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July is National UV Safety Awareness Month!

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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.

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, and Pharmacy services, regardless of your ability to pay! 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.

2022 Community Health Needs Assessment

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Community Health Net is conducting this survey to identify health needs in Northwest Pennsylvania.  We need your input!

We are conducting a 5-minute Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey. It is a way of involving community members to identify Erie’s community health needs. The survey results also provide a way for us to prioritize, plan, and act upon unmet community health needs.

This is an ANONYMOUS survey. You must be 18 years or older to complete this survey. Please complete this survey ONLY ONE TIME.

Thank you for participating. Your feedback is important.

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

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 National High Blood Pressure Education Month

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High blood pressure is a common condition that is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and vascular dementia.

Get The Facts.

  • Certain factors increase your risk for high blood pressure, such as:
    • Being overweight
    • Having a family history of high blood pressure
    • Eating too much salt
    • Drinking too much alcohol
    • Increasing age

Take Action.

  • Get regular check-ups and talk to your doctor about any of your concerns
  • Stay at a healthy weight or lose extra weight.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods and limit sodium.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Your blood pressure naturally goes up and down throughout the day. When blood pressure is high, it causes damage to your blood vessel walls that worsen over time. High blood pressure is serious, but the good news is that there are many ways to manage blood pressure.

 

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.

 

PA Department of Health Identifies Community Health Net as “Best-in-Class Equity Performer”

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COVID-19 vaccinations on par or in greater proportions to county racial/ethnic minority.

Erie, Pa. – April 28, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced it was named “Best-in-Class Equity Performer” by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  The designation, issued by Parker Beene, Executive Advisor, Secretary of Health,  states that CHN facilities are vaccinating on par or in greater proportions to Erie County’s racial/ethnic minority populations.  The conclusion is an affirmation of Community Health Net’s efforts to distribute doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the region equitably.

“This recognition is aligned with our mission to improve the quality of life in our region by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “It highlights the success, tremendous work, and positive impact of distributing vaccines equitably to our community by the CHN team during this public health crisis.“

To distribute its Moderna supply equitably, Community Health Net focused on reaching out to minority populations through dialogue and engagement with community leaders and influencers.  The health center also used targeted efforts through flyers, mailings, and other media channels to inform individuals while providing easy access to online registration for the vaccine.  Additionally, CHN maintained open communication channels with state and federal agencies while providing consistent availability to community members throughout the crisis.

“We are proud of Community Health Net and excited by this designation and what it means for the people of Erie.  It is a testimonial to the resolve of our health centers to help ensure equitable health outcomes for all of our communities,” said Cheri Rinehart, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers.  The organization is the state primary care association (PCA) for community health centers, serving more than 900,000 patients annually at 300-plus sites in underserved rural and urban areas. “This finding is reflective of our commitment to provide affordable, quality health care for all by supporting the largest network of primary health care providers in the commonwealth.”

Get Active

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If you feel stress or anxiety during the COVID-19 health crisis, you’re not alone. Staying active during this time may improve both your mood and your physical health. And when you find the right exercise, it can be fun. For many people, being active can reduce stress, blood pressure and improve sleep. You may want to start by walking for just 10 minutes. Try walking around the block every morning or take a stroll during your lunch break.

Staying Active at Home During the Pandemic

  • If you have kids, involve them in activities. Have a dance party, play chase, or jump rope. Be silly with kids. They’ll love it.
  • Do relaxation and flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates.
  • Try an exercise routine that uses your body weight as resistance. Pushups, crunches, and squats are examples of this kind of exercise. Many routines are available for free online.
  • Find creative ways to be active. Walk around during TV commercial breaks, read standing up, or make a standing desk. Daily routines like cooking, cleaning, and gardening can get you moving.

Living through a pandemic can take a toll on a person’s motivation. Remember that there are many ways to stay safe during this time while remaining active. Make a plan. Invite some of your friends to get active with you!

We Want to Ease Your Mind about the J&J Vaccine Pause with Facts.

Posted on by Community Health Net in ,

With the pause of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine – we want to ease your mind a bit with some facts around the pause:

  •  6 people out of 6.8 million who received the J&J vaccine developed a blood clot.
  • All were women who developed blood clots.
  • 1 woman died from it.
  • In all the women, the blood clots developed 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine.
  • Signs of developing a clot are severe headache, pain in your abdomen or legs, shortness of breath.
  • If you develop any of the above signs within 3 weeks after receiving a J&J vaccine, see your doctor immediately and inform him or her that you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • Your doctor needs to know you received the J&J vaccine because if you do have a blood clot, your doctor will treat it differently than other clots.
  • Do NOT hesitate to see your doctor or go to the ER, regardless if your female or male.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Community Health Net Receives Over $2.6mm in Federal Funds

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The funding was distributed to health centers under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Erie, Pa. – April 12, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced it had received $2,601,625 in federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.  The funds, distributed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), are part of a $6 billion investment in the country’s 1,377 community health centers nationwide by the Biden Administration.  An estimated $157,607,000 was distributed to support Pennsylvania’s 42 health centers.

“The Administration’s intent in providing this funding to health centers was to help increase access and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines by empowering local, trusted health professionals,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “We are genuinely excited to receive this investment and put it to work to help the people of Erie and the place we love and call home.”

Community Health Net will use the money to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations, while delivering needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19.  The funds will expand the organization’s operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure.

“Our patients remain our priority.  And COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for underserved urban and rural populations in the region will continue to take precedence,” said Ulmer.  “As we look to the future, we will rely on our strategic plan as our compass, as we endeavor to make Erie a healthy and vibrant community.”

The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for comment. 814.454.4530 x227

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

Acknowledgment

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2,601,625 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.  For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

Aetna Better Health Donates Vehicle to Community Health Net During Special Reveal at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

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Erie, Pa. – April 9, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced the unveiling of a new vehicle donated and wrapped to reflect Erie’s culture and vitality by Aetna Better Health, the Medicaid managed care business of Aetna, a CVS Health company.  The van will provide transportation for area patients of the FQHC.  Leaders of CHN held a small, pandemic-safe, in-person event on Friday, April 9, at 3 pm, at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, under the portico to commemorate the reveal.

 

“We are genuinely excited to receive this vehicle from a trusted partner who understands the need to mitigate barriers to quality healthcare for our patient population,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “This vehicle is proof that Aetna Better Health is vested in Erie’s vitality, health, and well-being.  We share the same vision, and we look forward to using this means of patient transport to enhance a person’s total care experience.”

Each year, hundreds of people in Erie County do not obtain medical care due to transportation issues. Challenges such as these affect rural and urban areas resulting in missed or delayed health care appointments, increased health expenditures, and overall poorer health in communities. The lack of access to quality health care services is one of the five social determinants of health domains that affect a wide range of quality of life risks. Providing no-cost transportation to patients removes a critical barrier to enhance health outcomes.

“Aetna Better Health is committed to addressing inequities and improving health outcomes for our members and the communities we serve,” said Mary Kathryn Tronco, Director of Community Development, Aetna Better Health. “Donating this patient van helps remove barriers to care and makes access easier for those in need. Working with Community Health Net to provide no-cost transportation goes a long way toward achieving our common goal of being a part of the solution to create a healthier community.”

Community Health Net will use the van to provide transportation services throughout the region, using a concierge driver.  The driver will assist patients with questions about hours of operations at CHN facilities and drop-off and pickup times.  Placards in the vehicle will provide monthly health tips that the passenger can follow.

The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for comment. 814.454.4530 x227

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

About Aetna Medicaid

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid-managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.7 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com

Call us at (814) 455-7222