Most health content online is written to rank, not to help. These articles are written by a board-certified family medicine physician for the patients she actually sees — adults and seniors in Miami-Dade County managing real conditions, real insurance, and real schedules.
Health insights
Health Blog in Miami, FL
The health blog from Lisette Portes, MD, a board-certified primary care doctor in Miami, FL, publishes patient-focused articles on chronic pain management, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, annual physicals, women's health, senior and Medicare care, weight loss, and preventive screening for adults across Miami-Dade County.
Adults & SeniorsOne Miami OfficeCare in English and Spanish
Practical Health Information From a Miami Primary Care Doctor
Articles are organized by category below and updated as guidelines change.
Blog Categories
Primary Care and Prevention
Chronic Pain
Diabetes and Metabolic Health
Heart Health and Blood Pressure
Women's Health
Senior Health and Medicare
Weight Loss and Nutrition
Seasonal and Infectious Illness
Health insights
Recommended Launch Articles
How to Choose the Best Primary Care Doctor in Miami, FL
To choose the best primary care doctor in Miami, FL, verify board certification in family or internal medicine, review the physician's approach to specialist coordination, check that your insurance or Medicare plan is accepted, ask about appointment access, and confirm you will see the same physician at every visit.
Read overviewWhat Does a Primary Care Doctor Treat in Miami, FL?
A primary care doctor treats acute illness such as infections and injuries, chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, chronic pain, thyroid and hormonal disorders, and mental health concerns, while providing preventive screening, vaccinations, prescription management, and specialist referral coordination.
Read overviewChronic Back Pain in Miami, FL: When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for chronic back pain in Miami, FL when pain lasts longer than three months, disrupts sleep or work, does not improve with over-the-counter medication, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling or leg weakness. Seek emergency care for loss of bladder control, progressive weakness, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
Read overviewNon-Opioid Chronic Pain Treatments in Miami, FL
Effective non-opioid chronic pain treatments include structured physical therapy and exercise, NSAIDs and topical agents, neuropathic medications such as gabapentinoids and duloxetine, sleep restoration, weight reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy for pain, and correction of contributing conditions like diabetes and vitamin D deficiency.
Read overviewWhat to Expect at Your Annual Physical in Miami, FL
At an annual physical in Miami, FL you can expect vital signs, a full medical and family history review, a head-to-toe physical examination, blood work including a lipid panel and hemoglobin A1C, cardiovascular risk assessment, cancer screening review, immunization updates, and a written prevention plan.
Read overviewUnderstanding Your Blood Test Results
Common blood tests include hemoglobin A1C for average blood sugar, a lipid panel for cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, a complete blood count for anemia and infection, a comprehensive metabolic panel for kidney and liver function, TSH for thyroid function, and vitamin D for deficiency.
Read overviewHow to Lower Your A1C in Miami, FL
To lower your A1C, reduce refined carbohydrates and increase fiber and protein, walk after meals, lose five to ten percent of body weight if overweight, take medications consistently, monitor glucose as directed, prioritize sleep, and see your primary care doctor every three months until you reach target.
Read overviewHigh Blood Pressure Treatment in Miami, FL
Blood pressure often stays uncontrolled because of inaccurate measurement technique, missed medication doses, high sodium intake, untreated sleep apnea, alcohol use, weight gain, or a medication regimen that was never fully titrated. Most cases reach target with correct measurement and systematic medication adjustment.
Read overviewMedicare Annual Wellness Visit in Miami, FL
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly preventive appointment covered at no cost that includes a health risk assessment, complete medication review, cognitive and functional screening, fall-risk evaluation, a personalized prevention plan, and optional advance care planning. It is not the same as a hands-on physical examination.
Read overviewFall Prevention for Seniors in Miami, FL
Preventing falls in older adults requires strength and balance exercise, review of medications that cause dizziness or low blood pressure, annual vision checks, treatment of foot problems, correction of vitamin D deficiency, and home modifications including grab bars, better lighting, and removal of loose rugs.
Read overviewMenopause Treatment in Miami, FL
Menopause symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, and vaginal dryness can be treated with hormone therapy for appropriate candidates, non-hormonal medications, vaginal estrogen, sleep and lifestyle strategies, and bone protection through vitamin D, calcium, and weight-bearing exercise.
Read overviewGLP-1 Weight Loss Medications in Miami, FL
GLP-1 receptor agonists are FDA-approved prescription medications that reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying, producing significant weight loss in appropriate candidates. They require physician supervision, cause nausea in many patients, vary widely in insurance coverage, and work best alongside nutrition, activity, and long-term follow-up.
Read overviewFlu, COVID-19, or a Cold? A Miami Doctor Explains
Influenza typically begins suddenly with high fever, body aches, and exhaustion. COVID-19 often includes sore throat, congestion, cough, and sometimes loss of taste or smell. A common cold builds gradually with congestion and sore throat and rarely causes high fever. Rapid testing distinguishes them accurately.
Read overviewAdult Vaccine Schedule in Miami, FL
Adults in Miami should stay current on annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccination, tetanus every ten years, shingles vaccination from age 50, pneumococcal vaccination from age 50 to 65 depending on risk, and RSV vaccination for older adults. Additional vaccines depend on chronic conditions and travel.
Read overviewTelehealth vs Office Visit in Miami, FL
Choose telehealth for follow-ups, chronic disease management, medication refills, lab result reviews, and minor acute illness. Choose an in-person office visit for physical examinations, new or undiagnosed pain, in-office testing such as bloodwork or EKG, procedures, vaccinations, Pap smears, and any concerning symptom.
Read overviewNew patients welcome
Have a Health Question? Book With a Trusted Miami Doctor
Call 305-328-5079 or request an appointment online.