Pete Lerza, DNP

03/15/2026

03/07/2026

Brushing your teeth, something most of us never think twice about.

Nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke each year, and for many, simple daily tasks become the hardest. When you've lost the use of your arm, even picking up a toothbrush can feel impossible.

During Brain Injury Awareness Week we’re reminded of moments like this.

Have a story like this? Share with us below! ⬇️

02/27/2026

Technology is changing healthcare in ways that truly matter.

For years, I’ve been curious about exoskeleton and external support devices for people who’ve lost mobility or control after a stroke or other neurologic injury. Recently, I connected with a company that develops a powered upper-extremity orthosis, and they came to our office to demonstrate it.

What impressed me most is the purpose behind it.

🧠 This device doesn’t “restore” a fully normal arm.
But it can amplify the signals your brain is still sending to weakened muscles. When those signals are detected, the brace assists with bending the elbow and opening or closing the hand.

💡 That means simple, everyday tasks become possible again.
Holding a jar with one hand while opening it with the other. Stabilizing an object. Supporting yourself during basic activities of daily living.

These are things most of us take for granted.

For someone who has had a stroke or developed acquired limb weakness, losing the ability to use one arm affects far more than just movement. It impacts independence, dignity, and mental health. The ripple effects are real.

🏥 The encouraging part: this device is covered by Medicare and some commercial insurance plans.
It’s still relatively new technology, but for the right patient, it can be life-changing.

In the video, you’ll see me struggling a bit with it. Full transparency:
I only had about five minutes with the device (I was running late… shocking, I know). It wasn’t calibrated to me, and I’m fortunate to have a fully functioning arm—so my muscles were naturally “fighting” the system a bit. When prescribed, patients go through proper training and calibration to match their individual muscle signals.

I’m genuinely excited about innovations like this. Restoring even part of someone’s independence can transform their quality of life in ways that go far beyond physical function.

If you or someone you know has had a stroke or developed significant arm weakness, talk with your provider about whether this type of technology could be appropriate. We’re happy to help guide referrals and explore coverage options.

Advances like this remind me why I love practicing medicine.

For more information: Myomo.com

02/23/2026

❄️ “Heart Attack Snow” Is No Joke ❄️
The forecasted snow isn’t the light, fluffy stuff.

Heavy, wet, dense snow… often called “heart attack snow” … makes shoveling extremely strenuous. When you mix intense physical exertion with cold temperatures that constrict your blood vessels and raise your blood pressure, you create the perfect storm for a cardiac event.

🚨 Your risk is even higher if you:
• Are over 45
• Are usually sedentary
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a history of heart disease
• Smoke or have diabetes

Every year, we respond to medical emergencies related to snow shoveling — and many of them are preventable.

🛑 Before you shovel:
• Push snow instead of lifting when possible
• Take frequent breaks
• Stay hydrated
• Dress in layers
• Don’t try to clear it all at once

If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea — stop immediately and call 911.

Sometimes the safest move is asking for help from a neighbor, friend, or hiring it out.

02/20/2026

Rough day?

At least you’re not in a cave with a 300-pound bear who definitely did not get the memo about hibernation.

🧠 Sometimes life doesn’t go our way. The meeting runs long. The plans fall through. The to-do list wins.

💡 Perspective can be powerful. This photo (shared by National Geographic and talked about on the Tooth and Claw Podcast) is a wild reminder that “it could be worse” isn’t just a saying.

❤️ When frustration creeps in, pause. Take a few deep breaths. Think of three things you’re grateful for. Small resets can protect your mental health and change the tone of your whole day.

🩺 At Sailwinds Medical Group, we believe caring for your health includes your mindset, too. Stress management, preventive care, and real conversations about how you’re feeling all matter.

If today didn’t go as planned, take a moment to reset—and if you need support, we’re here to help. Schedule a visit and let’s work on your health together.

Please remember to support our new medical group by liking 👍 and sharing ↗️ our posts. Your engagement helps us connect with even more people in our community!

⛵ Guiding You To Good Health ⛵
🖥️ Schedule online or message directly with MyChart
🌐 Schedule online at www.SailwindsMedical.com

📞 Call or text us at (443) 972-4204

02/15/2026

Growth mode: Activated. 🚀

Two weeks ago, our office manager Julie and one of our founding leaders, Pete, kicked off the The Eastern Shore Leadership Institute course on leadership development—and the journey is still going strong for the next few weeks.

📚 They’re investing time, energy, and focus into sharpening their leadership skills so our entire team—and our community—benefits.

❤️ At Sailwinds Medical Group, continuous improvement isn’t optional. It’s who we are. We listen closely to our team. We listen carefully to our community. Then we take action.

💡 We don’t compare ourselves to others.
We compare ourselves to who we were yesterday.

🏥 Even when we’re outpacing those around us, we keep asking:
How can we serve better?
How can we communicate better?
How can we care better?

Because every tomorrow deserves a stronger, wiser, and more prepared version of us.

We’re proud to invest in leadership and growth that strengthens the care you receive every single day.

If you’re looking for a primary care team that refuses to settle for “good enough,” we’d love to welcome you aboard. Schedule your visit today.

Please remember to support our new medical group by liking 👍 and sharing ↗️ our posts. Your engagement helps us connect with even more people in our community!

⛵ Guiding You To Good Health ⛵
🖥️ Schedule online or message directly with MyChart
🌐 www.SailwindsMedical.com

📞 Call or text us at (443) 972-4204

02/07/2026

If you can message us in MyChart, you can book a visit there too 📲

We’ve noticed an increase in MyChart messages about serious or potentially serious symptoms. While MyChart is a helpful tool, messages are not reviewed in real time—and that can mean delays in care.

💡 Here’s the easier (and faster) option
If you’re able to send a MyChart message, skip that step and book a visit directly in MyChart instead. It’s quick, simple, and puts you on the schedule right away.

🩺 For new or worsening symptoms
Scheduling a visit is the best way to make sure you’re evaluated promptly and safely.

📊 This already works well
About 25% of all our office visits are now booked directly through MyChart. Fewer messages, less back-and-forth, and faster care.

📅 If the next available slot feels too far out
Go ahead and book it, then call or send a message asking if we can move it up. Our team is always happy to look for sooner options.

❤️ Using the right communication method helps us take better care of you—and keeps everyone safer.

Please remember to support our new medical group by liking 👍 and sharing ↗️ our posts. Your engagement helps us connect with even more people in our community!

⛵ Guiding You To Good Health ⛵
🖥️ Schedule online or message directly with MyChart
🌐 Schedule online at www.SailwindsMedical.com

📞 Call or text us at (443) 972-4204

01/25/2026

Snow shoveling can be sneaky. It doesn’t always feel like a hard workout, especially when that cold air hits your face and makes you feel refreshed. But your heart doesn’t get the same memo.

Shoveling snow is actually intense cardio. You’re lifting, twisting, pushing, and working large muscle groups all at once. Even if you don’t feel out of breath, your heart is working just as hard as if you were doing a vigorous workout at the gym.

Cold air can mask warning signs. It may make you feel cooler and more comfortable, but your heart rate and blood pressure can still climb quickly. This is especially important for people with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, or anyone who hasn’t done this level of activity in a while.

Our advice: take frequent breaks, even if you feel fine. Go slow, switch hands often, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Chest pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue are signs to stop and seek medical care.

Snow may only fall a few times a year, but your heart deserves care every day. If you’re not sure what level of activity is safe for you, we’re always here to help guide you.

Please remember to support our new medical group by liking 👍 and sharing ↗️ our posts. Your engagement helps us connect with even more people in our community!

⛵ Guiding You To Good Health ⛵
Schedule online at www.SailwindsMedical.com
Call or text us at (443) 972-4204

01/22/2026

❄️ Snow is on the way, and now’s a great time to get prepared! ❄️

With a winter storm approaching, a little planning can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe and comfortable. Think about stocking up on essentials like non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, batteries, flashlights, candles, and a phone charger or power bank. If you rely on medical equipment or daily medications, make sure you have what you need for a few extra days just in case.

Also remember to check on neighbors, especially older adults or anyone who may need extra help during severe weather. Community care matters most when conditions get tough.

We are closely monitoring the forecast and will be announcing any changes to office hours for next week shortly. Please keep an eye on our page for updates. Your safety—and our team’s safety—always comes first.

Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s weather this storm together.

Please remember to support our new medical group by liking 👍 and sharing ↗️ our posts. Your engagement helps us connect with even more people in our community!

⛵ Guiding You To Good Health ⛵
Schedule online at www.SailwindsMedical.com
Call or text us at (443) 972-4204

❄️ Weather Update (Because Everyone’s Asking) ❄️

Yes, we’ve heard about the potential snow. Yes, we’re watching it too.

As of right now, this is our best estimate for Dorchester County:
➡️ 1–78 inches of snow
➡️ OR cold rain
➡️ OR sunshine and 70 degree temps

We’re on multiple conference calls and weather briefings, most of which will likely contradict each other, because this is the Eastern Shore, where the forecast changes more often than people change their underwear.

All joking aside, we’re monitoring conditions closely and will keep you updated as better information becomes available.

In the meantime: no need to panic, snow plows are not being pre-staged yet, and please don’t clear out the bread and milk aisle… unless you just really like French toast.

01/16/2026

Confused by your cholesterol or blood sugar numbers? You’re not alone.

Being told to “watch what you eat” sounds simple, until you’re staring at food labels and mixed advice online. If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

Meet Staci Walden, our in-house Registered Dietitian. She specializes in medical nutrition therapy and helps patients improve A1C, support heart health, and feel better overall without giving up every food they enjoy.

Sailwinds patients can call our front desk to book directly, no extra steps needed.
Patients with an outside primary care provider are welcome too. Just request a referral to see Staci Walden at Sailwinds Medical.

Understanding your labs is the first step toward improving them. We’re here to help.

Please remember to support our new medical group by liking 👍 and sharing ↗️ our posts. Your engagement helps us connect with even more people in our community!

⛵ Guiding You To Good Health ⛵
Schedule online at www.SailwindsMedical.com

Call or text us at (443) 972-4204

01/11/2026

Meet Molly Dale, DNP 👋

If you’ve been to Sailwinds over the past year, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Molly—and if you have, you probably get why patients love her. Molly has been part of our team for about a year now, and she’s built a reputation for being warm, attentive, and truly listening to her patients.

Molly is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on women’s health and family medicine. She cares for adults of all ages and believes great healthcare starts with trust, clear communication, and compassion.

Good news if you’ve been trying to get in to see her: Molly is currently accepting new patients in both our Cambridge and Salisbury locations. If you’re looking for a provider who takes the time to get to know you and supports your health journey every step of the way, she’d love to meet you.

Please remember to support our new medical group by liking 👍 and sharing ↗️ our posts. Your engagement helps us connect with even more people in our community!

⛵ Guiding You To Good Health ⛵
Schedule online at www.SailwindsMedical.com
Call or text us at (443) 972-4204