General Practice Associates, LLC

03/04/2026

Are you ready for more health chats? The next series is from Laurie Santos PhD from Yale. The topic is happiness. She has a YouTube lecture series on the topic if you want more details. I will do 10 tips and talk a bit about each one. All of this is researched and proven
Happiness matters for your performance. Happy people earn more, when beginning out in life. Happy people perform better, think clearer and enjoy their work more

2. Happy people are more social, socializing in turn makes us happier. In person is better than on the telephone. Texting and social media are not effective

3. Helping others makes them happier, but it also makes us happier, more than we expect. On the way home from work, think about all the people you helped today and enjoy the warm glow.

4. Make time for gratitude. Write 5 things daily that you are grateful for, or when you get in the car to come home just think of them. This will improve your mood, lessen pain, headaches anxiety and depression and help sleep. Express gratitude with a thank you note, tell them how they make a difference. This effect lasts about 3 months in the recipient.

5. Healthy practices help mental health and happiness. This includes anxiety and depression reduction. 30 min/d exercise, or 150 minutes a week, eating and sleeping well. For most people, 7-8h/night is ideal

6. Be in the present moment and savor the good things. Try avoid multitasking with watching a show and surfing the net at the same time, you enjoy each less that way. Enjoy your meal. Meditate. Do yoga. The more you try suppress unpleasant experiences, the worse you will feel, your memory will deteriorate. Get through them with recognizing what is happening, Allow the feelings to be just as they are, investigate with interest and care, don't act on urges, the episode will crest and wane just like a wave. Yelling or insulting yourself doesn't work, think of how you can be kind to yourself, similar to how you would treat a friend. Go into problem solving mode, hug yourself and be compassionate

7. Love your job by focusing on your signature strengths. Infuse these into your work flow.

8. Become wealthy in TIME, not in money. You will run out of time, you may run out of money. Work smarter, not harder

02/22/2026

9. All Sucrose, high fructose corn syrups are bad. Artificial sweeteners lead to weight gain by making you hungry. Stevia increases hunger too.

10. If you have mild-moderate sleep apnea, try The Breather, $49 on Amazon, it reduces apnea significantly. It is a breathing exercise device.

11. Gratitude improves your odds of living longer. Send a written letter to someone special expressing gratitude.

12. Apps that are good. Google gemini is better than Chat GPT for health advice accuracy

02/15/2026

This is from a recent lecture by one of my favorite teachers, Frank Domino MD. This is my summary.

1. From 1970-2022, there have been 89% less heart attacks.
Cancer is becoming the leading cause of death. Treatments are more effective for cancer. Dementia is more common too. Walking 150 minutes a week lowers the risk of heart attacks, cancer and dementia. Genetic tests for dementia are of minimal benefit at this time. Not worth doing.
2. If you are on an ACE inhibitor for hypertension, eg Lisinopril, it is is worth switching to and ARB like Losartan to lower risk of dementia.
Herpes, zoster (shingles) and CMV ( Epstein Barr Virus) all increase risk of dementia. If you have recurrent herpes and take daily prophylaxis such as Acyclovir, it will lower your risk of getting dementia. The following vaccines lower risk of dementia: Flu, Shingles, Hepatitis B, RSV

3. The following medications reduce the risk of getting dementia: Blood Pressure meds, statins, SGLT2, GLP1. The GLP1s are the weight loss drugs everyone is trying to get on. Beware though that there are serious side effects with them. The main point is that if you need any of these for the appropriate diagnosis, then the extra benefit will be there for dementia risk reduction

4. Tylenol does NOT cause autism. The following does: pre-gestational diabetes, pregnancy exposure to Covid (the Covid vaccine is safe), advanced maternal age, environmental toxins, certain meds. The most dangerous risk factor is if a sibling has autism, there is an 8 fold increase in risk

5. Don’t cook with beef tallow, it increases the risk of heart disease. Seed oils are safe to cook with at home, lowers heart disease. Olive oil is still the best, up to 1 tablespoon of butter a day is safe.

6. Protein intake of 0.6-1g/kg/d is ideal. 2% dairy is the healthiest. Fish, eggs, seeds, nuts are good for your heart health. 4 ounces red meat or less/week is fine. Alcohol less than or equal to 1 drink a day is healthy.

7. MMR vaccine is safe. RSV vaccine for >75y or >60y old with other illnesses is safe, and lowers risk of death and dementia. I had an 82y old in ICU with RSV pneumonia recently. The virus has been around a long time but the vaccine is relatively new. Long enough to get safety data though.

8. Potatoes are safe unless they are fried. Fries increase the risk of diabetes. Grains are healthier than potatoes.

01/07/2026

📱 We’re excited to introduce our new patient app: healow!

With the healow app, you can easily:
✔️ Schedule appointments
✔️ Request prescription refills
✔️ Securely message your doctor

Managing your healthcare has never been more convenient — right from your phone. Search for “healow” in the App Store or Google Play to download and get started today.

10/24/2025

💊 Medication Savings Tip

If you take prescription medications and have a copay, it may be worth checking prices through Cost Plus Drugs In many cases, medications are less expensive when purchased directly through Cost Plus Drugs than when using insurance.

You can visit their website at https://costplusdrugs.com
to search your prescriptions and compare prices — you might find significant savings.

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug homepage. Provides safe, affordable medicine or medication with transparent low prices.

09/02/2025

Flu shots are now available at our office! Stop by and get yours before flu season starts to stay protected.

07/26/2023

🏥 Important Announcement: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Pneumonia! 🏥

Dear Friends and Patients,

As your family doctor, I am always striving to ensure your well-being and health. Today, I want to talk about a crucial aspect of preventive care – the Pneumonia Vaccine.

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that can affect people of all ages, but it can be particularly severe for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, we have an effective tool to combat this illness - the Pneumococcal Vaccine!

💉 What is the Pneumonia Vaccine?

The Pneumococcal Vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal bacteria, which is a common cause of pneumonia. It also guards against other serious infections like meningitis and bloodstream infections.

👪 Who should get vaccinated?

It's essential for the following groups to get vaccinated:

1️⃣ Children: Pneumonia can be especially dangerous for children under 2 years old, so the vaccine is recommended for them.

2️⃣ Elderly: Adults aged 65 years and older, as well as those with certain medical conditions, should also receive the vaccine.

3️⃣ Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems, due to illnesses or treatments, are at higher risk and should be protected.

4️⃣ Smokers and Chronic Conditions: If you have chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung disease, getting vaccinated is essential to safeguard your health.

💪 How does it work?

The vaccine helps your immune system build protection against the harmful bacteria. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also create a shield for others who might be vulnerable to severe infections.

📅 When and Where?

You can receive the pneumonia vaccine during your regular check-up or at specific vaccination clinics. Don't hesitate to call our clinic to schedule an appointment or for more information.

🌟 Let's Stay Healthy Together!

Preventive care is the cornerstone of overall health. The Pneumonia Vaccine is a safe and effective way to lower the risk of serious infections, and I encourage everyone in our community to get vaccinated.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or our healthcare team. Your health is our priority, and we're here to support you!

07/20/2023

🩺💉 Important Announcement: Shingles Vaccine - Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones! 💉🩺

Hey there, wonderful patients and caring families! 👋 As your family doctor, I want to bring your attention to an essential topic today - the SHINGLES VACCINE!

🔍 What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in your nerve tissues and reactivate years later, leading to shingles.

🛡️ The Power of Vaccination:
Fortunately, we have an effective way to prevent shingles - the Shingles Vaccine (Zoster Vaccine). It's a safe and proven method to protect against this painful condition. The vaccine boosts your immunity, reducing the risk of shingles and its complications.

👵💂‍♂️ Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for:

Adults 50 years and older, regardless of whether they had chickenpox or not.
Patients who previously had shingles, to prevent future occurrences.
💡 Vaccine Update:
Some of you might have heard about two types of shingles vaccines - Zostavax and Shingrix. Shingrix is the newer and more effective vaccine, and it is now the preferred choice for shingles prevention.

📅 Vaccine Schedule:
Usually, the vaccine is administered in two doses, given two to six months apart. It's crucial to complete the full series to achieve the best protection.

🤔 Have Concerns or Questions?
If you have any doubts or concerns about the shingles vaccine, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or schedule an appointment. I'm here to provide the necessary information and address any worries you may have.

Let's take proactive steps to safeguard our health and the well-being of our loved ones! 💪 Let's beat shingles together!

Remember to share this post with your friends and family to spread awareness. Stay safe and healthy! 🌟

07/19/2023

🩺💙 Understanding Hypertension: A Silent Threat! 💙🩺

Hey everyone, Dr. Jared Lazar here, your friendly family doctor! Today, I want to shed some light on an essential topic: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.

🌡️ What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. It might not seem alarming, but over time, it can lead to severe health issues, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and more.

🚨 The Silent Threat:
One of the tricky aspects of hypertension is that it often goes unnoticed. There are usually no obvious symptoms, earning it the nickname "the silent killer." Regular check-ups are crucial to detect and manage hypertension before it takes a toll on your health.

📈 Who's at Risk?
Hypertension can affect anyone, but some factors can increase your risk:

Family history: If hypertension runs in your family, it's essential to be vigilant.
Age: As we age, the risk tends to rise, so monitoring becomes even more important.
Unhealthy lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excess alcohol intake can contribute to hypertension.
🏥 Taking Control:
The good news is that hypertension can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications. Here are some steps you can take:
1️⃣ Maintain a Healthy Diet: Reduce sodium intake, eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and opt for whole grains.
2️⃣ Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure.
3️⃣ Kick Bad Habits: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
4️⃣ Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your daily routine.
5️⃣ Medication Adherence: If prescribed medication, be sure to take it as directed.

👩‍⚕️ Importance of Regular Check-ups:
Remember, prevention is always better than cure! Regular visits to your doctor will help monitor your blood pressure, catch any signs of hypertension early, and take action to keep you in the best health possible.

💙 Let's Take Care of Our Hearts:
Let's support each other in making heart-healthy choices. If you have any questions or concerns about hypertension or any other health topic, don't hesitate to reach out. Your health is our priority! Take care, and stay healthy! 😊🌿

06/02/2023

🌟 Hey everyone! We hope you're all doing well! ✨

We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for the trust and support you've shown to our doctor's office. Your positive feedback and reviews mean the world to us and help others make informed decisions about their healthcare. If you've had a great experience with us and would like to share your thoughts, we would be thrilled to receive a positive review from you!

💫 Healthgrades:
1️⃣ Open your web browser and visit healthgrades.com.
2️⃣ Search for your doctor by typing their name in the search bar.
3️⃣ On their Healthgrades profile, click on the "Leave a Review" button.
4️⃣ Rate them using the star rating system, with 5 stars indicating your highest level of satisfaction.
5️⃣ In the text box, share your positive experience with our doctor's office. Mention aspects you appreciated, like the expertise of our medical team, compassionate care, or personalized attention.
6️⃣ Feel free to provide any additional details that can help others in their decision-making process.
7️⃣ Click "Submit" to share your glowing review with the Healthgrades community.

💫 Google:
1️⃣ Open your web browser and search for our doctor's office on Google.
2️⃣ Once you've found our Google My Business listing, scroll down until you see the "Write a Review" button.
3️⃣ Click on it and rate us using the star rating system, with 5 stars representing your highest level of satisfaction.
4️⃣ Share your positive experience in the text box, highlighting what made your visit exceptional.
5️⃣ Feel free to mention the friendly staff, efficient service, or any other aspects that made your time with us memorable.
6️⃣ Add any suggestions or feedback you may have to help us continuously improve.
7️⃣ Finally, click "Post" to publish your uplifting review for others to see.

Your thoughtful reviews have a significant impact on the healthcare choices of others. Your words can help someone find the exceptional care they deserve.

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to express our sincere appreciation for being part of our doctor's office family. Your support and trust mean everything to us. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you all continued good health and happiness! ❤️

Warm regards,
General Practice Associates, LLC

06/02/2023

Hey everyone, Dr. Jared here.

I'm going to share some tips to help you manage and reduce your Hemoglobin A1c:

1️⃣ Eat a balanced, low glycemic index diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit your intake of sugary snacks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates.

2️⃣ Regular exercise: Engage in physical activity that suits your fitness level. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. It can be as simple as going for a brisk walk or trying out your favorite workout routine.

3️⃣ Monitor your carbohydrate intake: Keep an eye on the amount of carbohydrates you consume with each meal. Consider working with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that suits your needs.

4️⃣ Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and promote overall well-being.

5️⃣ Get enough sleep: A good night's rest is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.

6️⃣ Stress management: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

7️⃣ Regular check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your healthcare provider to monitor your Hemoglobin A1c levels and discuss any concerns or adjustments to your treatment plan.

Remember, everyone's body is unique, so it's important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan that suits your needs.

04/04/2023

Hello everyone, Dr. Jared here.

Today I'm going to talk about a blood test called an A1c.

An A1c is used to measure your bodies' average sugar level.

We use this number to:
Detect prediabetes (A1c 5.7 to 6.4)
Diagnose diabetes (A1c 6.5 and greater)
Monitor how well your diabetes treatment plan is working. (usually A1c less than 7.5)

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you should be checking your A1c at least twice per year.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart attacks, strokes, amputations, kidney failure, blindness, and more.

Fortunately there is a lot we can do to decrease those risks.

Stay tuned for the next post where I will discuss how to lower your A1c!