Community Health News Recent News From Community Health READ MORE Protect Yourself – Learn About Tickborne Diseases March 21, 2023 Prevent Tick Bites The best way to prevent tickborne diseases is to avoid places where ticks thrive, use a safe recommended repellent, dress protectively and check your clothes and body for ticks. It’s also important to know the symptoms and different ailments that tick bites can cause. Community Health providers find that too many people end up suffering longer than necessary from tickborne diseases because they don’t seek treatment even when they develop symptoms. Know the Symptoms In Vermont, reports of tickborne diseases are on the rise. While Lyme disease remains the most common tickborne disease in Vermont, other diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis are also being reported. Knowing the symptoms is important. Anaplasmosis is a blood disease. The signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis may include: fever severe headache muscle aches chills and shaking Less frequent symptoms of anaplasmosis include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, aching joints. Unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis doesn’t cause a rash. Onset of illness occurs 5 to 21 days after exposure to an infected tick. It can be treated with an antibiotic. Lyme disease, the most commonly reported tickborne disease, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Typical symptoms include: fever headache fatigue skin rash that looks like a bullseye If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotic treatment. Babesiosis is caused by an infection with a microscopic blood parasite. Often, those infected don’t experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically begin one to four weeks after a tick bite and can include fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea or fatigue. Types of Ticks Vermont’s Department of Health has identified 15 different species of ticks found in the state. Only six are known to transmit diseases. However, over 99% of all tickborne diseases reported to the Vermont Department of Health are caused by the blacklegged tick. Check for Ticks and Remove Them If you find a tick on your body, remove it quickly using these instructions from the Vermont Department of Health: With a steady motion, pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. Don’t be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts stay in the skin. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Clean your hands and the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. You don’t need to go to your healthcare provider or the emergency room to have a tick removed. If you have trouble removing the tick, or you can’t reach it, ask a family member or friend to help. Prevent Tickborne Illness The Vermont Department of Health’s tick bite prevention messaging is: use repellent containing at least 30% DEET wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat check your clothing and body for ticks avoid tick habitats watch for symptoms of tickborne illness See a healthcare provider if you get sick. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid health problems related to tickborne diseases. READ MORE Colorectal Cancer March 1, 2023 Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Abnormal growths, called polyps, can form in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and some of the polyps can turn into cancer. Screening beginning at age 45 can locate the polyps so they can be removed before they become cancerous. What do I need to know about colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer, is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. In Vermont, it’s the third most common cancer diagnosed. Overall, it’s the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women. Healthcare providers have screening tests and treatments that detect and remove precancerous polyps. If untreated, colon cancer may spread to other areas of your body. Because of screening, early detection and early treatment, fewer people are dying from colon cancer. Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially early on. That is why screening is so important. Even if you have no family history, talk to your primary care provider about screening for colorectal cancer because most colorectal cancers occur in people with no family history of the illness. How to prevent colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly preventable; and at Community Health, prevention is the key. The Centers for Disease Control recommends regular screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45 because screening: shows the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer helps prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer finds colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective The screening process There are several screening options, so, it’s important to talk to your primary care provider about which one is right for you and how often you should be tested. It is important to know that if your screening test result is positive or abnormal, a colonoscopy test will be needed to complete the screening process. The three screening options include: Colonoscopy visual examination Multitarget stool DNA test (Cologuard) FIT/FOBT stool sample What are the risk factors? The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases with age. Other factors that increase risk of colorectal cancer include: Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis Family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps Genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). Lifestyle factors including lack of physical activity, low-fiber and high-fat diets, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and obesity Talk to your provider Talk to your primary care provider about colorectal cancer and the risk factors. An estimated 153,000 people will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer this year – one in every 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Your provider will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the screening options and help you decide what is best for you. These factors will include: Your preferences Your medical condition Your personal or family history If you have a genetic syndrome The likelihood that you will get the test The resources available for testing and follow-up If you or a loved one are between 45 and 75 years of age, take action and talk to your Community Health primary care provider about getting screened. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, or are at increased risk of getting colorectal cancer, talk to your provider about screening. READ MORE Every Child Deserves a Beautiful Smile February 27, 2023 Is there anything truly better than a child’s smile and laugh? It is nearly impossible to miss that contagious giggle! Everyone deserves a beautiful smile and teeth they can be proud of. Understand the importance of oral health and how to maintain that beautiful smile. Childhood tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is the most common chronic disease in the United States. There are many ways to prevent cavities and it all starts from day one. The most effective prevention techniques include brushing and flossing, diet modification, fluoride, and routine dental visits. At home, oral health includes brushing and flossing. For children ages 0-8, a parent should assist with homecare because children simply don’t have the dexterity to properly care for their own teeth. Flossing your child’s teeth can be a battle, but it’s a battle you truly want to win. Cavities in between teeth are very common among children and can be prevented with daily flossing. Diet plays a major role in childhood cavity development. Children should be established at a dentist by the age of one, or six months after their first tooth appears. At these first few appointments, parents will learn about the importance of reducing the frequency and consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Some other significant facts to consider are: Frequency of intake is more important than overall quantity Snacking or “grazing” between meals should be discouraged Avoid frequent consumption of soft drinks, such as juices and sports drinks, as they promote cavities and can be extremely erosive In between every meal or snack, try to give your teeth a rest for at least two hours Fluoride is delivered in two ways: systemic and topical. Systemic fluoride helps with formation of teeth and topical fluoride helps strengthen the teeth which have already erupted. Systemic fluoride is offered in most community water supplies. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth and can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash and a tooth varnish which is applied at the dental office every six months. Establish a dental home. Routine dental visits every six months with radiographs, periodic examination and a cleaning will help both parents and kids understand how they can take the absolute best care of their smiles. Kelsi Larocque, RDH, is a registered dental hygienist at Community Kids Dental. READ MORE Primary Care and Heart Health February 8, 2023 At Community Health, heart health is a major focus for all of our primary care providers (PCP) who are deploying prevention initiatives and screenings and proactively looking for the early signs of heart disease. At Community Health we put a significant focus on heart health, constantly working on prevention with screenings and routine care to proactively look for early signs of heart disease. Routine Exams for Heart Health Screening Community Health’s primary care providers use routine exams to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), or heart disease, and may recommend lifestyle changes, medications and even refer you to a cardiologist if needed. Routine exams help Community Health’s primary care providers to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart disease and to develop a plan of care with you that may include lifestyle changes, medication, or referral to a cardiologist. These routine exams are the ones that you have had – blood pressure and heart rate – each time you visit your provider. They will also listen to your heart and lungs, check for swelling in your feet and order blood tests to look at your cholesterol, blood counts, or check for diabetes. You may also be scheduled for an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart. What are these routine exams? Put simply, these are things you are probably used to having each time you see your provider. They will check your blood pressure and heart rate, listen to your heart and lungs, look for swelling in your feet, and order blood tests for to look at your cholesterol levels, blood counts, or check for diabetes. They may also get you scheduled for an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart. Vermont’s 3-4-50 Heart Health Initiative Heart disease is one of the four diseases resulting from the three behaviors responsible for over 50% of deaths in Vermont. The Vermont Department of Health has used the 3-4-50 initiative to spotlight the overwhelming impact of chronic disease in Vermont and inspire all of us to take action to change. In the state of Vermont, heart disease tops the list of four diseases that result in over 50% of deaths, and these are linked to three basic behaviors. This has led to the 3-4-50 initiative used by The Vermont Department of Health to spotlight the overwhelming impact of chronic disease in our state and inspire all of us to take action for change. How to Take Charge of Your Heart Health Your primary care provider can help you take charge of your own heart health with these preventive steps: Know your family’s health history and heart health and discuss that with your primary care provider during your annual physical. Healthy eating is important. Your primary care provider can help you manage your diet or can refer you to a dietitian. If you have high blood pressure, your PCP can help you with lifestyle changes that can naturally lower blood pressure or can prescribe medications. Heart disease and diabetes often go hand in hand. Ask your PCP about a personalized care plan for your specific needs if you are diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. Being overweight can be a strong risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. Ask about a plan to attain a healthy weight. If lifestyle changes aren’t working, your PCP may refer you to a cardiologist. Heart Health Risk Factors According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about half of all Americans (47%) have at least one of three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Other risk factors, like your age or family history, cannot be controlled. By working with your primary care provider, you can take steps to lower your risk of heart disease by changing what you can control and create a healthier future. READ MORE Cervical Cancer Is Preventable and Curable January 27, 2023 Get informed. Get screened. Get vaccinated. Cervical cancer is a condition that is preventable and curable. It can be detected by annual screening known as a PAP test. Also, the HPV vaccine, administered before a child is 14 years old, prevents the virus from becoming a cancer producing infection. Cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations are part of routine primary care at Community Health. “This highlights the importance of our efforts at Community Health to improve access for our patients, as well as the importance of ensuring that they are both up to date with regular PAP and HPV screenings and immunizations.” said Bradley Berryhill, MD, Community Health Chief Medical Director. “Each year in the U.S. more than 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer,” said Dr. Berryhill. “Cervical cancer is fundamentally a disease of the unscreened; meaning cervical cancer is preventable with early detection and vaccination but still affects thousands of people annually, particularly those with limited access to healthcare.” According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, about 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of this cancer each year in the US. “Hispanic women have the highest rates of developing cervical cancer, and Black women have the highest rates of dying from cervical cancer.” The World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy is focused on eliminating, yes entirely eliminating, cervical cancer. “When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively,” according to WHO. “We can end cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations,” WHO said, through its comprehensive prevention program of screening and testing. Prevention with the HPV Vaccine Cervical cancer develops in the entrance to the uterus from the vagina in an area known as the cervix. Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. The covid pandemic has disrupted so many of our usual healthcare routines, and annual PAP test may have been skipped or forgotten. And when it comes to vaccines, it’s important to be sure that your child isn’t past the age recommended for the HPV vaccine. Remember, cervical cancer is preventable and curable. Ask your Community Health primary care provider for more information about cervical cancer screening. — Welcome New Providers — Kelsi Larocque Welcome Michele Pilz Welcome Kayja Champine Welcome Chris Cornelius Welcome Nicole Reda Welcome Abigail Farrell Welcome Adelaide Salley Welcome Jacqueline Becker Welcome — From Our Facebook Feed — Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction iconsCommunity Health 2 days ago Hope to see you there! ... See MoreSee Less This content isn't available right nowWhen this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. View on Facebook · Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email View Comments Likes: 0 Shares: 0 Comments: 0 Comment on FacebookCommunity Health 2 days ago It's never too early to learn about tick protection. If you think you've been bitten by a tick, don't wait – call your healthcare provider.#TickSafety #tickprevention #TickDiseases ... See MoreSee Less Protect Yourself – Learn About Tickborne Diseases - Community Healthwww.chcrr.orgThe best way to prevent tickborne diseases is to avoid places where ticks thrive, use a safe recommended repellent, dress protectively and check your clothes and body for ticks. It's also important to... View on Facebook · Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email View Comments Likes: 1 Shares: 0 Comments: 0 Comment on FacebookCommunity Health 4 days ago ... See MoreSee Less View on Facebook · Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email View Comments Likes: 1 Shares: 5 Comments: 0 Comment on Facebook Load more Community Connection • Recent Issues Community Connection Winter 2022-2023 December 14, 2022 As we look ahead to 2023, we marvel at our tenacity, endurance and optimism. Many families are gathering for the first time in two years by making plans to travel, as well as return to the community events and celebrations that warm our spirits in these winter months. Community Health understands the power of family and community as we continue to connect with the many organizations that provide support and care when you are most in need. READ MORE Community Connection Fall 2022 September 8, 2022 Dear Community Health Family, When I was a kid, I would rely on my parents to take me to the doctor. There was a paper chart. Now, you have a nearly complete medical record available electronically. At Community Health we focus on providing quality, state-of-t he-art services along with brilliant providers who are among the best in the region. (Read about our award-winning staff in this issue.) READ MORE Community Connection Summer 2022 July 22, 2022 Take a few minutes to read through the profiles of the many new providers who we have added to our health care team. Their experience, their personalities and their passions are exceptional. We are so glad to have them join our clinical practices, adding their expertise in behavioral health, social work, dentistry, care management and primary care. READ MORE
READ MORE Protect Yourself – Learn About Tickborne Diseases March 21, 2023 Prevent Tick Bites The best way to prevent tickborne diseases is to avoid places where ticks thrive, use a safe recommended repellent, dress protectively and check your clothes and body for ticks. It’s also important to know the symptoms and different ailments that tick bites can cause. Community Health providers find that too many people end up suffering longer than necessary from tickborne diseases because they don’t seek treatment even when they develop symptoms. Know the Symptoms In Vermont, reports of tickborne diseases are on the rise. While Lyme disease remains the most common tickborne disease in Vermont, other diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis are also being reported. Knowing the symptoms is important. Anaplasmosis is a blood disease. The signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis may include: fever severe headache muscle aches chills and shaking Less frequent symptoms of anaplasmosis include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, aching joints. Unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis doesn’t cause a rash. Onset of illness occurs 5 to 21 days after exposure to an infected tick. It can be treated with an antibiotic. Lyme disease, the most commonly reported tickborne disease, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Typical symptoms include: fever headache fatigue skin rash that looks like a bullseye If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotic treatment. Babesiosis is caused by an infection with a microscopic blood parasite. Often, those infected don’t experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically begin one to four weeks after a tick bite and can include fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea or fatigue. Types of Ticks Vermont’s Department of Health has identified 15 different species of ticks found in the state. Only six are known to transmit diseases. However, over 99% of all tickborne diseases reported to the Vermont Department of Health are caused by the blacklegged tick. Check for Ticks and Remove Them If you find a tick on your body, remove it quickly using these instructions from the Vermont Department of Health: With a steady motion, pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. Don’t be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts stay in the skin. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Clean your hands and the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. You don’t need to go to your healthcare provider or the emergency room to have a tick removed. If you have trouble removing the tick, or you can’t reach it, ask a family member or friend to help. Prevent Tickborne Illness The Vermont Department of Health’s tick bite prevention messaging is: use repellent containing at least 30% DEET wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat check your clothing and body for ticks avoid tick habitats watch for symptoms of tickborne illness See a healthcare provider if you get sick. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid health problems related to tickborne diseases. READ MORE Colorectal Cancer March 1, 2023 Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Abnormal growths, called polyps, can form in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and some of the polyps can turn into cancer. Screening beginning at age 45 can locate the polyps so they can be removed before they become cancerous. What do I need to know about colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer, is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. In Vermont, it’s the third most common cancer diagnosed. Overall, it’s the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women. Healthcare providers have screening tests and treatments that detect and remove precancerous polyps. If untreated, colon cancer may spread to other areas of your body. Because of screening, early detection and early treatment, fewer people are dying from colon cancer. Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially early on. That is why screening is so important. Even if you have no family history, talk to your primary care provider about screening for colorectal cancer because most colorectal cancers occur in people with no family history of the illness. How to prevent colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly preventable; and at Community Health, prevention is the key. The Centers for Disease Control recommends regular screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45 because screening: shows the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer helps prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer finds colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective The screening process There are several screening options, so, it’s important to talk to your primary care provider about which one is right for you and how often you should be tested. It is important to know that if your screening test result is positive or abnormal, a colonoscopy test will be needed to complete the screening process. The three screening options include: Colonoscopy visual examination Multitarget stool DNA test (Cologuard) FIT/FOBT stool sample What are the risk factors? The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases with age. Other factors that increase risk of colorectal cancer include: Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis Family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps Genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). Lifestyle factors including lack of physical activity, low-fiber and high-fat diets, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and obesity Talk to your provider Talk to your primary care provider about colorectal cancer and the risk factors. An estimated 153,000 people will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer this year – one in every 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Your provider will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the screening options and help you decide what is best for you. These factors will include: Your preferences Your medical condition Your personal or family history If you have a genetic syndrome The likelihood that you will get the test The resources available for testing and follow-up If you or a loved one are between 45 and 75 years of age, take action and talk to your Community Health primary care provider about getting screened. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, or are at increased risk of getting colorectal cancer, talk to your provider about screening. READ MORE Every Child Deserves a Beautiful Smile February 27, 2023 Is there anything truly better than a child’s smile and laugh? It is nearly impossible to miss that contagious giggle! Everyone deserves a beautiful smile and teeth they can be proud of. Understand the importance of oral health and how to maintain that beautiful smile. Childhood tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is the most common chronic disease in the United States. There are many ways to prevent cavities and it all starts from day one. The most effective prevention techniques include brushing and flossing, diet modification, fluoride, and routine dental visits. At home, oral health includes brushing and flossing. For children ages 0-8, a parent should assist with homecare because children simply don’t have the dexterity to properly care for their own teeth. Flossing your child’s teeth can be a battle, but it’s a battle you truly want to win. Cavities in between teeth are very common among children and can be prevented with daily flossing. Diet plays a major role in childhood cavity development. Children should be established at a dentist by the age of one, or six months after their first tooth appears. At these first few appointments, parents will learn about the importance of reducing the frequency and consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Some other significant facts to consider are: Frequency of intake is more important than overall quantity Snacking or “grazing” between meals should be discouraged Avoid frequent consumption of soft drinks, such as juices and sports drinks, as they promote cavities and can be extremely erosive In between every meal or snack, try to give your teeth a rest for at least two hours Fluoride is delivered in two ways: systemic and topical. Systemic fluoride helps with formation of teeth and topical fluoride helps strengthen the teeth which have already erupted. Systemic fluoride is offered in most community water supplies. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth and can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash and a tooth varnish which is applied at the dental office every six months. Establish a dental home. Routine dental visits every six months with radiographs, periodic examination and a cleaning will help both parents and kids understand how they can take the absolute best care of their smiles. Kelsi Larocque, RDH, is a registered dental hygienist at Community Kids Dental. READ MORE Primary Care and Heart Health February 8, 2023 At Community Health, heart health is a major focus for all of our primary care providers (PCP) who are deploying prevention initiatives and screenings and proactively looking for the early signs of heart disease. At Community Health we put a significant focus on heart health, constantly working on prevention with screenings and routine care to proactively look for early signs of heart disease. Routine Exams for Heart Health Screening Community Health’s primary care providers use routine exams to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), or heart disease, and may recommend lifestyle changes, medications and even refer you to a cardiologist if needed. Routine exams help Community Health’s primary care providers to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart disease and to develop a plan of care with you that may include lifestyle changes, medication, or referral to a cardiologist. These routine exams are the ones that you have had – blood pressure and heart rate – each time you visit your provider. They will also listen to your heart and lungs, check for swelling in your feet and order blood tests to look at your cholesterol, blood counts, or check for diabetes. You may also be scheduled for an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart. What are these routine exams? Put simply, these are things you are probably used to having each time you see your provider. They will check your blood pressure and heart rate, listen to your heart and lungs, look for swelling in your feet, and order blood tests for to look at your cholesterol levels, blood counts, or check for diabetes. They may also get you scheduled for an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart. Vermont’s 3-4-50 Heart Health Initiative Heart disease is one of the four diseases resulting from the three behaviors responsible for over 50% of deaths in Vermont. The Vermont Department of Health has used the 3-4-50 initiative to spotlight the overwhelming impact of chronic disease in Vermont and inspire all of us to take action to change. In the state of Vermont, heart disease tops the list of four diseases that result in over 50% of deaths, and these are linked to three basic behaviors. This has led to the 3-4-50 initiative used by The Vermont Department of Health to spotlight the overwhelming impact of chronic disease in our state and inspire all of us to take action for change. How to Take Charge of Your Heart Health Your primary care provider can help you take charge of your own heart health with these preventive steps: Know your family’s health history and heart health and discuss that with your primary care provider during your annual physical. Healthy eating is important. Your primary care provider can help you manage your diet or can refer you to a dietitian. If you have high blood pressure, your PCP can help you with lifestyle changes that can naturally lower blood pressure or can prescribe medications. Heart disease and diabetes often go hand in hand. Ask your PCP about a personalized care plan for your specific needs if you are diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. Being overweight can be a strong risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. Ask about a plan to attain a healthy weight. If lifestyle changes aren’t working, your PCP may refer you to a cardiologist. Heart Health Risk Factors According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about half of all Americans (47%) have at least one of three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Other risk factors, like your age or family history, cannot be controlled. By working with your primary care provider, you can take steps to lower your risk of heart disease by changing what you can control and create a healthier future. READ MORE Cervical Cancer Is Preventable and Curable January 27, 2023 Get informed. Get screened. Get vaccinated. Cervical cancer is a condition that is preventable and curable. It can be detected by annual screening known as a PAP test. Also, the HPV vaccine, administered before a child is 14 years old, prevents the virus from becoming a cancer producing infection. Cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations are part of routine primary care at Community Health. “This highlights the importance of our efforts at Community Health to improve access for our patients, as well as the importance of ensuring that they are both up to date with regular PAP and HPV screenings and immunizations.” said Bradley Berryhill, MD, Community Health Chief Medical Director. “Each year in the U.S. more than 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer,” said Dr. Berryhill. “Cervical cancer is fundamentally a disease of the unscreened; meaning cervical cancer is preventable with early detection and vaccination but still affects thousands of people annually, particularly those with limited access to healthcare.” According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, about 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of this cancer each year in the US. “Hispanic women have the highest rates of developing cervical cancer, and Black women have the highest rates of dying from cervical cancer.” The World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy is focused on eliminating, yes entirely eliminating, cervical cancer. “When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively,” according to WHO. “We can end cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations,” WHO said, through its comprehensive prevention program of screening and testing. Prevention with the HPV Vaccine Cervical cancer develops in the entrance to the uterus from the vagina in an area known as the cervix. Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. The covid pandemic has disrupted so many of our usual healthcare routines, and annual PAP test may have been skipped or forgotten. And when it comes to vaccines, it’s important to be sure that your child isn’t past the age recommended for the HPV vaccine. Remember, cervical cancer is preventable and curable. Ask your Community Health primary care provider for more information about cervical cancer screening.
Kelsi Larocque Welcome Michele Pilz Welcome Kayja Champine Welcome Chris Cornelius Welcome Nicole Reda Welcome Abigail Farrell Welcome Adelaide Salley Welcome Jacqueline Becker Welcome
Community Connection Winter 2022-2023 December 14, 2022 As we look ahead to 2023, we marvel at our tenacity, endurance and optimism. Many families are gathering for the first time in two years by making plans to travel, as well as return to the community events and celebrations that warm our spirits in these winter months. Community Health understands the power of family and community as we continue to connect with the many organizations that provide support and care when you are most in need. READ MORE Community Connection Fall 2022 September 8, 2022 Dear Community Health Family, When I was a kid, I would rely on my parents to take me to the doctor. There was a paper chart. Now, you have a nearly complete medical record available electronically. At Community Health we focus on providing quality, state-of-t he-art services along with brilliant providers who are among the best in the region. (Read about our award-winning staff in this issue.) READ MORE Community Connection Summer 2022 July 22, 2022 Take a few minutes to read through the profiles of the many new providers who we have added to our health care team. Their experience, their personalities and their passions are exceptional. We are so glad to have them join our clinical practices, adding their expertise in behavioral health, social work, dentistry, care management and primary care. READ MORE
