The holiday season brings celebration and connection, but also disruption to our normal schedules. Between travel, packed event calendars, rich meals and the surge in winter respiratory illnesses, it can be a particularly challenging time to stay on top of your health, especially for people managing chronic conditions.<\/p>\n
To help people navigate this season with confidence, Dr. Hemalee Patel, who leads the Impact Program at Amazon One Medical, shares expert insights on how patients can stay well and why proactive care matters more than ever this time of year.<\/p>\n
Patel\u2019s work centers on helping patients build sustainable, personalized care plans through One Medical\u2019s Impact Program. One Medical, a national primary care organization, provides a hybrid care experience with integrated in-office and virtual services across more than 20 U.S. regions, including offices in Addison Prestonwood Place, Mockingbird Station, Preston Center, Shops at Legacy, and West 7th District across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.<\/p>\n
\u201cChronic conditions are incredibly common, with 51% of adults in the U.S. having at least one,\u201d Patel explains. \u201cThrough the Impact Program, our clinicians, certified diabetes educated nurses, and board-certified health and wellness coaches take a team-based approach to help patients reach their health and wellness goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Impact Program focuses on conditions such as diabetes, offering culturally sensitive, customized guidance via both in-person visits and digital support. Patients are paired with a dedicated care team that helps with lifestyle changes, evidence-based nutrition recommendations and goal setting. The outcomes have been significant: Diabetic patients in the program have reduced their blood sugar levels on average by 2.3 points across all gender and ethnicity groups. For context, even a one-point reduction is linked to a 21% lower risk of death, 14% fewer heart attacks and 37% fewer complications such as nerve damage or vision loss.<\/p>\n
Edna Ruiz-Regis, 65, is a perfect example of this. As part of her first physical with One Medical in March 2025, her provider did an array of tests, including a blood test which revealed that she had diabetes. Edna was shocked. She was living a healthy lifestyle, eating well and exercising, so she was hesitant to join the Impact Program and try methods other than lifestyle changes. However, her reluctance disappeared once she was matched with her coach. \u201cI felt better informed on how to manage my diabetes and how medication could help,\u201d Ruiz-Regis shares. \u201cJust four months into the program, I was back down to pre-diabetic range, where I am today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maintaining health and wellness is more convenient through One Medical\u2019s hybrid care experience, which allows patients to choose in-office or virtual services.<\/p>\n
Courtesy Amazon One Medical<\/p>\n
While the holidays are a joyful time, they pose unique challenges for those trying to maintain good health.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur schedules get busier, we travel more, and meals often include more sugar and salt,\u201d says Patel. \u201cFor people managing diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular conditions, these shifts can have real impacts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The winter season also brings an uptick in respiratory illnesses, such as colds, the flu, and COVID, which can pose greater risks for people with chronic conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cProtecting yourself is protecting the people you love,\u201d she adds. \u201cYoung children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable, so staying up to date on immunizations is critical.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Patel, staying well during the holidays doesn\u2019t mean limiting joy \u2014 it means planning ahead.<\/p>\n
1. Get your vaccinations before gatherings.<\/p>\n
The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with extra importance for young children, pregnant people, adults over 50 and those with chronic conditions.<\/p>\n
2. Maintain your routine when possible.<\/p>\n
Keep a consistent bedtime and incorporate movement into your holiday plans to support both physical health and emotional regulation during what can be a stressful season.<\/p>\n
3. Be strategic with nutrition.<\/p>\n
For those managing chronic conditions:<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re hitting the road, a little preparation goes a long way.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet your flu shot before you travel to protect yourself and the people you\u2019ll be visiting,\u201d Patel says. One Medical members can easily book through the app by selecting \u201cFlu Vaccine Appointment\u201d under \u201cBook Visit.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also encourages travelers to learn how to access care on the go. With One Medical:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want patients to have continuity of care and peace of mind, no matter where they are,\u201d Patel says.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re looking to stay healthy this holiday season or want year-round support managing a chronic condition, One Medical offers flexible, patient-centered care options across the country.<\/p>\n
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit health.amazon.com.<\/p>\n
The holiday season can be a challenging time to stay on top of your health, but with the right approach, you can navigate it with confidence. By prioritizing proactive care, maintaining your routine, and being strategic with<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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