Encore Concierge Medicine

03/09/2026

Does this sound familiar?

A health symptom appears ➡️ a doctor's appointment is scheduled ➡️ a health concern is addressed ➡️ the cycle repeats again and again

While this approach may work for acute issues, as we grow older and our health becomes less episodic, this care pattern doesn't always fit.

This is just one of many reasons people find themselves transitioning to concierge medicine.

On our latest blog, we're sharing why many adults find themselves reconsidering the traditional primary care model, and why concierge medicine may be a fit for you, too.

Head to https://vist.ly/4ubrz to learn more.

As health needs change, many adults find themselves outgrowing the traditional primary healthcare model. That's where concierge medicine comes in. If you've outgrown the healthcare system, concierge medicine may offer a new, more personalized care model.

03/08/2026

Happy International Women's Day 🥳

As a women-led concierge medicine practice, we're proudly celebrating the achievements of women worldwide in the medical field and beyond.

As women, one of our greatest assets to pursuing our dreams, advocating for our rights, and controlling our futures is our health, and we're committed to providing health and wellness resources not just today, but every day.

Head to https://vist.ly/4u6s7 helpful blogs and online resources to help you take control of your wellbeing 💚

03/02/2026

Cold season isn’t quite done.

Spring allergies are around the corner.

And dry indoor heat is still doing its thing.

Which means… a lot of irritated noses.
Not all nasal sprays are the same, and using the wrong one (or using the right one the wrong way) can actually make things worse.

In this reel we break down:
• Saline vs hypertonic saline
• When Afrin is helpful (and how to avoid rebound congestion)
• Steroid sprays like Flonase and Nasacort
• Azelastine for allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
• What to use for dryness and nosebleeds

A few small tweaks can make a big difference in how you feel.

Save this for the next time your nose turns against you.

And if symptoms are severe, lasting, or just not improving, check in with your doctor.

Future you will be grateful.

02/27/2026

This is your sign to schedule the things you’ve been putting off:

✔ Annual physical
✔ Fasting labs
✔ Mammogram or colon cancer screening
✔ Skin check
✔ Blood pressure check

Future you will be very grateful.

Preventive care isn’t dramatic. It’s consistent.

Which one are you overdue for?

02/21/2026

“What a wonderful thing to finally feel prioritized.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, and this is exactly why Encore exists.

To learn more about our personalized care model, click the link in our bio to schedule your free consultation.

02/20/2026

A new large-scale review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine looked at over 1,000 clinical trials and nearly 80,000 participants, and it reinforces something we’ve seen firsthand in practice:

Movement matters.

The research found that aerobic exercise (like walking, running, swimming, cycling, or dancing) had meaningful effects for people experiencing depression and anxiety. Supervised and group-based programs showed particularly strong benefits. For anxiety, even shorter and lower-intensity programs were helpful. Young adults and postpartum women saw especially significant improvements.

This doesn’t replace therapy, and it doesn’t replace medication when needed.

But it does remind us that exercise isn’t just “good for you.” It can be a powerful part of a comprehensive mental health plan.

Sometimes the most effective tools for your health aren’t complicated; they’re consistent, supportive habits built into your daily life. Our role is to help you understand and use them well.

02/12/2026

Most people can name their phone password, their coffee order, and their Netflix login without thinking. But ask them their blood pressure, fasting glucose, or cholesterol breakdown and the answer is usually a blank stare.

Here are four numbers worth knowing and understanding.

-Resting blood pressure
High blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for heart disease, and it rarely causes symptoms on its own. Knowing your baseline and whether it’s trending up over time matters more than most people realize. A normal blood pressure is below 120 over 80. Most adults with high blood pressure are treated to a goal below 130 over 80.

-Fasting blood sugar
Insulin resistance can develop years before a diabetes diagnosis ever appears. A fasting glucose between 100 and 125 signals prediabetes, and most people in that range have no idea they’re there. Catching it early can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes.

-LDL cholesterol and the full lipid breakdown
Total cholesterol alone does not tell the full story. What matters is your LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and overall cardiovascular risk profile. In some cases, advanced markers such as ApoB or particle number offer additional clarity. These details help better predict cardiovascular risk and guide prevention.

-Resting heart rate
A consistently elevated resting heart rate can be an early indicator of cardiovascular stress, poor fitness, dehydration, or underlying conditions. Most healthy adults fall between 60 and 100 beats per minute, with well conditioned individuals often trending lower.

You do not need to memorize a textbook. But knowing these numbers and understanding what they mean for you specifically is one of the most empowering things you can do for your long term health.

If you do not know yours, it may be time to check in and understand what they mean for you.

02/11/2026

February is Heart Health Month, and it’s a good reminder to check in.

Heart disease may be the the leading cause of death in both men and women, but much of it is preventable so, understanding your unique risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and building habits that support overall cardiovascular wellness can change the trajectory of your health.

Whether you’re navigating family history, managing existing conditions, or simply being proactive, heart health isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t feel that way either.

This month, take a moment to ask yourself: when’s the last time I had my blood pressure checked? Do I know my cholesterol levels? Am I listening to what my body is trying to tell me?

If you have any questions, reach out to your primary care physician or contact us to schedule your free consult.

02/05/2026

From the outside, our River North building can feel a little intimidating, but once you step inside the Encore office you feel right at home.
We carefully designed our space to make you feel comfortable and be able to take a moment to exhale.  From the seating to the light and small details throughout, everything is meant to feel welcoming. Acting as a place where conversations happen more naturally than a traditional medical office.

We hear it all the time: “I didn’t expect it to feel like this.”
And that’s exactly the point.

For us, how you feel when you walk in the door matters just as much as the care you receive once you’re here.

02/03/2026

Today we recognize National Women Physicians Day, held on February 3 in honor of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States.

It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the women physicians whose clinical expertise, leadership, and commitment to patients continue to shape the healthcare industry. Their influence is felt not only in exam rooms, but in how care is delivered, systems evolve, and trust is built over time.

We’re grateful for all the women in medicine whose work continues to move healthcare forward, including our very own, Dr. Gold!