Health

JDRF Invites Community to Commemorate National Diabetes Awareness Day, Month JDRF is asking the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro community to join them in commemorating National Diabetes Awareness Month throughout November and World Diabetes Day on November 14. The goal is to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the urgent need to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its associated complications. Go Blue with JDRF on November 14 to help raise awareness of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by wearing blue, taking a photo of yourself, and sharing it on social media using #GoBlueforJDRF! Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults suddenly when their pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone their bodies need to get energy from the food they eat. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, and people with T1D are dependent on injected or pumped insulin to survive. About 40,000 people are diagnosed each year in the United States. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. JDRF was founded in 1970, and the local chapter currently serves Nebraska and Iowa. The chapter has sustained an impressive track record in community outreach, public awareness, advocacy, and raising funds for T1D research. To learn more, visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa and follow them on social media (@JDRFNebraskaSWIowa).

BioLife Plasma Services Announces Opening of First Plasma Collection Center in Nebraska BioLife Plasma Services, part of the global biopharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, opened a new plasma collection center in Omaha, 275 N 78th St., on October 24 to collect standard plasma from healthy donors. The Omaha center is approximately 11,330 square feet, and the state-of-the-art facility provides access to free Wi-Fi and a clean, professional, smoke-free environment. The new center is the fi rst BioLife center to open in Nebraska and expects to bring more than 50 new jobs to the community.

“Now, more than ever, donors in the Omaha area have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the community through plasma donation, and we are deeply committed to making treatment options available for patients who rely on plasma-derived medications,” said Jacy Cizek, manager of the BioLife Plasma Services Omaha center. “Plasma is a lifeline for thousands of people with rare, chronic and complex diseases, and we are excited to open the fi rst BioLife plasma collection center in Nebraska.”

Through a simple, low-risk process called plasmapheresis, plasma is separated from the blood and the blood elements are returned back into the donor’s body. Screened plasma collected from healthy individuals is processed into a wide variety of therapeutics for people around the world with rare, life-threatening diseases, such as immunodefi ciency disorders, hemophilia, and hereditary angioedema.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BioLife Plasma Services has implemented additional screening and safety measures in line with public health guidance to help guarantee the safety and health of donors and employees, as well as the safety of the collected plasma. All donors will need to wear a mask or other cloth face covering inside a BioLife Plasma center. CHAD Celebrates 30+ Years of Partnering with United Way of the Midlands The Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) is celebrating more than 30 years of partnering with the United Way of the Midlands. Having begun working together in 1987, this partnership is playing a particularly vital role in these health-stressed COVID-19 times. Through workplace giving, the organizations are able to provide valuable support for those in need. “Health is the one cause that affects absolutely everyone in the world regardless of their demographic, as we’ve seen with the pandemic,” said CHAD CEO Michelle Grossman. “We are the only drive in the state that focuses solely on health issues that affect us all, but our friends, family and neighbors facing health challenges need support from United Way’s funded partners, too. That’s why we’re so grateful for this partnership. It truly provides one unifi ed voice and asks for the largest health and human services campaign to serve the community in such a critical time.” CHAD is a local, donor-driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities for more than 40 years. Since its inception, CHAD has raised $59.7 million for charities supporting those in need in our community. Valuable donations help Omaha citizens in need by providing care and support for those affected by a health diagnosis; funding education and prevention programs in our community; and supporting advocacy and medical research. For more information, visit chadnebraska.com, call (402) 614-8500, or follow them on social media (@CHADNebraska).

Medica Introduces Group Health Coverage to Nebraska Medica is expanding its health coverage offerings to support employers throughout the state of Nebraska and three border counties in Iowa. By bringing group coverage to Nebraska, Medica now offers health insurance in three distinct markets: individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare and employer-sponsored group coverage. Medica group coverage is available across Nebraska and three Iowa counties (Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie) beginning January 1, 2021. The health insurer has offered individual coverage in those areas since 2016. It began offering Medicare coverage in Nebraska in 2019. A key benefi t of Medica’s group plans is a $25 cap on member costs for a one-month supply of insulin. Starting in 2021, Medica’s individual plan members in Nebraska with ACA coverage also will pay no more than $25 for a one-month supply of insulin. Medica is making this essential benefi t available at a low cost to ensure diabetics have access to insulin, which has been increasing in price at an unsustainable rate. Addressing the issue, Nebraska lawmakers last year introduced bills that would cap insulin at $100 per prescription. Medica group products feature a variety of provider network options. It has created an open access network with established health systems and providers throughout the state of Nebraska to ensure high quality, effi cient care is delivered to its members. The network also includes a large national network. In many larger Nebraska cities, including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Kearney, Medica has created in partnership with CHI Health an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) product for its group members. The organizations have been in a similar partnership for ACA members since 2018 and Medicare members since 2019. Medica currently has about 47,000 members in the ACO products with CHI Health. To learn more, visit medica.com.

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American Red Cross Seeking Volunteers to Help People Affected by Disasters The American Red Cross is experiencing a shortage of volunteers in the midst of largescale wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters across as many as 10 states and affecting tens of thousands of people. Especially in need are shelter-service associates and shelter supervisors, disaster health services associates and supervisors, blood-donor support, and virtual volunteers from home to work via the internet. See a list and descriptions of these and other volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday. “It has been an incredibly busy time for the Red Cross with thousands of disaster works responding to help people whose lives were turned upside down by wildfi res, hurricanes, and other disasters,” said Region Executive for the Nebraska-Iowa Region of the Red Cross. “They need your help now. Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer, donating to help people affected by disasters—or by giving blood today.” Besides volunteering, those wishing to help people affected by disasters can make a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Financial gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters, big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-red-cross, or text the word “disaster” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. In addition, the current onslaught of disasters and the complexities caused by COVID-19 have results in cancellation of blood drives, leading to a call for blood or platelets to help ensure a suffi cient blood supply. Learn more about donating blood or platelets at redcross.org/give-blood.

Join Wear Yellow Nebraska to Celebrate Supporting Nebraska’s Cancer Survivors Wear Yellow Nebraska invites supporters to join them from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 6, for a special Wear Yellow Nebraska Celebration at Infusion Brewing Company Southwest, 6271 S 188th St. The purpose of the event is to bring supporters together to celebrate another successful year of Wear Yellow Nebraska and the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run, and Walk. While 2020 has been anything but usual, the nonprofi t organization is honored to have the opportunity to say Thank You for your support of our fellow Nebraskans in the fi ght against cancer!

About 38.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Wear Yellow Nebraska taps into the energy, kindness, and support of the cycling and running community to help. At the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run, and Walk, hundreds of cyclists and runners team up every year to help fellow Nebraskans in their battles against cancer. The funds raised at the event provide thousands of rides to cancer patients who need to get to and from treatment. The organization also is expanding to include other helpful programs for patients.

Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offere cancer survivors support in ways that weren’t being addressed and for people who otherwise would fall through the cracks. To learn more or register for the event, visit wearyellownebraska.org. For more information about the nonprofi t, call (402) 965-1699 or email contactus@wearyellownebraska.org.

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Taking Care of Your Skin Cold weather, dry air, wearing masks, more stress...your skin has never needed more love!

As we enter into the winter months, the cold temperatures and low humidity levels threaten the health of our skin. While this isn’t news to anyone who lives in Nebraska, this year we are also combating added stressors from COVID. Major life changes always come with their fair share of stress, which can a ect our sleep, diet, hormones, etc. These things have a direct impact on the health of our skin. Plus, having to wear a mask all day traps dirt and oil in our pores. “Maskne” anyone? Beyond skin concerns, this time of year is always harder on our mental health. The shorter days steal our sunshine, freezing winds keep us inside, and the holidays demand a lot from us emotionally and fi nancially. That is why it’s more important than ever to be taking care of ourselves. It’s time for a spa day!

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” - Katie Reed -

At Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa, there is an entire fl oor dedicated to their spa services. When you walk up the stairs, it’s like you’re entering into a whole other world of serenity and relaxation. Dim, fl ickering lights give the hallways that peaceful candle-lit e ect, and soft instrumental music puts your mind at ease. A friendly attendant will welcome you and lead you to one of their men’s or women’s locker rooms, all of which are spread out from each other for privacy. The attendant will explain everything to you so that you feel comfortable with the process. A body towel wrap, robe, and slippers are provided for you in a key-locked cubby where you can store your belongings during your session. Once you are changed, you’ll be welcomed to sit in a cozy waiting nook for your esthetician to come and meet you. You can tell they have thought of everything to ensure each guest has a smooth and lush experience. The team of estheticians at CHD are thoroughly trained in skin care techniques, and they use professional products. Their services include facials, peels, brow and lash lifts, waxing services, and more. Your esthetician will talk to you about your skin before starting to help determine what treatment would be best for your desired result. A highly-recommended treatment is dermaplaning, which involves uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from the face. It’s satisfying to visually see the results. Regardless of the treatment you choose, you can expect the following basic services during each facial session: • Cleansing and toning • Exfoliation • Warm vaporizing mist • Extractions to clear clogged pores • Face, neck, and shoulder massage between product application

Through November, CHD is promoting their Phyto Pumpkin Enzyme Peel—a sought-after seasonal treatment that restores and protects the skin. You’ll walk away glowing! In addition, December and January, the salon will be off ering their famous Cranberry Peel Facials. Cranberries soothe the skin from the damaging e ects of the environment and deliver vitamins A and C. These natural antioxidants will hydrate and remove blackheads. CHD has a variety of other facials to choose from as well, including a Wrinkle Lift Peel, Lightening Lift Peel, Acne Lift Peel, Perfection Lift Peel, Beta Lift Peel, and—newly added—the O2 Lift Facial. The O2 Lift Facial integrates a revolutionary exfoliator that starts as a thick gel and begins to cling to dead skin cells—you can actually feel the dead skin ball up as the product is massaged in, providing gentle yet e ective total rejuvenation in the look of your skin. “I encourage everyone—men, women, young, old—to come see why we are so passionate about skin care here at CHD. We o er a variety of treatments so that we can tailor the experience for each individual who visits the spa. I recommend getting skin treatments a minimum of four times a year—once every season. It makes a big impact on overall health. Remember the 80/20 rule...100% of your results depend on 80% of what you do at home and 20% of what you do in the treatment room. We want to help you regain confi dence and bring a little relaxation into your life in the midst of all the craziness! Our team is taking very serious precautions every day to ensure all visitors and sta have a safe experience when they walk through our doors.” - Katy Scott, esthetician at CHD since 2013