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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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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

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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

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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.

Community Health Net Welcomes Dr. Steven R. Do

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Steven R. Do, DO, MBA, AAHIVS, joined Community Health Net in December 2021. He is a fellowship-trained, board-certified physician in Infectious Disease, HIV/AIDS Medicine, and Internal Medicine. Dr. Do is providing HIV/AIDS & Primary Care Services in the Ryan White Clinic, located at Daniel S. Snow, M.D. Health Center, 1202 State Street, Erie, PA 16501.

Dr. Do grew up in Texas. He graduated from Elsik High School in Houston, TX, with the highest honor. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biomedical Sciences and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with high honors from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, and University of the People in Pasadena, CA, respectively.

Dr. Do graduated with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN, before pursuing additional training in Internal Medicine residency at the University of North Texas Health Science Center-Corpus Christi Medical Center in Corpus Christi, TX, and Infectious Disease fellowship at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine-Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.

Dr. Do served as a Clinical Instructor in Medicine and received the Outstanding Fellow in Teaching Award of the Year 2021 from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Infectious Disease Society of America, American Academy of HIV Medicine, and American College of Osteopathic Internists.

 

Make an appointment with Dr. Do today!

Location:
Daniel S. Snow, M.D. Health Center

Get Your Health Back on Track!

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During the last few months, has your healthcare taken a backseat? Yet, would you agree that your overall wellness is more important than ever before? Well, why not make your health a priority today?

“Get Your Health Back On Track!” by calling Community Health Net! We offer quality Medical, Dental, Vision, Behavioral Health, and Pharmacy services, regardless of your ability to pay! In addition to COVID-19 testing and vaccination services, we have vaccine educational resources to help you make an informed decision about your family’s health!. And we have a great team of healthcare providers that care and will give you the dignity and respect that YOU expect!

To schedule an appointment today, just dial (814) 455-7222. Our representatives will be happy to assist you. Or, click here to send an email to our team.

 

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Learn More about Our COVID-19 Resources.

 

December is National Influenza Awareness Month

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The Flu is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system. It can result in serious health complications that could lead to hospitalization and even death.  

Get the Facts

  • The Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and – sometimes – the lungs. 
  • People with influenza can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away.  
  • People with the Flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins.
  • The Flu is different from a cold. Unlike a cold, it usually comes on suddenly.
  • Flu viruses are spread mainly by tiny droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze or talk.
  • Flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter.

People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:

  • Young children under age 5, and especially those under six months.
  • Adults older than age 65.
  • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
  • Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth.
  • People with weakened immune systems.
  • Native Americans.
  • People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
  • People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

Take Action

  • The best way to prevent the Flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
  • Where a mask.
  • Practice social distancing.

Call your medical provider if you have the following symptoms:

  • Fever.
  • Aching muscles.
  • Chills and sweats.
  • Headache.
  • Dry, persistent cough.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Tiredness and weakness.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Sore throat.
  • Eye pain.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults).

Seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Ongoing dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Worsening of existing medical conditions
  • Severe weakness or muscle pain

Emergency signs and symptoms in children can include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blue lips
  • Chest pain
  • Dehydration
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Seizures
  • Worsening of existing medical condition

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule your flu shot 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.

 

November is COPD Awareness Month

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects millions of Americans. It is the third leading cause of disease-related death in the U.S. The good news is that COPD is often preventable and treatable. If you or a loved one has COPD, there are steps to take to cope with the lifestyle changes this disease brings.

Get the Facts

  • COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.
  • COPD is almost always caused by smoking.
  • COPD gets worse over time. You cannot undo the damage to your lungs.
  • Many people don’t recognize the symptoms of COPD until the later stages of the disease.
  • Some think they are short of breath or less able to go about their normal activities because they are “just getting older.”
  • COPD is most common in people who are older than 60.
  • People who have COPD are more likely to get lung infections.

Take Action

If you experience any of the following symptoms or think you might be at risk for COPD, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor:

  • Chronic cough.
  • Shortness of breath while doing everyday activities (dyspnea).
  • Frequent respiratory infections.
  • Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis).
  • Fatigue.
  • Producing a lot of mucus (also called phlegm or sputum).
  • Wheezing.

The best way to slow COPD is to quit smoking. It is never too late to quit. No matter how long you have smoked or how severe your COPD is, quitting smoking can help stop the damage to your lungs. Also, consider the following:

  • Avoid things that can irritate your lungs, such as smoke and air pollution.
  • Use an air filter in your home.
  • Get regular exercise to stay as strong as you can.
  • Eat well so you can keep up your strength.
  • Maintain good mental health.

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (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.

New Patient Concierge Service

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We are proud to introduce a new Patient Concierge Service from Community Health Net! We now provide free transportation to and from your appointments for patients of our 1202 State Street location, with walk-up, door-to-door service! To request our Patient Concierge Service, call 814-455-7222, or speak to a member of your Care Team during your next visit!

More Information

  • You must live within a 10-mile radius of our 1202 State Street location.
  • You must be a patient at our 1202 State Street location.
  • Our Patient Concierge Service operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am until 3:30 pm.
  • You must submit a request for our Patient Concierge Service 24 hours before your appointment time.

Community Health Net Reports Record 2020-2021 Fiscal Year with $4.4m in Net Assets, Grows Cash Reserves by 50 Percent

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The organization continues to show improvement in cash flow and liquidity. 

 

Erie, Pa. – October 26, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced that it ended its fiscal year at its strongest financial position to date, with $4.4m in net assets. Additionally, CHN grew its cash reserves by 50% and implemented telehealth services while experiencing burdens generated by the pandemic.

“The pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 have thus far been very stressful on all of us and especially our community’s and nation’s healthcare system. At CHN, we have faced this challenging event head-on to improve the quality of life for the residents in our region,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “We are committed to doing what needs to be done for our community’s health and well-being during these uncertain times. Although this has proven to be a difficult task, we have succeeded.“

Before the pandemic, CHN had significantly changed its culture, streamlined operations, and improved its patient services.  These efforts have resulted in many public successes, including Community Health Net being named “Best-in-Class Equity Performer” by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 2021.  Additionally, the changes gave the organization the agility to successfully navigate the pandemic, provide quality health services, and remain financially strong.

“As reflected in the key performance indicators, CHN continues to show improvement in cash flow and liquidity. From a trending perspective, and due in part to a number of the [grant] awards, our cash reserves grew by 50%, and our ratio climbed to 4.05,” said Cindy DeDionisio, Chief Financial Officer at Community Health Net. “Even while dealing with the impact of the pandemic, we were able to maintain the days in accounts receivable at 30 days. This is a positive indication of our strengthening cash and is exceedingly better than the typical metric for most health centers. In addition, CHN continues to excel in financial compliance through numerous successful audits and fiscal site visit reviews.”

While the pandemic hindered some growth efforts, Community Health Net moved quickly to serve its community through COVID testing and vaccinations. As a result, the organization added over 1000 new patients, provided nearly 6000 vaccinations (including 1st doses, 2nd doses, and several boosters). In addition, through a diverse menu of healthcare services, including telehealth options, CHN provided more than 36,000 patient visits and nearly 30,000 pharmacy prescriptions.

 

About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations and greater than 35 years of service. CHN is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network advancing the wellness of the Lake Erie Region.  Its mission is to improve the region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all.

Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers Names Community Health Net CEO to Board of Directors

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This governance role supports Pennsylvania’s primary care association for community health centers, serving more than 900,000 patients annually.

 

Erie, Pa. – October 19, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Craig Ulmer, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC). The organization is Pennsylvania’s primary care association (PCA) for community health centers, serving more than 917,000 patients annually at 330-plus sites in underserved rural and urban areas.

“It is an honor to be chosen for such important role in support of a vital state-wide institution that fights to ensure affordable, quality health care for all,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. “I am proud to represent our underserved communities in Erie and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.“

Since 1981, PACHC programs and services, including but not limited to healthcare quality, legislative, regulatory, and policy advocacy, have supported health centers in their mission to improve access to affordable, quality primary care for all.

PACHC’s Board of Directors is composed of Community Health Center chief executive officers throughout the Commonwealth. The network of health centers includes Community Health Centers (FQHCs and FQHC Look-Alikes), Rural Health Clinics, and other like-mission providers.

“The decision of our members to elect Craig Ulmer to our Board of Directors was both logical and natural. He is a capable and proven leader who has managed to shape a successful community health care center in the state’s third largest city,” said Cheri Rinehart, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, the association representing the largest network of primary health care providers in the Commonwealth. “Craig is truly committed to the health center mission of improving access to equitable, quality, affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care. We are delighted to benefit from his leadership and experience on the PACHC board of directors.”

Ulmer, a 35-year veteran of CHN, assumed the role of CEO in 2017, shortly after the company completed an intensive strategic planning process that culminated in a new vision, mission, values, and 10-year goals. Since then, the organization has significantly changed its culture, streamlined operations, and improved its patient services under his leadership. These efforts have resulted in a series of public successes, including Community Health Net being named “Best-in-Class Equity Performer” by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 2021, amid the global pandemic.

About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations and greater than 35 years of service. CHN is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network advancing the wellness of the Lake Erie Region. Its mission is to improve the region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all.

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