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If you haven’t heard UNM Truman Health Services is now a level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)! What does that mean for you? You will continue to receive the highest quality of care and service at every visit. This widely recognized symbol of quality shows the hard work and dedication UNM Truman Health Services provides to our patients.
WHAT’S INSIDE Page 2
Dear Patient, Dates to Remember
Page 7
Improve Your Mental Flexibility Congratulations
Page 3
How Well Do You Keep Up With Your Medication?
Page 8
New In the News
Page 4
Welcome New Staff Members
Page 5
UNM Truman Health Services Comes OUT for Pride
Page 6
Enjoy the Sun Not the Burn
Page 9-10 HIV in the Modern Age Page 11
Your way to Health and Vitality Through Medical Acupuncture
Page 13 Good-bye Page 14-15 Truman Times Classifieds
Truman Health Services | 801 Encino Place NE | Building F| Albuquerque, NM 87102| 505-272-1312 www.unmtruman.org
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To Help Us Keep Your Records Up-To-Date Please be sure we have your most recent insurance card on file. Let the front desk staff know if your insurance has changed.
Dear Patient, Summer is finally here and that means vacations, picnics and outings, fun in the sun, and the Fourth of July. Summer can also mean a change in your regular routine. Because of the typical summer activities the July/ August issue of the Truman Times is packed full of information on beating the heat, creating habits, taking charge of your health, some great health management tools, and more! YOU are important to us and our goal is to share our advice with you on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember at UNMTHS we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care with compassion and respect for human dignity. We love feedback so please feel free to share your comments on this newsletter or any of the services provided here at UNM Truman Health Services. Send your feedback to THSinfo@unmmg.org. Have a Happy 4th Of July and a safe summer! Sincerely, Your Truman Healthcare Team
If you have an emergency or urgent care visit outside of the UNM family, please fill out a Release of Information form while you are still there. This will allow the Truman care team access to any notes taken during your visit. Have the information faxed to 505-272-2240.
Did you get a new phone? We need to know. If you doctor needs to cancel or change your appointment, or contact you for any reason, we will send a letter to your home if we try calling you two times with no response. Also, if we leave a message asking you to call us back, please be sure to do so, the information may be important.
Have a new address? We would like to know that too! Sometimes we have to mail information to you and we want to be sure it gets in your hands. If you have any questions about the information we need be sure to ask the front desk after your appointment.
Important Dates to Remember Offices Closed UNM Truman Health Services offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th, in celebration of Independence Day. We will reopen on Monday, July 7th. 1st Annual Awareness of Community Tournament: The 1st annual Awareness of Community volleyball tournament to benefit UNM Truman Health Services will take place, Sunday, July 19, from 9 AM to 5 PM at Sneakerz Sports Bar. Entry fees are $25.00 per person For more information contact Michelle at THSinfor@unmmg.org. Free RAPID HIV Testing Rapid HIV testing is available at UNM Truman Health Services Tuesday mornings from 8:00 am to noon and Thursday afternoons from 1:00pm to 5:00 PM. Please stop by during these hours. All testing is confidential. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an HIV test, please contact Outreach at 925-7286.
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How Well Do You Keep Up With Your Medication? Have you ever heard “if your medication is saving your life, why can’t you remember to take it”? Everyone, even doctors and nurses, has a difficult time following medication regiments. It isn’t natural and can be tedious, but if you don’t stay on your medication regiment the alternatives aren’t pleasant. Having a good support system is important. Combining your support system with an established medication adherence routine will help you prevent missing doses. Finding the right routine may take time and a decided effort, but in the end you will be happier and healthier. Use these tips to help you establish your daily routine:
Set times in the morning and evening to take your medication. Keep a bottle of water next to your medication as a reminder. Put medications in a place where you will see them on a regular basis (i.e. the kitchen counter next to the sink, your bedside table, or on your bathroom counter). Get a small pill box and keep it with you at all times. Take your pills at mealtimes. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when to take your medication. Create a checklist with the days and times you take your medication. Post the checklist in an obvious place. Download an app for your phone to help you keep track of the times you take your medication, the types of medication you take, and the dosages. Plan ahead for vacations, weekends, or moves. Most people miss their medication dosage because they are away from home. Keep a diary. Similar to a food diary, a diary helps you remember when you last took your medication, what type of medication you took, and if there were any dietary or time restrictions on your medication.
Committing to staying with your medication therapy is important for your health. Changing your routine may cause medication mix ups and can lead to serious health issues. The goal is to manage your illness through medication and routine.
Medication Reminders
Remember-Narcotic pain medications cannot be called into your pharmacy by your physician, and therefore cannot be filled at night or on the weekends.
Please DO NOT call the after-hours answering service to request pain medication refills. Plan ahead to be sure you renew your prescriptions before you run out. Remember-To update your new phone number and address with the pharmacy too. They may need to contact your about any medication issues or concerns. Remember– UNM Truman Health Services will not accept any medications for disposal. Please stop by the front desk for a list of local disposal sites. Note-only pills will be accepted at the sites listed.
At UNM Truman Health Services YOUR health comes first! In our on-going effort to ensure we are meeting your health care needs, we are asking for your assistance in the following: Medications– Please bring your medications when you are scheduled to meet with your provider. Your provider will compare them with the list of medications in your medical record. Other Appointments-If you’ve been seen by a provider outside of the UNM Truman medical system, please let us know so we can request your treatment record. Hand Hygiene-You may be asked if the clinical staff practiced good hand hygiene during your visit. Clinical staff should clean their hands every time they enter and leave the exam room. Reminder Calls–You will receive a reminder call about your appointment. The caller may also need to share important information during this time to help you prepare for the appointment.
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Hello And Welcome To Our Newest Faces
Curtis
Ervin
Patrick
Cynthia
CTR Prevention & Education Counselor
Senior Data Entry Operator
Clinical Nutritionist
Patient Services Coordinator
We know your time is precious and so is ours, if you have more than one appointment scheduled in a day, it is YOUR responsibility to tell your doctor. If your first appointment runs over, you may miss your second appointment and need to reschedule.
Employee Recognition Program
We Will Miss You
UNM Medical Group, Inc (UNMMG) is committed to recognizing exceptional employee performance and/or contributions to UNMMG. The Rewards and Recognition Committee developed an Employee Recognition Program
Please let Truman staff know if you are planning to move away from the area. That way we can:
named Way2Go. Visit the front desk for forms to nominate a THS employee. Nominees must meet at least one of the following in order to be eligible:
People-Respect, diversity, teamwork, collaboration, reliability
Quality-Continuous improvement, innovation, commitment to exceptional quality work
Service-Excellent customer service, exceptional service to UNMMG and community, dedication and exemplary commitment as a UNMMG employee, environmentally conscientious
Finance-Initiatives and/or efforts by staff that may impact revenue
Growth-Professional development, self-motivation, initiative
Ensure you have your medications for a couple of months. Supply you with all of your most important records for your new provider. Help you find resources in your new community.
Don’t let you medical care lapse!
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UNM Truman Health Services Comes OUT for PRIDE!
There is a lot in the GLBTQ community to be proud of and UNM Truman Health Services in collaboration with the UNM Hospital LGBT Collaborative, the UNM LGBTQ Resource Center, and the UNM Gay Straight Alliance, were thrilled to be a part of the Albuquerque Pride celebration. Dressed in colors of the rainbow, the UNMTHS staff walked the three mile parade route handing out beads and condoms, and hosted the first annual UNM Pride Village in the Flower Arts building during PrideFest. UNM Pride Village is a collaboration of all UNM entities showcasing what they have to offer the GLBTQ community. If you didn’t get out to this year’s event be sure to check us out at the 2015 event!
Dr. Karla Thornton hosts a weekly information session at UNM Truman Health Services. A referral from your doctor is necessary and you are able to continue with your current primary care physician. This visit gives you the opportunity to discuss your Hepatitis C and will hopefully answer any questions you may have. Please call or stop by the front desk for
Your Health Care Team
One nurse and one medical assistant just aren’t enough to keep you healthy. At UNM Truman Health Services you have a team of medical professionals ready to assist you. The front desk is available to transfer your calls to the medical professional on-duty when you call. Remember, all of our nurses understand what you are going through, so you don’t have to wait for a specific person. This saves you time and helps you get on with your day. If you are transferred to an on-call nurse and get voicemail, please leave a detailed message with your name, date of birth, MRN (found on your blue appointment card), the best number to reach you at, and the specific reason you are calling. Calls are usually returned within one business day.
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Enjoy the Sun, Not the Burn Tips to help you stay safe during the hot summer months by Tony Quintana Ah summer time, the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and get a little sun. Did you know sunshine can improve your mood and help your body get the vitamin D it needs naturally? It has been shown that not getting enough sunlight can cause depression. Humans need the sun to survive. When it comes to the sun a little bit goes a long way if you are careful. Too much sun and heat can be harmful, and may cause illness if you don’t take the proper precautions. Here are a few tips to stay safe and beat the heat this summer: Water, water, water: During the dry and hot summer months here in New Mexico (and anywhere for that matter); water should be your best friend. It is important to drink water, not only when you are hot and sweating, but all day long to be sure your body is staying hydrated. Water helps your body cool down when you are hot, and it replaces the fluids that your body loses when you sweat. If you are planning on being active out in the sun for longer than an hour at a time, you may want to drink a small sports drink to be sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. If you are a person who is very active during the summer months, talk to a doctor or nutritionist about whether sports drinks are right for you. Sunscreen: It is important to wear sunscreen during summer, be sure to apply it every day you plan on being outside for more than 20 minutes (even when it is cloudy). Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or after sweating or swimming. Also check the date on your sunscreen; if it is more than two years old it may not work properly. Choose your sun time wisely: Try to avoid or limit your sun exposure during the hours of 10:00am-4:00pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest and most harmful. If you plan to be out in the sun during these hours or for a long period of time wear sunscreen and UV protectant clothing. Also wear clothing that is lightweight, loose fitting, and light-colored. Look for summer wear with UV protection (including shorts, shirts, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas) at local stores. Look for signs of heat related illness: Anytime you have been out in the heat or under the sun it is important to be aware of how you are feeling. Many illnesses are caused by the heat such as, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and in extreme cases even death. Here are a few important signs to look out for during the summer:
Bright-red flushing of the cheeks and face Dizziness Headache Vomiting Feeling very cold or very hot Cramps If you feel one or more of these symptoms, or you feel any other changes in your body that are not normal, get out of the sun, cool off in the shade or indoors, rest, and drink plenty of water. If your symptoms haven’t improved after following these steps call your doctor to see if there are other alternatives. Remember, enjoy the sun in moderation and be sure to have a fun, safe, and happy summer !
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Improve Your (Mental) Flexibility by Adam Metcalf, LISW You may have heard the word “neurotic” used to describe someone who is always fearful or worried. This worry is usually within socially acceptable limits, but is not considered healthy. More generally, people with neurotic personalities experience frequent negative emotions, including depressed mood, anger and/or anxiety. People with neurotic personalities also generally have a low tolerance for distress and get upset very easily. Some of this distress is due to rigid thinking about how life “should” be. Since life is full of unpleasant surprises, including chronic illness, this makes for a difficult ride. People who have less neurotic personalities are generally more flexible, open, mindful and non-judgmental. These traits help them to “roll with the punches,” adjust to difficult situations, and adapt. More importantly, flexibility in life can lead to greater well-being and satisfaction. While having a neurotic personality is to a certain degree hard-wired, the brain can be molded. Research shows us that mindfulness practice, specifically, teaches the brain to be more mindful of what is happening in the present, and less judgmental. Want to try? 1) The next time you eat a meal, try just eating. This means no television or talking. Just be quiet and observe the tastes, textures and sensations you experience as you eat. 2) Sitting meditation is another form of mindfulness practice. Try sitting on the floor or in a chair, closing your eyes and just staring at the darkness. Quiet the mind, don’t intentionally think about anything, just stare and wait. If thoughts come into your mind, just notice them and let them pass without judging them or thinking more about them. Start with 10 minutes (set a timer so you don’t have to think about the time) and go up from there. 3) Stretching or Yoga can be beneficial for the body and to quiet the mind. While stretching, observe your breath and the sensations you experience in the body without judgment.
Congratulations Dr. Michelle Iandiorio!
Dr. Michelle Iandiorio received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with YAC and ECHO at the United Court of the Sandias Coronation on June 2nd.
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New in the News UNM Truman Health Services is proud to announce the unveiling of our new website www.unmtruman.org .With a user friendly design and rich content, our site was designed with you in mind. Take a moment to check it out and be sure to let us know what you think.
We are now on Facebook and Twitter! Looking for the most up-to-date information on what is happing at UNM Truman Health Services? Like us on Facebook (UNM Truman Health Services) or follow us on Twitter (UNM Truman). Great tips on staying healthy, UNMTHS activities, clinic closings, outreach activities, and more can be found here. Stay in-touch and stay informed!
Awareness of Community First Annual Volleyball Tournament Get fit and have fun at the Awareness of Community First Annual Volleyball Tournament to benefit UNM Truman Health Services and NMAS. Held at Sneakerz Sports Bar, Saturday, July 19, from 9 AM to 5 PM. This is a great opportunity to help bring awareness to the Albuquerque Community. $25.00 per play with a maximum of 4 players per team. To pre-register or for additional information please contact Robert Oselio at popsicle8221@gmail.com
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HIV In The Modern Age In the three decades since HIV was first recognized, technology has helped change the management of HIV treatments. Healthline.com has provided a list of the top 14 HIV management apps to help you keep track of vital information including medication, lab results, referrals, and treatment plans. Facing AIDS- This social media app was created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to raise HIV awareness and promote HIV testing. This app is designed to wipe out the negativity surrounding HIV. The program encourages people to share an image of themselves and why they are facing AIDS. This is a free app and is available online or on an iPhone. No Android applications at this time. HIV Connect-This HIV social site is owned and operated by Alliance Health. Available on the internet or Android only, this free app connects HIV-positive people with other HIV-positive people, providing an open forum for sharing information. This is a great application for asking questions, finding information, and talking about your HIV experiences. HIV iChart- This free app is available for both Android and iPhone users. Users can research potential drug-drug interactions between HIV drugs and other medications. The system uses a red light, yellow light, green light interaction visual. Developed by the HIV Pharmacology Group at the University of Liverpool, when updated properly the user has access to the latest medical research. AIDSinfo HIV/AIDS Glossary- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created this free app for Android and iPhone users. Providing a list of over 700 HIV and AIDS definitions and terms. Explained in simple terms this is the perfect app for HIV patients, students and health care providers. InPractice HIV- This free app for Android and iPhone users is available for medical professionals caring for HIV-positive patients. There is a comprehensive list of available medications including all FDA approved drugs. It also provides the latest developments in HIV information you can use in a clinical setting. This is a great online point-of-care resource. iStayHealthy- Available for both iPhone and Android users. iStayHealthy helps users stay on top of their medication and maintain other personal health statistics. The chart tab allows to you see your CD4 and your Viral Load results. Made specifically for HIV patients, this free app is easy to use and fairly self-explanatory. PozTracker-Available only on the iPhone, this $0.99 app is great because you can track your HIV medical information without needed access to the internet. With a secure access screen, PozTracker gives you medication reminders, the ability to log and store your CD4, CD4%, and viral load results. There is also a time graph to review your results. GoodRx-Available for iPhone and Android users, this free app helps you find the best local prices on your medication (and who doesn’t want to save money on prescriptions). Coupons and local discounts are also available. Continued Page 10‌.
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HIV In The Modern Age Continued... HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator-Developed by AIDS.gov, this free location based search tool is available for iPhone and Android users. Users can search for testing facilities, housing providers, health care centers, and other HIV service providers. About HIV-Only for Android users, this free app is a must for current HIV facts, news, videos, testing locations, and much more. Whether you are living with HIV or want to learn more about it, About HIV will fill you in. HIV Atlas-This free Android app pulls together the information gathered on hivatlas.org. Information gathered from thousands of reliable sites is available online and offline so you can stay current. This subscription site also shares information about tuberculosis and malaria. HIV Risk Calculator-Do you ever worry you have engaged in risky sexual behavior? The HIV Risk Calculator app for Android users has a list of possible HIV infection risk behaviors. Easy to use, this app helps you learn about best practices and where and how to get tested. The Body-iPhone and Android users can use this free app to understand the effects HIV has on their loved ones. With the latest news, research and personal stories, information on this site is sorted by HIV high -risk groups. NAM aidsmap-NAM aidsmap shares the latest information about HIV from a UK perspective. Available for iPhone and Android users, this is a free app to help you stay on top of current news about HIV.
According to AIDS.gov there are over 35 million people around the world living with HIV. Having an HIVpositive diagnosis is no longer a death sentence and a 20 year-old diagnosed with HIV today has the life expectancy of 50. Remember, these apps are not meant to replace your current treatment plans. They are available to help you manage your illness and to help you stay informed on the latest HIV treatments and medications.
UNM Truman Health Services is Growing! Please pardon our dust as we begin to grow. UNM Truman Health Services is remodeling and will begin construction of 801 Encino Place NE, Building F early fall. During this time the clinic will remain open. For more information on the construction please contact THSinfo@unmmg.org.
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Your Way Towards Health and Vitality with Medical Acupuncture -By Ingrid Reyna When receiving medical acupuncture there are several steps to take for you to achieve the health and vitality you are seeking. The first step is called Relief Care. This is the beginning of a treatment plan that allows most patients to receive quick relief from pain, discomfort and other symptoms. Frequent visits 1-2 x a week over a few weeks or months are typically needed to reduce your initial complaints. Your age, lifestyle and the quality of your overall vitality are factors in determining a treatment plan for you. A general treatment plan consists of 10-12 treatments. The next phase is Corrective Care. Your symptoms have been reduced and visits are less frequent. This phase maintains and supports the changes you have achieved during Relief Care. Although you may not be experiencing symptoms during this phase, it is essential to continue to strengthen and support your body. Discontinuing care now could potentially disrupt the progress you have achieved, and simple activities may even exacerbate your symptoms causing a relapse. The third step is Maintenance & Wellness Care. Just as you keep your car running smoothly with regular oil changes and tune - ups, monthly or seasonal acupuncture visits can keep your body running smoothly. These maintenance “tune-ups” strengthen your body’s immune function, keeping you healthy and balanced. Using medical acupuncture as part of your healthcare, combined with regular visits with your primary care provider, regular exercise, healthy eating and other good habits, can help you look, feel and perform at your best. Your overall quality of life can improve.
Free RAPID HIV Testing Rapid HIV testing is available at UNM Truman Health Services Tuesday mornings from 8:00 AM to noon and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Please stop by during these hours. All testing is confidential. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an HIV test, please contact Truman at 925-7286.
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When at Truman... Please be sure to turn your phone off or to silent when you enter the building. Stay in the lobby once you have checked in. This means you cannot go outside for a cigarette or for any other reason. We are happy to provide you beverages from our beverage cart, but remember, if your provider is ready to see you when you check in, you may have to wait for that tasty treat. If you are not available when we call you, you will have to wait until your doctor has an opening later that day, or you will have to reschedule to a different day altogether.
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Need Medication Refills? No Refills Left? Call your pharmacy for all refills 14 days in advance
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE CLINIC MEDICATION REFILL PHONE NUMBERS UH Pharmacy 272-2309
DOH in Santa Fe 1-800-254-4689
Curant Health (HealthStat RX) 1-866-437-8040 ext. 245 or ext. 224 Don’t forget HealthStat RX is now Curant Health.
DON’T FORGET! UNM Truman Health Services now offers Outpatient Pharmacy Services through Curant Health (formerly HealthStat RX). Personal care managers, free home delivery, and free bubble packing are currently available. For more information ask your nursing team.
Emergency Financial Assistance Now Available UNMTHS clients can now receive limited financial assistance from the Common Bond NM Emergency Project. If you are facing a financial crisis and have exhausted all other potential resources, on a “last resort” basis you can receive up to $200 for rent, utilities, medicines, and other necessities of life. Contact a member of your care team to get your assistance request submitted. For rent assistance you will need to provide a copy of your lease; for utilities assistance, bring in a copy of your most recent bill showing your account number. Other documentation may be requires depending on the nature of your request. All your personal information is kept confidential. In some cases you may be able to receive financial assistance twice in the same calendar year. However your requests must be for two different types of needs. Tell us what you think of the new Truman Times layout and let us know what you would like to see in this publication. Your feedback is important to us. So come on, Share!
No Show, Oh No! Unplanned issues come up and you may need to cancel an appointment, we get it. If this happens we ask that you contact our office at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule a complimentary and alternative medicine therapist. Our CAM providers want to be available to meet the needs of all of our patients. When a patient doesn’t show up for a scheduled appointment, another patient loses an opportunity for treatment. As of March 1, 2014 any patients that do not contact our office to cancel or reschedule their appointment for complementary services, may have future appointments canceled. Continuous disregard of this policy may result in termination of complementary services. (Complementary (CAM) includes; acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, and medical massage therapy)
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TRUMAN
TIMES Classified
Looking For More Information? UNM Truman Health Services now has two ways for you to get in touch with us.
For general information or questions please contact us at THSinfo@unmmg.org. For information on educational events and HIV rapid testing locations around Albuquerque contact us at THSoutreach@unmmg.org.
Free Lab Draws & Testing For your convenience you can now get your labs drawn at UNM Truman Health Services. Lab draws at UNM Truman Health Services are by APPOINTMENT ONLY during the following days and times: Tuesday 1pm-4pm
Wednesday Thursday 8am-11am
1pm-4pm
Friday 8am-11 am 1pm-4pm
Due to health concerns for patients and staff, UNM Truman Health Services is a fragrance free zone. This includes perfumes and colognes. Please refrain from using these until after your appointment.
Good News! If you have found it difficult in the past to get an appointment for one of our complementary and alternative medicine therapies, you are in luck! We have expanded the hours of these services to meet the needs of our patients.
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TRUMAN
TIMES Classified
Dental Care for UNM Truman Health Services Patients UNM Truman Health Services & UNM Dental Services Have Joined Together To Provide Dental Care To Truman Patients!
Dental Care is an extremely important part of your continued health and well-being. If you don’t have a dentist you see on a regular basis and are interested in receiving dental care through UNM, be sure to talk to your care team. Enrollment forms are also available at the front desk.