It’s A Brand New Year!

Happy New Year from the Medical Center’s providers and staff! We wish you a healthy and happy 2025. Not sure of a New Year’s health resolution? Here are a few suggestions from the Medical Center’s excellent primary care providers.

Rene Fernandez, M.D.: “Strive to build a closer relationship with your primary doctor so that they can become your health coach and advocate as well as your doctor.”

Carlos Smith, M.D.: “Get to know the Ocean Reef Fitness Center, and staff, and include strength training as part of your exercise routine. Building muscle and getting stronger can help you age more successfully.”

Rick Baxley, M.D.: “Lighten up this year. Don’t take life so seriously. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.”

Suzanne Romeo, M.D.: “It’s important to incorporate resistance training to maintain muscle mass and strength, for all levels of fitness. This is important to reduce injury from sports activities or overuse. Loss of muscle mass is a predictor of frailty and fall risk, so it’s important to exercise and include adequate protein in your diet to prevent muscle loss.”

Manuel Torres, M.D.: “Know your numbers regarding basic things like blood pressure and blood sugar, hemoglobin, A1c, LDL cholesterol and others. That way you can set realistic goals with your primary care physician for the New Year. Center your goals around these numbers to focus on improving cardiovascular health.”

Mara Cakans, A.P.R.N.: “Find the time to destress and do something you love every day. Stress is linked to so much illness. Take time for walks, phone calls to loved ones, and self -care.”

Jennifer Perez, A.P.R.N.: “During the holidays and throughout the New Year, take the time to enjoy your family! Ensure they are obtaining their annual physical exams and appropriate age screenings. Staying healthy with longevity is the real goal in life.”

Start your New Year with a renewed sense of purpose to meet your health goals. Even small steps can reap big rewards!

Mark your calendar for January 14, 2025, when the Medical Center Lecture Series presents “Advances in Movement Disorders” with speaker Diego Torres-Russotto, M.D., of the Miami Neuroscience Institute, Baptist Health South Florida. Visit the Lecture Series page for more information about this and other lectures coming soon to the Medical Center.