Understanding Anxiety: Causes, Complications, and Treatments
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Understanding Anxiety: Causes, Complications, and Treatments

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, or personal relationships. This overview focuses on the its symptoms, causes, complications and modern evidence based treatment options including lifestyle and medications. By Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

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Medications for Human Longevity: What We Know (and Don’t Know Yet)
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Medications for Human Longevity: What We Know (and Don’t Know Yet)

What if some of the most promising longevity tools are already sitting in our medicine cabinets—just not labeled for longevity yet?
Today, no prescription drug in the United States is FDA-approved specifically to extend lifespan. But a growing body of high-quality research shows that several existing medications—originally designed for diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease, or immune conditions—may offer powerful benefits for healthspan and even longevity in select populations.

These are not anti-aging miracles, nor are they endorsed for general use. But they are evidence-based, biologically plausible, and clinically intriguing. As we search for ways to stay healthier for longer, it’s worth understanding how these medications work, what they might offer, and where the science still falls short.

In the sections below, we’ll explore the leading contenders—how they function, who might benefit, what they cost, and the potential risks—so you can make informed decisions on your path to a longer, healthier life.

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Movement: The Real Longevity Multiplier (and Why Apples Had Nothing to Do With It)
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Movement: The Real Longevity Multiplier (and Why Apples Had Nothing to Do With It)

It turns out my complicated relationship with apples has less to do with nutrition and more to do with a chipped front tooth and a very persuasive dentist. After my motorcycle accident, Dr. A—“A” for awesome—fixed my smile and casually advised me not to bite directly into apples. I took that as “apples are dangerous,” which conveniently aligned with my lifelong dislike of them. But here’s the truth: avoiding apples won’t make or break your longevity. Movement will. Exercise—whether it’s walking, dancing, lifting, or just choosing activities that raise your METs—is one of the most powerful, scientifically proven ways to extend your healthspan. In other words, the secret to living longer isn’t in the fruit you avoid…it’s in the life you actively live.

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Longevity: Personalized Cancer Screening- Current Guidelines and Emerging Technologies
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Longevity: Personalized Cancer Screening- Current Guidelines and Emerging Technologies

Longevity isn’t just about living longer—it’s about staying one step ahead.
With today’s tools, you no longer have to wait for cancer screening to fit into a one-size-fits-all box. From evidence-based age-guided tests to groundbreaking technologies like multi-cancer blood screens and full-body MRI, you now have the power to design a personalized early-detection strategy that keeps you healthier for decades to come.

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Longevity: The Importance of Your Annual Exam- A Comprehensive Guide to Preventive Health Care
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Longevity: The Importance of Your Annual Exam- A Comprehensive Guide to Preventive Health Care

An annual exam is more than a routine checkup—it’s the cornerstone of managing your long-term health. Also known as a preventive health exam or wellness visit, it’s your yearly opportunity to assess your overall health, uncover hidden risks, and set clear goals for staying well. Read on to discover exactly what your annual exam should include so you can avoid the stormy seas of preventable illness and chart a smoother, healthier course ahead.

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Why Having a Primary Care Physician May Literally Add Days to Your Life
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP
Preview

Why Having a Primary Care Physician May Literally Add Days to Your Life

Excerpt

If you’ve been following this longevity journey with me, you know we spend a lot of time talking about sleep, nutrition, strength training, metabolic health, stress reduction—the core pillars that shape how we age.

But today, I want to focus on something far less glamorous, yet surprisingly powerful:

Having a primary care doctor.

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Primary Care Enhancement Act Becomes Law: A Win for Families, Employers, Employees, and Long-Term Health
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Primary Care Enhancement Act Becomes Law: A Win for Families, Employers, Employees, and Long-Term Health

What if one small, overlooked provision in a massive federal bill could reshape the way you and your family experience healthcare—while also saving employers millions and adding years of healthy life to employees’ futures?

Buried in the headlines about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a quiet revolution: the Primary Care Enhancement Act. Starting in 2026, this law will allow Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for Direct Primary Care (DPC) memberships—bringing longer visits, same-day access, and proactive health management within reach for millions.

This isn’t just another tweak to insurance rules. It’s a change that could transform doctor-patient relationships, shift healthcare from reactive to preventive, and help people live longer, healthier lives—while giving employers a powerful tool to improve productivity and lower long-term costs.

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Longevity: Exploring the Science of a Longer, Healthier Life
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Longevity: Exploring the Science of a Longer, Healthier Life

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness a public health epidemic, highlighting its far-reaching psychological and physiological impacts. This chapter explores the complexities of loneliness, from its misunderstood roots in social disconnection to its detrimental health effects, which rival the risks posed by chronic diseases such as smoking and obesity. Research reveals that loneliness can increase inflammation, weaken immunity, and heighten stress, making it as lethal as major health conditions.

The chapter outlines key biological and behavioral pathways by which loneliness impacts health and emphasizes the societal costs, including economic burdens due to increased healthcare usage and workplace absenteeism. Addressing this epidemic requires both individual and community-level interventions. Practical strategies, such as enhancing small daily interactions and employing positive body language, can foster meaningful connections and mitigate feelings of isolation. Community programs and technology-driven solutions, like video calls, also play pivotal roles in bridging social gaps.

Personal anecdotes and case studies, particularly observations of elderly patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the devastating effects of isolation and the importance of healthcare providers in offering human connection. Ultimately, combating loneliness necessitates a holistic approach involving individual efforts, community initiatives, and policy changes to foster lasting connections and improve overall well-being.

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Longevity:Lifestyle Choices- Navigating the Hazards to Longevity
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Longevity:Lifestyle Choices- Navigating the Hazards to Longevity

In this chapter, we delve into the critical health risks posed by commonly encountered substances and behaviors. This chapter explores the severe impacts of smoking, vaping, excessive sugar and salt consumption, and the dangers of prescription opioids and illicit drugs. Additionally, it covers the often-overlooked threats from microplastics, forever chemicals, and the public health challenges of gun violence and alcohol consumption. Armed with scholarly evidence, the chapter aims to educate and empower readers to make healthier choices that extend life expectancy and enhance quality of life, emphasizing that prevention is paramount in the pursuit of well-being.

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Longevity: Exploring the Science of a Longer, Healthier Life
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Longevity: Exploring the Science of a Longer, Healthier Life

Have you ever wondered what it takes to live a vibrant life well into your 90s or even past 100? Around the world, certain communities—known as "Blue Zones"—boast unusually high numbers of centenarians who enjoy not just long lives, but healthy and fulfilling ones. These regions include Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California).

A common thread among these communities is their dietary habits. Centenarians in these areas typically consume diets rich in plant-based foods, including vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. They tend to eat meat sparingly and focus on fresh, unprocessed ingredients. For instance, Okinawans practice "Hara Hachi Bu," a Confucian teaching that advises eating until one is 80% full, which may contribute to their longevity. Let’s dive into the science behind these healthy and long lived people.

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Understanding Daylight Saving Time: History, Health Effects, and Practical Tips for Wellness
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Understanding Daylight Saving Time: History, Health Effects, and Practical Tips for Wellness

Daylight-saving time (DST) is a practice that adjusts clocks forward by one hour during the warmer months to extend evening daylight. While DST was initially introduced to make better use of daylight and conserve energy, recent studies suggest it can have adverse effects on health. This newsletter will explore the history of DST, discuss its impact on sleep, mood, and general health, and offer tips for managing potential disruptions.

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Understanding High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Causes, Risks, and Treatment
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Understanding High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Causes, Risks, and Treatment

Learn about high blood pressure (hypertension), its causes, risks, and treatments. Understand how early detection, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and medications can help manage hypertension and prevent complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Discover how personalized care is essential for effective blood pressure control.

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Pre-Diabetes
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Pre-Diabetes

Learn about prediabetes, its causes, risks, and early treatment options. Understand how lifestyle changes like healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight loss can reverse prediabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes. Discover how personalized care and, if necessary, medications can help manage blood sugar and improve health outcomes

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Understanding Hyperlipidemia: Causes, Risks, and Treatment
Adama Diarra, DO, FACP Adama Diarra, DO, FACP

Understanding Hyperlipidemia: Causes, Risks, and Treatment

Learn about hyperlipidemia, its types, and risk factors. Discover how early detection, lifestyle changes, and medications can help manage high cholesterol and triglycerides. Personalized treatment plans can prevent complications like heart disease and stroke. Understand the importance of routine checkups for long-term heart health.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition and should not be used as a substitute for personalized medical care from a licensed physician or qualified healthcare professional.

Readers are strongly encouraged to consult their own healthcare providers for any questions or concerns regarding their health or medical conditions. Reliance on the information provided in this newsletter is solely at your own risk.

Dr. Diarra and Pacific Concierge Physician assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Receipt of this newsletter does not establish a physician-patient relationship.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services or seek care at the nearest healthcare facility immediately.

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