Horizons Direct Primary Care

06/03/2025

It's tick season in Maine! Maine is a high risk area of the country for Lyme disease so we need to be extra cautious about preventing tick bites. But what do we do once we find that we've been bit by a tick? Many people do not realize that under certain circumstances, people who are asymptomatic (or without symptoms) may need antibiotic therapy after a tick bite. Check out this helpful CDC guide to Lyme disease prevention after a tick bite:
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/pdfs/lyme-pep-low-ink-p.pdf

Of course, anytime there are symptoms (bullseye rash or flu-like symptoms including fevers, muscle aches, fatigue) it is important to consult a doctor as a more extensive course of antibiotics is likely needed.

At Horizons Direct Primary Care, we pride ourselves on excellent same day availability and direct communication with your doctor. So tick bite or otherwise, you can be seen and your concerns can be addressed.

03/23/2025

https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/23/doctors-patients-finding-relief-by-switching-to-direct-primary-care-physicians/

Though providers and patients in direct primary care prefer the model, it does not replace all medical services.

03/17/2025

02/23/2025

Right now we’re at the height of cold and flu season. When we're sick and wanting to feel better, picking a cold medicine can feel daunting and confusing, especially for those with chronic health issues or on prescription medications. Watch this video for a quick guide to picking out the right cold medicine for your symptoms.

Please note that this advice is specifically for non-pregnant adults. Also, anyone with chronic conditions or on prescription medications should consult a doctor before choosing over-the-counter cold medications. Lastly, over-the-counter cold medicines should never be given to children under 4 and only with guidance from a doctor for children 4-6.

01/02/2025

12/04/2024

Did you know that on average, children under age six catch 6-10 colds per year? That number can be even higher for children who attend daycare or school. Over-the-counter cold medications shouldn’t be given to children under seven, so what can we do to help our little ones feel better when they’re under the weather?

Join Dr. Michelle Garcia, MD at Raise Playspace in Scarborough on Saturday December 7th for a 30 minute session at 10am followed by Q&A morning session for tips on natural and effective approaches to managing the symptoms of cold and flu in children.

NOTE: This session was originally scheduled in November but was postponed after I caught pneumonia from my 3 year old daughter. I couldn't help but appreciate the irony 😅 We're healthy and ready to go for this Saturday though, looking forward to seeing you then!

11/12/2024

Welcome Lifestyle Medicine of Maine!

Starting in December, Horizons Direct Primary Care will be welcoming Lifestyle Medicine Maine into our office at 200 Professional Drive in Scarborough. In addition to sharing space, Lifestyle Medicine Maine will be offering discounted rates to Horizons Direct Primary Care members. Since making meaningful lifestyle changes to prevent and manage chronic disease is an important part of what we do at Horizons Direct Primary Care, we are thrilled by this new collaborative relationship as another excellent resource for our patients.

Lifestyle Medicine Maine is owned and founded by Jessica Krol, FNP, DipACLM, an experienced nurse practitioner who is board certified through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. A weight loss and wellness program, Lifestyle Medicine Maine focuses on therapeutic lifestyle interventions to help reverse the underlying cause of many chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic weight gain. The program includes personalized one-on-one coaching, comprehensive nutrition counseling, biomarker tracking, accountability, fun weekly challenges, and more!

Visit the Lifestyle Medicine Maine website for more details:
https://www.lifestylemedicinemaine.com/

10/29/2024

Did you know that the cost of monthly membership at Horizons Direct Primary Care is less than buying one take-out coffee every day for a month?

Your health is worth it.

10/25/2024

Did you know that on average, children under age six catch 6-10 colds per year? That number can be even higher for children who attend daycare or school. Over-the-counter cold medications shouldn’t be given to children under seven, so what can we do to help our little ones feel better when they’re under the weather?

Join Dr. Michelle Garcia, MD at Raise Playspace in Scarborough for a 30 minute session at 10am followed by Q&A morning session for tips on natural and effective approaches to managing the symptoms of cold and flu in children.

10/22/2024

10/15/2024