Rapha Wellness and Primary Care, 140 Daughdrill Station, Flowood, MS (2026)

02/22/2026

There can be a lot of reasons why you don’t want to take diabetes medicine. People with type 2 diabetes may be able to manage their diabetes for a while with meal planning and physical activity. But because type 2 diabetes changes over time, at some point your doctor may say that you need to take medicine to manage your blood glucose. Only your diabetes care team will be able to tell for sure how well your medicine is working, so don’t stop taking it without speaking to them.

Are you not taking your medicine as directed because you feel it’s too big a burden? Speak with your provider and see what simple changes can be made to help your diabetes care plan work better for your lifestyle. Then, you can add their suggestions to your own daily routine. Here are some things that may help you remember to take your medicine:

Daily medicines can be taken before or after regular activities, such as:
Brushing your teeth
Preparing meals
Feeding or walking pets

Weekly medicine can be taken before or after weekly activities, such as:
Doing laundry
Grocery shopping
Watching a favorite weekly show
Other suggestions:
A pill organizer
Set a reminder on your clock, computer, or phone
Start a buddy system with a friend, family member, or loved one
Make a medicine chart to check “when you took it”
Store all your medicine in the same place

Some people may not like the idea of taking medicine. But know that keeping your blood glucose as close to your target range as possible will help reduce the risk of other health problems.

All medicines have possible side effects, and some can be serious. Not everyone will experience every side effect. It is very important to let your health care professional know how you feel while taking your diabetes medicine, because he or she may be able to offer help.

Keep a written plan handy so that you know how and when to take your medicine and how much to take. Ask your health care professional to help you with this plan. Keep your plan near your medicine. Ask your care team questions until you are clear on what you need to do and how to do it.

Talk with your health care professional if you are not reaching your blood glucose goals.

02/22/2026

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 8:15

Reflection:
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the next big thing. We often think that joy will come with that promotion, that relationship, that achievement. But Ecclesiastes 8:15 offers a refreshingly different perspective.
The author, known for his wisdom, had experienced all that life had to offer - wealth, success, pleasure. Yet, he concludes that true joy is found not in these grand pursuits, but in the simple, everyday gifts that God has given us.
This isn't a call to a life of complacency or mediocrity. Rather, it's an invitation to find contentment and purpose in the present moment, to appreciate the beauty and blessings that are right in front of us.
It's about finding joy in a shared meal, a heartfelt conversation, a quiet moment of reflection. It's about recognizing that these seemingly small things are actually the big things, the stuff that life is made of.
Today, let's choose to embrace the simple joys that God has placed in our lives. Let's eat, drink, and be glad, knowing that each moment is a gift from our Heavenly Father. And let's trust that as we find our delight in Him, He will give us the strength and purpose for all our days under the sun.

02/21/2026

Influenza can range from being a light illness to a serious disease, and when complicated by acute myocarditis, it could be life-threatening.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle layer, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood, leading to irregular heartbeats. Most myocarditis cases are caused by infection, primarily viral, including influenza, COVID-19, herpes, coronavirus, and adenovirus, among others.

Myocarditis is not caused by the virus directly damaging the heart but by the body’s immune system overreacting to the viral infection, triggering a “cytokine storm,” which can lead to myocardial damage and severe arrhythmia.

The initial symptoms of myocarditis may be similar to those of ordinary influenza, such as fever, cough, etc. However, warning signs, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, palpitations, and irregular heartbeat, may appear later. If those symptoms suddenly appear during or after the flu, especially if the chest pain lasts more than 15 minutes, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Maintaining normal immunity is the key. This could be realized by maintaining good living habits, such as eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and engaging in moderate exercise. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatism or people undergoing cancer treatment.are more vulnerable to post-infectious complications.

Studies show that COVID-19 itself is more likely to cause myocarditis in most people than the vaccine. One study also found that COVID-19 infection is more likely to cause cardiovascular complications than respiratory viral infections such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.

Although acute myocarditis is uncommon, once it occurs, it may be life-threatening. We are currently in a susceptible period for influenza and various viruses, and everyone should remain alert to certain acute complications and seek medical treatment as soon as possible whenever there are any signs of it.

02/21/2026

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
1 John 4:16

Reflection:
Isn't it remarkable how some truths feel both infinitely vast and intimately personal? "God is love" – three simple words that hold the weight of eternity. Not just that God loves, but that He is love itself. Every sunrise declares it, every breath confirms it, every moment is held within it.
Yet John goes deeper. We don't just acknowledge this love; we "know and rely" on it. Think about that word "rely." It speaks of complete trust, of building our lives on an unshakeable foundation. Like stepping onto solid ground after months at sea, we find our footing in this love that will not let us go.
And then comes the extraordinary invitation – to live in this love. Not to visit it occasionally or admire it from a distance, but to make our home in it. The same love that spun galaxies into being and breathed life into dust wants to flow through our ordinary moments, transforming how we see ourselves, others, and every circumstance we face.
This is the heart of everything: we are loved by Love himself.

02/20/2026

Coconut oil, derived from coconut meat, is a versatile cooking oil known for its high smoke point and distinct flavor. Registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois says it offers potential health benefits, including supporting brain health and energy production due to its medium-chain triglycerides. However, its high saturated fat content raises concerns about cholesterol and heart disease, suggesting moderation is key. While it can enhance dishes with its rich taste, those with high cholesterol should consider alternatives such as unsaturated fats.

02/20/2026

Maybe we know the Sunday-school song: “Jesus loves me. This I know, for the Bible tells me so.” But that doesn’t answer the question: Why does God love us?

Ponder this mystery for a moment: The Creator of our universe, who places the constellations and puffs cumulonimbus clouds, who paints peacocks and sunsets and rainbows, who knows the end from the beginning and spoke the world into existence — that same God sees us, knows us and loves us.

He sees you. He knows you. He loves you.

The Bible tells us that, before we breathed our first breath, God knew every sunrise we’d live to see, every gray hair we’d try to hide and every mistake we’d ever make. (Psalm 139:15-16) He knows us intimately, and He invites us to be His beloved children anyway.

God Himself took on flesh — living, dying and resurrecting to life again — to demonstrate the extent of His great love for us.

Who can comprehend such love? The singer-songwriter King David said it’s too marvelous for his understanding. (Psalm 139:6) The persecutor-turned-preacher Paul prayed we’d grasp the immeasurability of Christ’s love, (Ephesians 3:17-19) and John, the self-described disciple whom Jesus loved, used the word “love” 57 times in his short first letter. John’s letter expresses it this way: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

But WHY? Maybe God loves us simply because it’s His good pleasure, because He delights to lavish His love on us. Maybe the point isn’t to decipher an intellectual enigma. Maybe the point is to respond with an open heart that receives and echoes back love.

02/19/2026

It’s tough for a man to know what to do following a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The treatment is often worse than the risk posed by the cancer itself, causing some men to suffer incontinence and impotence even though their tumor possibly wouldn’t have killed them.

Now, a new genetics-driven urine test can help clear up some of the confusion by helping identify aggressive prostate cancers that are more likely to lead to a man’s early death, a new study says. What’s more, the test sample can be taken at home and sent in for analysis.

The test, called MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), looks at 18 genes linked to aggressive prostate cancers. The urine test detects 94% of aggressive prostate cancers, a rate more sensitive than that of PSA blood tests. Its primary benefit is that the test can accurately predict your probability of developing aggressive prostate cancer, putting both the patient and physician at ease.

The current gold-standard test for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which looks in blood for a protein released by an inflamed prostate. However, fewer than 25% of men with an elevated PSA have a type of prostate cancer that needs immediate treatment.

Previous studies had shown that the MyProstateScore 2.0 test could effectively judge the severity of prostate cancer, but those results had occurred after a re**al exam. A re**al exam pressures the prostate, making it more likely that DNA debris from a tumor would wind up in the patient’s urine sample.

The urine test now empowers patients to collect their samples in the comfort of their homes, a significant step forward in prostate cancer risk assessment. For the study, researchers ran the test using urine from 266 men who had not undergone a re**al exam. The results showed that using the test would have avoided up to 53% of unnecessary prostate biopsies.

Researchers plan to study the test’s ability to judge low-risk prostate cancers in men. The test could potentially improve the health of patients by avoiding over-diagnosis and over-treatment and allowing providers to focus on those who are most likely to have aggressive cancers.

02/19/2026

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.”
Psalm 23:1

Reflection:
There's something about Psalm 23 that just tugs at the heartstrings. It's like a soul-soothing balm, a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we've got a Shepherd who's got our back.
And that first verse? It's a game-changer. "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." It's a declaration of trust, a recognition that with God leading the way, we have everything we need.
It's not about a life free from trouble or hardship. It's about knowing that in the midst of it all, we have a Shepherd who guides us to green pastures and quiet waters, who refreshes our weary souls and leads us down the right paths.
And when the valleys come, as they inevitably do? We don't have to fear, because our Shepherd is right there with us, comforting us with His presence and protection.
So today, whatever you're facing, hold onto this truth: you are deeply loved by a Shepherd who knows you, sees you, and is always by your side. In His care, you can find rest, strength, and the assurance that you truly lack nothing.

02/18/2026

Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy made by infusing ingredients like garlic, ginger, onion, and apple cider vinegar and other herbs and spices. You can even add some citrus to it to give it a tangy flavor. The ingredients are believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties that may help alleviate symptoms of colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.

When consumed, the active compounds in these ingredients may help:
Thin mucus and reduce congestion
Soothe a sore throat
Boost the immune system
Reduce inflammation

Some people take fire cider as a preventative measure during cold and flu season or when they're feeling under the weather. However, it's essential to note that fire cider is not a cure-all, and its effectiveness may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh ginger
1/4 cup chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped onion
2-3 sprigs of rosemary
1 sliced lemon
1/2 sliced orange
Spices like cayenne pepper, honey, lemon, and turmeric

Instructions:
Combine the chopped ingredients in a jar, covering them with apple cider vinegar.
Add other desired ingredients and shake or stir well.

Seal the jar and let it infuse in the refrigerator or a cool, dark cabinet for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar daily. After a few weeks, strain the liquid and discard the solids.

Store the fire cider in the refrigerator and take 1-2 tablespoons daily as a health tonic.
You can adjust the recipe to your taste preferences and ingredient availability. Some people also add honey or other sweeteners to make it more palatable.
The fire cider recipe can be quite flexible. Feel free to experiment and find the combination that works best for you!

One delicious way to consume it is to add about 1-2 Tablespoons into a glass of Ocean Spray Zero Sugar Cranberry juice, or add it to the citrus-ade drink that was posted earlier. It's fantastic!

So here’s to guarding up against sniffles during the flu season! Let’s see if it helps!!

02/18/2026

“God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.”
Psalm 91:11

Reflection:
When David wrote these words, he wasn't speaking from theory—he was speaking from survival. Whether defending his sheep from lions, facing a giant with only a slingshot, or hiding in caves from those seeking his life, David knew what it meant to depend on God's protection.
But here's what's incredible: the same angels who lit up the night sky at Christ's birth, who rolled away the stone at His resurrection—they are commanded to watch over you. They are heaven's fiercest warriors, sent by the King of Kings to guard you every step of the way.
This doesn't mean we won't face trials. Life's challenges will come, just as they did for David. But we can stand firm, knowing that in our darkest valleys and toughest battles, we are never alone. Today, let this truth sink deep into your heart: you are protected by heaven's mightiest, at the command of a Father who loves you beyond measure.

02/17/2026

When you don’t have time to use your juicer or simply don't have one but want to make your own juice, just mix up some fresh citrus-ade to have in the fridge instead! Slice up a lemon and a lime and drop them in a glass pitcher. Add some hot water and jab up the slices with a long spatula or wooden spoon to press out the juices. Next, add a handful of frozen blueberries and some ice to cool it off. Sweeten it up a little with some monk fruit sweetener or honey (best added when the water is still hot). It’s great freshly made but better after it sits in the fridge over night. You can make it last a while by adding water and a little sweetener to it once it gets low. It’s so refreshing!! And healthy too!!

02/17/2026

“Give us today our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11

Reflection:
Isn't it fascinating how our relationship with time shapes our peace? We live in a world obsessed with "more" and "later"—savings accounts for next year, pantries stocked for next month, minds racing toward tomorrow. Yet here, in Matthew 6:11, Jesus offers us the secret to true peace: "Give us today our daily bread."
Notice He doesn't teach us to pray, "Give me enough for next month" or "Prepare everything I'll ever need." Instead, He invites us into something far more intimate—a daily conversation, a daily trust, a daily discovery of God's provision. Each sunrise brings fresh mercy; each moment carries new grace.
This isn't about neglecting wisdom or abandoning planning—it's about finding freedom in knowing that the same God who holds the stars in place also holds your needs in His hands. Today's challenges are met with today's strength. Today's hunger is satisfied with today's bread.
When we embrace this truth, something shifts inside us. Our shoulders lighten from carrying burdens meant for another day. Our hearts settle into the rhythm of God's care, discovering that His daily provision is far sweeter than tomorrow's worries.

Rapha Wellness and Primary Care

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