Category: Wellness

Lyme Disease Awareness & Treatment: A Holistic Approach with Solstice Health

Summer is a crucial time to spotlight prevention, early detection, and effective treatments for Lyme disease. As cases continue to rise across the U.S., including here in Wisconsin, it’s vital to stay informed—especially as we head into tick season.

🛡️ Awareness & Prevention: The First Line of Defense

Lyme disease stems from Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted through blacklegged (deer) ticks. Early symptoms—such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, headache, and the classic “bull’s-eye” rash—often emerge within 3–30 days of a bite.

Proactive steps:

Use DEET or permethrin-based tick repellent, or Rose Geranium oil if a natural approach is desired.
Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or gardening.
Check yourself and pets thoroughly after outdoor activity.
Promptly and properly remove any attached ticks.

These simple measures can dramatically reduce your risk. Prevention is everyone’s win.

🔬 Early Detection & Treatment: Why Urgency Matters

If untreated, Lyme can progress into serious complications—neurological symptoms, heart irregularities, arthritis—and become more difficult to treat. Early-stage Lyme is best addressed with a 2–3 week antibiotic course under medical supervision.

But beyond standard care, patients often benefit from supportive therapies to boost recovery—areas where Solstice Health excels.

🌱 How Solstice Health Supports Lyme Patients

At Solstice Health, our patient-first philosophy means you’ll receive personalized attention and advanced services designed to support your healing journey:

1️⃣ Direct Primary Care (DPC)

With direct access to your provider and same-day appointments when needed, early symptoms can be caught and treated promptly—without delays associated with traditional insurance-based systems.

2️⃣ IV Nutritional Therapy

Our Myers-style IV “cocktails” include high-dose Vitamin C, B-vitamins, and minerals—supporting immune function and reducing inflammation often associated with Lyme recovery.

3️⃣ Direct Access Labs

Skip the insurance line and get rapid lab results—from Lyme antibody tests to broader panels—empowering you and your provider to make informed decisions quickly.

4️⃣ Surgical Care

For cases where joint damage or complications from late-stage Lyme require surgical intervention, Solstice Health offers high-quality surgical procedures at transparent, affordable prices—typically 70-80% less than local hospital costs.

🎯 A Comprehensive, Integrated Path to Wellness

By combining prevention, early detection, and targeted support, Solstice Health offers a well-rounded approach to managing Lyme disease:

Stage	Intervention
Prevention	Repellents, protective clothing, tick checks
Early Detection	Prompt clinical access, direct labs
Acute Treatment	Antibiotics, symptom monitoring
Supportive Care	IV Nutrition, surgical solutions, direct labs

✅ What You Can Do in Lyme Awareness Month

Stay proactive—use protective gear and check thoroughly.
Know the signs—don’t wait if symptoms arise.
Act early—arrange an appointment through our membership model.
Take advantage—of IV nutrition, direct labs, and surgical options.

🌟 Why Choose Solstice Health?

Solstice Health empowers you with transparent, insurance-free care—flat-fee membership, same-day visits, affordable surgical services, and advanced supportive therapies tailored to your needs. From Oconomowoc to Racine, our Wisconsin clinics are ready to guide you through every stage of Lyme prevention and recovery.

📞 Ready to Act?

Don’t wait if you suspect Lyme. Contact Solstice Health for:

Membership details
IV therapy appointments
Direct lab testing orders
Surgical consultations

Together, we’ll build your personalized path to wellness.

📝 Final Word

Lyme Disease Awareness is a reminder—not only to guard against ticks—but to embrace a proactive, integrative health strategy. At Solstice Health, we’re dedicated to supporting your body’s resilience and long-term vitality.

Take back control of your health—because when it comes to Lyme, time can make all the difference.

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups: What to Expect at Your Primary Care Visit

Why Routine Visits are Essential for Your Health and Well-being

Regular check-ups with your primary care provider are a cornerstone of maintaining good health and preventing illness. These routine visits are more than just a formality—they play a crucial role in detecting potential health issues early, managing chronic conditions, and ensuring that you stay on track with your wellness goals. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of regular check-ups and what you can expect during your primary care visit.

Why Regular Check-Ups Matter

Regular check-ups are essential for several reasons. They allow your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health, identify any risk factors, and catch potential issues before they become serious. These visits also provide an opportunity to review and update your medical history, discuss any new symptoms or concerns, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Preventive care is a major focus of routine check-ups. By staying on top of screenings and vaccinations, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Regular visits also help in managing existing conditions, ensuring that they are well-controlled and minimizing the risk of complications.

What to Expect During Your Primary Care Visit

1. Comprehensive Health Assessment

Your primary care visit typically begins with a thorough health assessment. This includes taking your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Your healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, and family health history. This comprehensive overview helps your provider understand your current health status and any potential risk factors.

2. Routine Screenings and Tests

Depending on your age, health status, and risk factors, your primary care visit may include various screenings and tests. These can include blood tests to check cholesterol levels, glucose levels, and other important indicators of health. Screenings for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers might also be conducted.

At Solstice Health, we elevate your care by offering Unlimited Wholesale Labs & Imaging. This means you have access to comprehensive testing and imaging at significantly reduced, transparent prices. Regular screenings support early detection and guide timely, informed interventions—helping you stay ahead of potential health concerns with clarity and confidence.

3. Discussion of Symptoms and Concerns

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to discuss any new or ongoing symptoms with your healthcare provider. This is an opportunity to address any health concerns, ask questions about your well-being, and discuss lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Your provider will offer guidance and recommendations based on your current health and any concerns you raise.

Making the Most of Your Check-Up

To get the most out of your primary care visit, it’s important to come prepared. Make a list of any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, as well as any questions or concerns you have about your health. Be honest and open with your healthcare provider about your lifestyle and any changes you’ve noticed.

At Solstice Health, we’re committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care during your primary care visits. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the attention and support you need to maintain your health and address any concerns effectively.

Schedule Your Regular Check-Up Today

Regular check-ups are a key part of staying healthy and preventing illness. At Solstice Health, our primary care services are included in your monthly membership, so you’re not limited to just one visit per year. We offer unlimited check-ups with no per-visit fees, allowing you to prioritize your health without worrying about additional costs. Plus, we provide same and next-day appointments for your convenience.

By keeping up with your primary care visits, you’re investing in your long-term health and well-being. Contact Solstice Health to schedule your next check-up and experience the benefits of personalized, continuous care. Our team is here to provide the high-quality support you need to stay on track with your health goals.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: When to Go Where

Making the Right Choice for Your Health and Wellbeing – Why You Never Need Urgent Care with Solstice Health

When unexpected health issues arise, many people face the dilemma of choosing between urgent care and the emergency room. But what if we told you there’s a better option that eliminates the need for urgent care altogether? With Solstice Health’s Direct Primary Care model and ambulatory surgical services, you’ll never need to waste time in an urgent care waiting room again. Our comprehensive, personalized approach ensures that you receive quick, convenient, and affordable care for non-emergency health concerns—without the uncertainty of urgent care. Now, the only real question is: when do you need to visit the emergency room?

Direct Primary Care: The Better Option for Non-Emergencies

Forget urgent care. With Solstice Health’s Direct Primary Care (DPC), you get the same quick, convenient treatment for non-emergency conditions—without the rushed, impersonal atmosphere of a walk-in clinic. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries like sprains or small cuts, mild infections, or managing chronic conditions, our DPC model offers a better solution. You’ll have a trusted provider available for same-day or next-day appointments, zero per-visit fees, and unlimited access to care as part of your monthly membership.

The convenience doesn’t end with easy access to your primary care provider. We also offer Unlimited Wholesale Labs & Imaging, making routine screenings and diagnostics a seamless part of your care plan. Why settle for urgent care when Solstice Health provides comprehensive, ongoing care without the wait, high fees, or uncertainty?

Emergency Room: Essential for Life-Threatening Conditions

The emergency room is reserved for severe, life-threatening conditions that require immediate, intensive care. If you’re facing symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, severe burns, or major trauma, the ER is equipped with the advanced tools and specialists needed to handle these critical situations. While ERs provide the highest level of care in emergencies, they also come with longer wait times and higher costs, especially for conditions that could be treated elsewhere.

Solstice Health: Your Comprehensive Care Solution

For those who lack an established primary care provider (PCP), the ER or urgent care often seems like the only option. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Solstice Health offers a third, more comprehensive option through our direct primary care and ambulatory surgical services. By choosing Solstice Health, you have access to personalized care that covers everything from routine check-ups to surgical procedures—all without the hassle of long waits or uncertain costs.

Our direct primary care model ensures that you have a trusted provider to turn to for non-emergency health concerns, preventing unnecessary trips to the ER or urgent care. And if you do need surgical intervention, our ambulatory surgical services are here to provide you with expert care in a comfortable and controlled setting, allowing for quicker recovery and a smoother experience overall. Discover how our surgical services can be an integral part of your healthcare plan.

Choose Solstice Health for Convenient, Affordable, and Personalized Care

Navigating your healthcare options doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding the difference between urgent care, the ER, and Direct Primary Cary, you can make informed decisions that best suit your needs. Whether it’s managing a minor injury, addressing a chronic condition, or undergoing a necessary procedure, Solstice Health provides the care and support you need to get back to living your best life—quickly and efficiently. Contact Us today to learn more.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness and Aging With HBOT

What sets Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) apart is its holistic approach to wellness and aging. Rather than targeting specific symptoms or conditions, HBOT addresses underlying imbalances in the body, promoting overall health and vitality from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to turn back the clock on aging, boost your energy levels, or enhance your cognitive function, HBOT offers a comprehensive solution to help you look and feel your best at every stage of life.

The Science Behind HBOT

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing your body to absorb higher concentrations of oxygen than what is possible at normal atmospheric pressure. This oxygen-rich environment promotes cellular rejuvenation, collagen production, tissue repair, and overall wellness.

Boosting Energy and Vitality

As we age, our energy levels can decline, leaving us feeling fatigued and sluggish. HBOT offers a natural solution to combat fatigue by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues and cells, revitalizing your body from within and restoring your youthful energy and vitality.

Enhancing Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function

Cognitive decline is a common concern as we age, but HBOT can help sharpen your mental acuity and preserve cognitive function. By improving oxygenation to the brain, HBOT enhances memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance, allowing you to stay sharp and focused as you age gracefully.

Rejuvenating Skin Health

HBOT isn’t just beneficial for internal health – it can also work wonders for your skin. By increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream, HBOT stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.

As we navigate the journey of aging, it’s empowering to know that we have tools like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at our disposal to support our health and well-being. By harnessing the power of oxygen, HBOT offers a natural and effective way to rejuvenate your health, enhance your vitality, and embrace the beauty of aging with grace and confidence. Experience the transformative benefits of HBOT for yourself and unlock a new chapter in your journey to wellness and aging gracefully.

Foods to Slow the Effects of Aging

Everyone is trying to reverse the effects of aging on their skin to look and feel younger. Until someone has figured out time travel, there’s no escaping the reality that we will continue to age. However, there are many ways to slow the effects of aging on our skin, including some very cost-effective methods with food you can enjoy from your own home!

Grapefruit: As a good source of Vitamin C, it acts as an antioxidant that promotes collagen production, keeping your skin supple. Other sources of Vitamin C include oranges and other fruits.
Green Tea: Inflammation can pose a serious problem to your skin. However, recent research has found that one of the ingredients, polyphenols, help to reduce the signs of aging as well as boosting the immune system. Other sources of this incredible antioxidant include red wine and dark chocolate.
Walnuts: As a source of omega-3 fatty acids, it helps reduce inflammation and the damage to your skin caused by oxidation, which occurs naturally. It’s a healthy fat that also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and reduce joint pain. Other sources of omega-3 include salmon and chia seeds.

It’s not just eating the right food that can help slow down the effects of aging on your body. Staying hydrated, doing exercise regularly, and cutting the bad foods such as those high in sugar is important in preventing skin problems such as fine lines, wrinkles, and even adult acne.

At the Solstice Health, we know that skincare can be enhanced with supplements and lifestyle changes in addition to skin treatment. We offer non-surgical and natural options and treatment programs to help you look your best. Contact us today at 262-239-7353 book a consultation to learn more.

5 Natural Solutions for Allergy Relief

Allergy sufferers dread the coming seasonal changes, because they know they will be sneezing and scratching their eyes like there’s no tomorrow. But there are a few ways that you can beat the allergy with a number of simple and natural remedies. There are drugs that can relieve the symptoms, but the best way to keep allergies at bay is by boosting the immune system, which is best done with natural solutions.

1. Eat an allergy-preventing diet

One of the simplest ways to stop allergies in their tracks is by watching what you eat. You want to eat things high in alkaline and rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as green vegetables, gluten-free grains, yogurt, and coconut milk. These foods help to boost the immune system, which is your first line of defense when it comes to keeping seasonal sniffles at bay.

2. IV Nutrient Therapy

IV Nutrient Therapy is a powerful boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants delivered directly into the bloodstream, which provides an immediate and lasting boost of energy and well-being. This specialized therapy allows nutrients to be absorbed much faster and at higher concentrations than in supplements and can help provide rapid relief from symptoms of hay fever.

3. Ward off allergies with some vinegar

When the allergies strike, it’s always important to drink plenty of water, but a way to boost it is by mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice into a glass of water. You can also take advantage of its allergy-beating properties by putting a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into your neti pot to help flush your sinuses.

4. Explore essential oils

There are a wide range of essential oils that work in many different ways in helping to treat or prevent allergies. Tea tree oil can be applied topically to treat rashes and kill pathogens that are the cause of allergies. You can also add a couple drops of peppermint oil or basil oil into your water, tea, or food as a natural remedy for sinusitis and other allergy symptoms.

5. Boost your gut health with probiotics

Your gut is one of the main components in having a strong immune system, so it’s important to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. The best way to ensure this is by consuming foods rich in probiotics. Yogurt is commonly available and rich in probiotic bacteria. Other great sources of probiotics include other foods such as fermented soybeans, kimchi, and kombucha tea.

Source: https://draxe.com/health/natural-allergy-relief/

If you are experiencing seasonal allergies and are looking for some relief, find out more at https://solsticewi.com/iv-nutritional-therapy/

5 Reasons to get an Ergonomic Desk Chair

Do you spend 8 hours a day behind a desk for work? You may think that because you are not in a manual labor job that you are not at risk for neck or back pain. Unfortunately, this is not true. Sitting in a chair all day can have several negative effects on your body due to the stress it inflicts on your spine. An ergonomic chair might be a good solution for you. This type of chair is specifically designed to provide rest to the main structures of your body. Check out the below 5 reasons you need an ergonomic office chair.

Good posture.

An ergonomic chair has features like a headrest and backrest to promote good posture. Good posture is one of the most important things you can do for your body. When you have good posture your muscles, bones and joints are aligned perfectly and can function as they should. If you fail to maintain good posture, you may find yourself dealing with chronic back pain, neck pain, and overall fatigue.

You can check your posture by doing the mirror test. To perform this test, you must stand in front of a full-length mirror and look to see if:

Your head is straight
Your shoulders are level and in line
Your hips are level and even
Your ankles appear straight

Comfort

Simply put, ergonomic chairs are more comfortable than your traditional office chair. They are user-friendly and can be adjusted to fit your individual needs.

Reduces risk of back pain.

Ergonomic chairs have backrests and a reclining function that help alleviate stress on your back. This helps support the natural curve of your spine. Ergonomic chairs are tall enough to support your entire back. Some traditional chairs are too short.

Reduces risk of neck pain.

Most traditional office chairs do not provide any neck support. Going without neck support for an extended period of time can cause stiffness in your neck and shoulders. The ergonomic chair’s headrest allows you to stretch out and be supported. This is a great feature for people who spend the majority o the day answering phone calls.

Reduces pressure on hips.

Ergonomic office chairs even help reduce pressure on your hips. Normal chairs have hard surfaces to sit on which creates pressure on your hips. The ergonomic chair is deep enough to support your hips and buttocks.

Do you suffer from aching joints? We may have a solution for you! Call Solstice Health today to schedule an appointment. 262-444-5020

5 Simple ways to Relieve Stress and Unwind

We all need to disconnect and reset once in a while to help us regain focus. Everyone does things differently, but here are some simple ways to relax and unwind at home.

1. Take time to Laugh — Laughter is a powerful medicine. It can often help melt away your anxieties naturally, boost your immune system, and improve your mood. Take some time to watch a funny video, or hang out with friends who make you laugh.

2. Boost your Oxytocin – In a similar vein, spending time with people we trust and love helps boost our oxytocin levels. Trust and physical connection help boost oxytocin and serotonin levels and reduce stress. So, carve out some time each to put your cell phones (technology) aside and engage with a friend, a partner, a pet, or your kids. Even if it’s only 15- 20 minutes, it can make all the difference.

3. Take some time to Breath – Deep breathing exercises are a great way to relax without having to go anywhere. Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response. There are many different types of breathing exercises including diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, belly breathing, and paced respiration. But taking a minute a few times a day to take a few breaths. Try setting a breath reminder on your phone.

4. Go for a Walk – Exercise helps to lower cortisol, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost confidence. All of these things make a walk a wonderful way to start the day, end the day, or take a break during the day. Next time you need a quick break, try walking around the block and see how much better you feel!

5. Write is in a Journal – Sometimes ruminating gets the best of us. One was to break the habit is to start writing it down. The act of physically putting a pen to paper with your thoughts is cathartic and helps to process large stresses that are constantly arising for us. Get a notebook and spend 15-20 minutes in the morning freewriting what comes to mind, and see how it helps.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety

For more information on how we can help improve your quality of life visit https://solsticewi.com/

WHY ARE ANTIOXIDANTS IMPORTANT?

Antioxidants help us to balance out the effects of free radicles and oxidative stress. They include vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients such as; Vitamin C, selenium and carotenoids that the body makes or ingests.

Free Radicals are highly unstable, energetically imbalanced molecules. They cause a chain reaction of oxidative stress or damage to our cells by stealing an electron to become stable, thus leaving the other party unstable. Oxidative stress can lead to rapid aging, cancer, heart disease, and fatigue.

Trans-fatty acids are also something to keep an eye out for. They are created by hydrogenating oils and can be found in highly processed foods. Check the labels of your packaged, chips, cookies, crackers and cereal for hydrogenated oils and margarine. Even the seemingly healthy snack foods or labels that indicate no trans fats may still contain some trans-fatty acids.

Some Antioxidant foods include:

· Bioflavonoids: citrus fruits, tea, leafy greens, legumes, red wine, buckwheat, and blueberries.

· Alpha Lipoic Acid: liver, spinach, broccoli, and pumpkin seeds.

· Carotenoids: carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and leafy greens.

References:
Bland, J., Ph.D. (1999). Clinical Nutrition: A Functional Approach: Institute of Functional Medicine
Mayoclinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trans-fat/CL00032 Trans Fats. 2011

Contact us at https://solsticewi.com/ to learn more about how we can help you feel younger and healthier.