Navigating Wellness Primary Care

01/08/2026

This is so interesting! Now how long before insurance may cover it is the million dollar question!

Mental health treatment just moved from the medicine cabinet to the refrigerator.
A specific Bifidobacterium strain is now approved to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It produces GABA in the gut, which travels to the brain via the vagus nerve to lower stress hormones physically. Your gut bacteria can calm your mind.

Shared for informational purposes only.
Source: FDA / Gut-Brain Research

01/07/2026

Well, I guess we can have foot spas for all! But in call seriousness, we have started a waiting list. Let us know if you’d like to be added!

01/06/2026

🚨 Colon Cancer Screening: Not Glamorous. Very Important. 🚨

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—and also one of the most treatable when caught early. Screening saves lives. Period.

The good news? You have options, and screening doesn’t always mean a colonoscopy right away.

🧪 Screening Options Include:

✔️ Colonoscopy – the gold standard; done every 10 years if normal
✔️ Stool-based tests – done at home, no prep, no sedation
✔️ Cologuard® – this is what we use at Navigating Wellness Primary Care (NWPC)

🏠 What is Cologuard?

Cologuard is an at-home, noninvasive stool DNA test that looks for:
• Blood in the stool
• Abnormal DNA changes associated with colon cancer and precancerous polyps

✨ No bowel prep
✨ No sedation
✨ No missed work
✨ Done in the privacy of your own bathroom

It’s recommended every 3 years for average-risk adults ages 45–75.

⚠️ Important to know:
• A positive Cologuard = follow-up colonoscopy (diagnostic, not optional)
• It’s not for high-risk patients (history of colon cancer, polyps, IBD, strong family history)

👩‍⚕️ So… which is right for YOU?

That depends on your:
• Age
• Family history
• Personal risk factors
• Preferences (because compliance matters!)

The best test?
👉 The one you’ll actually do.

📩 Message us to discuss screening, order Cologuard, or review whether colonoscopy is the better choice for you.

Your future self (and your colon) will thank you. 💙
—
Navigating Wellness Primary Care

01/06/2026

🤧 New Flu Strain Circulating — What You Need to Know 🤧

We’re seeing an uptick in flu cases this season, including a new circulating flu variant that’s spreading quickly in the community. While most cases are still manageable at home, symptoms may feel more intense for some people.

🦠 Common symptoms include:
• Sudden fever or chills
• Body aches & fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Cough or chest congestion
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in kids)

🛡️ How to protect yourself:
✔️ Wash hands frequently
✔️ Avoid close contact with sick individuals
✔️ Disinfect high-touch surfaces
✔️ Get your flu vaccine if you haven’t already
✔️ Prioritize sleep, hydration, and immune support

🌶️ Naturopathic / Homeopathic Options: Boiron’s ocsillococcinum helps as a preventative and treatment modality to those that like a wholistic approach. Also EZCpac to help with immune boost. Both are available over the counter.

🤒 If you get sick:
• Stay home — rest is not optional
• Hydrate aggressively (water, electrolytes)
• Use fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed
• OTC meds (Mucinex, cough suppressants) can help with symptoms
• Seek care if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or worsening

🚨 Call your provider or seek urgent care if you have:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Persistent high fever
• Signs of dehydration
• High-risk conditions (pregnancy, asthma, COPD, diabetes, immunocompromised)

💬 Not sure if it’s flu, COVID, RSV, or “just a cold”? We can help guide you on next steps and testing if needed.

💚 Navigating Wellness Primary Care

01/06/2026

🩵 January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 🩵

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—and screening saves lives. 💪

✔️ Pap smears can find abnormal cells before they turn into cancer
✔️ HPV testing helps identify high-risk strains early
✔️ When caught early, cervical cancer is highly treatable

If it’s been a while since your last Pap, or you’re not sure what screening you need, this is your sign 📅

✨ Screening guidelines vary by age and history—so let’s make sure you are on the right plan.

💬 Questions about Pap smears, HPV testing, or vaccines?
📞 Ready to schedule your screening?

Your health matters. Prevention matters. You matter.

💚 Navigating Wellness Primary Care

01/06/2026

01/05/2026

🚨 Let’s Talk About Something We All Pretend Isn’t Happening… 🚨

Hemorrhoids.
Yes… those.

They’re common, uncomfortable, and absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 adults will deal with them at some point. 🎯

🚽 What causes them?

• Straining on the toilet (your phone + long bathroom breaks = not your friend 📱)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Sitting too long
• Low fiber & low fluid intake

🛡️ How to PREVENT them:

✔️ Stay hydrated (your colon loves water)
✔️ Eat more fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains, psyllium)
✔️ Don’t strain or “hover” forever
✔️ Move your body regularly
✔️ When you gotta go… GO (ignoring the urge makes things worse)

🧴 How to TREAT them:

• Witch hazel pads
• Warm sitz baths
• Over-the-counter creams or suppositories
• Stool softeners (not laxative abuse)
• Ice packs for swelling
• And sometimes… medical treatment (because no, suffering is not a requirement)

🚩 Call us if you have:
• Severe pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Symptoms not improving
• Recurrent issues
• Or you’re just done pretending this is “fine”

💬 Drop a 🙋‍♀️ if you learned something
💩 Drop a 😂 if this post made you uncomfortable
📲 Message us if you want help without awkward Googling at 2am

Because your butt deserves evidence-based care too. 😌

—
Navigating Wellness Primary Care

01/05/2026

We own a building!! Wood floors to refinish and all!!

01/05/2026

✨ Something NEW is soaking its way to Navigating Wellness! ✨

We’re officially starting a “Will Call” list for our upcoming Foot Soak & Massage Room 🛁💆‍♀️
This list will be the FIRST group we contact once remodeling is complete and the space is ready to open!

Jay and I had so much fun getting all the goodies picked out and the vision coming together — we cannot wait to share this space with you 🤍

☕🍃 Bonus perk: We’ll also be featuring Tiesta Tea with both hot and cold options!
👉 Drop a comment and tell us which Tiesta Tea flavors you’d love to see us carry.

Want on the Will Call list?
📩 Comment below or message us directly to be added!

Relaxation is coming… and it’s going to be worth the wait ✨

01/05/2026

This one is an interesting doozy. Before you think “This is me,” this one is super rare!

01/05/2026

💙 January is Thyroid Awareness Month 💙

The thyroid may be small, but it plays a big role in your overall health—affecting energy, weight, mood, heart rate, digestion, temperature regulation, fertility, and more.

Thyroid disease is often invisible and frequently dismissed as “stress,” “aging,” or “just hormones.” Many people—especially women—go years without answers.

🚨 Common symptoms include:
• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Weight changes despite diet/exercise
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Anxiety, depression, or brain fog
• Cold or heat intolerance
• Irregular periods or fertility concerns
• Palpitations or slow heart rate

🧪 At Navigating Wellness Primary Care, we believe thyroid care is more than just a TSH number. We take symptoms seriously, look at the full picture, and individualize care.

✨ Awareness leads to answers.
✨ Answers lead to better care.

If something feels “off,” trust your body—and let’s talk.

📩 Message us to schedule an evaluation or discuss thyroid testing.