provide healthy treats, including whole grain muffins and dark chocolate, and information on how to shop heart-healthy. By fostering healthy lifestyles, we have found that people look at healthcare more as a pleasure and not a chore. Our practice is geared around proactive care to ensure a longer, better life, all for less than your average monthly cable bill. It may sound too good to be true, but I can assure you that John and many of our other patients can attest to the power of putting prevention first.