Doctor Ryan Newsletter Archive
-
Well, would you look at that — the warm weather is right around the corner! After what felt like the longest winter in Minnesota history (or maybe just the usual winter full of warm and cold surprises), we are absolutely thrilled to be heading into sunshine, green grass, and all the chaos and joy that spring brings. We will temporarily ignore that an onslaught of snow is on its way tomorrow. And with all of that, there is a lot going on here at EverWell — so grab a lemonade (as a sweet protest to the snow) and read on!
Clinic Updates
New: Computer Portal Access for Patients
We are thrilled to announce that our electronic medical record continues to improve; many of you have been asking for an online portal option for computer messaging. In this moment, it should be working like a charm.
Log in to your Sigma patient portal right from your desktop or laptop computer by going to https://patient.sigmamd.com/
Send a message to our team or request a medication refill on the spot!
Sigma has an article with more information about the web portal here: https://patient-help.sigmamd.com/article/473-patient-portal-overview
Additional work is currently being done so that you'll be able to access labs, notes, and other results on your computer down the road!
Quick Sigma App Reminder
Just a friendly nudge — if you haven’t downloaded the Sigma app yet, it is a wonderful tool!
Send messages and request refills without a phone call
Schedule and manage your own appointments
Check lab results and visit summaries
Responses for non-urgent messages typically within 1–2 business days
As always, if something is urgent or you just prefer a good old-fashioned phone call — we love hearing from you and will always find a way to fit you in!
New Partnerships and Providers are Coming…
No big details to share… yet! But boy, are we getting excited…
Spring Health Topics: Something to make you feel warm while we wait
Spring is short, sweet, and absolutely worth celebrating. But it comes with a few health reminders that are worth a quick review. Here’s your seasonal cheat sheet:
Seasonal Allergies
Tree pollen is in full swing by May, followed by grass pollen through June and July, and then ragweed in late August. If you find yourself sneezing more than celebrating outside, here’s what helps:
Over-the-counter antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) are safe and effective for most people. Benadryl is now no longer considered the best option- side effects and long standing effectiveness just don’t seem to be best.
Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone work best when started a week or two before peak season
Check pollen counts on weather apps and limit outdoor time on high-pollen days if symptoms are severe
Shower after being outside to wash pollen off your skin and hair
If over-the-counter options aren’t cutting it, come see us — prescription options are easy to chat about!
Sunscreen: More Than Just Sunburn Prevention
We know, we know — you’ve heard it before. But here’s a quick reminder of what actually matters:
Use SPF 30 or higher for everyday outdoor activities; SPF 50+ for extended sun exposure like swimming, hiking, or boating
Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours (more often if sweating or swimming)
Don’t forget ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and the part in your hair
Broad-spectrum protection covers both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays — look for this on the label
Children under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun; use sunscreen on older infants and children freely
And yes — sunscreen is recommended even on cloudy days. UV rays don’t take days off.
Pool Safety
Minnesota springs (and summers!) mean lakes, pools, and splash pads — and we want everyone to come home safely. A few reminders:
Children at young ages (6 and under) should always be supervised within arm’s reach in or near water — no exceptions, no distractions
Life jackets are recommended for children and weak swimmers on open water- or just when running up and down the dock. If they fall over the edge (and they will!) then you have very little to worry about!
Stay hydrated — being in and around water doesn’t mean you’re not sweating!
Lyme Disease & Tick Prevention
Minnesota is prime tick territory, and Lyme disease cases continue to rise each year in our region. Here is what every outdoor-loving family should know:
Remember that they have to be attached for at least 36 hours in order to transfer illness; crawling on you or being attached for lesser periods of time usually is not concerning
Use DEET-containing repellents (20–30%) on exposed skin and clothing when in wooded or grassy areas
Do a full-body tick check after any outdoor activity — especially armpits, groin, scalp, and behind the knees
Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers — grasp as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward without twisting
The classic “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans) is a clear reason to call us — but not all Lyme cases develop a rash
Other early symptoms include fatigue, fever, headache, and joint aches — if a tick bite is followed by these symptoms, call us right away
Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach
A Note from Our Team
As always — we are so grateful for each and every one of you. This clinic exists because of the trust you place in us, and we do not take that lightly. Whether it’s a summer sports physical, a tick bite, a sunburn question, or just the annual “I’ve been meaning to come in’’ visit — we are here for all of it.
Have a suggestion, a hope, or a dream for EverWell? We genuinely want to hear it. We always have 10 minutes (or more!) to talk through ideas for making this place even better.
And if you’ve had a great experience here — whether it was the balloon animals, the 80s playlist, or just getting squeezed in on a Friday afternoon — a review goes a long way in helping us grow and reach more patients who need us. For example… if you feel like Cindy and Christine are just simply awesome, then you could click on this link and share your heartfelt joy at their professional prowess!
-
Well shoot- a whole month went by in a blink! And on that note- a very, very Happy New Year to our Everwell Entourage. In another couple blinks we might even see some grass… here’s hoping!
There are lots of lovely little clinic updates!
EverWell just hosted our first regional provider meeting. A meeting of the minds for other providers who have solo practices across the area. It included internal medicine, pediatric, family medicine, and specialty providers from the broad metro and western Wisconsin areas. It also provided an opportunity for other providers who are excited about the concept of having their own solo practices!
A quick reminder that our Sigma App is Awesome:
a really popular resource to our patients for sending messages, setting up appointments, requesting refills, and checking out your results
seen during normal business hours for non-urgent requests and questions
will typically be addressed within 1 to 2 business days
for anything that is more urgent OR you can’t find a slot in my schedule, we are thrilled to accept a quick phone call and fit you into our schedule!
We now have partnerships with Grove Family Primary Care and True North Direct Primary Care. On the rare occasions that I am unavailable due to a vacation or family illness, etc. your care won’t be limited.
On that same note, my family has been incredibly patient as I have grown my new medical practice over the last year- and misses me a little. I’ll be taking off a few days in February (6th-11th) and a week in March (11th-18th) to get some much needed time with them. Your care will not change as I have staff to help with medication refills, simple testing, and paperwork. I am easily available by phone call and video chat. And any rare instance that requires an exam will be covered by an experienced family medicine provider. Please call if you have any questions or concerns!
Have a suggestion? We are all ears!
We are always looking to upgrade to the next level of care. We always have 10 minutes (or more) to discuss your hopes and dreams for EverWell Primary Care!
Please consider sharing your EverWell story with others!
If you have had an amazing experience at our clinic… Maybe it was the animal hand balloons, the uplifting 80s pop music, or how you were snuck in for a last second visit… Any which way you received care for your body or your soul- please consider leaving a review so that we can continue to grow! The following link will take you directly to our review page: https://g.page/r/CZBSvbH7Z1IWEBM/review
Health Topic of the Month: Influenza B!
Yup… it’s out there. Following the heels of our Influenza A run over the holidays…
What is Influenza B?
Influenza B is a contagious viral respiratory illness (“the flu”) that spreads easily from person to person, especially during flu season. It can affect people of all ages and can range from mild to severe.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms often start suddenly and may include:
Fever or chills, body aches and muscle pain
Headache, fatigue or weakness
Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in children)
How Influenza B is Diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and may be confirmed with:
A rapid flu test using a nasal or throat swab
Clinical evaluation during flu season when symptoms are typical
Care Plan and Treatment
Most people recover at home with supportive care:
Rest and limit activities
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches (avoid aspirin in children)
Cough or cold medicines may help symptoms (use age-appropriate products)
In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed, especially if started early or if the patient is at higher risk for complications. These usually only improve symptoms by 1 to 2 days, which may interest some people and not others.
When to Seek Medical Care Urgently
Get medical help right away for:
Trouble breathing or chest pain
Confusion or severe weakness
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Fever that improves and then returns or worsens
Symptoms that are severe or not improving after several days
Prevention
Annual flu vaccination is the best protection
Wash hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick individuals
Cover coughs and sneezes and stay home when ill
Expected Recovery
Most people feel better within 5–7 days, though fatigue and cough can last longer. Returning to work or school is recommended only after fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without medication.
Here is wishing you all an amazing upcoming Valentine’s Day! May your days be bright and your coffee be strong.
Ryan Dick
EverWell Primary Care -
I think we are getting more consistent now to the point where these newsletters are going to be easier to keep up with. There is always something fun happening- and who doesn’t want to hear about fun!?
In lovely organized fashion:
Quick clinic request: Get a flu shot, help us with our provider search
Health Topics: PeriMenopause and Menopause
(Upcoming Hormone Talk November 10th! RSVP with Shelley at 651-428-1738 to save your spot)
Clinic updates: Grand Opening, etc.
Clinic Requests
***Please consider a flu shot at EverWell***
(Please note: We are not above bribery with glove balloon or sticker bribes.)
We are continuing our amazing quest to fulfill as many shots as possible for those who want them. There is only ONE solo practice in Minnesota that has successfully been able to establish their own VaxCare account- and we want to be the second. The sooner we reach a total of 250 shots, the quicker we will have a streamlined vaccine supply that will fulfill patient needs. And we will be officially cooler than almost all other other clinics. For the record, I have never been personally cool - this could really help a guy out.
For those who have not submitted their vaccine needs, please click on the attachment and we should be able to accomplish most shots within the next 2 weeks.
***We are growing and interviewing providers!***
Next level awesomeness: We are now looking for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or physicians who love primary care and are looking for a different way to practice patient focused medicine. Do you know of a provider who wants to jump off of their “hamster wheel of insanity”- endless paperwork, pressured patient care, and no personal balance? Then have them email me at doctorryan1@gmail.com or just call my office at 651-300-7823. We are here to not only support awesome patient care- but help providers and staff find a new way of caring for others!
Health Topic of the Month: Perimenopause and Menopause
In case you didn’t already know, this is a monster of a topic. If you find that the following information feels like the tip of the iceberg- we agree. There is so much information and misinformation- it has most of my patients reeling. If you need more information- please consider RSVPing to my upcoming talk. It’s coming soon on Monday, November 10th! Please see the attached flyer.
A couple things to consider:
1. Everything is affected by hormones.
Physical symptoms such as night sweats, fatigue, arthritis, palpitations are incredibly common during different times of the cycle and different ages as well. Emotional symptoms too- especially before having a period- can be challenging.
2. Most providers just don’t know what to do with them.
It’s such a bummer trying to chat with providers who ignore or minimize:
“This is just normal.”
“Yup, you can expect these symptoms- it’s part of aging.”
“Here is referral- they can see you in 6 months to help you with your problem.”
The reality is that there are very few programs that educate about hormones for more than an hour or two. Providers who care usually are going to separate conferences or getting a unique certification.
3. Most hormone therapy is safe for most women.
There are very few women who cannot be on hormone therapy. A lot of the information out there makes it sound so very scary. It really doesn’t need to be.
4. BE PICKY when choosing someone to talk to.
Usually talking to the correct person is far more helpful than talking to 3 separate people. If you talk to 3 people to get all of their opinions, I promise you will feel far more confused.
More awesome information can be found at the StoreHouse hormone talk in Afton; please see the attached flyer for our upcoming talk! Make sure to RSVP!
Clinic Updates
Our Grand Opening is completed!
Thank you to all those who came! It was an awesome success! As some of you noticed- we finally got some art on the walls. It’s super beautiful- thanks to my better half.
Clinic Contact Reminder
Many of you have been so kind and thoughtful about contacting me during normal business hours- using the normal clinic phone line and the Sigma App. A quick reminder that you can indeed message me using the Sigma App at all hours with non-urgent messages. Most of my busy families can only message later in the day or when they have a moment on the weekend- that’s just fine. Since I leave non-urgent messages until the next business day, please always call the normal clinic line when you need something more urgent on the weekend or during the evening hours. The call will be directly transferred to my cell phone- even after-hours.
Thank you all for being just incredibly awesome. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
As always, may your days be bright and your coffee be strong.
Ryan Dick
EverWell Primary Care -
Happy Late September, EverWell Entourage!
Pinch me- it’s been 4 WHOLE MONTHS of new clinic activities, patient care, and projects!
First and foremost, I am so very grateful to have all of you as part of our family. And secondly, I am so profoundly thankful for Christine and Cindy. Without these two amazing individuals, EverWell simply doesn’t happen. Next time you are in the area, please embarrass them (a little bit) by telling them how amazing they are.
And now for the EverWell Clinic updates!
For the few of you who haven’t recently stopped by, we are now in our official office in suite 225. Hurray! It’s a beautiful space with multiple rooms. A few pieces of wall art and we will be up to snuff.
With a new space, we are now announcing our GRAND OPENING on OCTOBER 23rd between 4 and 7PM. Everyone is cordially invited to stop by and celebrate the new space and meet our clinic neighbors across the hall, “Endoura Effect”. We will be announcing more details of the event on our social media spaces.
FLU AND COVID shots are available! Please (please!) consider setting up your shot(s) here at EverWell. One of our biggest projects of the year is to provide as many flu shots (and other boosters) during this fall so that we can establish an ongoing relationship with VaxCare. You can help us with this mission by getting your boosters done here. HERE IS THE GOOGLE FORM LINK FOR FLU AND COVID SHOT SIGNUP: https://forms.gle/15d9PMH1Cr1yK8XF8
And health updates!
It will come as no surprise that daycare, school, and work illnesses are upon us. Things that are important for this upcoming fall and winter:
Most illnesses can be addressed here at EverWell- I’m in the business of keeping my families far, far away from urgent care and frequently the emergency department.
If your child has a fever above 100.4 and is younger than 6 months, then I need a phone call to discuss symptoms.
I find that the under-arm temperatures are frequently the most accurate. Consider checking an under arm temp 3 times in a row and use the highest number that you record.
For kids that are older than 6 months: if your child is well hydrated and fever is easy to control with ibuprofen or tylenol- then you should be in good shape to monitor the illness for 48 hours. When in doubt, I always prefer that you bother me with questions!
Very few things improve a cough for kids other than honey (if older than 1 year) and warm steam/humidified air. Over the counter supplements and medications very rarely work. For adults, there are multiple medications that are prescription-strength that help with cough.
Lastly, HYDRATE!! I tell families all the time- I am never concerned about nutrition and ALWAYS worried about fluids.
I hope that this update finds all of you well! We would love to see you for our grand opening if you have a chance!
As always, may your days be bright and your coffee be strong!
Dr. Ryan and the EverWell Staff
-
Good morning EverWell Family!
I am hoping that this email finds you enjoying this gorgeous weather! Rumor has it that we might see some rain soon- my garden is going to love it! A clinic update and then a traditional health tips update are below.
Hurray for the first week! A little bit of organization, a little bit of decorating, and a whole lot of fun! We saw quite a few familiar faces the last several days! The extended visits have been so lovely and relaxing.
Important EverWell Updates!
If you are an old Entira patient, please consider completing your release of information form online so that we can acquire your records efficiently. The sooner I get your records, the more helpful I can be! Please use the link below: https://www.swellbox.com/entira-clinics-wizard.html
The Sigma MD app is awesome. A lot of you have it figured out already!
Best for non-urgent questions
We will be replying promptly between visits during the day.
If you shoot me a message before or after working hours, in most cases you will receive a prompt reply in the morning.
Please use the app to photograph and send us your insurance card info.
We need this on file to help find cheapest medications and prior authorizations, referral networks, and cover your immunizations.
If there is something more urgent, then just simply call 651-300-7823. We are here to keep you happy and safe!
Our electronic medical record system “Sigma MD” continues to be a work in progress. (Those silly computers don’t always do what we want.)
I have availability almost every day to see any kind of medical issue. If you do not see any appointments available, it is likely a computer glitch!!! When this happens, please just call to clarify.
For at least a few of my families, their membership fee was not processed the first week of June. This likely will be fixed by Monday and you may notice this change in your bank account. I wanted to point this out so it doesn’t look like you are being double billed. It is very important that I am able to pay Christine and Cindy :-).
We LOVE suggestions from patients about how to improve our computer product and the Sigma App. So please provide as many suggestions as you have- we bring them to our information technology team each week.
A Quick Health Update!
Bug bites are usually manageable from home and not overly scary. Cold packs (and NOT physically scratching) are the way to go- and decrease histamines. Make sure your kids get in the habit of tracking a cold pack down when they get their bug bites. If you scratch, it actually increases itchiness as soon as you stop the scratching- and increases risk of infection.
Wood ticks do not transmit lyme disease. When you see a tick- use your smart phone to help you identify what type it is. A deer tick DOES transmit lyme disease, but has to be attached for at least 48 hours to cause this possible illness. A tick crawling on you doesn’t add a risk of illness.
Lastly, wasp stings can be pretty challenging. If you are stung and the redness is getting worse over the first 8 hours, then we should be chatting and setting you up with antibiotics. Frequently this is something we can quickly and easily do over the phone. It is then important for us to track improvement over the next 48 hours.
I hope this is a helpful update! There will likely be more next week!
May your days be bright and your coffee strong,
Ryan Dick MD
-
Yes, I know this weekly letter is belated. Hopefully, you will give us a little leeway- we have had a few things going on. But here it is!
Fair warning that if you are around 1099 Helmo Ave, you may see a grown man skipping around like Anna on coronation day. And if you don’t understand the reference, then you need to watch an extra Disney movie or two.
We have officially moved into our temporary space without any major hiccups. I fully expect there to be some growing pains as we adapt to the space, our new electronic medical record system, and arrange all of the accounts that make a family medicine clinic hum. That being said, there are a few upcoming extra bells and whistles I am excited about… but they aren’t worth announcing…yet.
For New Members:
You will be receiving a NEW NOTICE OF DISENROLLMENT and NEW ENROLLMENT.
Your May enrollment secured your spot. You will be disenrolled from this placeholder. Your June 1 enrollment is your official welcome as a member to EverWell Primary Care. Hopefully you are as excited as my wife walking into the Magic Kingdom with her Minnie Mouse ears. :-)Remember that our temporary space in Suite 230!
While construction continues on our final space across the the hall in Suite 225.Our labs will be done through Quest.
They are actively setting up our new clinic account. I love the fact that we will have both access to their labs across the Twin Cities AND have lab pick up on site. At this moment, labs will be done at Quest lab sites. On site lab draws will be coming soon.Separate emails for members are coming.
As you already know, computers are impolite and stubborn from time to time. (I just said that at the risk of artificial intelligence taking vengeance.) And my current system won’t let me create separate newsletters as of yet. It’s coming. I promise.And the health update:
Attention Deficit DisorderHave you ever wondered if you have attention deficit disorder (ADD)? Are you worried that a loved one might struggle with symptoms? You’re not alone!
What is ADD?
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a type of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but it specifically refers to the "inattentive" type of ADHD.
ADHD can include symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, ADD primarily affects one's ability to focus and stay organized. ADD is often diagnosed in children, but it can go undetected in adults, leading to challenges in various aspects of life.
Symptoms Include:
Difficulty staying focused, easily distracted, forgetfulness, disorganization, difficulty following instructions, interrupting others, making hasty decisions, difficulty controlling emotions
When to seek help:
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of ADD, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.
A comprehensive diagnosis typically involves interviews, questionnaires, and feedback from family members or teachers. Early intervention can help individuals develop coping strategies and manage their symptoms effectively.
If left untreated, ADD can impact one's academic, professional, and personal life, leading to frustration, low self-esteem, and missed opportunities. Don't hesitate to seek support!
May your days be bright and your coffee strong,
Ryan Dick MD
-
Oh man- the weather is getting great! I hope you all have something amazing planned for the next few weekends! I know we have chatted a fair amount about summer safety, but more of those topics are coming up. Since May 17th is “World Hypertension Day”, I figured it would be appropriate to give everyone a brief refresher:
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) means the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is too strong.
Over time, this pressure can damage your arteries and organs like your heart, brain, and kidneys.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so many people don’t know they have it.
If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems like: slowly developing heart failure and is one of the most common causes of kidney disease.
What Causes It?
Often there's no single cause, but risk factors include:
Being overweight
Eating too much salt
Not exercising
Smoking
Stress
Family history
Getting older
How Is It Measured?
Blood pressure is written as two numbers, like 120/80.
The top number (systolic) is pressure when your heart beats.
The bottom number (diastolic) is pressure when your heart rests.
Normal is usually under 130/80.
High is generally 140/90 or more.
How Can I Lower It?
Eat healthy: Less salt, more fruits, veggies, whole grains
Move more: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days
Maintain a healthy weight
Don’t smoke
Limit alcohol
Manage stress
Take medications if your doctor prescribes them… and don’t stop them without chatting with your doctor first :-)
Bottom Line:
High blood pressure is common, silent, and dangerous—but it’s also treatable. Knowing your numbers and making healthy changes can protect your heart and your life. Talk to your favorite provider when you have questions!
OK! With our topic out of the way…
Here are the EverWell Updates!
We are 11 (ELEVEN!) days away from our opening. Patients have already scheduled appointments for the first week and we will be super ready!
Things that are important to know:
Thank you for those who left a Google Review! Since I know there were a few of you who had technical difficulties, I would still really appreciate your kind words. There obviously is nothing more impactful than someone sharing their personal experience with others. Thank you in advance for considering!
This Clinic is going to be fun: our first photo scavenger hunt will be coming up the 2nd week of June to celebrate this amazing weather and the end of school! More details are coming… So stay posted!
ASK ABOUT HSA! This is a tool that many families can frequently use for their membership payment.
New members should download the SigmaMD app; it will be the main way to reach me or my staff to help address non-urgent concerns.
Text a rash
“Can I sneak in for a throat swab now or tomorrow before school starts?”- Yup!
“Please fax my kids camp form to…”
Kudos to some of you who have already figured it out!
Our letter archive is now up and running! I realize that some of you have JUST signed up for my newsletter. All of the old newsletters can be found at www.everwellprimarycare.com/archive. If you have a moment and want to see what you’ve missed, take a gander!
Our temporary digs are at SUITE 230- which is where the fun is! Suite 225 is beautifying and just being super shy. AND you won’t find me there until the construction is done.
May your days be bright and your coffee strong,
Ryan Dick MD
-
Exciting things are happening, so you'll need to read the full newsletter to find out all the details!!
1) We continue to be on track for a JUNE 2ND START DATE.
I saw a few of you eager beavers already make your appointments for the month of June! Hurray, I can't wait to see you!
2) We now have 3 staff members who will be helping make things awesome!
Many of you might already know about Christine Calger - my personal assistant, scribe, and newly finishing her certified nursing assistant license. I don't think any of you have met my wife Jen who is a registered nurse ... but you soon will! And last, but not certainly least- we have added Cindy Thao as our final puzzle piece to our staff. I'm super excited to have a well oiled machine...
3) I need a small favor...
It's getting official: GOOGLE found us. Ahh, those silly computer bots apparently found my new digs. I admit it's a little exciting. But I have (understandably) no reviews yet. Please consider taking 2 minutes to go to google, find EverWell Primary Care, and leave a review of why you have appreciated my care. It would mean a lot to me, the now small business owner.
4) As promised, I reached out to many of our families who were interested in a "Family Plan" for immediate families of 5 or greater to get their feedback. The introductory 5% discount was to help families of 4 and under, however we wanted to find a way to help larger families be a part of our "large family" at EverWell. As a result, the max monthly fee per immediate family will be $550 per month.
May your days be bright and your coffee strong!
Ryan Dick MD
-
Before we get into new clinic developments, and those are getting pretty exciting... our weekly health tip update.
Exercise Outside 101
Since it is basically gorgeous out, it's understandable that everyone is trying to figure out their exercise regimen too. Keep it simple and keep it consistent. You don't need to be a beacon of health to the entire neighborhood, you just need to be better than you were last week. A couple thoughts:
1) Put on your shoes and walk for 5 minutes; THAT’S IT. It's fine to do more, go faster- but the hardest part of exercise is just getting those shoes on and moving. Keep your expectations low, like 5 minutes of exercise- and do a little more if you are feeling it!
2) Find a buddy, a kid, a partner- it doesn't matter- we have to make this enjoyable so you might do it again tomorrow.
3) Consider making a simple goal- like a step count- each day. Take ONE MORE step than the last day- and build upon this. Compete with a friend and make it interesting! Who's paying for pizza on Friday? The person who did the fewest steps! Again- we are making this fun.
4) Last thing- your weight will not usually change, but your clothes will frequently feel different. This is absolutely a spectacular success. DO NOT get hung up on losing tons of weight- in 2 weeks of consistent exercise I bet you feel just freaking awesome!
Now the Clinic Update:
Wait for it…
ENROLLMENT IS HAPPENING NOW!
The link is included in this email, but also can be found at www.everwellprimarycare.com. Again, the initial enrollment will be limited to the first 400 individuals and then a wait list will be developed. The enrollment button will disappear when all spots are full and be replaced with a wait list button. You will NOT be charged upon enrollment, but on the opening day of the clinic: June 1st, 2025.
My apologies for not being able to email everyone back and get to everyone's initial questions. I do plan on creating a webpage that addresses the most common questions- and this will be updated regularly this month.
I am so touched and overwhelmed by everyone's kindness during this transition. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all of your caring words and best wishes.
As always, may your days be bright and your coffee strong!
Ryan Dick
-
To My Dearest Families- ANOTHER WEEKLY UPDATE!!
A quick public safety announcement about concussions!
I just saw another one this week… and it wasn’t diagnosed properly in urgent care. So let’s talk about that a little bit.
Concussions can be tricky sometimes since there are so many symptoms. I really need my families to consider a concussion when:
1) There is a blow to the head or a whiplash-like injury
2) There was a pause in athletic participation as a result of that injury
3) There was any loss of consciousness, even for a second
4) There are any symptoms of any kind (you can look them easily up on your phone) that exist the first 3 days after play.
5) Symptoms get worse when we use screens (“screentime”), have to use our brains for analysis, or are physical moving our bodies
- Do not let a coach or a medical professional quickly write off these symptoms. A second opinion is sometimes super important.
- Be familiar with a SCAT 3 questionnaire since it is a guide to common symptoms and what a provider should be looking at during the neurologic evaluation.
- Know that a CT or “Cat Scan” is not always required and doesn’t help actually diagnose a concussion- the symptoms and physical exam findings are way more important.
Clinic Update: ENROLLMENT IS ALMOST HERE…
You have made the spectacular effort to know what is going on with my new endeavor, and this is my way of honoring your participation and your understanding. I will only be notifying this group of enrollment for the first 24 hours to allow everyone a chance- and then open this up to all others.
This last part is going to be a little challenging:
There are only going to be 400 spots.
What makes a DPC clinic special is the unique care that it provides. While I would love to care for more, it would detract from the unique care I will be dedicating to my core set of patients. There will be a wait list, but my understanding is that most families and patients do not frequently “give up” their memberships once they have them.
Please be near your phones and computers over the next few days. An enrollment link is imminent.
May your days be bright and your coffee strong!
Ryan Dick
-
The weekly update!!!
Sports are here! And so are opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Simple tips:
1) 60 SPF sunscreen and hats. Reapplication of the sunscreen is super important- no later than 2 hours!!!
2) Long clothing and DEET prevents Lyme disease. DEET is safe on kids - you should absolutely consider a good bug spray if in Lyme infested woods.
3) Small kids rarely know their limits around a pool. A parent should always be within EASY reach of kids who are not proficient at swimming. Life jackets- not floaties. And have at least one adult at the pool - even if the kids are great at swimming. To keep those little rascals from diving the shallow end or jumping on top of each other.Clinic update - we have an address!
Cool news, gang! EverWell Primary Care is coming to 1099 Helmo Ave N in Oakdale, Minnesota- right off of 10th street and 694. Registration to my clinic will be available very soon, so please keep tabs on these email updates! As you might expect, priority will be given to existing patients. I have a few great questions from patients about how families make direct primary care work for their families and how that works with their insurance. I have a new letter update that addresses these coming soon.
May your days be bright and your coffee strong!
Ryan Dick MD
-
Weekly update for my amazing families!
Pro tip to all of those with young families:
As you all know, I’m kind of a planner. (Or maybe my wife is the planner that makes me look a little better organized than I actually am…)
For those who are going to follow the traditional medical model- make sure to schedule your kids’ fall sports physicals RIGHT NOW. As access to care seems to just get tighter and tighter all the time, getting in to see your favorite doctor OR ANY DOCTOR books out weeks and sometimes months. Getting a pre-sports evaluation in July or August will become impossible for families that are trying to get things set up just before school. And a lot of sports don’t start in the fall- they start at the beginning of August!
One of the reasons that I decided to go with Direct Primary Care is that getting a physical within 24 hours is essentially a sure thing. You have almost immediate access to your favorite doctor all the time. If you forgot that Timmy’s lacrosse captain’s practice starts August 3rd, lining up his sport eval can frequently be done the same day or the next morning.
Most importantly, just make sure you have a plan set up for fall sports. You don’t want them at home playing video games or ruining the one hour of quiet that you get in the evening.
Clinic Update!
We are days away from signing my space…. And then an address announcement. A big thank you to Eric Riemer- my real estate guy- for tolerating all of the newbie questions that I had for him. I will never know how he resisted a regular eye-roll through our conversations.
As mentioned before, there will be some TLC involved, but fortunately my better half has way more style than I do. Jen will make sure it looks spectacular.
May your days be bright and your coffee strong!
Ryan Dick MD
-
Good Morning, Entourage! As promised, our weekly update!
Allergies are here!
The late snow has dampened a little of the effect, but that won’t last too much longer. Itchy eyes, sniffly noses, and that tickly cough are on their way! Things to consider:
The season will probably last a month or two, so figuring out simple solutions early makes sense.
Prevention is awesome. Buying local honey and having a tablespoon daily seems to put a big dent in symptoms. And it’s super natural! Buzz buzz. Go bees go!
Saline rinses are great, but based on my patients' reviews- they are obviously not the most fun daily solution…
Remember that low dose, over the counter, non-drowsy antihistamines are super safe- for kids, adults, in pregnancy, AND for breastfeeding moms. Cetirizine and fexofenadine are some favorite types (and cheaper than name brand stuff). The dosing for small kids can be tricky- you might need a doctor that you trust (wink, wink, nudge, nudge…). And for those breastfeeding moms- please monitor if you feel like there is a drop off in your milk supply. This is a super uncommon problem, but I like moms to monitor this closely for obvious reasons.
Over the counter fluticasone and mometasone are nasal sprays that work well- with or without the antihistamines. Again- there is some understandable reluctance that both kids and adults have about putting something up their nose. For those who are using this type of medication, remember that an initial mucus rinse with saline will make this medication more effective!
Allergy testing is rarely helpful- UNLESS you are excited about allergy shots or if you are trying to figure out whether a new pet is a good fit for the household. Why is this? Because all the above treatments work regardless of the specific type of allergy you might have.
Current Practice Update
Best things for last! I am 99% confident in my new clinic site in Oakdale, Minnesota. It took longer than I was hoping, but I’m thrilled to have found a space. My wife and I looked all over the east metro, obviously trying to keep things close to home. The space (pictures to come!) will require some TLC- but is going to be SUPER CUTE and COZY. I’m excited to share the before pictures, because the after effect is just going to be just stellar… but the I’s have to be dotted and the T’s crossed before I get the key and the fun really starts.
Please consider following and sharing my Facebook page and my Instagram with others (see links at the bottom of this email!). There will be regular updates there as well!
May your days be bright and your coffee strong,
Ryan Dick MD
-
Hey! Thank you for signing up to my newsletter!
You are a spectacular person- because you signed up for something fun and spectacular. No really, you’re awesome.
As you might imagine, there is really no single way to get the word out about my new clinic development. So this is one of the many ways I will be reaching out to my patients and the local community with updates- on both medical topics and my new practice. Since this is supposed to be a fun and exciting project, I’m hoping to share some of the joy in creating something new. There will be a new address, some early pics, and regular updates… whenever I have a free moment.
The best way to stay in touch and help others stay in touch is to jump onto my Facebook and Instagram spaces.
May your days be sunny and your coffee strong!Ryan Dick, MD