Jones Family Practice

02/09/2026

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Better Sleep, Better Days

Is your child's bedtime routine working? 😴

Good sleep can support learning, mood, physical health and overall wellbeing. But sometimes a tired child doesn't look sleepy, they may be irritable, emotional or struggling to concentrate.

Try these simple bedtime habits:

📵 Screens away before bed
🛁 Create a calm wind-down routine
📖 Read or have a quiet conversation
⏰ Keep bedtime consistent

🚩 If your child regularly struggles to sleep, wakes frequently, snores loudly, is excessively sleepy during the day, or has significant changes in behaviour or concentration, it's worth discussing with your doctor.

Small habits tonight. Better tomorrows. 💙

📞 480-3197 | 715-0896
🩺 Dr. Mark A. Jones | Family Practitioner

01/09/2026

🏫 Back to school means back to routines!

Earlier mornings and busy school days can leave children more tired than we realize. 😴

A few simple habits can help:
📵 Put screens away before bedtime
🌙 Keep bedtime consistent
💙 Give your child enough time to wind down

And remember, a tired child isn't always a sleepy child. They may be irritable, emotional or struggling to concentrate.

Small routines can make a big difference. ❤️

Save this post for your back-to-school routine!

09/07/2026

🔬 What exactly IS asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways in your lungs become inflamed, narrowed and produce excess mucus, making it hard to breathe.
It is NOT just a childhood condition.
It is NOT something you simply grow out of.
It IS manageable with the right treatment.
In Trinidad & Tobago, asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions seen in family practice, in both children AND adults.

🚨 When is it an emergency?
Go to the emergency room immediately if:
🆘 Your reliever inhaler is not helping
🆘 You cannot complete a sentence without gasping
🆘 Your lips or fingernails look bluish
🆘 Your breathing is getting worse rapidly
Asthma attacks can be fatal. Never wait it out.
📞 If your or your child's asthma feels out of control, call us. We can review your treatment plan and make sure you're protected.
📍 Dr. Mark Jones
📞 480-3197, 715-0896
🕗 Mon to Fri 9am to 2:30pm, Sat 9am to 12 noon
Breathe easier. We're here to help. 🩺

02/07/2026

01/07/2026

In Trinidad & Tobago, hypertension affects an estimated 1 in 3 adults. Many don't know they have it.

⚠️ Are YOU at risk?

Check how many apply to you:
☐ Family history of hypertension
☐ Overweight or obese
☐ High salt diet (yes, the doubles and bake count 😅)
☐ Low physical activity
☐ Smoker or heavy drinker
☐ Chronic stress
☐ Diabetes
☐ Over 40 years old
The more boxes you ticked, the more important it is to check your BP TODAY.

✅ The good news, it's manageable

Here's what actually works:
🧂 Reduce salt intake, aim for less than 1 tsp per day
🥗 Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains
🚶🏽 30 minutes of walking, 5 days a week
🚭 Quit smoking
🍺 Limit alcohol
😴 Prioritise sleep, 7 to 9 hours
💊 Take your medication consistently if prescribed
Small changes. Big results.

📞 Book your BP check this week
A blood pressure reading takes less than 2 minutes.
It could save your life.

30/06/2026

👩🏽 To every woman reading this, you remind everyone else about THEIR doctor's appointments. But when last did YOU go?
This month, prioritise:
🩺 Pap smear
🫀 Blood pressure check
🩸 Iron & vitamin D levels
🦴 Bone density (if 40+)
🧠 Your mental health... yes, that counts too
You cannot pour from an empty cup. ☕
📞 Call us to book your well-woman visit.

29/06/2026

🧔🏽 Men, when last did you check these numbers?
✅ Blood pressure
✅ Blood sugar
✅ Cholesterol
✅ PSA (prostate)
✅ Kidney function

Most men feel fine right up until they don't. These silent conditions give no warning.

📅 Book your annual check today.
📞 Call us at 480-3197 or 715-0896
Your health is your greatest asset. Protect it.

22/04/2026

Not all headaches are “just a headache”…

Most headaches are harmless.
But there are some types you should NEVER ignore 🚨

Here’s what I tell my patients 👇

⚠️ 1. The “worst headache of your life”
Sudden, severe, and different from anything you’ve felt before
👉 This needs urgent medical attention

⚠️ 2. Headache with vision problems
Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision
👉 Especially important if you have high blood pressure or diabetes

⚠️ 3. Headache with weakness or numbness
Face drooping, arm weakness, difficulty speaking
👉 Could be a sign of a stroke

⚠️ 4. Headache with fever & stiff neck
👉 Possible infection that needs urgent care

⚠️ 5. Headaches getting worse over time
More frequent, more intense, or waking you from sleep
👉 Don’t ignore this pattern

⚠️ 6. Headache after a fall or injury
👉 Even if it seems mild at first

💡
Too many people “push through” serious symptoms or try to sleep it off.

👨🏾‍⚕️ If something feels different or severe, trust your instincts and get checked.
It’s always better to be safe.

📲 Message to schedule visit if you’re unsure, that’s what I’m here for.

15/04/2026

Your cholesterol isn’t just about medication… it starts in your kitchen.

A lot of patients are surprised when I tell them that small food changes can significantly lower your cholesterol.

Here are simple swaps that actually work (no extreme dieting needed):

🥑 Swap butter for avocado or olive oil
➡️ Helps raise your good cholesterol (HDL)

🐟 Add fish 2–3 times per week (salmon, sardines, tuna)
➡️ Rich in omega-3s to protect your heart

🥣 Choose high-fibre foods daily
➡️ Oats, beans, lentils, channa, dasheen
➡️ Helps pull “bad” cholesterol out of your body

🥤 Cut back on sugary drinks & processed snacks
➡️ Soft drinks, packaged juices, pastries = hidden risk

🍗 Switch how you prepare meats
➡️ Grilled, baked, stewed instead of fried

🥜 Snack smarter
➡️ Nuts, fruit, Greek yogurt instead of chips

⚠️
You don’t have to stop eating the foods you love, but balance and portion size matter.

👨🏾‍⚕️ If you have high cholesterol and aren’t sure where to start, let’s talk.
A simple plan can make a big difference before it becomes a bigger problem.

📲 Schedule your check-up today. 480-3197 | 715-0896

27/02/2026

Taking multiple medications?

Regular reviews with your family doctor help reduce side effects, interactions, and unnecessary prescriptions.