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Category: Health Facts

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

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Ovarian Cancer is known as the deadliest cancer in the US and causes more death than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Get the Facts.

Several factors may increase a women’s risk for ovarian cancer, including if you:

  • Have close family members who have had ovarian cancer.
  • Are middle-aged or older.
  • Have genetic mutation called BRCA1 pr BRCA2, or one associated with Lynch syndrome.
  • Have had breast, uterine, or colorectal (colon) cancer.
  • Have endometriosis.
  • Have never given birth or have had trouble getting pregnant.

Symptoms

  • Recent, frequent bloating.
  • Pain in the belly or pelvis.
  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly.
  • Urinary problems, such as an urgent need to urinate or urinating more often than usual.

These symptoms may be common in women who don’t have ovarian cancer. But if these symptoms are new for you, and they happen almost daily for 2 to 3 weeks, you should see a doctor.

Take Action.

  • Stop smoking! Smoking can increase the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.
  • Stay fit and eat healthily! Having excess body fat is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Risks are lower for those having used birth control pills for five or more years.
  • Women who have breastfed for a year or more may have a modestly reduced risk of ovarian cancer.

Treatment

Surgery is the main treatment. The doctor will remove any tumors that he or she can see. This usually means taking out one or both ovaries. It may also mean taking out the Fallopian tubes and uterus. Chemotherapy is often part of treatment. It may be given before and after surgery.

For most women, the chances of getting this cancer are small. It most often affects women who are past menopause. You may be more likely to get it if other women in your family have had it. Also, some women inherit gene changes that increase their chances of getting it. Talking with other women who are going through the same thing may help. Your doctor or your local branch of the American Cancer Society can help you find a support group!

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

August is Children’s Eye Health & Safety Awareness Month

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During the month of August, parents are encouraged to learn how to protect their child’s eyesight and save their vision through regular eye exams, early detection, and treatment. 

Get the Facts.

  • 1 in 20 children ages 3 to 5 have a vision problem that could result in permanent vision loss.
  • 80 percent of preschoolers do not receive an eye screening.
  • About 100,000 sports-related eye injuries happen every day, where one-third of these injuries occur in children under age 16.
  • 60 percent of children with learning difficulties have an undetected vision problem.
  • Vision problems in children include, but are not limited to, frequently rubbing eyes, closing or covering one eye, and tilting the head or thrusting the head forward.

Signs to Look For

Parents are often the first to notice vision problems in a young child. A vision exam may be needed if your child:

  • Is clumsy (beyond normal toddler clumsiness) and fails to notice new things around him or her.
  • Rubs his or her eyes when the child is not tired (rubbing eyes when tired is normal).
  • Squints when the light is turned on or stares at lights.
  • Has excessive tearing when not crying.
  • Has frequent eye infections, swollen eyelids, or frequent styes. Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) is a common problem in children.
  • Has eyes that seem to bulge, bounce, or dance in rapid regular movements.
  • Often tilts the head to one side as though trying to see better.
  • Avoids tasks or play that requires good vision, like looking at books, or holds books or toys too close, or sits too close to the TV screen.
  • Has eyes that look mismatched or crossed or that don’t move together.
  • Has pupils that are not the same size or that appear white instead of black.

Take Action.

  • Protect your children from sports-related eye injuries using protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses.
  • Early detection of vision conditions is crucial.  Children should have an eye exam beginning at 6 months.
  • See a doctor immediately if you detect red flags, such as uneven focus, lazy eye, or crossed eyes.
  • Make sure children play with age-appropriate toys and take frequent breaks while using digital devices.

Start Early.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommend that all children have an eye exam during the newborn period and again at all routine well-child visits.

The AAO recommends that vision screening start around age 3 and occur each year at ages 4 and 5. After age 5, the AAO recommends screening every 1 to 2 years.

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.

 

July is Ultraviolet Safety Month

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Be Safe in the Sun! Learn more about the link between the sun’s rays and skin cancer, what you can do to help protect yourself, and how to spot skin changes that may require a doctor’s attention.

Get the Facts.

  • You are at an increased risk of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays during summer months, between 10 am and 4 pm.
  • You can even be exposed to UV rays on cloudy days.
  • Reflection from the snow, sand, and water increases sun exposure.
  • Most are vulnerable during outdoor activities, such as water sports, spending time at the beach, swimming, and sailing.

Take Action.

  • Reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter.
  • Long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays.
  • Wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.
  • Put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before you go outside.

Avoid Sun Exposure.

The best way to prevent a sunburn is to avoid sun exposure.

Stay out of the midday sun (from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon), which is the strongest sunlight. Find shade if you need to be outdoors. You can also calculate how much ultraviolet (UV) exposure you are getting by using the shadow rule: A shadow that is longer than you are means UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than you are means the UV exposure is high.

Other ways to protect yourself from the sun include wearing protective clothing, such as:

  • Hats with wide 4 in. (10 cm) brims that cover your neck, ears, eyes, and scalp.
  • Sunglasses with UV ray protection, to prevent eye damage.
  • Loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  • Clothing made with sun protective fabric. These clothes have a special label that tells you how effective they are in protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays.

Sunscreen Protection

If you can’t avoid being in the sun, use sunscreen to help protect your skin while you are in the sun.

Be sure to read the information on the sunscreen label about its SPF value and how much protection it gives your skin. Follow the directions on the label for applying sunscreen so it is most effective in protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Choosing a Sunscreen

  • Sunscreens come in lotions, gels, creams, ointments, and sprays. Use a sunscreen that: Has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher. Says “broad-spectrum” that protects the skin from ultraviolet, and A and B (UVA and UVB) rays.
  • Use lip balm or cream that has SPF of 30 or higher to protect your lips from getting sunburned.
  • Take extra care to protect your skin when you’re near water, at higher elevations, or in tropical climates.

Sunscreens labeled “water-resistant” are made to protect people while they are swimming or sweating. The label will say if the sunscreen will protect you for 40 minutes or 80 minutes.

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.

June is Men’s Health Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

This month is an opportunity to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men. ??? ?ℎ? ????? ??? ???? ??????.

Get The Facts.

  • On average, men die five years younger than women and die at higher rates from 9 of the top 10 causes of death.
  • Most of the factors that contribute to men’s shorter, less healthy lives are preventable.
  • Adult men in the United States visit primary care providers at lower rates than adult women.
  • Many find it difficult to get motivated for physical activity on their own.
  • Men often disregard their own health because they feel responsible for taking care of everyone else.

Take Action.

  • Learn how to stay healthy.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • See a healthcare provider on a regular basis to prevent disease.
  • Get an annual physical.
  • Establish baselines for factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and PSA. Monitor how they change over time.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.

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 National Mental Health Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in

People are experiencing mental wellness challenges and overall stress due to the national health crisis. What about you? If so, you are not alone. Get the Facts. Take Action.

Mental Health Explained

Many people are affected by mental health problems such as depression or panic disorders. These problems can make it harder to think clearly, manage how you feel, and work with other people. Sometimes you may feel helpless and hopeless.

Mental health problems can include but are not limited to Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Schizophrenia.

Stigma

People sometimes have negative views about things they don’t understand, such as mental health problems. This is called stigma. Respecting yourself is important. Try to remember that there’s nothing to feel ashamed of. The problem is with your brain, not with you. You can reach goals that are important to you even if you have a mental health problem.

What Can You Do

Here are some ways you can help others better understand mental health problems:

  • Be honest with people about your condition.
  • Let them know that your mental health problem is a medical problem that can be treated.
  • Talk about your recovery. This will help them understand the challenges you face.
  • Accept that you may need breaks during activities. Your symptoms may make it harder to focus on things for a long time.
  • Work with your family and doctor to set goals you can reach. Let them know what changes you want to make in your 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.

For more information on Mental Health, click here.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to help the public 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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