
Finding Solutions for Seasonal Affective Disorder
The winter months can be a difficult time of year for many people. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and lack of sunlight can leave some feeling down or even depressed. But seasonal affective disorder (SAD) doesn't have to take control of your life. With the...

The Health Benefits of Getting Enough Quality Sleep
A good night's sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. It helps us to stay alert and productive during the day, keep our energy levels up, boost immunity, reduce stress levels and potentially even aid in weight loss. Unfortunately, many of us are not...

How to reduce your risk of breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the breast. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men....

5 ways to stay active in the winter
The winter can be a tough time to stay active. The cold weather and shorter days make it harder to get outside and exercise. But there are plenty of ways to stay active even when it's cold out. Here are five tips for staying active in the winter: 1. Layer up One of...

It’s flu shot season – get vaccinated today!
The CDC says “the best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year.” Seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue through May. Getting vaccinated is a yearly ritual for many...

3 Ways Horizon Ensures You Receive Complete Patient Care
At Horizon Family Medical Group, we know that caring for our patients goes well beyond the office visit. That's why we have an in-house outreach team whose sole purpose is to make sure our patients are receiving the care they need and staying on track with their...

Break Addiction During National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is an annual observance where we celebrate the progress in addiction treatment and recovery. It is a time for all of us to come together and raise awareness about the importance of addiction treatment and recovery services, and to celebrate...

The Importance of Check-ups and Screenings as We Age
As we age, our risk for developing certain health conditions increases. This is why it's important to get regular check-ups and screenings. Check-ups can help catch health problems early, when they're most treatable. And screenings can help detect diseases before you...

Hello Convenience and Goodbye Readers!
If you’ve lost the crisp, clear vision you enjoyed in your younger days, you may be tempted to think you’ll spend the rest of your days dependent on reading glasses to see things like menus, books, food labels, your phone texts and even the remote. Well, think again!...

As Summer Ends, Watch Out for Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when your core body temperature rises above the normal range. This can be caused by exposure to high temperatures, or by physical exertion in hot weather. Symptoms of heat stroke can include any of the following:...

Keeping Kids Safe: Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Season
The back-to-school season is an exciting time for kids and families, but it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. You have many things to think about and prepare for, from new classrooms and teachers to after-school activities and homework. One of the most...

Why Eating Local Matters for Your Health and Our Community
When you buy food locally (e.g., from a farmer's market), you are supporting local farmers and helping to build our community. Local food is often fresher and can be healthier than food shipped from far away. Would you rather eat vegetables that were picked this...

Vaccines: Your Best Defense Against Disease
It’s Immunization Awareness Month, which means it’s a great time to spread the word about the importance of vaccines for adults! Did you know that vaccines are one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from dangerous diseases? Immunizations help your...

What is Low T and What Can You Do About It?
As men age, it is common for their testosterone levels to decline. This condition is known as "low T." Low testosterone levels can cause a range of symptoms, such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass and bone density, and moodiness....

Hot Weather Safety: Staying Hydrated During the Summer Months
When the weather starts to heat up, it's important to make sure you're staying hydrated. Dehydration can cause several health problems, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so it's crucial to drink plenty of fluids when it's hot outside. Why is it so important...

Men and Mental Health: Breaking Down the Barriers
Men can sometimes find it difficult to talk about their mental health. Mental health may be seen as a taboo topic. Unfortunately, this can lead to mental health problems going undiagnosed and untreated. It's important to break down the barriers that stop men from...

Why Men Should Make Healthy Eating a Priority
Healthy eating is key to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A healthy diet can also improve energy levels, reduce stress levels, and promote overall good health. Here are some...

The Importance of Eye Exams and Vision Screenings
National Vision Month is a great time to promote the importance of regular eye exams and vision screenings! Did you know that many eye conditions go unnoticed until people have lost a significant amount of vision? That's why it's so important to get your eyes checked...

What Is a Stroke? Signs, Symptoms and What to Do Next
A stroke is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a blockage, such as a clot, or bleeding in the brain. Without treatment, strokes can cause serious complications,...

Introducing Our New Facebook Campaign
Here at Horizon Family Medical Group, we’re always striving to provide the best care for you and your family. To help spread the word, we’ve introduced a new Facebook ad campaign. Take a look at the ad carousel below:

What is IBS? Causes, symptoms and treatment options.
If you're dealing with symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, you may be wondering if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine, and while it can be painful and...

Spring has sprung! So have seasonal allergies.
Spring has sprung! And with it comes seasonal allergies. Though commonly diagnosed in youth, an increasing number of adults develop seasonal allergies. Our providers and specialists here at Horizon Family Medical Group can help diagnose seasonal, food, and many other...

The Silent Killer: Understanding High Blood Pressure and How to Prevent It
If you have high blood pressure, or are at risk for developing it, now is the time to start monitoring your blood pressure levels. Speak to your doctor about your risks, and make sure you are taking the necessary steps to keep your blood pressure under control. Don't...

The Importance of Colonoscopies: How They Can Save Your Life
A colonoscopy may seem like an unpleasant procedure, but it can actually save your life. That's because a colonoscopy can detect early signs of colorectal cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In this article, we will discuss...

Diabetes Diagnosis During COVID: The Importance of Seeing Your Provider
Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause long-term health problems if it is not treated properly. Recently, there has been an increase in diabetes diagnoses during the COVID pandemic. It's more important than ever to avoid delaying your routine exams and...

Celebrate National Kidney Month: How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Did you know that March is National Kidney Month? This is a great time to learn more about how to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning properly. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering out toxins from the blood, so it's important to keep them in good shape. In...

It’s National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention month and a great time to remind your loved ones of the things they can do to help lower the risks of getting many of the common types of cancer. Below is a list of things you can do to increase your odds of preventing or...

Those Winter Blues Might Be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
If you experience the winter blues, you’re not alone. Many people experience “short periods of time where they feel sad or not like their usual selves,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). What you’re experiencing might be seasonal affective...

High Blood Pressure is a Silent Killer
As blood circulates through your body, it pushes against the walls of your arteries. When the pressure of this pushing rises and maintains a high pressure, it’s called hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension puts you at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. The...

Time to Get Your Eyes Checked
January is Glaucoma awareness month. If you’ve been putting off your annual eye exam due to COVID, now is the time to see your ophthalmologist. Glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and 3 million...

It’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in American women? The implementation of the pap test, or pap smears, in 1941 changed that. Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable with regular screenings and early...

Start 2022 Off Right By Scheduling Your Health Screenings
If one of your resolutions for 2022 is to be healthier, then don’t forget to get your preventative medical screenings and exams. Many screenings, like those for cancer, can help detect or even prevent diseases, making them easier to treat. Check out the following...

Help is on the Horizon
If you or someone you know is struggling this holiday season it can be difficult to know where to turn for assistance. But good news: We have a resource that can help. Whether you are looking for toys and gifts for a family in need, finding emergency shelter or...

You May Be Experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder
Do you find yourself wanting to hibernate your way through winter? Withdrawing from friends or family, sleeping more than normal, losing interest in activities you normally love, and having low energy could be signs that you are dealing with more than cold...

Tips for a Safe (and Healthy) Holiday Season
Last year, COVID-19 prompted restrictions on large gatherings and a slower holiday travel season than normal. But this year, with vaccinations and boosters in place, many are resuming their typical holiday plans. If you're gathering with family nearby, taking a few...

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that Lung Cancer is the #1 cancer killer of men and women? Every year 200,000 men and women are diagnosed with Lung Cancer and each year 150,000 people die from this disease. African American men have the highest rates of Lung Cancer in the U.S. Lung...

Tips for Healthy Holiday Gatherings
The holidays are here and that means the next six weeks will be filled with lots of family gatherings, holiday parties, treats galore, and a more frantic-than-usual schedule. We have some tips to help you stay in tiptop shape this holiday season. Drink Enough Water...

Keeping Your Diabetes Under Control
November is American Diabetes Month and if you or a loved one is one of the 34 million Americans with diabetes you know how challenging staying on top of your health can be. During the month of November the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is hosting...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer for women in the United States? In fact, more than 250,000 women in the US get breast cancer every year. Unfortunately, 42,000 women die from the disease. Every October, we recognize Breast Cancer...

Bone and Joint Health
Your body has more than 200 bones and joints that help you run, jump, walk, dance, and more. Keeping your bones and joints healthy is important for you to live and experience life fully. Fortunately, we know what you can do to keep your bones and joints in tip-top...

Get Your Flu Shot
It’s time for you to schedule an appointment and get your flu shot. Call us at 1-800-859-0085 to schedule an appointment, or use the Patient Portal: https://mycw26.eclinicalweb.com/portal2351/jsp/100mp/login.jsp Do I really need a flu shot? Yes! You may have received...

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Did you know that nearly 20% of children and adolescents in the US are obese? Kids with obesity are more likely to develop all kinds of physical and mental health issues. Heart disease, sleep apnea, asthma, and type 2 diabetes are just a few of the physical risks...

Get Help to Quit Smoking and Vaping Today
We all know smoking is bad for our health. Yet every day, roughly 3,300 kids try a cigarette for the first time, according to the CDC. That’s enough to fill a large cruise ship…every day. The good news is, cigarette use among kids is dropping to the lowest levels seen...

Older than 35? Time for a Diabetes Screening
The US Preventative Services Task Force says screening for diabetes and prediabetes should now begin at age 35. The new guidelines were created to help adults who are at risk for developing diabetes to implement lifestyle changes earlier and prevent long-term health...

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
As kids prepare to trade days playing outside for days reading, writing, and using computer screens for learning, there is no better time to talk to them about eye health. Scheduling your child’s yearly eye exam as part of your back-to-school preparation is also a...

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!
With summer winding down and cooler temperatures on the horizon, it can be easy to forget or skip the sunscreen when heading outdoors. But even if the sun doesn’t feel like it’s baking your skin, damage can happen regardless of the temperature or cloud cover. Follow...

Getting Back to Routine Healthcare
If you postponed or missed routine healthcare checks in the past 18 months, you’re not alone. A poll from Time Magazine (https://time.com/5941599/basic-health-care-postponed-covid-19/) found that 78% of Americans had skipped at least one medical service since the...

Why Tick Bites are on the Rise
Tick activity, including tick bites and related illnesses, are on the rise in 2021. Experts say the mild 2020 – 2021 winter is at least partially to blame. Ticks thrive in a humid environment, so areas that experienced a warmer, wetter winter this past season are...

Benefits of a Farm-fresh Diet
Farmer’s markets around the country are in full swing with local farmers and artisans selling everything from homemade soaps to fresh vegetables. Orange County is no exception with multiple weekly farmer’s markets in different cities for you to choose from. Aside from...

Get Healthy, Together
If the pandemic and virtual schooling has meant more screen time than you would like for your kids, then now is the perfect time to get them off the couch and outside. July 19-23 is National Youth Sports week and the perfect time to find a new sport or activity for...