VC, The Magazine | Issue 37

F L U S E A S O N

B e a f l u f i g h t e r

Packed

Anita Garcia

Dental Receptionist

Tami VanNahmen

Practice Administrator

Yukon

Employee of the Month: Loyalty

You were nominated for exemplifying the character core of Loyalty because you changed your plans last minute to help your team work through major technical issues. What does loyalty mean to you?

Loyalty means a lot, it shows that you can count on that person, that they will do everything they can to help you. That’s what I try to do for my coworkers at Yukon, I want to be an advocate, a support system, and someone they can count on.

How long have you been working at Variety Care?

I’ve been at Variety for five years.

What do you hope your teammates learn from you?

That we can work through almost anything if honesty drives our actions and communications. If we have a good foundation, most of the time a conversation can work out the issues we encounter.

How does the work you do impact you personally?

As a practice administrator, I do not provide direct care to patients, so my response may be a little different than others. I’m most fulfilled when I have a team member tell me they are happy at their job. They are happy with their work environment; they get along with their coworkers and they feel supported. A lot goes into each decision we make as administrators, in the end, we try to make the decision that’s best for the overall clinic, even if it’s not always obvious to others.

-Tami

How does it feel to be recognized as Employee of the Month?

Receiving positive employee and patient feedback. That means I’ve done my job, providing a good environment, hiring the right staff, and connecting the right team members to be successful. Everything is connected.

What are some things you love about working for Variety Care?

I share the same love for our mission as most Variety Care employees do, “Variety Care is All for Health and Health for All” It’s important that we help others get the healthcare they need, and it gives us a purpose as human beings. I also appreciate that our leaders, including the board, take into consideration how the outside world is doing, and they help as much as possible, for example, with the gas stipend we received for many months.

What is the most interesting thing about your work at Variety Care?

There’s never a dull moment when you are serving the community. We are constantly learning and improving.

What has been the most rewarding part of your job?

Receiving positive employee and patient feedback. That means I’ve done my job, providing a good environment, hiring the right staff, and connecting the right team members to be successful. Everything is connected.

Tell us about your family. My husband’s Name is Ethan we have two beautiful (I know I’m biased) children. Maverick and Piper. They never stop so I never stop.

Describe yourself in 3 words. Honest, Candid, and Considerate.

WE CAN WORK THROUGH ANYTHING IF HONESTY DRIVES OUR ACTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS.

Parker Hulin

Immunization Coordinator

Dr. Jason Graham Director of Pediatrics

Stay Safe and Healthy

This Flu Season

by Belen Carrasco-Mata, Cristo Rey Student

As flu season approaches, it's crucial for both healthcare professionals and patients to be well-prepared. In the United States, the typical flu season spans the fall and winter months, with December and February being the peak periods of influenza virus activity. Variety Care Immunization Coordinator Parker Hulin explained that the CDC continuously collects

Another concern as the seasons change is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infections and their seasonal patterns. RSV outbreaks in the United States typically occur during late fall, winter, and early spring. The timing of RSV outbreaks can vary by region and community.

Dr. Graham also discussed the current status of RSV and flu cases, mentioning that while they are relatively low at the moment, there is a gradual increase in their prevalence. Additionally, he highlighted the upcoming RSV vaccine, which will be administered to infants aged 8 months and younger, providing further protection against RSV.

the rate of flu-related hospitalizations," Hulin

Variety Care’s Director of Pediatrics

Dr. Jason Graham says that children often face a higher risk of flu infection due to their interactions at school and daycare facilities. Additionally, children have a tendency to touch their faces and put objects in their mouths, increasing their exposure risk. Dr. Graham said the most important thing to teach our children is good hygiene. “Learning how to wash their hands is important because it will help prevent them

Now that the seasonal flu vaccine has arrived at all Variety Care locations, we can do our part to keep the community healthy. Straka will be holding Saturday flu vaccine clinics on October 7 and 13 from 8 a.m. – noon. While appointments are preferred, walk-ins will also be accepted. Lafayette will also be holding vaccine clinics for children aged 6 months - 18 years, Saturday, November 4 and 11, from 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Lafayette flu vaccine clinics are available by appointment only.

STUDIES SHOW THAT THE FLU VACCINE PREVENTS MILLIONS OF PEOPLE FROM CONTRACTING THE ILLNESS AND ALSO GREATLY REDUCES THE RATE OF FLU-RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS

-Parker

Packed with Nutrients

by Heide Edwards, Communications Coordinator

Now that kids have gone back to school, parents everywhere are facing a familiar challengepacking lunches for their little learners. Variety Care Dietician Jennifer Evans says that when preparing meals, balance is key.

However, creating that balance in portable portions can be tricky. “The carbs in your meal could consist of bread, crackers, or sometimes fruit if the kids are willing to eat it,” Evans suggests. “Often, parents don’t pack vegetables because their kids won’t eat them, but we want to have more vegetables and protein than carby options.”

Considering most students don’t have access to microwaves, she recognizes that options for packed lunches are limited. Evans says that while she doesn’t love suggesting sandwiches, sometimes they are the easiest meal to serve our students on the go.

are best – especially trail mix that has dried fruits and nuts. But for those kids and classrooms with nut allergies, she says cheese with a piece of fruit would still be a way to get some protein and fruit in their day. “Fruit is fine – it’s just sugary, which isn’t terrible, but a lot of the time it doesn’t satisfy hunger,” Evans explains. She also says that veggies dipped in hummus or guacamole are a great option as well.

Additionally, while you may be tempted to pack your students something sweet to keep them motivated throughout the day, keep in mind that junk food should not be a daily indulgence. Evans suggests that we should opt instead to consume special treats just once a week.

-Jennifer

Finally, she says the easiest way to get our little scholars to try a variety of foods is by getting them involved in preparing their meals. “Touching and interacting with food is all part of getting someone interested in what they are eating,” Evans says.

Evans also provided some helpful tips to avoid pre-packaged deli meats: “If you’re making chicken or turkey sandwiches, buy chicken breasts and legs or turkey pieces and then season and cook them,” she explains. Evans says you can even cook the meat in large batches and divide it up with different seasonings to give kids some variety each day without it being filled with salt.

Another hurdle is snack time – how do you satisfy your child’s hunger in school if they have a late or early lunch? Evans says ideally, nuts and seeds

Packed with knowledge of nutrition, families can work together to ensure that their students have a successful school year!

We want to have more vegetables and protein than carby options

MOBILE DENTAL VAN

On the Move

With Variety Care's new Mobile Dental Van

Dental providers are making the move to serve patients in our rural areas!

The new mobile dental unit has been making the rounds to Variety Care Anadarko and Anadarko Headstarts. Next up: Fort Cobb Headstart and schools in the Maysville district.

In addition to the mobile dental unit, staff also has portable equipment they take into schools to accommodate parking issues.

Photos by Eva Morales Communications Assistant/Videographer

to our team

Andria Campbell-Bredemeyer Data Analyst, Admin.

Priscilla Aguilar Patient Access Specialist, PAC

Olivia Cerna PSR, Lafayette

Keyry Giron Medical Assistant, Baptist Portland

Kimberly Garcia Medical Assistant II, Lafayette

Monica Iniguez Dental Assistant, Straka

Jaime Lopez Collection Specialist, Admin.

LaChonte Williams-Lampkin PSR, Britton

Maria Martinez-Lopez RN Care Manager, Straka

Luna Tristen Community Health Worker, Anadarko

Karen Rivera Medical Assistant II, Straka

MEET OUR NEW

Education: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Education: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Specialization: Pediatrics Specialization: Pediatrics

Mona Bahavar, DO, is dedicated to serving Oklahoma’s youth. She believes that building strong, trusting relationships with families is key believes that building strong, trusting relationships with families is key to providing the high-quality care that children deserve. to providing the high-quality care that children deserve.

Mona Bahavar, DO, is dedicated to serving Oklahoma’s youth. She

Pediatrics, Lafayette

Education: Kansas City University Education: Kansas City University Specialization: Pediatrics Specialization: Pediatrics

Karen Chang, D.O.

Pediatrics, Lafayette

Education: Education: Boston College Boston College

Specialization: Women’s Health

Specialization: Women’s Health

Dr. Karen Chang, DO, is a pediatrician who loves serving her community

Dr. Karen Chang, DO, is a pediatrician who loves serving her community and learning more about the ever-evolving world of healthcare. She and learning more about the ever-evolving world of healthcare. She provides patient-centered care through active listening and effective provides patient-centered care through active listening and effective ccommunication. ommunication.

Maria Meyer, APRN-CNP, WHFP-BC, is a provider with a deep Maria Meyer, APRN-CNP, WHFP-BC, is a provider with a deep appreciation of the science and art behind nursing. She enjoys appreciation of the science and art behind nursing. She enjoys empowering her patients through education and preventative care. empowering her patients through education and preventative care.

Maria Meyer, APRN-CNP, WHFP-BC

Women’s Health, North Portland

Mona Bahavar, DO Mona Bahavar, DO

25 26 27 30 31