Tag: Health Education

Lunch Packing Tips with Rachel Williams

Lunch Packing Tips with Rachel Williams

When it comes to packing nutritious lunches for your school-aged child or teenager, there are a few simple rules that you can follow to make sure your kiddo is getting a satisfying meal, and that all their nutrient needs are being met each day! 

Read along for some tips and tricks to packing healthy – but tasty –  school lunches! 

Rachel Williams, BCHA’s Nutritionist

Focus on providing a variety of foods: 

The ideal lunch box contains one fruit, two veggies, one protein, and one grain. However, it is important to remember that sometimes it takes a few tries to like something new. Children are more likely to be “picky” eaters when they are young. Experimenting with different types of dishes and preparations of food can make a huge difference, have fun with it! 

Involve kids in choosing and preparing lunches: 

Let your children choose what they prefer among a few nutritious options, and try out age-appropriate food preparation activities. Take them to the store with you, and allow them to pick out a new vegetable or fruit, with the agreement that they will try it.

Apply the Plate Method to the lunch box: 

You might be asking, “What is the Plate Method?” It’s an easy solution to incorporating nutritious produce into lunches! Here’s how to apply it to your lunch prep:

Half of the plate is made up of colorful fruits and vegetables, a quarter of the plate consists of protein foods, and another quarter of the plate consists of whole grains. Be sure to include small servings of healthy fats (like nuts) and fun foods on the side.

Some assembly required: 

While a thermos of soup might be nourishing, finger foods are more fun for children! Try your hand at assembling a nutritious DIY lunch kit, using tupperware with compartments for finger food. This could include whole grain crackers, hummus, cucumber slices, carrot coins, pickled beet rounds, and other stackable veggies! 

Dippers are a fun option for little ones, too! Salad dressing, hummus, mustard, bean dip, veggie dip, applesauce and yogurt all make great dips. Apple slices, celery stalks, and whole grain bread sticks are each tasty dippers, and all pair well with peanut butter.

A bento box or a lunch box with built-in compartments are perfect for assembling meals with variety. These options keep food in place without the need for multiple plastic bags and containers. Plus, this method of lunch packing is a great way to implement sustainability into your family’s everyday routine! 

Themes can make a lunch more fun to pack and eat:

There are countless themes that you could follow and build a lunch around. Color, shape, place, holiday, or event, are all fun themes for school-aged children! For example, an Italian themed lunch could include whole grain bowtie pasta, white beans, cherry tomatoes and green beans with pesto or Italian salad dressing, plus a side of grapes and an almond cookie. A red foods lunch could feature strawberries, red pepper slices, beets, red kidney bean and red quinoa salad.

Older kids may prefer more composed options like all-in-one bowls, salads, sandwiches and soups.

Homemade snacks and treats can be healthy and economical.

Prepare them in advance and have them ready to go for daily lunch packing. Whole grain, low sugar mini muffins and cereal bars freeze well; salads and sandwich components can keep in the refrigerator for a few days; trail mix or snack mix can keep for a month or more if stored properly. 

Don’t forget water! 

Let your child choose a favorite water bottle or to decorate one with stickers, etc. Add juice ice cubes, orange slices, frozen mango, etc. to add some flavor if desired.

Nutrition counseling is a free service to all Barbour Community Health Association patients. If you and your loved ones would like additional recipes and more tips on nutrition, keep looking out for our nutrition blogs and social media posts or schedule an appointment with our Nutritionist, Rachel Williams. 



Introduction to Nutrition Coaching with Rachel Williams

Introduction to Nutrition Coaching with Rachel Williams

With the month of March recognized as National Nutrition Month, health professionals, wellness coaches, and nutritionists around the country use the opportunity to bring awareness that a well-balanced diet and an active lifestyle can make a huge difference in daily life.

Whether you’re looking to begin a weight loss journey or simply want to enhance your overall health, your nutrition is the first step.

By incorporating proper nutrition into your day-to-day, folks can see an improvement in sleeping habits, mood, gut health, and overall well-being.

That’s why Barbour Community Health Association has hired Rachel Williams as a Nutrition Counselor to manage patients looking to better their overall quality of life through nutrition.

We chatted with Rachel to find out about their experience, BCHA’s new nutrition coaching program, and what they hope to offer to BCHA patients.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Baltimore but spent most of my adult life in Pittsburgh before moving to Elkins. My family
includes two giant Great Pyrenees dogs, and we love having so many options for hiking and walking
close by. I have always been passionate about food and health, but had jobs in environmental science and forensic DNA analysis before I went back to school to turn that passion into my career. When I am not at work, I may be found cooking, reading, or obsessing over my house plants.

What services are you bringing to BCHA?

I am offering individual, family, and small group nutrition education and coaching. I coordinate with the physicians, PAs, and other providers at BCHA to ensure that services are appropriate for each client. I am also looking forward to being involved in some of the great programs that BCHA already has in place such as the Farmacy program.

What does nutrition coaching entail?

A nutrition intake and assessment is an hour-long session, with follow-up appointments as needed. I have a long list of questions I like to ask, but more than that, I want to have a conversation about how a person is feeling, and of course what and how they are eating. Food habits, preferences, accessibility and budgets are very individual, and it is my goal to meet the client where they are and work together to move forward from there. Related subjects such as body image, sleep, mood, energy levels, and physical activity may also be discussed. A client may leave a session with handouts and recipes, and I do give tips to try for—hopefully delicious—homework.

Who can benefit from nutrition coaching? What are some benefits of nutrition coaching?

I believe that everyone can benefit. It is never too early or too late to learn something new. I truly welcome people of every age, gender, size, and health status. This is a judgment-free zone to discuss health and habits. People who are dealing with chronic health concerns such as hypertension, autoimmunity, diabetes, digestive issues, or food allergies may especially benefit, and I coordinate with primary care and other providers to ensure that I have the best information available on individual client health concerns. I can provide information to those looking to increase their nutrition knowledge for athletics, disease prevention or recovery, or general health and longevity. I am also happy to talk with people just looking for fresh new ideas to feed themselves and/or their families.

What’s the difference between a registered dietician and a nutrition counselor? What path did you take to get into nutrition services?

I have a degree in biology and recently completed a Master of Science degree in human nutrition. I am
currently working toward becoming a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), a nationally recognized certification which requires having an internship with 1000 supervised hours, passing a comprehensive exam, and continuing education every year to stay up to date with research. CNSs have extensive training on how nutrients from food function within our bodies to promote optimal health. We also have training in all things food related, such as how to order health promoting foods from restaurants and how to make family favorites more nutritious.

How can patients get started?

I currently have office hours at both Belington and Myers Clinics. Clients can ask their provider at their next appointment or call the clinics directly to set up a time to talk with me. This is a free service to BCHA clients.

BCHA is thrilled to be able to offer this new and exciting program to patients. To schedule an appointment, speak with your provider at your next visit or call the Belington Medical Clinic or Myers Clinic.

Here to Educate, Help, and Guide – Intro to Chronic Care Management with Erica Weese, RN

Here to Educate, Help, and Guide - Intro to Chronic Care Management with Erica Weese, RN

Here at Barbour Community Health Association, we are constantly working to turn to better healthcare—which is why we are so excited to announce one of our newest endeavors: Chronic Care Management. Ever heard of it? We didn’t think so! Luckily, Belington Medical Clinic’s Health Educator, Erica Weese, RN, was able to sit down and explain what Chronic Care Management is and who it can help.

Q: What is Chronic Care Management?
A: Chronic Care Management is a personalized program designed to assist eligible patients manage their ongoing chronic conditions. After the initial start-up visit or phone call, we draft goal-oriented care plans specific to each patient to help them tackle their health goals. These can range from simple goals like remembering to take medication to more complex goals like managing and changing diets. I spend roughly 20 minutes a month with each patient checking in on their goals and making sure they’re staying on track.

Q: Who is Eligible for Chronic Care Management?
A: To begin, we are only working with Medicare patients, specifically those who have at least two chronic conditions that will last their lifetime or at least twelve months. Some chronic conditions on this list can include Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Cancer, and more.

Q: How do patients get started with Chronic Care Management?
A: Patients can be referred by their primary care physician to begin this program. One of the best parts of Chronic Care Management is that it can all be done over the phone. It begins with an initial phone call or visit where the patient and I review their health history and any medications they’re taking.

Q: What are some benefits for people to start Chronic Care Management?
A: There are so many benefits for people to start Chronic Care Management, the biggest being education. A big part of my job is to collaborate with the patients primary care provider and to help aid in the understanding of their health conditions, labs, medications, treatments, etc.

Q: What is the Health Educator’s Role in Chronic Care Management?
A: I’m here to educate, help, and guide. My role is to be the center of the spider web. I’m the liaison between patients and their primary care physician or any other physicians or specialists the patients see. My goal is to help the patient feel more confident in their understanding of their disease processes so that they can be a happier, healthier version of themselves.

If you or a loved one are eligible for this program, don’t hesitate to contact Erica Weese, RN, at Belington Medical Clinic or Holly Holbert, BSN, RN, at Myers Clinic.

What is a Case Manager?

What is a Case Manager?

At Barbour Community Health Association, we not only prioritize a patient’s physical health, but also their mental wellness.

Mental health is so, so important to a person’s daily life – whether it’s maintaining relationships, creating healthy family and work life balance, improving emotional health or overall quality of life.

That’s why we ensure we have the best behavioral health team that offers care and compassion to each individual who walks through the door. Our team also includes expert therapists who are specialized in various behavioral health treatment areas, including: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse and many more mental health needs.

Our team also includes case managers who maintain a rapport and working relationship with each patient who may identify with a mental health concern.

Let’s learn a bit more about case managers and their important role in the behavioral health field.

Why are case managers needed?

Case managers often assist patients in connecting them with tools and resources that can benefit and improve their quality of life. They assist in the very important process of managing care to ensure that the patients’ individual needs are being met in the best way possible. They work directly with each patient from the beginning of behavioral health treatment services until completion.

What are our case managers responsibilities?

Case managers help in various ways, including:

– Providing patients with resources, which may include linkage and referral to outside community, treatment and support agencies.
– Coordinating patient appointments.
– Providing compassion and support to all patients via telephone or in person.
– Assisting with coordination of patient health insurance benefits.
– Working with the patient’s licensed health care provider to ensure behavioral health treatment efficiency and service delivery.

What is the difference between a case manager and a therapist?

Barbour Behavioral Health case managers are the initial point of patient contact, and provide support and information regarding available treatment options. Often case managers are referred to as the safety net that helps to catch patients who are in need. They are appointed to a patient to help assist in a smooth recovery throughout treatment with their licensed provider. Case managers communicate with patients in between provider appointments as needed for additional support.

A therapist works with the patient in identifying areas of concern, symptoms, diagnosis and strengths in order to develop personalized treatment goals which can be achieved within the therapeutic process. A therapist helps the patient in treating the underlying cause of symptoms for increased quality of life through various evidenced-based clinical practices, or interventions.

Both aim to ensure that patients are working toward achieving the best version of themselves.

What is the education of our case managers?

Barbour Behavioral Health case managers have a minimum 4-year undergraduate college degree in a human services related field.

At BCHA, we value our case managers, who are dedicated to our patients and their wellbeing.

For more information on behavioral health services, please call 304-823-4000.

Your Guide to EMDR with Robert Kiser, M.A., MT-BC, NCC, LPC, ADS, ALPS

Your Guide to EMDR With Robert Kiser, M.A., MT-BC, NCC, LPC, ADS, ALPS

Starting new therapy for mental health needs can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve tried several types of therapy with minimal to no success in the past. That’s where the staff at Barbour Community Health Association can help. Our providers are now offering Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for patients that can help with a number of conditions. Neurobehavioral psychotherapist, Robert Kiser, M.A., MT-BC, NCC, LPC, ADS, ALPS, sat down to give us an in depth understanding of this innovative type of therapy. Read on to learn more about EMDR and find out if you or a loved one may be a good candidate for this type of therapy.

  1. What is EMDR?

EMDR is an acronym for Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR therapy is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. EMDR is recognized and recommended as an effective treatment for trauma by a wide range of organizations, including: The World Health Organization, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense, International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, and the American Psychiatric Association.

  1. How do you start the process? Is there an assessment process before patients begin EMDR treatment?

If you and/or your medical provider feel that EMDR treatment may be right for you, a referral for Behavioral Health assessment can be initiated directly from your medical provider to our Behavioral Health team, and a Behavioral Health case manager will contact you to set up an initial information gathering appointment soon after. You may also contact Barbour Behavioral Health yourself by calling 304-823-4000 (Belington Medical Clinic location) or 304-457-0057 (Myers Clinic location) to schedule an appointment. All Behavioral Health patients enrolled with our agency will receive a proper and thorough assessment so that we can make sure your care is designed and managed with the best possible outcomes for you in mind. 

  1. How does EMDR help patients? What are the benefits?

The purpose of EMDR is to alternately activate both the right and left hemispheres of the brain through either visual, tactile, auditory, or a combination of these stimuli. The bilateral stimulus “jumpstarts” the physiological information processing system inside of the brain. This allows the clinician to work with the patient in processing distressing experiences and associated memories, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in a more organized way. The therapy will work to desensitize or “neutralize” undesirable symptoms the patient experiences resulting from traumatic experiences through the combination of dialogue with the clinician and stimulation that the patient receives over time. As an added bonus, many patients report that these symptoms often do not return or are quite significantly diminished to much more manageable levels, because the brain and body have been able to work together in such a meaningful and connected manner. Additionally, EMDR treatment often takes much less time to complete than conventional psychotherapeutic treatment approaches, making it more cost effective for patients, while working well for busier lifestyles.

  1. What can patients expect from EMDR therapy?

Let’s face it, coming to someone to share very sensitive and important information which may have made us feel any combination of vulnerable, scared, hurt, embarrassed, ashamed, unloved, or unsafe can seem quite daunting and even downright impossible. This is why a more current clinical approach to EMDR treatment involves adequately preparing patients to process distressing concerns at their own pace, by ensuring that their feelings of safety and ability to regulate strong feelings and sensations confidently and successfully are first met. When the patient and clinician decide that it is time to move forward with reprocessing traumatic events, this too is done with the patient always in control of his or her treatment. The clinician will work with the patient at his or her pace and build toward the desensitization and reprocessing of traumatic experiences thoroughly and completely, when ready. Your clinician will take great care in getting to know you, on your terms. Afterall, the purpose of receiving treatment is to feel better, right? Your clinician knows this and wants you to feel as comfortable as possible throughout the treatment experience. EMDR treatment is like a “workout” for your brain as strengthening and resiliency gradually occur, so some stronger feelings or sensations may arise from time to time, which is completely normal and oftentimes an indicator that the treatment is working. If at any point a patient feels that a “break” from reprocessing is needed for any reason, your clinician will listen to you and facilitate this.

  1. What behavioral health conditions does EMDR treat?

EMDR has been utilized for rather expansive treatment populations and symptom concerns with high success. EMDR can be used with children, adolescents, and adults. Some conditions and areas which are commonly treated in EMDR include: Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), panic attacks, phobias, nightmares, performance and social anxiety, complicated grief, adjustment disorders, disturbing memories, stress reduction, decision-making, sexual and/or physical abuse, neglect, pain, somatic disorders, personality disorders, as well as part of addiction treatment. 

  1. What other treatments can patients use alongside EMDR?

EMDR itself utilizes an Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model approach to treatment. However, EMDR therapy integrates elements of other psychological theories and psychotherapies (i.e. Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Mind-Body, Person-Centered, etc.) into a standardized set of procedures and clinical protocols. At Barbour Behavioral Health, EMDR is also oftentimes incorporated with our neurobehavioral patients also receiving certain types of neurotherapies.

  1. Does EMDR work for everyone?

EMDR works well with most patients, however there can be various clinical factors which would make EMDR an ineffective or inappropriate treatment approach for certain individuals. If EMDR is not determined to be the best treatment approach for you by your licensed clinician, other treatment or clinical recommendations will be discussed. 

Our talented team is always working hard to make sure we have solutions for every individual who comes into our clinic. For more information on EMDR therapy or to schedule an appointment with one of our Behavioral Health providers, call Barbour Community Health Association at 304-823-2800.

Talking about Teen Depression with Linh Pham, LGSW

Talking about teen depression with Linh pham, lgsw

Depression is a disease that does not discriminate. It can severely affect anyone at any time in their life. And since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are struggling with the effects of depression.

About 20 percent of teens experience depression before they reach adulthood and only about 30 percent are being treated for the disease. These numbers are staggering and heartbreaking.

As a behavioral health therapist, I have worked with teens who have struggled with depression, and I have talked with families who missed the signs that their teen was suffering.

I don’t point fingers at parents because these signs can be difficult to see as many symptoms can mimic “teenagers being teenagers.” However, parents need to know when it’s time to intervene.

Some of the signs I tell parents to look out for include low energy, low self-esteem, eating and sleeping disturbances, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and hopelessness. If you find your teen is not enjoying activities they used to or if your teen is isolating from others that can be a major sign. If your teen is showing signs of excessive work, anger issues, slacking off in school or ‘masking’—acting as if everything is fine, it may be time for you to chat with your teen about what’s going on.

What can lead a teen into depression?

There’s a number of factors that should be considered, like low self-esteem.
Low self-esteem can be caused from lacking a healthy support system—many teens don’t have a person they can trust and share their struggling stories with. Sometimes friends can’t be trusted as they are seen as “fake,” and teens are not talking with parents because they would feel that they would be ‘yelled’ at or dismissed. Which I find disheartening. Teens need somebody to tell them, “it will be okay,” that they are doing their best, that they are beautiful and kind.

Teens in the foster care system are at risk of low self-esteem and depression also. It is hard to keep track of all the changes as teens move from one home to another. In time, they lose the sense of who they are, where they belong and how their future would look. This makes it difficult for them to feel good about themselves in their current situation.

Bullying can lead to low esteem. Teens suffering from bullying are made fun of by classmates who are immature, lacking empathy, and kindness to others.

Social media has a huge impact on the way teens feel about themselves. Constantly comparing yourself to others can certainly lead anyone to poor self-esteem.

Sibling rivalry is a common situation that can lead to teens feeling bad about themselves. Siblings often compare each other on their academic performance, sport, hobbies, friends, etc.

Athletes can also struggle with low esteem. These are the ones that usually are seen as confident, strong, ‘cool kids,’ but they struggle so much to live up to that, together with strict practice and diet routine that time and meeting expectations from various people.

Creating a positive home environment for your teen.

A teen’s environment at home and the way their family interacts with one another can lead to depression and other forms of mental illnesses. Teens need a healthy routine in place and a family atmosphere that enjoys experiencing life together rather than ‘just sitting around.’

Teens need a balance of responsibility in the house. What I usually see is the teen either doesn’t have any responsibility in the house or constantly get nagged for not finishing everything on their chore list.

Teens struggling with their parents’ divorce or separation, being taken away from family due to civil CPS cases, moving between foster homes, and changing schools can all lead to mental struggles.

Meeting a parent’s expectations.

Teens suffering from depression usually prefer to do what they think their parents or caregivers want them to do. This can lead to teens stressing out easily as soon as they recognize they don’t do things good enough whether it be academic performance, sports, or any other extracurricular activities.

Sometimes depression in teens can be hereditary. Especially in West Virginia, it is very common for depression to run in the family.

I often get asked, when or how do I approach my teen if I think they are depressed.

It’s important to reach out when you notice your teen’s behavior is ‘off.’ Signs such as eating less or more, sleeping too much, or having a hard time sleeping/falling asleep/staying asleep, getting ‘moody’ more than normal or getting agitated/angry more easily than normal with more intensity, if you find they are isolating themselves more than normal, their grades dropping, if you notice your teen wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants, hoodies in an inappropriate weather temperature they could be self-harming and trying to hide something like cutting marks mean it is time to get your teen help.

If you are not sure about how your teen is doing, you can approach their friends, ask school staff (bus driver, secretary), ask teachers, school counselor/therapist/social worker, and even the principal to see how you child is doing.

How to get your teen help?

• If your teen already has an established primary care physician, make an appointment for a wellness checkup and general assessments for depression and anxiety and referral to behavioral health.

• Parents or teens can also talk with a school counselor or principal for resources of school-based behavioral health services.

• Look for community behavioral health agencies, like the Barbour County Health Association’s Behavioral Health team, and make an appointment for intake.

If you have questions or concerns about your teen, please reach out to your provider for info on the next steps to get your teen help.

Employee Spotlight: Marjorie Burner, RN

Employee Spotlight: Marjorie Burner, RN

The Myers Clinic is excited to announce Marjorie Burner, RN promotion to nurse manager. Marjorie is entering this new position at Myers Clinic with years of experience in the healthcare field and two years already with Barbour Community Health Association.

 

 

 

 

We chatted with Marjorie about her nursing experience and what she hopes to achieve in her new role.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself – are you from Barbour County?

A: I’m originally from Barbour County. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alderson Broadus University.

Q: What experience do you have in the medical field?

A: I have been an RN for 27 years. I previously was Dr. Holbert’s nurse and then moved to transitional care manager in which I provided care for patients who were transitioning from the hospital back to their home. I’ve also been a nurse manager at other facilities.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a nurse?

A: Honestly, just being able to help and care for people. COVID-19 really put a new spin onto things but I was still able to feel that I was helping patients whether it be in person or via telehealth.

Q: What will your duties be as nurse manager?

A: Managing day to day operations and the clinical staff, staffing, ordering supplies and just making sure everything runs smoothly.

Q: What do you hope to bring in this new role at the Myers Clinic?

A: I just hope I’m able to continue providing outstanding care to the patients that Myers Clinic is known for.

Q: What do you enjoy about working at the Myers Clinic?

A: I just really enjoy the family atmosphere. I’ve worked out of the county most of my career, but in Barbour County, everyone knows everyone.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I’ve started hobby farming. Right now we have two goats, Biscuit and Gravy.

 

5 Tips When Beginning Therapy

5 Tips When Beginning Therapy

Starting therapy for mental health needs can seem like a giant step. Lots of people don’t know where to begin or who to talk to and continue to suffer in silence. That does not have to be you. The staff at the Barbour Community Health Association understands that starting therapy can be difficult but we’re here to help you on your mental health journey. That’s why we’re sharing our five best tips to remember when beginning therapy.

I don’t know where to start.

1. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) or reach out to a Mental Health Provider

You see your primary care provider for all health concerns, remember that your mental and emotional health are just as important when achieving overall health and wellness. Bring up mental health concerns during regular check-ups or visits and check-in with your PCP about your mental health regularly.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about approaching your PCP, call or check-in with a mental health provider that you trust. Bridging the gap and having clear and open communication with your PCP or Mental Health Provider is the first step to getting and receiving the care you need.

Mental health is an integral part of health care. In many health care settings today, you may be asked if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, or if you have had recent thoughts of suicide. Take this opportunity to talk to your PCP or Mental Health Provider openly so they can help refer you to a Mental Health Specialist in your area. You also can visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s Find Help page for assistance with finding a health care provider or treatment that’s right for you.

I’m not prepared or don’t know what to say.

2. Prepare before your visit

When in an appointment setting, many people forget questions or concerns they wanted to discuss with their care provider. Think of your questions or concerns beforehand, and write them down and bring them with you when you go to your next appointment. It’s also good practice to prepare a list of any medications you are currently on. It’s important to tell your health care provider about all the medications you’re taking on a regular basis, including over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements because they can affect the way your body reacts to certain medications.

Remember to also review your family health history with your provider. Certain mental illnesses tend to run in families, and having a close relative with mental health needs could mean you’re at a higher risk for some of those concerns. It also can help your health care provider recommend actions for reducing your risk and enable both you and your provider to look for early warning signs.

I feel alone.

3. Consider bringing a relative or close friend to your appointment

Sometimes it’s helpful to bring a close friend or relative that you trust to your appointment. It can be difficult to absorb all the information your health care provider shares, especially if you are not feeling well. Your companion can be there for support, help you take notes, and remember what you and the provider discussed. They also might be able to offer input to your provider about how they think you’re doing.

I’m not sure if I have any mental health needs.

4. Be honest with your providers

Your health care provider can help you get better only if you have clear and honest communication. It is important to remember that communications between you and a health care provider are private and confidential and cannot be shared with anyone without your expressed permission. Describe all your symptoms with your provider, and be specific about when they started, how severe they are, and how often they occur. You also should share any major stresses or recent life changes that could be triggering symptoms.

Examples of symptoms include:
● Persistent sadness, anxiousness, or “empty” moods
● Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
● Irritability
● Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
● Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
● Decreased energy or fatigue
● Moving or talking more slowly
● Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
● Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
● Unusual sleep patterns including difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
● Appetite or weight changes (or both)
● Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
● Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause

I’m not sure if this treatment plan is right for me.

5. Ask questions and stay informed

If you have questions or even doubts about a diagnosis or treatment your health care provider gives, ask for more information and discuss your concerns with your providers. If your provider suggests a treatment you’re not comfortable or familiar with, express your worries and ask if there are other options. It’s okay to disagree with your provider on what treatment to try. You may decide to try a combination of different approaches. You may also want to get another opinion from a different health care provider, which is okay. It’s important to remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. You may need to try a few different treatments, or a combination of treatments, before finding one that works best for you.

Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important—if not more important—when taking care of yourself. Beginning therapy can seem like a big task but remember to give yourself credit for taking the leap into mental wellness.

Start the conversation today by calling our Behavioral Health team at 304.823.4000.

Employee Spotlight: Rhonda Parker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Employee Spotlight: Rhonda Parker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Barbour Community Health Association is pleased to welcome Dr. Rhonda Parker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC to the BCHA team as a psychiatric nurse practitioner for all sites.

Originally of Charleston, West Virginia, Dr. Parker received her BSN at Medical University of South Carolina, MSN/CFNP and DNP at Frontier Nursing University and her post Master’s, PMHNP at University of South Carolina. She is certified in family, palliative/hospice, and psych/mental health services.

We chatted with Dr. Parker to find out more about her role as psychiatric nurse practitioner and what she’s looking forward to in that position.

Q: What types of conditions do you treat or work with?

A: I work with patients who struggle with issues affecting their mental health including stress, depression/sadness, nerves/anxiety, concentration/memory, fear/paranoia, addiction concerns or anything that makes you feel “not like yourself.”

Q: What is the ideal patient/who should seek your care?
A: Anyone interested in dealing with their mental health issues from a “whole-person” approach. Medication is often appropriate in conjunction with counseling.

Q: What type of patient/condition should be referred to you?
A: People willing to explore medication options as part of their treatment plan, or individuals that have primary care prescribing psychotropics (medication for depression, anxiety, etc.) but they are still experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

Q: Describe yourself/your professional style in 3 words?
A: In three words, I would describe myself as exceptionally laid back.

Q: Anything else that you would really like potential patients to know about you?
A: We are integrated with your Primary care providers at Belington and Myers clinic to provide you with expert mental health care in Barbour county. In the past, patients have had to travel out of the county to receive these services, creating another barrier to care. With our exceptional behavioral health psychologists and therapists, medication management rounds out BCHA’s mental health options.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Parker, call 304-823-4000.

Get Up & Get Moving Together

Get up & get moving together

Did you know regularly walking provides the body and mind with many perks? It’s true. Walking has been shown to improve mood, boost your energy and even have an effect on life span. You might not know it, but walking also helps burn calories, strengthen the heart and lower blood sugar.

With the Philippi Wellness Center’s newest Walkercise program, you can groove to some tunes while reaping the benefits of walking.

Here’s everything you need to know about this new program!

When is it? Where is it?
The Walkercise program has recently just started, and this session will run until May 26 at the Philippi City gym. Doors will open at 9 a.m. Anyone can start at anytime as there is no routine to learn.

How often will the class be held?
Walkercise will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Fridays will be added if there is sufficient interest in the program.

What does Walkercise consist of?
Participants will walk the city gym to music with ongoing coaching to encourage the use of arms, directional change and balance work.

What does Walkercise cost?
Classes are included with membership at the Philippi Wellness Center and Belington Wellness Center. A non-member may participate for $5.

If interested in participating in Walkercise, please contact Donna Seaman at the PWC at 304-457-0700.