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Category: Health Facts

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.

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.

December is National Influenza Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

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

Posted on by Community Health Net in

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.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Although over 10 million U.S. adults experience domestic violence annually, it can affect everyone regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.

 

Get the Facts

  • Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, economic, and emotional/psychological abuse.
  • Every year millions of children are exposed to domestic violence.
  • Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
  • Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control.
  • Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death.
  • An average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.
  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying lock-downs, social distancing, and other mitigation measures have only exacerbated domestic violence.

Take Action

Know the Warning Signs of Partner Abuse in a Relationship

  • Telling you that you never do anything right.
  • Showing extreme jealousy of your friends and time spent away from them.
  • Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
  • Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
  • Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
  • Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
  • Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
  • Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
  • Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
  • Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
  • Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
  • Destroying your belongings or your home.

Know the Warning Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

  • Child abuse and neglect is any harm to a child that is not an accident.
  • Child abuse and neglect are also called child maltreatment.
  • Neglect is when parents or caregivers fail to ensure a child’s health and well-being.
  • Neglect may result from not providing a child with appropriate shelter, schooling, clothing, medical care, or protection from hazards.
  • Physical abuse causes bodily injuries, such as bruises, burns, fractures, cuts, punctures, or organ damage.
  • Physical abuse includes harming a fetus, such as when a pregnant woman has substance use disorder or is purposefully injured.
  • Emotional (psychological) abuse is a repeated pattern of intentional verbal or behavioral actions or lack of actions toward a child that give the message that he or she is worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered, or only of value to meet someone else’s needs.
  • Withholding emotional support, isolating, or terrorizing a child are forms of emotional abuse.
  • Intimate partner (domestic) violence that is witnessed by a child is also considered a form of emotional abuse.
  • Sexual abuse is any act with a child that is intended to sexually gratify an older child or adult. It includes any sexual activity that a child does not comprehend or consent to, or that is against the law. Exhibitionism, voyeurism, and exposing a child to pornography are also types of sexual abuse.
  • You suspect child abuse. Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor.

What should you do if you’re being abused?

  • It’s important to get help. Talk with someone you trust, such as a friend, a help center, or your doctor. Talking with someone can help you make the changes you need.
  • Your first step is to contact a local advocacy group for support, information, and advice on how to stay safe. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) for the nearest program. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages.
  • You can also see the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website at https://ncadv.org/resources to find programs that offer shelter and legal support.
  • Know your legal rights. Consider asking the police for help.
  • Make sure that you know phone numbers you can call and places you can go in an emergency.
  • Teach your children not to get in the middle of a fight.
  • If you think you may leave, make a plan to help keep you safe. This will help when you are getting ready to leave. Your plan might include:
  • Putting together and hiding a suitcase of clothing, copies of your car and house keys, money or credit cards, and important papers, such as Social Security cards and birth certificates for you and your children. Keep the suitcase hidden in your home or leave it with friends or family or at work if possible.
  • Open a savings account or get a credit card, if you can do so in secret.
  • If you are a teen, talk to a trusted adult, such as your parents, family friend, or school counselor. You can also call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free: 1-866-331-9474.

What should you do if you know someone who is being abused?

  • Be a good listener and a caring friend.
  • Remind the person that no one deserves to be treated this way.
  • Let the person know that the abuse is against the law and that help is available.
  • Help the person make a plan to stay safe.
  • You can also suggest that the person call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) to find a local domestic violence support group.
  • Keep in mind that the person may not want or be ready to leave. He or she probably knows the abuser best and knows what options are safest. But it is important for victims of abuse to know where they can get help.

Why do victims stay?

People who are not abused might find it hard to understand why anyone would stay in a violent relationship. Some people think that if a person stays in an abusive relationship, she or he must be weak or needy. This is not true. There is more to this issue than simply leaving or staying. A woman may fear that the abuser will hurt her and her children or take her children away. She may have limited financial options. She may blame herself. She may stay for religious reasons or because she does not want to break up the family. Also, she may still love her abuser and hope that things will get better. The abuser may threaten self-harm or suicide. Men who are being abused may have similar feelings.

 

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.

September is National Aging Awareness Month!

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

National Aging® Awareness Month focuses on practical ways for adults, ages 45-plus, to improve their physical and mental well-being and take control of their health!

 

Get the Facts

  • Falls are very common in older adults. Many falls cause only minor injuries, but some can be life-changing and cause older adults to restrict their activities.
  • Memory concerns often cause anxiety for older adults and families. They may — or may not — reflect substantial decreases in thinking abilities.
  • Although healthy older adults have lower rates of depression than the general public, depression is still a common problem that is easily missed. It’s more common in those who are struggling with illness, involved in caregiving, or socially isolated.
  • About 50% of all adults aged 65+ experience bothersome pain every month, often in multiple parts of the body. Persisting pain is linked with decreased social and physical activity, depression, and taking worse care of one’s own health. Pain can also be a sign of a new health problem that needs attention or a chronic problem that’s being poorly managed.
  • Both isolation (not having a lot of social contact with others) and loneliness (the feeling of lacking social connection) have been linked to declines in physical health. A 2012 study found that 43% of older adults reported feeling lonely; over the next 6 years, they were more likely to lose physical abilities or die. Loneliness and isolation have also been linked to decreased immune function and a greater risk of depression.
  • Polypharmacy means taking multiple medications. It’s a problem mainly because as people get older, they become especially at risk for harm from medication side-effects or interactions.
  • According to the CDC, every year 177,000 older adults visit the emergency room due to medication problems.

Take Action.

  • Exercise can be as simple as walking just ten or fifteen minutes, three to four times a week, and increasing as you go.
  • For those who are more active, try taking up tennis or joining a club where you can swim or use the exercise equipment.  Even just taking a dance class or senior yoga, gardening, or mowing the lawn.
  • Consider proper portion sizes when eating.  Eating larger portions than recommended leads to obesity, diabetes, and/or heart disease.
  • Keeping your mind active and engaged may ward changes that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Be pos­i­tive in your con­ver­sa­tions and your actions every day.
  • Stay Social. Don’t be afraid to make new friends, and make an effort to see your old friends, too. A sedentary lifestyle devoid of interaction with friends and family leads to health issues and isolation can lead to depression.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled visits to your healthcare provider.
  • If you feel pains or symptoms, do not ignore them.  See your provider immediately.

 

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.

July is National UV Safety Awareness Month!

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

Sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, and UV exposure can raise skin cancer risk even without causing sunburn.

Get the Facts.

  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation from the sun and manufactured sources like tanning beds and welding torches.
  • Everyone’s skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
  • People with light skin are much more likely to have their skin damaged by UV rays (and to get skin cancer), but darker-skinned people, including people of any ethnicity, can also be affected.
  • You don’t need x-rays or blood tests to find skin cancer early – just your eyes and a mirror.
  • Both IARC and NTP classify the use of UV-emitting tanning devices, including sunlamps and tanning beds, as carcinogenic (or having the potential to cause cancer to humans.)

Take Action.

  • Protect your skin with clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  • If you’re going to be outside, simply staying in the shade, especially during midday hours, is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure to sunlight.
  • Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.
  • Use sunscreen to help protect skin that isn’t covered with clothing.

You need to be especially careful in the sun if you:

  • Have had skin cancer before.
  • Have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
  • Have many moles, irregular moles, or large moles.
  • Have freckles and burn before tanning.
  • Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond, red, or light brown hair.
  • Have certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus).
  • Have had an organ transplant.
  • Take medicines that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

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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