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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm

Susan J Sansom, FNP-C, 1003 N Orchard Street, Garden City, ID (2026)

Q: What is the website?

https://www.primarypeakmedical.com/

09/10/2026

🧪 HOW IMPORTANT IS LAB WORK? VERY.

In functional and integrative medicine, lab work can be one of the most valuable tools we have. Your symptoms tell us how you feel, while labs can provide important clues about what may be contributing to those symptoms.

Many health changes can begin before something becomes an obvious disease—or before a standard screening test is flagged as abnormal. That’s why we don’t want to look at just one number. We look at the bigger picture.

Depending on your symptoms, history, medications, and health goals, laboratory testing may help us evaluate:

🔬 Thyroid function — TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies when appropriate

🩸 Blood sugar & insulin regulation — fasting glucose, A1C, fasting insulin, and markers of insulin resistance

❤️ Cardiovascular health — cholesterol, triglycerides, ApoB, lipoprotein(a), and other risk markers when indicated

🌸 Hormones — estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, FSH, LH, SHBG, and other appropriate testing

💊 Nutritional status — vitamin D, B12, folate, iron/ferritin, magnesium, and additional nutrients when clinically indicated

🔥 Inflammation — markers such as hs-CRP and other testing based on the individual patient

🧬 Liver, kidney & metabolic function — important information about how your body is functioning and how medications or treatments may need to be managed

But here’s something equally important:

More testing isn’t automatically better testing.

Functional medicine should not mean ordering every available lab. Good medicine means selecting tests that are appropriate for the individual patient and then interpreting those results alongside symptoms, medical history, medications, physical findings, lifestyle, and established clinical evidence.

Lab results are one piece of the puzzle—not the entire picture.

At Primary Peak Medical Care, our goal is to understand the whole patient, identify modifiable contributors to symptoms when possible, and use that information to develop an individualized plan focused on long-term health and wellness.

📞 Primary Peak Medical Care
208-331-6700

🌐 primarypeakmedical.com

09/09/2026

💊 NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL!

Walking down the supplement aisle at the grocery store can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of bottles promising better energy, improved digestion, hormone support, stronger immunity, and more—but what’s actually in the bottle matters.

When we recommend supplements at Primary Peak Medical Care, we look beyond the label. We consider things like:

🔬 Quality & Purity – Does the product contain what the label says it contains?

🧪 Testing & Manufacturing Standards – Are the ingredients and finished products appropriately tested for quality, identity, potency, and contaminants?

📚 Evidence-Based Ingredients – Are the ingredients and doses supported by research rather than simply following the latest wellness trend?

💊 Bioavailability – Is the nutrient provided in a form your body can effectively absorb and utilize?

📏 Therapeutic Dosing – Is there enough of the active ingredient to realistically provide the intended benefit?

⚠️ Unnecessary Ingredients – We also look for excessive fillers, artificial ingredients, allergens, and other additives that may not be necessary.

That’s why we offer Ortho Molecular Products supplements at Primary Peak Medical Care.

Ortho Molecular Products is a professional supplement company focused on evidence-based formulations, ingredient quality, and manufacturing standards. Their product line includes nutritional support for areas such as:

✨ Gut and digestive health
✨ Probiotics and microbiome support
✨ Vitamins and minerals
✨ Metabolic health
✨ Cardiovascular support
✨ Immune health
✨ Stress and sleep support
✨ Healthy aging and antioxidant support
✨ Foundational nutrition

One example is their Ortho Biotic® line of probiotic products, designed to provide specific probiotic strains and clinically relevant amounts depending on the formulation.

The cheapest supplement isn’t necessarily the best value—and the most expensive isn’t automatically the best either. The goal is choosing the right supplement, in the right form and dose, for the right person.

At Primary Peak Medical Care, we can help take the guesswork out of supplementation. Rather than buying a cabinet full of products based on social media recommendations, we can help determine which supplements actually make sense based on your health history, medications, symptoms, goals, and laboratory findings.

🌿 Better information. Better quality. More individualized care.

Ask us about our professional-grade supplement options at your next appointment!

Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Individual needs vary, and supplements may interact with medications or medical conditions.

09/08/2026

🍂✨ FALL SKIN SPECIAL ✨🍂
The Perfect Derma™ Peel — ONLY $175!

Summer may be ending, but the sun damage it left behind doesn’t have to stay! ☀️🍁 Fall is a great time to refresh your complexion with The Perfect Derma™ Peel, a medical-grade, medium-depth chemical peel designed to improve the appearance, tone, and texture of your skin.

✨ The Perfect Derma Peel may help improve the appearance of:
• Sun damage & uneven pigmentation
• Dark spots & discoloration
• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Acne & post-acne scarring
• Uneven skin tone & texture
• Dull, tired-looking skin
• Certain superficial actinic keratoses (precancerous sun-damaged lesions), when appropriately evaluated by a medical provider

🍁 FALL SPECIAL: $175 🍁

Give your skin a fresh start after a summer of sun exposure. The Perfect Derma Peel promotes exfoliation and skin renewal to reveal a smoother, brighter, more even-looking complexion.

🧡 Brighter skin
🧡 Smoother texture
🧡 More even tone
🧡 Refreshed, rejuvenated appearance

Because this is a medical-grade chemical peel, an evaluation is important to determine whether it is appropriate for your skin type and concerns. Individual results vary.

📍 Primary Peak Medical Care
📞 208-331-6700
🌐 primarypeakmedical.com

Appointments are limited—schedule your Fall Perfect Derma Peel while the $175 special is available! 🍂✨

09/07/2026

🌿 PRIMARY PEAK MEDICAL CARE 🌿
Primary Care + Functional & Integrative Medicine

At Primary Peak Medical Care, we believe healthcare should be more than treating symptoms. Our functional and integrative approach looks at the whole person and works to identify factors that may be contributing to how you feel—while creating an individualized plan designed around your health, goals, and needs.

✨ SERVICES WE OFFER INCLUDE:
• Comprehensive Primary Medical Care
• Functional & Integrative Medicine
• Hormone Evaluation & Balancing
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
• Hormone Pellet Placement
• Medically Supervised Weight-Loss Programs
• Metabolic & Insulin Resistance Evaluation
• Thyroid & Nutritional Health Optimization
• Vaginal Rejuvenation Services
• Preventive Care & Wellness
• Individualized Lab Testing & Treatment Plans
• Patient-Focused Health Education

💚 READY TO BECOME A NEW PATIENT?
Call our office at 208-331-6700 to schedule your new-patient establishing appointment.

🎉 ESTABLISHED PATIENT REFERRAL REWARD

We appreciate our patients trusting us with the care of their friends and family! Established patients can receive a $100 in-office credit for each new patient they refer who completes an establishing appointment.

Your referral credit can be used toward eligible treatments and services performed in our office. Some restrictions may apply.

📍 Primary Peak Medical Care
1003 N Orchard St
Boise, Idaho 83607
📞 208-331-6700

Healthcare should be personal. Your concerns should be heard. And your treatment plan should be designed for you.

09/06/2026

🧬 STEM CELLS & EXOSOMES: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY IS EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT THEM?

Regenerative medicine is one of the most exciting areas being studied in health and wellness today. Two terms you may be hearing more often are stem cells and exosomes—but they are not the same thing.

🌱 WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?

Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability to self-renew and develop into certain specialized cell types. They also release signaling molecules that can influence inflammation, immune activity, and tissue repair.

Researchers are studying stem-cell-based therapies for their potential role in:

✨ Tissue repair and regeneration
✨ Joint and musculoskeletal conditions
✨ Inflammation and immune signaling
✨ Cartilage, tendon, and ligament injuries
✨ Neurologic and cardiovascular conditions
✨ Wound healing and recovery

💫 WHAT ARE EXOSOMES?

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles released by cells. Think of them as microscopic communication packages. They can carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material from one cell to another, helping cells communicate and potentially influencing how tissues respond to injury or inflammation.

Exosome research is exploring possible applications involving:

✨ Cell-to-cell communication
✨ Inflammatory signaling
✨ Tissue repair and recovery
✨ Skin and hair health
✨ Musculoskeletal conditions
✨ Immune-system signaling
✨ Regenerative medicine

🧬 STEM CELLS VS. EXOSOMES

Stem cells are living cells.

Exosomes are cell-derived messengers—they are not cells and cannot reproduce themselves.

🌿 HOW DOES THIS FIT INTO FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?

Functional medicine looks beyond simply treating symptoms. We evaluate factors that can affect the body’s ability to heal and function, including:

🥗 Nutrition and protein intake
💧 Hydration
😴 Sleep and recovery
🏋️ Movement and muscle health
🧬 Hormonal and metabolic health
🔥 Inflammatory burden
🩸 Blood sugar and insulin regulation
💊 Nutrient deficiencies
🦠 Gut and immune health

Regenerative therapies are being researched as another potential tool, but they do not replace the foundations of good health.

🤔 COULD THESE THERAPIES HELP WITH CHRONIC PAIN OR INFLAMMATION?

If you are living with chronic pain or ongoing inflammation, you may wonder whether stem cells or exosomes could be appropriate for you. Research is ongoing, and potential benefits, risks, and effectiveness can vary depending on the specific condition, product, and treatment approach. These therapies should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional who can review your medical history and help you understand your options.

⚠️ IMPORTANT TO KNOW

There is a big difference between promising laboratory or early clinical research and a treatment that has been proven safe and effective in large human trials.

Many stem-cell products marketed for orthopedic, anti-aging, wellness, or other conditions are investigational and are not FDA-approved for those uses. The FDA also states that there are currently no FDA-approved exosome products. Claims that these therapies can cure disease, reverse aging, or regenerate damaged tissue should be approached carefully.

Before considering any regenerative treatment, ask:

✔️ What exactly is in the product?
✔️ Where does it come from?
✔️ Is it FDA-approved for my specific condition?
✔️ What human clinical evidence supports its use?
✔️ What are the potential risks and alternatives?

Promising science deserves excitement—but also good science, informed consent, and realistic expectations. 🧬🌿

If you are curious about whether regenerative medicine may be relevant to your chronic pain, inflammation, or overall health goals, contact our office today. The team at Primary Peak can provide more information and help you determine whether a consultation is appropriate.

📞 Primary Peak
Phone: (208) 331-6700
Website: https://www.primarypeakmedical.com
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1003 N Orchard St, Boise, ID 83706

09/05/2026

🌿 **What Is Patient-Focused Care?**

Patient-focused care means treating the **whole person—not just a diagnosis, symptom, or lab result.**

Every patient has a different medical history, lifestyle, environment, stress level, family history, goals, and concerns. Patient-focused care takes all of those factors into consideration when creating an individualized plan.

Instead of asking only, “What medication treats this symptom?” we also ask:

• Why is this happening?
• Are there underlying causes contributing to it?
• What does the patient want to improve?
• How are nutrition, sleep, stress, hormones, metabolism, medications, and lifestyle affecting their health?
• What treatment options fit this individual patient?

💚 **Benefits of patient-focused care may include:**

✅ More individualized treatment plans
✅ Better communication between the patient and provider
✅ Patients having a greater understanding of their health
✅ Shared decision-making instead of a one-size-fits-all approach
✅ Greater focus on prevention and long-term wellness
✅ Identification of contributing or underlying health concerns
✅ Improved treatment adherence when patients understand the “why” behind their plan
✅ Stronger provider-patient relationships
✅ Care that considers physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors together

Healthcare should be something we do **with our patients, not simply to our patients.**

When patients feel heard, educated, and involved in their care, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and take an active role in improving their health.

At **Primary Peak Medical Care**, our goal is to listen, educate, investigate, and create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual sitting in front of us.

Because every patient deserves to feel heard. 💚

09/04/2026

💜 Could Your “Chronic Pain” Be Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

Have you ever wondered why your joints seem unusually flexible, you bruise easily, or you experience pain and fatigue that never seems to have a clear explanation?

One possibility to discuss with your healthcare provider is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

🧬 What is EDS?

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of inherited connective-tissue disorders that affect the body’s collagen and connective tissues. There are multiple types of EDS, and symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.

The hypermobile type (hEDS) is particularly associated with generalized joint hypermobility, joint instability and chronic musculoskeletal pain. (Ehlers-Danlos Society)

🔎 Common signs & symptoms may include:

• Unusually flexible or “double-jointed” joints
• Frequent sprains or strains
• Joints that pop, click, sublux or dislocate
• Chronic joint or muscle pain
• Persistent fatigue
• Poor balance or coordination
• Soft, stretchy or unusually elastic skin
• Easy bruising
• Abnormal or slow wound healing/scarring
• Headaches or other neurological symptoms
• Digestive complaints such as reflux, constipation, diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system, such as dizziness, low blood pressure or a racing heart in some people (Ehlers-Danlos Society)

🌿 What can a functional/whole-person approach focus on?

There is currently no cure or single natural treatment for EDS, so the goal is to support the body, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Some supportive strategies to discuss with your healthcare team include:

💪 1. Gentle, progressive strengthening
Building strength around hypermobile joints can improve stability and function. A physical therapist familiar with EDS can help create an individualized program. Start low and progress slowly. (Ehlers-Danlos Society)

🧘 2. Avoid excessive stretching
Being flexible doesn’t necessarily mean your body needs more stretching. Overstretching already-hypermobile joints can contribute to instability. (Ehlers-Danlos Society)

🥗 3. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods
A balanced diet emphasizing adequate protein, fruits and vegetables, fiber and minimally processed foods can support overall health. Nutritional deficiencies should be identified and addressed rather than assuming everyone with EDS needs the same supplements.

😴 4. Support sleep & recovery
Consistent sleep, pacing activities, stress management and allowing adequate recovery can be important when pain and fatigue are present.

⚖️ 5. Practice pacing
Avoid the “push until you crash” cycle. Alternating activity with rest and gradually increasing tolerance may be more sustainable than sudden increases in exercise. (Ehlers-Danlos Society)

🩺 6. Look at the whole person
EDS can involve multiple body systems. Depending on symptoms, someone may benefit from coordinated care involving primary care, physical therapy, pain management and other appropriate specialists. (Ehlers-Danlos Society)

⚠️ One important reminder:
Not everyone who is flexible has EDS, and many symptoms associated with EDS can occur with other conditions. Diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

And if you suspect EDS, don’t assume that more stretching, intense exercise, or aggressive manipulation is the answer. People with EDS often need a carefully individualized approach. (Ehlers-Danlos Society)

💜 Your symptoms are real. Your body isn’t “just being difficult.” Sometimes there is an underlying connective-tissue story worth investigating.

Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with EDS or hypermobility? Share your experience below. 👇

This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice or a substitute for individualized medical care.
-c

08/20/2026

🌿 THE TRUTH ABOUT KRATOM & 7-OH: THEY ARE NOT THE SAME THING

Kratom has become increasingly popular for pain, energy, mood, and even self-management of opioid withdrawal. But there is an important distinction that many people are missing:

Traditional kratom leaf and concentrated 7-OH products are NOT equivalent.

🌿 WHAT IS KRATOM?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Its primary active alkaloid is mitragynine. Kratom also naturally contains very small amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

Both mitragynine and 7-OH interact with mu-opioid receptors, which is why kratom can produce effects ranging from increased energy and alertness to relaxation, sedation and pain relief. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Kratom is often marketed as “natural,” but natural does not automatically mean harmless or non-addictive.

Regular use can result in:

• Tolerance
• Physical dependence
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Nausea/vomiting and constipation
• Sedation
• Substance use disorder
• Seizures or liver toxicity in some cases

The FDA also notes that some serious outcomes involving kratom occurred when other substances were being used at the same time, making kratom’s exact contribution difficult to determine. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

⚠️ SO WHAT IS 7-OH?

7-hydroxymitragynine—or 7-OH—is one of kratom’s alkaloids, but it exists naturally only in trace/minor amounts in traditional kratom leaf.

The products now being sold as 7-OH tablets, gummies, shots, drink mixes and “enhanced kratom” can contain concentrated or added 7-OH.

That is an entirely different exposure.

The FDA describes concentrated 7-OH products as potent opioid products and warns consumers to avoid them. 7-OH has strong activity at the mu-opioid receptor and demonstrates significant potential for abuse, physical dependence and withdrawal. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

🚨 THIS IS THE PART PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND

A product sitting on the counter at a gas station, smoke shop or convenience store is not automatically comparable to an ordinary herbal supplement.

Concentrated 7-OH can produce opioid-like effects and has been associated with:

• Addiction and dependence
• Rapid tolerance
• Significant withdrawal
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Seizures
• Other potentially serious adverse effects (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

The FDA has specifically warned that concentrated 7-OH products are not FDA-approved to treat pain, anxiety, depression, opioid withdrawal or any other medical condition. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

🧠 WHY CAN WITHDRAWAL BE SO DIFFICULT?

Because we’re dealing with opioid-receptor activity.

With repeated exposure, the nervous system adapts. Suddenly stopping after dependence develops can produce symptoms such as:

• Restlessness
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Sweating/chills
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Strong cravings (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

That isn’t simply someone “not having enough willpower.” It is physical dependence and neuroadaptation.

⚖️ AND REGULATION IS CHANGING

In July 2026, the DEA began the temporary scheduling process for 7-OH above a proposed concentration threshold, along with several synthetic 7-OH derivatives. Importantly, the federal action distinguishes concentrated 7-OH from naturally occurring amounts in botanical kratom leaf. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

💡 BOTTOM LINE

Kratom is not risk-free, and more high-quality human research is needed to fully understand its risks and potential therapeutic applications.

But concentrated 7-OH deserves particular caution.

Calling a high-concentration 7-OH tablet or gummy simply “kratom” can give consumers a misleading impression of what they are actually taking.

If you are using kratom or 7-OH daily and are noticing that you need increasingly larger amounts, experience withdrawal when you miss a dose, or feel unable to stop, talk with a healthcare professional rather than abruptly stopping or trying to manage significant withdrawal alone.

Education matters. Know what you’re taking. Read the label. And remember: “legal,” “plant-derived,” and “sold over the counter” do not necessarily mean safe.

07/24/2026

🫀 The Truth About Cholesterol: It’s Not the Villain You Think It Is

For years, cholesterol has gotten a bad reputation—but the truth is, your body NEEDS cholesterol to survive.

✅ Cholesterol is essential for:
• Making hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol
• Producing vitamin D
• Building healthy cell membranes
• Supporting brain and nerve function
• Making bile acids to digest fats and absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K

In fact, your liver makes about 80% of the cholesterol your body uses because it is so important.

But here’s the key: EVERYTHING in moderation.

When cholesterol levels become too high—especially when combined with chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes—the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries increases. This can raise the risk of:

* Heart attack
* Stroke
* Peripheral artery disease

It isn’t always about the cholesterol number alone. Your overall metabolic health matters just as much. Factors like inflammation, triglycerides, HDL levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, exercise, sleep, nutrition, and genetics all play a role in cardiovascular risk.

💡 Instead of asking, “Is cholesterol good or bad?”
Ask:
✔️ Is my body inflamed?
✔️ Am I insulin resistant?
✔️ Am I exercising regularly?
✔️ Am I eating enough fiber and healthy fats?
✔️ Am I managing stress and getting quality sleep?

The goal isn’t to eliminate cholesterol—it’s to keep your body in balance.

Healthy cholesterol supports life. Excess cholesterol, especially in the presence of inflammation, can become a problem. Balance is the goal.

If you’re concerned about your cholesterol, don’t focus on just one number. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine your individual cardiovascular risk and guide the best plan for you.

❤️ Take care of your heart by taking care of your whole body.

07/14/2026

Why Your Provider Needs to Know Every Supplement You Take 💊

Many people think only prescription medications matter—but supplements can significantly affect your lab results and even change medical decisions.

A great example is creatine. 💪

Creatine is one of the most researched and effective supplements for building muscle and improving performance. However, regular creatine use can increase your creatinine level on blood work. An elevated creatinine may make it appear that your kidneys aren’t functioning well, even when they’re perfectly healthy.

If your provider knows you’re taking creatine, they can order a Cystatin C test, which is a more accurate way to evaluate kidney function in people taking creatine or those with higher muscle mass.

This is why it’s so important to bring a complete list of:
✅ Vitamins
✅ Minerals
✅ Herbal supplements
✅ Protein powders
✅ Performance supplements (like creatine)
✅ Over-the-counter medications

The more your healthcare provider knows, the better they can interpret your labs, avoid unnecessary worry, and make the best decisions for your care.

Remember: “Natural” doesn’t always mean it has no effect on your body—or your lab work.

Your supplements are part of your medical history. Make sure your provider knows about all of them!

Susan J Sansom, FNP-C

09/10/2026

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm