As November arrives and we begin thinking about Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the many things that make our community special. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to care for the people who call this community home. After more than 28 years in family medicine, I still believe one of the most important parts of being a doctor is getting to know the person behind the medical chart. Your health history, your family, your work, your worries and the things tha

Have you ever looked at your lab results and wondered what all those numbers mean? You're not alone! Bloodwork is one of the most useful tools healthcare providers have to understand what's happening inside your body and many blood tests are included in your membership at RMFP. No need to go to the lab! Your blood results can help identify potential health concerns, monitor existing conditions and provide a baseline for tracking changes over time. Here are a few common blood

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, making it a great time to learn more about diabetes, understand your risk and take steps to protect your health. Diabetes affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose), which is an important source of energy for your cells. When blood sugar levels remain too high over time, they can damage blood vessels and nerves and increase the risk of complications involving the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet. There are two primary typ

There is something special about October. The aspens turn gold, the air gets crisp, Halloween decorations start appearing around town—and this year, our community is making an extra effort to show up for one another. OctoberVille is giving us a wonderful reason to get out, explore our town and support the local businesses that make Leadville such a special place to live. After a challenging summer and the impact of the Willow Fire, many of our local businesses are still recov

Pickining up the theme of Dr. Lisa's letter above, it is a good time for a little reminder: Taking care of your health doesn't have to be complicated. As we head into the colder months, a few simple habits can make a big difference. Get enough sleep. Shorter days can be a good excuse to settle into a healthy sleep routine. Most adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Your body does a lot of important work while you're sleeping—including supporting your imm

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means you are probably seeing plenty of pink ribbons, reminders about mammograms and messages about breast cancer screening. Those reminders are important—but breast health is about more than scheduling a mammogram once a year. It is also about knowing what is normal for you. Breasts naturally change throughout our lives. Hormones, aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other factors can all affect breast tissue. But if you notice

Earlier this month I attended my first ever cooking class led by a Master Chef. All I can say is wow! In class we learned how to make sauces from scratch using a terrifying amount of butter. Learning from a professional is game changing, even the way he cooked pasta was educational (put the salt in the water after it boils to avoid pitting your stainless steel). We learned sauces, and even though that might not really challenge your cooking game, it can. You can see all of th

Squash Blossom Soup! As we welcome in cooler weather and fall colors, it’s time start using up the last of our summer harvest vegetables. My absolute favorite September soup is made with mixed vegetables that are blended with squash blossoms to make a delicate, bright yellow, carotenoid packed meal. Squash blossom soup (sopa de flor de calabaza) has been a traditional fall meal dating as far back as the Aztecs, who viewed the flowers as symbols of renewal and abundance. The r

As we focus on Pain Awareness Month—it is helpful to recognize that pain can be difficult to explain and understand. Here in Lake County, we are an active community. We hike, bike, ski, work outdoors, chase kids, climb mountains, and generally keep moving—even when our bodies aren't cooperating. Pain is personal. Two people can have the same injury or diagnosis and experience it very differently. Pain can affect sleep, mood, activity, work, and our ability to enjoy the things

Our mountain lifestyle often requires independence. We take care of our homes, our families, our jobs—and often ourselves. But when it comes to healthcare, you don't have to do everything on your own. At Rocky Mountain Family Practice of Leadville, we want our patients to feel comfortable reaching out with questions and concerns. As a Direct Primary Care practice, we have the opportunity to know our patients and build relationships that go beyond a single appointment. And hea

We're fortunate to have incredible opportunities to move our bodies where we live. But when you're dealing with pain, staying active can feel much harder. During this change of season, it's a good time to remember that managing pain doesn't always mean stopping everything you enjoy. In many cases, small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Keep moving—within your limits. Gentle stretching, walking, range-of-motion exercises, or getting up regularly during the day can

Most people think about seeing their healthcare provider when they're sick. While we're always here when illness or injury strikes, some of the most important care happens when you're feeling well. An annual wellness visit is one of the best investments you can make in your health. These appointments focus on prevention—helping identify potential health concerns before they become more serious and supporting you in maintaining your overall well-being. During your visit, we'll

Tiny, delicious, and packed with nutrition, blueberries are one of nature's healthiest foods. Eat them fresh, frozen, or blended into a smoothie, blue berries provide an impressive combination of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and powerful plant compounds that support nearly every system in the body. Here are some reasons why eating blueberries can improve your health. 1. Rich in Powerful Antioxidants Blueberries are among the highest antioxidant-rich fruits available. Their deep

The start of a new school year is an exciting time filled with fresh opportunities, new teachers, and busy schedules. It can also be one of the busiest seasons for families. Taking a little time now to prepare can help make the transition smoother and keep your children healthy throughout the school year. Here are a few items to check off your back-to-school health checklist: ✔ Schedule Annual Wellness Visits An annual wellness exam is the perfect opportunity to make sure you

Sorry to say, but there isn't a single vitamin or supplement that can replace healthy daily habits. The small choices you make each day—sleeping well, eating nutritious foods, staying active, managing stress, and keeping up with preventive care—work together to keep your immune system strong throughout the fall and winter. The simple, everyday habits mentioned above can help support a healthy immune system. Start with sleep. During sleep, your body repairs itself and strengt

As our community continues to face an extremely challenging wildfire season, I thought it would be helpful to send a few reminders about emergency food preparedness. During an evacuation, which has already affected many people in our community, the first priority is to leave. However if you have time to pre-plan or prepare your evacuation, start now to pre-plan food safety and food access. Pack Shelf Stable Food If you have time, pack a bag of shelf stable pantry items to t

Wildfire smoke has become an unfortunate part of summer life in the mountains. Even healthy individuals may notice coughing, irritated eyes, headaches, or shortness of breath when air quality declines. For children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions, smoke exposure can be especially concerning. A few practical steps can help protect your lung health: • Check local air quality reports before planning outdoor activities. • Keep windo

Mountain summers are meant for adventures outdoors, but smoky days sometimes call for a change of plans. The good news is that some of the best family memories can be made right at home. Here are a few ideas for keeping children engaged and connected indoors: Build an Indoor Fort Adventure Blankets, pillows, and imagination can transform a living room into a castle, spaceship, or mountain cabin. Add books and flashlights for extra fun. Host a Family Cooking Night Invite child

It finally feels like summer (depending on the day). Summer is one of the best times to enjoy everything Colorado has to offer. We all know the warnings about Colorado sun exposure. But they are worth restating. At our high elevation, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are stronger, meaning your skin can burn more quickly than you might expect. Even on cooler days, UV exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. A few simple precautions can help keep your family safe:

Sometimes preparation can feel boring. But it can pay off big-time! Whether heading out on road trips, camping adventures, hikes or family vacations, take a few minutes to make sure your family is prepared with a well-stocked health kit. Having basic supplies on hand can help you manage minor injuries and illnesses without disrupting your plans. First Aid Basics Your kit should include: Adhesive bandages in various sizes Gauze pads and medical tape Antiseptic wipes Antibiotic