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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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Why Everyone Is Talking About Protein: The New Focus in Nutrition and Health
Lately it seems like protein is everywhere — in podcasts, fitness accounts, diet plans, and even in everyday conversations about health. But this isn’t just another nutrition “trend.” Medicine and exercise science are emphasizing protein for very real, evidence-based reasons that matter whether your goal is weight management, aging well, or building strength. While most adults meet the minimum recommended protein intake, the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8
Jing-Jing Cardona
Mar 54 min read


What Do Medication Expiration Dates Really Mean?
And What Should You Do With Old Prescriptions or OTC Medications? If you’ve ever cleaned out your medicine cabinet and found a bottle that expired last year, you’ve probably wondered: Is this still safe? Does it still work? Should I throw it away? What does that date actually mean? Let’s walk through this in a practical, evidence-based way. What Does an Expiration Date Actually Mean? The expiration date printed on a medication is the last date the manufacturer guarantees full
Jing-Jing Cardona
Mar 54 min read


Why Your Heart Health Is About More Than Just Cholesterol
For decades, heart health has been reduced to one number: cholesterol. Patients are often told to “watch their LDL” and assume that if their cholesterol looks fine, their heart must be fine too. But cardiovascular disease is far more complex. Cholesterol is just one piece of a much larger metabolic picture. You can have “normal” cholesterol and still be at significant risk. And some people with mildly elevated cholesterol may be metabolically healthy overall. If we truly wan
Jing-Jing Cardona
Feb 124 min read


The Approval of Oral Wegovy: A Game Changer for Weight Management
In January 2026, the FDA approved a medication that many patients have been eagerly anticipating: oral Wegovy . This is the first pill form of a GLP-1 medication officially approved for chronic weight management. Previously, Wegovy (semaglutide) was available only as a once-weekly injection. While an oral version of semaglutide (Rybelsus) existed for diabetes, there had never been an FDA-approved pill specifically for weight loss. This approval marks a significant advancement
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jan 155 min read


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


Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Better Blood Sugar Management
Managing blood sugar is crucial for diabetes care. For decades, fingerstick glucose checks were the only method to track levels. Today, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized how patients and providers understand blood sugar patterns. Whether you are living with diabetes or monitoring early changes in your blood sugar, CGMs can provide powerful insights into your health. The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitors in Diabetes Management What is a Continuous Glucos
Jing-Jing Cardona
Sep 22, 20253 min read


Building Trust with Your Doctor
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and it is especially crucial in the relationship with your doctor. When patients trust their healthcare providers, they feel more comfortable sharing their concerns, and this leads to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. In this post, we will explore various ways to build trust with your doctor, the significance of effective communication, and the models of the doctor-patient relationship. Trust in Doctor-Pa
Jing-Jing Cardona
Jun 21, 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


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
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