April is the month of change and growth – spring brings about new beginnings and so does Autism Awareness Month. By shedding light on this developmental disorder, we have the opportunity to educate ourselves and society as a whole. Not only will we learn about the characteristics and challenges of individuals on the spectrum, but we can also celebrate their unique abilities and talents. This month is a time to spread understanding and acceptance, but also a time to recognize the importance of inclusion and support for individuals with autism. Let’s make April a month of compassion, advocacy, a ..read more

Alcohol poisoning is a very real and dangerous medical condition that can occur when someone drinks too much alcohol in a short period of time. It can happen to anyone, but it’s most common in young adults between the ages of 18 and 34. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, a festive day commonly known for bar hopping and sipping on green beer, so now is the time to arm yourself with knowledge about alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia (low body temperature), and Pale skin or bluish lips. If you or someone you know is s ..read more

 There is an alarming prevalence of teen dating violence in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adolescents experience physical or sexual abuse from a partner. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the warning signs, or how to talk with their children about these issues. As parents, it’s important to be aware of the risks and know what to do if you think that your child may be in a dangerous situation. Signs of Abuse It can be difficult to recognize signs of abuse in a teen relationship because teens often don’t want their pare ..read more

The health of African Americans is a crucial but often overlooked part of public health. While strides have been made to improve the health disparities between different races, there are still ways that African Americans can take charge of their own health and well-being. Here is a look at some of the issues facing African Americans today and how they can work to improve their health. Health Disparities African Americans are more likely than whites to suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. In addition, they have higher rates of infant mortality and ..read more

American Diabetes Month is all about educating the American people about how small changes in diet and exercise can make a big difference with prediabetes and diabetes. We at Our Family Direct Primary Care hope to be a resource for diabetes management. Keep reading for our advice this American Diabetes Month. Risk factors Having prediabetes Being overweight or obese Being 45 or older Having high blood pressure Being a person of color Managing Diabetes Skip fad diets. Fad diets are diets that are not backed by science and become popular due to their ability to make you lose weight rapidly. T ..read more

Declared in October 2006, National Bullying Prevention Month is designed to raise awareness about the effects of bullying on children and families. Bullying harms a child’s self-esteem and can lead to poor attendance and increased anxiety and depression. Bullying takes many forms and can include name-calling, harassment, physical assault, threats, intimidation, and exclusion from social groups. Cyberbullying in particular has become more prevalent with children’s increased exposure to technology and social media.  When parents and caretakers respond quickly to bullying, they send the mess ..read more

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance that is found in animal products such as eggs and meat. Contrary to popular belief, not all cholesterol is bad. In fact, your body needs some to make hormones, vitamin D, and digest foods. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) move cholesterol in the body. HDL is good cholesterol, and LDL is bad cholesterol. The function of HDL is to keep LDL from sticking to artery walls. However, if you have too much cholesterol, it can form plaque in your blood. Plaque sticks to the walls of your arteries and can cause a buildup ..read more

Sarcoma is a rarer form of cancer that is often difficult to discover right away. This is because tumors are commonly hidden deep within the body, and they can go unnoticed for long periods of time. This cancer is found in the bones and the connective tissues of the body such as fat and muscle.  Sarcoma is rarely found in adults, making up only 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses. This cancer is more commonly found in children. It makes up 20% of all childhood cancers. Although there isn’t a clear cause, family history and exposure to chemicals or radiation may increase the likelihood of dev ..read more

This month we want to bring awareness to skin cancer and what you can do to prevent and detect possible skin cancer/melanoma.  Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, affecting every 1 in 5 adults by the age of 70.  Not all skin cancer is the same. Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. Other common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas which usually form where the skin is most vulnerable to sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and head.  Risk Factors Lighter natural skin color Light eyes Blonde or red hair Sk ..read more