Monday, December 23, 2013

The importance of flossing and the right way to do it

Do you visit the dentist regularly? Most people go to the dentist only when they have a problem with their teeth. Like any other check up, dental checks are important. The mouth can be a harbinger for things to come. Every dentist will stress the need for flossing, but few patients actually follow it. There is also a right way to floss. Flossing is not just about removing debris from the mouth. It is also to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Why floss? 

People do not understand the importance of flossing. They brush their teeth twice a day, and feel that they are doing everything right to make sure that their teeth is clean. But what they don’t realize is that brushing the teeth with a toothbrush, cleans only the outer exposed surfaces of the teeth. The teeth are individual pieces with gaps between them. This space between the teeth needs to be cleaned too. You will find ads that say, a toothbrush or toothpaste is designed in such a way that it takes care of the space between the teeth. Maybe, some do to an extent, but nothing can take the place of flossing. Flossing takes care of interdental space.

How the different procedures for your tooth work 

The toothbrush removes plaque which is a bacterial film that covers the open surfaces of the teeth. Toothpaste adds and enhances that, because it contains fluoride that helps decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth. A mouthwash also helps avoid bacteria, and like the toothbrush can partially remove the bacteria from the interdental cavity. To round it off, flossing must be done to ensure that your teeth are white and shiny and free from bacteria.

Gum protection 

The tartar and plaque buildup not only looks ugly, gives off a bad odor but also creates a buildup of bacteria. When you floss as often as you brush, this build up is prevented. If you let the bacteria build up, it could lead to inflammation and swelling off the gums and in the worst case scenario, you may end up with cavities, and the tooth may have to be extracted.

What is the Right Way to Floss? 

To floss the right way, here are some tips

  1. Take out 18 inches of floss, wind one end of the floss around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving a stretch of floss between them to use. 
  1. Stretch the piece of floss string between your two fingers tightly. 
  1. Now slide it into the interdental area and move it up and down. 
  1. Curve the floss under the base of each tooth, making sure that it reaches below the gum line. 
  1. Now move it between the teeth around the gum line 
  1. This must be done gently as the gums are sensitive and could get cut or bruised if flossed forcefully. 
  1. As you finish each area, wind the used floss around one middle finger while unwinding a bit of clean floss from the other middle finger. 
  1. What kind of floss should you use? 
There are nylon and PTFE floss. Nylon is available in a waxed form or unwaxed and comes in different flavors. The one drawback is that the nylon is made of thinner, smaller stands that may tear or break when you are flossing. PTFE floss is more expensive, but is made of a single filament that is easier to use.

If you are still unsure about how exactly to use the floss, consult your dentist. He will show you how to use the floss correctly. Floss everyday and keep the dentist away!!

Reference: 

Common causes for asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory illness that affects many people. It can affect anybody, but the reasons that it affects people, vary. Some people have asthma when they are children and it disappears once they are older. For others, it manifests later in life. There is no particular reason for why it is triggered and when it will manifest. When someone has an attack, their airways get inflamed and clogged with mucus making it difficult to breathe.

Some reasons why asthma attacks happen

Allergy 

Many people are prone to allergies. But this doesn’t mean that everyone who is prone to allergy become asthma sufferers. But studies have shown that people who are prone to allergies, are more prone to bouts of wheezing. This is called an allergic asthma attack. It is important to figure out what the patient is allergic to. It could be certain kinds of pollen from flowers or weeds. It could be due to certain smells. Some people are allergic to types of food.

Genetic 

Asthma can be hereditary. Many families have a history of asthma and it may manifest at some point in their lives. The strength of the wheezing spell can vary. For some, it can be a light wheeze while others may actually have to be hospitalized due to a bad bout.

Weather 

Studies have shown that cold weather is a trigger for asthma in many people. They are perfectly fine all through summer and autumn, but the first hint of the cold, and the wheezing starts. This can continue well into spring.

Stress 

Many people get an asthmatic attack as a reaction to stress. They get a wheeze if their stress levels go up. It could be due to the fact that as stress increases, the body releases hormones and adrenaline and this may trigger an asthma attack.

Obesity 

Obesity has been linked with asthma. The reason could be that a person who is obese, gets short of breath, when doing any kind of hard work, and this may result in a wheezing spell that may lead to full blown asthma.

Sinusitis and respiratory infections 

Some people suffer from sinusitis and other kinds of respiratory infections. These illnesses produce mucus that clogs the airways and this might, if not treated, trigger asthmatic attacks.

Help for asthma sufferers 

There has been a lot of advancement in providing help for people who suffer from this illness. For those who have wheezing spells once in a while, there is an inhaler with a drug that frees the clogged airways from mucus. A small puff of this inhaler is enough, to help relieve the wheeze.

For chronic asthma sufferers, there are nebulizers that helps clear their breathing tubes. Earlier, this was only available in hospitals and when a bad asthmatic bout occurs, one would have to rush to the hospital. But now there are compact smaller units available that can be used at home. Doing breathing exercises and yoga has been found to help patients who suffer from this illness.

If you suffer from asthma, you should try and find out what the trigger for your asthma is. If it is caused by outside influences, you should take care to avoid them. If it is triggered by something you cannot control, you should see your doctor and figure how best to control the illness. It is also important to educate your loved ones on what to do if you get a spell of wheezing. Sometimes if you get a bad attack, you may not be able to help yourself and they need to know how to help you.

By taking a bit of care you can be in control over your asthmatic attacks.

Reference: 


Saturday, December 21, 2013

ELDER’S LUNCHEON AT CWO!


At the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley’s (IHC) Wellness Center, there was and Elders’ Lunch, Gathering, and Bingo! Over on East Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose, the Indian Health Center likes to celebrate its diverse patient population by providing opportunities for learning about health, diabetes prevention, and culture. At the luncheon, Bingo was a big hit! Everyone loved playing, and of course winning! The prizes were various, some in connection to Indian art, and others were oriented to eating better and living a healthy lifestyle. In the end, everyone won, as the elders were fed some delicious food, and quenched their thirst with some pure, healthy water!

Healthy eating, and of course, a healthy lifestyle, is the core of the Community Wellness and Outreach (CWO) Program at the Indian Health Center. This Elders Lunch, which took place on October 4th, 2013, occurs monthly, as a way to get American Indian elders together—thereby increasing community ties, and sustaining a healthy living. These gathering are important because they provide a helpful opportunity to have friends, and the community, support each other to achieve health goals. Children, family, and other community members are always welcome at these events; the IHC appreciates all of its community members, and the more the merrier! Intergenerational and a diverse crowd helps to keep these events and spaces open and free—and very fun indeed!

The CWO Program has long been a pride jewel of the Indian Health Center—winning National Health Awards in their efforts to fight diabetes and help patients overcome their health struggles. In a human and personal way, the CWO Program makes medicine accessible, and help to bring wellness to the lives of the community. Having the event take place in the CWO gym, made for a great setting for this luncheon—as fitness and eating goals are of upmost importance here. “Eat your vegetables, and be sure to stay active!” was great mantra a buzzed in the air at this luncheon!

Craig Pasqua, Chair of the Board of Directors of the IHC, had a bit to say about his love and appreciation of the elders and the IHC. He gave a great speech about the joy he felt when he enters the doors of CWO, and seeing his community being well and motivated to stay healthy.  He was happy to have this Elder’s lunch, and was please to say he wanted to see these events continue!

After some food, everyone seemed happy to play the regular bingo, but this breast cancer awareness bingo was also extremely engaging! Playing with key words affecting breast cancer, such as smoking, and ensuring a regular breast exam made the game fun—bingo and discussion of these words were open and alive! This was definitely a safe time and place to talk about health! Good foods, and healthy behavior, were promoted from the elders themselves. And, this is how the CWO works! Keeping engagement and openness for wellness of the community and the individual!

Please join us for our next Elder lunch, and contact Fred Clay for more details at <fclay@ihcscv.org>.
 --
by Cuauhtemoc Peranda, MFA - Staff Writer


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

What American Indians should know about Covered California

What American Indians should know about Covered California
What Is Covered California?
Covered California is the new health insurance marketplace (or “exchange”) that makes it simple to purchase affordable, high-quality health coverage and offers access to financial assistance (if eligible) to help pay.

What are the protections for American Indians in Covered California?

-No cost-sharing for certain income levels:
Members of a federally recognized Tribe, and under 300% federal poverty level, will not have to pay co-pays or deductibles when they enroll in Covered California.

-No cost sharing at Indian Health Programs:
A federally recognized Tribe does not pay co-pays or deductibles when they receive items or services from a Tribal or urban Indian clinic.

-Ability to buy insurance and switch plans at any time:
Member of a federally recognized Tribe are entitled to enroll in/or change their health insurance plan once a month, rather than once a year.

-Not subject to the individual mandate:
Members of a federally recognized Tribe will not face a penalty if they do not have health insurance. Also, any American Indian who have received (or are eligible to receive) serves through a Tribal or Urban Indian clinic can apply for a hardship exception from the individual mandate through Covered California.

I already received services from my Indian health program, why do I need to enroll in Covered California?

By enrolling you will be covered for services that your Tribal or Urban Indian clinic does not provide, such as a medical specialist, tests, emergency room visits, and hospital care. Additionally, your community has more IHS resource for health care when you have health insurance.

What specific Benefits can I expect to receive when I enroll in Covered California?

Your covered California health plan will include at minimum 10 essential benefits:
-Ambulatory patient services
-Emergency Services
-Hospitalization
-Maternity and newborn car
-Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavior health treatment
-Prescription drugs
-rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
-Laboratory services (e.g., blood tests)
- Preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management
-Pediatric services, including dental and vision care

If I enroll in Covered California, can I continue going to my Indian Health Program?

Yes. With Covered California, you can sign up for a health plan that makes your Tribal or Urban Clinic you “Indian Health Home”- your provider of choice and your partner in navigating Covered California.

How much will it cost for me to enroll in Covered California?

Go to CoveredCa.com or visit your local Tribal or Urban Indian clinic to find out. The amount of financial assistance you may receive for a health plan depend on household income and number of individuals in the family.   (Also, members of a federally recognized Tribe will not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pay and deductibles.)

What if I already have health insurance?

If you already have health insurance through your job (or are Medi-Cal eligible), you do not qualify for Covered California health plans.

Can I determine if I am Medi-Cal eligible through Covered California?

Yes. Under Medi-Cal expansion, income eligibility has increased to 138% of FPL and the program now accepts childless adults and other newly eligible populations. (American Indians will not have to pay Medi-Cal premiums or out-of-pocket costs.)

What documentation will I be ask to provide?

You will need your social security card. Additionally, in order to verify your eligibility for American Indian Status, you will need to provide your Tribal Identification Card, BIA form, or Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB).

What should I do next?

Ask you Tribal or Urban Indian Clinic for help to see if you qualify for a Covered California Plan or other programs, such as Medi-Cal. The information that you provide is confidential. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

How does acupuncture help relieve pain?

To understand how acupuncture helps relieve pain, one must understand what acupuncture is. It has been used by people of Asian descent for centuries. Over the last few decades it has gained popularity in our country because of the relief that it brings without side effects. It is an alternative form of treatment invented by the Chinese. It is based on the concept that the energy or life force of a person flows through their body in channels which are referred to as meridians.

Qi 

This energy that flows through the body is referred to as “Qi”. This is pronounced “Chee”. When the Qi or life force is not flowing normally through the meridians of the body, the force gets disrupted giving rise to various problems. Practitioners of this complementary form of medicine believe that with acupuncture the nerves of the body can be stimulated causing a reversal and bringing the Qi back to normal.

What methods are used in acupuncture? 

Practitioners of acupuncture use fine needles that are inserted at various pressure points throughout the body. These points will differ from person to person as the point where the needle is inserted depends on the nature of the complaint, and the body type of the person among other factors. The patient will only feel a pin prick as the needle is inserted because the width of the needle is extremely thin. The practitioner also has to be very experienced to make sure that the needles are inserted efficiently and effectively.

What kind of illnesses does acupuncture cure? 

Acupuncture is used in a variety of illnesses and is gaining popularity and followers at a rapid speed. This is because acupuncture provides pain relief, and a cure for other illnesses and maladies without any side effects. Let’s take a look at some of the afflictions that acupuncture can provide relief for.

Backache 

Acupuncture has been so effective in providing relief for people who suffer from chronic back pain that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture as a treatment option. This is based on research and scientific evidence. It also provides relief for other kinds of joint pains. The kind of treatment that you are given will depend on which part of your body needs pain relief.

Migraines

People who have suffered debilitating migraines have found a lot of relief after starting acupuncture treatment. Studies have shown that the insertion of the needles in certain parts of the head stimulates the nerves and helps rid a person of migraines.

Chronic obesity 

There has been quite a large percentage of success for chronically obese people who have lost a lot of weight after starting acupuncture. It is also used in obesity related diseases like diabetes, heart problems, hypertension and cholesterol and those who have used it have shown dramatic improvement.

Cancer 

There have been cases where people with cancer have gone into remission after acupuncture. It is very useful for people who are terminally ill with cancer to help relieve the pain that they are undergoing.

Depression


Many folks with mental disorders have found relief after undergoing an acupuncture treatment. Obviously, mental disorders originate in the brain. By using needles to stimulate the nerves in the brain, practitioners are able to help people deal with all kinds of mental illnesses.
There are those who scoff at acupuncture and call it quack medicine. But there are enough cases and enough proof to show that acupuncture is a safe and reliable treatment for many illnesses. It is important though, to find an acupuncturist who is well known, recommended and experienced.

Reference: 

Why are immunizations important?

Immunizations start in the womb itself. Shots are given during pregnancy and this protects the mother and child till the baby comes to term, and through labor. As soon as the baby arrives, the next round of immunizations starts. The hospital gives you a list of immunizations that your baby should be given. The pediatrician will keep you updated on the other vaccines that your child should take and when they should be given. In fact, there are government agencies that check to see if children have been given their shots correctly. If they have not been administered, health inspectors or social workers may even make house calls to remind you that you have to inoculate your child. Because of this strict policy of immunization, many diseases that used to be fatal or cause irreparable damage are almost fully eradicated in our country now.
What are the diseases that you should have vaccinated your child against?
·         MMR
·         Polio
·         DTaP
·         Hib vaccine
·         HBV
·         Pneumococcal vaccine
·         Varicella

MMR 

The acronym MMR stands for mumps, measles, and rubella which is German measles. This immunizes a child against these infections. Follow up shots need to be given at the appropriate age.

Polio 

Polio has been eradicated in most countries thanks to the polio vaccine. The polio vaccine comes in the form of drops. Babies and young children are susceptible to polio. The first polio drops are given during the first month for the baby. The follow up polio drops are equally important and must be given at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor.

DTaP 

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are diseases that still strike children in our country, albeit occasionally. For the most part, pediatricians and parents make sure that children receive these immunizations at the right time.

HiB vaccine 

This is a relatively new vaccine and is such a boon as it protects children against a deadly childhood illness, spinal meningitis. The vaccine whose full form is Haemophilus influenzae type b protects children against this disease.

HBV 

This vaccine has also been around only for a while. It protects children against hepatitis B which is a serious type of jaundice that can affect the liver.

Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) 

This new vaccine helps protect children against pneumonia, infection in the blood, and meningitis. The introduction of this vaccine has decreased child mortality rates in the country.

Varicella 

For the longest time, chicken pox was just one of those diseases that parents and doctors alike accepted that a child went through. But now, there is a vaccine to protect your child against chicken pox.

Immunizations for adults 

There is a growing number of immunizations that health care advisories ask adults to take. In fact, children are stronger than adults when it comes to fighting diseases. When one of these childhood illnesses manifest in an adult, it manifests in a stronger mutation and it can lead to complications and could be fatal. Some adult immunizations are vaccinations for mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis.

Check with your doctor regularly 

The problem about virus and bacteria is that they mutate. Research on these diseases has to be ongoing because as soon as a vaccination against them is found, the virus starts mutating and becomes immune to the vaccine. A different vaccine has to be developed to combat the mutated vaccine. Scientists, doctors and social workers work hard to keep people updated on the latest immunizations.
Be a responsible parent and adult and get your child and the rest of your family immunized against diseases!

Reference: 


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Congratulations to our 2013 American Indian Hero Vernon Medicine Cloud Assiniboine/Turtle Mountain Chippewa

Vernon Lee Medicine Cloud currently works for the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley where he is the Grants and Contracts Analyst.  He is currently the President of the American Indian Alliance of Silicon Valley and is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation.  Vernon was recently added to the San Jose Police Chief's Community Advisory Board as the liaison for the American Indian community.  Vernon's credits who he is and who he has become to his mother, the great Karen Lynn Medicine Cloud, his grandmother, Lavina Loves Him, his grandfather, Orville Loves Him and the almighty Creator.


Watch this video to learn more about him and the amazing work he's done for our community.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYqIit4yAfk

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Ohlone Indians join rally to save Santa Clara nature preserve

SANTA CLARA -- The effort to preserve the city of Santa Clara's last remaining open space intensified Sunday as a group of Ohlone Indians bearing drums, snapping clapper sticks and chanting prayer songs rallied in support of the campaign.

The gathering came as the city is eying part of Ulistac Natural Preserve off Lick Mill Boulevard as a possible place to relocate a soccer complex. The current soccer site would be converted into a parking lot for the new 49ers stadium.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_24351320/ohlone-indians-join-rally-save-santa-clara-nature
If the link isn't clickable please copy and past to the address bar of a new blank tab.
Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monitory gain to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the material for research and educational purposes. This is in accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. section 107.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Outreach programs

Outreach programs are targeted at communities to build up community bonding, wellness and identity. Outreach programs usually encompass a wide range of different programs geared towards the need of a certain community. Some of the common areas that outreach programs work at improving are:
  •  Health services
  • Nutrition services
  • Educative services


These are the most important areas in which communities need help. Apart from that, depending on the community, other programs may be offered. For example, if the outreach program is geared towards the Spanish communities, the program may include services to help the children of the community understand their culture. If it is a farming community, the outreach program may include tips on self sufficient farming and helping the farmers work out how best to get returns for their products. Outreach programs are diverse and only restricted by what the community needs.

A look at how outreach programs help 

Outreach programs are geared to empower communities into making lifestyle changes that will help make their lives better. Let us take a look at some of their services.

Health services 

The health services of these community programs educate communities on hygiene, pregnancy, contraception, diseases etc. They ensure that families in the community are observing basic hygiene, and that teenagers are educated on the harms of substance abuse and on sex. They check if children are being given their immunizations and are taken for regular medical checkups, and that older people are looked after. They have free health screenings for blood sugar, diabetes, pre-diabetes, Body Mass Index, and blood pressure at clinic events, and home visits. They may also provide health education to the community regarding chronic disease prevention and wellness promotion.

Nutrition Services 

Communities are educated on what a balanced diet is and helped to plan a healthy diet with the resources they have. They are also taught how important a fitness program is to ensure a healthy life. When checking them medically, if any deficiencies or anomalies are detected, then individuals are counseled on what kind of food they need to eat to supplement or overcome the deficiency or reduce their risk for other ailments. Outreach programs usually have a registered dietician / certified diabetes educator who provides nutrition education and cooking classes. Individual nutrition services are available as well as monthly nutrition classes.

Education services 

The educative programs do not just address education for children. They have adult education classes too. Volunteers make sure that children of various communities are attending school and receiving education. If not, many outreach programs actually have educators and facilitators going to communities, to take classes for children.

Aim of community outreach programs 

Community programs do not just restrict themselves to building awareness of the community, towards education and health. They also try to help a feeling of oneness to develop in the community. They have family days, parent’s days, children’s day, senior’s days etc. They also celebrate national holidays and holidays that are of relevance to that community. They make it interesting by having art programs or other activities which help the children understand their heritage better.
These programs aim to better the life of communities by making them aware of many resources that they can get, which will help them make their life better. They also help bring the members of a community together, get to know one another, understand each other and help themselves and their neighborhood. This kind of bonding brings a self of pride to the community and very often the lifestyles of the members of the community improve by leaps and bounds.
Outreach programs are usually run by volunteers who want to better the lives of their community!

Reference: 

INDIAN HEALTH CENTER OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY
    Medical • Dental • WIC/Nutrition • Counseling Community Wellness & Outreach
     Phone (408) 445-3400 |  Fax (408) 448-1041
   www.indianhealthcenter.org
Mailing Address: 1333 Meridian Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125-5212

Contact Information:                                           For Immediate Release
Vernon Medicine Cloud
Phone: (408) 445-3400, ext. 208                                  September 21, 2013
Email: vmcloud@ihcscv.org

INDIAN HEALTH CENTER’S 7TH ANNUAL COMEDY JAM
Laughter is Good Medicine

The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley will be holding their 7th Annual Comedy Jam
fundraiser on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at the Campbell Community Center’s Heritage Theate in Campbell, CA. Tickets for the Comedy Show are $20 and all seats are general admission. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the show will start at 7.

There will also be a Reception from 5 – 6:30 pm; for ticket information please contact Liz Hunt at (408) 666-2105 or Lhunt@ihcscv.org.

The comedy line up for this event will include comedians Jason Love, Jeff Applebaum, and Dean Haglund. The Master of Ceremonies is Bob Sarlatte, the Field Annoucer for the San Francisco 49ers football team.

Arrive early to review the Silent Auction item; there will also be a Live Auction during the show.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Indian Health Center’s Native American Youth
Empowerment Program. This program provides American Indian youth with cultural, educational and traditional activities that help them reconnect with their heritage. According to a recent survey, Native American youth had the highest rates of alcohol use (32.8%), and 24.5% of Native high school students had made a suicide plan. Reconnecting Native youth with their Indian cultural heritage helps them build self-esteem and prevents high-risk behavior like gang involvement and substance abuse.

For tickets, auction items, sponsorship or donation information, please:
 1.Contact Mr. Medicine Cloud at (408) 445-3400 ext.208 or    
    vmcloud@ihcscv.org; 
2. Email us at tickets@ihcscv.org; or
3.Visit www.ihccomedyjam.com or the Center’s website at www.IndianHealthCenter.org

BACKGROUND: The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley is a 501(c)3, nonprofit, community health clinic located in San Jose, California. IHC serves people from all walks of life regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability, and takes pride in  erving our diverse patients and clients. IHC’s services include Medical, Dental, Nutrition/WIC, Counseling and Wellness. IHC hosts a Comedy Jam because it supports health with laughter and celebration, which is a core belief of the American Indian/Alaska Native community.


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Coping with post partum depression

Having a baby is a small miracle in the cycle of life. There are poems and beautiful quotes on how a baby fulfils you and makes your life better. But some people go into a deep depression after having a baby. This is called postpartum depression. It can occur in the first few months after having a baby. New mother feel a sense of hopelessness and despair and most often have difficulty in motivating themselves to care for the baby or even carry out normal activities.

Different kinds of depressions that affect a new mother Baby blues 

Sometimes, a mother, just after having a baby, can feel a bit sad. These are called ‘baby blues’. The new mother may feel teary eyed and despondent. They may have trouble sleeping and feel overwhelmed. This is usually because of the sudden feeling of being responsible for another being. The changes that have to be made because of a new baby are difficult to adjust to. And however many books you have read or classes you have attended, it never prepares you for the reality.
But once you get the hang of it, and set a routine, the blues usually disappear and you start enjoying your baby. ‘Baby blues’ are not postpartum depression. They are never as severe and disappear fairly quickly.

Postpartum depression 

This is a much more severe form of depression that could last for months. Postpartum depression is usually brought by changes in the body and erratic imbalance of hormone levels that affect a woman soon after birth. There are quite a few reasons why new mothers have postpartum depression.
  1. When there is little or no support from family members and friends.
  2.  If your baby is colicky and difficult to manage
  3.  If you are prone to depression already
  4. If you are not able to balance work and a new baby
  5. If you have a stressful lifestyle
  6. If you are genetically prone to bipolar disorder

In rare cases, a woman may have a severe form of depression called postpartum psychosis. She may act strangely, see or hear things that aren't there, and be a danger to herself and her baby. This is an emergency, because it can quickly get worse and put her or her baby in danger.

The symptoms for postpartum depression are: 

  • A feeling of hopelessness
  • Anxiety levels are high
  •  Severe mood swings
  • Fits of crying for no apparent reason
  • Sudden temper tantrums
  •  Loss of appetite
  • Insomnia
  •  Difficulty in concentration
  •  Weight gain
  • Feeling of unhappiness
  • A feeling of being misunderstood
  •  Lethargy

If you feel at least three or more of these symptoms and it lasts for more than two or three weeks, you probably are going through postpartum depression. Some of the serious consequences of post partum depression are:
  • A feeling of hatred towards the baby
  • A feeling of inadequacy
  • Hatred towards the spouse and other family members
  •  Feeling of apathy towards the baby
  •  Neglect of the baby
  •  Neglect of self
  •  Seeing and hearing things that didn’t happen
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Thoughts of harming the baby

How to help someone who is going through posts partum depression? 

It is very important to identify and take action if you feel that you are going through postpartum depression. Most new mothers are unaware that they are going though this ailment, so it is up to the people around them to make sure that the new mother gets the right kind of help as soon as possible. It may take time for a mother to overcome postpartum depression, but she can be helped and in time learn to love and enjoy her child.
Reference

Thursday, October 3, 2013

INDIAN HEALTH CENTER OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY

Medical • Dental • WIC/Nutrition • Counseling Community Wellness & Outreach
Phone (408) 445-3400 Fax (408) 448-1041
www.indianhealthcenter.org
Mailing Address: 1333 Meridian Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125-5212

Contact Information:                                        For Immediate Release
Vernon Medicine Cloud
Phone: (408) 445-3400, ext. 208                        September 21, 2013

INDIAN HEALTH CENTER’S 7TH ANNUAL COMEDY JAM 
Laughter is Good Medicine

The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley will be holding their 7th Annual Comedy Jam
fundraiser on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at the Campbell Community Center’s Heritage Theate in Campbell, CA. Tickets for the Comedy Show are $20 and all seats are general admission. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the show will start at 7.

There will also be a Reception from 5 – 6:30 pm; for ticket information please contact Liz Hunt at (408) 666-2105 or Lhunt@ihcscv.org.

The comedy line up for this event will include comedians Jason Love, Jeff Applebaum, and Dean Haglund. The Master of Ceremonies is Bob Sarlatte, the Field Annoucer for the San Francisco 49ers football team.

Arrive early to review the Silent Auction item; there will also be a Live Auction during the show.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Indian Health Center’s Native American Youth
Empowerment Program. This program provides American Indian youth with cultural, educational and traditional activities that help them reconnect with their heritage. According to a recent survey, Native American youth had the highest rates of alcohol use (32.8%), and 24.5% of Native high school students had made a suicide plan. Reconnecting Native youth with their Indian cultural heritage helps them build self-esteem and prevents high-risk behavior like gang involvement and substance abuse.

For tickets, auction items, sponsorship or donation information, please:
  1.     Contact Mr. Medicine Cloud at (408) 445-3400 ext. 208 or      vmcloud@ihcscv.org 
  2.    Email us at tickets@ihcscv.org; or
  3.    Visit www.ihccomedyjam.com or the Center’s website at www.IndianHealthCenter.org
BACKGROUND: The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley is a 501(c)3, nonprofit, community health clinic located in San Jose, California. IHC serves people from all walks of life regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability, and takes pride in serving our diverse patients and clients. IHC’s services include Medical, Dental, Nutrition/WIC, Counseling and Wellness. IHC hosts a Comedy Jam because it supports health with laughter and celebration, which is a core belief of the American Indian/Alaska Native community.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Follow doctor’s orders during your pregnancy

Having a baby is a magical time in a woman’s life. It is an exciting wait for a tiny miracle. It is important for a pregnant woman to take care of herself. One of the most important decisions you have to make, if you are expecting, is who your doctor will be and which hospital you would like to have your baby in. Once this decision is made, you need to make sure that you see your doctor on a regular basis throughout your pregnancy, maintain your records, do all the tests that the doctor has advised and follow the doctor’s directions correctly.

Tests that your doctor may advice you to do 

There are three trimesters in a pregnancy of three months each. Every trimester could be quite different from the other. The way your body feels, your emotional and physical needs may be different for each, as your body goes through a myriad changes during pregnancy. Your doctor will give you some routine tests for all three trimesters and some special ones, specifically during a certain trimester. Let’s take a look at the three trimesters and the tests that you may be required to do.

First trimester tests

Prenatal screening 

During the first trimester, it is important to do a prenatal screening which would include fetal ultrasound and maternal blood testing. This is to check if the fetus is healthy and has no birth defects. You may also have to do a plasma protein screening and/or a human chorionic gonadotropin test. These are again tests for any fetal abnormality. Apart from this, you will have to do routine blood and urine tests to check your vital parameters. These include a hemoglobin test to check your RBC, WBC and platelet count, fasting and random blood sugar test to determine your sugar levels. Some people get gestational diabetes which causes their sugar levels to go up, during pregnancy. It usually settles down after the baby is born.

Tests during your second trimester 

During the second trimester, the number of tests done may increase. You will have your routine blood, urine and stool tests, but you may also have to do blood tests to check for genetic markers. These are also tests that check if the baby has any birth defects. An ultrasound will also be advised to check the position of the baby and the placenta. If the genetic markers show any kind of abnormality, then a test called amniocentesis may be done. For this test, amniotic fluids will be drawn from the amniotic sac and this will be analyzed.

Tests during the third trimester 

You will be in the home stretch by now. If you have done all the tests recommended by your doctor during the first two trimesters, you can be sure now that you are carrying a healthy baby to term. In this trimester, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound to see the position of the baby. In the later stages, if you are having a difficult pregnancy, fetal monitoring may be advised. This keeps a check on the baby’s status 24/7. This is done to ensure that the baby does not go into distress unnoticed. If the baby does show signs of distress, the doctor may make a decision to bring the baby out early, as it may be safer outside than inside your womb.
Apart from these tests, the doctor will give you shots for a variety of illnesses to immunize you and your child. If you follow your doctor’s advice and take care of your health, you will be holding a tiny miracle at the end of it!

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