Blue Spruce Health: Redefining Care with Direct Primary Care

  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...

 Let’s get real. Traditional healthcare feels like dating someone who ghosts you for weeks, shows up late (if at all), and leaves you wondering, Why am I even here? We’re here to tell you: You deserve better. At Blue Spruce Health, we think you deserve a healthcare experience that works for you, not against you. That’s why we’ve reimagined primary care—no insurance hoops, no surprise bills, and no rushed appointments. Here’s why it’s time to break up with the old system and upgrade to Direct Primary Care: 1. We Actually Have Time for You Ever felt like your doctor is speed-dating their way through appointments? Not here. At Blue Spruce Health, we schedule unhurried visits so we can get to know you and your health goals. Whether you need 10 minutes or an hour, your time is yours. 2. Unlimited Access to Your Care Team Think of us as your healthcare BFFs. Have a question? Text us. Need to schedule a visit? Hop on our online scheduler or call us directly. Sick at 8 PM? No problem—we’...

 Let’s face it: healthcare costs can feel like a slap in the face—especially when you get an unexpected bill for a 20-minute urgent care visit that somehow rivals your car payment. Or worse, the ER charges you thousands because your primary care provider (PCP) couldn’t squeeze you in when you needed them. Enter Blue Spruce Health Direct Primary Care (DPC) , the low-cost, high-value alternative you never knew you were missing. Here’s how DPC, and specifically a membership at Blue Spruce Health (averaging $1,100/year), can actually save you money—and spare you a few gray hairs. The Math: What Happens When You Skip Primary Care? If you’ve ever tried to get a same-day appointment with your PCP, you know it’s like winning the lottery—rare and improbable. That leaves two options: urgent care or the ER . Both are quick fixes, but at a price that hurts. Urgent Care Visit: Average cost is $150-$300 per visit, depending on your location and insurance coverage. Add in lab tests, imaging, ...

  The History of Primary Care: From Simplicity to Complexity and Back Again In the early days of medicine, primary care was deeply personal. Families relied on trusted doctors who knew them well, making house calls and accepting simple forms of payment—cash, bartered goods, or even labor. This direct relationship fostered trust and ensured care was focused on the patient, not paperwork. Everything changed with the advent of health insurance in the mid-20th century. Designed initially to protect against catastrophic costs, insurance quickly expanded into routine care. While it helped more people access services, it also introduced red tape, rushed appointments, and a focus on billing rather than healing. Doctors had less time with patients, and healthcare became transactional, leaving many frustrated with a system that felt impersonal and inaccessible. Direct Primary Care (DPC) is reversing that trend, restoring the simplicity and trust of healthcare's roots. With DPC, patients pay...

 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...

Health insurance is designed to help cover medical expenses, so it’s natural to wonder why you might need to pay extra for primary care. Blue Spruce Health Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers something different—more access, personal attention, and a stronger relationship with your doctor. Let’s break down why paying for primary care can be worth it, even if you have health insurance. 1. Insurance Covers Sickness, DPC Covers Wellness Health insurance is often reactive, covering medical expenses when you're already sick or injured. But DPC focuses on wellness and preventive care, helping you stay healthier in the long run. With DPC, you’re not just treated when something’s wrong—you’re cared for proactively. 2. Unhurried, Personalized Appointments Traditional insurance-based practices often feel rushed, with doctors balancing packed schedules. In contrast, DPC allows for longer, unrushed visits where you and your doctor can dive into your health concerns. You get quality time to discus...

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 ...