The 988 Crisis Line 📢 Attention, everyone! Mental Health Awareness Month is here, and it's the perfect time to shed light on a vital resource that can save the life of someone struggling with mental health challenges: the 988 Crisis Line. 📞 What is the 988 Crisis Line? The 988 Crisis Line is a national emergency hotline in the United States specifically dedicated for people experiencing mental health emergencies. 🆘 When someone dials 988, they will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who can provide immediate support, guidance, and assistance. These counselors are trained to de-escalate crises, offer emotional support, provide coping strategies, and connect individuals with appropriate local resources for ongoing care and support. 🗺 Though all phone service providers are required to make the 988 hotline accessible, if you cannot reach it, you can still reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for immediate assistance. ⚡️According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being, and it's essential to recognize its significance and the role it plays in our lives. 🌱 When it comes to managing mental health, having a primary care provider (PCP) can be an invaluable resource. Your PCP can provide comprehensive care, provide early intervention and support, refer you to specialists (therapist, psychiatrists, etc.) if needed, and serve as your primary point of contact throughout your healthcare journey. If you are in need of a support system, please reach out today.

Supporting small businesses means supporting hardworking individuals who pour their hearts and souls into their work. They face struggles but create jobs, strengthen our communities, and make a real grassroots difference. Direct primary care practices are small businesses too, relying on local support to provide top notch medical care. Every membership, referral, and positive review make a huge impact. Thank you for entrusting me with your care. ❤️ - Dr Dafashy

Are you using your nasal spray the right way? Avoid these common mistakes and breathe easy 💨💊 Nasal sprays are a popular form of medication used to treat a variety of nasal conditions such as allergies, sinusitis, and nasal congestion. They work by delivering medication directly to the nasal passages and sinuses, providing quick relief and targeting the course of the problem. However, it’s important to use nasal sprays correctly to ensure that you’re getting the most benefit from the medication. Improper use can lead to decreased effectiveness and even potential side effects (like dreaded nose bleeds 🩸). If you’re unsure about how to use your nasal spray properly, ask you doctor or pharmacist for help!

Great panel last week at @riceuniversity for aspiring entrepreneurs from the School of Social Science (@ricesocsci). Thanks for the chance to share this journey and to learn from two other amazing founders: @saintarnoldbrewing and @epog.academy.

It’s time to set the record straight about insurance companies and who the real payors are. Despite being labeled as payors, insurance companies are not the ones footing the bill for medical expenses. It is the patient who truly pays the price. Insurance companies are simply middlemen, collecting premium from patients and then doling out payments where they see fit. Practicing medicine without a license. The misconception that insurance companies want to lower healthcare costs because it would save them money is a lie. In reality, insurance companies have no incentive to lower premiums when this is their primary source of revenue. Instead, they prioritize maximizing profits, even if it means denying claims or limiting coverage for essential medical needs. It’s time for patients to take back control of their healthcare and demand more transparency from insurance companies. The current system is rigged in favor of insurance companies and patients are left to suffer the consequences. It’s time for a change. Hold insurance companies accountable and advocate for a fair healthcare system. HOW? 👉 File a complaint with your state insurance department if you feel your insurance company has unfairly denied a claim or provided inadequate coverage. This can lead to an investigation and potential penalties to the insurance company. 👉 Join a patient advocacy group to provide yourself with information and support. They can help amplify your voice. 👉 Speak out on social media to share your experiences and raise awareness about issues related to healthcare and insurance. This can help build a movement and put pressure on insurance companies and policymakers to make changes.

Empowering our seniors! 🏃‍♀️ Thank for you Hometown Heroes Community Center and Kathryn Ketchum for the opportunity to speak to League City seniors on the crucial role of preventative care in ensuring a healthy future physically, emotionally, and financially. Book a free talk for your group today! By investing in the health of our community, we can create a culture of wellness and prevention, where individuals are empowered to take charge of their health, making informed decisions that promote longevity and vitality. “The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life, the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician” William J Mayo

Protecting your child’s health starts with a simple step- save a copy of the vaccine schedule and never miss a well child visit again! Don’t forget, schools require certain vaccines for enrollment. Ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations to avoid any delays in their education. In Texas, minimum state vaccine requirements for school age children, depending on age per schedule, include: • DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) • IPV (polio) • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) • Varicella (chicken pox) • HepA • HepB • Meningococcal For child-care facilities, depending on age per schedule: • DTaP • IPV • HepB • Hib • PCV • MMR • Varicella • HepA

Despite the devolution of the healthcare system, doctors everyday rise to the challenge. To my physician colleagues: don’t let the free cookie/ the 15 minute chair massage/ the generic email you get today serve as a token of your value. You are worth so much more. You deserve more. You deserve to work in an environment that truly supports you and sees the GOOD you are doing day in and day out. If you need help finding your way out, let’s talk. - C. Dafashy