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.

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.

The holiday season is a busy time of year, marked with social gatherings and travel plans that keep people on the move. It’s also a time when respiratory viruses like COVID-19, the flu and RSV tend to surge. Whether you're visiting loved ones or finally getting to enjoy a much-needed beach vacation, don’t let illness ruin the holiday season. 

To stay healthy during this time of year, consider taking a few precautionary measures. Reyn Higa, MD a Family Medicine physician with Dignity Health Urgent Care in Northridge, shares tips to stay healthy during the holiday season.

Summer is officially here and the rising temperatures, coupled with outdoor activities and longer days, can quickly leave us feeling depleted and even ill if we don’t drink enough water.

Thankfully, maintaining optimal hydration doesn't have to be a daunting task. Monica Tolentino Gianni, DNP, a family medicine provider with Dignity Health Medical Group — Inland Empire, shares essential tips for staying hydrated during the summer months, helping you make the most of the sunny season while staying safe and refreshed.