Scarleth Garcia received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida before completing her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami.
Family health and wellness is a critical part of our lives. Let’s commit to limiting screen time, increasing family activity, and making nutritious choices part of our daily and weekly routine.
Many of us have experienced an increase in screen time for a variety of reasons. This month, we’re talking about family health and wellness, focusing on screen time, family activities and nutrition.
Beginning Thursday, June 3rd, we are updating our Office Safety Protocol to better individualize your care while in the exam room. Continue reading for more details.
We are seeing increasing interest in domestic and international travel. Due to the risk of rapidly developing COVID-19 variants, our clinical team strongly recommends that patients avoid unnecessary travel.
As spring begins, we want to share with you the opportunity to focus on hope and positivity as we talk about reflection, mindfulness and techniques to improve health and wellbeing.
Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are born to help each other.
At the beginning of the month, Southwest Orlando Family Medicine began proactively identifying and generating extreme vulnerability letters for our at-risk patients.
The state of Florida has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations to now include individuals deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, as determined by a clinician.
Southwest Orlando Family Medicine answers your common questions on COVID-19 vaccine safety, eligibility, benefits, and side effects on our COVID-19 Vaccine Blog.
We answer your questions on COVID-19 vaccine safety, eligibility, benefits, side effects, the history and science behind mRNA, and scheduling opportunities in Central Florida.
Southwest Orlando Family Medicine offers the highest standards in COVID-19 Testing, including two types of Nasal Swab COVID-19 tests with Same-Day Results at our offices.
As we enter the holiday season, many of us are making plans and deciding whether it’s safe to spend time with family, friends and loved ones. Southwest Orlando Family Medicine offers the following advice for you and your loved ones.
While vaccine distribution is beginning nationwide, we are monitoring the situation and will update our patients on vaccine news through our Patient Advisory page.
Southwest Orlando Family Medicine strongly advises all patients to continue following COVID-19 safety guidelines, including wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, and social distancing.
The best time for you to get your flu shot is right now! Booking your appointment takes minutes and our Drive-Up Flu Shot is fast, easy, and safe. Help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community before we reach the peak of flu season.
Southwest Orlando Family Medicine will continue to follow strict health and safety guidelines, including requiring masks for all patients and staff, and our Car Waiting Room check-in process.
Karoon Smbatt, MD attended medical school at the University of Baghdad College of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Beaumont Health in Michigan.
Upper respiratory concerns are common in the fall, and with the immense strain of COVID-19 on patient health and healthcare systems, getting your flu shot now can help protect you and your loved ones.
Life is amazing. And then it is awful. And then it is amazing again. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary.
Megha Parekh, PA-C, completed her Biology degree at the University of Florida and her Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Barry University in South Florida.
Southwest Orlando Family Medicine has published new guidelines on Mask Use, Return to Work guidelines, Rapid Testing updates, and TeleHealth Appointments.
Please note that our check-in process at the office has changed. Patients will now be asked to wait in their cars until their exam rooms are ready. The Car Waiting Room check-in process works as follows.
Read our comprehensive resource guide that answers your questions about how masks work, why you should wear them, what type of mask to wear, and when to wear them.
We appreciate all the community support we’ve received as we continue to adapt to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We’ve introduced the following to help maximize healthcare access for our patients.
The world will not stop turning while you get realigned. The mountain will still be there when you want to try again. You can climb it in your own time. Just love yourself til then.
If you or someone you love cannot afford healthcare coverage or have lost insurance eligibility due to furloughs, layoffs, or job loss from COVID-19, you may be eligible for our Self-Pay Membership program.
Rachel Simmons, DNP, WHNP-BC, ANP-BC, is board certified in Women’s Health and Adult Practice, with a Masters of Nursing from the College of Mount St. Joseph.
Learn about Seasonal Wellness, including at-home and over-the-counter remedies for seasonal allergies and the symptoms and treatments for stress, anxiety and depression.
Promise yourself to be strong this New Year, that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
Early detection and prevention saves lives. Stay proactive about your health by talking with your clinical team about your health risks and learning about the screening options that are right for you.
As we age, it is essential for us to take better care of our physical and mental health. Common issues affecting aging adults include heart disease, chronic disease, mental health, and diabetes.
Let’s try to take full advantage of the time we have. Let’s not stop looking for activities that we like. Let’s put color in our grayness. Let’s smile at the little things in life that put smiles in our hearts. Let’s continue to enjoy serenely the time that remains.
Developing an active lifestyle, routine sleep schedule and mindful habits in the kitchen can benefit your child and help keep them healthy and happy now and in the future.
Kindness shows great self-discipline and strong self-esteem. Choose to be kind over being right, and you’ll be right every time because kindness is a sign of strength.
We sat down with Clinician Patrick Aquino Vergel De Dios to talk about some of the major issues that impact men’s health and wellness, including Heart Health, Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, and Mental Health.
Brendan Sharer, MPAS, PA-C completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at Mercyhurst University. He is passionate about building relationships with patients and focuses on preventative medicine and overall wellness, with a special interest in cardiology and orthopedics.
We sat down with Clinician Juliana Caram to talk about Women’s Health and Wellness, from awareness to prevention and beyond. We’ll be taking an in-depth look at issues that impact women’s health, including Stress, Breast and Gynecological Health, and Bone Health.
You’ve scheduled your appointment with us, and it’s almost time for you to come in. Whether you’re a new or established patient, we’ve put together a quick and easy checklist to help you make the most of your appointment.
Today I will raise the spirits of someone who is discouraged: My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, contributing to approximately 1 in 4 deaths. The key risk factors for heart disease are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking. Nearly half of Americans have at least one of these three risk factors.
I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness!
I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness!
The new year is a great time to instill new habits and commit to your health. A great way to start is by caring for your diet and what you put in your body. We’ve gathered some helpful tips that can benefit your overall health, even for those with a busy schedule.
I was waiting in line for a ride at the airport in Dubai. When a cab pulled up, the first thing I noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for me.
Holidays are the busiest time of the year for lots of stores, restaurants, and, unfortunately, Emergency Rooms. We’ve gathered some resources together to help you have a better understanding of when to seek Primary Care, Urgent Care, or Emergency Care.
Between decorating and cooking, you’re bound to be reaching tall spaces and working more actively around the house and while running errands. Be safe and use ladders, step stools, and materials appropriately. If you get injured, be sure to seek help from…
Holidays are an exciting and festive time of year! Here at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, we want you to enjoy your family time in a healthy and safe way. We’ve gathered some helpful tips to keep in mind throughout the holidays.
By now, you’ve successful enrolled in your insurance coverage, selected your Primary Care Provider, prepared for your visit, and completed your appointment… but wait, there’s more! Follow-up appointments, prescription pick-ups, and lab results are all common things that you may need to review after your appointment.
Exams and physical check-ups are an important part of your visit, but so are conversations about what’s new in your diet, work life, home life, and more. Spending time talking you’re your Clinician helps them to anticipate and suggest preventative healthcare recommendations. It’s important to be completely honest with your Clinician
In our previous article, we discussed important factors to keep in mind when selecting a provider for your healthcare needs. This week, we’ll cover how to prepare for your upcoming visit with your healthcare provider. We recommend you always come to your visit prepared with your questions and concerns. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Seeking the best healthcare for you and your family can be overwhelming. At Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, P.L., our goal is to provide you and your family with exceptional medical care from our experienced clinicians. With open enrollment upon us, we wanted to share some resources for helpful tips on navigating your healthcare choices.
Juliana Caram completed her graduate studies from Nova Southeastern University with honors. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and her professional clinical experiences include critical care medicine and hematology/oncology.
Rica Jester, MD is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. She is thrilled to be practicing medicine back at home in Orlando. Her passions in family medicine include preventive care and managing chronic illnesses.
Every year, we encourage our patients to get the flu shot. Chances are, you’ve heard a few arguments or stories cautioning you to avoid it, “if you don’t need it.” We’re here to debunk the myths and provide responses to some of the most popular arguments against it. Here are the Top 5 Myths we hear about the flu shot.
We’re happy to welcome you to our brand new Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, P.L. website! You’ll find all the information you need from your phone or computer on our new site, and enjoy a faster and easier online experience.
Just a reminder from your clinicians at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, P.L. to keep sunscreen handy for you and your family when you’re out having fun in the sun!
