Dr. Takem discusses GLP-1 medications, highlighting the importance of dietary adjustments and patient-physician collaboration to manage side effects and support effective weight loss through informed choices and ongoing care.

Today I’m breaking down GLP-1 medications and the question I hear all the time: “Is this medication working against me?” I’ll use Karim’s story, nausea and vomiting after taking his dose, to explain what’s really going on. GLP-1s don’t just reduce appetite. They also slow stomach emptying, so overeating can quickly lead to discomfort. I’ll cover how adjusting your eating habits, focusing on protein and fiber, can help you feel full without triggering side effects. I’ll also talk about why you shouldn’t take these medications without proper medical guidance. The safest, most sustainable results come from understanding how the drug works and having a strong partnership with your primary care clinician to manage symptoms along the way.

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Dr. Takem discusses urgent care referral challenges, highlighting long wait times and unnecessary procedures. He advocates for improved communication between patients and primary care to enhance access and health outcomes.

Today I’m breaking down why urgent care so often sends patients to the ER. Our system is designed to rule out dangerous problems, not to confidently predict that everything is safe, and that can lead to long waits and extra testing. I’ll share a case that shows how hard it is to separate a minor illness from something serious when symptoms overlap. And I’ll explain why better access to primary care and clearer communication would help patients get the right care without defaulting to the ER.

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Dr. Albert Takem discusses the patient-provider connection through Camila’s foot paralysis story, emphasizing emotional support and collaboration in healthcare to improve patient advocacy and understanding.

In this episode of Your Daily Health Briefing, I explore the connection between patients and clinicians through Camila’s story. She suddenly couldn’t move her foot, searched online for answers, and ended up overwhelmed by what she found. I reflect on my time with her and the reminder that emotional support matters just as much as medical knowledge. I also talk about how a fragmented healthcare system can leave patients feeling lost, and why care works best when it’s collaborative and grounded in trust. I offer a clear overview of what symptoms like foot drop can involve, with the goal of helping listeners feel more informed and less afraid. I encourage people to share their own stories so we can build more advocacy and community around healthcare experiences. I close with a preview of the next episode, where I’ll discuss liver enzymes and why they matter when you’re looking at lab results.

💡 Start your journey today with Maryland Primary Care & Wellness
Book your consultation: https://marylandprimarycare.com