HEALTH NEWS AND TIPS FROM SABAN COMMUNITY CLINIC VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
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, s e i l l l a m
big consequences to your health!
When it comes to our health, honesty is the best policy. Being truthful with your healthcare providers is crucial to receiving the best and most accurate care possible. Many people may be hesitant to reveal certain information to their provider, whether it be out of embarrassment, fear of judgment, or simply not thinking it’s important. However, withholding information or lying to your provider can have serious consequences on your health. It can lead to misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, and even dangerous medical interactions. Questions your provider might ask, and why:
“HOW OFTEN DO YOU DRINK?”
“DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF _______ ?”
“ANY BIG CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE SINCE WE LAST MET?”
Alcohol consumption of any amount may have adverse effects with medications, interrupt sleep patterns, cause high blood pressure, and digestion issues. Whether it’s one glass of wine at dinner every night or social drinking on weekends, it’s important to share your truthful answer.
Various health screenings are suggested based on age such as breast or prostate cancer screenings, but a family history can notify your provider to screen earlier or more regularly.
Big changes can affect your mental and physical health. We can connect you with other resources at Saban or with our partners.
It's important to remember that providers are there to help and trained to handle all sorts of medical issues. And most likely, they have heard it before. The more information they have, the better they can create a care plan unique to your individual needs.
←TIP
In addition, being honest with providers helps establish a trusting relationship with them. Being honest can lead to better communication, a stronger understanding of your medical conditions, and ultimately, better health outcomes. At your next visit, remember that honesty really is the best policy. Don't be afraid to speak up and share any concerns or information that may be relevant to your health. They are there to help!
If you don’t feel comfortable telling a nurse or medical assistant as they check you in, wait and share with your provider when they come in the room.
Meet our doulas The Prenatal Department is proud to share the addition of full spectrum doulas from the Birthworkers of Color Collective. Doulas are trained professionals who work together with Saban providers focusing on the emotional, physical, and informational needs of the expecting parent and partner.
What services do doulas provide at Saban? Prenatal: provide information on childbirth and infant care, and emotional support. During childbirth: provide physical and emotional support to the expecting parent such as massage, breathing techniques, and encouragement. Postpartum: help with breastfeeding, give emotional support, and help birthing parent adjust to life with a new baby. Learn about our prenatal program and get matched with a doula that can support your pregnancy. Complete the inquiry form at sabancommunitycinic.org/cp
Share a tip for family or friends who are providing postpartum care.
Luz Ticas: Each birth is unique, but receiving personalized support can help make the transition to motherhood smoother. Doulas are a fantastic resource for anyone looking to have an informed, supportive, and respected birth however that looks for the expecting parent.
Priscilla Hsu: It’s important to be aware of your presence when visiting a parent and their newborn. While we all want to show our love, sometimes the best thing to do is to give them space. You can still help by dropping off food, offering to do laundry, or bringing activities for older siblings. It’s important to respect their wishes if they aren't ready for company.
What are the benefits of including cultural traditions in the birthing process? Vanessa Joseph: Incorporating cultural traditions can bring numerous benefits. It helps to honor the heritage of the birthing parent and creates a sense of familiarity and connection. Cultural practices offer comfort and empowerment, which can help to alleviate stress and anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth.
← DID YOU KNOW?
Would a doula be beneficial if you’ve had a previous birth experience?
Research has shown having a doula present during childbirth can lead to a variety of benefits such as reduced need for pain medication, shorter labor, and fewer instances of medical interventions.
Ghassan Khoury Physician
Ask our sexual health providers Kristian Melby Physician Assistant
The birds and the bees talk may have been your introduction to sex, but it’s time to destigmatize sexual health and include accurate information on how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The good news is, the sexual health team at Saban is here to provide different options and methods to practice safer sex and protect yourself, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
Barrier method: There are many types of condoms for every activity. This includes external condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams that can be used during oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or when sharing sex toys. Open communication: Talk to your partner(s) about their STI status, and any other sexual partner(s) openly and honestly. Ask about the last time they tested for STIs. While it may be uncomfortable, it’s important to prioritize your health. Get curious: Ask your healthcare provider about PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP. PrEP Medication that helps prevent HIV and taken before known or potential exposure to HIV. PrEP is available as a daily oral pill, or as an injection every 2 months.
PEP Medication that helps prevent HIV, but PEP is taken after known or potential exposure to HIV. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure.
DoxyPEP Medication that helps prevent STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. DoxyPEP is taken within 72 hours of condomless anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
Start a free two-week trial of PrEP.
Make an appointment today! • Chat with us online • Call us at 323.653.1990 • Log into MyChart
← DID YOU KNOW?
Regular testing: Don’t wait for annual visits, get tested for STIs, including HIV, every 3–6 months and especially before sex with a new partner(s).
The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that more than half of Americans will have an STI at some point in their lives.
AROUND THE CLINIC
At your next visit, you can safely receive your COVID-19 and flu vaccines together. Request an appointment by messaging your provider on MyChart or chat with us at sabancommunityclinic.org. Flu vaccine prevents tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. Among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease, flu vaccination has been shown in separate studies to be associated with reduced hospitalizations from a worsening of their chronic condition.
It’s time to enroll in a health plan! COVERED CALIFORNIA OPEN ENROLLMENT NOVEMBER 1, 2023 TO JANUARY 31, 2024
A number of studies have shown that in addition to helping to protect pregnant people from flu, a flu vaccine given during pregnancy helps protect the baby from flu for several months after birth, when babies are too young to be vaccinated.
Keep healthy during the holidays.
Currently have a plan through Covered California? Log into your account at coveredca.com to make changes or enroll in your plan for the new year. Need help reviewing your options based on changes to your income, family size or circumstance? Join us for in-person enrollment events and our certified enrollment counselors can find options and help submit the paperwork for you. November 18, 2023 December 2 and 16, 2023 January 20 and 27, 2024 Melrose Family Health Center 5205 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
To request an appointment, log in to MyChart:
Our locations: Beverly Health Center 8405 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 Hollywood Health Center 6043 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Additionally, you can call us at 323.653.1990 or chat with us at sabancommunityclinic.org
Melrose Family Health Center 5205 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 Virgil Family Health Center 137 N. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004 Satellite Clinic at The Center 6636 Selma Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
@sabanclinic
sabancommunityclinic.org
