Category Archives: Health & Wellness
Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett Featured on Good Day DC to Discuss Flu and Cold Prevention
Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett Featured on Good Day DC to Discuss Flu and Cold Prevention
Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett from MPCP’s Bowie office joined Fox 5 DC to share expert tips to avoid cold and flu this fall—just in time for the holidays!
Catch the full segment from Good Day DC with Steven Chenevey and learn how simple lifestyle changes and proactive health habits can keep you feeling your best all season long.
Watch here: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1547202
Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes
Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting around 38 million Americans, with 90-95% of them having Type II diabetes. When blood sugar, or glucose, is too high, it can lead to serious health complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and can even increase the risk for certain cancers. The good news? With the right steps, you can lower your risk and manage diabetes to live a healthier, more vibrant life.
Lifestyle Interventions Can Help with Diabetes Prevention
Unfortunately, the number of Americans with Type II diabetes is growing – as is the number of Americans with prediabetes. Prediabetes is defined as having elevated blood sugar, before reaching the levels needed for Type II diabetes.
About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes, yet over 80% aren’t aware. Without action, many could develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, it is possible to prevent progression or even reverse prediabetes through simple lifestyle interventions like a well-balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Ask your MPCP physician if you’re at risk for diabetes or prediabetes, and learn steps to protect your health.
Know the Symptoms
Regular screening is key, especially if you have risk factors for Type II diabetes. Early detection can make all the difference. Knowing the symptoms can help you know when you should request screening or speak with your physician:
- Increased Thirst
- Frequent Urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred Vision
Risk Factors You Should Know
While some risk factors can’t be changed, others are within your control. Major risk factors include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- Family history of diabetes
If you have one or more of these risk factors, consider talking to your MPCP physician about screening options and lifestyle adjustments.
Take Action to Lower Your Risk
- Choose a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables. Limit sugary and processed foods to help keep blood sugar stable.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Regular activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports healthy blood sugar levels and supports your overall wellness.
Keep Up with Screenings: Regular check-ups can catch changes early. If you’re at risk, ask your MPCP physician about scheduling a diabetes screening.
For Those Managing Type II Diabetes—Small Changes, Big Impact
If you’re managing diabetes, daily habits are crucial. Here are a few tips to stay on track:
- Monitor Blood Sugar: Regular checks help you understand how food, activity, and medications impact your levels.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress affects blood sugar. Try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies to reduce stress.
Check Your Feet: Diabetes can cause circulation issues, particularly in the feet. Inspect your feet daily to catch potential issues early.
Ask Your MPCP Physician
Concerned about your risk of developing Type II diabetes or need guidance on managing it? Your MPCP physician can help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals.
Take control this Diabetes Awareness Month—get in touch to connect with your MPCP provider for support and guidance to protect your health and live well with diabetes.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Let’s Talk About Early Detection
October is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, supporting those affected by breast cancer, and encouraging regular screenings for early detection.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, affecting one in eight women in their lifetime. Did you know men can develop breast cancer, too?
Everyone—regardless of gender—should know their risk factors and talk to their MPCP provider if they notice any unusual changes.
Who’s At Risk of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer risk is influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from age and genetics to lifestyle choices. Understanding these risk factors can help make informed health decisions and engage in preventive care.
- Age: Especially for women over 50.
- Family History: Includes genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Breast Tissue Density: Dense breast tissue can be a contributing factor.
- Reproductive History: Early menstruation, having children later in life, or not having children.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, carrying excess weight, and lack of physical activity.
Regular Mammograms and Screenings Matter
Regular screenings are the best way to catch breast cancer early—before it has a chance to spread and when it’s most treatable. Experts recommend starting annual mammograms at age 40.
Mammograms can detect small changes in breast tissue long before symptoms appear, giving you more treatment options and a better chance of successful outcomes.
Can Men Be Affected by Breast Cancer?
While breast cancer in men is rare, it’s still something to keep in mind. Men with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic conditions should talk to their MPCP provider about their risk and whether screening makes sense for them.
Make Breast Health a Priority
This month, take a moment to prioritize your health or remind someone you care about to do the same. If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule your screening today. Early detection saves lives. Have concerns or questions about your risk factors? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your MPCP provider.
Dementia Prevention: It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Start
More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, a figure expected to nearly triple by 2050, with 10 million new cases each year. Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older adults globally. It can be overwhelming for patients, families, and caregivers, with significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts.
While dementia isn’t fully preventable, addressing modifiable risk factors early and continuing throughout life can reduce the likelihood of developing it. Research suggests that around 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by managing these risk factors. The good news? It’s never too early or too late to make these changes.
Proactive Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia
Dementia isn’t just a concern for older adults. Risk factors accumulate across your lifetime. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and even social isolation starting in childhood can contribute to cognitive decline later in life. However, taking steps to reduce these risks at any age—from your 20s to 70s—can still make a meaningful difference.
No single behavior guarantees dementia prevention, but proactive changes can lower your risk. Here are several evidence-backed ways to support your brain health:
- Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise promotes blood flow to the brain and supports overall brain health.
- Maintain Heart Health: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in check, as hypertension and diabetes increase dementia risk.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing oxygen to the brain. Quitting at any age can benefit brain health.
- Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like those in fish, nuts, and olive oil) protects the brain.
- Get Regular Hearing Checkups: Hearing loss increases dementia risk. Protect your hearing and seek treatment if needed.
- Get Your Vision Checked: Vision loss is associated with increased dementia risk. Vision-correcting measures like eyeglasses, contacts, and cataract surgery can help prevent vision loss.
- Stay Socially Engaged: Social connection help prevent cognitive decline. Join activities, spend time with loved ones, or try new hobbies.
Prevention at Any Age
Starting these healthy habits early is ideal, but taking action at any age can benefit brain health. Younger adults can focus on building lifelong habits such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management. Midlife is a crucial time to address heart health, quit smoking, and stay engaged socially and mentally. Keeping your mind active through reading, puzzles, and social interaction can slow cognitive decline for older adults.
Take Control of Your Health
In addition to reducing your risk of dementia, these healthy habits can improve your overall health, lowering your risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding dementia, which often leads to stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis and care. If you’re concerned about your risk for dementia or want to learn more about how to protect your brain health, starting a conversation with your MPCP provider is a great first step. We’re here to help you navigate these concerns.
Dr. Rahman joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians in 2024, and sees patients in the Arnold practice. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Grace University School of Medicine, and completed her residency at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.
