Lifelong wellness depends on effective health management. A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a key element in keeping you healthy. Think of a PCP as a personal coach who knows your individual health needs, keeps you up to date with exams and screenings, and coordinates with specialists if you need additional care.  

“Having a Primary Care Provider is important to managing your overall health and practicing disease prevention,” says Samantha Gove, FNP-C, a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group. “Primary Care Providers can also help by providing referrals to dedicated specialty practices if needed.” 

The holidays bring more indoor gatherings and increased travels, which means viruses tend to spread more easily. If you’re gearing up to travel or anticipating spending time with friends and family, there’s still time to get your vaccines.

Getting enough sleep is critical for overall well-being, especially for children and young adults as their bodies continue to grow. Sheetal Sran, MD a pediatrician with Dignity Health Woodland Clinic, shares helpful tips for parents as they navigate their child’s sleep routine.

Stress affects every facet of our lives and can have a profound impact on our long-term health. It’s important to find healthy ways to cope with stress for our overall well being.

Maybelle Ursales, MD and Alexis Lyon-Claus, LMFT, a behavioral health clinician with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group share the signs and consequences that stress can have on our physical and mental health, in addition to effective tips for stress management in our everyday lives.

Despite being a natural stage in a woman’s life, there are many misconceptions about menopause. Lisbeth Chang, MD, an OB/GYN with Dignity Health Medical Group — Northridge, debunks common menopause myths below.