The Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) has recognized Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group and Woodland Clinic Medical Group for providing high-quality care to Medicare Advantage patients in California. The IHA is a statewide nonprofit group committed to high-value care that improves quality and affordability for patients across the nation.

January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, and according to the American Thyroid Association, more than 20 million Americans have a form of thyroid disease. As we continue to explore goals for health and wellness in the new year, this post will highlight the importance of thyroid health and management, as well as debunk common myths about thyroid-related diseases.

January marks the start of a new year, a time often synonymous with prioritizing health and wellness. For women, this means scheduling an annual visit and routine screening at the gynecologist to support reproductive health.

January is also Cervical Health Awareness Month. Every year, more than 12,000 Americans are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer was once considered the leading cause of death among women in the United States, but today is considered highly preventable and treatable due to vaccination and early detection from routine testing.

Many people mark the first day of January as a new beginning and a chance to reset bad habits. After a busy holiday season, Christopher Swales, MD, a family medicine physician with Dignity Health Woodland Clinic, shares how to jumpstart your health and wellness, and build better self-care habits in the new year.