March/April 2016 Volume 21
UNM Truman Health Services is 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.
UNM Truman Health Services and the UNM Medical Group are now accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. Be sure to take a moment and congratulate our providers and staff for all of their hard work to make UNM THS the best place for your healthcare.
WHAT’S INSIDE
Dear Patient While at Truman PrEP
Page 13
New Employees
Page 14 Page 15
Page 5
HIV Walk Curant Phone Calls Did You Know?
Flu News Transgender Support Groups Support Groups
Page 16
Privacy Policy
Page 6
Way To Go!
Page 17
Press Ganey Survey
Page 7
Have You Heard
Page 20
Page 8
TG Topics
Page 21
You Better Believe You Can Change Sunny Nutrition
Page 9
Safety Net
Page 23
Testing Locations
Page 10
PAC
Page 24
Classified
Page 11
Allergies and HIV
Page 25
Wellness Group
Page 12
Hepatitis C Trials
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4
UNM Truman Health Services | 801 Encino Place NE Building F | Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-272-1312 | www.unmtruman.com
March/April 2016 Volume 21 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:
Dear Patient, Spring is here and that means new beginnings. Medications– Please bring your medications Why not put those New Year’s resolutions to work and make a new beginning for yourself. Want to when you are scheduled to meet with your provider. Your stop smoking? Check out our Smoking Cessation provider will compare them with the list of medications in class. Or, if a healthier life is part of your new be- your medical record. ginning ask about our new Wellness group.
Other Appointments-If you’ve been seen by a provider If you want to be more mindful, we are also offeroutside of the UNM Truman medical system, please let us ing Mindfulness classes throughout the year (look know so we can request your treatment record. for the flyers around the office). If exercise is on your agenda, why not take a walk with us at the 6th Annual HIV Walk New Mexico & 5K Fun Run. It is the little changes that matter and at UNM Truman Health Services we want to help you make those changes. 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.
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.
National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day March 10, 2016
D A T E S
o t Remember
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day March 20, 2016
National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day April 10, 2016
HIV Walk New Mexico & 5K Fun Run April 17, 2016
National Transgender HIV Testing Day April 18, 2016
March/April 2016 Volume 21
PrEP
Let’s Talk About PrEP
Maybe you have had the conversation with you doctor and have started on PrEP, or you are still thinking about it. Studies have shown that the use of Truvada as a pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, to prevent HIV infection is safe and effective. But there are some things you should know about Truvada and the experience of taking PrEP.
Truvada has a 92-99% reduction in HIV risk for HIV-negative individuals. If a dose is missed there may be a reduction in protection. In other words, you have to take your medication every day. It only works if you take it.
It takes seven days to reach high levels of protection. Just like any other medication, it needs to build up in your system. It is recommended that you continue to use safer sexual and/or injecting practices during this time.
There may be some side effects, and you may need to see your doctor more often than usual when you first go on PrEP. The most common side effects include headaches, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Don’t stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.
PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.
If you already have HIV, PrEP is not right for you. Truvada was not designed to work alone to treat HIV and if taken incorrectly may cause a drug-resistant virus that will be difficult to treat.
PrEP is not a cure for HIV; it is a prevention tool.
Let’s embrace PrEP and know how it works, but we need to contextualize it too. Talking about PrEP can be positive, but know that a pill won’t be the end of the conversation. PrEP should not be the only tool in your prevention tool box.
How Can You Start PrEP? If you think you may be at high risk for HIV, talk to your healthcare provider about PrEP. If you qualify you will need to come in for a general physical, blood tests for HIV, and tests for other infections that you can receive from sexual partners. Call us at 505-272-1312 and ask to schedule an appointment with our PrEP nurse for more information.
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Don’t forget UNM Truman Health Services is a SafeZone and we offer SafeZone training. For more information on our SafeZone policies or to setup a training session please email us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
March/April 2016 Volume 21
NOW OPEN!
The UNM Truman Health Services Pharmacy News We currently accept the following insurance companies: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial. Patients who use Curant and have their medications shipped to the clinic can now get their medications from the Truman Pharmacy for your convenience. Patients will now need to pick up their own medications at the Truman Pharmacy. Our Pharmacists will talk to you about your medication and you will need to sign for it.
You are more than a prescription We are more than a pharmacy For more information on the UNM THS pharmacy contact us at THSRX@unmmg.org, 925-0996, or (844)-Truman1 UNM THS Pharmacy is located at: 801Encino Place NE, Suite B-4 Did you know that moderate exercise has many of the same advantages for people living with HIV as it does for most people? Exercise may not get rid of HIV, but it can help you feel better. Exercise can:
Improve muscle mass, strength and endurance Improve heart and lung endurance Improve your energy level so you feel less tired Reduce stress Enhance your sense of well-being Increase bone strength Decrease fat Improve appetite Improve sleep
When you exercise there are some things you should remember:
Drink enough water. You can become dehydrated if you don’t. Injuries may take longer to heal. You can lose lean body mass if you exercise too much. You can injure yourself if you use the wrong “form” in exercise. Exercise can help those living with heart disease, but you must talk to your primary care provider first to be sure you can exercise safely.
For more information on exercise or other Did You Know topics, contact us at THSInfo@unmmg.org.
March/April 2016 Volume 21 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 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 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
December/January Winners
Bob Tafoya
Renee Valdez
Johnna Mora
Camilo Sanchez-Mejia
Rosa Molina
Miriam Bell
Transportation Options for Patients Sometimes getting to your appointment is difficult, we understand. If you are having issues getting to your appointments because of lack of transportation, be sure to speak with one of the UNM Truman Health Services case managers about receiving assistance. Patients with full Medicaid and are enrolled with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Molina, Presbyterian, or United Health Centennial Care, will receive transportation through Medicaid to medical and behavioral health appointments. Please note you have to arrange for transportation services at least three (3) business days in advance. An additional transportation option is Sun Van. Sun Van provides door-to-door rides for patients with disabilities. There is a written application process, a portion of which must be completed by a physician, and an interview. Once approved, there is a $2.00 per ride fee. Albuquerque Rides buses are another possibility, but if you are having a difficult time getting a bus pass, check with your case manager for possible solutions. You may qualify for a free or reduced-priced bus pass through another agency or from UNM Truman Health Services. For more information on transportation services contact your case manager or email us at THSInfo@unmmg.org.
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Have You Heard Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, follow us on Instagram, and find us on Google+ Looking for the most up-to-date information on
Smoking Cessation! Smoking Cessation Classes are held every Wednesday from 10 am to noon in Conference Room B-6.
Proven to work Learn how to develop your quit plan Stay quit with maintenance strategies Supportive group environment Medication options to help you quit will be discussed Free workbook and audio CD
what is happing at UNM Truman Health Services? Like us on Facebook (UNM Truman Health Services) or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Google +. Great tips on staying healthy, UNMTHS activities, clinic closings, outreach activities, and more can be found here. Stay in-touch and stay informed!
Help Reduce HIV Stigma Every day we face stigma, some of us more than others, but it is our choice whether to perpetuate the role stigma plays in our lives or not. There are many ways we can stop stigma in our daily lives and in our community whether we are HIV-positive or HIVnegative.
Start by breaking the silence surrounding HIV. Talk about your experiences, your fears, and your concerns.
Learn how to better deal and react to someone who tells you they have HIV.
Take responsibility for preventing HIV. Remember, we all
share that responsibility.
Challenge attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to HIV stigma. Don’t be a silent witness to what happens around you.
Avoid using language that overtly stigmatizes others.
Treat people living with HIV as you would treat anyone else: with respect, empathy, and compassion.
Get informed on how to protect yourself and others. Be confident in that knowledge.
Take charge of your sexual health.
For more information visit www.thestigmaproject.org
March/April 2016 Volume 21
G T TOPICS Transgender Rights: Identity Documents Adapted from Lambda Legal (2015) Carrying identification for your real world self is basic-whether Transgender or not. For 40% of the participants in the National Transgender Discriminator Survey who presented ID that did not match gender presentation were harassed. To help reduce the number of harassment cases, most organizations with the exception of the Department of Defense (DOD), have fallen in line with the medical communities by allowing Transgender people to have IDs that match their presented gender. Some commonly asked questions concerning IDs are: Do I need to have gender confirmation surgery to change the gender marker on my ID? Most agencies responsible for changing birth certificates or driver’s licenses require SRS documentation. How do I change the gender on my birth certificate? It is generally harder to change your gender marker on your birth certificate than any other document. A court order may be required to change or amend it. How do I change the gender on my driver’s license? Each state has it’s own DMV requirements for changing gender markers on your driver’s license. Although, half have removed the surgical requirements. How do I officially change my name? As long as it isn’t for the purposes of fraud, you can change your first and last name. There may be a fee involved and some courts may require an attorney be present during the name changing proceedings. What about changing my name and gender marker on my school records? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records and gives current and former students the right to amend those records to match their legal document. Identity is important to everyone, but even more so for Transgender people. Understanding your rights will help you transition into the person you really are. UNM Truman Health Services is here to help you with your transition and medical care. To learn more about our clinic or other services available contact us at THSinfo@unmmg.org.
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UNM Truman Health Services Safety Net Program UNM Truman Health Services’ Safety Net Program is a program that provides assistance to cover co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and non-covered care for qualified patients of UNM Truman Health Services. This program is available to all patients of UNM Truman Health Services that meet the residency and income guidelines set by UNM Truman Health Services. Contact a case manager or eligibility specialist to enroll. Patients are required to enroll annually and re-certify with the program every six(6) months with an authorized staff member. Consistent enrollment is crucial to maintaining eligible services.
How do I qualify:
Proof of residency in the state of New Mexico (driver’s license, state identification, etc.)
Household income-refers to the sum of money received in a year by ALL members of the household. *Food stamps and student financial aid are not considered as income.
Ways to confirm household income are: -Current paystubs -Social Security award letters -Public Assistance/Denial letters -1040 Tax Return from previous year/Self-Employment form -Letter of support -Other income documentation (child support, alimony, retirement distribution, etc.)
Benefits Provided By Safety Net May Include:
Primary medical care or consulting infectious disease services
Behavioral Health Counseling
Psychiatric Services
Nutrition Counseling
Prescription services
Complementary Therapies
Dental services
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.
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P A C
Patient Advisory Council News
Living wills and other advance directives are written, legal instructions regarding your preferences for medical care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments of crisis or grief. You also help reduce confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf. Advance directives aren't just for older adults. Unexpected end-of-life situations can happen at any age, so it's important for all adults to prepare these documents Five Wishes is an easy-to-use legal document written in everyday language that allows you to plan how you want to be cared for in case you become seriously ill and are unable to speak for yourself. This living will is valid in most states, including New Mexico, and is unique because it speaks to all your needs: medical, personal, emotional and spiritual. Five Wishes also facilitates discussions with your family and physician. To get a copy of Five Wishes, ask one of our clinical staff the next time you are at Truman. We have them stocked in all of the exam rooms. SOURCES: www.agingwithdignity.org www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle
PLEASE REMEMBER Phone calls MUST be returned to Curant or your medication may not be delivered.
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Allergies and HIV Adapted from About Health By Daniel More, MD 11-9-2015 Do people with HIV get more allergies? People with HIV are known to have high levels of allergic antibody (IgE), especially as the CD4 levels drop. These high IgE levels are not likely to be indicative of worsening allergies, however. But are likely a sign of worsening immunodeficiency due to B-cell dysfunction. The IgE antibodies are directed against various pathogens (including HIV) rather than allergens. Hay Fever People with HIV show high rates of hay fever symptoms with studies showing 66% complaining of nasal symptoms and more than 1/3 hospitalized have evidence of sinusitis. People with HIV also have higher rates of positive allergy testing results. Drug Allergies People with HIV have much higher rates of drug allergy reactions, likely as a result of the disruption of normal immune system regulations. This is particularly true for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Adverse reactions to TMP-SMX occur in more than half of HIV-infected people. Asthma in People with HIV Treatment of HIV with antiviral medications has led to the increase in lung problems in these patients. HIV-infected men have been shown in studies to have higher rates of wheezing compared to men without HIV. Especially those who smoke tobacco products. During this allergy season be sure to talk to your primary care physician about any of your concerns.
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If you received your flu shot at another location please bring documentation with you to your next medical visit so we can update your electronic health record. HEPATITIS C VACCINE TRIALS COME TO UNM TRUMAN HEALTH SERVICES Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that is passed through infected blood, causing chronic liver disease and may lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. Around 170 million people in the world have Hepatitis C (HCV) and in 2013 New Mexico ranked number two, only behind San Francisco, for new cases. Shared needles for injecting substances are the main transmission point. To help combat this virus, UNM Truman Health Services is one of three sites in the United States offering a Hepatitis C vaccine trial. To find out more about the trial or to find out if you qualify please contact Katherine Wagner at 505-925-4261
Social and Family History On your next medical visit you may need to complete a social and family history form if you haven’t already done so. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with a family history of disease have the most to gain from lifestyle changes and screening tests. Screening tests can detect diseases like cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable. Screening tests can also detect disease risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can be treated to reduce the chances of getting disease. Being aware of your family health history is an important part of a lifelong wellness plan.
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WE ARE GROWING AGAIN! Please give a warm welcome to our newest employee
Kevin Shi Physician Assistant
Cassandra Wood Patient Service Coordinator
For more information on our up coming LOVE workshops please contact Curtis at 505-925-7399 or THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
March/April 2016 Volume 21
Flu News The most recent FluView report shows increasing flu activity in the United States. Further increases in activity are expected in the coming weeks. Flu activity most often peaks in February and can last into May. It is not too late to get your flu vaccine this season. (Source: www.cdc.gov)
TGRCNM Support Groups The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico is hosting a series of support groups for the Transgender community. Transfeminine support group: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month starting at 7 pm Transmasculine Support Group: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month starting at 7 pm The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico is located at 149 Jackson Street NE. Albuquerque, NM 87108 For more information please call 505-200-9086
March/April 2016 Volume 21
Preparing For Your Next Visit
UNM Truman Health Services Support Groups
You can make sure you get the best care possible by being an active member of your healthcare team. Being involved means being prepared and asking questions. Asking questions about your medical treatments and medications can improve the quality of your health care. Taking the following steps can help you make the most of your time with your provider.
Women Outloud has changed times! We will still be meeting the 1st Monday of every month, but our time is now from 1:30-2:30 pm. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org
Use a notebook to keep track of appointments, results, questions for your provider (and answers), medications, etc.
Keep a symptom tracker list. Let your provider know if there have been any issues with your medication or any other health concerns since your latest appointment. -This will help your appointment go faster and run more smoothly -Being prepared will also help elevate your mood because you can see your progress.
SPEAK, our men’s support group is meeting the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This is your opportunity to enjoy good company in a positive healing environment. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
LIVE, is one of the newest UNM Truman Health Services Support groups. This all gender group meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
If you are newly diagnosed, bring a list of questions about your diagnosis.
Write your appointment date and time on the calendar so that you won’t miss it. -Keeping track of your appointments, keeps your progress on track.
If you have a cell phone, use it to help you keep track of appointments and any notes from your latest appointment.
Cell phone apps are also available to help you with medication adherence. Share any information on issues with your medication with your provider.
While at your appointment, let your provider know how you are feeling.
Be honest and don’t leave out any details. Your provider cannot give you the best care possible if you don’t share all of your health information, and don’t worry about being embarrassed, your provider has heard it all.
Keep an open mind.
Write everything down. This will help you keep track of your health progress and can alert your provider
immediately if anything changes.
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Notice of Privacy Practices Your providers and staff members at Truman Health Services want you to know your rights, and our responsibilities when it comes to your health information. YOUR Rights include… Copies of your electronic or paper medical record—submit requests to Health Information Management Corrections to your medical records—if you find incorrect information in your record, let us know so we can assist Request confidential communications—you can ask us to contact you in a specific way; for example, home or office phone, or by mail Ask us to limit what we use or share about your health information—there are specific guidelines to this request so please ask for assistance Get a list of those with whom we have shared information—again, there are specific guidelines to this request so please ask for assistance Get a copy of the UNM Health Sciences Privacy Notice—copies of this document are kept at our reception desk, and are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese File a complaint if you feel your rights have been violated—please ask us for assistance OUR Responsibilities include… We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy of security of your information We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in the UNM Health Sciences Privacy Notice, and offer you a copy We will not use or disclose your information without your written consent. Please see your case manager for assistance with the, “AUTHORIZATION TO USE OR DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION” form. Reference Information: UNM Health Sciences Center & UNM Health System, Notice of Privacy Practices, September 23, 2013. Visit: hsc.unm.edu/admin/privacy
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Upcoming Press Ganey Survey and What You Need to Know UNM Truman Health Services measures all aspects of patient satisfaction. To ensure that we are holding ourselves to the highest standards, we partner with an independent patient satisfaction company, Press Ganey of South Bend, Indiana. For more than 25 years, Press Ganey has been the industry’s recognized leader in health care patient satisfaction. Press Ganey works with more than 10,000 health care organizations nationwide, including 50% of all U.S. hospitals, to improve clinical and business outcomes. Press Ganey was founded in 1985 by Dr. Irwin Press, PhD. and Dr. Rod Ganey, PhD. Who Receives the Survey? The electronic Medical Practice survey is emailed to UNM Truman Health Services patients within a few days of their appointment. Patients take a 20 question survey and provide comments regarding specific aspects of care. We use this feedback to improve all aspects of the clinic experience. Our goal is to provide each patient with an exceptional experience of care. Do you review all comments? We are committed to reviewing positive and negative feedback. However, we do not post comments.
What Questions Do We Ask? - Sample of Survey
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PHARMACY INFORMATION Outpatient Pharmacy Services 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.
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
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.
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. If you have an emergency or urgent care visit outside of the UNM system, 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. Tell us what you think of the 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!
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UNM Truman Health Services Pharmacy Selection UNM Truman Health Services supports the patient’s right to select a pharmacy that will best suit their needs. Our providers will gladly submit your prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice. UNM Truman Health Services provides mail order pharmaceutical services to our patients if our patients so chose from Curanthealth. Curanthealth offers specialized pharmacy services designed to improve the therapy results of your specific chronic condition. Their core focus is to provide a more personal approach to patient care, so they can create a customized medication plan to fit your lifestyle. All proceeds from prescriptions filled at Curant comes back to UNM Truman Health Services to help enhance and expand our patient services for people living with HIV. *Access to all pharmacies for your prescriptions, including Curanthealth, will depend on your insurance coverage.
UNM Truman Health Services No Show and Utilization Cancellation We understand that issues may occur, and you may need to cancel an appointment. If this happens, we respectfully ask that you contact our office in advance to reschedule your appointment. Please note for dental and complementary therapies you must be an active UNM THS patient receiving primary medical care at the clinic, and be seen at least once every six months as directed by your provider. Our complementary therapy providers (acupuncture, chiropractic and medical massage therapy) want to be available to meet the needs of all our patients. When a patient does not show up for a scheduled appointment, another patient loses an opportunity to be seen. If patients do not contact our office to cancel or reschedule a complementary service appointment, preferably 24 hours in advance, any future appointments will be canceled. Two (2) consecutive no shows or cancellations will result in future appointments being canceled and you will not be able to reschedule with our complementary providers for six (6) months. This policy will enable us to open otherwise unused appointments to better serve the needs of all patients. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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.
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You Better Believe You Can Change! You actually can change. The research evidence supports that people can and do change. We all know persons who have stopped harmful habits such as smoking, even though, all smokers admit it is very difficult to quit. It’s important that you believe in your ability to change. UNM Truman Health Services encourages you to do what you can to support your self-confidence, your faith in yourself, and your hope for the future. If you can’t choose to believe that you can change, then at least reserve your judgement, set aside any negative beliefs, and approach the process of change with an open mind. Don’t fall into the self-fulfilling prophecy trap. That is, if you predict something you will tend to make that thing happen. Believing that you can’t change undermines your motivation , effort or willingness to try and leaves you with the cold comfort and trivial reward of being right when you fail. Failing to change only proves that you have not yet mastered the skills or built enough motivation. Change is difficult. Change requires strategies, preparation, and knowledge that you might not have yet. Perhaps you have repeatedly tried something that does not work for you rather than attempting a new, different approach. Realizing there are many paths to change brings hope. Change is usually difficult, but not impossible. Your genetics and your upbringing do not determining your behavior. Biology is not destiny. Neither can your history hold you totally in its grip. Even your current environment does not entirely control you, though altering or leaving your current situation may make changing your behavior easier. Change is a process, not an event. You should keep in mind that change does not happen in a flash. Change may start with a flash of awareness, but it continues as a journey. And as with a journey, you had better prepare to weather the difficulties and setbacks that come along the way. Setbacks are learning experiences, not proof of failure. Slips and lapses are a change to practice new skills, not something to be ashamed of. Instead of using a relapse as an excuse to give up and put yourself down, use any setbacks as an opportunity to better understand what went wrong and how things might be handled better the next time.
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Sunny Nutrition Patrick West RD LD CLP As our wonderful sun returns to provide us with more daylight, let’s take a look at some research that seems to say we should get a daily dose of sunlight. Research shows that we produce energy from the sun. The chlorophyll we consume in plants can be part of our cells’ energy production, which produces more energy when exposed to sunlight. Melanin, traditionally responsible for our skin and hair color, also has a role in transforming light into energy our bodies can use. Most of the year we see the sun on a regular basis, but there are some months when our sunlight consumption is lacking and we are not receiving the Vitamin D we need. Because of this we may want to supplement with vitamins and foods rich in Vitamin D. As the days get longer, our chances of getting enough sunlight go up, and we only need about 10-20 minutes of daylight to produce the right amount of Vitamin D. So this spring, we might start getting outside a little more for the beautiful weather, try to get a little sun during the middle of the day, take in some beautiful sunsets (which we are famous for anyway), and eat plenty of fresh greens in salads, sandwiches, wraps, on the side of your favorite dish, or however you like to eat them. Wishing you a bright spring of wellness.
Ryan White Program Eligibility UNM Truman Health Services is required to certify that all of our patients meet New Mexico residency and income qualifications to receive Ryan White benefits. UNM THS will need from each patient their proof or residency (this can be in the form of a driver’s license or state identification card, a lease or mortgage statement, a utility bill in the patient’s name, or any other information that proves residency). We will also need proof of income (SSI or SSDI award letter, last tax return, investment income, alimony, child support, bank statements, retirement income, and/or your last three pay stubs). Please contact your case manager to begin your certification.
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HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS SMALL-GROUP INTERVENTION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV FREE FOOD AND INCENTIVES
Please Contact Art for Information on Upcoming Dates and Times 505-925-7500 or arsalazar@unmmg.org
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender elders) is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT older people, and provides the training for aging providers and LGBT organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBT Aging. SAGE Albuquerque has become a major program of the Common Bond New Mexico Foundation mission and is directly managed by an Advisory Board comprised of seniors who are key leaders within the LGBT community. Monthly support/social meetings, local senior outings and bereavement support group. To learn more about the Albuquerque Chapter of SAGE, including meeting place and time, please contact Katherine Palmer at Kath_Col@yahool.com or call 505-710-6987.
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 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.
March/April 2016 Volume 21
UNM Truman Health Services free HIV and Hepatitis C Testing Locations UNM Truman Health Services has expanded our free HIV and Hepatitis C testing services to the following locations: Clinics: UNM Truman Health Services: Tuesday, 8-noon, Thursday, 12:30 –5 pm North East Heights: 1st Friday of every month from noon to 4 pm Southwest Mesa: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 1 –5 pm Young Women’s Clinic: Every Monday, 8 am—noon Casa de Salud: The last Friday of every month, 1-3 pm UNM Main Campus: LGBTQ Resource Center: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 10 am-2pm Student Union Building (S.U.B.): 2nd Monday of every month, 11 am –3 pm Domenici Center: 2nd Wednesday of every month, 11 am—3 pm Community Locations: Almas de Amistad at Amity Foundation: Every Wednesday, 1 pm –3 pm St. Martin’s: 3rd Monday of every month, 10 am—1 pm Albuquerque Treatment Services: 2nd Wednesday of every month, 7-11 am 5 Points: Last Thursday of every month, 7-11 am Central New Mexico Treatment Center: 4th Wednesday of every month 7-11 am ASAP: 1st Thursday of every month, 8 am –noon Amistad Runaway Shelter: One Saturday a month 1-5 pm (Saturday will vary) Cesar Chavez Community Center: 3rd Thursday of every month, 10 am– 2pm Duke City Recovery: 2nd Tuesday of every month 7-10:30 am Bars
Albuquerque Social Club: 2nd Thursday of every month 6 –10 pm
For more information about testing please call 925-7286 or email THSOutreach@unmmg.org
As a part of UNM Health Systems we strive to provide high quality services for our patients and we are pleased to announce a new feature now available through your electronic portal “My Health UNM.” As of December 2014, you can contact or message your health care provider through the My Health UNM Patient Portal and you will receive a reply within 24 hours. If you are interested in messaging or would like to sign up for the Patient Portal, please notify your health care provider during your visit. My Health UNM Patient Portal myhealthunm.iqhealth.com
SMART Recovery® sessions are Thursdays from 5 pm to 6 pm Support groups will be in the UNM Truman Health Services Conference Center B-6 For more information please contact us at THSInfo@unmmg.org
March/April 2016 Volume 21
Classified
We now offer you a way to see your medical information on-line! MyHealth UNM is a new patient portal you can use any time, day or night, as long as you have internet access. Through MyHealth UNM you can:
View future appointments View clinic notes View lab results Send a message to your care team. Find out how you can get an account from UNM Truman Health Services today!
Free Lab Draws 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 8am-11am
Thursday 1pm-4pm
Friday 8am-11 am
*Note: Presbyterian patients will need to go to directly to Tricore for any lab draws and testing
Tired of looking at all of your old stuff? Now is the time to put all of that stuff to good use at the UNM Truman Health Services upcoming Yard Sale. The yard sale will be held in the first part of April (stay tuned for the actual day and time). All monies raised from this event will be put toward the Truman Holidays adopt-afamily. Any Truman patients in need of home goods, clothes, etc...let us know. They are more than welcome to stop by and “shop”. Looking for something to do? Volunteers to help with getting items, organizing, and on the day of the sale are appreciated. See Heidi, Lisette or Hazel with any questions.
March/April 2016 Volume 21
LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE BE THY FOOD –HIPPOCRATES
WELLNESS GROUP TUESDAYS FROM 4:00-5:00 PM
Free fruits and vegetables provided to participants
Each week a different health related topic will be discussed in the group
Special expert guests may join the group based on the topic
Find the lifestyle that helps you reach your maximum wellness
RESERVE YOUR SPOT BY CALLING 272-1312 & ASKING FOR PATRICK