February News Letter

Heart Health Month

February is heart health month, in honor we have created some resources for how you can prevent heart disease. If you or someone you love is at risk The Grove providers are here  to discuss this further and create a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. 

 Facts

• Heart Disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, accounting for over 26% of all heart disease related deaths in the US.
• Heart disease is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the heart.
• Factors that increase the risk of developing heart disease include smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, physical inactivity, and a diet high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates.
• Symptoms of heart disease vary and may include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
• Treatment for heart disease usually includes lifestyle modifications, medication, and in some cases, surgery.
•  A healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and avoiding drugs and alcohol are all effective prevention measures.
• Common complications of heart disease include heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure.

Ways to prevent heart disease 

•  Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease by improving your cholesterol levels, lowering your blood pressure, and reducing stress.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing heart disease, so maintaining a healthy body weight is important.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, so make sure to quit smoking if you’re a smoker.
• Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Make sure to talk to your doctor about your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They can provide advice on how to manage these health factors to help reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Reduce stress: Stress can increase your risk of heart disease, so it’s important to practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.

https://www.heart.org/

Galleri Cancer Screen 

Why the Galleri® test? The test is indicated for the US population ages 50-79. It assumes screening is available for all prostate, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer cases and 43% of lung cancer cases (based on estimated proportion of lung cancers that occur in screen-eligible individuals older than 40 years, which is an estimated 70%).

Is genetic cancer screening right for you?

This blood draw can detect 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw. The Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test is recommended for adult patients at elevated risk of cancer, such as those 50 years of age or older, and should be used in addition to recommended cancer screenings. 

What does a “Cancer Signal Detected” result mean? 

This means that there is a suspicion of cancer but not a diagnosis of cancer. The Galleri test can point to where in the body the cancer is coming from to help guide next steps. Your healthcare provider will discuss appropriate follow-up testing to confirm if cancer is present. 

What does a cancer “Signal Not Detected” result mean? 

This means that no cancer signal was found. However, not all cancers can be detected by the Galleri test. Continue with all routine screening tests that your healthcare provider recommends. Missing routine screenings or ignoring symptoms can lead to a delayed diagnosis of cancer. 

Is Galleri a genetic test? Can it help me understand my family’s risk of cancer? 

No, the Galleri test detects current signs of cancer in your blood and is not a genetic test. How long does it take to get my Galleri test results? Typically, results are available within 10 business days (Mon-Fri, excluding holidays) once your blood sample is received at the GRAIL laboratory. 

How often should I take the Galleri test? 

With the Galleri test, regular screening provides the opportunity to detect more cancers early. We will work together to determine the best frequency or any additional tests needed. How much does the Galleri test cost? The list price for Galleri is $949. You may be able to use pre-tax dollars in their flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for the Galleri test. You can check with their FSA/HSA account administrators to determine eligibility. 

Is the Galleri test covered by insurance? 

Currently, the Galleri test is not covered by insurance. The Galleri test is new to the market and represents a significant innovation to cancer screening. GRAIL is actively pursuing coverage from various sources; www.galleri.com/support/faqs

CLICK HERE  for  more information or schedule today to discuss with one of our providers. 

REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING WITH WITHINGS

Did you know that we have a program to help you achieve your healthcare goals at home? We have the ability to monitor your blood sugar, weight and blood pressure, with our partners from Withings. This give us real time information in which to help track your numbers. We can make adjustments to your regimen over the phone or web if needed. Here are some of the benefits of remote patient monitoring. If you think this could be a good option for you please discuss with your provider and they will instruct you how to get registered for this program.

1. Minimize the need for in-person visits and therefore reduce hospital visits and expenses
2. Help health care providers spot warning signs and treat health issues in a timely manner
3. Help keep track of patient data and progress without having to rely on manual processes
4. Provide telemedicine services so patients can seek treatment and advice remotely
5. Monitor patients’ health indicators and vital signs remotely
6. Assist in the detection of illnesses and provide early treatment
7. Reduce wait times and help better manage patient flow
8. Personalize the health care experience and allow for more individualized care
9. Increase patient involvement in their own health care and improve compliance
10. Improve patient satisfaction and overall quality of care.

Video about the devices HERE

Thank you for your time, that is all for now. 

Sincerely, 

Brittany & Megan

Healthcare at the Grove offers caring and affordable primary care for patients throughout their lifespan. Experienced family nurse practitioners Margaret Cusack, FNP, and Brittany Lob, DNP, FNP, have more than 30 years of collective experience in their field, and they lead a team of knowledgeable providers who deliver exemplary medical care in the Coppell, Texas, office. 

The Healthcare at the Grove team views each patient as a whole person, not a collection of symptoms. Through preventive care, they can help patients avoid many acute and chronic illnesses and even metabolic disorders.

The practice is also a reliable source of wellness care when you’re not feeling your best. From routine wellness exams and immunizations to intravenous (IV) nutritional therapy, supplements, and skin rejuvenation through Opus Plasma® and Harmony XL Pro ClearLift® treatments, the providers can help optimize your wellness in a variety of ways.  

The Healthcare at the Grove team is currently accepting new patients, and always welcomes returning patients. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.