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March is Colorectal Health Awareness Month

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Introduction

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon, rectum, or anus. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, there are ways to prevent colorectal cancer, and regular screening tests can help detect it early and reduce deaths from this disease. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s learn more about this disease and what we can do to prevent it.

Get the Facts

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the colon, rectum, or anus grow out of control. The colon is the first part of the large intestine, the rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus, and the anus is the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body. Abnormal growths called polyps can form in the colon or rectum, and over time, some of these polyps may turn into cancer. Polyps can form in the colon years before invasive cancer develops.

Signs and Symptoms

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms at first. However, if you experience a change in bowel habits, blood in or on your stool, diarrhea, constipation, feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way, abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away, or unexplained weight loss, talk to your doctor.

Risk Factors

The risk of colorectal cancer increases after age 50. However, the number of new colorectal cancer cases in people younger than 50 has been increasing in the U.S. Other risk factors for colorectal cancer include inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, ovarian cancer, having had colorectal cancer or polyps in the past, and being Black.

Take Action

Treatment

Treatment for colon cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Depending on how advanced the cancer is, a doctor may perform other treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or immunotherapy.

Prevention

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for it routinely. Screening should begin by age 45 and continue regularly to age 75. Different types of screening tests include stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you and how often you should be tested.

Other Preventative Measures

In addition to getting screened, you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, and knowing your family’s health history.

Coping and Support

A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. It is important to learn about your treatment options and talk to friends, family, or medical professionals for support. The National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society are resources that can help you become better informed about your diagnosis and treatment options.

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or click here to contact us.

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 announcement of Community Health Net.

 

Sources

American Cancer Society (2020, July 30). What is Cervical Cancer?  Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/what-is-cervical-cancer.html

National Cervical Cancer Coalition (2023) Understanding Cervical Cancer Prevention. Retrieved January 3, 2023 from https://www.nccc-online.org/understanding-cervical-cancer-screening/

February is Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month

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A child’s smile is a beautiful thing! And strong, healthy teeth are important for more than just bright, confident smiles.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to focus on the importance of children’s oral health, especially how to prevent cavities. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. Children and adolescents are at higher risk for cavities than adults. But with good dental health habits, cavities are easily preventable.

Get the Facts

  • Cavities happen when the bacteria in your mouth metabolize (eat) sugar. The bacteria then produce acid that eats away at the hard outer surface of the teeth, which is made of enamel and dentin. Enamel and dentin contain a lot of the mineral calcium.
  • Sometimes called cavities or tooth decay, cavities affect more than 1 in 5 children aged 2 to 5 years. More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth (also called primary teeth). And more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.
  • Cavities can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, feelings of unhappiness – especially for teens – and problems eating, speaking, and even learning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than other children.

The good news is there are a few simple ways for parents and caregivers to prevent cavities in children.

Take Action

So, What Can Parents Do?

Teaching your child good habits and good attitudes about dental health at an early age can help them maintain good oral health for a lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend simple steps to protect children’s oral health:

For Babies 

  • After each meal, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth.
  • Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.
  • Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears.

For Children 

Brushing

    • Brush your child’s teeth twice each day.
      • Use a soft, small-bristled toothbrush.
      • For children under age 2, use plain water to brush.
    • When your child is old enough to brush on their own, watch them while they brush.
      • Make sure they use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
      • Make sure they spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing.

Children who brush their teeth each day with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities. For children under age 2, talk to your dentist or doctor about when to begin using fluoride toothpaste. And learn more about fluoride below.

What to Eat?

A healthy diet is important for strong, healthy teeth. Getting plenty of calcium will help your child’s teeth grow strong. Good sources of calcium include:

  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt (unsweetened is best)
  • Spinach
  • Collard greens
  • Black beans (canned)

Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria that cause cavities. So, limit drinks and foods that have added sugars.

  • At mealtime, serve water instead of juice or soda.
  • Fruits and vegetables are much better for oral health than cookies, candies, or even fruit drinks.

During Pregnancy 

Did you know that good oral health begins before a baby is even born?

Gum disease during pregnancy can harm the mother’s health and may be linked to low birth weight in babies. Mothers can unintentionally pass cavity-causing bacteria to newborns. And children are three times as likely to have cavities if their mothers have high levels of untreated tooth decay.

During pregnancy, it’s important to:

  • Make and keep regular dental appointments.
  • Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice each day.
  • Drink fluoridated tap water every day. (Learn more about fluoride below.)
  • Talk to a dentist or doctor about ways to prevent or manage dental problems.
  • If you have nausea or “morning sickness,” rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water after you get sick. This will help wash stomach acid away and keep your tooth enamel safe.

At School 

It’s no surprise that most childhood cavities occur in the back teeth. Even with regular daily brushing, the back teeth can be hard to reach.

Dental sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent cavities. Dental sealants are applied quickly, easily, and pain-free, and they prevent 80% of cavities.  Many schools offer dental sealant programs for children. If your child’s school has a sealant program, sign your child up to participate. If they don’t, ask your child’s school to start one. Or ask your child’s dentist to apply sealants if it’s appropriate.

Fluoride: Good or Bad? 

Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water and in many foods. Many communities adjust the amount of fluoride in their tap water to help prevent tooth decay. Here’s why:

  • When you eat sugary foods, bacteria in your mouth produce acid that eats away at the hard surface of your teeth (the enamel and dentin). Teeth become weaker and more likely to develop cavities.
  • Fluoride helps rebuild the surface of the tooth in three ways.
    • It makes teeth strong and more resistant to acid.
    • It can stop early tooth decay by putting hard minerals back into teeth.
    • It interferes with bacteria’s ability to make acid.
  • Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated.

You can learn about the amount of fluoride in your community’s tap water. Visit My Water’s Fluoride.

To prevent cavities, there should be 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water.

Is there too little fluoride in your community’s water? Ask your dentist or doctor if your child should use fluoride supplements, such as tablets, lozenges, or drops taken orally.

Smiles are empowering. And they’re an important part of your child’s overall health. So, remember, to prevent cavities:

  • Brush each day
  • Limit sugar
  • Fluoride in water and toothpaste can help.
  • Visit your dentist regularly.
  • Smile!

 

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.

 

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics (2020, December 10). Oral Health Campaign Toolkit. Aap.org. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/campaigns-and-toolkits/oral-health/  

American Dental Association. Burger, D. (2022, October 19). 2023 National Children’s Dental Health Month approaching. ADA News. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://www.ada.org/publications/ada-news/2022/october/2023-national-childrens-dental-health-month-approaching

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). Children’s Dental Health. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/features/childrens-dental-health.html  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, April 6). Children’s Oral Health. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html 

Cleveland Clinic (2022, May 2). 22 Calcium-Rich Foods. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/calcium-rich-foods/. 

Department of Health and Human Services: Head Start and Early Head Start (2022, November 16). Brush Up on Oral Health: Understanding How Fluoride Helps Prevent and Repair Tooth Decay. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/oral-health/brush-oral-health/understanding-how-fluoride-helps-prevent-repair-tooth-decay

National Institutes of Health. Guarnizo-Herreno, C. C., & Wehby, G. L. (2012, June 23). Children’s Dental Health, School Performance, and Psychosocial Well-Being. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22727866/. 

World Health Organization (2017, November 9). Sugars and Dental Caries. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sugars-and-dental-caries. 

HIV Awareness Day

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Although the world has made significant progress since the late 1990s, HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. 

Get the Facts

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. There is currently no effective cure for HIV. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Some groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of many factors, including their sex partners and risk behaviors.

How do I know if I have HIV?

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV.

Are there symptoms? 

For many, yes. Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks. Having these symptoms alone doesn’t mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. Some people have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Rash
  • Muscle Aches
  • Night Sweats
  • Mouth Ulcers
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

When people with HIV don’t get treatment, they typically progress through three stages. But HIV treatment can slow or prevent progression of the disease. With advances in HIV treatment, progression to Stage 3 (AIDS) is less common today than in the early years of HIV.

Take Action

The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you healthy.

If your test result is positive, you can take medicine to treat the virus. HIV treatment reduces the amount of HIV in your blood (viral load). Taking HIV treatment as prescribed can make the viral load so low that a test can’t detect it (undetectable viral load). Getting and keeping an undetectable viral load (or staying virally suppressed) is the best way to stay healthy and protect others.

What should I expect when I go in for an HIV test? 

Your experience may be different depending on the setting.

If you get an HIV test in a health care setting or lab, the health care provider will take a sample of blood or oral fluid.

  • With a rapid test (oral fluid or finger stick), you may be able to wait for the results.
  • With a lab test, it may take several days for your results to be available.

Your health care provider may talk with you about your risk factors, answer any questions you might have, and discuss next steps.

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or click here to contact us.

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.

 

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 1). HIV basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html

November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

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Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. About 1 in 3 people over 65 die from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

Get the Facts

Alzheimer’s disease is a primary cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease damages nerve cells in the brain. In the early stages, there may not be many, if any, symptoms. However, short-term memory loss is often the first sign. Over time, as more neurons are damaged, Alzheimer’s disease results in problems with judgment, language, and thought processes. Eventually, it affects a person’s ability to function and care for themselves.

The term dementia defines brain diseases related to memory loss and diminished cognitive skills. Alzheimer’s disease is probably the most recognized type, but other types of dementia exist.

They include:

  • vascular dementia
  • dementia with Lewy bodies
  • mixed dementia
  • dementia caused by Parkinson’s disease
  • dementia caused by Huntington’s disease
  • Statistics from 2022 estimate that there are more than 6.5 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.

There’s ongoing research into ways to prevent and manage Alzheimer’s disease. As science learns more about how Alzheimer’s disease develops, there may be ways to prevent or slow the progression. However, there are a few medical treatments available. The newest medication, Aduhelm (aducanumab), was just approved in June 2021. This medication reduces the buildup of beta-amyloid protein plaques in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, these plaques start to block and disrupt normal nerve cell function.

Take Action

In Alzheimer’s disease, there’s a buildup of inflammatory proteins in the brain. Many chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, are also shown to involve inflammation. So, talk to your doctor if you are at risk for diabetes or heart disease.

Other recommendations include:

  • eating an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean way of eating
  • regular monitoring of blood pressure and treatment with dietary changes, activity, and medications, as needed
  • quitting or cutting down on smoking if you smoke
  • practicing physical activity
  • managing cholesterol levels with dietary changes and medications as needed
  • monitoring blood sugar levels and managing prediabetes or diabetes with dietary changes, physical activity, and medications as needed

Heart disease may also be a cause of vascular dementia, which results from narrowed blood vessels in the brain. This leads to a decrease in oxygen to brain tissues.

For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts (healthline.com)

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or click here to contact us.

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.

October is Sudden Infant Death Awareness Month

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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a real fear for parents. It can affect any family, seemingly without reason or warning.

Get the Facts

Sometimes a baby who seems healthy dies during sleep. If this happens to a healthy baby younger than one year old, it’s called sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. In most cases, a parent or caregiver places the baby down to sleep and returns later to find the baby has died. But, unfortunately, it’s no one’s fault. SIDS can happen even when you do everything right.

What causes it?

Doctors don’t know what causes SIDS, but researchers are studying the possibility that SIDS may be caused by problems with how well the brain controls breathing, heart rate and rhythm, and temperature during the first few months of life.

Some factors may increase the risk of SIDS.

If during pregnancy, the mother:

  • Is younger than 20 years old.
  • Smoked or vaped.
  • Uses drugs or alcohol.
  • Did not have prenatal care.

If the baby is:

  • Premature.
  • Part of a multiple pregnancy (for example, a twin or triplet).
  • Put down to bed on their stomach or side.
  • In a bed on a soft surface or with loose blankets or pillows.
  • Sharing a bed with parents, siblings, or pets.
  • Dressed too warmly or in a very warm room.

Take Action

There is no sure way to prevent SIDS. But there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS and other deaths related to sleep.

  • Put your baby to sleep on their back, not on their side or tummy.
  • Don’t expose your baby to secondhand smoke.
  • Have your baby sleep in a crib, cradle, or bassinet in the same room where you sleep. Don’t sleep with your baby in the same bed.
  • Never sleep with a baby on a couch or an armchair.
  • Keep soft items and loose bedding out of the crib.
  • Make sure that your baby’s crib has a firm mattress (with a fitted sheet). Don’t use sleep positioners, bumper pads, or other products that attach to crib slats or sides.
  • Keep the room at a comfortable temperature so your baby can sleep in lightweight clothes without a blanket.
  • Consider giving your baby a pacifier while they sleep.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or click here to contact us.

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.

September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month

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Protecting your child from potentially treatable diseases is vital if you are expecting parents or new parents. Newborn screening identifies conditions that can affect a child’s long-term health or survival.

Get the Facts

Newborn screening is a public health program that tests spots of blood from all newborns for certain conditions that are not noticeable at the time of birth but can cause serious disability or even death if not treated quickly.

Infants that develop conditions may seem perfectly healthy and frequently come from families with no previous history of a condition.

Early detection, diagnosis, and intervention can prevent death or disability and enable children to reach their full potential.

Each year, millions of babies in the U.S. are routinely screened, using a few drops of blood from the newborn’s heel

Babies are screened for certain genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders, and are also tested for hearing loss and critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) prior to discharge from a hospital or birthing center.

The National Institutes of Health states, “Using a few drops of blood, newborn screening detects a treatable condition in about 1 in 300 babies born each year, a total of about 12,500 cases each year.”

Take Action

Screening occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery. A “heel stick” provides blood drops that are collected on sterile, absorbent filter paper.

Most states also include a hearing test in newborn screening.

Many states measure the amount of oxygen in a baby’s blood to identify infants who need to see a heart specialist immediately.

Some states require a second blood test to ensure accuracy when an infant is ten days to 2 weeks old.

When you are thinking about getting a screening test, talk with your health care provider.

Find out what the test is like and how the test may help your child.

Ask what further testing and follow-up will be needed if a screening test result shows a possible problem.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or click here to contact us.

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.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

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Children are exposed to thousands of germs every day. On-time immunizations help provide immunity against potentially life-threatening diseases before children are exposed to them.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended immunizations. Making sure that your child sees their doctor for well-child visits and recommended immunizations is one of the best things you can do to protect your child and community from serious diseases that are easily spread.  Many children missed check-ups and recommended childhood vaccinations during the past two years. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend children catch up on routine childhood immunizations following disruptions from COVID-19.

Get the Facts

  • Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough.
  • Diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, especially for babies and young children.
  • In recent years, there have been outbreaks of diseases, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
  • The national immunization coverage among kindergarten children during the 2020-2021 school year dropped by about 1% from the previous year— that amounts to 35,000 more children without immunization documents.

Read: Diseases & the Vaccines that Prevent Them

Take Action

  • Work with your child’s doctor or nurse to make sure they get caught up on missed well-child visits and recommended immunizations.
  • If you are pregnant, talk to your prenatal care provider about recommended immunizations.
  • All pregnant people are recommended to get a whooping cough shot (Tdap) during the 27th through 36th week of each pregnancy. Getting a Tdap vaccine during pregnancy provides the best protection against whooping cough for you and your baby in the first few months of life before your baby is old enough to get their own whooping cough shots.
  • A flu shot during any trimester of each pregnancy provides the best protection against flu for you and can also protect your baby for the first several months after birth when they are too young to be immunized.
  • Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse about any routine shots your child may have missed.
  • The immunization schedule is designed to provide immunity (protection) early in life before children are likely to be exposed to serious, potentially life-threatening diseases.

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 in learning more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

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

 

June is National Men’s Health Month

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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.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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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.

April is National Autism Awareness Month

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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.

 

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