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Sensenbrenner Primary Care / Education (Page 2)

Electrolytes: 101

Electrolytes are minerals in your blood, urine, and body fluids that carry an electric charge. They are essential for keeping your body’s systems running smoothly, playing a role in hydration, nerve signaling, muscle function, and maintaining a healthy pH balance. What Are the Main Electrolytes? Some of the most important electrolytes in the body include: Sodium (Na⁺): Regulates fluid balance and supports nerve function. Potassium (K⁺): Helps muscles contract and supports a steady heart rhythm. Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Aids muscle relaxation, supports energy production, and is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions. Calcium (Ca²⁺): Important for bone strength, muscle contractions, and nerve transmission. Chloride (Cl⁻): Works with sodium to maintain proper fluid balance. Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): Supports bone health and helps produce energy. Why They Matter Electrolytes are like your body’s electrical wiring—without them, signals between your...

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Kidney or Liver Problems? Your Medications May Need Adjusting 

Your kidneys and liver do more than just keep your body clean—they’re also key players in how your medications work. If you have kidney or liver problems, your medications might not be processed the same way, which can affect how well they work—or even make them unsafe.  Why It Matters  Most medications are filtered through the liver or kidneys. If either of these organs isn’t functioning properly, the medication can:  Stay in your body too long and build up to unsafe levels  Be less effective  Cause more side effects or unexpected reactions  Common Medications That May Need Adjustment  If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), liver disease, or are recovering from an illness affecting these organs, your doctor or pharmacist may adjust the dose of medications like:  Pain medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)  Blood pressure pills  Diabetes...

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Spinach & Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients (6 servings) 12 oz pasta (fusilli, rotini, or bowtie work well) 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella) ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional) ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Juice of ½ lemon Salt & pepper, to taste Optional garnish: fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, or parmesan Instructions Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. In a large bowl, toss pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Add spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion to the pasta. Mix pesto and lemon juice together in a small bowl (thins the pesto for easier coating). Toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes...

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Hydration Hero: Piña Colada Smoothie

Tropical, refreshing, and packed with healthy fats —this smoothie is a great way to stay cool and hydrated in the summer heat! Ingredients: 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks 1/2 banana (for creaminess) 1/2 cup coconut milk (or coconut water for a lighter version) 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Ice cubes (optional, for extra chill) Directions:Blend everything until smooth. Add more coconut milk to reach your desired consistency. Pour, sip, and pretend you’re on a beach. ...

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Healthy Vision Month

Why Your Vision Matters At Sensenbrenner Primary Care, your entire well-being is our priority, including your eye health. Vision is essential for daily life, work, and connecting with loved ones. Unfortunately, millions of Americans experience vision problems or eye diseases, many of which can be prevented or managed with the right care. July is Healthy Vision Month, the perfect time to learn how to protect your sight for years to come. What Can You Do to Protect Your Vision? Schedule a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam Even if you feel your eyesight is fine, regular eye exams can catch issues early—sometimes before any symptoms develop. Share Your Family Eye Health History Some eye conditions run in families. Let your healthcare provider know about any serious vision problems among your relatives so we...

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Men’s Health Week: A Timely Reminder for the Men We Love

Observed each year during the week leading up to Father’s Day, Men’s Health Week (June 10–16) is a national effort to raise awareness about the unique health challenges men face—and to encourage early detection and treatment. Why it matters:Men are statistically less likely to visit the doctor for preventive care and more likely to delay seeking medical attention. That’s why this week is a perfect opportunity to support the health of the fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons in our lives. Key health priorities for men include: Heart health: High blood pressure and cholesterol are often silent—routine screenings can catch them early. Mental health: Depression, anxiety, and stress often go unspoken. Encouraging honest conversations can make a big difference. Cancer screenings: Talk to your provider about when to begin screenings for...

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Cool Cucumber Mint Refresher

This crisp, hydrating drink is packed with summer flavor and gentle on the stomach—no added sugars, just natural goodness! Ingredients: 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced 6–8 fresh mint leaves 3 cups cold water or sparkling water Ice Optional Boost:Add a splash of coconut water or a few crushed raspberries for a natural electrolyte kick and light fruity twist! Instructions:Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and let sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to infuse. Pour over ice and enjoy! Health Tip:Cucumber and mint help support digestion and hydration—perfect for hot days or a post-walk refresher. ...

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Grilled Salmon with Avocado Corn Salsa

🥗 Healthy Summer Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Avocado Corn Salsa Fresh, flavorful, and packed with omega-3s, this recipe is a summer crowd-pleaser and heart-healthy too. 🛒 Ingredients: For the salmon: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice of 1 lime 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper to taste For the avocado corn salsa: 1 ripe avocado, diced 1 cup cooked corn (fresh or grilled for extra flavor) 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Juice of 1 lime Salt and pepper to taste 👩‍🍳 Instructions: Marinate the salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush over the salmon fillets and let them marinate for 15–30 minutes. Grill the salmon: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat....

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New Physician Announcement: Welcoming Dr. Emery Young Jr., DO”

Evoto Hello! My name is Dr. Emery Young Jr., and I’m an osteopathic physician with a passion for whole-person, integrative care. I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, where my roots run deep—my family owns a farm that has been in our family for generations. Some of my favorite memories come from the cookouts and family gatherings we’ve had there over the years. Growing up, I was always drawn to athletics. That passion led me to earn a football scholarship to Lafayette College in Easton, PA, where I played running back. (Back in the day, I used to be pretty fast!) These days, I stay active through competitive powerlifting—I’ve completed three meets so far—and I truly enjoy pushing myself both mentally and physically. Outside of medicine and...

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Spring Gardening Tips

Spring Gardening Tips for North Carolina As temperatures warm up, it’s the perfect time to get your garden thriving in North Carolina. Check out this planting calendar published by NC State University: VIEW PLANTING CALENDAR Here are some key tips to ensure a successful spring season: 🌱 Choose the Right Plants – Opt for hardy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and carrots early in the season. By mid-spring, plant tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Native flowers such as black-eyed Susans and coneflowers also flourish. 🌿 Prepare the Soil – Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter to boost nutrients. North Carolina’s clay-heavy soil benefits from aeration and added organic material to improve drainage. 💧 Water Wisely – Spring rains help, but supplemental watering may be needed, especially for new plantings. Water...

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