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Welcome to our blog
Dr. Cardona is a direct primary care physician and aesthetics provider in Jacksonville who is committed to bridging the gap between the patient and physician. She believes in keeping the patient informed every step along the way so he/she can make the best choice for his/her personal journey.
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This Year, Let’s Do Health Differently
Every January, we’re told this is the year everything changes. New goals. New routines. New rules. And often, the same familiar pressure: eat less, move more, try harder. But if you’ve been down that road before—especially if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond—you may already know the truth: Trying harder isn’t the problem. This year, let’s do health differently. If Willpower Worked, It Would Have Worked By Now Most people who struggle with their weight, energy, mood, or ove
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jan 44 min read


Busting the Myths About Statins — And Why You Should Be Taking Yours
If you have high cholesterol, chances are you have been prescribed a cholesterol-lowering medication, but you’ve also heard a lot of mixed messages and myths about statins. Social media, online “experts,” and even well-meaning friends often spread misinformation that causes people to worry about a medication that is, in reality, one of the safest and most effective tools we have for preventing heart disease. Statins have been used for over 30 years, studied in millions of pa
Jing-Jing Cardona
Dec 29, 20254 min read


A New Era of GLP-1 Access: What the Latest National Pricing Changes Mean for Your Weight-Loss Journey
The last two weeks have brought historic changes for people seeking GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Between the November 6 White House agreement with drug-makers and the latest announcement from Novo Nordisk on November 17 to reduce the cash-price of Wegovy, Americans are now seeing meaningful improvements in access and affordability. As a board-certified obesity medicine physician, I’m breaking down what these updates mean — especially for patients
Jing-Jing Cardona
Nov 18, 20255 min read


Understanding HSAs and FSAs: Choosing the Right Option
When it comes to saving money on healthcare expenses, two popular options often arise: the Health Savings Account (HSA) and the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) . Both accounts help you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical costs. However, they work differently. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right tool for your financial and healthcare goals. What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)? A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a special savings account for peop
Jing-Jing Cardona
Apr 28, 20253 min read


Understanding Your Insurance: Navigating DPC with PPO and HMO Plans
As a family physician offering Direct Primary Care (DPC), I often encounter patients who are unsure how their existing insurance plan interacts with a DPC membership. One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans, and how having an HMO can create challenges when trying to enroll in a DPC practice. Let's break it down. Understanding PPO vs. HMO Plans What is a PPO? PPO
Jing-Jing Cardona
Apr 6, 20253 min read


Why Direct Primary Care is the Future of Healthcare in 2025
In 2025, the healthcare landscape is undergoing a transformation, and at the forefront of this change is Direct Primary Care (DPC). As...
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jan 11, 20253 min read


Choosing Health Insurance with Direct Primary Care: A Smart Move During Open Enrollment
Direct Primary Care is a model where patients pay a flat, monthly membership fee for comprehensive primary care services.
Jing-Jing Cardona
Oct 1, 20244 min read


Why Florida Blue and Baptist Health are in a Stand-Off: How Direct Primary Care Can Help You Avoid Insurance Issues
When it comes to healthcare, patients often face the uncertainty of whether their preferred doctors and hospitals will remain in-network...
Jing-Jing Cardona
Sep 29, 20246 min read


Primer on Obesity and Medical Management Pt IV. The Biggest Loser Study: Understanding Resting Metabolic Rate and Metabolic Adaptation
But you didn't think you could outsmart your body that easily did you? There's another concept to learn: Metabolic adaptation
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jun 1, 20247 min read


Save money on healthcare: Direct Primary Care + Health Sharing Plans or High Deductible Plans
Pairing a DPC membership with a Health Sharing Plan or a High Deductible Health Plan can provide a synergistic approach to healthcare covera
Jing-Jing Cardona
Nov 4, 20234 min read


Direct primary care for business owners
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that business owners can use to provide benefits to their employees.
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jul 24, 20232 min read
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