National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month

According to the CDC, Tooth decay (cavity) is one of the most common chronic diseases of early childhood even though it is preventable.

Cavities occur when a buildup of dental plaque “eats” at tooth enamel causing a hole in the tooth to form. Plaque is a sticky substance that covers the teeth, and it is formed when bacteria in the moth combines with food and saliva.

Tips to decrease risk of cavities include:

·        Brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes to prevent a buildup of plaque. Children under the age of 6 should be supervised by an adult to maximize efficiency.

·        Parents should refrain from putting infants approximately 6 months of age and older to bed with bottles filled with milk, formula or juice. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children who are seven or eight months of age no longer need to feed during the night. If your child must have a bottle to sleep, slowly dilute the milk or juice with water over a few weeks until your child is only drinking water.

·        Parents should encourage a diet for their children that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates and increase fresh veggies, fruit and protein intake.

·        Schedule regular Dental Checkups. Dental exams are scheduled every 6 months. At each visit, the dentist will look for any signs of regular tooth decay, remove dental plaque and apply fluoride which can reverse and stop early decay in children.

·        Having your dentist apply Dental Sealants. Dental Sealants are plastic coatings that are usually placed on the chewing (top) surface of the permanent back teeth to help protect them from decay.

Poor oral health, including cavities and infections, can have a lifelong impact on a child. If you have any questions or concerns about cavity prevention, please contact our Dental Providers at Open Health Care Clinic.

Tamma Gray, DDS

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.  In recognition of this, let’s take a few minutes to talk about cervical cancer, and the ways to prevent it. Did you know that at one time cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States?  However, in the last 40 years, these numbers have been cut in half due to vaccines and cancer screenings.   

Scientists discovered that HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus infections that last a long time greatly increase the risk of cancer.  HPV is an infection passed through sexual activity.  Your risk for HPV is increased when you have more than one partner, but anyone who has ever had sex (even once!) is at risk for HPV.   There are a lot of different types of the HPV virus.  Some cause genital warts and some cause cancer.  Fortunately, there is a vaccine that can protect us against several of the HPV strains that are most likely to cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and penile cancer.  According to American Cancer Society (ACS), the HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause 90% of cervical cancers.  Ninety percent - now, that’s worth talking about!! 

  Ask your healthcare provider about being immunized today.  The HPV vaccine was originally given only to teens; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that even more people should get vaccinated.  The CDC now says that anyone age 26 or younger should get the vaccine.  Folks ages 27 - 45 should talk to their health care provider to learn if the HPV vaccine could benefit them as well.   Getting regular pap smears can also greatly decrease your risk for invasive cervical cancer.  Cervical cancer is one of the slowest-growing cancers, and routine screening can help to see worrisome changes in the cervix before these changes become cancer.  Other things that increase your risk for cervical cancer include cigarette smoking, a depressed immune system (which can be caused by living with HIV, certain medications or other conditions), and a high number of childbirths.   

 Lindsay Haislip, FNP-C

For folks born as female, it is recommended that you complete a pap smear every 3 years if you are under 30 years old.  Once you turn 30, this screening can be extended to every 5 years, based on your risk and HPV test results.  If your provider tells you to repeat this testing sooner, it’s very important to follow up.   The ACS estimated that 260 people in Louisiana would develop cervical cancer in 2020.  Every single one of these cases could be prevented with timely screening and vaccinations.  Talk to a healthcare provider today about the best way to protect your sexual health! 

 Lindsay Haislip, FNP-C

Resources:  

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/index.htm 

https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/DataViz.html 

https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2020/cancer-facts-and-figures-2020.pdf 

https://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_hpv.asp 

Get to Know Your Thyroid

Get to Know Your Thyroid

Warren Fraser, MD

January is Thyroid Awareness Month! To learn more about the thyroid, a small gland of the endocrine system, we interviewed our Endocrinologist, Dr. Warren Fraser.

Where is your thyroid & what does it do?

The thyroid, located at the bottom of your neck, is a butterfly-shaped gland that controls your metabolism helping your body turn food into energy. Your thyroid may only take up a small portion of your body, but it plays many roles in keeping you healthy. The thyroid produces two hormones (T-3 and T-4), which affects your heart rate, breathing patterns, and how much weight you can gain or lose. The thyroid can affect other bodily functions such as your body temperature and cholesterol levels.

What are common problems people have with their thyroid? What are the causes and symptoms of these problems?

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is when your thyroid produces fewer hormones than a normal thyroid gland should. Your body needs a certain number of thyroid hormones so your body can produce the energy it needs to function. If your thyroid is producing fewer amounts of hormones compared to the average person, then it can cause you to have less energy than usual.

Symptoms

• Overly tired

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Feeling cold

• Dry skin

Causes

• Hashimoto’s disease is one of the main causes of Hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, a condition where your immune system attacks your body, and can cause swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland.

• Thyroiditis can also be caused by other conditions such as a viral infection.

 Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is when your thyroid makes too many hormones. An overactive thyroid produces too much of a hormone called thyroxine (T-4). When your thyroid gland produces too many thyroxine hormones, your metabolism can speed up and cause you to lose weight and experience other unusual symptoms.

Symptoms

• Mood swings

• Shakiness

• Fatigue

• Feeling warm or hot

• Weight loss

• Fast heartbeat

Causes

• Graves’ disease causes your immune system to function incorrectly and is one of the main causes of Hyperthyroidism, especially for women under 40-years-old.

• Lumps of tissue placed in your thyroid, called nodules, can produce too many hormones, and may cause the thyroid to become overactive.

• Thyroiditis, an infection that causes your immune system to function incorrectly, can affect your thyroid by causing it to swell and release more hormones than usual.

Thyroid Cancer

• There are four different types of thyroid cancer, papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. Typically, all thyroid cancers that are found in the early stages can be successfully treated. Tests that examine your thyroid, neck, and blood are used to find and diagnose thyroid cancer.

Symptoms

• A lump or swelling on the side of the neck (most common symptom)

• Trouble breathing

• Trouble swallowing food or drinks

• Hoarse voice

Causes

• There are no clear causes of thyroid cancer, but some likely causes are: radiation around the neck area, especially at a young age or inherited from a family member. 

What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms related to thyroid problems?

If you are feeling thyroid health-related symptoms like the ones listed above, you should talk to your provider. Untreated symptoms, especially over long periods of time, can cause serious health problems.

How can you keep your thyroid healthy?

Your thyroid is an important part of your body, so we should always keep its well-being in mind. Keeping your thyroid healthy may not just help your thyroid but also your all-around physical health. Eating a well-balanced diet does your body good. Stay away from processed foods with preservatives or sugar and fat replacements. These types of foods can cause inflammation or problems with your immune system. Remember to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and don’t forget your proteins!

Salmon and anchovies are a good source of lean protein, as well as almonds and other nuts. Fish and other seafood are also good sources of iodine. Iodine is essential to include in your diet because your body does not produce it naturally. However, it is still needed for your thyroid to produce hormones.

 Always remember to take care of your thyroid, and your thyroid will take care of you!

Watch out for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Watch out for seasonal affective DISORDER (SAD)

This is the season when days are shortest, with only 10 hours of sunlight. Have you noticed an unwelcome change in your mood, not related to the things that typically create distress in your life? It might be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that is triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight.

Depression can interfere with quality of life in many subversive ways: it can cause you to feel lethargic, down for most of the day, discouraged, with defeatist thinking, or loss of interest in things that you usually enjoy. SAD, its chilly weather cousin, can also lead to oversleeping, craving of carbs, and unexplained fatigue. 

There are several causes of SAD; your biological clock may be disrupted by reduced exposure to sunlight. It may also be caused by a drop in Serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood, due to lack of exposure to the sun.  Low levels of Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin,” is also suspected of contributing to this drop. Our internal circadian rhythm of sleep and wakefulness changes so gradually, in response to the shifting balance of light and darkness as the seasons change, that it is easy to overlook incremental changes in our mood. January is a good time to become mindful of any lull we may feel in our energy and emotional availability. 

Good news: several remedies for SAD are readily available.  If you can, adjust your schedule to include as much outdoor time as possible.  Vitamin D supplements are often helpful. Several common antidepressant meds work by increasing your level of Serotonin. Make a deliberate choice for a self-nurturing activity you may have neglected, even if you’re not in the mood. Consider chocolate. For people who already experience depression, SAD is an unwelcome addition, and counseling can help. 

Best of all, spring is coming.

Lynn Schlossberger LPC

For more information on Seasonal Affective Disorder, visit: http://bit.ly/ohcc_SAD

What is Diabetes?

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (sugar) for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, the pancreas either does not make enough insulin or cannot use its own insulin as well as it should, resulting in a build-up of sugars in the blood referred to in diabetes as "sugar."

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) is the most severe form of this disease. It usually develops in children and teenagers, but people of all ages can develop type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, when the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas, it becomes known as an autoimmune disease. The islet cells are responsible for sensing glucose in the blood and producing the right amount of insulin to cover blood glucose. Once the insulin-producing cells are destroyed, a person can no longer make their own insulin. Without insulin, the sugar stays in the blood and builds up, and as a result, the body's cells starve. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and can also lead to coma and death.

Type 1 Symptoms:

• Rapid and unexplained weight loss

• Extreme weakness and fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

• Increased thirst

• Extreme hunger

• Unusual irritablity

• Unpleasant breath odor

• Itchy skin

• Increased urination (bed-wetting may occur in children who have already been toilet trained.)

Type 1 diabetes is treated by taking insulin injections or using an insulin pump or other device. This outside source of insulin now serves as the "key" to bring glucose to the body's cells. Deciding on the daily dose of insulin to take can be a complicated balancing act. Taking too much insulin will drop a blood sugar to a dangerously low level known as hypoglycemia (life-threatening). However, taking too little insulin will increase blood sugar to a dangerously high level, known as hyperglycemia.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (adult-onset diabetes typically develops after age 35) is the most common form of diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas can produce some insulin, but often not enough to cover total glucose intake. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes. But the onset of type 2 diabetes is usually slower, and the symptoms are not as noticeable as those for type 1 diabetes.

The treatment plan for type 2 diabetes typically includes diet control, exercise, home blood glucose testing, and in some cases, oral medication, and/or insulin.

How Do We View Diabetes?

At Open Health Care Clinic, we view diabetes as a "Self-Management" disease. We understand how someone develops diabetes can differ from person to person.

How Do We Treat Diabetes?

We individualize treatment based on our patient's current living conditions, needs, affordability, and fears related to diabetes. We teach patients the importance of daily blood glucose checks and exercising to decrease cellular resistance. We also provide a hands-on demonstration of how to count carbohydrates and read a food label effectively. We take time to learn our patient's response to their medication, encouraging their thoughts and suggestions while building their individualized treatment plan. Our goal is to individualize each patient and provide them with the latest diabetic technology, including an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor.

What Makes Us Different?

Christie Cooper, FNP-C

We take pride in building a lifetime rapport with each patient in their diabetic journey, starting with their initial visit. We schedule weekly visits to help maintain and improve blood glucose results, decreasing the overall insulin needs while watching the Hemoglobin AIC decrease. We enjoy teaching lifetime diabetic principles while watching our patients apply the knowledge to their daily lives. We strive to provide our diabetic patients with direct access to care/management seven days a week, 24 hours a day, enabling them to self-manage their diabetes.

Christie Cooper, FNP-C

Drive-Thru Flu Clinic

now Offering drive-thru flu shots

Drive-Thru Clinic Services:

• Flu Shot

  • Must be 18 years and older

• Flu Testing

  • Must be 12 years and older

• COVID-19 Testing

  • Must be 2 years and older

Insurance and Payment Options:

• Most Insurance Accepted

• Medicaid

• Medicare

• Sliding Fee Scale

Hours

• Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Location:

3905 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA. 70806

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fight the flu - Get your flu shot today!

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus that is easily spread through the air when we breath. While the impact of flu varies from year-to-year, it places a substantial burden on the health of people in the United States each year. It can lead to hospitalization or sometimes even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there were 400,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths in the United States related to the flu last year.

The flu virus circulates year-round, but we typically see an increase in flu transmission during the fall and winter months. Increased flu activity can last as late as May. Because there are several different strains of the flu virus, each flu season is different.

Because of how easily the flu virus spreads and the serious complications that can be caused by the flu, receiving an annual flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself against the flu. The flu vaccination is safe and has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and even flu-related deaths.

After receiving the flu vaccine, some people may experience mild symptoms including fever, soreness, and fatigue. People can often mistake these symptoms for the flu; however, the flu vaccination CANNOT give you the flu! The symptoms you may experience are due to your immune system working to build a resistance to the flu. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic that is ongoing, it is important now more than ever to receive a flu vaccine this year.

Jason Kraemer, BSN, RN

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic that is ongoing, it is important now more than ever to receive a flu vaccine this year. COVID-19 and the flu are both viruses that are easily spread through the air and can cause severe respiratory complications. Across the United States, peopled diagnosed with both COVID-19 and the flu, often experiencing more severe complications.

If you haven’t already done so, get your flu shot today!

Open Health is now offering drive-thru services so that you can receive a flu shot, flu test or COVID-19 test from the safety and comfort of your car. If you have questions about the following services and information, please call us at 225-655-OHCC (6422).

Jason Kraemer, BSN, RN - Nurse Manager

Open To Vote

Why Does Your Vote Matter?

One vote compared to millions of other votes may sound useless to some. Although, if everyone were to think their vote didn’t matter, then there would be no voters at all. A single vote may not change the course of an election, but an accumulation of the same vote is very meaningful to the outcome. Voting is your civic duty, meaning as a U.S. citizen, you have the freedom to share your voice and to make choices that will benefit you and your community for years to come. Your vote can create the change you want to happen and defend the rights you already have. Your vote can decide how our tax dollars are spent and how government spending is divided. Your vote matters because those who don’t have a voice depend on you. Be Informed & Be Open To Vote.

2020 Presidential Election Voting & Registration Schedule

Register to vote at: http://bit.ly/ohcc_votingregistration

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Voting During Covid-19

Safe Voting Options in Louisiana for COVID-19:

• Mail-In Voting

  • October 30, 2020 is the deadline request a mail ballot from registrar (other than military and overseas).

  • November 2, 2020 is deadline for registrar to receive voted mail ballot (other than military and overseas).

To Learn More About Mail-In Voting Safety:

• Early Voting

  • Early voting starts on October 16, 2020

  • Early voting ends on October 27, 2020

Extra Safety Measures for Voting at the Polls:

• Make sure to wear a face covering or mask.

• Keep your face covering or mask over your mouth and nose the whole time, especially if you are indoors.

• If your polling place is at a high-risk facility, considered casting your vote early or by mail.

• Make sure to stay six-feet apart when waiting in line and try to stay away from large crowds.

• If possible, vote by yourself. Try to avoid bringing children and people who are high-risk for COVID-19 such as, people with underlying health problems and elders.

• If you are casting your vote on paper, bring your own ink pen.

• Sanitize your hands before and after casting vote.

• Bring bacterial wipes to clean surfaces that multiple people have touched when voting.

• If you are high-risk for COVID-19, consider early voting or mailing in your vote.

• If you are feeling sick, showing COVID-19 related symptoms, or have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please plan to vote in-person after you have confirmed you are negative for COVID-19.

More information on COVID-19 safety measures:

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2020 Presidential Candidates

Quoted statements are directly from Donald Trump’s campaign website.

https://www.donaldjtrump.com/

Quoted statements are directly from Howie Hawkins’ campaign website.

https://howiehawkins.us/

Quoted statements are directly from Joe Biden’s campaign website.

https://joebiden.com/

Quoted statements are directly from Jo Jorgensen’s campaign website.

https://jo20.com/

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Polling Information

How to Prepare for the Polls:

1. Check Your voting registration before heading to the polls. Make sure your name is spelled correctly, your home address is up-to-date, and any other noticeable errors are fixed.

2. Make sure to read your sample ballot. Sample ballots provide information to registered voters, which include:

   • Polling location

   • Polling place times

   • A picture of what the actual ballot will look like

   • Voting Instructions

   • Candidates

   • Additional information

3. Remember to bring a photo I.D. with a signature, such as a driver’s license or a United States military photo I.D. If you do not have an official photo I.D., you may show your voter registration card to Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to receive a special Louisiana I.D.

4. Voters are expected to NOT wear any type of clothing or accessories to promote a specific campaign such as, campaign pins, t-shirts, hats, etc.

5. Don’t forget a mask or face covering and bring hand sanitizer or wipes!

6. If you are voting early, please visit http://bit.ly/ohcc_earlyvoting for early voting locations.

Find Your Polling Place:

Mobile COVID-19 Testing

Drive-UP Mobile Testing Is Now Open

Criteria For testing

• Showing a temperature of 99.5 F or higher

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Been in contact with someone who has COVID-19

  Doctors Order NOT Required

Time & Locations:

We currently do not have any mobile testing dates scheduled, however you can drive-thru our permanent testing site located near our main clinic in mid-city at 3905 Convention St, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

Call (225) 655-6422 for any questions or concerns.

Page updated: 11/24/2020

Understanding Hepatitis C

What you need to know about Hepatitis C

Nurse Practitioner Joni Nickens

 Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver. It is contracted through blood, such as a blood transfusion, sharing needles, or sharing personal items (toothbrush, nail clippers, combs, etc. of people who have Hepatitis C and are untreated) and less likely through sex. MSM’s are more likely to contract Hepatitis C through anal sex due to the rectal vault being so vascular.  

Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. Of the people whom contact hepatitis C, approximately 20 out of every 100 people will spontaneously get over the virus (the body fights it off and gets rid of it), the rest will have chronic Hepatitis C. Of the approximately 80 out of 100 that have the chronic Hepatitis C, approximately 20%, or 10 people will develop cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell who will develop these complications. 

According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals data from 2017, approximately 500 people are newly infected each year. Here in East Baton Rouge parish we are second to only New Orleans in rates for Hepatitis C. Most cases are in the age range of 25 to 64, with African Americans having higher rates than whites. The highest rates of hospitalization due to hepatitis C complications is in the age range of 45-64, also, more in African Americans than white. 

To help stop Hepatitis C, the Department of Health and Hospitals has started a new program to treat all people that have Hepatitis C in Louisiana. Treatment of Hepatitis C is now a single pill to be taken orally every day for 12 weeks. Just 84 doses. Side effects are minimal, and most of my patients do not report any side-effects. Even if a person does have side-effects, they should work with their provider to help minimize them. It is just 84 doses. The cure rate if taken correctly is 95-98%.  

Open Health Care Clinic has many providers who treat Hepatitis C. We encourage you to make an appointment and get tested. Please call us at 225-655-6422. 

Joni Nickens, FNP

#WELLCHILDWEDNESDAY

#WELLCHILDWEDNESDAY

As your community health center, we want only the best for you and your family. With the school year quickly approaching, it’s important to bring your youngster in for their annual well-child visit. Our pediatric staff can make sure your child is up-to-date on their immunizations and chat with you about any other concerns you and your child may have about their health.

Give your child a healthy start to the school year by scheduling an appointment with our pediatric providers today! Please call us at (225) 655-6422. Learn more about our Pediatric Services at ohcc.org/pediatrics.

Take Pride

Take Pride

Merriam-Webster defines “Open” as having no enclosing or confining barrier: accessible on all or nearly all sides or not restricted to a specific group or category of participants.

It is no secret that our organization, Open Health Care Clinic, picked our name strategically with the above definition in mind. You may think to yourself, “Well, really, what’s in a name?” The LGBTQ+ community says, “A LOT.” LGBTQ+ individuals NEED you to intentionally select not only your organization name but waiting room magazines, signs, intake language, policy language, organization posters, social media campaigns, business locations, financial donations, financial contributions, etc. as if their lives depended on it because they do. Labels can be used to degrade and separate or acknowledge and empower if done properly. Use them in your policies and procedures language.  Be deliberate about creating a work culture that provides quality care to LGBTQ+ individuals.

At Open Health Care Clinic, we INTENTIONALLY want you to feel that there are no restrictions on who we will see or why we will see them, especially regarding the LGBTQ+ community. As we are entering LGBTQ+ Pride month, it is fitting to address the glaring behavioral and physical health disparities that the queer community faces daily (and what to do about it). This blog is a rallying cry not for the LGBTQ+ community, but to the health care community that has neglected the queer community’s needs for too long.

The CDC highlights this in their report on the health of LGBTQ+ youth mentioning that LGB students are more likely to be bullied, contemplate suicide, deal with depressive symptoms, and use substances. Youth are dealing with all of this BEFORE the age of 18. The above health issues arise largely due to the rejection that occurs within a youth’s environment (school, work, doctor’s office). The Trevor Project found that just ONE supportive adult can help save an LGBTQ+ child’s life.  A child’s doctor can provide that life-saving support.

All the above risk factors that are attributed to LGBTQ+ youth also carry into adulthood along with several physical health disparities. As adults, LGBTQ+ individuals experience a higher risk of certain conditions, have less access to health care, and have worse health outcomes than that of their “straight”, cisgender counterparts.

LGBT individuals are more likely to rate their health as poor and report more chronic conditions. Lesbian and bisexual cisgender women have higher rates of breast cancer, and transgender men and women are at greater risk for breast cancer. LGBT individuals have higher rates of HPV infection. Lesbian and bisexual cisgender women may have a higher risk of cervical cancer, and gay and bisexual men may have a higher risk of anal cancer.

At this point, you are probably asking yourself, “How can that be?” Cigna Health indicated that LGBT people are less likely to have access to the care that they need, less likely to have health insurance, less likely to fill prescriptions, more likely to use the emergency room or delay getting care, more likely to be refused health care services and be harassed by health care providers.

As health care professionals, we are called to aid in making people’s lives better. Let’s start by taking the burden of addressing the systematic failures of the health care system OFF the backs of LGBTQ+ people. NOW is the time to take responsibility for educating ourselves and being intentional and inclusive with our organizational decisions. Whether you speak up and act or not, PRIDE will go on just as it has since 1969, but it would be nice to feel that those who are paid to care do.

Open Health Care Clinic is a one-stop, neighborhood health center location in mid-city Baton Rouge. From primary care and dental to behavioral health to HRT we are an LGBTQ+-friendly caregiver. Additionally, we provide STD/HIV testing and PrEP/PEP at our HAART clinic. We accept private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 225-655-6422.

Jena Ourso, LCSW

Let's Talk About Men's Health

Let's Talk About Men's Health

This month we are emphasizing men’s healthcare for Men’s Health Month! While also celebrating Father’s Day, there is no better time for men to talk to their medical providers about staying healthy. 

On average, men live about five years less than women, which can be due to men’s underlying health problems such as, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Men also schedule half as many doctor visits for preventive care as women do. As a medical professional, I advocate for annual medical visits, which is especially important as men get older. Men’s health issues can impact their ability to be involved fathers, supportive partners, and engaged community members. Men’s Health is important at Open Health Care Clinic and we want to honor Men’s Health Month by encouraging men to schedule an appointment with us today.

Encourage Him to Get Seen!

In some cases, men’s fatal health issues are preventable through regular medical care. Health prevention starts with men seeing a health care provider regularly, this will allow men and their providers to establish their baseline, BP, Weight, PSA, cancer, depression screening, heart disease (cholesterol). By doing these annual visits, men can catch potentially dangerous conditions early on and receive treatment.

How Men Can Stay Healthy: 

Tweak your Diet

Men's Health Month is a great opportunity to change the way you eat. Cut back on alcohol this month or up your intake of healthy fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir. You can do anything for a month, and if you do it for a month, you can do it for life!

Set some goals

Use this month to take hold of your health now and think about where you want it to be. Do you want to lose weight? Gain muscle? Simply eat more vegetables. Set small and achievable goals and work with your doctor to make them a reality.

Get educated

Take this opportunity to read about the common health issues that are specific to men and how you can prevent future health problems. Check out the CDC for information on health issues that men face.

If you would like to schedule a visit with one of our providers, please call (225) 665-6422.

Allan Edmunds, FNP-C

Resources:

www.menshealthnetworks.org

www.health.org

Unemployment Benefits and COVID-19

Unemployment Benefits and COVID-19

We know that a large number of persons have lost employment, are at risk of losing employment, have had their wages reduced, and are very limited in their ability to seek employment as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. We wanted to provide you with some information on accessing Unemployment Insurance benefits from the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC). 

What is it?

Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to eligible persons with a minimum benefit amount of $10 each week and a maximum benefit amount of $247 each week. Payments may be received as early as 7-10 business days after completed applications are received by LCW. There is not a COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance fund. The benefit is pulled from the standard Unemployment Insurance. 

Who is eligible?

Anyone who loses employment, has had their pay or work hours reduced, or has been told not to report to work is strongly encouraged to file. Eligibility requires that you have worked during the first four of the last five quarters (currently January 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020.) You must be unemployed through no fault of your own and available to return to work.  You may still apply if you earned wages in another state. Again, if you do not meet all of these criteria, you are still strongly encouraged to file for the benefits during this epidemic.

How to apply?

Apply at louisianaworks.net or call 1-866-783-5567. The call center hours are 8am – 7pm, 7 days a week. In order to apply you must provide your name; social security number; address; alien registration number (if applicable) and the name, address, and phone number of the agency(ies) of your previous 18 months of employment. You should initiate the claim as soon as possible even if you do not have all of the previous employers' information. 

After you are approved, you must call or login every week to complete a certification in order to receive payment. As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, the requirement that you complete at least 3 work searches every week is waived. 

Additional important information.

• When asked if you received vacation pay or sick time, answer "yes" if you are owed funds for that time, not if the company offered it.  

• You will be asked if you would like 10% of federal taxes withheld from the payment. If you decline, you will receive a 1099-G and the 10% will be deducted from your 2020 tax claim. 

• If you previously have had a fraudulent over-payment in Unemployment Insurance, you will not be eligible to receive benefits until you pay back the over-payment. If you previously have had an over-payment that was determined to not be fraudulent, you must call or login each week to certify the benefits and the benefits will be applied to the over-payment. You will not receive any payments until the over-payment is satisfied. 

SNAP Benefits During COVID-19

sNAP bENEFITS dURING cOVID-19

Food insecurity is one of the biggest concerns facing families while trying to stay safe during the COVID-19 epidemic. Here is some information on accessing The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help your family have a sufficient amount of food. 

What is it?

SNAP provides monthly benefits to assist households in buying the food that they need. The maximum benefit amount to a household of one is $194 each month. The maximum monthly allotment increases as the household size increases. This is not Disaster SNAP (DSNAP). All applicants for SNAP benefits must meet strict eligibility guidelines. Due to the large volume of applications, it may take more than 30 days to process applications. If approved, you will be eligible from the application date. 

Who is eligible?

Louisiana residents who are US citizens and/or certain aliens with verifiable USCIS documentation are eligible to apply. Applicants must also pass resource and gross and net income limit test. There are some exemptions to those resources and income limits so all persons in need of assistance obtaining food are encouraged to apply.

How to apply?

You can apply online or download and print the application from www.dcfs.la.gov/getSNAP. You can mail the completed application to DCFS Economic Stability, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826, fax it to 225-663-3164, or drop the application off at the nearest local office. Call 1-888-LAHELP-U or email LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov to have a SNAP application sent to your mailing address. You may also text GETSNAP to 898-211. You can speed up your application by providing any of the below applicable information with your application. 

• A separation notice from your employer or contact information for your employer

• Proof of separation (last day work or date of last paycheck)

• Proof of income (i.e. pay stub)

• Proof of identity (.i.e. copy of Driver's License)

• Proof of residency (i.e. copy of Louisiana's driver's license, utility bill, rental receipt)

Caseworkers are not conducting formal interviews due to increased applications as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. They may contact you with questions if they require additional information. A decision will not be made on your application until you have provided all required information. 

Other Resources for Food

If you are in need of more immediate assistance obtaining food, St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall (220 St. Vincent de Paul Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) is passing out meals at the walk-up window between 11:30am and 1:00pm. You may also call 211 to get more information on food banks in your area. 

OHCC Case Management

Take 5 to Thrive

Take 5 tO THRIVE

Working under the COVID-19 Stay at Home Order may feel overwhelming. It is vital that you check-in with yourself and assess your own needs.

Take 5 to Thrive.

1. Take care of yourself. When we become overwhelmed and stressed, it’s easy to forget about ourselves. We cannot function our best when we aren’t prioritizing our basic needs. Ensure that your most basic needs are met. Eat healthy meals. Make sleep a priority. Take your medications. Take restroom breaks. Have a plan for your children, pets, and family to receive the care that they need while you are away. Let your supervisor know if you feel overwhelmed and need a break. Keep your mind and body in good condition by taking care of yourself the same way you would take care of your favorite person 

2. Take YOUR time. When anxious and in a crisis, we may feel rushed. Mistakes are easily made when we operate in haste. Slow down. When your feelings get intense, stop what you’re doing and take a few deep breaths. Even if only for a minute. Feel your feet on the ground. Take in your surroundings using all five senses. What do you see? Hear? Smell? Taste? Feel? Take note that most times, there is no imminent physical threat. Your thoughts make you feel anxious. This grounding technique reminds your body that you are safe and helps reduce feelings of anxiety. Deep breathing exercises and meditation can also help bring things back into focus for you. There are apps and YouTube videos (as short as 60 seconds) that can help guide you.

3. Take back your routines. Ensuring the safety of our family and the Stay at Home order has made our normal routines a distant memory. Routines help us feel in control and keep us anchored. Therefore, it is important that we try to keep some of our normal routines in place. Continue with your same grooming habits in the morning: brush your teeth and have a cup of tea. Workout at home instead of the gym. Facetime or have a zoom meeting with the friend or family member that you normally visit on weekends. Even if it’s for a shorter time, at a different time, or done in a different way, maintain some sense of normalcy.

4. Take time for things that you enjoy. In times like these, it is easy to overindulge in the news. Set boundaries! Limit talk about COVID-19. Say that you would prefer to talk about something else and limit time on social media. Get the information that you need to keep you and your family safe and spend your time doing things that you enjoy. Make time for your favorite television show. Read a book. Play a card game or board game. Keep up with your gardening. This is also a time to explore new hobbies. Write some poetry or the first chapter of your book. Try Tik Tok.

5. Take advantage of available support. In the helping profession, we tend to forget that we can and should reach out for help when we need it as well. When we are feeling stressed, it can be easy to overindulge in vices: gambling, tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and food. Don’t be a victim of the Quarantine 15 (extra pounds). This will ultimately hurt you more than it temporarily helps. Contact your trusted friends, family, and loved ones to discuss how you feel. Inquire if they are feeling the same way. Why or why not? Have self-compassion and forgive yourself. Remember that this is hard, and you are doing the best that you can in uncharted territory. Counseling and support are also available virtually. There is also the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number, 800-273-8255, where trained counselors are available 24/7. All calls are confidential.

   OHCC Behavioral Health Team

Tips for Talking to Kids about COVID-19

Tips for talking to Kids about covid-19

Tips to Talking to Kids about COVID-19

Your child’s routines have been drastically changed. There are a lot of unknowns such as when they will return to school or daycare, when they will be able to see their friends again, and when their parents will return to work. They may see people walking around grocery stores wearing surgical masks and gloves. This can be very scary for us all, especially a child that is still learning the world around them. It’s important for us to take time to talk to our children about what is going on around them and how they feel about it. Here are a few things to keep in mind during these discussions.

Guard the information your child receives and the way they receive it. If you are anxious, take time to calm down before having this discussion with your child. Children not only hear what you say, but they pick up on cues of how you feel based on how you say things as well. Be mindful of the amount of COVID-19 related news that you play in the home or car. Your child hears what you hear, even if it seems like they are not paying attention. Also, try to avoid having strong reactions to news received about COVID-19 in the presence of your child. You do not want your child to perceive COVID-19 as a big scary unbeatable monster. In addition to the sad stories, there are stories of hope and survival. Make sure that the information your child receives is balanced-not just scary.

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Listen. Comfort. Support. Find out what information your child already has. Try to get them to explain what they already know. Try to get them to ask you questions. Also, try to get them to talk about their feelings. Help them put their emotions into words. Listen to what they say. Correct misinformation, but do not cut them off or dismiss how they feel. Provide them with comfort. Provide them with support. This will help them feel comfortable speaking with you and coming to you with more questions in the future.

Age appropriate discussions. Don’t volunteer too much information to your child. Too much information may be overwhelming and confusing to them. Speak to your child using terms and analogies for things that they understand. Avoid the use of language that may lead to stigma or blame. Make sure that you are honest and accurate in the information that you provide.

Empower them to combat COVID-19. Educate your child on steps they can take to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Model these behaviors as well. Hand washing with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or their elbow. Keeping their hands out of their mouth, nose, and eyes. Keeping their distance from people who are sick. Social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others. Keeping things clean at home including commonly touched surfaces (light switches, alarms, cell phones, remote controls, etc.).

Help them keep parts of their routines. Same as adults, routines help children feel anchored, in control, and safe. It is important that we try to keep as many of their normal routines in place. Morning, grooming, and bedtime habits such as brushing their teeth, changing into pj’s before bed, and reading their bedtime story should be maintained. They should also continue to do some schoolwork and be allowed time for outside play. Allow them to Facetime or have a zoom meeting with their friends and close family members under your supervision. Help them maintain some sense of normalcy.

With school closures, cancellations of extracurricular, time off from work, and mandates to work from home, many of us have more time with our children than we have had in a while. We should enjoy this time and use it to strengthen our time together. Have movie nights, play board games, play outside in the yard, and make sure that you keep the lines of communication open.

OHCC Behavioral Health Team

Keeping Calm through COVID-19

Keeping Calm Through Covid-19

Have you been feeling uneasy and nervous? Has it been constant or excessive? You may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is the mind and body’s response to perceived danger. It is natural to experience symptoms of anxiety during times of stress. For example, if a bear is in front of you, you will have racing thoughts, sweaty palms, a rapid heartbeat, and a fight/flight/or freeze reaction. However, if you are constantly experiencing the same symptoms when you are watching the news or settling in for bed, this may be a sign of anxiety.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) may not be a vicious beast in front of you, but it might feel that way. So, what can you do to combat the symptoms of anxiety that this uncertainty brings?

1.     Identify your feelings. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and express how you feel. Share your feelings with a friend or loved one. Write a journal entry or anonymous blog post.

2.     Seek support. Ask those around you if they are feeling the same way you are. If so, why? If not, why not?

3.     Practice relaxation skills. One of the best ways to manage anxiety is by engaging in “Mindfulness” activities. Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your awareness on the present moment and accepting your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Practice yoga, meditation, or engage in spirituality. You can also do deep breathing exercises including box breathing which consists of 4 seconds of breathing in, hold for 4 seconds, 4 seconds breathing out, hold for 4 seconds, REPEAT. (YouTube has many great videos to demonstrate all of these relaxation skills for FREE!)

4.     Keep busy. Play a board game with a friend or child. Clean that junk drawer or closet you have been putting off for days (or years). Binge watch a new Netflix series or catch up on movies on Amazon Prime. Read a book.

5.     Limit time on social media and/or news outlets. We all want answers, and everyone seems to have them nowadays, but it is not healthy to become obsessive. Get updates from trusted media outlets that are important to your immediate workplace, neighborhood, and family. It is easy to get swept up in mass panic, but that will not make this easier for you or your loved ones. Use boundaries! Limit talk and conversations about COVID-19. You can say that you would prefer to talk about something else. Also, limit time on social media.  

6.     Forgive yourself. This is a strange, new, scary time in the world. Have self-compassion. Forgive yourself for having human reactions and take care of yourself as you would your favorite person. Remember that this is hard, and you are doing the best you can in uncharted territory. 

You CAN wash your hands regularly with clean running water and soap, use hand sanitizer when water and soap are not available, practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when you sneeze or cough, limit/avoid travel, and stay home if you’re sick (even if it’s mild). 

You CANNOT control what is happening with others. Instead of focusing on fear or things that you cannot control, do what you can and spend your time in a positive manner. Protect your body and your mind. They need each other.

There is also a Keeping Calm through COVID hotline number, 1-866-310-7977, where trained counselors are available 24/7. All calls are confidential.

OHCC Behavioral Health Team

Colon Cancer Awareness

colon cancer awareness

Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon (intestines) and rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Deaths have been decreasing for several decades with increased screening as well as improved treatment. 

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include being overweight, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. These are all things that you can change. Risk factors that you cannot change are being older, having a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. African Americans have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the US.

Some symptoms of colorectal cancer are changes in bowel habits like diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of the stool, the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that does not go away when you have a bowel movement, rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, abdomen pain, and/or unintended weight loss. 

The US Preventative Task Force recommends colon cancer screenings should start at age 50 until age 75 for those who have an average risk of developing colorectal cancer. The screenings can include either a fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. The best test for you is determined by your healthcare provider. 

If you would like to schedule a colon cancer screening with one of our providers, please call (225) 665-6422.

Sabrina Grantham, PA

Why is American Heart Month Important To Black People?

Why is american heart month important to black people?

Was that title eye catching enough? I ask because many of my patients are black, or African-American, and when I initially have conversations with them about heart health it often seems to be a foreign concept. That is to say they know having a healthy heart is important, but they often don’t know how to achieve or maintain this status in their everyday lives. To go one step further, when I ask if they have a family history of heart disease it’s almost certainly an affirmative response in one form or another. Considering those responses and the fact that February is also American Heart Month, I decided to write a summary about cardiovascular health disparities affecting black people and simple ways to improve those outcomes that the everyday person should know.

Health disparities are defined as preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations.[1] A person’s race or ethnicity should not put them more at risk for having heart disease or stroke, but unfortunately, it is one factor that affects a person’s likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke and further affects their chances of survival if they do suffer from either. It should be no surprise to many that the African-American population are regularly plagued by many of the worst health disparities on record and those related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are not exceptions. Among the various minority population groups, African-American men have the highest overall death rate from cardiovascular disease.[3,4] CVD age-adjusted death rates are 33% higher for the black population than for the overall population in the U.S. Also, black people are 30% more likely to die from heart disease. They are also twice as likely to have a stroke and much more likely to die from one than whites.[2]

Now I know statistics sometimes don’t make sense to people who are not fans of statistics. So allow me to present the above information in a more practical sense. Let’s say we have 100 black patients in a clinic and are watching to see how many of them are going to have a stroke over their lifespan in comparison to 100 white patients. For our example, if 40 of the 100 white patients were to have a stroke then that would mean 80 of our 100 black patients would likely have stroke. When looking at the death rates in those same 100 black patients, 33 of them are going to die of a CVD related cause before even 1 patient of another population dies of a CVD related cause in the U.S.

When I think about those statistics in that manner it hits differently. When I recognize that I can name so many patients, friends, and even family members who have suffered from some type of CVD with severe outcomes, it makes those statistics even more appalling. There are many other feelings and emotions that tend to arise the deeper you look into the data, especially reasons why black people are affected at such higher levels than others. But for me the feeling I choose to focus on is motivation. Motivation to help spread information like what was mentioned above. Motivation to educate others about CVD so that preventing it is more attainable. It just so happens that my motivation aligns with the purpose of American Heart Month.

To raise awareness about heart health and urge those around you to prevent heart disease are some of the goals of American Heart Month. Since we have done the former in previous paragraphs, let’s now focus on the prevention portion to finish things off. Seeing that many of the causes of CVD in black people originate from poor health decisions I believe mentioning healthy behaviors that should be followed is necessary. Some easy and simple actions include completing 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (running, walking, bike-riding, etc.) at least 3 times per week, maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight, and seeking medical care even before you are sick. Yes, I did say seek medical care before you are sick so that you prevent a negative outcome before it happens. If these decisions are made early on and consistently followed then the 100 patients, family members, and friends that were counted in our examples will be just as likely, or even less likely, as anyone else to have CVD. Thanks for reading.

Byron Jasper, MD, MPH

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References

1. CDC. Community Health and Program Services (CHAPS): Health Disparities Among Racial/Ethnic Populations. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2008

2. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2009 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation 2008.

3. State of disparities in cardiovascular health in the United States. Mensah GA, Mokdad AH, Ford ES, Greenlund KJ, Croft JB Circulation. 2005 Mar 15; 111(10):1233-41.

4. Racism and cardiovascular disease in African Americans. Wyatt SB, Williams DR, Calvin R, Henderson FC, Walker ER, Winters K Am J Med Sci. 2003 Jun; 325(6):315-31.

Floss the Teeth You Want to Keep!

Floss the Teeth You Want to Keep!

This has been my go-to sentence in communicating with my patients, young and older, for almost 20 years. That little harmless piece of string is not your enemy, yet many of my patients floss irregularly.  Some find it too cumbersome with statements that they are in a hurry, can’t wrap it around their fingers, or they just don’t like it.  

So why is flossing so important?  The simple answer is that flossing goes where the toothbrush can’t reach.

Flossing reduces the amount of plaque in between the teeth and around the gums. According to the American Dental Association, there are more than 500 bacterial species in plaque. In conjunction with water, food debris as well as other oral components the plaque buildup around the teeth can increase the progression of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease that is the leading cause of tooth loss in Adults. Although, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that there is no significant evidence that flossing can prevent periodontitis, we do know that periodontitis is a bacterial infection that destroys attachment fibers and bone supporting the teeth leading to tooth mobility and in untreated instances tooth loss. 

The avoidance of flossing leads to a snowball of effects. First it starts with the accumulation of plaque which is a mostly sticky invisible film that forms on the teeth throughout the day. Daily brushing helps with the removal of plaque on the front and back surfaces of the teeth but does not remove the plaque that is stuck in between the teeth. The plaque then turns into tarter which is harder to remove and irritates the gumline.  The longer the plaque and tarter remain untreated it advances to gingivitis which then advances to periodontitis. 

“Doc, can I just use toothpicks?” is often asked by my patients.  Some would rather use toothpicks due to convenience and because it seems so much easier with removing anything stuck in between the teeth.  

Unfortunately, a toothpick can do further damage to the gums if not used carefully and will not clean in between teeth as well as dental floss. 

There is not much evidenced based research on the lack of flossing and periodontal disease. However, clinically, I can see a huge difference in my patients that floss and see me every 6 months compared to those who do not. 

Next time you decide to run out the door without flossing, I implore you to take 2 minutes out of your time to floss after your morning tooth brushing routine.  

Good oral hygiene practices of brushing and flossing keep your gums healthy and your dentist and hygienist happy.

Tamma Gray, DDS