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The Compass July 2026
- Sean Duffy
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
The Compass
Your Monthly Guide to Better Health
July 2026 | Access • Convenience • Comprehensive Care
A Message From Your Physician
At Compass Direct Care, I believe healthcare should be personal. Medicine is more than diagnosing illness—it's about building relationships, preventing disease, and helping you live your healthiest life. This month we're focusing on staying healthy during the summer while highlighting simple ways to protect yourself and your family. Whether you're traveling, spending time outdoors, or simply enjoying longer days, a few healthy habits can make a big difference.
🧭 North – Prevention: Screenings, vaccines, and wellness
🧭 East – Healthy Living: Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management
🧭 West – Patient Education: A deep dive into one timely health topic
🧭 South – Practice News: Updates, new services, and community events
As always, thank you for trusting me with your care. This newsletter reflects my commitment to your well-being. I am honored to be your partner in health. Putting the focus back on you.
Dr. Duffy
🧭 NORTH-Prevention Corner
✔ Essential Health Behaviors:
Healthy diet
Regular physical activity
Avoidance of nicotine
Healthy sleep
✔ Essential Health Metrics:
Healthy Weight
Healthy Blood Cholesterol
Normal Blood Glucose
Normal Blood Pressure
✔ Infection Prevention:
Vaccination: Summer cuts, scrapes: Tdap or Tetanus every 10 years
✔ Cancer Screening:
Skin Cancer- Annual Derm Exam/Sunscreen use daily, applying it is easy, but reapplying is often forgotten or overlooked- reapply.
The best medicine is prevention.
🧭 EAST- Healthy Living
One Small Change This Month
Challenge yourself to:
🥗 Eat a salad consistently for lunch, with a protein on top
and/or
🚶 Walk 30 minutes after dinner.
🍓 Healthy Summer Recipe-Berry Yogurt Parfait
A simple breakfast packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants:
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Fresh blueberries and strawberries
• Granola
• Honey
Small daily improvements lead to lifelong health.
🧭 WEST-Summer Safety Tips
High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration and heat illness.
💧 Drink water throughout the day.
🌳 Seek shade during peak afternoon heat.
🏃 Exercise early morning or evening.
🚗 Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
Confusion
Dizziness
Fainting
Rapid heartbeat
High body temperature
Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
☀️Sun Protection
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 15–30 mins before going outside.
Reapply every 2 hours (and after swimming).
Wear polarized sunglasses and a hat.
Consider UPF-rated clothing for added protection.
💡Did You Know? Up to 80% of the sun's UV rays reflect off water, increasing your risk of sunburn.
🦟 Tick & Mosquito Season
Summer means spending more time outdoors, protect yourself by:
✔ Using insect repellent (sunscreen first-then insect repellent)
✔ Checking for ticks after hiking-remove ticks promptly with tweezers
✔ Wearing long sleeves-Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin
If you notice fever, rash, or joint pain after a tick bite, or you have a tick on and engorged, contact our office.
🪼 Jellyfish Safety
Jellyfish are common along many U.S. coastlines during the summer.
If You Get Stung
✔ Rinse the area with seawater (not fresh water).
✔ Carefully remove visible tentacles using tweezers or a gloved hand.
✔ Immerse the affected area in hot (not scalding) water (104–113°F / 40–45°C) for 20–45 minutes if possible. Heat can reduce pain from jellyfish stings.
Avoid These Common Myths
❌ Do not rub the sting- causes more venom release
❌ Do not rinse with fresh water-this causes massive nematocyst discharge, worsening envenomation.
❌ Do not apply ice as first-line treatment.
❌ Do not urinate on the sting.
Seek Medical Care Immediately If You Experience
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Severe swelling
Widespread rash
Facial swelling
Signs of an allergic reaction
🧭 SOUTH-Practice Updates
Welcome to our Newest Members!
I'm honored that you have chosen Compass Direct Care.
If you know someone looking for personalized, relationship-based primary care, I'd be happy to meet them.
Word of Mouth Referrals
The best way current patients can thank me and help grow the practice
Google Reviews:
If you are having a great experience, providing a google review is an impactful way to help me promote my practice:
The medical office wall mural is complete.
Special thanks to Brian Propst for his artistry. If you haven't seen it come by and check it out.
⛵What names did we pick for the sailing vessels?
If you need advice or have questions, please reach out!
To your health!
SPD
410-699-9692
273 Peninsula Farm Rd, Ste D
Arnold, MD 21012
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