In recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1, Cross Valley Health & Medicine encourages everyone to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In the United States, about 1 in 8 people who have HIV don’t know it.
The only way to know for sure whether or not you have HIV is to get tested. You could have HIV and still feel healthy. Everyone ages 15 to 65 needs to get tested at least once. Some people may need to get tested more often.
To find an HIV testing location near you, text your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948) or use this online locator.
HIV is passed from one person to another by:
- Having unprotected sex with a person who has HIV
- Sharing needles with someone who has HIV
- Breastfeeding, pregnancy, or childbirth if the mother has HIV
- Getting a transfusion of blood that’s infected with HIV (very rare in the United States)
Around the world, about 37 million people are living with HIV. In the United States, about 44,000 people get infected with HIV every year. World AIDS Day is a global initiative to raise awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education about HIV and AIDS.
For more information, visit https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/DecemberToolkit.aspx and learn more about HIV/AIDS and how to prevent this disease.
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when blood sugar remains very high for a long period of time. This elevation can cause many serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and blindness. These complications can be life altering, but the good news it that they are avoidable through a healthy diet, exercise, and medical management if necessary.
Patients with diabetes are at risk for developing problems with their eyesight and are 25 times more likely to lose their sight than non-diabetics. Yearly diabetic eye exams are recommended by providers.
For more information on diabetes and diabetic eye disease visit the Prevent Blindness website.
The American Lung Association was initially created in the 1940’s to combat Tuberculosis. Now, the ALA advocates for many lung disorders such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, and Lung Cancer. They even battle air pollution and fight for freedom from tobacco addiction. With programs such as, Freedom From Smoking and Better Breathers Club, the ALA is dedicated to fighting the impact that unclear air and disease have on our health. For more information on the ALA, diseases of the lung, and the programs offered by the ALA visit the American Lung Association’s website.
Every 3 minutes, someone is the US is diagnosed with Lymphoma. Every 9 minutes, someone in the US dies from Lymphoma. Since 2010, when the United States Congress declared September National Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the Lymphoma Research Foundation has worked to raise awareness about this disease and research a cure. Visit the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s website for more information and to become an advocate for this foundation.
Flu Season is approaching! Come in and get your Flu Shot starting 8/30! Flu Clinics will be held on Friday afternoons in September and we are now offering High Dose flu for our patients 70 and up! Call and speak with our Administrative Assistants to make an appointment.
Believe it or not, community healthcare is a relatively new concept. It was not until about 50 years ago that community health and civil rights activists got together to reform health care. Many were in need of health care, but due to poverty or location, were unable to receive it. Several people were determined to make a change.
While visiting a small community in South Africa in the 1960’s, a young doctor and activist, Jack Geiger observed a community based health care system. He was amazed as even the poorest in that community received excellent care. Dr. Geiger and other healthcare professionals created a proposal which was submitted to the Federal Office of Economic Opportunity. With approval, funding was given to open some of the first community-based health centers in Boston and Mississippi. Local and federal funds were combined to establish clinics in communities throughout the country. The idea was that you do not just care for individual patients, but entire populations. Community has just as much of an effect on health as illness does. The implementation of this type of health system made health care more accessible and affordable than ever before!
Over the years, this system has continued to develop into the community health care we know today. We still know the importance of community care and strive to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. This week, we celebrate the creation of Community Health Centers nationwide. For more information visit the National Association of Community Health Center’s Website.
With 4th of July around the corner, it is important to discuss the dangers of fireworks and remember how to be safe when using them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), states that injuries from fireworks can range anywhere from serious to deadly. If you plan on using fireworks this holiday, keep these tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety in mind:
- Make sure to purchase your fireworks from a reliable source
- Use fireworks exactly as directed on the label
- Observe local and state laws
- Do not allow children to handle fireworks
- Wear Safety glasses
- Do not consume alcohol while working with fireworks
- NEVER relight a “dud” firework
- Do NOT experiment with homemade fireworks
- Soak spent fireworks in a bucket of water before placing in a trashcan
- Report illegal explosives to the police or fire department
- ALWAYS have water ready
- Only shoot fireworks OUTDOORS in an open area away from buildings and vehicles
- Use common sense
Be safe and have a great 4th of July!
Injury type and severity varies based on age, however it is the leading cause of disability for all ages and the leading cause of death for people ages 1-44. Work safety, medication safety, falls, accidents, and emergencies are just a few of the topics we can raise awareness of. Be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment (helmets, seat belts, etc.), take your medications as prescribed, watch for fall hazards, and have an emergency plan at work and home. For more information about safety and how to raise awareness of these issues in your community, visit the HealthFinder website!
Each year, we celebrate Nurse’s Week in May in honor of Florence Nightengale’s birthday! She was the founder of modern nursing. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has designated 2017 as the “Year of the Healthy Nurse.” Now more than ever, health care is focusing on preventative care and wellness. This year, we celebrate nurses who advocate for this transition of focus. Visit the ANA website for more information on Nurse’s Week and this year’s topic. Make sure to thank a nurse this week!
1 in 5 Adults if affected by Mental Health. “Mental Illness is a disease of the brain that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines” (2015). There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Although society is more aware of the reality of mental health conditions, there is still a stigma surrounding these disorders. During the month of May, we raise awareness of mental health conditions and show our support for those suffering. Visit http://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Raise-Awareness/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Month for more information and to get involved!
“What Is Mental Illness? – Mental Health Association in Forsyth County.” Mental Health Association in Forsyth County. Mental Health Association in Forsyth County, n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.