9 News Health Guide Canon City

Free Health Screenings

Blood pressure, diabetes risk, mental health, prostate, memory, hearing, foot, hand, lung, skin, balance, oxygen levels, BMI, vision, dental Available by appointment: pap smears and breast exams | to make an appointment, call 719-285-2049

Affordable Lab Work

Lab screenings start at just $35. Fasting not required.

Appointments for lab work recommended, walk-ins welcome, no insurance needed.

Why Attend?

Talk to medical professional one-on-one.

Learn what's happening in your body

Find additional resources available in your community

Similar to an annual physical, for a fraction of the cost!

Many free health screenings are available for children too!

Learn more at 365health.org

Being Intentional about Staying Healthy and Practicing Self Care

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can cause us to get so wrapped up in our obligations and activities that we forget to take care of what’s most important ourselves! To help, the emergency department at Centura St. Thomas More Hospital has some suggestions for keeping yourself healthy and cared for.

Spring and summer often mean getting together with friends and family, sharing hugs, laughter, and on occasion a virus or two Make sure to get lots of rest in between celebrations and don’t feel bad if you need to cancel plans because you ’ re not feeling 100% You do not want to be the one that brings a bug to the barbecue!

Warmer weather also means more outdoor adventures and activities. Be cautious on hikes or walks and be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes Always wear a helmet and other protective gear when riding a bike or inline skating And remember to always be extra careful around sparklers or fireworks!

Some of the top reasons people visit the ER come down to pain: abdominal pain, back pain, and chest pain. Celebrations and parties full of rich, decadent foods that we are not used to eating can cause our stomachs to rebel and our gallbladders to work overtime Eat and drink thoughtfully and avoid overloading your system Saving yourself from back pain could be as simple as slowing down and asking for help. During this busy season, it’s easy to do too much and a tired back is your clue to slow down to avoid major injury Know your limits and don’t forget to lift with your knees

Stomachaches and back pain can put a damper on your plans, but chest pain is something you should not ignore

Why are annual and screenings so important?

Meeting regularly with a provider at St. Thomas More Physician Group can benefit your health through early disease detection and preventative care plans. Regular exams have been shown to save lives and reduce the impacts of disease

Regular exams and screenings are the perfect opportunity to get your health questions answered.

A good rule of thumb is to schedule these appointments around your birthday each year to make sure you and your provider are both updated on your current health goals Each year can bring new challenges, and your provider can help you navigate any concerns for the future Meeting with your care provider when you aren’t sick is one of the best times to see them. When you get your “clean bill of health” you can treat yourself to lunch!

What screenings should you ask about?

Screenings are medical tests your provider will use to check for diseases and health conditions before any signs or symptoms occur Getting your recommended screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health Below are some of the recommended screenings, but your provider may suggest others to you depending on your health history

Listen to your body and pay attention to the clues it’s giving you If you are feeling a tightness in your chest, do not wait to see if it goes away, go to the ER in case it turns out to be something serious

Seasons of fun can also be stressful, so make sure to make time to take care of yourself Make plans with priorities in mind, and remember, it’s ok to say no If stress starts to hit hard, pull back and take time to relax Spend time doing something that brings you comfort, like relaxing in the back yard with a glass of lemonade or getting a summer pedicure.

If you ’ re feeling overwhelmed, below are some resources to connect you with mental health care.

(Colorado Crisis Services: 24/7/365 access to crisis services across Colorado Home Colorado Crisis Services 1-844-493- TALK(8255) or Text “Talk” to 38255

Psychology Today Therapist Finder: Find a Therapist, Psychologist, Counselor - Psychology Today

2-1-1 Colorado: Connects people with resources: 2-1-1 Colorado (211colorado org)

Spring and summer tend to fly by, so be sure to enjoy special moments with family and friends, but don’t be afraid to reach out for help or talk time to yourself when you need it!

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Osteoporosis (weak bones)

• Mental health conditions

• Mammogram

• Prostate

• Height and weight

• Colonoscopy

• Heart health

• Cancer – lung, cervical, skin

• Vaccinations – be sure to discuss age-appropriate vaccines Get your flu shot!

One more important item to discuss regularly with your provider is the medications you are taking. You should make a list of your medications/ supplements and exactly how you are taking them – include prescribed and over-the-counter medications

Don’t put off your annual exams or screenings. Call and set up your appointment today – 719-285-2700. St. Thomas More Physician Group is accepting new patients!

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Colon Cancer Screenings are Key to Good Health

In May of 2021, the U S Preventative Services Task Force issued new recommendations that people with average risk for colon cancer start screenings at age 45 instead of 50 Centura St Thomas More Hospital wants to make sure that community members are aware of these changes and book an appointment for a colonoscopy consultation. Colon cancer screenings are an important tool to catching colorectal cancers early. The incidence of colon cancer is rising in people younger than 50 years of age, likely due to environmental factors Most people do not have symptoms from these precancerous polyps or from colon cancer at all until it is in advanced stages, which is why it is so important to get your screenings done.

For adults with family history of colon cancer or polyps, the recommended age can decrease to 40 years or younger depending on individual circumstances. Adults without family history of colorectal cancer should be screened at the new recommended age of 45. If you are unsure about your family history, you can ask your primary care physician and they will help you determine when is the best time for you to start

During your consultation, you will be able to questions and go over what you can expect from your colonoscopy procedure. The day before

your procedure you will be on a clear diet; no solid food. By late afternoon, you will do the first half of the bowel preparation which can be in pill or liquid form. You will be asked to drink significant amounts of water leading up to the second half of the preparation which is about five hours before your procedure.

You will need a friend or family member to drive you, and once you arrive at the hospital, you will be taken back where they will get an IV started. Your anesthesiologist and gastroenterologist will come talk to you, go over the procedure, and answer any remaining questions They will put you to sleep for the procedure, which only takes 15-20 minutes itself, and you will wake up in the recovery room shortly afterwards. You will need to take that day off work and will need to depend on your friend or family member to drive you home and keep you company for the day

1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Screenings are the best way for doctors to detect smaller, precancerous polyps which helps patients get treatments early and is most effective.

Comprehensive Health Services at St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More Hospital provides a wide range of women’s healthcare services, right here in the Cañon City community

St. Thomas More Physician Group OB/GYN Services providers perform well-woman exams, treatment of pelvic or menstrual pain, regular screenings, gynecological surgery, prenatal care, and more They enjoy maintaining strong ongoing relationships with patients and working with patients to build trust and open communication.

The caring providers at St. Thomas More Physician Group OB/GYN Services believe in a whole-person perspective and focus on prevention as well as staying up to date with current evidence-based methods to treat conditions. They want all women to feel safe and comfortable in all aspects of their healthcare

St. Thomas More also offers classes for parents-to-be. Each Childbirth Education class i t ht b tifi d Bi th C t id

Moms will give birth in large, private labor and delivery rooms, each featuring its own restroom with walk-in shower. State-of-the-art fetal monitoring equipment is used in each room, and all babies are linked to the Hugs tag system, the leading provider of newborn security.

Should advanced care be necessary, the Birth Center at St. Thomas More has a dedicated cesarean section operating room and an enlarged newborn stabilization nursery, all located close to the nurses’ station for round-the-clock comforting care St. Thomas More’s connection to Centura Health’s high-risk pregnancy program ensures parents and baby have access to the highest levels of care. No matter your life stage or women’s health needs, St. Thomas More caregivers are ready to provide you with the best care possible, without traveling far Visit Centura.org for more information.

Benefits of Orthopedic Care

Orthopedics is a wide-reaching branch of medicine, and Centura Health offers some of the finest orthopedic care in the region. Our diverse team treats common conditions, such as arthritis and joint pain, as well as offering advanced treatment options, including joint replacement procedures. If you suffer from bone or joint pain, you ’ re not alone. In fact, 54.4 million U.S. adults, or more than 1 in 4, have arthritis. Arthritis is just one of many conditions that can cause pain and limit mobility. At Centura Health, our orthopedic specialists are experts at addressing the causes of pain, and we offer comprehensive treatment options to address a wide spectrum of conditions.

Finding the right treatment for your pain

At Centura Health, our orthopedic experts offer a comprehensive range of treatment options including advanced joint replac

This procedure is fairly common, with more than 1 million Americans having a knee or hip replaced every year. Before considering joint replacement, it’s important that your doctor conduct a thorough examination to diagnose your condition. Usually, more conservative measures such as exercise, physical therapy and medications should be exhausted before a joint replacement is considered.

If you are ready to explore options to relieve joint pain, the incredible caregivers at Centura St. Thomas More Orthopedics are here to help. Call 719-285-2646 to get started today.

Diabetes Prevention and Care

Lifestyle changes can help you delay or prevent diabetes and it’s never too late to start making positive changes for your health. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Here are the steps you take to stay on top of your health: Exercise regularly.

Not only is regular physical activity great for your heart, but it can also help you lose weight and better control your blood sugar. Aim for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Lose weight if you need to.

Research has shown that losing as little as 7 percent of your body weight, combined with regular exercise, can lower the risk of diabetes by 58 percent, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Get enough fiber.

Fiber can help improve blood sugar and help you feel full. Aim to eat 21 to 38 grams of fiber daily. High-fiber foods include

30 million Americans with type 2 diabetes have had a growing list of medication options to treat their disease. Two of the most promising classes of drugs available are:

Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors work by preventing the kidneys from releasing excess glucose back into the bloodstream. That means more sugar leaves the body through urine, which helps maintain appropriate blood sugar levels.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) are injectable medications that limit how much sugar the liver releases into the blood and slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach. That allows the pancreas to produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar.

If you have questions about diabetes, schedule an appointment with your Primary Care provider today.

Senior Living 101

Health needs, home upkeep, or simply a desire to join a community where social activities and meals are provided can all be reasons to consider senior living. Services vary widely from place to place, and many places allow seniors to change their level of care while staying in their same apartment. Here’s a primer on senior care options.

Independent living

Services offered: daily meals, housekeeping, activities programs, and transportation

Skilled Nursing

Services offered, 24/7 nursing supervision and services, such as IVs, catheters, wound, care, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Residents receive the highest level of care available outside of the hospital.

Ideal resident: requires a high level of short term or long-term medical management, following an illness injury or serious health decline.

Six Months to a Healthy Heart

Nearly 200,000 people could avoid heart disease each year by changing their lifestyle and habits, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But don’t worry, it doesn’t take an extreme makeover to positively affect your heart health! And, you can forget the need to adhere to any one strict diet and exercise regimen.

Heart health is more individualized than it used to be What’s important is making changes where you need to. Start by having a conversation with your Primary Care provider, then tackle at least one change in each of the following categories every month, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy heart.

Strategize With Your Physician

It’s not enough to just know your numbers, it’s what you do with those numbers that matters Whether your individual blood pressure requires treatment depends on your other cardiovascular risk factors, and that requires a conversation with your provider. In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association lowered the stage at which high blood pressure should be treated from 140/90 to 130/80. Plus, updated recommendations on cholesterol put an emphasis not just on your numbers, but on individual risk factors like weight and smoking. Speak with your Primary Care provider about your individual factors to come up with a healthcare plan together.

Movement

High blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar all increase your chances for a heart attack. Exercise helps lower all three. But don’t stress about blocking an hour of your day to hit the gym. It’s the cumulative exercise you do throughout the day that matters!

Try these tips:

• Get outside Nature is the natural stress reliever Plan a mountain retreat or take a hike after work.

• Tackle your insomnia. Stress and sleep deprivation are a toxic cycle Talk to your doctor about sleep problems

Spiritual and emotional health

Having purpose in life and connecting with others does wonders for your heart, including lowering blood pressure. Relationships built on trust also have shown to benefit your health. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a person’s trust in their doctor had a positive correlation on patient outcomes. Another study found that patients who were spiritual saw the greatest benefits from treatment for depression and bipolar disorder

Try these tips

• Create new phone zones. Ban mobile devices from the dinner table and the bedroom, and be present when interacting with loved ones

• Reflect on your day. Spend time each day praying or meditating, give back, and volunteer your time for a cause you’re passionate about

A Sleep Study Could Change Your Life

According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, a third of U.S. adults report that they usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep. Inadequate sleep is linked to many chronic diseases and conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Getting enough sleep is not a luxury it’s essential to maintaining good health.

If you can answer “yes” to any of the following, then you may have a sleep disorder:

• Do you snore loudly?

• Have you fallen asleep while driving?

• Do you experience unpleasant leg sensations that prevent sleep?

• Are you always tired?

Sleep disorders should be taken seriously as they can create serious health and social problems and

Several small sensors, which monitor brain waves (EEG), respiratory effort, oxygen levels, muscle tone, leg movements, snoring, heart rate, (EKG) and eye movements, will be placed on your scalp, face, chest, abdomen, and legs. In the morning, you will be awakened around 6 a.m.

After your study is complete, a sleep specialist will evaluate your study and staff will send a report to your referring physician. You will need to make an appointment with your referring physician to get your results. Your physician will determine if you need additional treatment.

If you suffer from sleep issues, talk to your primary care physician to see if you are a candidate for a sleep study. For sleep study questions, please call 719-285-2260. To schedule your sleep study, please call 719-285-2255.

Fremont Regional Hospice

Compassionate Hearts, Caring Hands, Comforting Care

Since 2006, the team at Fremont Regional Hospice has helped hundreds of patients and their families face the physical, emotional, and spiritual demands of life-limiting illness. Fremont Regional Hospice is the only independent, locally operated, not-for-profit hospice serving Fremont, Custer, Park, Teller and western Pueblo counties. At Fremont Regional Hospice, we focus on helping keep our patients and their families free from pain, anxiety, and stress. Our hospice team includes nurses, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers all working under the directions of each patient's physician. We are your Hometown Hospice.

Fremont

Regional Hospice

1439 Main Street

Canon City, CO 81212

719-275-4315

Centura St. Thomas More Hospital Health Fair

In partnership with 365 Health

Location

Cañon City, CO 81212

719.285.2000 | centura.org

Saturday

April 29, 2023

7:00 - 11:00 am

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