Erica J. DeWitt, MD

12/11/2025

I always encourage my patients to listen to their bodies, and this time of year, your body is probably asking for more sleep. Throughout the year, your body’s sleep needs change. Many factors affect the amount of sleep your body needs, but arguably, the most influential is the amount of daylight you get each day. Here are three reasons why your body wants more sleep during the fall and winter.

Holiday celebrations are a tempting trap. Here are some healthy eating tips for anyone whose doctor has warned them to “watch what you eat."

12/09/2025

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year. But it has its baggage. Financial issues, grief, family strife and health issues can really make the season less festive. When my patients are experiencing holiday stress, I suggest these tips.

Even if the holiday season is your favorite time of the year, preparing for festivities can cause a lot of stress. But you can ease some of the pressure with these simple tips.

12/09/2025

Do you sit for hours? Most of my patients do. Many of them have desk jobs and then watch TV at night; hobbies such as knitting, sewing and painting are also popular. And doom scrolling on phones has become part of most people’s daily routine. But sitting for hours can take a toll on your body. These tips can help offset the negative effects of sitting. https://bit.ly/4phaRoR

Many people spend hours of their day sitting at a workstation – for work, to manage personal finances or engage in a hobby like gaming. That sewing desk, painter’s easel and work bench are also workstations.

12/04/2025

Do you sit for hours? Most of my patients do. Many of them have desk jobs and then watch TV at night; hobbies such as knitting, sewing and painting are also popular. And doom scrolling on phones has become part of most people’s daily routine. But sitting for hours can take a toll on your body. These tips can help offset the negative effects of sitting.

Many people spend hours of their day sitting at a workstation – for work, to manage personal finances or engage in a hobby like gaming. That sewing desk, painter’s easel and work bench are also workstations.

11/27/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. As tempting as it may be to eat a little too much of your favorite holiday foods, you’ll want to avoid overeating, especially if you are trying to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Here’s why.

Holiday celebrations are a tempting trap. Here are some healthy eating tips for anyone whose doctor has warned them to “watch what you eat."

11/26/2025

Ample time and good communication with your doctor are key factors in good health. Here are four tips to get more out of the time you spend with your doctor.

Why are doctors dismissive of their female patients? Learn about the common reasons why and ways to be taken more seriously. Read more!

11/20/2025

Today is the . Lung cancer is probably the biggest concern associated with smoking, but there are many others, including calcifications in the brain responsible for memory, emotions and motivation. Quitting smoking is extremely difficult, particularly for women, but it can save your life. If you’re a smoker, talk to me about devising a quit plan for you.

Find out why it is harder for women to quit smoking than it is for men. Explore expert studies explaining 5 reasons why this tends to happen. Learn more.

11/19/2025

Learn how my MDVIP-affiliated practice can help you address mental and emotional health issues like anxiety and depression.

Discover how your primary care doctor can help you address your mental and emotional health issues like anxiety and depression. Read more.

11/18/2025

For years, I’ve been warning my patients about health issues associated with eating processed red meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, jerky and cold cuts. Research has linked these foods with a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. New research suggests that it also may raise your risk of dementia. Here’s what you need to know. https://bit.ly/48iMG38

11/14/2025

It’s World Diabetes Day - a good day to take stock of your lifestyle and see if you’re doing all you can to offset your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. For example, daily exercise is one of the best approaches you can take to help reduce your risk of diabetes and obesity, which raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. This article explains a recent study that found exercise is a good starting point in managing and controlling diabetes and obesity. We can also talk about your fitness routine at your next appointment. https://bit.ly/3JrlXbd

11/13/2025

Many of my patients switched from dairy milk to a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk. However, not all alternative milks are created equal –and this is especially true of almond milk. Here’s what might be in your almond milk.

Have you switched to plant-based dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk? Whether this switch was for health or because you can’t tolerate traditional dairy, there’s something you should know about your beverage of choice: Not all alternative milks are created equal – and this is especially...

11/12/2025

Do you need a new primary care doctor? If yes, here are eight important questions to ask your doctor before joining a practice.

When it's time to look for a new doctor, what are the most important factor to consider? Ask these 8 questions to ensure they are a good fit.