Shawnee Health Service is proud to celebrate National Health Center Week 2020 from August 9 – August 15. National Health Center Week is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades. National Health Center Week 2020 will be celebrated both in person and virtually this year, elevating the work that Community Health Centers have done while fighting on the front lines of COVID-19 to keep our communities healthy and safe.
Shawnee Health Service provides integrated primary medical and behavioral health care, dental care, and specialty care to southern Illinoisans regardless of ability to pay. Community Health Centers, like Shawnee Health Service, are not just healers, we are innovators who look beyond medical charts to address the factors that may cause poor health, such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, lack of nutrition, and unemployment.
While COVID-19 continues to exacerbate social and medical inequities across the country, Community Health Centers have stretched themselves to reconfigure services for those in need. Shawnee Health Service has pivoted to serving our community through telehealth, drive-through COVID-19 testing with interpretation services on site, and distribution of emergency resources, while still ensuring our patients can access the medical care that they need.
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health Service has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health Service believes that quality health care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients receive the highest quality health care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, financial status, or where they live.
May is Mental Health Month
Shawnee Health Service recognizes May as Mental Health Month. This May for Mental Health Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is raising awareness and highlighting that no one experiencing a mental health condition should feel alone. More than 40 million people in the U.S. face the day-to-day reality of living with a mental health condition. And now more than ever, in these uncertain times, it is important for the mental health movement to come together.
Shawnee Health Service’s Behavioral Health Counseling team has not slowed down since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in mid-March, the team made more than 400 calls a week to patients to offer support. Since then, the team has rapidly responded to the need for telehealth, transitioning all face-to-face counseling appointments to phone or video.
Using evidence-based methods, Behavioral Health Counselors assist patients in identifying goals and taking manageable steps to improve their overall health. During this pandemic, people’s mental and physical problems have not gone away. For some patients, needs have intensified. Here are some tips that we discuss with patients, which may be useful for all of us during this time:
Identify your “triggers.” Do you know what causes you to feel more anxious or depressed? Is it certain times of day or after a type of interaction? Try to pay attention to your mood throughout the day and take note.
Many patients have identified the news and social media as a source of stress. There is some evidence to support that more time spent on social media actually . makes people feel more depressed! If you want to stay informed, limit the number of times you check in or the length of time you are watching/listening to new information.
Identify ways of coping that work for you. What makes you feel better or at least feel more neutral? Try going for a walk, talking with a friend, getting exercise, or reading/ watching something funny. The field of positive psychology and addiction treatment support gratitude lists as a way to lift mood. Despite what may be going wrong, what things in your day/life are you grateful for?
Give yourself permission to have some rough days. “Radical acceptance” is part of an evidence-based treatment model that involves accepting life on life’s terms and not resisting what you cannot or choose not to change.
Shawnee Health Service wants to remind all of our patients that we are here for you. We are available by telephone or through video conferencing. You are not alone.
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health Service has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health Service believes that quality health care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients receive the highest quality health care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, financial status, or where they live.
Shawnee Health Service is continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our commitment to our patients and clients who count on us for their safety and wellbeing.
Shawnee Alliance receives COVID-19 grant for older adults 60+ with unmet needs
Shawnee Alliance, the social services division of Shawnee Health Service, has received an Emergency Assistance Services grant from Illinois Department on Aging in response to COVID-19. These funds will be used to assist older adults 60+ with unmet needs related to COVID-19 and isolation. Older adults 60+ in Shawnee Alliance’s 18-county service area are eligible for this assistance.
These unmet needs may include, but are not limited to:
- Nutritional needs
- Personal care and sanitation needs
- Personal medical care needs
- Transportation services
Counties in Shawnee Alliance’s service area which are eligible for assistance include: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, and Williamson.
Shawnee Alliance can submit requests to use funds for needs other than these pre-approved areas.
If you would like to request assistance, please call Shawnee Alliance at (618) 985-8322 or toll free at 1-800-642-7773. Requests can be submitted by phone only.
Click here for more information about older adults and COVID-19.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
March 27, 2020
Shawnee Health Service is now offering Video Visits, through Zoom (a free app), for patient appointments with our providers.
Call (618) 519-9200 to get started.
March 18, 2020
Due to the current COVID-19 precautions, Shawnee Health Service will close MOST health centers until further notice. The following facilities will be OPEN from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday:
Shawnee Health Care, Medical – 400 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, Dental – 402 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, OB/GYN – 101 S Wall St, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, Pharmacy (DRIVE THRU ONLY) – 7 S Hospital Dr, Murphysboro
Shawnee Health Care, Medical – 400 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale – will also be open on the following days:
Saturday, March 28 from 8 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 29 from 11 am – 2 pm
Saturday, April 4 from 9 am – 2 pm
Sunday, April 5 from 11 am – 2 pm
March 18, 2020
Shawnee Alliance, the social services division of Shawnee Health Service, has received an Emergency Assistance Services grant from Illinois Department on Aging in response to COVID-19. These funds will be used to assist older adults 60+ with unmet needs related to COVID-19 and isolation. Older adults 60+ in Shawnee Alliance’s 18-county service area are eligible for this assistance.
These unmet needs may include, but are not limited to:
- Nutritional needs
- Personal care and sanitation needs
- Personal medical care needs
- Transportation services
Counties in Shawnee Alliance’s service area which are eligible for assistance include: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, and Williamson.
Shawnee Alliance can submit requests to use funds for needs other than these pre-approved areas.
If you would like to request assistance, please call Shawnee Alliance at (618) 985-8322 or toll free at 1-800-642-7773. Requests can be submitted by phone only.
Click here for more information about older adults and COVID-19.
March 17, 2020
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, here’s what to do:
Contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will discuss symptoms with a patient, travel history and any known exposure to a person who has tested positive for the virus.
Your health care provider may run a rapid flu test or respiratory viral panel. Those tests help rule out anything more common. Based upon that test, your health care provider will decide whether or not to request COVID-19 testing (per Jackson County Health Department).
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
1) Cough
2) Fever
3) Shortness of breath
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
March 10, 2020
We know that you likely have questions about coronavirus, or COVID-19. Shawnee Health Care wants to keep you and your family informed, healthy, and safe.
Shawnee Health Service is actively monitoring the fast-moving developments with the coronavirus.
When looking for information on the Coronavirus, we recommend you use the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov). This website contains the most accurate and up-to-date information. The CDC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cdc) and YouTube page (www.youtube.com/CDCStreamingHealth) are also great resources with videos discussing common coronavirus-related questions and concerns.
Shawnee Health Service is taking steps to protect our patients and employees. A few examples of how we are doing this include:
- Our Contact Center is currently asking screening questions prior to scheduling appointments. If the screening questions are positive, then a patient case is generated for further action.
- We have placed signs in each of our health centers advising patients to put on a mask if they have flu-like symptoms.
- We are actively looking for resources and communicating with our distributors regarding availability and ordering of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks.
- We remain in contact with our local health departments, and we are constantly monitoring the CDC website. We are also participating in online trainings and updates when available.
What should you do to protect yourself from COVID-19? CDC recommends that you avoid being exposed to the virus and use everyday prevention action to prevent the spread of respiratory virus:
1) Cover your cough,
2) Wash your hands,
3) Stay home when sick.
We will keep you posted on the latest developments.
March is National Nutrition Month.
National Nutrition Month occurs every March as a campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The goal of National Nutrition Month is to encourage Americans to improve their personal health through diet and the power of food.
The month is divided into four weeks. Each week emphasizes a certain topic based on healthy eating:
Week One: Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day!
Eat the rainbow! No, we don’t mean Skittles. Eat the rainbow just means to try a lot of different colorful fruits and vegetables. Bonus points if you try foods you have never had before, or that you do not eat often! You can also learn how to read nutrition labels, get plenty of water, control your portions, and eat slowly to savor the flavor.
Week Two: Plan your meals each week.
This one is pretty straightforward. Before the start of the week, try to plan out as many of your meals as you can. Use these planned meals to make your grocery list. If possible, look up meal options at your school or work for the week ahead. Try to make your meals away from home healthy, or prepare meals at home to take with you if no healthy options are available. Tip: look up restaurant menus ahead of time, and decide what you will order before you arrive.
Week Three: Learn skills to create tasty meals!
Try cooking! Many of us may be a bit uneasy in the kitchen. Cooking is like anything else–you have to practice to get better! No one is born a professional chef. Take this week to have fun with cooking healthy meals. Look up some healthy recipes for dishes you enjoy, or find recipes for new dishes to try. New foods can be more interesting when you have prepared them yourself. Another tip: Use the recipes you find to make your weekly grocery list. Remember to keep any uneaten food as leftovers to reduce food waste.
Week Four: See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Ask your doctor for a referral to see an RDN. Registered Dietitians are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping patients make the best food choices. Dietitians can help you make your diet extra healthy, while still including some of your favorite foods. Dietitians can also help treat various health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and many others.
Shawnee Health Care offers some programs that can be helpful to you, both during National Nutrition Month and year-round:
• Shawnee has two full-time dietitians, Gail Peterman and Marie Funk. Gail and Marie can help with all of your diet-related needs. Gail Peterman is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. This means she can help with all aspects of managing diabetes, including insulin. Marie Funk also has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. She can help you plan the perfect exercise routine. Click here to learn more about Nutrition Services at Shawnee Health Care.
• Lose to Gain is a comprehensive weight loss program offered at Shawnee. This program helps you make lasting healthy lifestyle changes, lose weight, and manage weight-related health problems. It involves a care team, which includes a Board-Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist, a dietitian, and Behavioral Health Specialist. Click here to learn more about Lose to Gain.
• Exercise Essentials is another program offered by Shawnee. As the name suggests, Exercise Essentials teaches you all of the basics of planning a personalized exercise routine that will optimize your results. This program is led by Marie Funk. This class meets Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings at the John A. Logan Fitness Center.
Sources:
https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month
Contributed by Gage McCollum Fink, BS, MAcc,
Master of Science Graduate Student & Dietetic Intern – Southern Illinois University