Fall Wellness Newsletter

Health Insurance Updates: We are now accepting Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Plans in the State of Texas.

Factors to Consider

If your income has changed, consider exploring subsidies through the Marketplace or Medicaid—your plan may be eligible for lower rates or improved coverage. If you live with chronic conditions that require ongoing visits or treatment, ensure your insurance plan for 2026 fully meets your needs.

Screenings and Preventative Services

Schedule your annual wellness check before the year ends. Mammograms, colon cancer screenings, and diabetes management labs are vital preventive steps.

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Early detection saves lives. Perform monthly self-breast exams, understand your natural breast changes, and encourage loved ones to get screened. Support survivors and awareness organizations in your community.

Pro Tip: Pair your screening day with mindful self-care activities like journaling, stretching, or meditation to reduce anxiety and enhance your well-being.

Nutrition

With cooler weather comes the desire for warm, comforting meals. Choose seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, apples, kale, and squash. Incorporate immune-supporting ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and green tea. And don’t forget hydration—fall air can be surprisingly dehydrating.

Injury Prevention

Take a daily 20-minute walk or stretch session. Consider strength training twice per week. Indoor movement practices like yoga or intentional dance can support flexibility and emotional balance.

Clinical Corner: Hypertension Guidelines

Earlier Medication for Stage 1 Hypertension:

• High-Risk Patients: For patients with Stage 1 hypertension (130–139/80–89 mmHg) and a 10-year PREVENT risk score of 7.5% or higher (or those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease), medication is now recommended alongside lifestyle changes.
• Low-Risk Patients: For patients with Stage 1 hypertension and a PREVENT score below 7.5%, lifestyle modification for 3–6 months should be attempted before starting medication.

Aggressive Treatment for Stage 2 Hypertension:

• For Stage 2 hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg), treatment should begin with two first-line medications, preferably as a single-pill combination to improve adherence.

Focus on Cognitive Health:

• High blood pressure is strongly linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
• The updated guidelines emphasize achieving a systolic BP of <130 mmHg to lower cognitive impairment risk.

Other Notable Updates:

• Expanded therapy options: GLP-1 agonists may now be considered in patients with both hypertension and obesity.
• Lifestyle emphasis: Strong reinforcement of the DASH diet, sodium intake reduction (<1,500 mg/day), consistent exercise, and stress management.
• Resistant hypertension: Renal denervation may now be recommended for select patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.
• Pregnancy: New blood pressure targets and medication strategies are outlined for managing hypertension during and after pregnancy.

Healthy Holiday Lifestyle Living

Remember that your health is a present you should give yourself as the Christmas season approaches. Maintain a healthy mix of indulgence and moderation; savor your favorite dishes mindfully. Family walks, dance-offs, and morning stretches before heavy meals are all excellent ways to keep everyone active together. Manage stress by setting limits, adopting a grateful attitude, and learning to say "no" when required. When traveling, make sure to pack your essential medical supplies to avoid missing appointments or medicines.

Community Event Highlight

We partnered with EXPO 50 at Stafford Centre to demonstrate our developing knowledge and network with other healthcare professionals. Residents were able to receive the annual flu vaccines for 2025-2026 influenza season from our pharmacy partner, Main Street Pharmacy. If you require low-cost medication, please contact them to see how they might help.

Your wellness journey is unique—but you are never alone. Continue progressing with care, confidence, and support.

~ Dr. Ijeoma Okoro DNP, APRN, FNP