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A Letter from the Director

Boozhoo:

Well, summer is moving into full swing beginning with the Memorial Day holiday and the return of the snow birds and summer tourists visiting our beautiful homelands. I want to say chi miigwech to all of our veterans and their families for their many sacrifices on our behalf for the freedom that we have and that many take for granted.

The big news at the clinic is that we finally have a fully staffed and fully functioning Health Center. Dr. John McKichan is on board full time and treating walk-in patients at our Community Health Center. This used to be called our Urgent Care unit, which now operates Monday through Saturday (6 days a week) 12:00 noon until 8:00 PM Monday through Friday. Saturday is staffed by Dr. Mary Mason from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The name of this new walk-in facility is mushkiki agumig “medicine house.”This is an appropriate traditional name. You need no appointment to see Dr. McKichan during these times; however, there could be a short wait to get in for a visit so please be patient.

You can still call and make an appointment to see one of our other medical providers during regular office hours. This also applies to any follow-up appointments.

The clinic is here to serve you and to provide the very best medical care that we can possibly provide with the limited funds that we operate with.

Also please observe that in front of the clinic a small garden of wholesome vegetables is planted by Mrs. Joann Falk, Mrs. Kay Searfoss, and Jr. Bildeau. It is our hope that this small garden will inspire you to do the same at your homes, it doesn’t take much land, just a few plants, some water, care and a whole lot of love. This is also a great teaching tool for young children to see and to be involved in with handson experience and a great start for teaching them healthy eating and healthy living.

With school being out and more children out walking and bicycling along the roadways, please drive with extra care. This also applies to all the little animals and other wildlife that are crossing the roads. Take an extra moment to slow down.

Take care, wishing you all good health.

Mi iw

gaiashkibos,

LCO Health Director

PODIATRY CLINIC

Is your child limping after physical activity? Did you know that

foot problems, pain and ankle pain can be prevented if caught early

enough? Podiatry clinics are offered at the LCO Health Center in the

old Urgent Care Center on every Wednesday of the month. Dr. Meyer,

Dr. Barton or Dr. Larson can help make your next steps less painful. If

you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment,

please call 638-5168 on Wednesdays, or inquire at the scheduling desk

any other time at 638-5190.

DENTAL NEWS

The LCO Community Health Center would like to thank Dr. Gene Roush for his excellent work in helping to address the patient load on a temporary basis. His efforts are

greatly appreciated.

There are three new employees on board within the department. They are Charity Valentin; dental assistant, Sonja Webster; dental assistant, and Karen Keating; dental treatment coordinator. Please wish these ladies a warm welcome as they are eager to provide services to you.

Without adequate dental services many individuals are left without a positive self-image. Without the resources to pay for dentures, partials or basic dental services, may are left with nothing to smile about. A Tooth Fairy Fund has been established at the LCO Federal Credit Union in an effort to obtain contributions to help cover the dental costs for these individuals to receive service. Payroll deduction forms are available at the LCO Federal Credit Union for as little as $.50 a week. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Radiology

We are pleased to announce the addition of a bone density scanner to better serve the needs of our patients. Bone density testing is used to assess the strength ofthe bones and the probability of fracture in persons at risk for osteoporosis. The test, referred to as a densitometry or bone mineral density scan, is a simple, noninvasive procedure that takes just minutes. Unlike a bone scan, bone densitometry testing does not involve the administration of radioactive contrast material into the bloodstream. This simple test is known as a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, and it can be performed with devices that measure bone density in the hip and spine, or smaller peripheral devices to measure bone density in the wrist, heel, or finger. This is especially important for women because after the onset of menopause, bone loss increases each year and can result in a total loss of 25-30% of bone density in the first five to ten years after menopause. A thinning bone results in a lower bone density or bone mass. Your primary care provider can help you decide when and if you need a bone density scan. In general, this testing is recommended for women 65 and older along with younger postmenopausal women who have further risk factors for osteoporosis.

February is Heart Health Month

Did you know that the major complication of diabetes is heart disease? To help reduce your risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications, control the ABC’s of diabetes. These three little letters stand for 3 important tests that can help you manage your diabetes and avoid medical problems like heart disease.

“A” stands for hemoglobin A1C. This test measures the average amount of sugar that has been in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months. It helps your doctor see how well your diabetes is treatment is working. If your A1C is high (over 7%), it means that your diabetes is not under good control. Diabetes can damage your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The higher your A1C level is, the higher your risk is for these problems. You should have the test every 3 months until you reach a healthy level, then get tested at least twice per year to make sure you stay at your A1C goal. To lower your A1C, exercise more, lose weight and take your medicine as your doctor tells you to. Make healthy food choices by eating more vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean meat and fish and nonfat dairy products.

“B” stands for blood pressure. High blood pressure means your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood through your body. Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure. If you don’t bring your high blood pressure down to normal, it can damage your heart, arteries, brain, eyes, and kidneys. The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood pressure of less than 130/80 mm/Hg for people with diabetes. The first number shows your blood pressure when your heart beats and pumps blood. The second number shows your blood pressure between beats when your heart is resting. Your blood pressure should be checked at every visit to your doctor. During February you are especially welcome to come to the health center on Wednesday morning to see a nurse for a blood pressure check, no appointment needed. To lower your blood pressure, exercise regularly, use less salt in your food, lose weight, don’t smoke and take your medicine as your doctor tells you to.

“C” stands for cholesterol. Cholesterol is found in all your body’s cells but at high levels, it can be dangerous. Too much cholesterol in your blood can clog your arteries and block blood flow. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. There are different types of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” or “lousy” cholesterol . A healthy LDL cholesterol level is less than 100. HDL cholesterol is known as “good” or “happy” cholesterol. A healthy HDL cholesterol level is more than 40 for men and more than 50 for women. Triglycerides are another type of fat. Amounts of triglycerides that are too high can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke. A healthy triglyceride level is less than 150. Cholesterol is made by your body. It also comes from some foods you eat. Some foods make your body make more cholesterol and triglycerides than others. You should have your cholesterol (also called lipid profile) check at least once per year. To lower your cholesterol, exercise regularly, eat high fiber foods, eat low fat foods and more fish and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, and avoid smoking. Be sure to take any medicine that your doctor prescribes for you.

Know your “ABC’s”! Ask your doctor at the next visit to tell you the numbers. Keep a record for yourself so that you know you are managing your diabetes appropriately. You can find out your blood pressure by coming to the health center any Wednesday morning in February to have a nurse check it, no appointment needed. If you need help with your diabetes and ABC’s, we can help! The Diabetes Prevention and Education Program at the Lac Courte Oreilles offers talking circles on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Urgent Care Conference Room at the Health Center. Individual education sessions are available on Monday through Thursday and may be scheduled by calling 638-5153.