Blue Spruce Health: Redefining Care with Direct Primary Care

  Hormone Optimization: Why Traditional Primary Care Falls Short and How Blue Spruce Health is Leading the Way Hormones are the silent players in the game of health, driving everything from energy and mood to sexual health, metabolism, and overall well-being. Yet, most primary care doctors overlook or minimize their importance, often resorting to the outdated approach of placing patients within “normal” ranges—regardless of whether those levels are truly optimal for the individual. Why does this matter? Because the conventional “normal” is often a one-size-fits-all range that doesn’t account for the nuanced needs of every person’s body. This approach leads to millions of patients walking away from their appointments feeling unheard and under-treated, even as they continue to struggle with fatigue, weight gain, decreased libido, and a general sense of malaise. The Issue with Traditional Primary Care Most traditional primary care providers (PCPs) are stretched thin with high patient ...

  Why Vermonters Need Vitamin D During Winter Living in Vermont means embracing the beauty of long winters, but it also comes with a hidden health challenge: vitamin D deficiency. Vermont’s cold, dark months limit sun exposure, our primary source of vitamin D, making supplementation essential for maintaining good health. Here’s why Vermonters need to pay extra attention to their vitamin D levels—and how we at Blue Spruce Health can help you stay healthy year-round. The Science of Vitamin D Deficiency in Winter Limited Sunlight During the winter, the angle of the sun is so low that UVB rays—needed for the body to produce vitamin D—don’t effectively reach the Earth’s surface. This makes it nearly impossible to get sufficient vitamin D naturally from sunlight, especially in northern latitudes like Vermont’s. Research shows that vitamin D deficiency rates are significantly higher in regions with long winterslications** Vitamin D plays a vital role in: Bone Health: It helps the body ab...

 The holidays are a time for joy, family, and the occasional meltdown when your great-aunt criticizes your stuffing recipe. Stress during this season is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to send you into a sugar-cookie-fueled spiral. Here are some funny yet medically-backed tips to help you keep your cool: 1. Breathe... Like You Mean It We’re not talking about the dramatic sighs you give when someone mentions politics at the dinner table. We mean deep belly breaths. It sounds cliché, but deep breathing lowers cortisol levels and reduces heart rate. Pro Tip: When your cousin asks why you’re staring at the ceiling and breathing like a yoga instructor, just say, “Doctor’s orders!” 2. Delegate Like a Boss You don’t need to be a holiday hero. If your guests ask, “What can I bring?” don’t say, “Just yourselves!” Instead, assign them the hardest-to-mess-up dishes. Uncle Joe can bring ice, and Aunt Karen gets napkins. Delegation = relaxation. 3. Prioritize Sleep (Over Wrapping Gifts at 2 AM...

The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but they can also bring challenges to staying healthy. At Blue Spruce Health, we understand the importance of keeping your health in check during the festive season—especially here in Northern Vermont, where winter can add an extra layer of complexity. Here are our top tips to help you maintain your health and well-being this holiday season: 1. Stay Active, Even in the Snow Winter in Vermont often means snow, but that doesn’t have to slow you down. Bundle up and take advantage of the beautiful outdoors! Activities like snowshoeing, skiing, or even a winter hike are great ways to stay fit and enjoy the season. 2. Eat Mindfully With holiday parties and big meals, it’s easy to overindulge. At Blue Spruce Health, we recommend focusing on portion control and making healthy choices when possible. Fill your plate with lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, and save treats for special moments. 3. Stay Hydrated In the colder months, it’s easy to ...