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

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:

1. The season will probably last a month or two, so figuring out simple solutions early makes sense.

2. 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!

3. Saline rinses are great, but based on my patients' reviews- they are obviously not the most fun daily solution…

4. 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.

5. 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!  

6. 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

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

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

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

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.

 [ ENROLL NOW! ]

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

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.

[ Sign Up ]

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:

1. 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!

2. 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!  

3. ASK ABOUT HSA!  This is a tool that many families can frequently use for their membership payment.

4. 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.

   1. Text a rash

   2. “Can I sneak in for a throat swab now or tomorrow before school starts?”-  Yup!  

   3. “Please fax my kids camp form to…”

      Kudos to some of you who have already figured it out!  

5. 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!

6. 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

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 Disorder

Have 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