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Why Lifelong Statin Therapy Is Essential for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Understanding Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Why You Need to Stay on Your Statin If you have familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), you may be wondering whether you can stop taking your statin medication now that your cholesterol levels have improved. This is a common question, but the answer is clear: continuing your statin therapy is essential for your long-term health , even when your cholesterol numbers look good. What Makes Familial Hypercholesterolemia Different Familia
Maryal Concepcion
Apr 94 min read


Understanding and Managing Constipation: A Patient Guide
Educational purposes only. Please contact your doctor if you have questions about your symptoms or care. What Is Constipation? Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements per week. You may also notice hard stools, straining, a feeling that you can't fully empty your bowels, or needing to use your fingers to help pass stool. When these symptoms have been present for at least six months, it's considered chronic constipation. If this sounds familiar, you're not al
Maryal Concepcion
Mar 273 min read
Taking a Break from Your Bone Medicine: What Is a Drug Holiday and Is It Right for You?
BONE HEALTH EDUCATION A Plain-Language Guide to Bisphosphonate Drug Holidays If you have been taking alendronate (Fosamax) or another bisphosphonate medication for your bones, your doctor may eventually suggest something that sounds a little surprising: stopping the medication for a while. This planned pause is called a "drug holiday," and it is actually a well-established, science-backed approach recommended by major medical organizations. But like any medical decision, it
Maryal Concepcion
Mar 125 min read
Should You Take a Break from Your Osteoporosis Medication? Understanding Bisphosphonate Drug Holidays
NOTE: This is for educational purposes and this is not medical advice. If you or a loved one has been taking bisphosphonate medications like alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), or zoledronic acid (Reclast) for osteoporosis, you may have heard about something called a "drug holiday." This might sound confusing—why would you stop taking a medication that's helping your bones? Let's break down what drug holidays are, why doctors recommend them, and what the pros and co
Maryal Concepcion
Mar 125 min read


Public Health for All and the 2025–2026 Vaccine Guidelines for Californians
Why This Matters Public health might sound complicated, but it really comes down to one thing: keeping people healthy . When fewer people...
Maryal Concepcion
Sep 19, 20253 min read


Stay Protected This Season: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines
Cold and Flu Season SIGN UP FOR A BIG TREES MD COMMUNITY CLINIC HERE ! Every year, flu season comes back around, and the best way to...
Maryal Concepcion
Sep 17, 20252 min read


Hacking the Insurance Blockade: How to Get Your Meds Approved Faster
Hacking the Insurance Blockade: How to Get Your Meds Approved Faster
Maryal Concepcion
Sep 11, 20253 min read


Scar Management for Children: What Are the Options?
Scars can form after injuries, cuts, or surgery and can be particularly noticeable at times. There are several ways to help scars heal...
Maryal Concepcion
Aug 29, 20254 min read


Why Vaccinations Are Essential for People with Diabetes and Obesity
Glucometer to check blood sugar levels If you have diabetes or obesity, staying up to date with vaccinations is an important part of...
Maryal Concepcion
Apr 3, 20252 min read


Can PEMF Therapy Help Your Heart? A Look at the Science
Blood Pressure Check If you or a loved one has high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), or a family history...
Maryal Concepcion
Mar 27, 20254 min read


Measles Immunization Guidance for Adult Patients
Measles. Recent increases in measles cases have prompted numerous inquiries from adult patients regarding the necessity of MMR booster...
Maryal Concepcion
Mar 13, 20253 min read


Say Goodbye to Stinky Feet: How to Treat and Prevent Bromodosis
Fight smelly feet!
Maryal Concepcion
Feb 1, 20252 min read


Aging Gracefully (Even When Your Gut Isn't): A Guide to Constipation in Seniors
Let's face it, growing older comes with its own set of challenges. While we celebrate the wisdom and experience that come with age, there...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20252 min read


LDL Particle Size: Why It Matters and How to Take Action for Your Heart Health
When it comes to cholesterol, not all LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is created equal. While LDL is often labeled as "bad cholesterol,"...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20253 min read


LDL Cholesterol: What You Should Know for Heart Health
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C, often called "bad cholesterol," plays a central role in heart health. While your body...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20253 min read


Lifestyle Medicine: Intermittent Fasting
Is Fasting for More Than 14 Hours Too Long? Intermittent fasting (IF) is gaining popularity for its potential health benefits, including...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20252 min read


How Fiber Fuels Your Heart Health
When you think of keeping your heart healthy, fiber might not be the first thing that pops into your head. But trust me, fiber is like...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20252 min read


Managing High Cholesterol
Simple Lifestyle Tips for a Healthier Heart Worried about high cholesterol? Don't stress—making a few changes in your daily routine can...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20252 min read


Why Vitamin D Is So Important for Your Health
Vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin" because our bodies can make it when sunlight hits our skin. But its benefits go way...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20252 min read


Choosing Between Home and Lab Sleep Studies: What You Need to Know
If you suspect you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your doctor might recommend a sleep study. But should you do...
Maryal Concepcion
Jan 16, 20252 min read
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