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Monday, January 5th 2023 - Gut Health Part II

Did you know? Your gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is a long tube that runs from your mouth all the way to you anus and is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.  The gut is also home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that make up our  gut microbiome. These microorganisms play a vital role in maintaining the health of our gut and the rest of the body. There are many factors that can affect gut health, including diet, stress, medication, and illness.  A diet high in processed, sugary, and high-fat foods can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.  Chronic stress and certain medications, such as antibiotics, can also alter the gut microbiome and contribute to digestive problems. Maintaining a healthy gut is important for overall health and well-being. Here are some tips for improving gut health: Take probiotics: Probiotics...

Thursday, September 29th 2022- Preventive Care Is?

 

                                                    


Q: What exactly is preventative care?


A: Per Patient Advocate Foundation there are 3 levels to preventative care.

    1. Primary Prevention : Which is made up of basic and general education and awareness around health and wellness, safety and precautions, nutrition and preventative practices. This is the stage BEFORE a disease is present.
    2. Secondary Prevention : This is support AFTER a patient has been diagnosed. The purpose is to manage the illness to prevent worsening.
    3. Tertiary Prevention : This is support for LONG TERM DISEASE management. Which can include rehabilitation and recovery or support groups.

What Could Preventative Care Look Like?

    • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm- one-time screening for men of specified ages who have ever smoked.
    • Alcohol Misuse- screening and counseling.
    • Aspirin- use for men and women of certain ages.
    • Blood Pressure- screening for all adults.
    • Cholesterol- screening for adults of certain ages or at higher risk
    • Cancer- screening for adults over 50, including mammograms and colonoscopies.
    • Behavioral Health Support- including depression, anxiety and other behavioral health screening for adults.
    • Diabetes- screening for adults with high blood pressure.
    • Diet and Healthful Eating- counseling for adults at higher risk for chronic disease.
    • HIV- screening for all adults at higher risk.
    • Immunization vaccines for adults- recommended populations vary:
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Herpes Zoster, Human Papillomavirus, Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Varicella
    • Obesity- screening and counseling for all adults.
    • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)- prevention counseling for adults at higher risk.
    • Tobacco Use- screening for all adults and cessation interventions for tobacco users.
    • Syphilis- screening for all adults at higher risk.

Did you know?  

Adults are entitled to the above mentioned preventative services WITHOUT having to pay a copayment or co-insurance to meet their deductible.

“Preventive healthcare” in the eyes of the Affordable Care Act 


See you soon & Thank You for your presence. 
JamiQuan R. MSW, QMHP
Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist

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