General Practice Associates, LLC

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!

03/03/2023

Hey everyone, Dr. Jared here.

Do you suffer from anxiety? There are a few simple things you can do to help manage your symptoms.

1. Ditch the caffeine. Many people with anxiety report worse symptoms after using caffeine. Improving your anxiety symptoms could be as easy as switching from regular coffee to decaf!

2. Chamomile tea. This all natural tea has anti-anxiety effects. Give it a try!

3. Exercise. Numerous studies show that people with anxiety who exercise feel better. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week.

4. Medication. There are tons of medications out there that really help with anxiety. If you're interested in taking control of your anxiety, schedule an appointment!

12/29/2022

Hello everyone, Dr. Jared here.

I wanted to share two different websites that might save you some money for prescriptions.

1. www.Goodrx.com
2. www.Costplusdrugs.com

The next time you go to the pharmacy, look up your medications on those websites. You might be surprised to find the price cheaper than going through your insurance. Enjoy!

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

12/21/2022

Hello everyone!

Dr. Jared Lazar speaking.

I'm going to start posting the results of interesting studies that I read. The goal is to share health facts that I hope you will find useful!

First up: walking for knee arthritis

I recent study published earlier this year studied the impact of walking on knee arthritis. It found that adults who regularly walked for exercise had less knee pain AND less progression of their knee arthritis!

Aim for around 7,500 steps per day.