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American Diabetes Month: Take Charge of Your Health
American Diabetes Month Life Center 2-Day Event Veterans Day Antibiotic Awareness Month Medicare Open Enrollment And more...
Life Center Diabetes Prevention Staff, Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
Caring for Our Community, Supporting Every Journey November is a great time to focus on heart health, healthy holiday habits, diabetes awareness, stress management, and preventive care.
In this issue: 1. Movember: Make Men's Health a Priority November 2026 / Issue 22 Welcome to Health Update, Gila River Health Care's monthly Community newsletter! Published by the Public Relations & Marketing Department, Health Update keeps patients, families, and Community members informed with timely health information, organizational news, upcoming events, wellness tips, and stories that matter most to our Community. Our goal is to share valuable resources and important updates that help you stay connected with Gila River Health Care and the services available to you.
Gila River Health Care recognizes and salutes its military members. Thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to protecting our freedom. “When duty calls, that is when character counts.” — William Safire —
2. Antibiotic Awareness Month: Use Antibiotics Wisely 3. American Diabetes Month: Take Charge of Your Health 4. November Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables 5. Life Center Event: Healthy Generations 6. November GRHC Facility Closures 7. Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day Closures 8. Patient Flu Shot Availability 9. Veterans Day: Free Coffee and Pastry Date 10.
Patient Notice: Medicare Open Enrollment
This month, look out for a special poster and messaging that includes all GRHC Veterans!
Movember:
Make Men's Health a Priority
Movember is a November campaign that encourages men to look after both their physical and mental health. It is known for its mustache-themed fundraisers and focus on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's mental health. The campaign also reminds us that regular checkups and early conversations matter.
Ryan Yucupisio, CSCS, CPT Lead Fitness Instructor Life Center
Andrew Gongora
Harlan Barlow, CPT
Felipe Negron, ACSM-EPC Fitness Manager Life Center
“The Life Center’s Fitness Program is built on a simple truth: physical strength and mental toughness walk hand in hand. For O'otham men, carrying the responsibilities of family, community, and tradition requires a strong body and a resilient mind. Iron sharpens iron—through hard work, heavy lifting, and discipline, our training gives men a positive outlet to clear the mind, release stress, and overcome internal struggles. By building physical capability and mental awareness in the gym, we help our men stay grounded, carry their load with pride, and show up strong as leaders, providers, and protectors for our community.”
“Men's health is important to me because it supports better habits for those around us and those who look up to us, and quality of later life multiplies!
“Attention to men’s health and fitness helps men live longer, stronger, and builds healthy habits for long-term health.
“Men's health is important to me because as men, we can always improve ourselves to become stronger, wiser, and more in touch with ourselves. Mentally, Physically, and spiritually sound men can lead others to being their best selves.”
Fitness Instructor Life Center
The Life Center is an incredible resource for people. The most valuable tool this facility provides is preventative care. When our patients are armed with the knowledge to prevent many health related concerns, their futures are brighter, longer, and full of more confidence.”
Fitness Instructor Life Center
The Life Center is available to help guide your life changing decision in becoming healthier and stronger. We have a staff of motivated instructors to help you and to witness your moments. We have locations at all three GRHC campuses. Walk-ins or referrals are welcome. We are here for you.”
Contact Us: (520) 562-3321 Ext. 7940
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Stress, depression, anxiety, grief, and other challenges can affect anyone. Men sometimes feel they should handle problems alone, but asking for help shows strength. Talk with someone you trust, seek professional help, and reach out if life feels overwhelming.
Men's mental Gila River Health Care Life Center staff encourages men to get checkups, talk about cancer screening, address mental health matters. regular health, and speak openly with their providers. Family and friends can help by encouraging the men they care about to get preventive care and support when needed.
Antibiotic Awareness:
Use Antibiotics Wisely Using antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to antibiotic resistance. This happens when bacteria learn to survive the medicines meant to kill them, making infections harder to treat. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem that can affect everyone. Protect yourself and your community. Gila River Health Care encourages you to work with your Providers and Pharmacists to use antibiotics safely and correctly. Using antibiotics responsibly helps keep them effective for everyone now and in the future.
November is a time to remember how important it is to use antibiotics carefully so they keep working in the future. Antibiotics treat some bacterial infections, like certain cases of strep throat, urinary tract infections, and bacterial pneumonia. They do not work against viruses, such as those that cause colds, the flu, most sore throats, and many cases of bronchitis.
You can help stop antibiotic resistance by following these steps: •
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Protect Yourself During Cold and Flu Season
Take antibiotics only if your Provider prescribes them. Never use antibiotics meant for someone else or leftover medicine. Follow your prescription exactly. Take your medicine as your Provider or pharmacist tells you and ask before making any changes or stopping treatment. Ask questions if you are given an antibiotic. Find out what infection it treats, how to take it, and what side effects to watch for. Help prevent infections by washing your hands often, staying up to date on recommended vaccines, and practicing good hygiene. Don't ask your Provider for antibiotics if you don't need them. If a virus causes your illness, ask about the best ways to manage your symptoms and when to seek more help.
Remember to get seasonal vaccinations, wash your hands, stay home when sick, practice respiratory etiquette, and know when to seek medical care. Flu and COVID Shots are now available at all Gila River Health Care locations.
American Diabetes Month: Take
Charge of Your Health
November is American Diabetes Month. It's a time to learn more about diabetes and encourage everyone to take steps to improve their health. Diabetes changes how your body controls blood sugar, which fuels your cells. If blood sugar stays high, it can lead to serious problems like heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision issues, and foot problems.
The benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Type 2 diabetes is common, but you can lower your risk with healthy habits. Eat balanced meals, drink water instead of sugary drinks, stay active, get enough sleep, and see your health care provider regularly. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as your provider suggests and take your medicine as directed.
Know your risk. Take action. Signs of diabetes can include being very thirsty, needing to urinate often, feeling unusually tired, having blurry vision, or losing weight without trying. Some people with type 2 diabetes do not notice any symptoms, so regular screening is important. Risk factors include family history, not being very active, or having had prediabetes or gestational diabetes. Gila River Health Care urges you to talk with your health care team about diabetes screening, prevention, healthy eating, and blood sugar management. Finding diabetes early and getting support can help you avoid complications and live better.
Traditional finger stick blood glucose meters (glucometers) remain a cornerstone of diabetes care and offer quick reading and is familiar to patients. However, for some people at higher risk of hypoglycemia, or people on multiple daily injections may require more frequent testing. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) are wearable sensors that measure glucose in interstitial fluid 24/7 and transmit data frequently to your smart phone or reader to provide real-time glucose trends.
November Recipe:
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables Warm up this November with our Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables! This easy, comforting recipe combines tender roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables for a delicious, nutritious meal the whole family can enjoy. A healthy recipe that makes mealtime simple and satisfying!
Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • •
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 bone-in chicken thighs 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks 2 medium potatoes or sweet potatoes, cut into cubes 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Prep Time:
15 minutes Cook Time
40-45 minutes Servings
4
Healthy Tips • Choose lean protein: Skinless chicken helps reduce saturated fat. • Eat a variety of vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. • Use oil in moderation: Olive oil adds flavor and unsaturated fats. • Reduce sodium: Use less salt and add flavor with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika. • Make it a balanced meal: Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables for additional variety.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. 2. Season the chicken and vegetables. Place the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and red onion in a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Add the chicken and rub it with the remaining seasoning. 3. Arrange on the sheet pan. Spread the vegetables evenly across the pan and nestle the chicken pieces among them. Avoid overcrowding so the vegetables roast rather than steam. 4. Roast for 35–45 minutes for bone-in thighs or approximately 25–35 minutes for boneless thighs, turning the vegetables halfway through. Cooking time varies with the size of the chicken pieces and vegetable chunks.
November Closures:
Veterans Day and Thanksgiving 2026
Gila River Health Care’s
CLOSED
Thursday, Friday & Saturday
November 26th November 27th November 28th
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital | Pharmacy Hours
10:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 11/27, Saturday 11/28 and Sunday 11/29 If you need assistance or would like more information on services open, call our main line at 520-562-3321. Normal business hours will resume Monday, November 30, 2026. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or visit the Emergency Department at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital.
VETERANS DAY Closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026
THANKSGIVING
Closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday November 26-28, 2026
Call (520) 562-3321 if you have any questions.
2026 -2027
Flu Shots Now Available W BY APPOINTMENT ANY GILA RIVER HEALTH CARE PRIMARY CARE DEPARTMENT
Open 8 am - 5 pm Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital (520) 562-3321 Ext. 1495
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center (520) 796-2697
Komatke Health Center (520) 550-6000
Pediatrics Department (520) 562-3321 Ext. 7337
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES: Gila River Indian Community enrolled members and all federally recognized tribal members.
GILA RIVER HEALTH CARE RESOURCES F R E Q U E N T L Y Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital Main Number: (520) 562-3321 Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 7100 Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1177 / 4017 Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1209 Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1232 Infusion Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1219 Inpatient Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1218 Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1220 Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 7940 Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 7365 Patient Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1204 Pharmacy Refill Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1270 Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1230 Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1258 Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1495 Purchased Referred Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6025 Women’s Health Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1400
C A L L E D
E X T E N S I O N S
Komatke Health Center Main Number: (520) 550-6000 Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6008 Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6609 Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6015 Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6044 Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6016 Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6470 Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6012 Patient Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6006 Pharmacy Refill Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1303 Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6213 Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6520 Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6000 Purchased Referred Care . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 5000 Women’s Health Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6110
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center Main Number: (520) 796-2600
Behavioral Health Services Main Number: (602) 528-7100
Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2965 Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2620 Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2619 Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2682 Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2655 Infusion Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1219 Inpatient Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1218 Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2651 Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2657 Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2690 Patient Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2737 Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2715 Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2664 Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2697 Purchased Referred Care . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 5000 Women’s Health Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2693
Gila River Indian Community Crisis Line . . . . (800) 259-3449 National Suicide Lifeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 988
Gila River Indian Community District Service Centers District 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 215-2110 District 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3450 District 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3334 District 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 418-3661 District 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 315-3441 District 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 550-3805 District 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 430-4780
Public Health Nursing (PHN) Main Office West-Komatke Health Center, Shegoi Building Main Line: (520) 550-6042 PHN Office Serving District 1 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 215-2110 PHN Office Serving District 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3450 PHN Office Serving District 3 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3321 PHN Office Serving District 4 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 418-2845 PHN Office Serving District 5 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 315-3826 / 3242 PHN Office Serving District 6 & 7 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 550-6042