March 1, 2024 • 11 mins
Feeling the Millennial Pinch? Take Charge of Your Health!
Listen in as we explore 5 common health concerns affecting millennials today.
We're joined by Dr. Airelle Rucker-Smith, DNP, CRNP of FirstChoice Primary Care, to discuss these issues and offer practical solutions to help you feel your best.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Don't miss this informative episode and empower yourself to take control of your health!
Find Dr. Rucker-Smith at FirstChoice Primary Care at 9715 Medical Center Dr, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20850.
https://www.firstchoiceprimary.com/
Listen in as we explore 5 common health concerns affecting millennials today.
We're joined by Dr. Airelle Rucker-Smith, DNP, CRNP of FirstChoice Primary Care, to discuss these issues and offer practical solutions to help you feel your best.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- The top health concerns millennials face
- Strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet
- Tips for getting enough sleep and preventing chronic conditions
- How to prioritize your well-being in a busy world
Don't miss this informative episode and empower yourself to take control of your health!
Find Dr. Rucker-Smith at FirstChoice Primary Care at 9715 Medical Center Dr, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20850.
https://www.firstchoiceprimary.com/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
A rock Stars and Zak Puguero.Welcome to this episode of the Chamber Podcast.
Today we're going to be talking aboutmillennials. We're going to be talking
about five common health concerns and howmillennials can take care of themselves. And
we have a very special guest,doctor Ariel Rutgers Smith. She is a
nurse practitioner and the owner of theFirst Choice Primary Care in Rockville. So
(00:31):
before we get started on the subject, Dr Ariel tell us a little bit
more about First Choice Primary Care andwhat you guys do for the community.
Over the years as a provider,I listened to patients tell me what they
actually wanted from our healthcare system,and I created First Choice primary Care based
on those values, and we tryto uphold those values in every encounter.
(00:53):
Those values are integrity, compassion,accountability, reliability, and equity. We
don't want patients feel like just anotherpatient walking in the door. We really
want them to feel present during thoseencounters with our patients, forming real connections
with them in the community as well. Regardless of a patient's background or financial
situation, everyone deserves to have accessto high quality healthcare. You're a terp
(01:15):
right, I am a Terp.So I got my doctorate a nurse and
practice from the University of Maryland.Go terps. Also want to shout out
Penn State University and those Nibby Lionsas well. Okay, and now you
have an accent that only some ofus can hear, because I guess you've
been here for a while and somepeople may think you have lost it,
but I hear it. Where's itfrom. I'm from the Bronx, New
(01:38):
York. Yeah, you got it, you got it, Gonyet Geese as
well. Actually, I've been toMaryland for over fifteen years now, so
Maryland is my home. There yougo, So you gave up your citizenship
in New York City? I did. I did. When I go back
to visiting, don't tell them myson that I go back to visiting.
I'm there for like two weeks.So I'm like, I gotta go back
(02:00):
the same here. I was bornin Queens and I go back and I'm
like, I feel like a foreigner, right, you know. It's like
take pictures, go to Times Square. I go to Times Square every time
I go to New York. Andmy daughters like, you've been here a
thousand times, have you not seeneverything. I go, No, this
is New York who work people notfrom New York, you know, but
I was born in New York.Two weeks is more than enough, it
(02:21):
really is, all righty, Sothank you for joining us. And before
we actually even get further into it, you guys are a brand new member
to the chamber. Welcome to theChamber. If I haven't said so yet,
thank you so much. We've receivedsuch a warm welcome from everyone.
And you know, we recently movedto Rockville as well, and we just
(02:42):
appreciate the love that the community isshowing us. Yeah. No, this
is a great, great community.I hate to say it, but I
can't imagine living anywhere else because it'sjust such an engaging community, such a
wonderful place to do business, toplay, to live, to raise your
kids. You know. So Iit and like I said, welcome,
And you couldn't have joined a betterchamber than the rock Chamber. I see.
(03:05):
Thank you were happy to be here. You mentioned that you are a
nurse practitioner. What's the difference betweenthat and let's say a doctor. Correct?
So, I think when people hearthe term doctor, they think of
a physician or medical doctor and soyou'll hear I use the term doctor,
but when I use the term doctor'sreflective of my degree and a doctor of
(03:27):
nursing practice. So there's several differences. One of the biggest differences is our
educational paths, right, So physiciansgo to medical school, nurse practitioners go
to nurse practitioner school. So thereare different paths and the journey to those
paths are different as well. Asa nurse practitioner. Before I become a
nurse practitioner, I'm a nurse setcorep so I have. I was a
(03:52):
registered nurse and then I've furthered mymy education to become a nurse practitioner.
So I as a nurse, Igained a lot of education about health conditions
and managing those conditions. And thenwhen I went to nurse practitioner school,
all that experience that I had,I built up on that. And so
(04:13):
we work collaboratively together. But ourpaths too, are separate. Are you
able to write scripts to us?Absolutely? Yes, Prescriptions yeah, or
scripts scripture for short yeah. Sowe diagnosed medical conditions, we manage those
(04:33):
medical conditions, we order treatments forthose conditions, and part of that at
many times is ordering medications. Soin the state of Maryland, we have
will practice authority. Got got you? Thank you? All right, So
we're talking about millennials. Millennials,I feel like have been getting old for
a long long time because I'm actuallya Gen X. So I guess we're
(04:57):
the new baby boomers. Huh,yep. So the millennials are coming of
age and they're facing some health concerns. As a primary care person, right,
as a primary care doctor, whatare some of the common concerns you're
seeing among millennials right now in yourpractice? So we commonly see that millennials
are facing some unique health challenges.They're facing a lot of stress related conditions,
(05:17):
mental health illnesses, and even chronicdiseases that are many times linked to
lifestyle related habits like obesity, diabetes, high blow pressure, high cholesterol.
And so we also frequently see,you know, concerns related to sexual health,
and then a lot of preventive caremeasures like your annual physical vaccinations and
(05:39):
screens as well. Wow, andagain these are not anything exclusive to millennials.
I guess we all have them,but for some reason, for them,
it's a little bit bigger because they'rejust now getting into older adulthood,
if I can say that I havefour millennials myself, so I know how
(06:01):
that works. Let's talk about fiveactionable steps that they can take to prioritize
their health and will being over intwenty twenty four. Actually, So millennials
can do these five things. Numberone, stay inactive. Increase in physical
activity daily, whether it's through regularexercise, walking, engaging in recreational activities.
(06:26):
Get you on accountability partner. Withall the screen time and curb sized
pickups, we have to kind ofbe intentional and creative when it comes to
increasing physical activity. I would sayanother thing that millennials can do is making
sure that they stay hydrated and reallyfocused on nutrition and eating healthy, increasing
(06:46):
that water intake, incorporating more wholefoods, fruits, fresh fruits, fresh
vegetables, lean proteins, as muchas possible, those whole brains, and
then minimizing the good stuff, theprocessed and sugary foods. I would say
that number two. And the thirdthing that we can all do, I
think is, you know, increaseregular sleep hours and get a really good
sleep routine going, and make surethat you're well rested and rejuvenated every day.
(07:12):
Another thing we can do is tobe proactive and on our preventative healthcare
measures, such as those routine physicals, staying up to date on those greens
and imanizations, and holding our lovedones accountable as well our friends and family
and making sure they are also stayingup to date on those things. And
then lastly, just prioritizing mental healthand practicing mindfulness, seeking therapy when needed,
(07:39):
and creating healthy boundaries in both ourpersonal and professional life. I know
one thing that comes up pretty oftenis it's hard to find mental health counselors
and help mental health counselors and thingslike that when people need them. So
one of the things we do atFirst Tres Primary Care is we have a
list of providers who are like activelyto new patients, and so we try
(08:01):
to minimize the delay of calling around. So if anybody ever needs mental health
counselor or anything like that, theycan call our office and we'll give them
a referral without them even being apatient. That's fabulous. Let's elaborate a
little bit more on the nutrition part. I know part of I guess the
(08:22):
challenge for a lot of us,including myself is a well balanced nutrition,
especially in the life that some ofus live, which is high stress,
high productivity. You know, everybodywants us to be on the move,
and millennials are notorious for multitasking.Oh yeah, right, so food and
food choices sometimes take second to everythingelse, right, and you guys actually
(08:46):
offer something to help support millennials andadopting healthy audactary habits. Right. Absolutely.
So, we have a holistic andintegrative approach to healthcare. So we
have a nutritionist on staff. Hername is Belinda Johnson. She is awesome
and our team we all collaborate andthe nutritionist works to create customized meal plans
(09:07):
and customized exercise plans that patients canuse to set themselves up for success.
And one of the things we focusis focus on is convenience, making sure
that you know, if someone wantsto mail prep that that we help them
in a way that's going to workwith their schedule. Okay, in your
experience, right, what are someeffective strategies that millennials can use to overcome
(09:28):
what I would call common barriers tohelp your lifestyle such as time and financial
limitations. The biggest thing is stayingis planning ahead. I think that that's
really key, and that's a reallygood strategy. Start small, create those
manageable changes that are easy to incorporateinto your life. Sometimes it's harder when
(09:48):
we have these really big goals thatwe'd like to achieve, break them down
into small steps that can be veryhelpful. Things like scheduling small increments of
exercise throughout the day rather than trya block off a full hour to exercise
can be very helpful. Incorporating somestress reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can
also be helpful. Leveraging community resourcesand some support networks that are out here
(10:13):
to help as well. Thank youfor that, because I think that provides
so much information. And let's talkabout how we pay for your services,
because I mean, the name saysfirst choice primary Care, so in other
words, I could use you guysas my primary care. Yes, so
we accept insurance. We accept mostmajor insurances, the big commercials, United,
(10:37):
Edna, Signa, La, CrossBlow, Shields, Medicare, Medicaid,
some of the HMOs m CEOs.People can also pay out of pocket.
We also have discountent payment plans forpeople who may be underserved or uninsured.
I'm loving it and just for thefolks that don't know you guys are
actually located. They don't know whereI live, but you're to right there
(10:58):
on Medical Sender Drive. Right,Yes, we're right in the building connected
to Shady Grove Adventus, so you'revery conveniently right off Shady Grove and not
too far from two seventy correct.Alrighty well, doctor Ariel, Thank you
so much. I wish you'd continuesuccess in your practice. Anything that you
(11:18):
need from lunch please let us know. I will do, And thank you
so much for having me today.Absolutely
A rock Stars and Zak Puguero.Welcome to this episode of the Chamber Podcast.
Today we're going to be talking aboutmillennials. We're going to be talking
about five common health concerns and howmillennials can take care of themselves. And
we have a very special guest,doctor Ariel Rutgers Smith. She is a
nurse practitioner and the owner of theFirst Choice Primary Care in Rockville. So
(00:31):
before we get started on the subject, Dr Ariel tell us a little bit
more about First Choice Primary Care andwhat you guys do for the community.
Over the years as a provider,I listened to patients tell me what they
actually wanted from our healthcare system,and I created First Choice primary Care based
on those values, and we tryto uphold those values in every encounter.
(00:53):
Those values are integrity, compassion,accountability, reliability, and equity. We
don't want patients feel like just anotherpatient walking in the door. We really
want them to feel present during thoseencounters with our patients, forming real connections
with them in the community as well. Regardless of a patient's background or financial
situation, everyone deserves to have accessto high quality healthcare. You're a terp
(01:15):
right, I am a Terp.So I got my doctorate a nurse and
practice from the University of Maryland.Go terps. Also want to shout out
Penn State University and those Nibby Lionsas well. Okay, and now you
have an accent that only some ofus can hear, because I guess you've
been here for a while and somepeople may think you have lost it,
but I hear it. Where's itfrom. I'm from the Bronx, New
(01:38):
York. Yeah, you got it, you got it, Gonyet Geese as
well. Actually, I've been toMaryland for over fifteen years now, so
Maryland is my home. There yougo, So you gave up your citizenship
in New York City? I did. I did. When I go back
to visiting, don't tell them myson that I go back to visiting.
I'm there for like two weeks.So I'm like, I gotta go back
(02:00):
the same here. I was bornin Queens and I go back and I'm
like, I feel like a foreigner, right, you know. It's like
take pictures, go to Times Square. I go to Times Square every time
I go to New York. Andmy daughters like, you've been here a
thousand times, have you not seeneverything. I go, No, this
is New York who work people notfrom New York, you know, but
I was born in New York.Two weeks is more than enough, it
(02:21):
really is, all righty, Sothank you for joining us. And before
we actually even get further into it, you guys are a brand new member
to the chamber. Welcome to theChamber. If I haven't said so yet,
thank you so much. We've receivedsuch a warm welcome from everyone.
And you know, we recently movedto Rockville as well, and we just
(02:42):
appreciate the love that the community isshowing us. Yeah. No, this
is a great, great community.I hate to say it, but I
can't imagine living anywhere else because it'sjust such an engaging community, such a
wonderful place to do business, toplay, to live, to raise your
kids. You know. So Iit and like I said, welcome,
And you couldn't have joined a betterchamber than the rock Chamber. I see.
(03:05):
Thank you were happy to be here. You mentioned that you are a
nurse practitioner. What's the difference betweenthat and let's say a doctor. Correct?
So, I think when people hearthe term doctor, they think of
a physician or medical doctor and soyou'll hear I use the term doctor,
but when I use the term doctor'sreflective of my degree and a doctor of
(03:27):
nursing practice. So there's several differences. One of the biggest differences is our
educational paths, right, So physiciansgo to medical school, nurse practitioners go
to nurse practitioner school. So thereare different paths and the journey to those
paths are different as well. Asa nurse practitioner. Before I become a
nurse practitioner, I'm a nurse setcorep so I have. I was a
(03:52):
registered nurse and then I've furthered mymy education to become a nurse practitioner.
So I as a nurse, Igained a lot of education about health conditions
and managing those conditions. And thenwhen I went to nurse practitioner school,
all that experience that I had,I built up on that. And so
(04:13):
we work collaboratively together. But ourpaths too, are separate. Are you
able to write scripts to us?Absolutely? Yes, Prescriptions yeah, or
scripts scripture for short yeah. Sowe diagnosed medical conditions, we manage those
(04:33):
medical conditions, we order treatments forthose conditions, and part of that at
many times is ordering medications. Soin the state of Maryland, we have
will practice authority. Got got you? Thank you? All right, So
we're talking about millennials. Millennials,I feel like have been getting old for
a long long time because I'm actuallya Gen X. So I guess we're
(04:57):
the new baby boomers. Huh,yep. So the millennials are coming of
age and they're facing some health concerns. As a primary care person, right,
as a primary care doctor, whatare some of the common concerns you're
seeing among millennials right now in yourpractice? So we commonly see that millennials
are facing some unique health challenges.They're facing a lot of stress related conditions,
(05:17):
mental health illnesses, and even chronicdiseases that are many times linked to
lifestyle related habits like obesity, diabetes, high blow pressure, high cholesterol.
And so we also frequently see,you know, concerns related to sexual health,
and then a lot of preventive caremeasures like your annual physical vaccinations and
(05:39):
screens as well. Wow, andagain these are not anything exclusive to millennials.
I guess we all have them,but for some reason, for them,
it's a little bit bigger because they'rejust now getting into older adulthood,
if I can say that I havefour millennials myself, so I know how
(06:01):
that works. Let's talk about fiveactionable steps that they can take to prioritize
their health and will being over intwenty twenty four. Actually, So millennials
can do these five things. Numberone, stay inactive. Increase in physical
activity daily, whether it's through regularexercise, walking, engaging in recreational activities.
(06:26):
Get you on accountability partner. Withall the screen time and curb sized
pickups, we have to kind ofbe intentional and creative when it comes to
increasing physical activity. I would sayanother thing that millennials can do is making
sure that they stay hydrated and reallyfocused on nutrition and eating healthy, increasing
(06:46):
that water intake, incorporating more wholefoods, fruits, fresh fruits, fresh
vegetables, lean proteins, as muchas possible, those whole brains, and
then minimizing the good stuff, theprocessed and sugary foods. I would say
that number two. And the thirdthing that we can all do, I
think is, you know, increaseregular sleep hours and get a really good
sleep routine going, and make surethat you're well rested and rejuvenated every day.
(07:12):
Another thing we can do is tobe proactive and on our preventative healthcare
measures, such as those routine physicals, staying up to date on those greens
and imanizations, and holding our lovedones accountable as well our friends and family
and making sure they are also stayingup to date on those things. And
then lastly, just prioritizing mental healthand practicing mindfulness, seeking therapy when needed,
(07:39):
and creating healthy boundaries in both ourpersonal and professional life. I know
one thing that comes up pretty oftenis it's hard to find mental health counselors
and help mental health counselors and thingslike that when people need them. So
one of the things we do atFirst Tres Primary Care is we have a
list of providers who are like activelyto new patients, and so we try
(08:01):
to minimize the delay of calling around. So if anybody ever needs mental health
counselor or anything like that, theycan call our office and we'll give them
a referral without them even being apatient. That's fabulous. Let's elaborate a
little bit more on the nutrition part. I know part of I guess the
(08:22):
challenge for a lot of us,including myself is a well balanced nutrition,
especially in the life that some ofus live, which is high stress,
high productivity. You know, everybodywants us to be on the move,
and millennials are notorious for multitasking.Oh yeah, right, so food and
food choices sometimes take second to everythingelse, right, and you guys actually
(08:46):
offer something to help support millennials andadopting healthy audactary habits. Right. Absolutely.
So, we have a holistic andintegrative approach to healthcare. So we
have a nutritionist on staff. Hername is Belinda Johnson. She is awesome
and our team we all collaborate andthe nutritionist works to create customized meal plans
(09:07):
and customized exercise plans that patients canuse to set themselves up for success.
And one of the things we focusis focus on is convenience, making sure
that you know, if someone wantsto mail prep that that we help them
in a way that's going to workwith their schedule. Okay, in your
experience, right, what are someeffective strategies that millennials can use to overcome
(09:28):
what I would call common barriers tohelp your lifestyle such as time and financial
limitations. The biggest thing is stayingis planning ahead. I think that that's
really key, and that's a reallygood strategy. Start small, create those
manageable changes that are easy to incorporateinto your life. Sometimes it's harder when
(09:48):
we have these really big goals thatwe'd like to achieve, break them down
into small steps that can be veryhelpful. Things like scheduling small increments of
exercise throughout the day rather than trya block off a full hour to exercise
can be very helpful. Incorporating somestress reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can
also be helpful. Leveraging community resourcesand some support networks that are out here
(10:13):
to help as well. Thank youfor that, because I think that provides
so much information. And let's talkabout how we pay for your services,
because I mean, the name saysfirst choice primary Care, so in other
words, I could use you guysas my primary care. Yes, so
we accept insurance. We accept mostmajor insurances, the big commercials, United,
(10:37):
Edna, Signa, La, CrossBlow, Shields, Medicare, Medicaid,
some of the HMOs m CEOs.People can also pay out of pocket.
We also have discountent payment plans forpeople who may be underserved or uninsured.
I'm loving it and just for thefolks that don't know you guys are
actually located. They don't know whereI live, but you're to right there
(10:58):
on Medical Sender Drive. Right,Yes, we're right in the building connected
to Shady Grove Adventus, so you'revery conveniently right off Shady Grove and not
too far from two seventy correct.Alrighty well, doctor Ariel, Thank you
so much. I wish you'd continuesuccess in your practice. Anything that you
(11:18):
need from lunch please let us know. I will do, And thank you
so much for having me today.Absolutely
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