November december 2015

Page 1

November/December 2015 Volume 19

1

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.

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 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9

Page 10 Page 11

Dear Patient While at Truman

Page 12

PrEP

Page 13

Hepatitis C Vaccine Trials Beat Holiday Stress UNM THS Pharmacy Did You Know? Way To Go!

Have You Heard TG Topics Safety Net Notice of Privacy Policy Queer in the Air!

Truman Health Services | 801 Encino Place NE | Building F| Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-272-1312 | www.unmtruman.com

PAC Out and About With UNM THS New Employees Meet the Managers

Page 14

Flu Facts Transgender Support Groups

Page 15 Page 16

Support Groups Eating the Colors of the

Rainbow

Page 17

World AIDS Day Events

Page 20 Page 21 Page 22

Healthy Relationships Holiday Conflict Classified


November/December 2015 Volume 19

2

At UNM Truman Health Services YOUR health comes first! In our on-going effort to ensure we are meeting your health Dear Patient, care needs, we are asking for your assistance in the It’s that time of year again; cooler weather, changing following: leaves, and the anticipation of the holiday season that is Medications– Please bring your medications soon approaching. UNM Truman Health Services is changing right along with the leaves this year. As most of when you are scheduled to meet with your provider. Your you know we are in the middle of a large construction project that will soon bring additional exam rooms. We provider will compare them with the list of medications in appreciate your continued patience during this process. your medical record. Our changes also include moving the administrative offices into additional suites throughout the UNM THS campus.

Other Appointments-If you’ve been seen by a provider outside of the UNM Truman medical system, please let us But, the best change of all is the addition of the UNM know so we can request your treatment record. Truman Health Services Pharmacy. Our full-service pharmacy opened on September 1st and provides UNM THS patients convenient access to pick up their prescription medications. Please check with the pharmacy to see if we take your insurance plan. You may notice information about PrEP around our clinic. Ask your nurse or primary care provider for more information about our PrEP clinic and what makes you or people you know appropriate for the program. 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.

Thanksgiving Holiday-Closed Thursday, November 26, 2015 Friday, November 27, 2015

World AIDS Day

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.

D A T E S

Remember

December 1, 2015

Christmas Holiday-Closed Thursday, December 24, 2015 Friday, December25, 2015

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day-Closed Thursday, December 31, 2015 Friday, January 1, 2016


November/December 2015 Volume 19

PrEP

UNM Truman Health Services Now Offers PrEP for HIV Prevention

PrEP is recommended for people at substantial risk for HIV infection according to the CDC. Substantial risk includes:

Are You At High Risk?      

Having an HIV-positive sexual partner or drug injection partner A high number of sex partners Recently sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Inconsistent or no condom use Sex work Sharing injection equipment

PrEP is a combination of two (2) HIV medications, tenofovir and emtricitabine. These medications work by blocking important pathways that HIV uses to set up an infection. If you take PrEP daily, the presence of the medication in your bloodstream can often prevent HIV from taking hold and spreading in your body.

The Facts     

PrEP is available as a prescription from your healthcare provider. PrEP requires consistency to be effective. PrEP does not prevent pregnancy or STIs It is only available to people who DO NOT have HIV and have potential risk of contracting the virus. PrEP is not a vaccine.

You must be able to take PrEP every day and be able to return to your doctor every three (3) months to be effective.

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.

3


November/December 2015 Volume 19

4

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 injection drugs 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

Beat Holiday Stress and Stay Healthy: Learning Deep Slow Breathing Deep slow breathing is proven to lower your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and slow your brain waves which counteracts the harmful effects and uncomfortable feelings of stress. Correct deep slow breathing should be done with your stomach muscles not your chest muscles. Your belly should go out as far as possible when you inhale and relax when you exhale. Put one hand on your belly and feel your belly expand like a balloon when you inhale. Keeping your eyes closed, breathe in deeply and slowly, let your belly expand until your lungs are filled. Pause for a moment. Now exhale slowly until you have emptied your lungs. Pause. Now, take another deep breath, gently filling your lungs from the bottom. Hold a moment‌and now let the air flow gently out, focusing your mind on restful thoughts and letting tension escape from your body. Do at least six deep slow breaths. Do not worry whether you are doing the breathing correctly, it takes practice! Practice is especially helpful at several times throughout the day even when you are not stressed.

Modified from American Lung Association: Freedom from Smoking

Don’t forget UNM Truman Health Services is a Safe Zone and we offer Safe Zone training. For more information on our Safe Zone policies or to setup a training session please email us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

5

NOW OPEN!

The UNM Truman Health Services Pharmacy! The UNM Truman Health Services Pharmacy is now open. Our services include:         

Rapid access to your medication needs, including specialty medications Rapid refill capacity Financial and billing assistance to help keep your medication costs as low as possible Copay search assistance that may help reduce or eliminate the entire copay(s) of your medication(s) Counseling and educational information Our staff works closely with your medical provider to help manage your disease state and medication Retail on-site pick-up of medications Free shipping or delivery of medications (please contact us for details) Free unique blister packing for medications (please inquire at pharmacy for details)

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 Did you know people living with HIV are at high risk of serious flu-related symptoms? People living with HIV have an increased risk for heart-and-lung-related hospitalizations during flu season as opposed to other times during the year (www.CDD.gov). There is also a higher risk of prolonged flu-related symptoms. The most common flu symptoms include:  Fever  Cough  Sore throat  Runny or stuffy nose  Body aches and chills  Headache  And fatigue It is highly recommended that people living with HIV get a flu shot. Some additional ways to avoid the flu are:  Get a flu vaccine  Avoid contact with sick people  Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu  Wash your hands on a regular basis  And try to avoid touching your face UNM Truman Health Services offers nutritional information and programs for patients as part of our continuation of care. For more information about these services, please contact us at THSInfo@unmmg.org.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

6

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

August Way To Go Winners 

Wilma John (2)

Monica Pacheco

Suzanne Rodriguez

September Way To Go Winners 

Peter Crespin

Heidi McNeil

Angie Harris

Luke Tobis

Suzanne Rodriguez (2)

Michael Berretta-Northcutt

Ingrid Reyna

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.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

7

Have You Heard Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter! Looking for the most up-to-date information on

We Are Growing!

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!

UNM Truman Health Services is growing again! As we come to the end of the year, we are coming to the end of our construction. Construction projects should be ending in December. For more information on our construction project please contact us at THSInfo@unmmg.org.

Bill Gates Gives 6 Million to ScientistsWorking on HIV Vaccine Adapted from Logo.newnownext by Matthew Tharrett Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida were awarded $5.8 million in February, from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to continue their research in finding an HIV vaccine. According to Bill Gates, he hopes they will find a 100% effective vaccine by 2030. The Scripps Research Group led by professor of immunology and microbiology Michael Farzan were able to successfully eliminate HIV from monkeys using a technique discovered at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia by researcher Philip Johnson in 2009. Technically the approach Johnson discovered isn’t a vaccine. Johnson figured out how to package the antibody genes inside a virus that specifically invades muscles cells. The virus parks itself in the muscle cells and begins to create or produce the desired HIV antibodies needed to fight HIV. Farzan’s next step will be to engineer a gene powerful enough to work on humans. This gene will be created by taking basic gene therapy technology and using it to address the problem of an HIV vaccine. Farzan also cautions there still many years before an HIV vaccine is fully developed and ready for the market.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

One of the most difficult things about coming out as a Transgender youth or adult is worrying about whether or not your family will accept you for who you are. Studies have shown that family support reduces the psychological distress most Transgender people face and that is vital to their transition. Transgender youth without support have a higher rate of dropping out of school, drug abuse, or may consider suicide (a staggering 51% of youth and adults who have faced rejection from their families have attempted suicide). Basic loving support from families reduces these risks by 1/3. (Transgendermentalhealth.com) Before you come out as a Transgender person, think of the purpose of your conversation and ways to tell your family.     

Develop a support system of friends and family you know will be understanding. These support systems will help you tell your family and cope any negative reactions you may face. Write a letter to your family. You don’t have to give it to them, but it will help you organize your thoughts and give you a voice. Take your time writing the letter (if you choose this path) and think about what you have to say. Consider the tone of the letter. How would you react if you were reading this letter? Or, hearing this news? Have someone in your support group read over the letter. Their outside view may help you find a different way to word your upcoming conversation. They may also help you anticipate any questions that may arise.

When you decide to talk to your family use your own words as plainly as possible. 

  

Try not to be interrupted when you are sharing this important information. Ask your family to respect you and allow you to share your news first. Assure them you will be more than happy to answer any of their questions after you speak. Be sure to reassure them that any decisions you make are not their fault. You are who you are, and they have not done anything wrong. Share a little bit about your struggle. Help them understand how you feel and what it is like to be a Transgender person. Your struggle may help them with their own. Think about how your family has reacted to different events in the past and use this information to guide you in your conversation.

Coming out is never easy and finding the right time and place can be hard. You may be scared to do this, but you will need to consider your family’s feelings too. Help them understand who you are by having open and honest dialogue on a regular basis. Try to answer their questions as honestly as you can and give them space if needed to process what you have just shared. How you handle their reaction is also important to your well-being.

8


November/December 2015 Volume 19

9

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.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

10

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. For more information, or questions regarding this information, please contact: Sonya L. Smith Clinical Compliance Manager UNM Truman Health Services 505.272.1312 Reference Information: UNM Health Sciences Center & UNM Health System, Notice of Privacy Practices, September 23, 2013. Visit: hsc.unm.edu/admin/privacy


November/December 2015 Volume 19

11

Queer the Air!™ Ever notice how many LGBTQ and HIV+ people smoke and vape? We use tobacco and nicotine at extraordinarily high rates. Why is that? The consensus seems to be that there are multiple reasons, including that we experience additional stress (like all marginalized populations), tobacco has been part of our culture in the past, and we are targeted by tobacco companies. Fierce Pride is promoting the idea that we can “Queer the Air” by clearing it of smoke. We want to crush the influence of big tobacco companies and encourage us all to choose health and well-being. We deserve that! Fierce Pride is a community-led health advocacy group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer folks in New Mexico. We support health providers in caring for the well-being of our communities and fire up LGBTQ people to embrace our health. Why does tobacco really matter when there are so many other issues with which we have to deal? Because tobacco use adds to the body’s stress if you’re using hormone therapy or living with HIV+/AIDS. Because tobacco use kills more LGBTQ people in the U.S. every year than AIDS, breast cancer and car crashes, combined. Fortunately, UNM Truman Health Services offers tobacco cessation support. Please contact them if you’re ready to quit. Good news: Albuquerque Pride offered a tobacco-free Main Street at Pride in Albuquerque this year. There was be a designated smoking area and Main Street was a healthier, smoke-free environment for all of us, our friends and our families. Thank you, Albuquerque Pride Board for taking this proactive step in creating a healthier LGBTQ/HIV+ community! If you’re interested in creating healthier LGBTQ communities, too, you can contact Fierce Pride at www.fiercepride.org


November/December 2015 Volume 19

P A C

12

Patient Advisory Council News

As part of our Patient Centered Medical Home initiative, UNM Truman Health Services (UNM THS) formed a Patient Advisory Council (PAC). It is a diverse group of individuals comprised of UNM THS patients and Staff Liaison. The mission of the PAC is to help UNM THS succeed in practice changes that affect meeting the needs of patients and enhancing the patient experience. PAC does this by providing suggestions and feedback that address concerns or barriers as

identified by South-wind, Press Ganey, and UNM THS surveys’ enhancements to existing services; and potential new services. PAC has six members and began meeting on January 26, 2015. The Council has met six times and is continuing to meet at least quarterly.

Out and About with UNM Truman Health Services UNM Truman Health Services works hard to support our local community health related events. Our Community Health Outreach group provided planning support, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and other services. We recently participated in:  

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day NM’Power’s Queenceñeara

For information on the events and services offered by UNM Truman Health Services visit our website at www.unmtruman.org or email us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.

Social and Family History On your next medical visit you may need to complete a social and family history form if 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.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

13

Please give a warm welcome to our newest employees:

Ilse Amaya School-Based Health Center Case Manager

Jean Graham Pharmacist

Monica Baldwin Certified Pharmacy Tech

Ryan Clark AmeriCorps/ AIDS United

Jeffery Devereaux AmeriCorps/ AIDS United

Anna Kristin

Rosa Molina

Phu Nguyen

AmeriCorps/

Administrative Medical

Certified Pharmacy Tech

AIDS United

Assistant

Not pictured: Sheena Moe Bobby Tafoya

Vanessa Trujillo

PSC Case Manager

Certified Pharmacy Tech

School-Based Health Center Case Manager

P James Romero, MSN, CRNP-Nurse Practitioner P James Romero earned his Master’s of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) at the University of St. Francis. He has worked in Oncology, Behavioral Health, Woman’s health, Primary care, and Allergy. His interests are in Community health and Healthcare policy. In his free time he spends time with his family, cycling, hiking, and reading. He is excited to join UNM Truman Health Services clinic team of providers and is looking forward to meeting and working with our patients.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

14

ThingsYou Should Know About the Flu! 1. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu

2. Some people are at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections which can result in hospitalization. 3. Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. 4. CDC (2015/16) recommends that people get vaccinated against flu soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. 5. A flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines that are administered with a needle are made with viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and not infectious or with no flu vaccine viruses.

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 Rainbow Support Group: November 2nd, starting at 7 pm, for family, friends, all genders, and allies Resume & Job Help: November 5th and 19th, starting at 4 pm Kids Play Group: November 14th, starting at 10 am at Jerry Cline Park All events, but the Kids Play Group are held at TGRCNM

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


November/December 2015 Volume 19

15

Preparing For Your Next Visit

UNM Truman Health Services Support Groups

UNM Truman Health Services has a new support group for Partners of Positives. (POP). Join us the 4th Thursday of every month from 5-7 pm for sharing, support, and friendship. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.

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 ask 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.

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.

Women Outloud has changed times! We will still be meeting the first 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

-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. 

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, keep your progress on track.

SPEAK, our men’s support group is meeting the 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 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.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

16

Eating the Colors of the Rainbow In A New Light By Patrick West, RD LD CLT Most of us have heard by now that we need to try to eat the colors of the rainbow each day. This is an easy way to say we need a variety of foods to obtain the nutrients we need. There is a school of thought that food has special healing or nutritional value is based on eating the colors of the rainbow. Our food gives us the energy to use on a physical level, but does our food give us energy on a spiritual or metaphysical level? Many cultures have believed for centuries that our food feeds us spiritually and modern science is catching up to this concept. Please note: We would like to state that we are not trying to promote any religion or belief. These ideas have been observed in scientific study but they are also associated with certain ancient religions or philosophies. Many of these concepts are highlighted in most of the major religions. So how could a person incorporate this concept into their life for health and vitality? The chakras or energy centers of the body all correspond to a certain color. There are seven major chakras in the body and based on the color or observed energy of a certain food, these chakras may help heal or bring back to balance. Each chakra has a corresponding organ or part of the body. Here is a chart that demonstrates this relationship: Downloaded from http://foodsforfeelings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Chakra-Energy-Centers.jpg

Whether you follow this school of thought or you are focused on healthy eating, using foods that fit in the spectrum of the rainbow is a healthy way to go. And remember, Skittles may taste like a rainbow, but do you really believe they are good for you? Each color of the fresh food rainbow affects our energy levels. So next time you are buying food at the market or looking at a menu in your favorite restaurant, ask yourself, what part of the rainbow should I eat? Or what part of the rainbow do I need to help me heal? I wish you all continue to find new discoveries that aid in your health journey.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

17

UNM Truman Health Services is hosting a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in the Gazebo at Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque. From 7 to 8 pm.

GETTING TO ZERO Zero New Infections, Zero Stigma, Zero AIDS Deaths Paint Albuquerque Red Help us get to zero this World AIDS Day by wearing your red shirt and posting on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page with the hashtag #trumangetting2zero

Names Project AIDS Quilt Blocks UNM Truman Health Services is sponsoring the AIDS quilt blocks throughout Albuquerque. Take the time to view this piece of our history. Blocks are on display at: 

Popejoy

UNM North Campus Domenici Center

Central New Mexico Community College

UNM Art School

Beginning in June of 1987 a group of strangers gathered in a San Francisco storefront to document the lives they feared history would neglect. Their goal was to create a memorial for those who have died of AIDS, and help people understand the devastating impact of the disease. The Quilt is a powerful visual reminder of the AIDS pandemic and now has more than 48,000 individual 3-by 6-foor memorial panels. As new panels are created, they are added to the Quilt, most accompanied by letters, photographs, and biographies. Each display block of the Quilt is 12– by 12-foot. The six blocks on display in Albuquerque will be available from November 22 until December 4. For more information on the location of the blocks please contact us at THSinfo@unmmg.org.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

18

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 your 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!


November/December 2015 Volume 19

19

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 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.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

20

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS SMALL-GROUP INTERVENTION FOR MEN LIVING WITH HIV FREE FOOD AND INCENTIVES

Saturday, November 21, 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM

Please RSVP To Art Salazar

Sunday, November 22, 10:00 AM—3:00 PM

505-925-7500 or arsalazar@unmmg.org

SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender elders) is the country’s largest and oldest organizations dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ 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 you 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.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

21

Holiday Conflicts While for some the holiday season brings warm and fuzzy feelings, for others it can be a stressful time full of extra responsibilities and family conflict. Resolving conflict effectively can help things go more smoothly. Here’s how. Many interpersonal conflicts occur when you feel that your rights have been violated. Many people tend to respond with aggressive behavior, i.e. verbal abuse, threats, or violent acts, when they feel another person disrespects them or violates their rights. The first reaction is to fight back or retaliate. This sends the message that your feelings, thoughts and beliefs are important and the other person’s are unimportant. Other people respond by acting passively or in a nonassertive manner. This is undesirable because you allow your rights to be violated and may feel resentful toward that person. Or you may be angry with yourself for not standing up for yourself. This sends the message that the other person’s feelings, thoughts and beliefs are important but yours are not. The best response is to act assertively by standing up for your rights in a way that is respectful to other people. This sends the message that both your and the other person’s feelings, thoughts and beliefs are equally important. You can follow these steps to act assertively: Step 1- Identify the problem that is causing the conflict Step 2- Identify the feelings associated with the conflict Step 3- Identify the specific impact of the problem Step 4- Decide whether to resolve the conflict or let it go. Ask: “Is the conflict important enough to bring up? If I do not try to resolve this issue, will it lead to feelings of anger and resentment?” Step 5- Address and resolve the conflict- How would you like the problem to be resolved? Is a compromise needed? a) Find and agree upon a time when both of you have time to address the conflict b) Describe the conflict, your feelings, and the impact of the conflict and ask for a resolution Example: Jose: Hey, Kathy, sorry I’m late. Kathy: Hi, Jose, Can I talk to you about that? Jose: Sure. Is something wrong? Kathy: Jose, I’ve noticed that you’ve been late for the last few days when I needed help with the holiday decorations. Today, I realized that I was starting to feel frustrated and a bit taken for granted. When you are late, I get behind with the list of things to do for the holiday which makes me stressed. I like to be prepared and not feel rushed, I’m wondering if you could do your best to be on time in the future. Jose: Kathy, I didn’t realize how bothered you were about that. I apologize for being late, and I will do my best to be on time in the future. I’m glad you brought this problem up to me. Of course this is an ideal response from Jose. Jose could have responded unfavorably, or defensively, by accusing Kathy of making a big deal out of nothing. Jose may have minimized or discounted Kathy’s feelings, leaving the conflict unresolved. However, even if you don’t resolve the conflict, acting assertively may make you feel better by allowing you to express your true feelings and reassuring you that you did your best to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Modified from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Anger Management


November/December 2015 Volume 19

22

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 & 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 8am-11am

Thursday 1pm-4pm

Friday 8am-11 am

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.


November/December 2015 Volume 19

23

Classified 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.

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, you must be under the care of a UNM THS provider. Enrollment forms are also available at the front desk.

We Will Miss You Please let Truman staff know if you are planning to move away from the area. That way we can:   

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 your medical care lapse!


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.