Health guides for Puerto Rico

Each guide answers a common health question in Puerto Rico: what a piece of paperwork is and where to get it, what a law says, what to do about dengue, a hurricane or a boil water advisory, and what a medicine is for and what its risks are. Each one cites its official sources, such as the CDC, the FDA, MedlinePlus, the Puerto Rico Department of Health or Puerto Rico law.

When a guide isn't enough and you want a doctor to assess you, Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician, sees you by video. It is telehealth in Puerto Rico for adults and children of all ages, in English or Spanish, with video visits 24/7. She evaluates, diagnoses and treats; if needed, she gives you a lab order and, if appropriate, she prescribes. You need to be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit.

They explain Puerto Rico documents and laws: the health certificate, medical certificates for school or a driver's license, the telemedicine law, how to verify a doctor's license, and how to see a doctor without insurance.

They help you decide what to do: dengue warning signs, ER vs urgent care in San Juan, antibiotics, medications for a hurricane and jellyfish stings.

They explain medicines many people search for, using their FDA labels: Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide), how they compare (Ozempic vs Mounjaro vs Zepbound vs Wegovy), weight loss pills, the Plan B morning-after pill and low testosterone. To start a treatment, book an evaluation; the doctor decides whether it is right for you.

They explain habits and practices, with what the evidence supports and what it does not: what functional medicine is and lifestyle medicine, breathwork, meditation for beginners, mobility vs flexibility and hip mobility exercises, how to reset your sleep schedule, intermittent fasting, metabolic health, contrast therapy and the Coamo hot springs. The Health Initiative also runs an in-person wellness retreat in Puerto Rico; see what a wellness retreat includes and costs. The retreat guides, for a retreat open to everyone: what to expect, who it is for, midlife and menopause, friends or family, longevity, metabolic health, digital detox, yoga and meditation, El Yunque and Río Grande, what a medical wellness retreat is, women, couples and solo travelers.

If you get sick on vacation or on a cruise, start with sick on vacation in Puerto Rico. While you are on the island, we see you by video.

If your question is about a symptom, see common symptoms. If you already know you want to see the doctor, book a visit: we see kids and adults, in English or Spanish.