Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
The Common Food Ingredient That's Making You Stupid -
Interesting article below. I'm not convinced that the high fructose corn syrup is the culprit, so much as the Omega 3's improving brain power, but I will let you decide for yourself:)
The Common Food Ingredient That's Making You Stupid -
The Common Food Ingredient That's Making You Stupid -
Friday, June 8, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
East Valley Staff is Honored with the Outstanding Ally Award
Efren is a Health Educator for the CHICAS program at East Valley Community Health Center (EVCHC). Over his past 5 years of employment at EVCHC Efren has helped to build and strengthen ties with the transgender community. He has focused his work specifically within the San Gabriel Valley, where services for this community are scarce. Through the relationships he has built with a variety of agencies, Efren has been able to coordinate free legal services, food pantry items, employment services, mental health services, and more for the transgender community! Efren has also coordinated a number of events meant to empower the transgender community.
We would like to congratulate Efren on receiving the 2012 Outstanding Ally Award for his exceptional work with the transgender community! Thank you for all of your hard work Efren! Your work has embraced EVCHC's mission by giving outstanding service to the underserved populations in our surrounding communities. Keep up the good work!
We would like to congratulate Efren on receiving the 2012 Outstanding Ally Award for his exceptional work with the transgender community! Thank you for all of your hard work Efren! Your work has embraced EVCHC's mission by giving outstanding service to the underserved populations in our surrounding communities. Keep up the good work!
Monday, June 4, 2012
SGV Tribune Article: "Community clinic opens to Rowland Unified families"
Community clinic opens to Rowland Unified families
Posted: 05/22/2012 08:04:44 PM PDT
The East Valley Community Health Center, a new school-based health center at Villacorta Elementary School in Valinda, Calif., on Tuesday. The $875,000 clinic will serve children and youth in the Rowland Unified School District. (Staff Photo by Keith Birmingham)
A examine room at the East Valley Community Health Center a new school-based health center at Villacorta Elementary School in Valinda. (Staff Photo by Keith Birmingham)
The Valinda resident usually travels by bus to a clinic about three miles away in La Puente for regular check-ups for her children. By the time they've gotten back home after waiting hours to be seen, the school day has already ended, she said.
"It's usually an all day thing taking them somewhere else," Magallanes, 31, said.
But last week, the East Valley Community Health Center, a West Covina-based nonprofit medical group, made the journey to affordable health care much shorter.
In partnership with the Rowland Unified School District, East Valley opened the doors to its new $875,000 school-based health center on the Villacorta Elementary School campus at 17840 E. Villacorta St.
Primarily funded with a $750,000 grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the new medical center will provide services such as physicals and immunizations, women's health care, prenatal care and treatment of chronic diseases to the needy and uninsured.
"There's such a need here because there's a lot of poverty, multiple families and single-parent homes with limited transportation," East Valley spokeswoman Lorena Gardea said. "Its such a rare thing to have a full-fledged clinic open to the community."
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"It's so much better," she said. "It's close by and it's faster than over there. I've already told my mom and she wants to come by."
The 2,160-square-foot facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays. On those days, youth will be seen between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and the clinic will be open to the community from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Once it is open full-time, which officials hope will be in August, hours will increased to six days a week, allowing up to 380 patients to be seen. Services will also expand to include mental health and nutrition consultations.
"The focus is Rowland students and their families, but we're not turning children away," Gardea said. "The greatest need was for children here to get their health care and not miss a day of school."
Villacorta Vice Principal Sylvia Cadena said having a nearby facility will promote increased academic learning.
"There's a strong correlation between attendance and great academic learning," she said. "We feel it's going to help us on a lot of levels, and parents can tap into this extraordinary resource."
For years, officials at the district - which already has a children's clinic and dental clinic at nearby Northam Elementary school - have supported the need for a larger family medical center.
"I've wanted our own clinic since 1986," District Nurse Cindy Rose Escamilla said. "We tried 10 years ago at another school site in Rowland Heights, but it didn't work out."
The district then partnered with East Valley, which evolved from a free clinic in West Covina in 1970 to a comprehensive health center. East Valley added another clinic in Pomona in 1992. Villacorta is the third health center.
"This is a clinic for our community," Gardea said.
For more information on the clinic, call 626-919-4333, ext. 2140 or ext. 3141.
Staff Writer Richard Irwin contributed to this story.
juliette.funes@sgvn.com
626-962-8811, ext. 2446
San Gabriel Valley Tribune Article: "East Valley Health Center opens community clinic at Villacorta School in La Puente"
East Valley Health Center opens community clinic at Villacorta School in La Puente
Posted: 05/22/2012 10:38:19 AM PDT
Dr. Miles Masatsugu takes Gloria Mejia's blood pressure. Mejia was the first patient seen at East Valley Community Health Center's new Villacorta clinic on May 15. (Courtesy photo by Gina Ward, Rowland Unified)
Unless, of course, it gets help from the East Valley Community Health Center. Then dreams really can come true, such as the new clinic at Villacorta Elementary School in La Puente.
The sparkling new medical center opened on May 15, bringing affordable health care to not only the students, but their entire families.
"I've wanted our own clinic since 1986," Escamilla recalled. "We tried 10 years ago at another school site in Rowland Heights, but it didn't work out."
Good thing the pediatric nurse practitioner didn't give up. And
Front and back office staff at East Valley's expansion at the Villacorta Community Health Clinic. (Courtesy photo by Gina Ward, Rowland Unified)
"I've known her for years, since then she's been interested in opening a clinic in our district. She's amazing at getting people involved," Escamilla continued.
This partnership between the schools and health care provider resulted in the new $875,000 clinic on the sprawling La Puente campus. It was funded primarily by a grant for $750,000 from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
County Supervisor Gloria Molina introduced the motion to permit the Health Services Department to establish neighborhood clinics such as Villacorta.
"And it's not just for kids. During school hours, children from the district will
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Gloria Mejia was the first patient seen on opening day on Tuesday.
"Gloria, 32 years old, shared that she had not had a physical exam since the age of 17 due to lack of funds," said Gina Ward, spokeswoman for Rowland Unified. "She was very grateful to know that she can receive quality care at East Valley."
East Valley spokeswoman Lorena Gardea noted that all Medi-Cal/Healthy Families members will have access to all their facilities.
"Many families may qualify for free or low cost health care at our clinic," Gardea explained. "We work with the low income families to enroll them in the many programs available to help them."
Founded in 1970, East Valley has evolved from a free clinic in West Covina to a comprehensive health care center. It became a federally qualified health center in 2002.
"We scored a 97 percent in our last qualification," Gardea noted.
A new West Covina facility opened in 2008. In 1992, East Valley added another community clinic in Pomona. Villacorta is its third health center.
Gardea said East Valley provided services for 25,655 patients last year. That included more than 85,000 patient visits.
The Villacorta center will offer pediatrics, prenatal care and women's health care. Doctors will also treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure.
"Now, local families will have a place nearby where they can get the health care they need," Escamilla pointed out. "Many don't have transportation."
Gardea showed off the new health center. Patients enter a bright, airy reception room, where they are greeted by a friendly receptionist.
"We're placing Mirabel Del Muro from Rowland's Family Resource Center in the clinic so the families have a familiar face to meet them," Escamilla said.
Staff helps families enroll in Medi-Cal and other insurance programs for the uninsured. Gardea said the clinic uses a sliding pay scale determined by the individual's income.
Inside, patients are taken to one of five exam rooms. Each is equipped with a rolling computer stand.
"All our medical records will be kept digitally. Doctors and their assistants will be able to locate a patient's file instantly," Gardea said.
Doctors and physician's assistants occupy nearby offices. Three extra offices will allow the clinic to expand its services when it opens full-time later. These will include nutrition, education and mental health services.
"The Villacorta health center will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m.," the East Valley official said. "These hours will eventually expand to include full weekday and Saturday hours."
Health services will now be available for Rowland Unified students five days a week. The district's Children's Clinic at Northam Elementary already offers free immunizations, physical exams and minor treatments on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A Children's Dental Clinic also provides low or no-cost dental care for low-income students from Rowland and nearby school districts. It is located next to the Family Resource Center at Northam in La Puente.
Villacorta joins 200 school-based health centers in California.
"I can't think of a better way to deliver primary care and preventive care to not only students but their families than through school-based clinics," said Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
But it means much more to local families.
"It's really an exciting start," Escamilla said. "A dream fulfilled."
richard.irwin@sgvn.com
626-962-8811, ext. 2801
Friday, June 1, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
5 Foods that Reduce Inflammation -
The food we eat has more power over our health than many may/want to believe. Attached is a slide show on 5 foods that reduce inflammation. If you want the short version, the five foods are berries, salmon, oats, green tea, and beans. For more detailed information, please click on the link below:)
5 Foods that Reduce Inflammation -
5 Foods that Reduce Inflammation -
Thursday, May 17, 2012
East Valley Coordinates Mock Clinic at Villacorta
On May 11, 2012, East Valley's Director of Operations, Eva Elser R.N., coordinated a mock clinic at our new facility located at Villacorta Elementary School in La Puente. Volunteers from the school acted as patients and went through an entire visit, from front desk to eligibility to the actual Doctor visit! They were wonderful patients!
On May 15, 2012 the Villacorta Clinic opened its doors! During school hours, children 0-18 years old from the district will have sole access to the facility. However, after school the clinic will be open to everyone! Services that the clinic provides include: pediatric care; treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.; prenatal care; women's health care; physical exams; and more. Insurance is accepted and all Medi-Cal/Healthy Families members who enroll with East Valley will have access to all 3 of the clinics!
For questions, please contact us at 626/919-4333 ext. 2410 or ext. 3141.
Below are a couple pics of our awesome patients (actors)!
On May 15, 2012 the Villacorta Clinic opened its doors! During school hours, children 0-18 years old from the district will have sole access to the facility. However, after school the clinic will be open to everyone! Services that the clinic provides include: pediatric care; treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.; prenatal care; women's health care; physical exams; and more. Insurance is accepted and all Medi-Cal/Healthy Families members who enroll with East Valley will have access to all 3 of the clinics!
For questions, please contact us at 626/919-4333 ext. 2410 or ext. 3141.
Below are a couple pics of our awesome patients (actors)!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
East Valley Receives Federal Grant for New Pomona Clinic Renovations!
Local health clinics get big boost from federal grants
Posted: 05/02/2012 10:22:02 PM PDT
The grants are part of a $728 million nationwide program contained in the 2009 health care bill to help community health centers expand their capacity by building new facilities and renovating existing centers.
Nearly one in six dollars - roughly $122 million - will go to California, aimed primarily at rural areas with large, underserved populations. A clinic in Campo, for example, a small town of less than 3,000 inhabitants just a few miles from the Mexican border, was granted $5.5 million.
Among the recipients is the East Valley Community Health Center, with clinics in West Covina and Pomona, which provides care and education to more than 35,000 mostly uninsured residents across the region.
That center received a $3.1 million building capacity program grant. "We feel very fortunate, very lucky. We have been waiting for this and we didn't know what would happen if we didn't get it," CEO Alicia Mardini said. "It was very competitive."
The funds will be used for a $4.2 million project to renovate a new facility for the Pomona clinic. The move will more than double the size of the clinic, allowing it to see twice as many patients - from 12,000 to 22,000.
The facility is already designed and the renovations will be completed in 12 to 14 months, Mardini said "It was just for us a matter of getting the money," she said.
East Valley's West Covina clinic, which sees about 24,000 unique patients a year, moved to a new $10 million facility in 2008.
Other local grants include $3.9 million to the Alhambra Northeast Community Clinic and $500,000 to the Community Health Alliance of Pasadena, which provides medical, dental and behavioral health services to children and adults.
The White House distributed a list of grant winners state-by-state in order to highlight benefits stemming from the Affordable Care Act.
"President Obama's health care law is making community health centers in California stronger," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement.
The program aims to increase the quality and quantity of community health care, which is the primary point of entry for most patients into the health care system. Nationwide, the new money will expand access to an additional 860,000 patients, according the announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The QueensCare Family Clinic of East LA, for example, received a $5 million grant that it plans to use for a new facility to more than double the patients it serves.
"There is a huge need in East Los Angeles. There is a huge amount of health disparity in the population and unfortunately both of our facilities are extremely limited," said Starr Azimi, QueensCare special projects manager.
In Watsonville, the Para La Gente clinic - awarded $5.5 million - said it expects to "welcome more than 2,000 additional patients," according to Mary Kashmar, the clinic's development director.
Tuesday's announcement is part of the health care law's provision for $11 billion to expand and bolster community health centers over five years. HHS says they have already supported the construction and renovation of 190 health centers and the creation of 67 new health centers.
The California News Service is a journalism project of the University of California Washington Center and the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. E-mail the California News Service atcns@ucdc.edu
Read more:http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_20529720/local-health-clinics-get-big-boost-from-federal?source=email#ixzz1ua3j3cEU
Thursday, May 10, 2012
East Valley Visits MT. San Antonio College
In April, Professor Valerie Martinez invited us to speak during her Spring Semester Human Sexuality course at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA. During the class, East Valley's own Julie Castaneda provided young college students with information on contraception, STIs, and family planning services. Students were very responsive and enjoyed learning about how they can take control of their future by preventing unintended pregnancies and the spread of STIs. Below are some pictures that were taken during the presentation.
(first and last - Julie Castaneda and center - Professor Martinez)
Since East Valley does not get reimbursement for presentations like this, donations are desperately needed. If you believe in quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare and health education services for all, please consider making a donation by clicking on the "donate" button located at the top of our blog. Any amount is greatly appreciated. If you would like to learn more about East Valley and what East Valley does in the community, please visit us at www.evchc.org. Thank you for your support!
The Gift of Health is One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Give!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
U.S. Teen Births Hit Record Low 2009-10-
U.S. Teen Births Hit Record Low -
During 2009-10, through these funds, East Valley provided teen pregnancy prevention services to approximately 16,000 teens and hundreds of adults. Although the drop in teen births is wonderful news, in 2011, millions of dollars worth of teen pregnancy prevention programs were eliminated from the California State budget. It will be interesting to compare the statistics when they are reported for 2011 and 2012 with the absence of hundreds of teen pregnancy prevention programs. Only then will we be able to see if cutting prevention efforts really saved taxpayer money or if it just delayed it and will later be re-routed to pay for an increase in teen births!
During 2009-10, through these funds, East Valley provided teen pregnancy prevention services to approximately 16,000 teens and hundreds of adults. Although the drop in teen births is wonderful news, in 2011, millions of dollars worth of teen pregnancy prevention programs were eliminated from the California State budget. It will be interesting to compare the statistics when they are reported for 2011 and 2012 with the absence of hundreds of teen pregnancy prevention programs. Only then will we be able to see if cutting prevention efforts really saved taxpayer money or if it just delayed it and will later be re-routed to pay for an increase in teen births!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Sex Education Efforts Lagging in Schools CDC Says -
Sex Education Efforts Lagging in Schools CDC Says -
Health Day asks, "...Are our schools to blame for rises in teenage pregnany and STDs, or do we just need to provide more education at home?" The answer to this black and white question is a little more complicated than deciding whether schools or parents are at fault. The 2011 California budget eliminated millions of dollars worth of pregnancy prevention programs and made additional cuts to school budgets. Most recently, a local school district was forced to eliminate all health classes in an attempt to deal with the cuts they have been issued. Some may say, "Then the parent should teach their children". Well, it's a good idea, but who is going to teach the parents? The article reveals that "20 percent of persons aged 18-29 believe incorrectly that a person can become infected with HIV by sharing a drinking glass, or are unsure of whether this statement is true or false." Anyone know a parent who is between 18 and 29 years old? I do.
Health Day asks, "...Are our schools to blame for rises in teenage pregnany and STDs, or do we just need to provide more education at home?" The answer to this black and white question is a little more complicated than deciding whether schools or parents are at fault. The 2011 California budget eliminated millions of dollars worth of pregnancy prevention programs and made additional cuts to school budgets. Most recently, a local school district was forced to eliminate all health classes in an attempt to deal with the cuts they have been issued. Some may say, "Then the parent should teach their children". Well, it's a good idea, but who is going to teach the parents? The article reveals that "20 percent of persons aged 18-29 believe incorrectly that a person can become infected with HIV by sharing a drinking glass, or are unsure of whether this statement is true or false." Anyone know a parent who is between 18 and 29 years old? I do.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Get a Jumpstart on Your 2012 Tax Deductions Now!
East Valley Community Health Center prides itself in never turning anyone away for an inability to pay. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to receive comprehensive, accessible, quality healthcare, and we work very hard to make that dream a reality. Please help us in our effort to ensure that nobody gets turned away by making a donation using the "Donate" button on our our blog or at http://www.evchc.org/ . Every penny helps, so any amount is greatly appreciated, and each dollar you provide will subsidize medical, dental, and mental health services for low-income, uninsured persons receiving services at East Valley.
Thank you for your support.
The Gift of Health is one of the Greatest Gifts You Can Give!
Great news...All donations are tax deductible!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Dove Evolution
Millions of girls and women strive to look like the beautiful models they see on billboards and in magazines every day. Watch how they change an average looking woman into a flawless beauty. This is a really cool video! Check it out!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Controversy over birth control roils on
There is a lot of controversy about birth control being available on insurance plans when the employer is a religious institution. East Valley provides free or low cost birth control to those who qualify. For more information, please visit us at http://www.evchc.org/. Below is an article about the birth control debate!
Controversy over birth control roils on
Controversy over birth control roils on
Monday, March 5, 2012
10 Sugar Bombs Healthier Than Children's Cereal | Fitbie
This doesn't mean you should substitute these sweets for cereal, but it does give us a good idea of how terrible some cereal is.
10 Sugar Bombs Healthier Than Children's Cereal Fitbie
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
America's coming homeless surge
America's coming homeless surge
As homelessness increases, the need for low-cost health care increases as well. Please help us to continue providing quality, accessible, low-cost healthcare to those with the greatest need. Let's help give them one less thing in their life to worry about. Click on the "Donate" button in the upper right-hand corner of this page, or visit us at www.evchc.org. Thank you for your support! The gift of health is one of the greatest gifts you can give!
As homelessness increases, the need for low-cost health care increases as well. Please help us to continue providing quality, accessible, low-cost healthcare to those with the greatest need. Let's help give them one less thing in their life to worry about. Click on the "Donate" button in the upper right-hand corner of this page, or visit us at www.evchc.org. Thank you for your support! The gift of health is one of the greatest gifts you can give!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
East Valley Strikes Pictures!
As promised, pictures from East Valley Strikes Again!!! are up. Please visit www.facebook.com/eastvalleyclinic to check them out. Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
East Valley's 2nd Annual Bowling Fundraiser
On January 28, 2012, this past Saturday, East Valley staff, family, and friends participated in its 2nd annual bowling fundraiser! Twenty lanes were filled with bowling excitement and raffle gifts were given away to participants. In all, over $7,000 was raised! Money will be used for East Valley to continue providing vital healthcare services to the East San Gabriel and Pomona Valley community members.
Thank you to all who donated and participated! You have given one of the most important gifts anyone can give, the gift of health!
Pictures will be posted within the next couple of days:)
Thanks Again,
East Valley
Thank you to all who donated and participated! You have given one of the most important gifts anyone can give, the gift of health!
Pictures will be posted within the next couple of days:)
Thanks Again,
East Valley
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Paula Deen: Diabetes diagnosis won’t change how I cook
Paula Deen: Diabetes diagnosis won’t change how I cook
An interesting article about Paula Deen and her diagnosis with diabetes. She has been teaching people to cook very unhealthy diets for years, she gets diagnosed with diabetes and doesn't tell anyone, then she decides to talk about it when she becomes a spokesperson for the pharmaceutical company she gets her diabetes medication from. WOW!
If you have time, let me know what you think:)
An interesting article about Paula Deen and her diagnosis with diabetes. She has been teaching people to cook very unhealthy diets for years, she gets diagnosed with diabetes and doesn't tell anyone, then she decides to talk about it when she becomes a spokesperson for the pharmaceutical company she gets her diabetes medication from. WOW!
If you have time, let me know what you think:)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Meet One of Our Dedicated Volunteers...Carly
Carly has been a volunteer with East Valley Community Health Center
In addition to being a volunteer, when she turned 15, she began working atEast Valley
Her volunteer work and work as a Teen Peer Educator has been a tremendous help toEast Valley
In addition to being a volunteer, when she turned 15, she began working at
Her volunteer work and work as a Teen Peer Educator has been a tremendous help to
Meet Our Staff...Frank
Frank has been working part-time at East Valley California East Valley
Welcome Frank! We are glad to have you join our Quality Improvement Team!
Christmas Gift Give-Away
If you would like to see more pictures of families receiving their Christmas gifts, please visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/eastvalleyclinic and "like" our page while you're there:) Thanks!
5 Home Remedies for Common Ailments
When it comes to minor ailments like headaches and motion sickness some people are turning to kitchen-based remedies to soothe symptoms. A recent survey reported that worries about the economy are driving more people to alternative remedies as they look for ways to save money on expensive doctor visits and prescription medicines. Here are natural ways to help nausea, headaches, urinary tract infections, yeast infections and arthritis pain:
You’ve heard: “Arthritis pain? Eating fatty fish can help.”
The Truth: There’s intriguing evidence that taking omega-3 fatty acids in the form of supplements and cod-liver oil may help reduce flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.3 million Americans. Omega-3 fatty acids work similarly to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen: they reduce the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause swelling and pain (i.e., inflammation). And, while “the definitive study has yet to be done,” says John Hardin, M.D., chief scientific officer for the Arthritis Foundation, it’s “reasonable to assume” that the anti-inflammatory actions of omega-3s in supplements and cod-liver oil might also benefit people with osteoarthritis (OA), a much more common form of arthritis.
Could eating fish rich in omega-3s also help? Perhaps: One Greek study found that RA sufferers reported having less pain during Lent, when they followed Lenten rules to eat fish instead of meat. But beyond this circumstantial association, there isn’t any “real” evidence (e.g., clinical study results) that eating fish soothes arthritic aches. Still, Hardin and many of his fellow rheumatologists regularly tell patients that a diet that “leans more toward fatty fish” may help alleviate their pain. And even if it doesn’t end up reducing arthritis pain, eating fish — particularly fatty types, such as salmon — twice a week may help your heart.
You’ve heard: “Grab a cup of coffee to relieve a headache.”
The Truth: Better make it two cups. Studies show that 200 milligrams of caffeine — about the amount in 16 ounces of brewed coffee — does provide relief from headaches, including migraines. Exactly how caffeine relieves headaches isn’t clear. But scientists do know that caffeine boosts the activity of brain cells, causing surrounding blood vessels to constrict. One theory is that this constriction helps to relieve the pressure that causes the pain, says Robert Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of neurology and director of the Headache Clinic at the University of Vermont Medical School.
However, relying on caffeine long-term can backfire. When regular coffee drinkers miss their daily caffeine fix, this is often associated with a rebound increase in blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow means increased pressure and, as a result, “withdrawal headaches” can occur. Shapiro counsels headache sufferers to limit caffeine intake and use it only to relieve headaches.
You’ve heard: “If you’re feeling queasy, sip some ginger ale.”
The Truth: Scientific research shows that ginger may help control nausea related to pregnancy, surgical anesthesia and, yes, even sailing the high seas. In one study out of Denmark University of Michigan
As for ginger ale: Only a few companies use real ginger in their brews — and since most manufacturers don’t disclose amounts of ingredients, it’s hard to know whether even those drinks have enough ginger to provide antinausea benefits, says Zick.
You’ve heard: “Treat a urinary tract infection by drinking lots of cranberry juice.”
The Truth: Drinking cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to several studies. Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that appear to keep harmful bacteria from sticking to the bladder. If you get more than three UTIs per year, says Ruth Jepson, Ph.D., R.N., senior research fellow in the Department of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Stirling, Scotland, you might consider the proactive approach of drinking cranberry juice regularly. She recommends two (8-ounce) glasses a day.
Dried cranberries may come in handy, too: One small study found that eating about 1⁄3 cup of sweetened dried cranberries daily may also help prevent UTIs. Don’t forget to account for the additional calories: Each cup of unsweetened cranberry juice contains about 70 calories (140 for sugar-sweetened); 1⁄3 cup of sweetened dried berries has about 120 calories. Once a UTI develops, juice probably won’t help. “There is no clinical evidence that cranberry juice is effective in shortening the duration of a UTI or in alleviating the painful symptoms,” notes Jepson. Why do so many women swear it works? “The jury’s still out on that,” says Jepson, who speculates that consuming extra fluids may help flush out the harmful bacteria. So drinking plenty of plain old water may work just as well.
You’ve heard: “Eat plenty of yogurt if you have a yeast infection.”
The Truth: Our bodies normally play host to some “good” bacteria and some “bad” bacteria, along with a small amount of yeasts. “Good” bacteria help to keep yeast populations in check. When the number of beneficial bacteria drops, yeasts can start to take over, resulting in a yeast infection. A few studies suggest that eating yogurt — which contains “good” bacteria — may keep yeast under control. One study found that women who regularly ate yogurt had a healthier balance of bacteria and fewer infections. But other studies aren’t as promising — and none, so far, has found that eating yogurt provides any relief once an infection has developed.
Even so, if you’re susceptible to yeast infections, having a cup of yogurt every day can’t hurt. If nothing else, it’s a good source of protein and calcium. Look for brands that specifically advertise they contain live and active cultures, which ensures you’ll get the beneficial bacteria.
This information was found at: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/pain-management/arthritis/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100282758&imageindex=1
Friday, January 6, 2012
East Valley Christmas Gift Give-Away!
Thank you to everyone who supported our 2011 Christmas Give-Away. We, along with the help and support of many others, provided gifts to several families in need of help. Children received warm clothes and toys, and parents received warm clothes and gift cards to stores where they can purchase food and other necessities. Each family was greeted and given a candy cane by Santa and had an opportunity to take a picture with him. The pictures will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastvalleyclinic for you to view. The pictures are great, we were able to capture some very special moments!
Just as we are not able to provide the gifts for families in need without your help, we are also not able to provide medical services to thousands of people without your help. To continue your support of families in need, please click on the donate button above, or visit us at http://www.evchc.org/ and click "donate" on our home page. Any amount is greatly appreciated by us as well as the thousands of families that will need a place to go for immunizations, breast exams, medicine for their sick children, and many other vital health care services. Thanks again for your support!
Just as we are not able to provide the gifts for families in need without your help, we are also not able to provide medical services to thousands of people without your help. To continue your support of families in need, please click on the donate button above, or visit us at http://www.evchc.org/ and click "donate" on our home page. Any amount is greatly appreciated by us as well as the thousands of families that will need a place to go for immunizations, breast exams, medicine for their sick children, and many other vital health care services. Thanks again for your support!
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