LATEST NEWS

Read the latest good health and wellness news here.

Primary Care, Wellness Care, Weight Loss Management, Diabetes Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C Primary Care, Wellness Care, Weight Loss Management, Diabetes Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Primary Care: Conquer Metabolic Syndrome Today

Did you know that 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has metabolic syndrome, yet most don’t even know it? This cluster of risk factors silently increases your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can reverse the course and reclaim control of your health.

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wellness, Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness, Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Weight Up, Energy Down? Check Hormones

Tired, Gaining Weight, and Don’t Know Why?

You’re not lazy. You’re not undisciplined. But no matter how hard you try, the weight doesn’t come off, the energy never lasts, and you just don’t feel like yourself.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone—and you’re not just “getting older.” Many of the patients we care for at Innovative Primary Care in San Antonio, Rockport, and Bandera, Texas (as well as through virtual visits) come to us with these same concerns. The truth is, it’s often hormonal imbalance, not age, that’s behind your symptoms.

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Wellness Care, Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C Wellness Care, Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

IBS Uncovered: Live Well, Thrive Strong

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is more common than you might think—affecting up to 1 in 10 people globally. Yet many continue to suffer in silence, unsure whether their symptoms are serious or manageable. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why does my stomach always hurt?” or “Why do I feel bloated no matter what I eat?”—you’re not alone. The good news? IBS is a highly manageable condition when approached with the right care, guidance, and lifestyle support—starting right at your family practice.

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Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Always Answered, Never Ignored: Our Phone Upgrade

Ever call your primary care clinic and get endless ringing—or voicemail? You’re not alone. Patients often struggle to reach someone when they need help. At Innovative Primary Care, we heard your concerns—and we acted. Our newly improved phone system makes it easier than ever to connect with a real team member. Here's how it works.

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Telehealth: Revolutionizing Care Anytime, Anywhere.

Have you ever felt under the weather but dreaded the thought of leaving home for a doctor’s appointment? Or maybe you’ve wished you could access healthcare services more conveniently, without sitting in waiting rooms for hours. If these scenarios resonate with you, you are not alone. A recent study found that nearly 60% of patients express a preference for virtual health visits over in-person appointments, if given the option. This shift in patient preference marks a turning point in healthcare—one that places convenience, accessibility, and efficiency at the forefront of medical care.

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wellness, Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness, Primary Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Always Exhausted? Your Body Knows Why

Do you wake up tired, drag yourself through the day, and wonder why you’re always running on empty? You’re not alone. Millions of people complain about persistent fatigue, often blaming it on aging or a stressful lifestyle. But here’s the truth: chronic tiredness is not normal. It’s your body waving a red flag, urging you to listen.

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Primary Care, Wellness Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C Primary Care, Wellness Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Primary Care Crisis: Where Are the doctors?

Have you ever searched for a new primary care provider (PCP) only to face long wait times, confusing insurance rules, or empty appointment books months out? You’re not alone. A 2023 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) revealed a projected shortage of up to 48,000 primary care physicians in the U.S. by 2034.

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Primary Care, Wellness Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C Primary Care, Wellness Care Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

What You Need to Know About Medication Refills

Did you know that over 60% of Americans take at least one prescription, yet many struggle with understanding their clinic's refill policies? At Innovative Primary Care Clinics, we created a Medication Refill Policy to ensure safe, timely, and effective care. This blog simplifies that policy—so you know what to expect and how to stay on track with your treatment.

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Headache Relief

Have you ever felt that dull throb behind your eyes that intensifies by the hour, disrupting your ability to focus on work or enjoy your time with family? Or perhaps you’ve experienced a sudden, sharp pain on one side of your head, accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light? If you’re nodding in agreement, you’re certainly not alone. Headaches are among the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting millions of people of different ages and lifestyles.

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Master Your Costs: Co-Pays, Deductibles Explained!

Have you ever felt a twinge of anxiety when the reception desk at your primary care clinic asks for your co-pay before you even meet the clinician? Or maybe you’ve walked out of your urgent care center and found yourself staring at a bill that doesn’t quite make sense.

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Vitamin D's Hidden Powers

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies naturally produce it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Unlike most vitamins, Vitamin D functions more like a hormone, influencing various systems throughout the body. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption, supports bone health, and contributes to immune function, muscle strength, and even mood regulation.

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Insulin Resistance

Imagine eating a balanced meal, yet your body behaves as if it's starving, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and a host of other health issues. This paradox is the reality for millions who experience insulin resistance—a condition that often goes unnoticed until it develops into something more severe like type 2 diabetes.

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Set Point Theory’s Role in Weight Loss

Have you ever wondered why many people struggle to lose weight despite strict diets and rigorous exercise routines? The answer might be hidden within our biology—specifically, a concept known as the "Set Point Theory."

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

The Menopause Care Gap in Primary Care

Did you know that nearly 1.3 million women enter menopause each year in the United States alone, yet many feel unprepared and unsupported during this significant life transition? Menopause, a natural biological process, marks the end of menstrual cycles and can bring a host of challenging symptoms.

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wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C wellness Dr. P. John Schanen, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Erik Erikson's Stages of Development

Have you ever wondered why we behave the way we do? What shapes our responses to life’s challenges from childhood through to adulthood? Erik Erikson, a prominent developmental psychologist, crafted a theory that might have some answers for us. Known as Erikson's Stages of Development, this theory provides a blueprint that outlines the impact of social experiences across the entire lifespan.

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