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.

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.

Employee Spotlight: Lesa Jordan, RN

Employee Spotlight: Lesa Jordan, rn

Barbour Community Health Association is excited to welcome Lesa Jordan, RN, to the Belington Clinic team. With over 30 years of nursing experience under her belt, BCHA and staff are looking forward to seeing Lesa serve as nurse manager at the Belington Clinic.

We chatted with Lesa to learn more about her nursing background and find out what she’s looking forward to in her new role.

Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in the city of Sutton in Braxton County, but I currently live in Tucker County.

Q: What is your educational background with nursing?
A: I received my bachelor’s degree from Alderson Broaddus University and my master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I’m currently working on my dissertation to get my PHD in nursing.

Q: What has been your experience in the nursing field?
A: I have 33 years of nursing experience. I taught in the Nursing Department for 11 years at Alderson Broaddus University, and I was also the assistant chair of the university’s nursing department.

Q: With so many years working in the nursing field, what has been your favorite part of your career?
A: I really like the educational aspect of nursing. Recently, I had to make changes in my own lifestyle to be healthier, so I have really enjoyed teaching patients how to also improve their overall health.

Q: What will be your duties at the Belington Clinic?
A: As the nursing manager, I’ll be in charge of scheduling, ordering supplies, keeping staff accountable, ordering medicine, etc. — just making sure the nursing staff and department runs smoothly.

Q: What do you hope to bring to the Belington Medical Clinic as the new Nurse Manager?
A: I hope to bring positivity, enhance teamwork and continue to provide quality care to patients.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I love spending time with my grandchild and my fur baby. I also enjoy riding four-wheelers and reading.

Brandon School-Based Health Services: Serving Barbour County Schools

Brandon School-Based Health Services: Serving Barbour County Schools

Barbour Community Health Association consistently looks for opportunities to improve and expand services to all Barbour County residents. In fact, BCHA’s school-based program was recently contracted by the Barbour County Board of Education to begin providing both medical and behavioral health services in all Barbour County Schools.

These additional services to students are sure to be a great advantage for not only the student(s), but families, staff and teachers.

Here’s everything you need to know about the school-based program and the recent expansion.

When did the Barbour County Board of Education decide to partner with BCHA?
In August 2020 the Barbour County Board of Education accepted BCHA’s proposal that emphasizes every child, family, and school staff member in Barbour County should have access to medical and behavioral health care through a school-based health clinic.

What is the purpose of a school-based health program?
School-based clinics are utilized for both immediate-care services, such as minor injuries or diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions, as well as preventative services, such as health screenings, weight management, and providing health education to the students and staff.

By offering these services to all Barbour County Schools, students and families now have easy access to health and wellness.

What services are offered through school-based health services?
Both physical and behavioral services are offered through the school-based program, including:
Routine check-ups, vaccination, sports physical exams, chronic conditions management, acute care, individual/group/family therapy, psychological testing, psychiatric evaluations and medication management.

What does the contract between BCHA and the board of education indicate about the expansion?
Under the contract, the Brandon Wellness Center at Philip Barbour High School would continue to be the central hub and first point of contact for behavioral health referrals or questions from the community. A full-time licensed mental health provider will remain at that location as well as a case manager to provide support to both the medical provider and the school.

The contract now includes adding two additional licensed mental health providers, one to serve Philippi Elementary, Philippi Middle, and Kasson Elementary/Middle and one to serve Belington Elementary, Belington Middle, and Junior Elementary. A full-time manager will also be on site for support. BCHA also employs two doctoral level psychologists and a psychiatric nurse practitioner that will be available on an as needed basis for specialty services.

Barbour Community Health Association will also assign one licensed medical provider, and a nurse to these additional locations, with a rotating schedule to best accommodate the needs of each individual school.

Will these services be monitored?
To ensure services are effective and adequate, BCHA will meet with school officials every 90 days to discuss how the program has been going and to troubleshoot any barriers or issues that may arise.

By introducing this expansion, BCHA’s goal is to provide quality care for the wellbeing and health of the children and families of Barbour County. For more information on services, contact Brandon Wellness Center at (304) 457-4000.