New Year’s Health Tips – Another Perspective

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Ilexa AxelrodBy Ilexa Axelrod, MSW Candidate at the University of Kansas, HPC Behavioral Health Intern

Happy New Year! For many, January signifies a reset and time of renewal for life, aspirations and intentions. It is common to form “New Year’s resolutions” that cultivate advantageous changes. I, too, have started out a new year with goals to make certain changes. I also have found that more times than not, they have not been sustainable. If you have a similar experience, you are not alone!

Shifting the Mindset

According to research reported by Forbes, a CNN article shares that nearly 80 percent of people relinquish their New Year’s resolutions by February. While there might be an indefinite number of reasons that contribute to us ceasing our goals, below is something I practice that has been helpful.

Instead of fixating on the why, I focus on the what.

For example, if someone were to make an intention and not meet that goal, they might ruminate over why it did not happen. While this could lead to helpful information, the “why” questions can also keep them in static place where we are stuck. When someone asks themselves “what can I do about this?” it leads to a more helpful outcome.

Practices for All

Happy New Year Everyone!If you find yourself stuck asking the “why” questions, that is a great reminder and opportunity to pause, observe, and engage in the following:

  1. Give yourself grace and understanding
  2. Practice positive self-talk:

“I am resilient. I have the tools, strength, and ability to figure it out.”

  1. Review goals and implement setting attainable and realistic goals. Can you tell the difference between the goals below?
  • Make more home-cooked meals.
  • Cook at least two dinners at home per week by February 1.

The second goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

As a reminder, it is not necessary or required to engage in goal setting just because it is a new year! It has been a tough couple years for the world, and it is a big deal to survive through a global pandemic. However, if you want to make a change and are unsure where to start, below are some general examples:

  • Schedule appointments, or “dates”, with yourself. For instance…
    • Grab a hot chocolate at a nearby bakery or café and people watch
    • Stretch body for 10 minutes before bed
  • Invest in yourself
    • Schedule therapy – Health Partnership Clinic is accepting new patients for therapy services ages 12 and older.
      Please call 913-730-3664.
    • Schedule yearly physical – call our offices at 913-648-2266.
  • Gratitude

30 Reasons I Love HPC

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

2022 marked Health Partnership Clinic’s (HPC) 30 years of providing accessible, affordable and quality health care to those less fortunate in the communities we serve. To honor and celebrate our staff, patients, partners, community leaders and supporters, monthly activities were planned.

Activities ranged from distributing specially designed “heart” t-shirts to our staff, volunteers and board, Silly Hat Day, coloring and video contests at Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts, Staff Thank You Campaign, Opening Doors Fundraising Luncheon, National Health Center Week, a Time Capsule and a 30-Day Gratitude Campaign. To wrap up the year, staff and board received a 30th celebration ornament and branded apparel and enjoyed a fun holiday party.

My team and I coordinated all the events. To say the least, it was a huge undertaking but well worth the time and effort! Sharing our story and celebrating our past provides a way to connect with our communities and continue to build awareness of who we are and who we serve.

For me, this last year has been a time of reflection of where we have been and how much we have accomplished. As we welcome a new year, I look forward to the good that is yet to be and encourage readers to get to know HPC if you don’t already. We are an extraordinary organization providing extraordinary medical, dental and behavioral health care to those who are low income and seeking a medical home.

Here are my Top 30 Reasons I Love HPC:

  1. We are dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve through the provision of high quality, affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate care to all individuals regardless of ability to pay. HPC is committed to serving as a vehicle for collaboration among community partners as a critical aspect of meeting our mission.
  2. We have nearly 60 employees who give their all for our patients. Working in a federally qualified health center is hard work with daily challenges, including staffing and limited supplies. However, our team is always present and willing to take on the challenge with grace and professionalism. Personally, I am fortunate to work with individuals in my department who are creative and have outstanding communication and follow-up skills.
  3. We have a small but mighty group of donors who understand the work we do. The area hospitals, businesses and individual donors support our annual appeal and annual luncheon fundraiser. These dollars help offset our growing uninsured population. In addition, we have individuals and groups who help support our patients through in-kind donations such as backpacks, socks, homeless hygiene kits and flu/cold kits. This giving spirit is inspiring!
  4. We serve more than 10,000 patients from across Johnson, Miami and Franklin Counties. It equates to about 24,000 visits each year. That is a lot of individuals coming through our doors to access medical, dental and behavioral health care. It also includes those we serve in our school-based clinic and outreach efforts.
  5. The foundations and federal and state agencies that support us with funding are key to our success. We provide more than $3 million in uncompensated care each year. The need is great!
  6. Community Organizations. Our success rides on our relationships with community organizations that help support our patients. From Catholic Charities to Mission Southside to Salvation Army and El Centro to United Way, together we work to improve the health of our communities.
  7. Refugee Program. In July, we saw our first refugee, a 19-year-old Ukrainian. We provide refugees with general medical exams and evaluate referral needs beyond our clinic walls.
  8. We have two outstanding volunteers working in the Marketing and Outreach Department as well as a few who work off-site. We are blessed to have these individuals who do everything from assembling packets and gift bags to attending events to labeling our dental bags and inputting data.
  9. Hypertension Initiative. We have a new program that educates and reduces the impact of hypertension among our patients. It is another way we are working to reverse adverse health risks.
  10. School-Based Health Clinic at Shawnee Mission West High School. Providing onsite care is filling a huge gap for those who cannot access health care and ensures students are school ready.
  11. Portable Dental Outreach. Our Dental Team visited nearly 20 elementary schools in Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts providing screenings and fluoride treatments.
  12. Responding to COVID. We are still responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic with test kits, vaccines and testing.
  13. Dedicated to Improvement. This year staff are working on a Dramatic Performance Improvement (DPI) initiative…all aimed to improve patient care.
  14. The clinic received HRSA’s Health Care Program’s Community Health Quality Recognition badges. One of the recognition awards was the Silver Award which recognizes the top 20 percent of community health centers in the nation.
  15. Mobile Mammography. The clinic partners with Diagnostic Imaging Center’s Mobile Mammography coach to visit our Olathe site to provide mammograms to low income and uninsured women nearly every month.
  16. Adult Vaccines. Thanks to a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the clinic now provides free adult vaccines to sliding fee discount qualified patients and homeless adults, 19 and older. These vaccines include hepatitis, pneumonic and tetanus as well as flu and COVID.
  17. All Are Welcomed. This year, almost 60 percent of our patients have no insurance. The need is great, and our doors are always open. Since opening in 1992, we have provided an estimated 390,000 patient visits.
  18. Peds Walk-In Clinic. We are always looking at ways to improve accessibility. The Peds Walk-In Clinic is open Monday-Friday in the mornings at the Olathe location.
  19. Senior Leadership Team. Our team of senior leaders, who are all dedicated to the mission, are always willing to step in and help. My colleagues are professional, flexible and adaptable. It’s a pleasure to be part of this team.
  20. HPC is always willing to partner with others to improve or expand the care we provide. From Johnson County Mental Health to Johnson County Corrections to Blue Valley School District and many others, we are all working together toward the same goals—to make our community healthier and more sustainable.
  21. QI/Finance Committees. We have dedicated board members and staff who serve on monthly committees…all focused on improving patient care, patient satisfaction and financial sustainability.
  22. Community Involvement. Senior leaders and staff members serve on numerous coalitions and committees and are members of the Lions and Optimist Clubs.
  23. Our patients, who have often experienced childhood trauma, really look to us for their health care needs and beyond. In addition, we help them whenever possible with wraparound services—serving as a crucial community resource.
  24. People Experiencing Homelessness. We are the designated medical home in Johnson

County for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This means our health services—medical, dental and behavioral health—are available free of charge to those who qualify. This service also extends to unsheltered people in Franklin and Miami counties.

  1. Free Insurance Enrollment. We have a great team who provides help in enrollment for Medicaid (KanCare) or Marketplace. And it’s free!
  2. Mobile Integrated Health. A clinic nurse practitioner and a firefighter/paramedic staff the Olathe Mobile Integrated Health Team. They help match people with the right resources at the right time, including making connections to government and other resources for food and transportation services. They also provide non-emergency health services to Olathe residents for free. This is a partnership between HPC, Olathe Health and Olathe Fire Department.
  3. SafeHome and Growing Futures. A team of staff provide direct patient care at Safehome monthly, and we also provide physicals, immunizations, lead screenings and dental screenings to preschoolers at Growing Futures Early Education Center.
  4. Dental Care in Ottawa. We provide dental services to our pediatric patients twice a month at our Ottawa location. Most of our dental services are provided at the Olathe location.
  5. Community Outreach. Each year, our Marketing team and other staff members attend nearly 50 community health fairs and events—with the goal of educating the community about our services and the impact we are making. Events include back to school nights, Paola’s SOS event and resource fairs.
  6. The future looks bright at HPC. I am looking forward to developing new relationships and partnerships and strengthening those we already have and most of all, continuing to live our mission. I love that we make a difference in people’s lives!

Happy Holidays from Health Partnership Clinic

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Happy Holidays from HPC!As we look back over 2022 and our 30 years of providing care to the communities we serve, we would like to THANK YOU, our patients, for entrusting your family’s healthcare needs to Health Partnership Clinic. It is our honor to serve you.

To our partners and supporters, THANK YOU for helping us continue to live our mission to provide quality, affordable and accessible health care now and into the future. It is because of your support that we can provide comprehensive and continuous care to our patients struggling with chronic disease and other health problems.

To our staff, THANK YOU for your perseverance, dedication, compassion and teamwork. Together we are truly making a difference.

From everyone at HPC, we wish you and yours good health, happiness and prosperity this holiday season and for many years to come.

Health Partnership Clinic Holiday Hours Update

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Happy Holidays!

HPC will observe the following holiday hours:

Monday, Dec. 26 (Christmas Day) CLOSED
Monday, Jan. 2, (New Year’s Day) CLOSED

 

HPC 30 Years Logo

 

YOU can impact a neighbor’s life by giving today!

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

MariaMeet Maria. She’s a single mother and works two jobs. Putting food on the table, keeping a roof over their heads, creating a better life for her child and surviving the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic have been all consuming for Maria. Unfortunately, her health wasn’t a priority until she came to Health Partnership Clinic (HPC).

After undergoing tests, Maria soon discovered she had high blood pressure—which left undiagnosed, this “silent killer” could lead to heart disease, heart failure or stroke. Maria is not alone. Nearly 76 percent of HPC’s patients have one or more chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression and have missed important screenings and routine care during the pandemic. Thanks to the clinic’s dedicated team, Maria is putting her health first and feeling better.

Compounding the problem, many high-risk patients, like Maria, are uninsured or underinsured. Now, more than ever, help is needed! Access to quality health care improves well-being and saves lives. HPC is reaching out to the community to ask for financial support to provide comprehensive and continuous care to our patients, like Maria. A gift today to HPC can ensure those suffering with chronic diseases and those needing preventative services, can receive the care they need.

How can you help

HPC 30 Years LogoHPC’s annual fund goal is $75,000 to provide chronic care management visits for uninsured patients.

Will you join our mission to improve health by giving today?
For 30 years, caring people like YOU have been the real heroes in Health Partnership’s success.

To help provide comprehensive and continuous care to your neighbors, consider a gift today!

Online:

Click here to make a secure online donation.

Text-to-Give:

Text “ESSENTIAL” to 53-555

Check:

Health Partnership Clinic, Attention: Development, 405 S. Clairborne Rd., Suite 2, Olathe, KS 66062

More about Health Partnership Clinic

Health Partnership of Johnson County opened in 1992 as a “free” primary care clinic providing limited adult acute and chronic disease care with volunteer providers and staff.

Over the last 30 years, the clinic, now known as Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), has continued to grow to meet the changing needs of Johnson County and the surrounding area. HPC has provided an estimated 390,000 patient visits since opening its doors.

Slow the spread… wash your hands!

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National Handwashing WeekBy Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

With the flu already on the rise, concerns for another wave of COVID-19 cases and a spike in RSV (common respiratory virus), it’s critical to keep hands clean and prevent viruses from spreading. It’s one of those everyday precautions besides covering your coughs and sneezes and avoiding close contact when you are feeling unwell.

At Health Partnership Clinic, we follow several proactive steps to ensure the safety of our staff and patients. On the top of the list is frequent handwashing. At home, it is equally important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides several useful tips and reminders to keep you and your family healthy.

Remember, handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick—that goes for COVID, the flu, RSV and colds!

How Germs Spread

Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:

  • Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
  • Touch a contaminated surface or objects
  • Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects

Key Times to Wash Hands

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

It is also recommended that you should clean hands:

  • After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, or electronic cashier registers/screens, etc.
  • Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because that’s how germs enter our bodies.

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals and clinics.

Follow these five steps every time.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60 percent alcohol by looking at the product label. Remember to keep hand sanitizer out of reach of young children and supervise their use. Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning.

Get the whole family involved in handwashing.

HPC has developed an easy-to-follow tip sheet for children. Check it out!

Handwashing Tips - English Handwashing Tips - Spanish

Tips to Stay Safe this Fourth of July

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The fourth of July holiday is often filled with lots of family fun including activities such as pool parties, barbecues, outdoor games and fireworks.

Amid the holiday festivities parents may overlook important safety precautions. By keeping a few key Fourth of July safety tips in mind, parents can help keep children safe while still enjoying the holiday fun.

Leave the Fireworks to the Experts

FireworksThe National Safety Council (NSC) advises everyone to stay away from all consumer fireworks and to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by professionals.

Fireworks can result in burns, scars, disfigurement and even death. A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 2019. At least 18 people died from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 12 reported for the previous year.

Every year, sparklers can be found in the hand of children along parade routes and at festivals, but they are a lot more dangerous than people think. Many parents don’t realize that they burn at about 2,000 degrees-hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing and many children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.

  • Families should attend community fireworks displays run by trained professionals rather than using fireworks at home.
  • Be sure to stay at least 500 feet away from the show.

Be Vigilant About Water Safety

4th of July Safety TipsAnother common fourth of July activity is swimming in pools and lakes. It is important to remember to never leave children unattended around bodies of water. According to the NSC approximately 19 children drown during the fourth of July holiday each year.

  • Children should always be monitored while in the water. Adults should take turns watching the children in 15-30-minute intervals.
  • Sign your children up for age-appropriate swimming lessons, but keep in mind even with swimming lessons children should still be monitored closely.
  • Never use floatation devices or water wings when swimming or teaching your child to swim.
  • Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
  • Establish and communicate clear rules for the pool such as:
    • Do not push or jump on others, no diving or running, etc.
  • Children should always wear life jackets while on a boat, personal watercraft and in open bodies of water.
  • Never consume alcohol when operating a boat, and always make sure everyone is wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Sunblock, hydration and supervision are all essential water safety precautions that help keep the day fun and safe.

Barbecue Grill Safety

BarbecueNothing beats a barbecue with friends and family.  Just remember these tips to keep everyone safe.

  • Create a barbecue only zone. Children and pets should not come within three feet of the barbecue grill once it is turned on. Remind your children that the barbecue is just like the stove, it gets extremely hot, and they can be burned. Keep pets contained away from the grill while it is in use.
  • Grill in a well-ventilated area, away from your house and deck. Every year grills and smokers cause thousands of fires, hundreds of injuries and deaths and millions of dollars in damage.
  • Be prepared for an emergency by keeping a fire extinguisher and a spray bottle of water nearby.
  • Use long handled barbecue utensils to keep the chef safe.
  • Always follow manufacture’s instructions when using grills.

Protect Your Skin and Avoid Dehydration

  • Protect Your SkinLimit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen often.
  • If you are swimming you should reapply sunscreen hourly or at least every two hours.
  • Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinking beverages that are caffeinated or contain alcohol.
  • During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke-hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:
    • Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
    • Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person
    • Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

Clinic celebrates National Health Center Week with Children’s Health Day

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2021 National Health Center WeekCommunity Health Centers, like Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), provide innovative health service delivery to more than 30 million patients! Each year, we celebrate National Health Center Week which is a great time to spread the word about our health center and the good work we are doing for the communities we serve.

This year’s theme is “The Chemistry for Strong Communities” and it will be celebrated Aug. 8-14. This special week provides us with an opportunity to also honor our public servants, patients, employees, volunteers, consumer board members and others.

One of our featured events is our Children’s Health Day, which will be Saturday, Aug. 14. The goal is to provide a safe and affordable way for area parents to access care. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olathe location, 407 S. Clairborne Rd. Parents must schedule an appointment by calling 913-648-2266.

Download the Event Flyer

You can download the event flyer in English or in Spanish.

The following services will be provided:

  • Well Child Checkups
  • School/Sports Physicals
  • Immunizations
  • Dental Screening
  • Fluoride

2021 National Health Center Week - English 2021 National Health Center Week - Spanish

The clinic accepts insurance, including KanCare and Medicaid.

Financial assistance is available to uninsured children who qualify. The event is co-sponsored by Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Sunflower Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. In addition, the health insurance companies are also underwriting some of the week’s events.

For the safety of our patients and staff, we request one parent/guardian with a child along with minor siblings. Parents and children are asked to wear a mask and socially distance. Children and/or parents who exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, should stay at home.

The event is co-sponsored by Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Sunflower Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. In addition, the health insurance companies are also underwriting some of the week’s events. We are so grateful to our partners!

The week will be kicked off on Sunday, Aug. 8 with Public Health in Housing Day. HPC is donating 800 pediatric dental kits to Mission Southside. These kits will be given to children living in public housing. On Monday, Aug. 9, complimentary personal care bags will be distributed to SafeHome clients and free water will be distributed by the Mobile Health Clinic, a collaborative partnership between HPC, the Olathe Fire Department and Olathe Health. We will also be recognizing our patients, stakeholders and staff during the week.

National Health Center Week is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the important role of community health centers. We are not just healers, we are innovators who look beyond medical charts to address the factors that may cause poor health, such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, lack of nutrition and unemployment. In addition, we care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. As unemployment rises and more Americans lose their employee-sponsored health care, HPC and other community health centers will be the key to keeping America healthy.

We are accepting new pediatric and adult patients.
To schedule an appointment at one of our clinics, please call:

Olathe: 913-648-2266
Shawnee Mission: 913-432-3334
Paola: 913-294-9223
Ottawa: 913-401-2750

Improve your sleep and improve your life!

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Sharon Trongaard, RRT, MS, MPHBy Sharon Trongaard, RRT, MS, MPH, Clinic Director/Risk & Compliance Officer and Respiratory Therapist at Health Partnership Clinic

Sleep is vital to our good health. Studies now link a lack of sleep to increasing the risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease and dementia. Over time, a lack of sleep is even associated with a shortened lifespan. So even though it may be tempting to give up a few hours of sleep to get stuff done, in the long run prioritizing your sleep will improve your health and ability to enjoy life.

Getting enough sleep is as important to your health as a good diet and exercise.

Getting good sleep can become more difficult as we get older (Abbasi, 2012). Sleep is of course important for our brains, allowing us to be focused and alert, but it is during deep sleep that your brain also “takes out the trash” of byproducts and toxins that build up. A recent study by the National Institutes of Health found that impaired glymphatic clearance (the brains waste removal system), which occurs primarily during sleep, contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (Reddy, OC, 2020).

As a Respiratory Therapist and Sleep Educator, I know that everyone experiences trouble sleeping occasionally. But if you routinely have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep more than one night a week, you should consider a few small changes recommended by the Harvard School of Sleep Medicine that could improve the quality of your sleep (Harvard, 2019).

  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, chocolate, soda and some pain relievers four to six hours before bed. These substances can make falling asleep and staying asleep more difficult.
  • Make your bedroom a welcoming space for sleep by creating an environment that is:
    • Comfortable – Your bed should be supportive with a good mattress and inviting with cozy pillows, sheets and blankets.
    • Dark – Keep out light from windows with black out curtain and make sure that clocks and other electronics in the room have the display turned off or set very dim. Even small amounts of light can disturb sleep.
    • Well ventilated – Generally people sleep longer in cooler environments with temperatures between 65-85°F.
    • Quiet – if you have a pet that wakes at night, you may consider having them sleep outside your bedroom. If your partner snores or there are other noises, consider using earplugs or a white noise machine.
  • Use light to your advantage.
    • If you have problems waking in the morning, get some sunlight as soon as possible. Open the blinds as soon as you get up to let some light in. Each day try to get at least 20 minutes in the sunlight. Exposure to the sun helps regulate your circadian rhythm by turning melatonin production off when it is light and turning it on when it is dark to help you fall asleep.
    • Limit exposure to blue light from computers, tablets and phones, especially two hours before bed. Blue light can turn off melatonin production.
  • Have a bedtime routine. Remember when you were little and your parents would give you a bath, read you a book and tuck you in? These routines let your body know that it is time for sleep. Create your own routine by reading, meditating, or listening to music. Avoid activities that are stressful or energizing as these can increase the production of cortisol (the fight or flight hormone) that can keep you awake.
  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Sleeping in on the weekends may seem like a great idea, but it can lead to trouble falling asleep the next night. On the weekends wake up at your normal time and use the extra times for some selfcare. Go for a walk, watch the sunrise, read the paper, or cook a healthy breakfast!

Sleeping TipsImplementing one or several of these changes in your life may help improve how easily you fall asleep and your ability to stay asleep. If you have frequent problems sleeping, snore or experience excessive daytime sleepiness, you should visit your provider who can look for sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia. At Health Partnership Clinic, our providers know that sleep is key in our approach to whole person health, and we encourage our patients to talk about any sleep issues so we can partner with them to find solutions.

References:

Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(12):1161-1169.

Harvard Medical School.  Improving Sleep: A guide to a good night’s rest. 2019. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/improving-sleep-a-guide-to-a-good-nights-rest#table-of-contents

Reddy OC, van der Werf YD. The Sleeping Brain: Harnessing the Power of the Glymphatic System through Lifestyle Choices. Brain Sci. 2020;10(11):868. Published 2020 Nov 17. doi:10.3390/brainsci10110868

Stay Safe this Fourth of July

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The Fourth of July holiday is a time when families gather and enjoy traditions such as pool parties, backyard barbecues and fireworks. However, it can be easy for parents to overlook important safety precautions. By keeping a few key Fourth of July safety tips in mind, parents can help keep children safe while still enjoying the holiday fun.

​Leave fireworks to the experts.

FireworksThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to urge families NOT to buy fireworks for their own or their children’s use, as thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured each year while using consumer fireworks.

  • Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars, disfigurement and even death.
  • Families should attend community fireworks displays run by trained professionals rather than using fireworks at home.
  • Be sure to stay at least 500 feet away from the show. A recent study shows that 65 percent of victims of firework related injuries were bystanders.

Keep sparklers off limits.

  • Sparklers can surpass 1200 °F, which is a temperature 400 °F greater than the melting point of glass. In recent years, sparklers accounted for 28 percent of emergency room visits due to fireworks related injuries, including third-degree burns.
  • According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sparklers are responsible for about 1,400 eye injuries each year. Typical eye injuries from fireworks include detached retina, ruptured eyeball, scratches on cornea and burns.
  • If you or someone you know is injured by fireworks, get medical attention immediately!
  • Consider giving glow sticks, which is a fun and safe alternative.

Enforce water safety.

Water SafetyIf a pool party or a trip to the lake is in your plans, remember, children must be supervised around bodies of water 100 percent of the time.

  • Always make sure that adults take turns in shifts every 15-30 minutes as designated “water watchers.”
  • Sign up your children for swim classes.
    • Start your baby in swimming classes at six months of age and continue them year-round.
  • Know CPR.
  • Never use floatation devices or water wings when swimming or when teaching kids to swim.
  • Always make sure your kids wear life jackets on boats, personal watercraft and in open bodies of water. Use only U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.
  • Avoid alcohol. It impairs your judgment, balance, coordination and your body’s ability to stay warm. Avoid it when swimming and supervising children.
  • Communicate the pool rules, no running, diving, etc.
  • Sunblock, hydration and supervision are all essential pool safety precautions that help keep the day fun and safe.

Don’t forget about barbecue safety.

  • Create a barbecue-only zone of three feet on all sides that is restricted to be a space designated for adults.
    • Children should be reminded that a grill is not a toy, and that the equipment is both hot and dangerous.
  • Always grill in a well-ventilated area.
  • Be prepared for an emergency by having a fire extinguisher and a spray bottle of water on-hand.
  • Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
  • Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  • Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
  • According to the National Fire Protection Association, July is the peak month for grill fires (18 percent) so remember to stay vigilant!

Be prepared… Protect your skin.

  • Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 which will protect against damage from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen often.
  • If you are in an outdoor pool, reapply sunscreen preferably every hour and absolutely every two hours. Avoid having young children in an outdoor pool longer than one hour especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty.
    • Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
  • Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight and have a polarized coating.
  • Protect the feet – the sand can burn, and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.
  • During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:
    • Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.
    • Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
    • Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.