 A familiar guest accompanies many of my patients into the consulting room. Quiet and often unannounced, it typically makes its presence known through a self-referencing that feels clipped, proficient, but often disapproving. “I should have caught that.” “I know better.” “Why do I keep behaving this way?” It sounds, at first, like accountability, maybe even motivating or a form of discipline they have relied on for self-improvements, promotions, and socially appropriate behavior. It can be a useful function, so why question it? Yet, they’ve built a life with this guest driving from the backseat, accounting for an array of corrections needed to show up better. Here is what I’ve come to realize as I have worked with individuals in psychotherapy for years, this type of self-referencing was never about improving performance, but about a sense of safety. It’s an attempt to get ahead of any potential disappointment, ridicule, or rejection. Like the coldness that comes from a parent’s indifference, or the confusion of conditional love not spoken, but felt. The guest moved in early and went to work in the service of self-protection. So, when I talk to patients about self-compassion, I’m careful to differentiate it from worn over phrases like, “be kind to yourself” or “just treat yourself like you would treat a stranger.” It’s not about being nicer to yourself. What I’m referring to is something more like self-courage that summons you towards engaging the part of you suffering without immediately trying to resolve it. Can you let it be there, uncomfortable and messy, without immediately silencing it, fixing it, or outperforming it? It’s not evidence that something is necessarily wrong. More likely, you weren’t taught that suffering could just be witnessed and does not require an emotional fire extinguisher. So, self-compassion isn’t affirmations to write on your mirror (nothing wrong with that), but a relationship you build with parts of yourself that you’ve spent a lifetime trying to manage, disavow, or outpace. Its slow and can be inefficient. Its uncomfortable, at first, because you must sit with the feelings, sensations, and perceptions you’ve spent a lifetime managing. It might be more accurate to refer to it as curious compassion because practicing compassion can turn into just another performance or management tool. But being curious of harshness towards yourself, or curious about the emotional exhaustion you’ve grown accustomed to, or aware of the vacancy you feel underneath the most recent promotion - can land differently. That’s where a shift can begin to take hold because you are finally turning towards the part of you that is in need of a kind, curious witness, not another manager. This work can’t be done alone, it requires the presence of an Other. Someone steady enough to witness the parts of you that learned it wasn’t safe to bring into the relationship. If some of this is landing. If there is a heaviness in reading this, or a recognition of the familiar guest in your mind, that’s worth noting. It’s where the real work can begin. Scott Koeneman, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist and Psychoanalyst --------------------- Dr. Koeneman is co-owner and the clinical director at Mend Center for Psychotherapy. Mend specializes in helping individuals know themselves more fully and to relate to others more authentically. We offer in-person and virtual psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. Please visit our website: www.mendpsychotherapy.com for more information. ---------------------- Mend Center for Psychotherapy is running an 8-week psychoeducational group called Mindful Self Compassion. We would love for you to reach out to us if you are ready to take the step towards a curious self-compassion. See attached flyer for more information. 
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One of the greatest benefits of being a HealthSuite 110 member is having convenient, affordable access to exceptional primary care. But many patients ask an important question: "Do I still need health insurance if I have a Direct Primary Care membership?" The short answer is (for most people): yes. Direct Primary Care is an outstanding foundation for your healthcare, providing unlimited access to your primary care physician, preventive care, and ongoing management of your health. However, it is not designed to cover major medical expenses such as hospitalizations, surgeries, emergency care, specialist treatment, or other unexpected high-cost events. That is where Sunflower Benefits Group can help. We specialize in helping individuals, families, and businesses build healthcare strategies that complement Direct Primary Care. Every situation is different, so we take the time to understand your healthcare needs, budget, and goals before making recommendations. As an independent agency, we represent both traditional health insurance companies and innovative alternative healthcare solutions. Our role is not to sell a particular product—it is to educate you about your options, explain the advantages and limitations of each approach, and help you choose the solution that best fits your needs. For Individuals & Families Whether you are self-employed, covered through an employer, retiring before Medicare, or simply looking for a smarter way to manage healthcare costs, we will help you understand your options and build a healthcare strategy that protects both your health and your financial well-being. For Business Owners If you own a business, we can help you design employee benefits that support both your employees and your bottom line. We work with employers of all sizes to explore innovative healthcare solutions that pair exceptionally well with Direct Primary Care, helping businesses attract and retain employees while offering meaningful, cost-conscious benefits. Our relationship does not end after enrollment. We become a long-term resource, helping you evaluate new options, answer employee questions, and adapt your benefits strategy as your business evolves. At Sunflower Benefits Group, we believe healthcare decisions should be made through education—not pressure. Our goal is to simplify a complicated process so you can make informed decisions with confidence. If you would like to explore your options, click HERE to schedule your personalized consult. Normally $99, but only $49 for Health Suite members if clicked before November 15th! We look forward to helping you build a healthcare strategy that works for you, your family, or your business. - Connie Jabara & Mary Kolpin Sunflower Benefits Group The Silent Cholesterol Most People Have Never Heard Of — And Why We've Been Testing For It For Years7/15/2026 If you've had a routine cholesterol panel recently, there's a good chance it didn't tell you the whole story. One in five people worldwide carry a hidden, largely genetic risk factor for heart attack and stroke — and it doesn't show up on a standard lipid panel at all. It's called Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), and at Health Suite 110, we've been testing for it as a core part of our Heart Health Program for years, long before it became a mainstream conversation in cardiology.
What Is Lp(a), and Why Does It Matter? Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle in your blood, and unlike LDL ("bad" cholesterol), your level is almost entirely determined by your genes rather than your diet or lifestyle. The American Heart Association notes that Lp(a) is mostly inherited, and when levels are high, it can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. We think of Lp(a) as a "FAST PASS" for cholesterol — it shuttles LDL particles into artery walls faster than normal, accelerating plaque buildup. It's also a small, dense, and highly inflammatory particle that raises the risk of blood clots, which is part of why it's considered an independent driver of cardiovascular disease, distinct from your regular cholesterol numbers. The Numbers Are Bigger Than Most People Realize According to the American Heart Association, about 1 in 5 people have high Lp(a), and a level of 125 nmol/L or higher raises heart attack and stroke risk — with risk potentially doubling at 250 nmol/L or higher. And because high Lp(a) usually causes no symptoms, most people who carry this risk have no idea it's there. The impact isn't limited to heart attacks. The AHA points out that elevated Lp(a) contributes to clotting, inflammation, and plaque buildup in the arteries, which over time can restrict blood flow and significantly raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, aortic stenosis, and peripheral artery disease. Why a Standard Cholesterol Panel Won't Catch It This is the part that surprises most patients: your typical annual lipid panel does not include Lp(a). It has to be specifically ordered. The American Heart Association is now direct about this gap, recommending that every adult be tested for Lp(a) at least once in their lifetime, and calling it out as especially important for people with:
Why We've Been Ahead of the Curve This is exactly the kind of gap our Heart Health Program was built to close. Long before Lp(a) testing became a widely recommended standard, we were already incorporating it into our advanced cardiovascular lab work for patients, alongside other markers that a routine physical simply doesn't cover — Apolipoprotein B, inflammatory markers like hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ultrasound to directly visualize early plaque in the arteries. Our philosophy has always been about early detection over damage control. We believe Lp(a) is a big piece of that puzzle — since 18% of patients with premature coronary artery disease have elevated Lp(a), and it's considered the strongest single inherited risk factor for early arterial blockages. If a parent has high Lp(a), their child has roughly a 50% chance of inheriting it — which is exactly why we treat this as a family conversation, not just an individual one. What Happens If Your Lp(a) Comes Back High? Here's the honest, important nuance: there's currently no approved medication specifically designed to lower Lp(a) itself. But that doesn't mean nothing can be done. What we know works is aggressively managing every other modifiable risk factor — LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep apnea, and inflammation — because doing so has been shown to meaningfully cut cardiovascular risk even in people with genetically elevated Lp(a). For some patients — particularly postmenopausal women — we also discuss options like hormone therapy or low-dose aspirin, both of which have shown promise in lowering Lp(a) levels or offsetting its clotting risk in select cases. This is exactly why knowing your number matters, even without a magic pill to fix it: it changes how aggressively you and your care team manage everything else. The Bottom Line Lp(a) is common, largely invisible, and almost entirely genetic — which means willpower and diet alone can't protect you from it. The only way to know where you stand is a simple blood test that most providers still aren't ordering by default. At Health Suite 110, testing for Lp(a) has been a standard part of our Heart Health Program for years — not because it just became trendy, but because we've long believed that finding hidden cardiovascular risk early is one of the most valuable things a primary care relationship can offer. If you don't know your Lp(a) number, it's worth asking for it at your next visit. This blog is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Talk to your Health Suite 110 physician about whether Lp(a) testing is right for you. References
 If you're a patient managing joint/chronic pain, you've probably heard some version of "you need to move more." Movement matters enormously, but how you move, and whether you're building any real strength in the process, is what actually changes things long-term. That's the gap I want to talk about.
Chronic pain has a way of slowly shrinking your life. You protect the thing that hurts, you move less, and over time the muscles that are supposed to support your joints and spine get weaker, which makes the pain worse, which makes you move less. It's a cycle that treating symptoms alone won't break. Research on conditions like low back pain, osteoarthritis, and joint degeneration consistently shows that progressive strength training, meaning building the muscles that actually support vulnerable areas, reduces pain and improves function in ways that rest, adjustments, and medication often can't sustain on their own. I know this personally. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 11, and for years the message was clear: manage it, limit yourself, and if it doesn't get better, look into surgery. I went through the full cycle. Physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, pain medication. Some of it helped a little, for a little while. But nothing stuck. It wasn't until I started strength training that things actually shifted. Building the muscles supporting my spine, learning how my body moves, and addressing the weakness underneath the pain made a difference that years of other treatments couldn't. That experience is a big part of why I do this work. If you've been told to exercise but haven't found an approach that actually feels manageable or safe, that's exactly where I can help. I work with people at all levels, especially those dealing with chronic conditions to build strength in a way that's individualized, intentional, and progresses at your pace. -Bryan Adams AdamsTrain LLC  Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause and typically lasts 2–12
years before a woman's final menstrual period. During this time, hormone fluctuations are common and can contribute to a variety of significant symptoms. Menopause is officially defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Both perimenopause and menopause bring significant hormonal changes that can affect metabolism, bone density, muscle mass, sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health. Nutrition plays an important role in managing these shifts and supporting health as a whole. More than any other life stage, consistency is key. Eating balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and fiber can help support satiety, stabilize blood sugar levels, and promote a healthy metabolism. Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass, fiber supports digestive health and manages cholesterol levels, and healthy fats aid in vitamin absorption and hormone production. If I can offer one tip that makes the most difference for the women we see in our practice that are in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond it’s this, focus on consistent meal timing throughout the day. Consistent meal timing can prevent excessive hunger, reduce overeating in the evening, and minimize late-night snacking. In the typical American diet, dinner is the largest meal of the day. Shifting meal timing to support bigger meals earlier in the day helps with metabolism and cravings. Rather than focusing on restrictive diets or a medicine cabinet full of supplements, the most effective approach is to prioritize whole foods, balanced and consistent meals, regular physical activity, stress management, and healthy sleep habits. These foundational lifestyle habits can help support overall health and quality of life throughout perimenopause and menopause. Collagen Collagen supplements continue to grow in popularity, and for good reason. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and serves as a key structural component of the skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, and even the digestive tract. Most common protein sources and cuts of meat are not significant sources of collagen because collagen is primarily found in animal skin, cartilage, and connective tissues, which are often discarded during processing. As a result, many people do not consume large amounts of collagen through their regular diet. While research is still emerging, several high-quality studies suggest that hydrolyzed collagen, particularly marine-derived collagen from fish, may help improve skin hydration and elasticity. Because collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin's surface and reach the deeper layers where collagen production occurs, oral supplementation appears to be more effective than topical collagen products for supporting skin health. Research also indicates that collagen supplementation may support joint and bone health. Studies have found that consuming approximately 10-15 grams of collagen daily can help improve joint function and reduce joint pain. Additional research suggests that hydrolyzed collagen may increase bone density and strength, and decrease discomfort associated with aging and physical activity. Collagen supplements can also serve as a convenient protein source. It is a simple, minimal ingredient protein that is easy to digest for individuals who have difficulty tolerating traditional protein powders containing whey, or other additives. However, collagen should not be relied upon as a primary protein source. Most collagen powders provide about 10 grams of protein per two tablespoons and do not contain all of the essential amino acids needed to support muscle protein synthesis. For this reason, collagen supplements are best used to complement a diet that includes a variety of high-quality, food-based protein sources. - Bethany Frazier, dietitian Kansas City Dietitian Collective  Winter arrived in full force to welcome in 2021 with snow blanketing the ground. And with snow, along came the excitement for sledding. While sledding can be a fun winter activity for children and adults alike, it is important to take some precautions to keep everyone safe.
1. Sled during daytime hours. Avoid sledding at night or in poorly lit areas to reduce the chance of injury. 2. Dress warmly. Hats, mittens/gloves and appropriate winter gear are advised to prevent hypothermia. Children are at a greater risk of hypothermia than adults. 3. Consider wearing a helmet. Yes, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends considering a helmet, just as children do for skiing. Sledding can lead to concussions and other serious injuries. 4. Avoid sledding near trees, bodies of water and fences. 5. Young children should be supervised at all times. 6. Teach children how to roll off of a sled that will not come to a stop on its own. 7. Children should ride upright with feet first and in the forward -facing position. This will decrease the likelihood of a head injury. 8. Avoid pulling children on sleds behind vehicles. Have fun and enjoy the snow this winter! Dr. Jennifer Teegarden  Many of our patients have asked about the novel coronavirus and we felt it necessary to address this directly. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent for the disease we now call COVID-19. In the past few months we have seen global spread of this virus and as of today there have been 423 total cases and 19 deaths in the United States. Currently, 35 states are reporting cases, including Kansas and Missouri. The closest case to our clinic has been a person in Johnson County who has recently been admitted to KU for observation and is doing well. This person was likely infected during a trip to the Northeast U.S. This being said, it is no longer a matter of WHETHER we will see this virus, but WHEN. We are committed to taking the best care of our patients possible during this time. For this reason, we are implementing guidelines to help keep ourselves and our patients as safe as possible as the situation develops. Here are some important highlights of our guidelines. You can find the complete algorithm below. Mild respiratory symptoms If you have a mild upper respiratory illness (cough, nasal congestion, and/or sore throat) we will ask you to stay at home and implement supportive measures (fluids, cough medicines, and rest). You should avoid public places (such as grocery stores or church functions) until you are feeling better and should wash your hands frequently. Consider staying in one room and bathroom in your house and disinfect these areas frequently, including doorknobs and light switches. Mild respiratory symptoms WITH fever >100.4ºF If you have respiratory symptoms such as cough, congestion, and/or sore throat and your temperature is OVER 100.4ºF, please call, text, or email our office so that we can set up a phone visit and determine if you need further care. If we determine that you need testing or need to be seen in the office. If an office visit is necessary, we may ask that you take extra precautions such as putting on a mask upon arrival or even having you call us on arrival if we feel it is safer to come evaluate you in the parking lot. Yes, in the parking lot. This is the safest way to prevent spread in our office and similar procedures are being implemented all over the country. The same guidelines apply regarding avoiding public places, washing your hands, and confining yourself to one area of your home to avoid infecting others. Severe respiratory symptoms WITH fever >100.4ºF AND significant shortness of breath If you are having respiratory symptoms, fever, and are feeling significantly short of breath or having trouble breathing, we will likely refer to the Emergency Room (ER) for further care. The most susceptible to this category of severe infection with COVID-19 are those over the age of 60 and those with underlying health conditions such as lung disease, heart failure, diabetes, or immunocompromised (patients taking steroids, biologic medications, or other immune suppressants, etc). Onset of severe symptoms tends to be around day 8-9 of infection. IF YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO HIGH RISK AREAS, INCLUDING DOMESTIC TRAVEL, IN THE LAST 2-3 WEEKS AND DEVELOP SYMPTOMS, YOU MAY NEED TO BE TESTED. PLEASE ALERT US BY PHONE OF ANY TRAVEL HISTORY OR POTENTIAL CONTACT WITH PATIENTS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR COVID-19. FOR NOW, ALL TESTING WILL BE ARRANGED THROUGH THE JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND NOT AT OUR OFFICE. REMINDERS ON FEVER
We cannot be more explicit than this: if we come into contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19, all Health Suite 110 staff who made contact with that individual will have to quarantine for 14 days. As we are a small practice, this may lead to a situation where we will have to close for all in-person interactions for up to (and potentially longer than) a 14-day period. If this were to occur, we would attempt to still offer telephone triage and telemedicine visits. We would like to prevent this if at all possible, so please help us do so by staying home if you are sick. We would be happy to write you a work note if needed. Again, we are putting these guidelines in place to prevent the spread of this illness to the most vulnerable around us. We appreciate your understanding, patience, and effort to keep everyone in our Health Suite 110 family healthy as we all see our routines altered by this virus. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or reach out. Sincerely, Your Health Suite 110 team  Find out how you can protect yourself and your family HERE. Find out what to do if you are in a high risk category HERE. Find out how to mitigate spread in our community HERE. 3/14/20 UPDATE & ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESOURCES As of 3/13/20, Johnson County has declared a state of emergency and the latest advisory from Kansas Department of Health and Environment reads: People should exercise vigilance when attending large public gatherings, particularly those people over age 60 and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and believe you may have had contact with someone with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider. You may also call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here are some websites we trust and would recommend looking into if you want more information: World Health Organization Center for Disease Control Kansas Department of Health and Environment For parents of young children 3/19/20 UPDATE
First, we would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement as we work to navigate this evolving situation with you all. There are advances and updates coming in from around the world daily, sometimes hourly, and we are doing our best to stay up to date on the latest guidelines. With that in mind, we have a few updates. - In an effort to keep our clinic open and protect our staff and patients, we have reduced our in-clinic staff to 1 nurse and 1 physician while the rest of us work remotely. - ALL our physicians continue to be available by email and can arrange phone or in-person visits as necessary. - We will continue to reschedule all non-essential clinic visits during this time and appreciate everyone’s flexibility and patience. Medication refills: please continue to use our online refill request form or contact clinic directly at [email protected] or 913-948-7652. We do request at least a 48 hours notice for refill requests – thanks! a) Curbside pick-up - just call once you are parked at clinic and we’ll bring it out to your car (standard until further notice). b) Lockbox - located just outside clinic doors – you will be sent a code and can pick-up anytime during or after clinic hours. c) Mail delivery - about $12, may take up to 1 week after request. d) NEW Courier service (if unable to utilize above) - delivery to your doorstep in 1-2 days by kind volunteers. Tips appreciated! Call clinic for more details. General COVID-19 updates/reminders: - Mild upper respiratory infections can look like the common cold (cough, sore throat, fever) and should be treated at home. - Lower respiratory infections can result in pneumonia and cause cough, fever and shortness of breath. Severe symptoms may require hospitalization. - Seniors and those with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk for developing severe symptoms. - Treatment is supportive as there are no currently approved treatments specifically for COVID-19. Some evidence that Zinc and certain antimalarial drugs (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine) may be helpful. We are keeping a close eye on these developments. - Testing is not widely available at this time due to limited supplies of testing materials and personal protective equipment for clinicians outside of the hospital. Bottom line: everyone should be practicing social distancing during this time. Social distancing is putting space (at least 6 feet) between individuals to prevent the spread of illness. We encourage people to put this measure into practice for the health and safety of all. Community updates: - Jackson County has had their first cases and has prohibited groups of more than 10 through May 15, 2020. Jackson County updates. - Johnson County has now reached community transmission levels. Johnson County residents with mild symptoms should isolate at home and away from others for at least seven days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medications and symptoms have significantly improved, whichever is longer. Anyone with more severe symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Individuals who have mild symptoms should not expect to be tested at this time. Kansas Health Department quarantine updates (including recent travel to Florida). Dr. Dana Hawkinson, infectious disease specialist at KU has good advice of what to do if you are feeling sick. In summary: 1. Don’t panic. 2. Stay at home and treat like any other virus with rest, fluids, pain/fever medications as needed. 3. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, contact your physician who can advise you on home treatment and if evaluation in the ER is necessary. We will continue to keep you posted with updates thank you for trusting us with your care. Health Suite 110  With spring break on the horizon, and summer just around the corner, many Americans will be planning and preparing for upcoming travels. Whether you are going on a road trip to visit family or traveling abroad, here are some tips to make sure you prepared for your journey.
1. Prescription medications: if you or your family members take prescription medications, it is important to make sure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your trip. One or two weeks prior to your departure, check your prescription bottles and reach out to your doctor’s office if you are in need of a refill. If traveling by plane, be sure to pack your prescription medications in your carry – on bag, in the event your checked luggage were to be misplaced or lost. 2. Over-the-counter medications: you may consider packing some over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, antibiotic ointment and band-aids. If you will be hiking or going on other outdoor adventures, bring a first aid kit along. 3. Health information: having a list of your medications, allergies, medical diagnoses and contact information for your physicians is advised when traveling. 4. Medical alert bracelets: if you typically wear a medical alert bracelet, be sure to not leave that behind at home. Wear it as you usually would. 5. Vaccines: if your vacation will be taking you abroad, be sure that you are up to date on the recommended vaccines. Visit www.cdc.gov and click the link for “travelers health” for a list of what vaccines are advised depending on what country you will be visiting. Ask your doctor about any vaccine questions and for information on where you can receive those vaccines. If you need vaccines, plan to receive those at least two weeks prior to your departure. 6. Health insurance: if you have health insurance, be sure to bring your wallet card along. 7. Sunscreen: protect your skin. Sunscreen does have an expiration date, so make sure yours is in date before you lather up. 8. Cold weather destinations: if you will be hitting the ski slopes or venturing to other destinations with extreme cold, be sure to pack all of your winter gear. Wear layers, have appropriate gloves, hats, etc. Be aware of the temperatures and amount of time outdoors to prevent frostbite and other injuries that can occur with prolonged exposure to extreme cold. 9. Hydrate and healthy foods: traveling can mean long days, long flights and long car rides. Be sure to stay hydrated and eat healthy foods. Eating healthy can help to support your immune system and keep you feeling good during your travels. 10. Have fun: we hope your time away from home is a chance to laugh, have fun and make some great memories! If you have any other travel questions, be sure to check in with your primary care physician! Dr. Jennifer Teegarden  If you have a teenager at home, you likely know all too well about sleepy teens. Teenagers need on average about 9 to 10 hrs of sleep at night, but most of them aren’t getting this amount of rest consistently. Teenagers are growing, not just physically, but their brains are also developing, increasing their need for more sleep.
So, why are they not getting the recommended amount of sleep? Well, most teens brains are engineered to want to stay up late and sleep in. However, most middle schools and high schools start early, with most teens arriving to school each morning by 8 am and some as early as 7 am. This translates into early wake times. Sports, late evening practices, extra – curricular activities and increased amounts of homework often mean late nights for many teens. Lack of sleep or sleep deprivation in teens can have significant consequence and affect them in a variety of ways. Teens lacking in sleep may often be more moody or irritable. Parents may also notice an increase in more risk – taking behaviors such as fast driving, smoking, and drinking alcohol with chronic sleep deprivation. There has also been an association between lack of sleep and an increase in reported car accidents and teens falling asleep at the wheel. School performance often suffers as well and should be a red flag if parents are noticing a change in their teen’s grades. Attention, memory, and decision making all are affected by not getting enough zzz’s. So, if this sounds all too familiar with your teen, what can you do to help? Well, there are a number of actions parents can take to help their teens get the rest they need. 1. Sleep schedule: yes, teens can benefit from a sleep schedule. Having a nightly routine and sticking to it. A consistent bedtime and wake time can help. 2. Avoid oversleeping: (insert teen eyeroll). Sleeping in might just be your teen’s favorite weekend pastime. However, sleeping in until noon on Sundays is going to make it difficult to get to bed on time Sunday evening. 3. Early afternoon naps: If your teen is tired after school and he or she has time to nap before their evening practice or activity, a 30 minute nap can help provide some much needed rest. 4. Avoid screens: now, this is a hard one. Avoiding use of TV’s, smart phones and other screens at least 1 hour prior to bedtime is advised. 5. Avoid caffeine: teens should have limited caffeine consumption. Avoiding all caffeine during the afternoon and evening hours can help as well. If your teen is persistently tired despite implementing some actions to increase their rest, or you notice excessive snoring, contact their primary care physician for further evaluation and recommendations. Sweet dreams! Dr. Jennifer Teegarden  Patient: Hey doc, thanks for all your great care, but I have insurance now so need to cancel my membership.
Me: Sorry to hear you are leaving. Best of luck! Remember, we care for folks regardless of their insurance status and most of our patients HAVE insurance, so no reason to quit if you prefer to remain a member. Patient: Ok, thanks. I really hate to leave, but don’t see the point of paying for membership when I have insurance. Will miss you all! 1 month later Patient: Hey doc, I really need to get in for [insert any medical need], but I can’t find a primary care physician who’s accepting patients within the next 6 months. Do you have any recommendations? Me: Not anymore. --- Recently I got the news that another Family Medicine colleague was leaving primary care due to the misery that is traditional practice. Even her private practice setting couldn’t protect her from the outside forces that threaten the sanctity of the patient-doctor relationship. As is often the case, this physician was finally fed up with the bureaucracy, the endless check-boxes, the pressure to see more patients in less time and the drain on her personal and professional satisfaction in a career she worked so hard to achieve. And I don’t blame her one bit. Healthcare, especially PRIMARY CARE is based on relationships. This means that doctors are not interchangeable cogs in a machine and that seeing “someone” is not the same as seeing YOUR physician who knows you, your preference, quirks and life circumstances through a relationship that is established over years together. There is nothing that can replace the value of being known – especially as this also helps to prevent misdiagnosis, over-testing and over-treatment and their downstream effects. In fact, studies continue to show that states with more primary care physicians are healthier and live longer, even when socioeconomic and lifestyle factors are taken into account. Unfortunately, despite the proven effectiveness and overall cost-savings, primary care is undervalued in this country and many physicians have abandoned what used to be a fulfilling career. What has driven us to this point? Arguably, one of the biggest drivers in our current healthcare crisis is Our Unhealthy Addiction to Health Insurance, which is summarized beautifully by one of our DPC colleagues, Dr. Jeffrey Gold. As Dr. Gold reminds us, “The main mistake that we have succumbed to as a society is that we have deviated from the original intent of health insurance. The true purpose of health insurance was to protect people against financial ruin in the event of an unexpected, major occurrence – just like car insurance, life insurance, and homeowner’s insurance. But things got murky when people were indoctrinated into the belief that good health insurance should “cover everything” because “everything in healthcare is expensive.” Not only has the reliance on insurance resulted in an immoral spiraling of inflated pricing, more unnecessary testing, referrals and aggressive treatments, but it has also convinced people that TIME spent listening to patients and TIME to do a thorough physical exam is not worth paying for. All of this had led to people forgetting that health insurance…is NOT…health care. Think about that for a moment. Health insurance is a product that helps protect against financial ruin in case of unexpected, expensive, catastrophic events. Health insurance companies are for-profit entities that are in the business of making money. Health care is what you need when you are sick or injured. Health care is provided by medical professionals (doctors, nurses, etc) who have spend many years in continual training and are in the business of helping people. While both are necessary (after all, home-owners insurance is certainly important in case of a fire), only one actually provides the care. Hint: it’s not the insurance company. So, if personalized health CARE provided by a doctor who knows you and will be there for you regardless of your health, age, income, insurance or job-status is important to you, then invest in a Direct Primary Care practice. If supporting doctors who are willing to sacrifice their financial stability in order to provide real care to patients again, then invest in Direct Primary Care. If transparency in pricing and reducing unnecessary testing and treatment is important to you, then invest in Direct Primary Care. I could go on and on, but instead, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite Margaret Mead quotes. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” To your health! Dr. Vannaman |
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7199 W 98th Terrace, Suite 110 Overland Park, KS 66212 Bldg #3 in Windmill Village phone:: 913-948-7652 fax: 913-273-2474 [email protected] Clinic Hours
Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm Friday 9am - 12pm Closed for lunch 12-1pm daily |
2026 Holidays - Clinic CLOSED
New Year's Day - Jan 1 MLK Day - Jan 19 Washington's Birthday - Feb 16 Annual Staff Retreat - April 9, 10 Memorial Day - May 25 Juneteenth - June 19 Independence Day - July 2, 3 Labor Day - Sept 7 Veteran's Day - Nov 11 Thanksgiving - Nov 25-27 Christmas - Dec 24-25 NYE - Dec 31 |
