Senator Hanger Receives Award in Recognition of Support for Community Health Centers

In a brief ceremony this morning at Harrisonburg Community Health Center (HCHC), Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. received an award for his support of community health centers across Virginia. The award was presented to him by HCHC Staff and the Virginia Community Health Care Association, on behalf of community health centers across Virginia.
The Association, representing community health centers across the state, chose Senator Hanger because of his work in support of community health centers and other safety net providers. “Senator Hanger has consistently supported the work of community health centers and other safety net providers to meet the healthcare needs of Virginians, particularly in our rural areas like the Shenandoah Valley,” noted Christopher Nye, CEO of the HCHC.
Although most funding for community health centers comes from donations, federal grants to provide services, and payments for services from insurers and Medicaid, Virginia provides some support for community health centers and other safety net providers to meet critical needs, such as medication assistance and access to healthcare for the poor.
By providing these services, health care costs are reduced, with access to medications helping to better manage chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. “Using these funds to help those most at risk actually helps communities reduce the cost of care and unnecessary use of emergency rooms in our communities”, said Rick Shinn, Director of Government Affairs for the Virginia Community Health Care Association.
The HCHC is located in Senator Hanger’s District and was founded by members of the community to meet the primary care needs children, adults, and families in need of a medical home. Over 100 Community Health Centers like the Harrisonburg Community Health Center can be found across Virginia where access to primary care is a challenge. Community health centers are established by communities to insure that access to healthcare services are available to everyone by accepting all forms of insurance and by offering different payment options for the uninsured. Currently, more than 300,000 Virginians rely on their local community health center for primary care services.

Stay Flu Free

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It is no secret that flu season is upon us and many are taking the necessary precautions, such as getting flu shots, to ensure that they stay healthy. The Kleenex® website offers some easy and useful tips on how to stay flu free!

1.     Wash your hands often-give them a good 20 seconds

2.     Get immunized

3.     Always try and use a tissue

4.     Cough or sneeze into your elbow

5.     Throw away used tissues

6.     Always try and get enough sleep (7 hours)

7.     Stay hydrated

8.     Never skip breakfast

9.     Stay home if you feel or are sick and avoid those who are

10. Exercise, eat right and stay active

For more details on these tips please visit this website: http://www.kleenex.com/ColdAndFluTips.aspx

 

The Flu and the common cold can often be confused. How do you know when you are facing symptoms of the flu versus the common cold? The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

1.     Fever* or feeling feverish/chills

2.     Cough

3.     Sore throat

4.     Runny or stuffy nose

5.     Muscle or body aches

6.     Headaches

7.     Fatigue (tiredness)

8.     Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. For more information- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm

 

Make sure to research online and find where you can get your flu vaccination today! The CDC Seasonal (flu) Influenza informational site offers great additional advice, tips and answers on everything that deals with the flu! Please visit their website here to find all of the information you’ll  need: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

HCHC and RMH Partner Up for Breast Cancer

 October is a month where many come together and bring awareness to Breast Cancer and all of those who have been and are affected by it. The Harrisonburg Community Health Center and the Rockingham Memorial Hospital partnered up on Saturday October 6, 2012 to give back and help move forward!

On October 6, the RMH mobile unit made appointments to HCHC patients for free mammograms. It was a fabulous success as 19 women were able to receive the service.  It was such a great experience that the RMH mobile unit is looking forward to another day of free mammograms in the spring! 

Rockingham Memorial Hospital’s mobile unit is “the first mobile unit in the nation to be equipped with the full-field GE digital mammography unit” (RMH Breast Care).  A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. This mobile service is able to come out to neighborhoods, churches, and events to help promote education and safety about breast cancer. A schedule can be found here.

 Please visit the link below to the RMH Breast Care webpage to learn more about breast cancer and the services being offered within the community.  The site also provides a quiz: How much do you know about breast cancer? Rockingham Memorial Hospital Breast Care

The New Era of the HCHC

The Harrisonburg Community Health Center that you’ve grown to love since 2008 has moved to its new facility that will be loved even more! Long gone are the days of crowded waiting rooms, cramped offices and over flowing parking lots as the new era of the Harrisonburg Health Center begins. 

With this new beginning come fresh services, accommodations and opportunities. The spacious 21,000 square foot center looks like home on the outside and feels like home with the wonderful staff and amenities on the inside. Providing quality to the Harrisonburg community is the main priority of the Health Center and the new facility is doing just that!

They have taken the eight examination rooms from the previous building and doubled them to sixteen in the new one.  Another thing the new center has done is created a safe and secure waiting environment that will separate well and sick patients to ensure the health of everyone. One of the more fascinating opportunities of the new center will be its inclusion of dental services, which just opened. They will also continue incorporating disease prevention and management and telecommunication technologies in their service.

The Harrisonburg Community Health Center is a leading provider of quality healthcare and their commitment to that is evident in their new building. The future of healthcare in the community is taking off as the new era of the Harrisonburg Community Health Center begins! Take a look at the map below to see the location of the new facility. Please visit our website for additional information and appointments http://hburgchc.org/wp/.

1380 Little Sorrel Drive, Suite 100
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

View Larger Map

Treating Bug Bites

Summer usually means more time spent outdoors, and time outdoors often leads to mosquito bites, along with other sorts of bug bites. Here are a few helpful tips to avoid getting bit by these bugs.

Avoiding Tick Bites

• Wear light-colored long pants, so it’s easier to spot ticks.
• Tuck your pants into your socks or high-top boots or tape them to boots.
• Wear a hat and long-sleeved shirt, tucked in.
• Spray or rub insect repellent on the tops of boots, exposed area of socks, and pants openings (inside cuffs, waistband, and fly).
• Use insect repellant with DEET on your exposed skin.
• If your pets go outside, check them regularly for ticks so they don't bring them in the house.

Avoiding Mosquito Bites

• Use screens on windows and doors. Close off any small gaps or openings around screen doors or window screens.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are out and biting -- usually between dusk and dawn.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing

Avoiding Spider Bites

To protect against spider bites, wear gloves, long sleeves, and long pants when working in areas where they like to hide. Watch where you put your hands and shake off clothing before you put it on or go inside.

Indoors, sweep, mop, or vacuum webs and spiders regularly. In attics, basements, and garages, place boxes off the floor and away from walls and tape them closed.  Seal off cracks and gaps where spiders may enter your home to discourage them and their prey. Clean up clutter and trim growth near the house.

Strickman advises against routinely spraying your house for spiders. Spiders are helpful, he points out -- eating flies and even fleas. It’s usually just as effective to clean out the webs and kill the spiders you see.

Using Bug Spray Safely

To use insect repellents safely, follow these 10 tips:

• Always follow the directions on the product.
• Use bug spray when you are going outside. Apply it sparingly, but be sure to cover all exposed skin. Do not spray under clothing.
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.
• Do not spray directly on your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Use sparingly around the ears.
• Avoid applying products with more than 50% DEET.
• Minimize use of insect repellents if you are pregnant and nursing.
• Never use repellents on wounds or irritated skin.
• Wash skin after coming indoors.
• If you think you have an allergic reaction to insect repellent, wash your skin and call your doctor.
• If bug spray gets into your eyes, flush them with cold water immediately.

Follow these additional tips when using insect repellents on children:

• Apply it to your hands and rub it on your child, instead of spraying.
• Don't apply repellents to parts of children's hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth.
• Do not apply products with DEET to children more than once a day.
• Do not use combined repellent-sunscreen products.

For more information, visit http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/wound-care-10/bugbites?page=1

Tips for Reducing Stress

Let's be honest, we all get stressed out at least occasionally. Work, children, finances, etc. all add up to create stress. But is it all really necessary? Here are some tips to help you relieve stress in your life:

• Accept that there are events you can't control
• Keep a positive attitude. Instead of looking at the negatives (I'll never finish this paperwork!), keep a positive outlook (I'm doing my best, I will do as much as I can.)
• If you feel stressed, take a walk or do something else to get your mind off of it.
• Manage your time wisely, leave yourself a few extra minutes between tasks
• Do things that you like to do, like gardening or reading
• Take a few minutes each day to just sit quietly and reflect
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol, and don't smoke (or try to quit)
• Eat healthy, balanced meals
• Get enough rest and sleep
• Seek out social support

Reducing Stress Tips

Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

Do you ever wonder what secondhand smoke is and what it means for your health? Here are some key points to remember about secondhand smoke:

• Secondhand smoke (also called environmental tobacco smoke, involuntary smoke, and passive smoke) is the smoke given off by a burning tobacco product and the smoke exhaled by a smoker.
• At least 69 chemicals in secondhand smoke are known to cause cancer.
• Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in nonsmokers.
• Secondhand smoke has also been associated with heart disease in adults and sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, and asthma attacks in children.
• There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

To read further information about secondhand smoke, please visit http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/ETS. 

Disposing of Fireworks

According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, proper disposal of fireworks is important for safety and environmental reasons; it includes the following steps:

• Soak used fireworks in water for 15 to 20 minutes after use.
• Do not place used fireworks in your recycling bin. Fireworks often contain chemicals capable of contaminating any recyclable goods in your bin.
• Dispose of all fireworks, wrappers, used matches, etc. Failure to do so could lead to contaminated water runoff.
• All fireworks and related materials should be thrown out in your trash can.
• Never attempt to re-light a "dud" firework. Instead, wait 15 to 20 minutes before touching it and then soak it in a bucket of water. Unused fireworks should not be placed in water.
• It would be best to keep all used fireworks in a closed fireproof container before disposal.

Communicating with teens about safe sex practices

March may have been "National Talk to your Teen about Sex Month," but here at the Harrisonburg Community Health Center, we feel that safe sex is always an important issue to discuss. Here are some tips from The Office on Children and Youth  for parents on how to communicate effectively with their teens about safe sex practices:
BE PREPARED: Read about the subject so your own questions are answered before talking to your teen.  Practice what you plan to say with your spouse or partner, a friend, or another parent.  This may make it easier to talk with your teen when the time comes.  Speak calmy and clearly.
BE HONEST:  Let your teen know that talking about sex is isn't easy for you but that you think it's important that information about sex comes from you.  And even though you would prefer that your values be accepted, ultimately, decisions about sex are up to your teen.  If your teen disagrees with you or gets angry, take heart, you have been heard.  These talks will help your teen develop a solid value system, even if its different from your own. 
LISTEN: Give your teen a chance to talk and ask questions.  It's important that you give your full attention.
TRY TO STRIKE A BALANCE:  While teens need privacy, they also need information and guidance from parents.  If your teen does not want to talk with you about sex and tells you that it is none of your business, be firm and say that it is your business.  Your teen should know that you are asking out of love and concern, especially because there are potentially harmful situations.  If your teen is quiet when you try to talk about sex, say what you have to say anyway.  Your message may get through.
ASK FOR HELP:  If you just can't talk to your teen about sex, ask your pediatrician; a trusted aunt or uncle; or a minister, priest, rabbi for help.  Also, many parents find it useful to give their teens a book on human sexuality and say, "Take a look at this, and let's talk." 

Alzheimer's Disease

Everyone has momentary lapses of memory once in a while.  However, if you start to notice an older family member or friend is forgetting common information such as where they live or their own name, they are most likely suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia for Americans, can leave many people unable to perform daily tasks of living.  The biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease is age.  It has been found that the disease usually does not occur until after the age of 60.  What causes Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, but scientists believe it is a combination of factors.  These factors could include: genetic predisposition, diet, environment, lack of the vitamin folate in the diet, high blood pressure, etc.   It has also been speculated that aluminum from deodorant products and/or insufficient flossing habits could potentially lead to Alzheimer’s disease.  This disease is progressive, chronic and incurable.  If you feel you are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, doctors recommend you exercise and eat a healthy diet, as well as engage in mentally challenging activities such as Sudoku puzzles or crosswords.  For more information of Alzheimer’s disease, go to the CDC website (www.cdc.gov) and click on Alzheimer’s disease. 

It’s that time of year again; summer has officially begun.  Usually a season characterized by “fun in the sun” and “carefree living”, summer also is a time for heighted health risks.  For instance, the summer heat can lead to heat stroke or exhaustion for many Americans who do not follow the recommended health precautions.  These recommendations include drinking adequate amounts of water, and limiting direct sunlight exposure.  The saying “if you are thirsty you are already dehydrated” can be true in some instances, so it is important to drink throughout the day even if you are not feeling very thirsty at the time.  Secondly, the sun’s exposure is especially intense in the summer, which can lead to sunburn.  Sunburn that occurs more than once on a particular area of the skin can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.  Some other summer health risks are as follows:  food poisoning, eye damage, driving accidents due to fatigue, drowning, insect bites, and fireworks injury.  For a more in depth description on some of these summer health risks, and possible ways to avoid such risks, check out this article: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MovingOutdoors/ 

Beach Safety

It's that time of year again! The beach is calling your name, so you pack up the kids and head to the lake, river, or ocean. The beach can be a very fun experience, but it can also be dangerous. Here are a few tips to remember while on family beach trips:

1. Protect your skin, and especially your child's skin. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher for yourself and SPF 30 or higher for children. Try not to be in direct sunlight at peak hours; usually from 10am to 2pm.

2. Drink plenty of water, and drink it often (even if you do not feel thirsty). Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine.

3. Wear eye protection! Use sunglasses that protect you from at least 90% of UV rays.

4. Wear foot protection! Sand can burn feet, and glass that gets hidden in the sand can cut feet.

5. Do not swim near piers, breakwaters, or boats.

6. Swim parallel to the shore to avoid swimming out too far. The farther out you swim, the more likely you are to be too tired to swim back to shore.

For more information and safety tips, visit: http://www.ucop.edu/riskmgt/bsas/safetymeetings/jun06/beachsafety.pdf

Important Information on Sport and School Physicals!

Summertime usually means rest and relaxation, but for many parents it means getting their children prepared for the upcoming school year.  This can come in the form of receiving required “sport” or “school” physicals necessary for participation in the fall.  However, most insurance companies will only cover one physical per year, which can end up being costly for parents whose children now need another specific sport or school physical.  At the Harrisonburg Community Health Center, we will be charging a flat fee of $35 for physicals that are not covered by insurance.  Payment will be due at the time of visit, regardless of insurance or sliding scale status.  We feel that no child should have to sit out this fall, so be sure to schedule your child’s physical or well child checkup (WCC) plenty of time beforehand so that they can continue to stay involved in their sport of school community.

Still the #1 Killer

As the leading cause of death among men and women in the US, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is not a subject to take lightly.  There are many different risk factors that can lead to heart disease.  These include: smoking, lack of physical activity, being overweight or obese, a diet high in fat, genetic predisposition, etc.  However, most of these risk factors are lifestyle choices that can be altered and improved.  For example, if you feel that you are at risk for heart disease, you should immediately stop smoking.  If it is being overweight or making unhealthy diet choices you are concerned with, it is never too late to start an exercise regimen or new diet (after consulting with your physician  first of course).  The most important thing is to treat your heart with care, and try to live the healthiest life you can live!

National HIV Testing Day is Coming Up... Do You Know Your Status?

National HIV Testing Day is coming up on June 27th. Whether you haven’t been tested in a while, or you have never been tested at all, taking the initiative to get tested is an important part of leading a healthy life.


Having Trouble Deciding If You Should Get Tested?
If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, it is in your best interest to get an HIV test.

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works) with others?

• Have you had unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown?

• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?

• Have you been diagnosed with, or treated for, hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

• Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer "Yes" to any of the above questions?

• Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?

• Have you been sexually assaulted?

If you continue practicing high-risk behaviors, the CDC recommends that you get an HIV test at least once a year, and in some cases more often.

Wondering Why You Should Get Tested?

• Knowing your own HIV status can give you peace of mind—and testing is the only way you can know for sure.

• When you and your partner know each other's HIV status, you can make informed decisions about your sexual behaviors and how to stay safe.

• If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, knowing your status can help protect your baby from being infected.

• If you find out you are HIV-positive, you can get into early treatment. This increases your chances of staying healthy.

• If you know you are HIV-positive, you can also take steps to protect your sex or drug-using partners from becoming infected.

Please remember that HIV tests are confidential, and in some cases they are completely anonymous.

The above information, along with more resources to learn more about HIV/AIDS, where to find a testing center near you and ways you can get involved can be found at: http://www.aids.gov/

If you are diagnosed with HIV it is important to remember you are not alone. The Valley AIDS Network is a local organization that is dedicated to empowering HIV-positive individuals by offering them assistance, serving as an advocate for HIV awareness, and educating the public about HIV/AIDS.

The above information along with more resources and information can be found on the Valley AIDS Network Website: http://www.valleyaidsnetwork.org/index.php

FAMIS

Federal Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) is a national and state program that allows for children living without private health insurance, but whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, can gain government funded health insurance.  This program was designed to protect children, and to help guarantee access to health care in the community.  Their website  www.famis.org provides information on how one qualifies for FAMIS, as well what FAMIS will cover. The website also has tips on how to stay healthy.  FAMIS is a great resource for those children living without access to health insurance.

Welcome Victor Buckwalter, MD, to the HCHC team!

Here at The Harrisonburg Community Health Center we are pleased to announce Victor Buckwalter, MD, will be joining the HCHC team!  Dr.  Buckwalter has 15 years of experience practicing family medicine in the Shenandoah Valley.  He also has an interest in Global Heatlh, and has spent 12 years in East Africa participating in medical mission and service work.  Dr. Buckwalter will be moving to the new building in August along with the rest of the HCHC team. 

The HCHC & Diversity

There is so much diversity in the Harrisonburg community.  In 2011 the Uniform Data System reported serving a total of 5,889 patients; of those patients 2,353 patients were best served in a language other than English.  In order to meet the needs of patients,the HCHC has all materials in both English and Spanish as well as two full time Spanish interpreters. The HCHC also has bi lingual staff in the front office and staff diversity that matches the patient population.

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Dental Clinic

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Dental Clinic provides quality dental care to qualified adults and children in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham community.

Currently, the clinic is located on the 3rd floor of the free clinic in downtown Harrisonburg. They see adults and children with Medicaid & provide a discount of 50%-75% for uninsured patients.

The clinic will be joining the HCHC in our new facility opening in August 2012. They will be located on the 2nd floor of out new facility, and will be accepting ALL insurances, as well as provide a discount to uninsured patients.

For more information on the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Dental Clinic visit their website http://hburgdental.org/

"Like" them on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Harrisonburg-Rockingham-Dental-Clinic/262946197070540

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