Health and Wellness News
Weekend Walk-In Clinic: A Sensible Alternative to an ER Visit
By Abbey Thompson, Potawatomi Traveling Times
On May 5, 2012, the FCP Health & Wellness Center (HWC) opened its doors on Saturdays and offered Weekend Walk-In Clinic services to FCP tribal members, employees and the general public.
Ready, Set, Quit Today!
By Kristin Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
Ready to quit smoking; but just waiting for the right time? Wait no longer. Make November your month to quit for good. In honor of the November 15 Great American Smokeout, the Community Health Department is encouraging tribal members to take advantage of their new and improved smoking cessation services this month.
Advanced Directives: Have You had the Conversation?
By Jean Tiede, RN BSN, FCP Health & Wellness Center Medical Department
Imagine yourself on vacation in another state without a care in the world. You’re enjoying a bike ride with your family, moving along a marked bike trail that leads to a busy intersection. You enter the crossing, not aware of the oncoming bus. Instantly, you’re thrown into the air after your body and head make contact with the bus. Your world is never the same again:
The Whole Tooth: Living in a Sugar Culture
FCP Health & Wellness Center Dental Department
Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel. This can lead to decay, as well as a host of other problems, including gingivitis (gum disease).
Safe Needle and Other Sharps Disposal
By Kristin Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
Safe needle and sharps disposal has always been an important safety concern. However, with the increase in household needle use, more people are using needles and sharps in the convenience of their own homes increasing risk for improper disposal.
2012 Health Promotion Disease Prevention Porcupine Mountain Fall Hike
By Lisa Miller, FCP Health & Wellness Center Dietitian
The Health Promotion Disease Prevention (HPDP) Fall Hike that took place Oct. 5-7, 2012, was another huge success this year! Although the temperatures were much cooler than years past and snowflakes were in the air, that didn’t stop the Forest County Potawatomi crew.
Protect the Circle of Life: The Flu & You
By Kristin Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Influenza (flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. At times, it can lead to death.
Back is Best and Other Tips for Healthy Babies
By Kristin Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
Although Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) rates have decreased by 50 percent since the 1990s, SIDS is still the leading cause of death in infants ages 1-12 months in the United States. Rates for non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native infants remain disproportionately higher than the rest of the population. Native American infants are three times more likely to die from SIDS than Caucasian babies.
Are you at Risk? Take the Diabetes Test!
By Kristen Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator
It’s estimated that 26 million Americans have diabetes. Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes, putting them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If trends continue, it’s estimated that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to stop diabetes!
