Author: Community Health Net

Community Health Net’s Alison Davis is All Heart and Soul

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If you weren’t aware, Community Health Net – primarily located in Erie’s downtown at 1202 State Street – is Erie, Pennsylvania’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center. The organization has served the community for over 35 years. The team at “CHN,” as its staff and patients affectionately call Community Health Net, provides individuals and families with high-quality health care – medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, and pharmacy services – regardless of a person’s ability to pay. The organization, with 7 locations in the region, is home to a cadre of about 100 staff and clinicians who love Erie and live and breathe the organization’s mission: to improve the quality of life in our region by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all.

We could describe any of the many people who make up Community Health Net and their commitment to the community. However, there is the story of one person at CHN who defines the words “heart and soul.” She embodies community, stands for dignity and respect, genuinely loves people, and has given her life to and immersed herself in caring for individuals and families of all walks of life and socioeconomic status. Her name is Alison Davis, LPN.

We asked Mrs. Davis what drives her to help people. “My mother was my role model. She was a pediatric nurse,” said Alison Davis, a 16-year veteran LPN. “She would always talk about her patients and how much she loved them.” So when Alison told her mother about her plans to become a nurse, she replied: “If you can love people, be concerned about them, and put them ahead of yourself, then you can.” Alison has lived by those words. She truly loves being a nurse. However, even more so, she loves building life-long relationships with the individuals she cares for.

Mrs. Davis is a transplant to Erie, leaving her roots in Havana, Florida, over 15 years ago. She worked for Community Health Net most of her career in its Healthcare for the Homeless program. “CHN does not turn anyone away from good, adequate care,” she said as she expressed why she works for the organization. Mrs. Davis sees many people that remind her of her brother, who could not care for himself after suffering a stroke and dementia alone. That learned experience provided a profound perspective that increased her capacity to genuinely and deeply empathize with her patients, often extending herself after-hours to care for their needs. “Many of the patients in the program do not have family members who will support them. They need someone who isn’t going to judge them when they come in the door. They deserve to be seen and cared for with respect. We need to have compassion for people.”

Allison’s genuine love for people, along with the many other professionals of Community Health Net, gives her “Heart and Soul” and makes CHN vital to the place we call home.

 

If you love this story, consider donating to Community Health Net on Erie Gives Day on Tuesday, August 9th.  Your donation helps ensure Erie remains healthy and vibrant and will help improve the healthcare outcomes for people in our communities. Make your voice count! Thank you in advance for your support!

If you have any questions, contact Mary Lynn Slivinski, Director of Administrative Services, at mslivinski@community-healthnet.com or 814-454-4530 ext. 227.

 

 

Erie Gives is Right Around the Corner!

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Erie Gives Day is right around the corner, the time of year when our community comes together to support its local nonprofit organizations. Your donation matters! Your donation will make a difference! How?

When you give to Community Health Net, you affirm that our community’s health and vitality are prioritized! Your donation ensures that individuals in the Lake Erie region have access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of insurance type, status, or ability to pay! Your gift supports equitable access to medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy, and other specialized health services that help our community continue to feel great!

On Erie Gives Day, you can feel good about donating to Community Health Net. Why? Because we have served the community for over 35 years and are home to about 100 staff and clinicians who love Erie. Alison Davis, LPN, is one of them. She has worked for Community Health Net for over 15 years in our Healthcare for the Homeless program, caring for individuals of all walks of life. Alison has seen many people that remind her of her brother, who, alone, could not care for himself after suffering a stroke and dementia. That experience provided a profound perspective that increased her capacity to empathize with her patients deeply, often extending herself after-hours to care for their needs. She noted: “Many of the patients in the program do not have family members who will support them. They need someone who isn’t going to judge them when they come in the door. They deserve to be seen and cared for with respect. We need to have compassion for people.”

This year, Erie Gives 2022 will occur on August 9, 2022, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. During the 12 hours of online giving, The Erie Community Foundation and other generous donors will match a percentage of your donation. Giving is simple! Just visit ErieGives.org and select Community Health Net as your charity of choice!

Are you considering donating by check? It’s easy! Make your check(s) payable to The Erie Community Foundation, accompanied by your Erie Gives Check Contribution Form, found online at www.ErieGives.org. All items must be turned into The Erie Community Foundation at 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507, by close of business on Monday, August 8. If you need help locating the form, we are happy to assist!

Remember, your donation to Community Health Net on Erie Gives Day helps ensure Erie remains healthy and vibrant and will help improve the healthcare outcomes for people in our communities. Make your voice count! Thank you in advance for your support!

If you have any questions, contact Mary Lynn Slivinski, Director of Administrative Services, at mslivinski@community-healthnet.com or 814-454-4530 ext. 227.

 

 

 

 

June is National Men’s Health Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Most of the factors that contribute to men’s shorter lives are preventable. This month let’s encourage early detection and treatment among men!

Get the Facts.

  • Nearly three-quarters of men prefer to scrub the toilet or do other chores than see a doctor for preventive care, such as annual checkups.
  • The leading causes of death for men in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and accidents.
  • Men are less likely to recognize and seek help for depression.
  • As a male, you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women.
  • One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.

Take Action

  • Get regular check-ups, and don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about the uncomfortable stuff.
  • If you have chest pain, lightheadedness, back pain, or arm pain, go to the doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor about how often you should get a prostate exam.
  • Regular exercise and healthy eating can help prevent diabetes.

Symptoms of Depression

  • Feeling withdrawn.
  • Acting aggressive, irritable, and hostile.
  • Depression can also be seen in physical symptoms such as a racing heart, headaches, tightening chest, and digestive issues.
  • Deal with feelings by drinking, abusing drugs, or pursuing risky behavior.

In many cultures, it isn’t okay for men to be depressed because it is seen as “feminine.” But that isn’t true. Depression is a real problem that can affect any sex. Depression affects men in different ways than women. Having depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your doctor or trusted friend about how you have been feeling. If it is an emergency, do not hesitate to call 800-273-8255 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

Biggest Hearts Belong to Healthcare Heroes

Posted on by Community Health Net in

Community Health Net, Erie’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center, is home to three people who define the word “heart.” They embody community, stand for dignity and respect, genuinely love people, and have given their lives to and immersed themselves in caring for individuals and families of all walks of life and socio-economic status. Alison Davis, LPN, Stephanie Schaff-Turri, RN, and Toni Gromacki, LPN, are nurses with 59 combined years of service to Erie County. They are proven, battle-hardened healthcare heroes.

“My mother was my role model. She was a pediatric nurse,” said Alison Davis, a 16-year veteran LPN. “She would always talk about her patients and how much she loved them.” When Alison told her mother about her plans to become a nurse, she replied: “If you can love people, be concerned about them, and put them ahead of yourself, then you can.” Alison has lived by those words.

Mrs. Davis is a transplant to Erie, leaving her roots in Havana, Florida, over 15 years ago, working for Community Health Net for most of her career, assisting the organization’s healthcare for the Homeless program. “CHN does not turn anyone away from good, adequate care,” she said as she expressed why she works for the organization. Mrs. Davis sees many clients that remind her of her brother, who could not care for himself after suffering a stroke and dementia. “Many of the patients in the program do not have family members who will support them. They need someone who isn’t going to judge them when they come in the door. They still deserve to be seen and cared for with respect. We need to have compassion for people.”

“Mrs. Davis sees many clients that remind her of her brother, who could not care for himself after suffering a stroke and dementia.”

Stephanie Schaff-Turri feels the same, having spent 19 years with Community Health Net and 12 years as an RN. She is an Erie native with a background in Health Science and Community Health. “We care for one patient at a time. Individualized, patient-centered care significantly impacts families and, by extension, the community,” said Mrs. Schaff-Turri. Initially, she worked to build and ensure adherence to qualified healthcare processes and procedures at CHN before becoming a nurse. “I became an RN because I felt that I would be a greater benefit to the organization by helping people.”

Stephanie often stays after work to help her patients. She also volunteers at outreach events. “I’m not in healthcare for the money. I could be a traveling nurse and make big bucks,” she noted. “What I have is a sense of accomplishment. People who you care for appreciate you years later. They will never forget you. There is a real sense of community as I help patients.”

“I became an RN because I felt that I would be a greater benefit to the organization by helping people.”

Toni Gromacki, a 29-year veteran LPN has the same sense of duty, volunteerism, and love for people. Her family roots run deep in the Erie community. “My whole family is in nursing, social work, and community shelter services. Helping people is in my blood. So, being a nurse is a comfortable fit for me,” said Mrs. Gromacki, who started her career at Community Health Net in Pediatrics. She feels as if her patients are her second family.

Toni loves her job. She works to break down barriers to health care and ensure that everyone can access care. “Patients do not come in a box. You have to listen and read between the lines to understand their needs,” said Mrs. Gromacki. “Community Health Net offers services that they [patients] would not be able to get anywhere else. Health equity and access. That is why I get up every morning to come to work.”

by DaWayne Cleckley for Community Health Net. Read the Erie Time-News / GoErie Article here: https://bit.ly/3FyfCUJ

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Mental health is a huge part of overall health and should be a priority for everyone.

Each year, millions of people in the U.S. face the reality of living with a mental health condition.

Get the Facts

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, or mood. Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis.

A mental health condition isn’t the result of one event. Research suggests multiple, linking causes. Genetics, environment, and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too.

Mental health conditions are far more common than you think, mainly because people don’t like to, or are scared to, talk about them.

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year.
  • 1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences serious mental illness each year.
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Symptoms may include:

  • Excessive worrying or fear.
  • Feeling excessively sad or low.
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning..
    Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria.
  • Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger.
  • Avoiding friends and social activities.
  • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people.
  • Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy.
  • Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite.
  • Changes in sex drive.
  • Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist in objective reality).
  • Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia).
  • Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs.
  • Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
    Thinking about suicide.
  • Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress.
  • An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance.

Take Action

If you or someone you know needs help now, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911.

If you are thinking of harming yourself or others, or are having thoughts of suicide, don’t be afraid to speak openly and honestly if you need help. You are not alone and there is support available.

Mental illness is not your fault or that of the people around you.

Don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step.

It’s crucial that you advocate for your own health so you can receive the best care possible.

Unlike diabetes or cancer, there is no medical test that can accurately diagnose mental illness. A mental health professional will assess symptoms and make a diagnosis.

After diagnosis, a health care provider can help develop a treatment plan that could include medication, therapy, or other lifestyle changes.

When people are directly involved in designing their own treatment plan, including defining recovery and wellness goals, choosing services that support them, and evaluating treatment decisions and progress, the experience of care and outcomes are improved.

Find a Doctor

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

Pennsylvania Physician General Visits Erie’s Community Health Centers

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

From Left to Right: Craig Ulmer, Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Net, Dr. Denise Johnson, Pennsylvania Physician General, and Patricia J. Stubber, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System.

On Friday, April 8th, Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson visited Community Health Net and Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System (MHEDS) to discuss equitable access to healthcare for members of Erie’s diverse underserved, refugee, and immigrant communities. Her trip included a visit to CHN’s vaccine clinic to promote a visit to promote the importance of getting fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Community Health Net and MHEDS, Erie’s Community Health Centers, have consistently partnered on a range of health service opportunities to help ensure the health and vitality of the individuals and families in the Lake Erie Region. Community Health Net is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, addressing the health of the community’s underserved. MHEDS is Erie’s primary FQHC LookAlike, primarily serving the region’s refugee, immigrant, and underserved communities.

Dr. Johnson met with Executives from Erie’s Community Health Centers, key providers within their respective organizations, and Department of Health Coordinators from communities throughout the Western Pennsylvania region. Craig Ulmer, Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Net, and Patricia J. Stubber, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Executive Officer of MHEDS, gave an in-depth presentation highlighting their respective organizations’ stalwart efforts, for-profit and non-profit community partners, and ongoing needs to affect change. A clear narrative developed through the presentation and Dr. Johnson’s follow-up questions: both health centers are undoubtedly engaged, and their work was agreeable with Pennsylvania’s Physician General.

“Community Health Net and MHEDS, Erie’s Community Health Centers, have consistently partnered on a range of health service opportunities to help ensure the health and vitality of the individuals and families in the Lake Erie Region.”

Dr. Johnson listens as Craig Ulmer and Patricia Stubber present a PowerPoint on their organizations’ collective efforts.

Both organizations provided insight into the planning for their long-term collective impact effort: Trauma-Informed Community Development, which they view as the region’s long-term answer to an engaged healthcare effort for Erie’s distressed and socially vulnerable residents. Underpinning the collaboration and other information is the Social Vulnerability Index, designed to help local officials identify communities that may need support and Strategies for Identifying and Engaging At-Risk Groups from the CDC. Factors that inform the endeavor are:

  • Socioeconomic status.
  • Household composition & disability.
  • Minority status & language.
  • Housing & transportation.

Trauma-Informed Community Development is an awareness of the impact that trauma can have in communities relative to healthcare delivery; a method of providing healthcare through a trauma-informed lens consisting of constant attention, caring awareness, and stakeholder engagement to listen to the needs of the individual. During the meeting, Dr. Johnson assisted by identifying resources that could help Erie’s Community Health Centers.

“A clear narrative developed through the presentation and Dr. Johnson’s follow-up questions: both health centers are undoubtedly engaged, and their work was agreeable with Pennsylvania’s Physician General.”

Dr. Johnson listens as Community Health Net and MHEDS providers brief her on the details of their roles in the community healthcare efforts.

Community Health Net reminded the Dr. Johnson of its designation by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as Best in Class Equity Performer for vaccinating on par or in more significant proportions with Erie County’s racial/ethnic minority populations. The conclusion affirmed Community Health Net’s efforts to distribute doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the region equitably.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health invited media to attend the event to highlight the need for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, especially since area code 16501 is the most socially vulnerable for COVID-19 transmissibility in Pennsylvania.

 

 

About Community Health Net

Community Health Net is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network that advances the wellness of the region. Our mission is to improve our region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations serving the Lake Erie region for over 35 years.

About Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System

Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System, Inc. [MHEDS] is the primary community-focused healthcare system promoting the wellness of Erie’s diverse immigrant and underserved communities at its two locations in the City of Erie. MHEDS, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, is a community-based health care provider that meets the HRSA Health Center Program requirements but does not receive Health Center Program funding. We provide primary care services in underserved areas, provide care on a sliding fee scale based on the ability to pay, and operate under a governing board that includes patients. The defining legislation for Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes is Section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act.

 

 

 

 

April is National Autism Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

Autism Awareness activities increase the knowledge of Autism and impart information about the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others. Also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. ASD now includes conditions that used to be diagnosed separately. These include Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder.

Get the Facts

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control, Autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today.
  • Symptoms usually are noticed by the time a child is two years old.
  • The exact cause of ASD is not known.
  • ASD tends to run in families and occurs more often in people with certain genetic conditions such as fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis.
  • The risk of having a baby with ASD is higher if the birth parent is older, has another child who has Autism or has a family history of learning problems.
  • Each person with Autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges, as ASD can range from mild to severe.
  • Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives. In contrast, others may need less help and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
    Others may develop social and verbal skills and lead independent lives as adults.

Take Action

  • Learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for Autism.
  • Educate yourself about ASD. Learning all you can about ASD can help you know how to help your child develop independence.
  • Diagnosing ASD involves a combination of screening questions, assessments, and evaluation of the way a child behaves and interacts with others.
  • As a parent, you know your child best and are their best advocate. If you are concerned, share your observations with your doctor.
  • Well-child visits are essential, as screening questions are usually asked at the 18-month and 24-month timeframe.
  • Treating ASD early gives you the tools and support to help your child lead the best life possible.
  • An essential part of your child’s treatment plan is to make sure that other family members get training about ASD and how to help manage symptoms.
  • Like any other child, your child has strengths and weaknesses. Help build on their strengths by encouraging your child to explore interests at home and in school.
  • Plan breaks. The daily demands of caring for a child with ASD can take their toll. Planned breaks will help you connect with others in your family or have time for yourself. Make time for an activity you enjoy, even if you can only do it for a few minutes each day.
  • Get extra help when your child gets older. The teen years can be a challenging time for children with ASD.
  • Reach out to other families who have children with ASD to talk about your problems and share advice with people who will understand.
  • Plan for your child’s future. Take steps to ensure that your adult child will have proper care and resources throughout life..

Find a Doctor

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

Colorectal Cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer means that cells that aren’t normal are growing in your colon or rectum. These cells grow together and form polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.

This cancer is also called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is. And it occurs most often in people older than 50.

Get the Facts.

  • The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and women combined but varies widely according to individual risk factors.
  • About 71% of cases arise in the colon and about 29% in the rectum.
  • The proportion of cases diagnosed in individuals younger than age 50 increased from 6% in 1990 to 11% in 2013.
  • Most of these cases (72%) occur in people who are in their 40s.

Take Action.

  • Talk to your doctor immediately, regardless of your age or family history, if you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, blood, or other irregularities.
  • All men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer.
  • Adults without a family history should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
  • If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, get screened at age 40 or 10 years before the age of the youngest case in your immediate family.

Symptoms

Colorectal cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms until after it has started to spread. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Pain in your belly
  • Blood in your stool or very dark stools
  • A change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent stools or a feeling that your bowels are not emptying completely

Screening

Screening tests can find or prevent many cases of colon and rectal cancer. They look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. Some experts say that adults should start regular screening at age 50 and stop at age 75. Others say to start before age 50 or continue after age 75. Talk with your doctor about your risk and when to start and stop screening. Your doctor may recommend getting tested more often or at a younger age if you have a higher risk.

Screening tests include stool tests, such as FIT, that can be done at home and procedures, such as colonoscopy, that are done at your doctor’s office or clinic.

Find a Doctor

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

February is Children’s Dental Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

Developing good oral health habits at an early age and visiting the dentist regularly helps children get a great start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!

Get the Facts

  • Cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States.
  • Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.
  • According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, more than 50 percent of children will be affected by tooth decay before age five.
  • Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related conditions.
  • According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, every dollar spent on preventative dental care could save you $8 to $50 in restorative and emergency dental treatments and potentially more in additional types of medical treatment.
  • About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
  • 1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
  • Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).1

Take Action

The good news is that cavities are preventable.

  • A child should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears, or by his or her first birthday.
  • Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.
  • When teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small‑bristled toothbrush and plain water.
  • Help keep your child’s teeth healthy by using the 2-2-2 rule: visit your dentist two times a year, and brush and floss TWO times a day for TWO whole minutes!
  • In general, teeth should be brushed for a full two minutes, twice per day. If your child is racing through cleaning, try setting a timer or help them hum their favorite tune.
  • Teach your children to be gentle with their teeth. Too much pressure may damage their gums.
  • The ADA recommends changing toothbrushes every 3-4 months. Frayed and broken bristles won’t keep your child’s teeth clean. When you’re shopping, look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  • Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth.
  • Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated.
  • Children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.
  • Dental sealants can also prevent cavities for many years. Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth prevent 80% of cavities.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule your child’s dental exam today! Call (814) 456-8548.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public in learning more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. People at risk for glaucoma need to know what steps they can take to help protect their vision.

Get The Facts

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. The symptoms can start so slowly that you may not notice them. Therefore, the only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.

What are the types of glaucoma?
There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common type in the United States is called open-angle glaucoma. It’s what most people mean when they talk about glaucoma. Other types are less common, like angle-closure glaucoma and congenital glaucoma.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
At first, glaucoma doesn’t usually have any symptoms. That’s why half of the people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it. Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your side (peripheral) vision — especially the part of your vision that’s closest to your nose. Because it happens so slowly, many people can’t tell that their vision is changing at first. But as the disease gets worse, you may start to notice that you can’t see things off to the side anymore. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.

Am I at risk for glaucoma?
Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk. You’re at higher risk if you:

  • Are over age 60, especially if you’re Hispanic/Latino.
  • Are African American and over age 40.
  • Have a family history of glaucoma.

Talk with your doctor about your risk for glaucoma, and ask how often you need to get checked. For example, you need to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you’re at higher risk.

What causes glaucoma?

Scientists aren’t sure what causes the most common types of glaucoma. Still, many people with glaucoma have high eye pressure — and treatments that lower eye pressure helps slow the disease. But, unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent glaucoma. That’s why eye exams are so important — so you and your doctor can find it before it affects your vision.

Take Action

How will my eye doctor check for glaucoma?

Eye doctors can check for glaucoma as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam is painless and straightforward. Your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for glaucoma and other eye problems. The exam includes a visual field test to check your side vision.

What’s the treatment for glaucoma?
Doctors use different types of treatment for glaucoma, including medicines (usually eye drops), laser treatment, and surgery. If you have glaucoma, it’s important to start treatment right away. Treatment won’t undo any damage to your vision, but it can stop it from getting worse.

  • Medicines. Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment. They lower the pressure in your eye and prevent damage to your optic nerve.
  • Laser treatment. Doctors can use lasers to help the fluid drain out of your eye to lower your eye pressure. It’s a simple procedure that your doctor can do in the office.
  • Surgery. Your doctor might suggest surgery if medicines and laser treatment don’t work. Several different types of surgery can help the fluid drain out of your eye.

Talk over your options with your doctor. While glaucoma is a serious disease, treatment works well. Remember these tips:

  • If your doctor prescribes medicine, be sure to take it every day.
  • Tell your doctor if your treatment causes side effects.
  • See your doctor for regular check-ups.
  • If you’re having trouble with everyday activities because of your vision loss, ask your doctor about vision rehabilitation services or devices that could help.
  • Encourage family members to get checked for glaucoma since it can run in families.

Call Community Health Net to schedule your eye exam today! Call (814) 455-7222. 

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public in learning more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.