Direct Primary Care (DPC) gives you fast access to your PCP—longer visits, easy messaging, and same- or next-day care—while your insurance covers big-ticket needs. In North Carolina, Open Enrollment runs Nov 1–Jan 15 via HealthCare.gov, and many members pair DPC with a lower-premium Marketplace plan or an HSA-qualified HDHP. Starting January 1, 2026, HSA limits rise and new federal guidance lets you use HSA dollars for DPC fees—making the DPC + HDHP combo even more attractive. We also help you navigate formularies, imaging options, cash vs insurance pricing, and referrals so you avoid surprise bills and keep prevention and chronic care on track.

If your body suddenly feels achier, stiffer, or slower to recover—and you’re in your 30s or 40s—you’re not imagining it. Perimenopause can impact your joints, muscles, and how your body moves and feels every day. This isn’t ‘just aging,’ and it’s not something you have to push through or ignore. In our latest blog, we break down what’s really happening in your body, the role hormones play in musculoskeletal health, and what you can do to feel strong, supported, and back in control again.

Hormones influence everything from mood and focus to sleep, metabolism, and resilience. Subtle imbalances—often missed by standard labs—can significantly impact how women feel, especially during perimenopause or high-stress periods. A detailed hormonal evaluation offers a deeper look at sex hormones, thyroid, adrenal function, and key nutrients. With the right labs, supplements, prescriptions, and personalized lifestyle strategies, women can restore balance and feel like themselves again. Having a clear plan not only improves outcomes—it reduces the stress of not knowing where to start.

Let’s explore why you should go beyond the basic cholesterol panel, what additional tests are available, how frequently they should be done, and the evidence-based lifestyle and dietary interventions that can help protect your heart.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health conditions that together increase your risk of serious issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It’s not a single disease but rather a combination of factors that amplify the risk of chronic illness when they occur together.

Understanding the components of metabolic syndrome and knowing how to evaluate your risk are essential steps to preventing long-term complications. Let’s break it down.