Save time and money!

A trip to a primary doctor first for preventative care and non-emergencies may assist with avoiding a trip to an emergency room or urgent care to save you money. In fact, if everybody did this, we would save about $67 billion annually. [1] Primary doctors have many of the same resources to request medical tests as doctors of the emergency room. In addition, you gain a more personalized experience within a shorter time frame. Less time is spent explaining your medical background to a primary physician, leaving more time to focus on your present health concerns.

Get Specialist Referrals & Recommendations

We can think of the primary doctor’s office as a hotspot where we can go to get treated or connected to a specialist, via a referral or recommendation. If the doctor believes specific care and attention is necessary, they may assist you with finding a specialist. This courtesy is helpful as the doctor’s office most often has established a working relationship with the specialist to whom they’re referring you to, and you don’t have the burden of searching for specialists your own. In 2009, “Patient complaints that lead to the most referrals are related to vision (21 percent), gynecological (18 percent), gastrointestinal (18 percent), orthopedic (16 percent), dermatological (15 percent), and cardiovascular (15 percent).” [2]

Keep track of Medical Records

A primary doctor maintains a medical folder just for you! This comes in handy when trying to remember the details of past diagnosis’, test results, procedures, and immunizations. More importantly, you and your doctor can monitor your health throughout the years. Many offices, including HealthNet, have online systems that allow patient access to medical records, lab results, and medicine/prescription records.

Build A Long-Lasting Relationships

As time progresses, you may feel more comfortable consulting with your doctor. Whether it be that your finger feels weird or experiencing intermittent heart palpitations, you can feel free to bring up both minor and major concerns at primary care appointments.

As you go through life, having someone on your side to help advocate for you is beneficial. Make the most of the process by researching the best doctor for you. Check out our Find a Provider database here at HealthNet for updated information and biographies of our amazing primary doctors.

[1] https://www.primarycareprogress.org/primary-care-case/ [2] https://www.3mhisinsideangle.com/blog-post/specialist-referral-primary-care-providers-information-need/

Posted by: Akiliah Walker, Marketing and Communications Intern

A support group can consist of a group of friends, family, and medical professionals to help keep you accountable and closer to your health goals.

Take a moment to think of the people in your life. Try to identify those who are positive, who have similar health goals, who enjoy or long for healthy lifestyles, or who may specialize in healthy activities you don’t. If any strong candidates come to mind, ask them to join you in your fitness journey. Ask them to occasionally check in on you, share knowledge, or walk alongside you. Also take time to add to your virtual support group.  For this you can follow inspiring social media accounts and YouTube channels. These accounts should help spread positivity in your daily feed.

One of the main benefits of support groups is accountability. You may need someone to remind you of your goals or to intervene if you slip back into old habits. You may also benefit from a workout buddy to help you commit to workout routines. If a friend waits for you at the gym, it may motivate you to keep your word and meet them.  In addition, the Society of Behavioral Medicine conducted a study and found that when people worked out with someone else or in a team setting, their workout time doubled in comparison to people who worked out alone. [1] Keep in mind that you can also save money. Many fitness centers offer referral programs where you get money back in your pocket. Many fitness studios also have discounted rates for semi-private sessions in activities like swimming or Pilates.

Once you develop your support group, try creating a group text or Facebook page. Report progress and celebrate achievements. Get creative and find activities that get you excited to try with your group. This could include fitness classes, dance lessons, or going to a nearby track or basketball court. On the nutritional side, you can take field trips to the grocery store, or evenings to swap and try healthy recipes. As a bonus you can even check out our Nutrition and Diet program right here at HealthNet, and schedule a free appointment!

Overall, this should be a fun and rewarding process. The support we give another can make a huge the difference in our emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.

[1] https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-you-should-work-out-crowd-ncna798936

Posted by: Akiliah Walker, Marketing and Communications Intern

Day 1: Let’s start detoxifying your body! Before you start your day, make a lemon water detox drink! All you need is to squeeze ½ of a lemon, into an 8 oz cup of warm water. [1]

This will help your immune system, your liver, your skin, and even your breath!

Day 2: Take time to go down memory lane and create the music playlist of your life. Use this playlist to help you clean the house.

Day 3: Dress up or add something to your outfit that you usually don’t.

Day 4: Sit down and think about your health. Is there anything you need to see a doctor for? Visit www.indyhealthnet.org to make an appointment!

Day 5: Take time out to stretch out your body. Find a video online, or fitness class to help guide you. Most fitness studios offer free introduction classes!

Day 6: Take a trip to the grocery store and complete this mini scavenger hunt for healthy food alternatives! Try to find:

• 1 Organic fruit
• 1 Vegan alternative
• 1 Non-GMO product
• 1 Gluten free product

Now bring home the food product that you’ll think taste best!

Day 7: We’re bringing back the lemons! This time we will use lemon to make a Honey Lemon Facial Mask. Just mix ½ of a lemon and 1 tbsp of honey in a bowl. Spread the mixture across your face (avoid your eyes) and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.

This will help you keep your skin moisturized and clear of acne and blackheads. [2]

Day 8: Tonight go to bed an hour earlier than you usually do. Try not to use technology at least 15 minutes before bed. This will help your mind relax.

Day 9: Take a stroll in a new and safe environment.

Day 10: Take time to clean out your emails or delete unnecessary pictures in your phone. Less clutter may help your mind feel better!

Posted by: Akiliah Walker, Marketing and Communications Intern

Plain language – or everyday living room language – is communication your audience understands the first time they read or hear it.  They don’t have to go back and try to define words they don’t understand.  Plain language helps you to:

• find what you need
• understand what you find
• and use what you find to meet your needs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following techniques to ensure you are using plain language:

• What’s your point – put the most important message first.
• Mind your jargon – choose words and numbers your audience knows.
• Cut it out – delete unnecessary words, sentences and paragraphs.

Below are some examples of medical jargon replaced by plain language:

Think about the last time you took your car into be fixed.  Did you understand everything the mechanic told or did they need to use plain language?  A rule of thumb is to think about how you would explain something to a friend or relative and use those words.  Everyone benefits from plain language.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/developmaterials/plainlanguage.html

Post by Jane Meyer

February has been designated as American Heart Month to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., with approximately 800,000 deaths annually.

There are many simple things you can do to improve your heart and your health. Check out the information below for habits for a healthy heart!

Exercise.

Adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Instead of sitting down on the couch after dinner, go for a 30 minute walk each day instead. You’ll have 150 minutes of exercise done in no time!

Quit smoking.

When you quit smoking, you not only lower your chances of heart disease, but you lower your risk of cancer and many other health problems.

Visit your doctor regularly.

Even if you are healthy, you should still visit your doctor regularly. Annual check ups are important because they can help spot problems before they become serious. Don’t have a doctor? We can help. Schedule an appointment at a HealthNet health center near you.

Eat a healthy diet.

Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables is very important for our health. Instead of choosing pizza and junk food, grab an apple or carrots instead! HealthNet has a dietitian who can help you with healthy eating. Schedule a free appointment at the HealthNet health center near you!

1. http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/ahamah-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_491265.pdf

]]> http://blog.indyhealthnet.org/habits-healthy-heart/feed 0 http://blog.indyhealthnet.org/supporting-breastfeeding-families?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=supporting-breastfeeding-families http://blog.indyhealthnet.org/supporting-breastfeeding-families#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:19:27 +0000 giveacareindy http://blog.indyhealthnet.org/?p=5169 We just celebrated Breastfeeding Awareness Month.  This seems like a good time to talk about the benefits of breastfeeding and how HealthNet supports breastfeeding families.

One of the best ways a mother can protect the health of her baby is to breastfeed.  Babies who are fed nothing but breastmilk from birth through the first 6 months of life are less likely to get ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and childhood obesity.  There are benefits for mom too.  Short term benefits are faster recovery from childbirth and weight loss after pregnancy.  Long term benefits decrease the chance of getting breast cancer; ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Breastmilk is a safe and secure source of food for your baby, always ready, and all for free.

HealthNet staff can help support you and educate you and your family about the normal process of breastfeeding throughout your pregnancy and birth. We promote breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for your newborn.

HealthNet provides Breastfeeding Classes that help families learn how to breastfeed and address some common concerns.  These classes are held once a month at rotating HealthNet locations.  Visit indyhealthnet.org to view the schedule.

Kathy McCoy, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, has a free Downtown Breastfeeding Drop-in Center.  This is a great place to get breastfeeding support and supplies once you start breastfeeding.  The group is located at the Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian Street  (free parking is available behind the building).  You can drop in Wednesdays between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  For more information, contact Kathy McCoy at 317-902-9105 or kathyRNIBCLC@hotmail.com.

Post by Jane Meyer, Health Education Manager

The American Heart Association tells us that walking just 30 minutes a day can help you lose weight, improve your mental health, and lower your risk for some diseases and cancers.

Starting a new habit or routine can be hard – starting small may be easier for you.  For example, instead of walking 30 minutes every day, try walking 10 minutes a day for the first week and then increase to 12 minutes the next week.  Also, having someone to walk with can make your walks fun.   If walking in your neighborhood is a worry for you, the American Heart Association has created a website were you search for walking trails near you!   Click here to find walking trails in your area!

After two weeks, it may be easier for you to slip out of your new habit. Create a back-up plan in case this happens to you.  Try writing down your goal and the benefits of your new habit.  Sometimes it helps to tell others about your new goal to help keep you motivated.  Here’s a plan to get you started:

Now head outside and start walking your way to better health!

Find a HealthNet location near you! Visit us at www.indyhealthnet.org.

Post by Anna Ericson

http://www.eatrightpro.org/resources/media/multimedia-news-center/national-nutrition-month-media-materials

There is no better time to get rid of your unhealthy eating habits than March, which is National Nutrition Month! This year’s theme, “Bite Into A Healthy Lifestyle” starts at the time when many New Year’s resolutions start to fail.  National Nutrition Month is a great reminder to try and eat a wholesome diet and maintain your exercise plan. Below are tips for eating better, as well as how to keep a healthy diet.

The internet has many different diet plans, but in reality there is no miracle to healthy eating and lifestyle changes. “There is no one pill, food, drink, or machine that is the key to achieving optimal nutrition and health,” says Morgan Richardson of the Scotland County Health Department (1). When shopping choose items such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. You should also plan time during your day to exercise and always be aware of your portion sizes. Don’t be fooled by low-calorie foods! Sometimes they can add up more than you think if your portion size is bigger than it should be. A lot of a good thing is not always a good thing!

A healthy diet can reduce your risk of diseases like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and even prevent certain types of cancer.

Eating a balanced diet doesn’t mean you have to stop eating certain foods. When you don’t eat certain foods, it is common to want those foods again. If you give in and eat those foods, you might feel guilty and go back to your unhealthy eating habits (1).

The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition recommends eight healthy eating goals which are (2):

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Make half the grains you eat whole grains.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
• Choose a variety of lean protein foods.
• Compare sodium in foods.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
• Eat some seafood.
• Cut back on solid fats.

The bottom line: 

Try to be more mindful of your food choices and exercise every day.  One way to do this is to keep daily food and activity logs.  There are several apps or web sites you can use that are free (myfitnesspal.com or app, fatsecret.com or app)!

Post by Karen Gough

Sources:

1. http://www.ibtimes.com/national-nutrition-month-2015-ideas-healthy-eating-habits-recipes-tips-balanced-diet-1830886

2. http://www.fitness.gov/eat-healthy/how-to-eat-healthy/

Our society is becoming so fast paced that we want things to be taken care of quickly and look for instant gratification.  That’s why we all, yes, even I’m guilty of it, go through the drive thru to grab dinner on the go instead of cooking at home.  Have you seen the statics now on obesity in America?  Did you know that more than 2/3 of adult Americans are obese or overweight? Or that about a quarter of 2-5 yr. olds and one-third of school-age children (including adolescents) are overweight or obese in the U.S.?  (Ogden et al., 2014)

When I was reading these facts it was quite a shock to me.  Did you know that obesity is considered a medical illness and that it has its own set of issues that follow with it?  Why is it that we don’t take a few minutes out of our day to cook healthy meals at home?  Why is it that we are okay with eating chips or drinking 48 oz. sodas from the gas station and think that it is sufficient for us and our bodies to function properly?  It seems that we as a society have gotten away from eating our fruits and vegetables that have all the natural nutrients our bodies need on a daily basis.

I attended a conference last year that mentioned, if we just ate healthier and ate our recommended fruits and vegetables, our body would get the necessary dopamine and serotonin naturally that we are looking for in medicines now.  I’ve read numerous articles talking about the unhealthy effects of processed foods on us and our immune system.

So I ask you, is it really worth it to you and your family’s wellness and well-being to go through the drive-thru consistently?  Is it worth adding to or creating medical issues?  What we put into our body affects our moods and irritability.  What we do or do not put into our body also affects our overall well-being and how we function.  If we don’t get the essential vitamins, nutrients and proteins we need, it kurplunks, like a car when it doesn’t get its regular oil changes, tune ups, and gas.

So remember, this year as our New Year’s resolution, let’s all try to eat healthier meals!

For more information on a healthy diet, call your HealthNet health center and ask to make a FREE appointment with our dietician, Karen Gough.

Post by Bhumi Bhavsar

Source:  http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/obesity-in-the-us/