Phillips Health Care Newsletter
September is Cholesterol Education Month
by Phillips Clinic on 08/31/26
National Cholesterol Education Month: Promotes heart-healthy habits, blood pressure monitoring, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
National Cholesterol Education Month is observed every September to raise awareness about heart health, the risks of high cholesterol, and methods for lipid management. Spearheaded by public health groups like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the observance focuses on routine screenings and lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and stroke.
What it is
Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. Blood cholesterol is essential for good health. Your body needs it to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and digesting fatty foods.
Your body makes all the blood cholesterol it needs. Experts recommend that people eat as little dietary cholesterol as possible.
Dietary cholesterol is found in animal foods, including meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Learn more about preventing high cholesterol by making healthy eating choices.
What do blood cholesterol numbers mean?
Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). When you go to a health care professional to get your cholesterol checked, this test will usually check the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your body. (A cholesterol check is also called a lipid panel or lipid profile.)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease or stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol. HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because high levels of it can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy. The combination of high levels of triglycerides with either low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Total cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.
Optimal Cholesterol Levels
Total cholesterol: About 150 mg/dL
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: About 100 mg/dL
HDL (“good”) cholesterol: At least 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
Signs and symptoms
Certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, can raise your risk for high cholesterol. Lifestyle factors, such eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats and not getting enough activity, can also raise your risk for high cholesterol. Some people who have a family history of high cholesterol can also be at risk for high cholesterol. All these factors are called "risk factors."
You can't control some of these risk factors, such as your age or your family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk for high cholesterol by changing things you can control.
What problems does high cholesterol cause?
Having high blood cholesterol can lead to a buildup called "plaque" on the walls of your arteries (a type of blood vessel).
As plaque builds up over time, the insides of your arteries narrow. This narrowing blocks blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause chest pain (also called angina) or a heart attack (also called myocardial infarction).
As cholesterol (plaque) builds up in the arteries, the arteries begin to narrow, which lessens or blocks the flow of blood.
High cholesterol also increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States.
Prevention
Strong evidence shows that eating patterns that include less dietary cholesterol are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Learn how to prevent, treat, and manage high cholesterol.
Your overall risk for high cholesterol depends on many factors. Learn what increases your risk for high cholesterol.
How do I know if I have high cholesterol?
The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked by your health care team. Talk with your health care team about how often you should have your cholesterol screened.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
by Phillips Clinic on 07/30/26
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held every August to highlight the importance of routine vaccinations for people of all ages. The month-long campaign is a time to review their vaccine records, catch up on missed well-child visits, and ensure protection against serious diseases across the lifespan.
The primary focus areas for NIAM include:
• Infants and Children: Ensuring children are up to date on routine immunizations like DTaP, MMR, and polio before heading back to school.
• Preteens and Teens: Highlighting vaccines that protect against diseases like HPV and meningitis.
• Adults: Reminding adults that they need booster shots (such as Tdap) and season-specific immunizations.
• Seniors: Promoting vaccines that protect against shingles, RSV, and pneumococcal disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides updated CDC Recommended Immunization Schedules to help you and your healthcare provider determine which vaccines are appropriate based on your age and health conditions.
Current federal guidelines recommend universal vaccination for 11 core childhood diseases, though major professional medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate for a broader schedule.
Universally Recommended Vaccines
Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (DTaP/Tdap)
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)Polio
Varicella (chickenpox)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)Pneumococcal disease
Human papillomavirus (HPV) — reduced to 1 dose in updated federal guidance.
Targeted and Shared Decision-Making Vaccines
High-risk groups only: RSV, dengue, and specific guidance for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines.
Shared clinical decision-making: Flu, COVID-19, and rotavirus vaccines depend on individual discussions between parents and healthcare providers under current federal policy, though traditional pediatric bodies continue recommending broader coverage.
Local state guidelines (such as California public health recommendations) may also align closer to traditional pediatric standards.
Routine adult immunizations include annual flu shots, Tdap/Td boosters every 10 years, and the COVID-19 vaccine. Review the complete guidance on the CDC Recommended Vaccinations for Adults
Annual and Routine Vaccines
Influenza (Flu): Get 1 dose every year before the flu season starts to lower your risk of severe illness.
COVID-19: Get at least 1 updated dose, with older adults (65 and older) recommended to receive at least 2 doses of the current formula.
Tdap or Td: Get a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster every 10 years. Pregnant individuals need one Tdap dose during each pregnancy.
Age-Specific and Risk-Based Vaccines
Shingles (Shingrix): Recommended as a 2-dose series for healthy adults starting at age 50.
Pneumococcal: Recommended for adults aged 50 and older (updated from age 65) to prevent serious bacterial lung infections.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Recommended for adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 50 to 74 with higher risk factors.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for all adults through age 59 who have not been vaccinated yet, and for older adults with specific risk factors.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Recommended through age 26, and shared clinical decision-making for some adults aged 27 through 4
Celebrating Women's Health
by Phillips Clinic on 06/30/26
An important shift is taking place in how women’s health is understood, supported, and advanced. Increasingly, care is moving toward a more proactive, connected, and science-driven approach—one that prioritizes early action, incorporates new discoveries, and ensures those advances translate into meaningful improvements in everyday health. This evolving model recognizes that better outcomes are achieved not through isolated moments of care, but through continuous, informed engagement across the lifespan.
The four focus areas include:
Prevention & Early Detection Across the Lifespan
Sex-Specific Biology and Hormonal Foundations of Women's Health
Chronic Disease, Midlife Health, Aging, & Longevity
Innovation, Translation, & the Future of Women's Health
Prevention & Early Detection Across the Lifespan
Health outcomes are often shaped long before symptoms appear. That is why prevention and early detection play such a critical role in supporting women at every stage of life. Routine screenings, timely risk assessments, and early interventions make it possible to identify potential concerns sooner, when they are more manageable and, in many cases, preventable.
At the same time, prevention extends well beyond clinical care. Daily habits, particularly nutrition and physical activity, are among the most powerful tools for reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. A balanced diet, regular movement, adequate sleep, and stress management all contribute to maintaining healthy weight, supporting metabolic function, and protecting long-term health. When combined with routine screenings and preventive care, these behaviors form a comprehensive approach to reducing risk and improving outcomes.
This approach also includes equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to recognize changes in their bodies, seek care when needed, and make informed decisions about their health. Because risk factors and health needs evolve over time, prevention strategies must be adaptable, reflecting differences in age, lifestyle, family history, and environment.
Across the lifespan, small, consistent actions can have a lasting impact. While individual needs may vary, the following strategies offer a general guide for prioritizing prevention at every stage:
Adolescence and young adulthood: Establish a strong foundation of healthy habits, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mental health awareness. Begin age-appropriate screenings and build comfort with accessing healthcare services.
Reproductive years: Maintain consistent preventive care, including routine screenings and reproductive health visits, while prioritizing nutrition, physical activity, and stress management to support overall wellbeing.
Midlife: Monitor key risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. This is also a critical time to reinforce healthy eating patterns and regular exercise to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Older adulthood: Focus on maintaining mobility, strength, and balance through regular physical activity, along with nutrition that supports bone health and cognitive function. Continue recommended screenings and prioritize independence and quality of life.
By strengthening this foundation, through both preventive care and healthy daily behaviors, women are better positioned to maintain long-term health, reduce the likelihood of serious illness, and experience a higher quality of life.
Learn more about the recommended health screenings for women across the lifespan with the HHS
Sex-Specific Biology and Hormonal Foundations of Women's Health
Advances in research are deepening our understanding of how biological and hormonal factors shape women’s health across the lifespan. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and others play a central role in regulating physical, emotional, and metabolic processes, and their influence shifts significantly at different life stages. During puberty, hormonal changes drive growth, reproductive development, and brain maturation. In the reproductive years, hormonal patterns affect menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and mood. As women transition through menopause, declining hormone levels can impact cardiovascular health, bone density, sleep, and cognitive function. Recognizing these shifts allows for more timely support and better-informed care at each stage.
Sex-specific differences also affect how diseases develop, present, and respond to treatment. For example, cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women, often presents with symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath rather than the more widely recognized chest pain. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women, while conditions like osteoporosis disproportionately affect women later in life. These differences extend to treatment as well, as women may respond differently to medications due to variations in metabolism, body composition, and hormonal influences. Increasing attention to sex-specific research is helping to close these gaps, leading to more accurate diagnoses and more personalized, effective care.
Health is also shaped by the environments in which women live, work, and age. Exposure to environmental factors, such as air and water quality, chemicals in consumer products, and workplace conditions, can influence hormone function, reproductive health, and long-term disease risk. Research supported by the NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) highlights how even low-level, long-term exposures may contribute to health outcomes over time, particularly when combined with biological and life stage-specific factors. Access to clear, evidence-based information about these exposures can help women better understand potential risks and take practical steps to reduce them.
By recognizing how hormonal, biological, and environmental influences intersect, both individuals and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions, leading to more personalized care and improved health outcomes across every stage of life.
Chronic Disease, Midlife Health, Aging, & Longevity
Midlife represents a pivotal period for women’s health, one in which the risk for chronic conditions becomes more pronounced, but also one of the most important opportunities for prevention and early intervention. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders often emerge or accelerate during these years, making timely awareness and action especially critical. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, yet it is frequently underrecognized, while diabetes and metabolic changes can develop gradually and go undetected without routine screening. Autoimmune conditions, which disproportionately affect women, may also become more evident or progress during this stage of life.
Women also experience unique risk factors that can influence how and when these conditions develop. Hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect cholesterol levels, blood pressure, fat distribution, and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk for heart disease and metabolic disorders. In addition, pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia can have long-term implications for cardiovascular health later in life. Social and structural factors, including caregiving responsibilities, chronic stress, and reduced time for self-care, can further contribute to health risks and delay care.
Despite these challenges, midlife offers a critical window for intervention. Regular monitoring of key health indicators, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, can help detect early changes before they progress into more serious conditions. At the same time, lifestyle strategies, including physical activity, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management, can significantly reduce risk and improve overall wellbeing. Preventive care during this stage is not only about managing current health, but about shaping long-term outcomes.
As women move beyond midlife, the focus expands to maintaining strength, cognitive function, mobility, and independence. The goal is not simply to extend lifespan, but to support a longer health span, years lived in good health, with the ability to remain active and engaged. Attention to bone health, brain health, and functional ability becomes increasingly important, helping to reduce the risk of falls, cognitive decline, and loss of independence.
By recognizing midlife as both a period of increased risk and a powerful opportunity for action, women and healthcare providers can work together to prevent or better manage chronic disease and support healthier aging over time.
Innovation, Translation, & the Future of Women’s Health
Breakthroughs in research and technology are rapidly expanding what is possible in women’s health. However, the true measure of progress lies in how effectively these advances reach individuals and improve day-to-day care. Bridging the gap between discovery and practice remains a critical priority.
Innovations such as data-driven care, digital health tools, and more personalized treatment approaches are beginning to reshape the healthcare experience. At the same time, efforts are underway to ensure these advances are accessible, practical, and relevant to women across different life stages and care settings.
Equally important is the role of education and empowerment. When women have access to clear, actionable information, they are better able to participate in decisions about their care and take meaningful steps to support their health. Communities, health care providers, and public health initiatives all contribute to creating environments where this knowledge can be shared, applied, and sustained over time.
OSHA, May 15, 2026
https://womenshealth.gov/nwhw/focus-areas
June is Men's Health Awareness Month
by Phillips Clinic on 05/29/26
JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
WHAT BETTER TIME FOR A MEN’S PHYSICAL?
According to Harvard Health, “Men are less likely than women to get routine physical exams and screenings. A survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that 55% of men surveyed had not seen their doctor for a physical exam in the previous year, even though 40% of them had at least one chronic condition.
Nearly one-fifth of men ages 55 and over said they had never undergone screening for colon cancer, and almost 30% said they "wait as long as possible" to seek medical attention when they are feeling sick or in pain.”
For all adults, scheduling regular check ups and physicals, can help catch health problems when they are manageable, to address and teat them at their earliest stages.
How Often Should You Get a Physical
If you’re in your 20’s… every five years.
If you’re in your 30’s… every three years.
If you’re in your 40’s... every two years.
50 and above… every year
Recommended Screenings for Men
Blood Pressure
Every man should have their blood pressure checked regularly, and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors should check their blood pressure more frequently. This can be performed at your doctor’s office. High blood pressure is the biggest risk for heart disease and a significant risk for other serious health conditions
Blood Cholesterol
All men 35 or older should get their blood cholesterol levels checked regularly. Men who use tobacco; are overweight or obese; have a relative who had a heart attack before the age of 50; or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease should get their cholesterol checked much earlier, at the age of 20. There are several measures of cholesterol, and all are important in determining heart disease risk.
All men should get screened for colorectal (colon or rectal) cancer by age 50. People with a family history of colorectal cancer should get a colonoscopy even sooner.
Men who have high blood pressure or take medication to control their high blood pressure should get screened for diabetes (high blood sugar). Anyone experiencing symptoms of persistently severe thirst, frequent urination, unexpected weight loss, increased hunger, and tingling in the hands or feet also should talk to their doctor about getting tested. The preferred screening for diabetes is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the last three months.
Weight
Using a BMI calculator to determine your body mass index (BMI) is usually a reliable, but not conclusive, indicator of whether you’re at a healthy weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 I
s considered healthy, a BMI above 25 is overweight, and a BMI greater than 30 is obese.
Prostate Exam
Because PSA screenings recommendation vary widely among health care professionals, talk to your provider about the benefits and risks of screening to determine what is best for you.
Other Tests Include
EKG, STD, HIV & Hepatitis, blood tests and urinalysis. Some additional testing may be recommended for men 50 or over, or with family history of chronic disease.
May Is National Allergies & Ashma Awareness Month
by Phillips Clinic on 04/30/26
What Is An Allergy
Nearly 20% of Americans have allergies. Allergies are an abnormal response of your immune system. Your body's defenses react to a usually harmless substance, such as pollen, animal dander, or food. Almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction, which can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening.
Some of the most common triggers include:
Pollen
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger hay fever or seasonal allergies. You might have symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
Animal Dander
Proteins secreted by oil glands in an animal's skin and present in their saliva can cause allergic reactions for some people. The allergy can take two or more years to develop and symptoms may not go away until months after being away from the animal. If your pet is causing allergies, make your bedroom a pet-free zone, avoid carpets, and wash him regularly. A HEPA filter and frequent vacuuming may also help
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in
house dust. Help prevent dust mite allergies by
covering mattresses, pillows, and box springs,
sing hypoallergenic pillows, washing sheets weekly in hot water, and keeping the house free of dust collecting-items.
Bug Bites & Insect Stings
Symptoms include extensive swelling and redness from the sting or bite that may last a week or more, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. In rare cases when insect bites cause a severe reaction (anaphylaxis), symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling around the face, throat, or mouth, racing pulse, an itchy rash or hives, dizziness, or a sharp drop in blood pressure.
Molds
Molds make allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in some people.
There are many types of mold. They all need moisture to grow.
They can be found in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms, as well as in grass or mulch.
Avoid activities that trigger symptoms, such as raking leaves. Ventilate moist areas in your home
Food
Milk, shellfish, eggs, and nuts are among the most common foods that cause allergies. An allergic reaction usually happens within minutes of eating he offending food. Symptoms, which can include breathing problems, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling around the mouth, can be severe. Avoid all foods that you are allergic to.
Relieving Your Allergy Symptoms
Your Phillips Clinic Family Practice Provider Can Perform a simple Allergy Skin Test.
Symptoms which usually prompt an allergy test include:
Respiratory: itchy eyes, nose or throat; nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion, cough or wheezing
Skin: itchiness or eczema
Abdominal: vomiting or cramping and diarrhea consistently after eating certain foods
Severe reactions to stinging insect stings
Skin tests can be performed in the office to determine what’s cause your symptoms. A very small amount of certain allergens is put into your skin by making a small indentation or “prick” on the surface of your skin. Your skin will react to the substances that trigger your allergies.
A personalized serum is then made up for you. You take this serum home, use a few drops under your tongue every day. You return every 12 weeks for a refill and follow-up. Within months, you should notice a significant reduction in your symptoms and the need for allergy medications. And in time, your allergies will disappear
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