Tag: Health Education

What to Expect at Your Medicare Wellness Visit

What to Expect at Your Medicare Wellness Visit

Since 2011, Medicare beneficiaries have been eligible for an annual wellness visit (AWV), a preventive health benefit created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Though this service has been offered for several years now, many may be confused about what the actual visit entails.

We talked with our AWV experts, Amy Chenoweth, LPN from Belington Clinic and Jamie Carpenter, LPN from Myers Clinic, to find out what beneficiaries can expect at an annual wellness visit.

What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
It is a visit that we make sure your chart is completely updated and make sure your screenings are done. Everything you should be getting like your immunizations, we want to go over your medication list, and go over family history. We are basically updating your whole chart and depending on your health, will be what screening you get.

Who gets a Medicare Wellness Visit? Who is it that has these or should get them?
Anybody that has Medicare coverage for their insurance is eligible for a Medicare Wellness Visit.

Does this visit cost the patient?
It does not, it is a free annual wellness visit for all Medicare covered patients.

But patients should be aware that during their visit, their clinician may recommend tests or perform services like a hands-on exam that are not formally included in the AWV visit, potentially causing beneficiaries to incur out-of-pocket costs.

What is the process like? How does it get started? If I have Medicare do I call you or do I talk to my provider about it?
You can call us at our respective clinics and ask to speak with us. I do have a Medicare list and I try to call all of our patients that have Medicare, especially when they have Part B, because Part A and B is when you are able to get an exam. Then I will update your chart over the phone and after that, you will come in to see the provider. The basic thing is if I have not gotten ahold of you and you decide you want to do that; give me a call and I will get you in.

Was there any special training or certifications that nurses have to go through to perform these visits?
We did have to do the Aledade training and we are both Licensed Practical Nurses, so we are certified to complete the Medicare Wellness Visits. Aledade is an organization that we work with that helps us put all the data together for these visits and helps us make sure we stay in touch with folks.

What specific screenings should I expect during these visits?
I will do my part over the phone, which is basically getting all of your health information and getting everything updated. Then when you come in to see your provider you will get vital signs depending on which Medicare appointment you come to. During the welcome visit, you can actually get an EKG as well at no cost, but it is going to depend on your health because men and women are different. Women may get their mammograms or dexa scans and men of course will need their PSA checked and we want to make sure they are getting their colonoscopy. It will depend on your health and your age.

For more information on your upcoming Annual Wellness Visit, call Barbour Community Health Association at 304-823-2800.

HPV Vaccination: What You Need to Know

HPV Vaccination: What You Need to Know

January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, BCHA sets out with the intention of raising awareness of the preventable cancer. To provide our patients with education about prevention, screening options and treatments, we sat down for a Q&A with Jenniver Duvall, PA-C at BCHA.

Why should you get your teenager’s HPV vaccinations?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US and the vaccine protects against particular strains of it. Nearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with HPV and approximately 14 million people become newly infected each year.

How is it cancer protection?

HPV is known to cause cancers of the throat, cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, and anus. Since the vaccine can protect against certain high risk strains of HPV, it can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers.

What ages should your child get their vaccinations?

Ideally, Gardasil is given to boys and girls between the ages of 11-12 before being exposed to HPV. The body’s immune response to the vaccine seems best at this age range. It can be given as early as nine years of age.

What if you missed your HPV vaccination during childhood? Can a patient catch up?

Yes, it should be given as soon as possible followed by the appropriate immunization schedule. It is given in a series of two or three doses, depending on the age it is started. The vaccine is recommended for ages 9-26, even if the individual has already been diagnosed with HPV. Some adults between the ages of 27-45 may benefit from vaccination depending on risks for new HPV infections. They can discuss this with their healthcare provider.

What else should patients know about cervical cancer and the HPV vax?

For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.

Some things that increase your risk of developing cervical cancer are being immunocompromised, smoking, being on birth control pills for five or more years, and giving birth to three or more children.

Cervical cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal bleeding or discharge.

Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow-ups. It also is highly curable when found and treated early. However, each year, approximately 12,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 4,000 women die.

Getting the vaccine does not eliminate the need for cervical cancer screening.

HPV has been recommended since 2006 and has proven to be safe and effective. However, there are some people that should not get the vaccine, such as people with a life threatening allergic reaction to any ingredient of HPV or to a previous HPV vaccine, people who have an allergy to yeast, or people who are pregnant.

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at no cost to children ages 18 years and younger who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible.

What screening options does BCHA have for cervical cancer?

BCHA offers PAP tests and HPV testing. We start screening PAP tests at 21 and HPV testing at 30.

To help prevent false-negative or false-positive results, you should avoid douching, sexual intercourse, and using vaginal medications or hygiene products for two days before your test.

If you have a low income or do not have insurance, you may be able to get a free or low-cost cervical cancer screening test through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program or Family Planning.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact BCHA today. 

Barbour Community Health Association to Vaccinate Seniors

Barbour Community Health Association to Vaccinate Seniors

Following Governor Jim Justice’s announcement regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) will begin administering vaccinations to seniors 80 years old and up. BCHA offices will begin contacting all 80+ aged patients to schedule a time to come in for the vaccine so there is no need for patients to call any BCHA office to set up an appointment.

The process will take a few weeks for offices to get through the patient list as BCHA is unsure when additional vaccines will be arriving. BCHA is working closely with the state and will continue to provide more information to our patients and communities when available.

BCHA is asking folks to be patient on being contacted about the vaccine and to not call offices regarding the vaccination. Large call volumes will stall emergency calls.

State health departments and medical clinics across are being given a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses to be administered to those 80 and older per request from the governor.

The COVID-19 vaccine will help protect our communities from the disease that has killed approximately 350,000 Americans. The vaccines will provide immunity without the serious risks associated with getting infected naturally. The COVID-19 vaccines are designed to work with our immune systems so the body will be ready to fight the virus if we are exposed to the virus.

Health officials are still strongly encouraging people to wear masks and social distancing to help reduce the chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.

Why It’s More Important Than Ever To Get Your Flu Shot This Year

Why It's More Important Than Ever To Get Your Flu Shot This Year

Each year, West Virginians grapple with flu season. Stuffy noses, sore throats, and body aches become just another part of wintertime in the Mountain State. Because of this, flu vaccinations are encouraged to prevent and lessen the severity of influenza.

However, with this year’s flu season raging alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials across the nation are strongly recommending that everyone over the age of six months get the flu vaccination this year.

Here are five reasons you should get the flu vaccination this season.

1. Lessen the stress on healthcare facilities, including BCHA.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already taken over thousands of healthcare and medical clinics across the United States. However, with this disease coinciding with influenza this year, health officials are worried that the two illnesses will overwhelm emergency rooms and hospitals causing shortages and overcrowding in facilities. By getting the flu vaccination this year, you will help in lessening the stress of healthcare professionals who are already overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.

2. Decrease your chance of further health complications.
The flu vaccination in no way prevents one from getting the illness, however, it can help limit the spread and decrease the chance of influenza-related health complications for folks with chronic diseases. The flu vaccine has additional benefits for people with chronic medical conditions, like reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death among people with heart disease, and decreasing illness flares in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Complications from influenza can lead to hospitalization, and in some cases, death.

3. The flu shot does not give you the flu.
Despite what some may say, the flu vaccination does not give you the illness. As stated before, the vaccination does not prevent you from getting ill, but rather lessens the severity and can limit the spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports getting your flu vaccine effectively cuts your chances of contracting seasonal influenza by up to 60 percent.

4. COVID-19 and influenza have similar symptoms.
This year’s flu season is looking different than in previous years. Mainly because the two contagious respiratory illnesses — COVID-19 and the flu — have similar effects on people. This is a worry among many because it can be difficult to distinguish the illness without proper testing. These similar symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and coughs. There are some key differences between flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than the flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer.

5. Flu vaccinations are often free.
During flu season it’s not hard to find a location that offers the flu vaccination. Many clinics and pharmacies will offer the vaccination free of charge. This is quite nice as the flu can easily be spread through the community. Schedule your flu vaccine this year at a BCHA location by calling to make an appointment, walk-in vaccinations are not permitted at this time due to the current health situation. You can also ask for the flu vaccine at your regularly scheduled checkup or doctor’s appointment.

There is a lot going on in the world right now but keeping yourself and loved ones safe and healthy should be a priority. The flu vaccination can help protect you and yours from the state’s rampant flu season. Consider getting a flu shot at a BCHA site today.

Have a Teenager Going Off to College? Take These 3 Health Steps Before They Leave

Have a Teenager Going Off to College? Take These 3 Health Steps Before They Leave

Summer has passed. Now, it’s time for your not-so-little child to fly the coop and brave the world of higher education.
Sending your child off to college can be stressful for both you and the upcoming freshman. From scheduling classes and familiarizing yourselves with the college town, prepping for life after high school can seem a bit for overwhelming and chaotic. This can lead to certain important aspects being forgotten — like your child’s healthcare while they’re away from you.


Below are a few health steps to follow as your child moves onto higher education.

1. Discuss dosage and the dangers associated with medication: For most teens, parents/guardians typically handle any medications that are prescribed. But, not when they’re on their own. Talk to your teen about the dangers associated with mixing medications with one another – over the counter or not, and the effects that prescriptions can have when mixed with drugs and alcohol. Reading dosage instructions on over the counter or prescribed medications should be taken seriously as well. For your daughter, talk with her about how antibiotics cancel out the effectiveness of birth control.

2. Send them off with the proper health information: It may be helpful for your teen – and give you some relief – if they have all health-related information typed up or programmed in their phone. Be sure to included insurance information, a list of current prescriptions and dosages, medication or other allergies, urgent care name, number and address and contact info for the campus health center.

3. A first aid kit will come in handy: Your teen will probably think your overpacking for them, but at some point, that last minute first aid kid will be needed. Be sure to include band aids, gauze, antibiotic ointment, ice packs, a digital thermometer, acetaminophen and any other items you deem necessary. If you want to add a little something extra, create a ‘sick’ kit for when your teen turns under the weather. Soup, crackers, tea bags and Pepto Bismol may just be what your kid needs to feel at home while they’re sick at college.

These are just a few helpful tips that will help with you and your child’s transition. The last tip would be to trust that you have taught and guided your teen into a smart college student. Remind your freshman if they have any questions related to their health or prescriptions that you are only a phone call away! For any serious medical concerns about your child going off to college, you should consult with their doctor for more information.

Is your freshman headed to Alderson-Broaddus?
The AB Wellness Clinic is located on the ground floor of Burbick Hall, making healthcare services convenient for every Alderson-Broaddus student, faculty and staff member. For more information, please stop by or call 304-457-0400.

Our Favorite Spots to Enjoy Barbour County in the Summer

Our Favorite Spots to Enjoy Barbour County in the Summer

Summers in Barbour County, West Virginia are a much-anticipated treat for both locals and tourists. From swimming to hiking and the adventures in-between, Barbour County holds some of the best recreation spots in the Mountain State and brings in tourists from all over to explore the county’s waters and natural bends.

We have put together a list of the top spots and activities that are a must see each summer in Barbour County.

Adventure Through Audra State Park
Located in southwestern Barbour County, Audra State Park is a solid summer spot for all your adventure needs. Swim in the Middle Fork River or take a walk through one of the many trails in the heavily wooded forest that encompasses the park. On your hike, you’ll find several photo opportunities as the park is etched with scenic outlooks and a rock overhang of the Alum Cave. Camping and picnic areas are available.

Hit the County Waters
Barbour County offers several waterways for your enjoyment during the summer months, including the clear Middle Fork River and the long-traveling Tygart River, which flows through Marion, Barbour, Randolph, Taylor and Pocahontas Counties. These waters offer some of the best swimming holes and dock areas for kayaking and rafting. Take the kayak on the Barbour County waters and you could find your way floating through downtown Philippi underneath the famous Covered Bridge.

Visit Moats Falls
Located in Moatsville, Moats Falls is tucked away close to Hell’s Gate and Devil’s Den rock formations near Arden. The falls are part of the larger Big Cove Run of the Tygart Valley River and offer a Class III white-water flow, complete with a 10-foot drop, providing an adrenaline-charged river-run for kayaking enthusiasts. Visitors will find a natural rock bridge that will allow them to get several scenic views of the mighty Tygart Valley River. In the nearby calmer waters, anglers can drop or cast their lines in for some trout, walleye, or catfish. At Moats Falls, you will find the area is suitable for any recreational activity, including hiking, birding, walking, running, fishing and more.

Visit Teter Creek Lake
Bring the boat and enjoy a day of fishing on Teter Creek Lake. Camping is also available if you want to make a weekend out of it! You’ll find plenty to do on the 137 acres of land Teter Creek has to offer!

Take Advantage of the City Trails

Philippi’s City Bike Trail network is an easy walk for the whole family to get the body moving and t  o enjoy the scenic views of the county. Walk along the Tygart River and catch a kayaker passing by or see a fisherman jump for joy as he catches a trout.

Have a Picnic at the Belington City Park
The Belington City Park is an ideal spot for a family picnic or get-together as the park’s gazebo is a beautiful backdrop for family photos. Surrounded by trees and plenty of space, this park is open for family games, the little ones to play, or to wind down after a long day.

Barbour County is well-known for its historic background, but the county also brings in folks from all over for its breathtaking scenic lands and pristine waters. Consider exploring one or two (or all) of these gems this summer.

Tips for Quitting

Tips For Quitting

Guest Blogger: Holly Hobert, BSN, RN, CTTS

Quitting tobacco is the single best thing you can do to improve your health. Quitting smoking at any age can lead to positive health outcomes. YOU DESERVE TO QUIT!

Get Help! People are more successful when they get help quitting. Both Myers and Belington Clinics have a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist on staff, which includes myself and Kim Jeffries, RN, CTTS. We have specialized training, which provides us better understanding of how to help you Quit.

It’s Not Just A Matter Of Will Power! Nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Smoking increases the number of nicotine receptors in your brain. When you stop smoking, those receptors continue to expect nicotine. The adjustment process, is what causes cravings and withdrawal. We can recommend which medications may be right for you. Some medications are over the counter and some are by prescription. All of our providers advocate and support tobacco cessation.

Multiple Quit Attempts Get You Closer To The Finish Line! It doesn’t matter if you’ve tried many times and not been successful. Each Quit attempt gets you closer to quitting for good. The average person takes an average of 8 – 11 attempts to quit. It doesn’t matter if you’ve smoked for 1 year or 40 years, you can still benefit from quitting. 

Build Your Quit Plan

  1. Pick a Quit Date — Sooner is better than later. Choose the date carefully. This is a Big Step and huge decision. Circle the date on the calendar. 
  2. Let Those Close To You Know You’re Quitting — Quitting is easier with support from important people in your life.
  3. Get Rid of Smoking/Tobacco Reminders — For Quit day, get rid of all cigarettes, tobacco, e-cigarettes, matches, lighters, ashtrays. Don’t keep a back-up for “just in case”. Clean out your home and car to rid the smell, as this can trigger a craving. 
  4. Identify Your Reasons for Quitting — As you prepare to Quit, think about your reasons for quitting and remind yourself of them every day. They will inspire you to quit for good. Write them down and hang them up in a prominent place, such as the refrigerator or bathroom mirror.
  5. Identify Your Triggers — Make a list of everything that makes you feel like smoking or chewing and include ways to deal with these or avoid these triggers.

6. Develop Coping Strategies — When you quit tobacco, smoking or e-cigarettes, your body has to adjust to no longer having nicotine. This is called withdrawal, which is unpleasant, but you can get through it. Medications and behavior changes can help you manage symptoms of withdrawal. Make sure to have medications on hand prior to your quit date. Remember, cravings will lessen with every day that you stay quit. 

For more details on How to manage cravings, check out this site.

7. Hang in There — The first few weeks of quitting are the hardest. You will deal with uncomfortable feelings, temptations, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings. Plan on using multiple support options such as mobile apps, WV Tobacco Quit Line: 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Remember we are here for you, want to support you and can walk you through the quit process. 

8. Reward Yourself — Reward yourself throughout the process. Each minute, hour and day you have been quit is progress toward your goal. Give yourself a reward at 24 hours, one week, and one month quit. Be proud of your accomplishments. Consider putting the money you would have used for tobacco in a jar and use this for the reward fund. 

Cervical Cancer Myths Busted

Cervical Cancer Myths Busted

Cervical cancer is considered the fourth most frequent cancer in women with nearly 13,000 women in the United States diagnosed each year. These numbers are startling. However, with vaccinations and early care, many of these women can prevent or lessen the severity of cancer.

That’s why the month of January is so critical in women’s health. January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and empowers people living with cervical cancer and advocates for screening and the HPV vaccination — two factors that can prevent cervical cancer.

With that said, it’s important to understand what HPV is and how it is linked to certain cancers.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. The HPV infection has been known to cause cancer in the genitals, head, neck, and throat. Cervical cancer is by far the most common HPV-related disease and nearly 70% of cases are attributable to HPV infection.

We sat down with Patti A. Hackney, MSN, APRN, CNM and Kelli Snider, LPN at Barbour Community Health Association to bust some common myths surrounding cervical cancer and vaccinations:

  1. Myth: Only girls should receive the HPV vaccination.

Fact: HPV affects both men and women and can cause genital warts, penile, anal, and oral cancer. It can also be easily transmitted to a sexual partner without either of the partners knowing.

  1. Myth: The HPV vaccination causes HPV.

Fact: The vaccine has been researched for many years (including at least 10 years of research before it could even be used in humans) and is highly monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vaccinations in the U.S. have never been safer because of the stringent standards the FDA uses.

  1. Myth: My child doesn’t need the vaccine; they aren’t sexually active.

Fact: It’s recommended that your child receive the HPV vaccination as soon as possible to prevent them from exposure to the virus. Two doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for all boys and girls at ages 11-12; the vaccine can be given as early as age 9. If you wait until they’re 15 or older, they need three doses instead of two.

  1. Myth: HPV isn’t common.

Fact: HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with over 80 million Americans currently infected. In fact, nearly every male and female will be infected with at least one type of HPV at least once in their lifetime. This is why early vaccination is so important to preventing the spread and exposure of HPV.

  1. Myth: The HPV vaccination isn’t safe.

Fact: The Centers for Disease Control indicate that with over 12 years of monitoring and research, the HPV vaccination is very safe. Each HPV vaccine went through years of extensive safety testing before they were licensed by the U.S. FDA. The FDA only licenses a vaccine if it is safe, effective, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

With this information in mind, understand that standard GYN visits, routine screenings and vaccination could save you or a loved one’s life from cervical cancer or other cancers that can be brought on from HPV.

If you have any further questions, give Barbour Community Health Association a call today!

5 Tips for a Healthy Finals Week

5 Tips for a Healthy Finals Week

Most students take final exams seriously. After all, final exams reflect a student’s performance for the semester’s coursework and are a sign that holiday break is in the near future.

But late-night study sessions, skipping meals and eating not-so-healthy quick snacks can really play a role in your academics. Think of it this way — if you’re not feeling your best (sluggish, exhausted, etc.) then you won’t perform your best (acing those tests)!

But no worries, Alderson Broaddus’ Wellness Center has tips on how to stay healthy and motivated while preparing for finals.

 

  1. Sleep, sleep and more sleep!

Sleep is so important, especially when you’re preparing for an upcoming exam. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a restful sleep improves learning, attention, and problem-solving ability. Young adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. During finals week, try not to disrupt your normal sleep routine by pulling all-nighters.

2. Eat right, feel better.

Eating a well-balanced meal and foods that boost productivity will become your study buddy as you tackle exams. Avocados, nuts, berries and dark chocolate will give you that extra brain power every student need during exam week.

 

3. Chill out.

It might seem that you have to constantly be on the grind with studying, but that’s not true. You don’t want to burn yourself out before the day of the test. Be sure to take 50 to 90-minute rest periods in between each study session.

 

4. Stay hydrated.

During finals week, it’s unwise to overindulge in coffee and energy drinks as it’s not good for the body and typically leads to an energy crash. Instead, it’s recommended to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Water is good for you and will give you the energy you so desperately need!

5. Get movin’!

In between study sessions, take a walk, hit the gym for some light cardio or take a yoga class to relax. Just get those bones moving and the blow flowing! Exercise will help you focus and give you an energy boost!

Finals week is a stressful time, but don’t let unhealthy tendencies get in the way of you passing those tests! With these tips, you’ll be rejoicing over the holiday break with good grades and a happy body and mind!

Diabetics: Have Your Pie and Stay Healthy Too!

Diabetics: Have Your Pie and Stay Healthy Too!

‘Tis the season when folks will be dashing from one holiday dinner to the next. The time of the year when overindulging on your favorite seasonal snacks and treats is never questioned, but rather encouraged.

However, for folks struggling with diabetes, the holiday meals and sweet desserts can be tempting, but downright dangerous.

So, with World Diabetes Day on November 14, Kim Jeffries, RN and Health Educator for Barbour Community Health Association, provided tips on how folks with diabetes can stay healthy and still enjoy the holiday feasts.

  1. Eat close to your usual time to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual time and eat a little less when dinner is served. Stay hydrated throughout the day!
  2. If invited to a party, offer to bring a healthy dish!
  3. If you have sweets, cut back on other carbs, like potatoes and bread during the next meal.
  4. It’s important that you do not skip meals! It will be harder to keep blood sugar under control, and you will be starving. It is hard to make good choices when you are starving, and it is tempting to overeat.
  5. Have pumpkin pie and not pecan. Even with whipped cream, the calories and sugar can be cut by one third.
  6. If it is a buffet, have a small plate of foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table. Start with veggies to take the edge off your appetite.
  7. Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to realize it is full.
  8. Avoid or limit alcohol. If you do drink, have it with food. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines.
  9. Check your blood sugar more often and ask your doctor if your medicines need to be adjusted for the season.
  10. No food is off limits. Choose dishes you really love and cannot get any other time of the year, like Mimi’s pecan log roll.
  11. Slow down and savor a small serving! Make sure to count it in your meal plan.
  12. Take time to be active. Staying active during the holidays helps your body use calories and reduce stress. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, so take a nice stroll after your holiday meal.

The holiday season can be taxing, and for those with diabetes, this time of the year can be doubly stressful. But by taking these tips into consideration, you can enjoy the holidays and still maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about assistance with managing your diabetes, call Kim at Belington Medical Clinic at (304) 823-2800 or Holly Holbert, RN and Health Educator at Myers Clinic at (304) 457-2800 in Philippi.