Health Beat, 2023

HEALTH BEAT

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH DIRECTORY OF THE AREA’S LOCAL BUSINESSES

2023 EDITION

CHECK OUT THE TABLE OF CONTENTS ON PAGE 4!

A better state of care. A better state of health.

We're changing. From our name to our logo, to expanding our hospital. We're changing to better fulfill the mission we began over 65 years ago. Our mission to provide the best possible compassionate care to our TriState community means we challenge ourselves every day to bring innovative ideas, advanced technologies, and simple human kindness to improve the lives and health of our patients and their families. Welcome to a better state of health.

Tri-State Memorial Hospital is now:

509.758.5511 | Visit us online at TSH.org

TRI-STATE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IS NOW, TRISTATE HEALTH

By Tristate Health

In 1955, a group of dedicated community members came together to establish Tri-State Memorial Hospital, now TriState Health, as the only not-for-profit hospital in the Lewis-Clark Valley. Funds to build the hospital were donated by individuals and corporations as the American War Mothers knocked door-to-door, eventually raising $490,616. This large fund, combined with a federal grant of $295,600, made a grand total of $786,216 dedicated to building a new hospital. TriState was, and is, a living memorial to those who gave their lives for this country.

Although our name has changed, what hasn't is ourdecades-longcommitmenttothehealthofthis region that is even stronger today. We’re bringing more advanced technologies and expanding

ASSISTED LIVING

access and services to offer more convenient, more comprehensive care – right where you live.

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Brookdale Lewiston is an exceptional assisted living community serving seniors in Lewiston, Clarkston and surrounding towns. We provide the senior in your life the freedomandcomfortoflivingindependently, plus peace of mind from having help close at hand. Our services, group activities, and campusfeaturesprovideenjoyment,comfort, and convenience to our residents.

“Our Family is Committed

NURSING HOME CARE AND THE 'LOOKBACK PERIOD'

Health care plans provide access to medical care and other necessities and reduce out-of-pocket healthrelated expenses. Each plan is different, and depending on where you live, your coverage mayvary.

People quickly find that many healthcare plans do not include provisions for longterm health care, such as paying for nursing facilities. Understanding HOME

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Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Join the Alzheimer's Association in partnership with Regency Pullman for these upcoming education programs to learn more about dementia and available support in our community.

The 10 Warning Signs

Wednesday, June 21st • 11-12:30 (lunch Provided)

Understanding Alzheimer's & Dementia

Wednesday, July 19th • 2:00-3:00

Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body

Wednesday, August 9th • 11-12:30 (lunch provided)

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how health plans work and learning about potential financial reviewsfornursinghome payment qualification is agoodideaforanyone concerned about financing their future healthcareneeds.

HEALTH CARE BASICS

Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada have access to a universal health care system that is paid for through their taxes, according to the Government of

Canada.Eachprovince or territory has its own health insurance plan that covers a variety of services.

In the United States, health care is largely privatelymanaged,with most employers offering access to various health coverage plans. Government subsidized plansincludeMedicare, which is for retirementage individuals and younger people with disabilities.Medicaidisa jointstate-andfederallyrungovernmentprogram that provides health coveragetolow-income individualsandfamilies.

Just as in the United States, health insurance in Canada does not pay for nursing home care in most cases. In theUnitedStates,unless an individual meets low-income criteria, nursing home care is paidforbytheresident; otherwise, people who

qualifyforMedicaidcan havetheirnursinghome expenditures payed for by that program.

To receive Medicaid assistance, applicants should expect a financial review,

SIGNS KIDS COULD BE HARD OF HEARING

Hearing loss is often associated with aging, and understandably so. Individuals from all walks of life undoubtedly have an aging friend or relative who has experienced some degree of hearing loss,andmillionsofseniorsacrosstheglobewould admit to having some difficulty with their hearing. But hearing loss also can affect children and, if undiagnosed, it can have an adverse affect on nearlyallaspectsoftheirlives.

KIDS

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WE HEAR YOU & WE CAN HELP

Dr. O’Neil, AuD offers a full range of evaluation and rehabilitative services.

• Hearing Aid evaluation, fitting and management

• Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations

• Quality hearing aids customized for your listening needs and lifestyle

• Hearing Assistive Technology

• Tinnitus evaluation and management

At Valley Facial Plastics & ENT, we have the ability to offer unique service to the community. On staff are two Otolaryngologist’s and an Audiologist. This allows us the opportunity to fully cover all of your hearing needs from medical intervention to quality hearing aids in one location.

VALLEY FACIAL PLASTICS, ENT,

ALL

Save unnecessary steps and come see us first at Valley Facial Plastics & ENT Audiology for your HEARING AIDS.

330 Warner Drive, Lewiston 208-746-0193

*Covered by most insurance companies. No need for referrals*

WHAT WOMEN ATHLETES CAN DO TO REDUCE THEIR INJURY RISK

Metro Editorial

No athlete is immune to injuries. Fans of professional sports are well aware of that notion, as many a team's season has been adversely affected by injury to one or more players. In fact, a comprehensive and longitudinal study of injury trends in Major League Baseball published in the American Journal of Orthopedics® in 2016 found that players lost an average of 25,186 days to injury each yearbetween1998and2015. If injuries are that common in the professional sports arena, where players have daily access to experienced and highly trained medical staff, it's fair to conclude that amateur athletes are equally ifnotmorevulnerabletoinjury.

The Tulane Women's Sports Medicine Program notes that studies have found that women are more prone than men to some of the most common sports-related injuries. The TWSMP reports that researchers credit that disparity to differences between how the bodies of men and women function, among other factors. Ankle sprains,kneeinjuriesandstress fracturesareamongthemore commonsports-relatedinjuries in women. While women athletes can never make themselves immune to injury, therearestepstheycantake to reduce their risk for such injuries.

EMPHASIZE STRENGTH TRAINING IN WORKOUT ROUTINES

The TWSMP recommends women include strength training in their routines, notably focusing on strengthening the hamstrings andmajormusclesinthelower legs. This can help women who compete in sports such as soccer where ACL injuries areasignificantrisk.TheACL PreventativeTrainingProgram at Mass General Brigham incorporatesstrengthtraining and plyometrics paired with agility,balanceandflexibility training to help women athletes reduce their risk of ACL injuries, and such an approach can be studied bywomenconcernedabout theirinjuryrisk.

BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL AFTER GIVING BIRTH

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health urges women who recently gave birth to be especially cautious. The Cleveland Clinic notes that progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in women's reproductive systems. Levels of that hormoneareelevatedduring pregnancy, and UW Health indicatesthathasasoftening effect that can lead to a loosening of limbs and muscles,whichcanpersistfor

monthsaftergivingbirth.

AVOID OVERUSE

The Cleveland Clinic indicates repetitive strain injuries, which can damage muscles, tendons or nerves, are caused by repetitive movement and overuse. Though athletes are competitive by nature, rest is vitaltoathleticperformance. Women are urged to built

rest days into their workout routines, resisting the notion thatpushingthroughpainisa signofcommitment.

Women athletes are more susceptible to common sports injuries than men. Taking measures to reduce injury risk can ensure women can continue to compete and reap the rewards of exercise.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CANCERS OF THE MOUTH

Metro Editorial

Cancers of the mouth can affect anyone. The National Institute of Dental andCraniofacialResearch saysoralcancermakesup an estimated 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses made in the United States each year, which equates to roughly 54,000 new cases.

Because the mouth is comprised of many different types of cells,

there are various forms of oral cancer. Each type dependsonwhichcellsare affected. Here’s a closer look at the different types oforalcancer.

MemorialSloanKettering Cancer Center says squamouscellcarcinomas

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Headaches may be a common nuisance, but that doesn’t mean they share common characteristics. For example, migraine sufferers may attest that these headaches can be much harder to endure than others.

The health and wellness resource Healthline says a migraine is a neurological condition that typically causes painful headaches which are accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensitivity to smell, touch, light, and sound. Migraines also may produce numbness or tingling, visual auras and nausea/vomiting.

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IS A PRIVATE DUTY NURSE?

Nursing is a rewarding field. Nurses work in various clinical settings, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, skilled nursing facilities, and even schools. Still other nurses prefer one-on-one care as private duty nurses.

Private duty nursing is similar to home health nursing, in that care is provided to patients in their homes, according to Nurse Journal. Generally speaking, private duty nurses offer care to patients who have prolonged,seriousconditionsthatrequireexperienced nursing skills. These patients opt for the comforts of home over health care facilities. Private duty nurses tend to work the day shift, checking up on their patients, then relying on other members of health care teams, namely certified nursing assistants or home health aides, to bridge the gap in care.

Private duty nursing enables patients to receive quality care at home. These nurses provide personal attention and manage medical equipment and technology. Maxim Healthcare Services says private duty nursing is sometimes referred to as continuous skillednursingorblockshiftnursing.IndividualswithALS, Parkinson’s disease, those recovering from strokes, or children who have congenital conditions or diseases often benefit from the care provided by private duty nurses. The nurses will offer anything from ventilator care to G tube care and feeding. They’ll also assess vital signs and may monitor or administer medication.

According to ZipRecruiter, private duty nurses may work for home health agencies, though some are selfemployed. Most private duty nurses are RNs or LPNs and have earned associate’s or bachelor’s degrees

SNAKE RIVER COMMUNITY

in nursing with clinical experience. They also must pass the NCLEX exam. Quite often nurses who were once medical-surgical nurses transition to private duty nursing since they have the experience and knowledge to operate medical devices that assist home health care patients.

Patients who are considering private duty nursing may be happy to learn that, in many instances, insurance companies will cover the services if it is deemed medically necessary. For example, Aetna says home nursing care is medically necessary after certain criteria are met and when recommended by the member’s primary care/and or treating physician. Private duty nurses may be paid through large insurance companies, government-subsidized health plans or patients’ private funds.

Private duty nursing is a viable choice for nurses with knowledge of medical equipment who want to work outside more traditional health care settings.

PURETONE

Emergency preparedness is something everyone in the household should learn, including children. But approaching the topic of emergencies with youngsters requires finesse. Children are capable of comprehending many things, especially when informationispresentedinage-appropriateways.

TheAmericanRedCrossrecommendsparentsnarrow downthesubjectmatterwhendiscussingdisastersand emergencyreadinesswithkids.Parentsandcaregivers can start by determining which disasters are most common where they live. There's no need to broach hypothermia safety, for example, if the family resides inawarmclimate.Anothergoodstepistospeakwith schoolsordaycarecenterstofindouthowtheyhandle the subject of emergencies, and then reinforce those lessonsathome.

The local library may have books in their children's section and there are plenty of online resources that address safety skills and emergency preparedness in language that children can understand. In addition, the Red Cross notes there are mobile apps designed to teach and reinforce important safety skills in informative but fun ways. For example, the Monster Guardappisgearedtowardkidsbetweentheagesof sevenand11whoareaskedtojointheMonsterGuard andprepareforreal-lifeemergenciesathomeandin otherenvironments.

Children may not understand everything that goes into preparing for an emergency, but they may be more inclined to get involved if they are given tasks they can handle. Children in Pre-K to grade 2 can

THE BASICS OF CARDIAC ARREST

Metro Editorial

OnaMondaynightinearlyJanuary2023,theBuffalo Bills were in Cincinnati to take on the hometown Bengals. The game was a highly anticipated, primetime matchup between two of the best teams in the National Football League, but it would be interrupted and ultimately postponed after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a frightening injury during the game. After tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins,Hamlinstoodup,onlytofallflatmomentslater. Medical personnel rushed to Hamlin's side, and it was laterdeterminedhewentintocardiacarrest.

Days went by as football fans across the nation prayed for Hamlin's recovery. Good news arrived by the end of the week, as doctors treating Hamlin reported his condition showed marked improvement. Indeed, within days of that news, Hamlin was on his waybacktoBuffalo,muchtothedelightofmillionsof peopleacrossthecountry.

Hamlin's story made international headlines and left manypeopleacrosstheglobeaskingquestionsabout cardiacarrest.

WHAT IS CARDIAC ARREST?

TheNationalHeart,Lung,andBloodInstitutereports that cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly andunexpectedlystopspumping.Oneofthedangers of cardiac arrest is that blood stops pumping to the brain and other vital organs. In the days after doctors first shared news regarding Hamlin's recovery, praise was heaped on the medical personnel, including Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington, for their rapid response, which saved Hamlin's life and helped preservethe24-year-oldsafety'sneurologicalfunction.

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HOW DANGEROUS IS CARDIAC ARREST?

The NHLBI notes that cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. In fact, the NHLBI indicates thatnineoutof10people who have cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die. That makes the recovery of Hamlin, who was administered CPR on the field for several minutes prior to being transported to the hospital, all the moreincredible.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARDIAC ARREST?

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that there are no symptoms in some cases of cardiac arrest. However, individuals may experience these symptomspriortocardiac arrest:

•Fatigue

•Dizziness

•Shortnessofbreath

•Nausea

•Chestpain

•Heartpalpitations

•Lossofconsciousness

WHAT CAUSES CARDIAC ARREST?

The suddenness of the injury to Hamlin undoubtedly left millions of people confused about how the condition could affect a young professional athlete seeminglyinpeakphysical condition.Specificsabout

Hamlin's medical history are protected by privacy laws, so unless Hamlin chooses to share that information, the public will not learn about why he suffered from cardiac arrest. However, Johns Hopkins reports that there are three main causes of thecondition.

ARRHYTHMIA AND VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION

Arrhythmiaisacondition marked by problematic electrical signals in the heart that lead to an abnormal heartbeat. Ventricular fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia that causes the heart to trembleratherthanpump

blood normally. It is the most common cause of cardiacarrest.

CARDIOMYOPATHY

Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart is enlarged. Johns Hopkins notes that when a person has

cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle thickens or dilates, which causes abnormal contractions of theheart.

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Melody Sandahl, Agent 1442 Idaho Street Lewiston Bus: 208-816-4823

CARDIAC

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CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

The NHLBI indicates that most people who experience cardiac arrest have heart disease, even if they didn't know it beforehand. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which is marked by the buildup of cholesterol inside the lining of the coronary arteries. That buildup leads to the formation of plaque which can partially or completely block blood flow in the arteriesoftheheart.

Certain behaviors or lifestyle choices also can trigger cardiac arrest. For example, the NHLBI reports that heavy alcohol consumption or recent use of cocaine, amphetamines or marijuana can cause cardiac arrest. Severe emotional stress and physical exertion, including that which is typically required of competitive athletes, also cantriggercardiacarrest.

The Damar Hamlin incident thankfully appears to have had a happyending.Butmillions more people could be vulnerable to cardiac arrest. More information is availableatnhlbi.nih.gov.

Ageless Aesthetics

Semaglutide injections improve body composition by reducing excess body fat, including stubborn abdominal fat, and by increasing the proportion of lean body mass for fast results.

Semaglutide is part of a

class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. In low doses, it increases insulin secretion for diabetics, but at higher doses, it acts on centers in the brain and suppresses appetite.

MIGRAINES

The American Migraine Foundation advises that migraine attacks feature distinct phases. Recognition and understanding of these phases can help to manage headaches more effectively. Some of the earliest signs of migraine include fatigue, blurred vision, auras, and otherprodromesymptoms unique to people’s migraine histories. These conditions can occur anywhere from a few hourstoafewdaysbefore a migraine attack. It is important to note that symptoms may not occur with every migraine, nor willearlysymptomsalways resultinmigraines.

Identifying potential migraine symptoms early mayhelpapersonreduce theseverityofamigraine. Typically, the migraine headache stage can last for several hours or up to three days, says the AMF. People identify migraine pain as pulsating, throbbing, pounding, perforating, and debilitating. Some have comparedittohavingan ice pick inserted into the head. The Mayo Clinic notesthatthesestepsmay helptoreducetheseverity ofmigrainesymptoms.

•Findacalmenvironment awayfromstressorsand the bustle of everyday life.

•Relax in a dark, quiet room as light and sound can exacerbate migrainepain.

•Small amounts of caffeine can relieve migraine pain in the earliest stages and enhance the effects of common OTC pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Sip small amountsofcaffeinated soda, tea or coffee. Don’toverdoit,asthat can lead to caffeine withdrawalheadaches.

•Try to get steady, uninterrupted sleep each night. Poor sleep may trigger a migraine. If you have difficultysleeping,listen to soothing music, establish a bedtime routine, go to bed and wake up at the same times each day (even on weekends), and exercise regularly. Speak with a health care provider if sleeplessnessischronic.

•Eatahealthy,balanced dietatregularintervals. Fasting may contribute tomigraineonset.Avoid foods such as aged cheese, alcohol and chocolateiftheytrigger yourmigraines.

•Try to manage stress in any way you can, which may include time management and simplifying your life. Delegate to others if you’re taking on too much.

•Journal when migraine

symptoms come on so you can determine if thereisatrigger.

Migraine headaches caninterruptlifeandprove

debilitating. Finding relief takes patience. If home remedies do not suffice, peoplecanspeaktotheir doctors about possible medicaltherapies.

• Medication Monitoring, Administration, and Assistance

• Specialized Alzheimer, Dementia and End of Life Care

• Registered Nurse available 24 hrs a day

• Daily menus and specialized diets by registered dietitian.

• Beauty Salon and many more amenities

• Family owned and operated providing Elderly Care in the Valley since 1987

EMERGENCY

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with making emergency suppliesshoppinglistsand helpingtoputawaythese items, or working with parents to devise a home evacuationplan.

Practice makes perfect, and once families determine which emergency plans they should put into effect, they can role play with children to help make sure that everyone recognizes what to do in the case of an actual emergency. Important phone numbers can be posted in a key location (and programmed into

CANCERS

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mobile phones), and children should know what to do in the event they get separated from their guardians during a weather situation or another emergency. Children also can help pack go bags with key items they don't want to part with should they need to evacuate home due to a weather emergency.

Children can be involved in emergency preparedness by working through topics they can understandandexplore.

KlempOptometry andAssociates

KlempOptometryhasbeenprovidingcomprehensive eyecareservicestotheLewiston-ClarkstonValley andsurroundingareassince1994.

Weofferalargeselectionofframesincluding namebrandsunwearMauiJim&Ray-Ban.

account for 90 percent of alloralcancers.Squamous cells are thin and flat and make up the tissues that form the surface of the skin. They’re also found in the lining of hollow body organs and the respiratory anddigestivetracts.

VERRUCOUS CARCINOMA

This is a slow-growing cancer that is made up of squamous cells. It is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma that only accounts for about 5 percent of oral cavity tumors, according to the City of Hope® cancer center.

ORAL MELANOMA

Melanomas develop in melanin, which are the pigment-producing cells that color the skin. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, includinginsidethenoseor mouth.

LYMPHOMA

Oral cancers also can affectlymphtissue.Interms ofmouthcancer,lymphoid tissue can be found in the baseofthetongueandin thetonsils.

While most mouth cancers are squamous cells, the cancer will be further classified depending on the exact locationwhereitbegins.

BUCCAL MUCOSA

Thebuccalmucosaisthe inner cheek tissue. Lumps in this area should be checkedoutbyadoctor.

GUM CANCER

Gum cancer may be mistaken for gingivitis, but the two are not one and thesame.

MOUTH FLOOR

Cancer in the floor of the mouth occurs in the horseshoe-shaped area underthetongue.

HARD PALATE

Thehardpalateistheroof of the mouth. This cancer often starts as an ulcer, accordingtoMSKCC.

Oral cancers also can affectthelips,tongueand jaw.

Quiteoftendentists,who should inspect the mouth twice per year, are the ideal health professionals to detect oral cancers early on. Any abnormality in the mouth should be examined and addressed by a doctor. Risk factors for developing mouth cancers include smoking, drinking alcohol, using other tobacco products likechewingtobacco,and exposuretosunlight.

Individuals should be cognizant of oral cancers. Though oral cancers may not be as prevalent as otherformsofthedisease, they still pose a threat, especially when they are not detected in their earlieststages

Exams•LasikEvaluationEyeHealth•Cataract Care•Contacts&More!

The World Health Organization estimates that, as of 2021, approximately 34 million children present with hearing loss that requires rehabilitation. JohnsHopkinsMedicine notesthathearinglossin childrencanbepresent atbirthordeveloplater in childhood. Hearing loss that develops later inchildhoodisknownas acquired hearing loss, and parents can look forvarioussignsthatkids could be losing their hearing. The American Speech-LanguageHearing Association notes that the signs of hearing loss in children mayinclude:

• Delayedspeech and/orlanguage development

• Speechsound disorder:TheASHA notesthatspeech sounddisorders includeanydifficulty orcombination ofdifficultieswith perception,motor production,or phonological representationof speechsoundsand speechsegments

• Difficultyinfollowing orunderstanding instructions

• Frequentrequests forrepetition

• Useofincreased volumeondevices, includingtelevisions, personalmusic playersandtablets

• Difficultyeffectively expressing themselves: Childrencanexhibit difficultyexpressing themselvesverbally and/orviawritten language

• Frustrationwith communication breakdowns

• Feelingof exhaustionatthe endofaschoolday

• Difficultiesat school:Children withhearingloss mayexperience academic, behavioral,orsocial difficultiesinthe classroomandon campus

WHAT CAUSES ACQUIRED HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN?

Thecausesofhearing loss in children can be as simple as cerumen (earwax)orascomplex as damage to middle or inner structures after suffering trauma to the head. Children’s

Healthcare of Atlanta notes that over-thecounterearwaxremoval drops can effectively clean ears and restore kids’ hearing, though such drops may need to be part of routine preventive health care measures. Ear infections, encephalitis, excessive noise exposure, meningitis, the presence of a foreign body in the ear, and viral infections like measles or mumps also can contribute

to hearing loss in kids. Physicians can direct treatment of hearing lossbasedonthecause ofkids’hearingloss,but it’s worth noting that some hearing loss may requirelong-termuseof hearing aids, surgery or medication.

Though often seen as a byproduct of aging, hearing loss affects millions of children as well. More information about children and hearing loss can be foundatasha.org.

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including a look-back period.

WHAT IS THE LOOKBACK PERIOD?

The senior health, finance and lifestyle resource Senior Living advisesthatMedicaidis a“lastresort”methodof financing nursing home costs. Individuals are expected to use other means of payment first and“spenddown”their assets. When financial resources dwindle, Medicaid will kick in to

TRISTATE

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Since our opening on July 17, 1955, we have risen to the challenge of meeting the growing needsofourcommunity. New clinics have been introduced, primary care and specialty providers have been recruited to the LewisClarkValley,andservices in radiology, urology, pain management and surgery have been expanded.Andnow,our newinpatientanddietary wingissettoseetheirfirst patient in the space, within the coming months!

Every member of

providecoverage.

To ensure that individualssimplydonot transfer money out of their accounts to avoid payingfornursinghome carebytheirownmeans, Medicaid requires a look-back period into applicants’ finances to determine if there were any violations to rules regardingassettransfers.

Most people engage insomesortoflong-term planning to protect a portion of their assets so that they can be used

to support spouses or children. According to rules, an applicant is permitted to transfer certain monies to his or her spouse, provided the spouse isn’t also applying for long-term care through Medicaid. Most money and tangible asset transfers (check with your state Medicaid office for the most current rules) must have taken place 60 months (5 years) prior to application for Medicaid. Penalties will

be instituted when rules are broken, namely gifts or asset transfers that take place within the look-back period. This could delay Medicaid acceptance.

Paying for longterm care can be complicated business with look-back periods and required spenddowns. It is in a person’s best interest to seek the guidance of a financial planner who specializes ineldercaretonavigate thesefinancialwaters.

the TriState team looks forward to continuing to provide you, your families, and our community with the highest level of care, support, and collaboration. TogetherweareTriState Health. Together we are committed to delivering a better, more compassionate healthcare, so that everyone in our communitycanliveina better state of health.

Welcome to TriState Health,YourCommunity Owned Hospital since 1955.

FOR WOMEN’S

By Ashley E Rogers, MSN, APRN, CNM Essential Womens Health

Many women do not understand the importance of vitamin D and calcium in regards to their overall healthandwellness.Thisnutrientduo is key in keeping bones strong and helping prevent osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates as many as 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. Menopause increases your risk for developing osteoporosis because your body’s natural production of the hormone estrogen declines and estrogen helpskeepyourbonesstrong.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a disease that makesyourbonesweak,makingyou more vulnerable to bone fractures. It isestimatedthatmorethan1.3million osteoporosis-associated fractures occureveryyearintheUnitedStates (Rosen,2023).

HOW DO WE PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS?

Taking the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D is one way to help decrease your risk. Women who have not yet become menopausal should consume 1000mg of calcium each day, postmenopausal women should

D AND

consume 1200mg. Although there has not been a clearly established recommendationforVitaminD600IU isgenerallysuggested.

Regular exercise will also help strengthen your muscles and bones. Muscle-strengthening and weightbearing exercises are the two most beneficial types of exercise for bone health.

• Walking,running,dancing, hiking,aerobics

• Weight-lifting

• Body-weightexercises,where

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VITAMIN

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youuseyourown bodyweightas resistance

• Usingelasticexercise bands

Limiting the amount of alcohol and avoiding smoking will also improve youroverallhealth.

WHAT FOODS ARE GOOD SOURCES OF CALCIUM?

• Dairyproducts

• Darkgreen,leafy vegetables(broccoli,

collardgreens, spinach)

• Almonds

WHAT FOODS ARE GOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN D?

• Thesun

• Wild-caughttuna

• Fortifiedorangejuice

• Fortifiedsoyor almondmilk

Finding a good health care professional is important. You and your provider should develop a plantailoredtoyourunique needsinordertodecrease youroverallrisk.

Rosen,H.(2023,June12).Patienteducation:CalciumandvitaminDfor bonehealth(TheBasics).UpToDate.https://www.uptodate.com/contents/ calcium-and-vitamin-d-for-bone-health-the-basics?search=patient%20 education:%20Calcium%20and%20vitamin%20d&source=search_ result&selectedTitle=2~149&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

WOMEN’S

We want to address your physical & mental health care needs with our comprehensive healing approach style.

Our mission is driven by

need to empower women to improve their