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...
Is 2021 the Worst Year for Seasonal Allergies?
Are your allergies worse than ever this year? Are you experiencing seasonal allergies for the first time? You’re not alone. Many people are reporting worse allergies this year than in previous years and some are even reporting experiencing allergy symptoms for the...
Finding Wellness After a Global Pandemic
The forced slowdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has given many of us a new perspective on wellness and what that means to each of us. A forced break from many of our normal activities and hectic work schedules helped us see a more balanced lifestyle and the...
Know the Signs of a Stroke
Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and every four minutes, someone dies from a stroke. That means every year nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. In fact, stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Those numbers...
Coronavirus Isn’t the Only Danger Out There
If you’ve watched the news in the last four months, you know most of it is dominated by news about COVID-19. From death rates to case numbers to long-term side effects, there is no shortage of news about how deadly the virus can be. But what about other causes of...
Is Telemedicine Taking the Place of In-Person Visits?
Definitely not. While some issues can be easily discussed or treated over a video chat, medical care is best rendered in person. Telemedicine visits have skyrocketed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March with many doctors opting to move all visits that...
Chronic Conditions Still Need Your Attention
With all that is going on in the world it can be easy to focus on staying safe during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if you have chronic conditions it’s as important as ever to stay on top of your health. COVID-19 and Chronic Conditions As a person with asthma, I have...
Does Reopening Make You Excited…Or Nervous?
After months of some sort of isolation or quarantine, I think it is safe to say we are all ready to get back to some sort of normal life, but what does that look like? Friends of mine have expressed concern about returning to a normal life out of fear of getting...
Horizon Family Medical Group Always Here for All Your Healthcare Needs
Horizon Family Medical Group is still here for you in all the ways you’ve always known and trusted us--and even some new ones. We’ve got you covered. Horizon support and concern are as present for you today as they’ve been for decades. Times may change; that never...
Horizon Continues to Offer Comprehensive Care Through Telemedicine Visits
We are always here for you. Our highest priority at Horizon Family Medical Group is to provide the comprehensive healthcare you and your loved ones have always expected and received from us. We are creatively working to ensure that you remain connected to ALL of your...
Drive-Through COVID-19, Strep, and Influenza Testing
Horizon Family Medical Group has developed a drive-through testing site for our Horizon patients. Available tests include COVID-19, Strep, and Influenza. You must schedule a telemedicine visit with your provider first. Call your Horizon office to easily set up a...
Horizon Support Circle: Sharing with Other Horizon Patients Can Ease a Trying Time
Horizon Family Medical Group is aware of the potential impact of the current coronavirus crisis on our patients’ physical health and emotional wellbeing. We will all get through this together. In fact, difficult and trying times like this can bring us all closer...
Support Services and Resources During COVID-19
We remain on the front lines for you. Part of our care is offering you valued resources that can help you and your family know what services are available. We offer you this comprehensive list. Please read through it. You may find a resource you didn’t...
Media Detox and the Benefits of Boredom
A friend of mine recently asked me, “When was the last time you were bored? You know, when was the last time you waited—in a line, or at the dentist’s office, or whatever—and you didn’t pull out your phone?” I couldn’t think of a time. And it got me thinking. I’d...
Is Standing Really Better Than Sitting?
Several of my coworkers have desk systems that allow them to adjust the height of their workspace. They can lower and sit while working, or they can raise and stand. In fact, one of my coworkers even has a fancy treadmill desk where she can walk and work at the same...
Will Drinking More Water Prevent Dry Winter Skin?
This one’s a myth, folks. Drinking lots of water is good to keep you hydrated and for your overall health, but it probably won’t do much to help that dry winter skin. Fortunately, we know what you can do to stave off dry winter skin. Here are a few suggestions: Talk...
Amazing Holiday Recipes
One of the best parts of the holiday season is gathering with friends and family and eating great food. It seems everyone has a favorite family recipe, some of which go back generations. To get your creative kitchen up and running this season, we’re linking to a few...
Reduce Holiday Stress with Meditation
The holidays are here. Along with the fun, happy times together with friends and family comes the stress of the season. To make all of our holiday seasons more enjoyable, we’re focusing this month on the health benefits of meditation. What is meditation? According to...
Body Image: How to Feel Good About Your Body
If you’re like many of us, at some point, you’ve wanted to change something about your body. How you think and feel about your body, and how you think you look to others, makes up your unique body image. In some cases, having a negative body image can affect your...
Health Effects of Daylight Savings
Daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 3 this year. Did you know it can take your body (your circadian rhythm) about a week to get used to the new schedule? In the meantime, here are several things you can do to help ease the transition: Adjust bedtimes Most...
Kindness is Good for Your Health
The Dalai Lama said, “Be kind whenever possible.” He then added, “It is always possible.” In a day and age where we are bombarded by so much vitriol, so much conflict, anger, hate, and oppression, let us remember the often unseen but far-reaching effects of regular...
9 Essential Tips to Help Kids with Career Planning
What do you want to be when you grow up? Some of us know from the get-go exactly what we want to do, who we want to be. Some of us figure it out along the way. Some of us are still figuring it out. As parents, it’s an important question your child faces throughout...
Want to Save a Life? Get Your Preventative Screening
Did you know that, with preventative screening, we can save more than 100,000 lives each year? It’s true. By getting checkups, screenings, and healthcare counseling, we can prevent some illnesses, and catch others before it’s too late. And the best part is, with many...
Stress Less: Easier Said Than Done
It’s a stressful time of year for many of us. The stress of a new school year, activities, schedules: it’s tough. So, this month, we’re focusing on a few tips and tricks that can help you and your loved ones combat stress together. First, let’s talk about two...
The Cholesterol Reminder
We hear a lot about lowering our cholesterol, but did you know that your body actually needs some type of cholesterol? Maybe you’ve heard of the good cholesterol vs. the bad cholesterol? Here’s the scoop: Cholesterol is used to “make hormones, vitamin D, and...
Why Adults Also Need Vaccines
Did you know that August is National Immunization Awareness Month? Each year, we use this time to remind our patients that kids AND adults should get their recommended vaccines. By getting your vaccines, you can protect not only yourself but also your loved ones from...
What You Should Know About ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder that makes it difficult for a person to concentrate and control impulsive behaviors. ADHD affects millions of adults as well as children. Although ADHD may manifest in childhood, it can continue through...
Health Benefits from Listening to Music
Can listening to music actually make you healthier? According to ongoing research, the answer is: YES! Researchers show that the potential benefits from music can not only improve your mood, reduce stress, and decrease anxiety, but it can also improve memory, ease...
Measles in Orange County, NY
You’ve probably heard that Governor Cuomo “signed legislation removing non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for children” a few weeks ago. This is directly related to the measles outbreak we’re seeing in our state and across the country. In...
How We’re Communicating with You
We all know communication in health care is of vital importance. The right information at the right time can make a huge difference. And coordinating your care makes a big difference for all of us here at Horizon Family Medical Group. That’s why we are using a texting...
Summer Safety Roundup: BBQs, Fireworks, and Outdoor Fun
Here at Horizon Family Medical Group, we want our patients to have a safe and healthy summer season. That’s why, each year, we include several articles with helpful hints and tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe. This month, we thought it might be fun to...
Help us promote National Aphasia Awareness Month
Did you know June is National Aphasia Awareness Month? Aphasia is a language disorder that makes it difficult for people to communicate. For example, people sometimes develop aphasia after a stroke. The National Aphasia Association has a helpful video that explains...
Beware the summer slide
Summer vacation is upon us! Remember how glorious it was to walk out of those school halls and into a summer of fun and adventure? It’s a magical season in the world of kids. But that doesn’t mean they have to put down all the books and take the summer off. In fact, a...
Tips for safe and healthy summer vacations
Take time this summer to get outdoors and enjoy a vacation. Not only is it good for your mental and physical health, but its also a great time to make new memories with your loved ones. By doing a little planning, you can stay safe and enjoy your vacation to the...
Get Your Eye Exam in May
Did you know that May is Healthy Vision Month? It’s a perfect time to ensure you and your loved ones get an annual eye checkup. Taking time now to keep your eyes healthy and safe can save you from big vision problems in the future. Here at Horizon Family Medical...
BBQ Safety
We may be clear from the winter storms and the snowy vortex we saw during those colder months in the year. Flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and BBQ season is upon us. What a great time of year to gather with friends and family and share a meal in the warm sun. As...
Celebrate Mother’s Day the Healthy Way
Moms are the best! They always do so much for us, isn’t it about time we do for them? This Mother’s Day, go above and beyond and have a healthy and happy holiday. Here are a few tips you may want to consider: Plan a healthy, delicious brunch Offer lots of fruits,...
Spread Hope with Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to talk with your friends and family about joining millions across the country in supporting people living with autism. What is autism? Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), includes a range of conditions...
How to Overcome Springtime Allergies
Springtime is finally here (hopefully), and with it: allergy season. If you’re an allergy sufferer, you’re not alone. About 8% of people in the U.S. are right there with you experiencing hay fever—or allergic rhinitis—each year. [1] The good news is, you can take...
5 Spring Health Benefits
Springtime is a great time to improve your health. As the sun returns and the weather warms, you can take advantage of the season and love the healthier you. Here are just a few reasons why you should love the spring season More Vitamin D Longer days not only chase...
Make Time for Colon Cancer Screening
For those of us age 50 and older, regular colon cancer screening is the key to catching and often preventing colorectal cancer. If you have certain risk factors or family history of colon cancer, your physician here at Horizon Family Medical Group may recommend...
Improving Your Heart Health
Did you know that 25 percent of deaths in the United States are caused by heart disease? Or that one out of three people in this country have high blood cholesterol? Heart disease is, in fact, the leading cause of death in men and women, but we can take steps to...