Health and Wellness News
Diabetes Alert Day 2012
By Theresa Marvin, RN, CDE, FCP Health & Wellness Center Diabetes Coordinator
In 2011, the American Diabetes Association encouraged Americans to “Join the Million Challenge” and more than 600,000 people took the Diabetes Risk Test. On March, 27, 2012, the Association will aim to top that number, inspiring people to take the all-new Diabetes Risk Test, as well as to share the test with everyone they care about - friends, family members and colleagues. With each person that takes the test and knows their risk, the Association is that much closer to stopping diabetes.
Increasing HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention
By Kristin Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
It is important for the community to increase their understanding of HIV/AIDS and recognize the impact that it has had on the Native American population. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a chronic condition that destroys the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight off infections and certain cancers. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and is the last and most serious stage of HIV infection.
Protect Your Heart
By FCP Health & Wellness Center Administration
Nearly one out of four American Indians and Alaska Natives dies of heart disease!
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
Get Your Plate in Shape
press release submitted by Lisa Miller, R.D., C.D., FCP Health & Wellness Center
During National Nutrition Month® and beyond, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) encourages everyone to include healthy foods from all food groups through this year’s theme: “Get Your Plate in Shape.”
Welcoming 1-Year-Olds to the Dental Department
By Dr. Eve Van Harpen, D.O., FCP Health & Wellness Center
At the FCP Health & Wellness Center Dental Department, we are looking to start off oral health on the right foot – and early!
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have adopted policies stating that a child’s first visit to the dentist:
Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections
By Kristin Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about STIs and the importance of discussing sexual health with healthcare providers and, if sexually active, partners. It’s also an opportunity for parents to talk to their children about safe sex.
Be Active for Your Heart!
Courtesy of Indian Health Service; National Institutes of Health; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Strength, wisdom and good health are American Indian birthrights. Our elders taught us many healthy ways that were practiced for many generations. Over time, some healthy traditions have been traded for unhealthy ways that increase the chances of getting some diseases.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Kristen Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States for both men and women, but it doesn’t have to be. This ranking could significantly be reduced if more individuals were regularly screened for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer occurs in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon).
What is a ‘Patient Centered’ Medical Home?
By Linda Sturnot, FCP Health & Wellness Center Quality Improvement/Patient Services Administrator and Dr. Kirk Ritchie, FCP Health & Wellness Center Dental Director
On Aug. 15 and 16, 2011, the Forest County Potawatomi (FCP) Health & Wellness Center participated in a voluntary survey by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). AAAHC is a non-profit organization that assesses whether a facility meets compliance with established standards of care and the requirements of an accredited ‘Medical Home’.
