Category Archive

2024 July

Where to Go for Care

2024 July, Benefit Spotlight June 24, 2024

We have so many options for medical care these days that it is important to understand the types of care, when it’s appropriate for each type, the impacts on the time it may take to get care, and how much that care may cost.

Nurse Lines – This is a great resource if you need a quick answer to a health issue that doesn’t require immediate medical treatment. They are typically free as a part of your medical insurance and available 24/7. Nurse Lines can answer questions about your symptoms, self-care/home treatments, medications and side effect, and can help you decide when to seek care.

Telemedicine – This resource can be used when you need care for minor illnesses and aliments but would prefer not to or cannot leave home since they are offered by phone or online if you have access to a webcam. Some telemedicine visits can even be scheduled outside of normal doctor’s hours. There are usually copays or flat fees for these types of visits, but they often give you immediate access to care and in some cases in some states can provide prescriptions. Best used for cold & flu symptoms, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and sinus infections.

Primary Care Center – Use this resource for routine care or treatment of current health issues. Your primary care doctor knows you and your health history and can provide help with most of your care and prescription needs. Appointments usually are required and can come with wait time once in the office. Copays and/or coinsurance typically applies. Use your primary care center for routine checkups, immunizations, preventive services, and managing your general health.

Urgent Care Center – This resource is used when you need care quickly but is not a true emergency. They offer treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses like strains, sprains, minor broken bones, and minor infections or burns. These visits are subject to copay and/or coinsurance and can be more costly that a primary care center visit. Walk-ins are welcome but may have long wait times.

Emergency Room – Save an emergency room (ER) visit for when you need immediate treatment for a serious life-threatening condition such as heavy bleeding, chest pain, major burns, or severe head injuries. These visits are often far more costly than seeing your primary care center and are subject to copay and/or coinsurance. ERs are open 24/7 but come with long wait times since life-threatening emergencies will be seen first. ER visit may also come with ambulance charges that are not covered by insurance or may not be in network.

Physical Therapy – A Pathway to Healing

2024 July, Lifestyle and Wellness June 24, 2024

Have you ever wondered why your doctor prescribes physical therapy instead of just handing you a pill? Physical therapy isn’t just about exercises and stretches; it’s a personalized roadmap to recovery, tailored to address your unique needs and challenges.

When your doctor prescribes physical therapy, they’re not just throwing darts at a board and hoping something sticks. Instead, they’re carefully analyzing your condition and prescribing a targeted treatment plan to address your specific needs. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or rehabilitating from an injury, physical therapy offers a customized approach to healing that takes into account your individual circumstances.

Unlike medications that merely mask symptoms, physical therapy takes a holistic approach to wellness, addressing the root cause of your condition and promoting overall health and vitality. From hands-on techniques like manual therapy to therapeutic exercises and modalities, physical therapists use a comprehensive toolkit to optimize your body’s function and enhance your quality of life.

Some conditions that could benefit from physical therapy are:

  • cardiopulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), and post-myocardial infarction heart failure
  • conditions that affect the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
  • musculoskeletal dysfunction, including back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders
  • neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries
  • pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
  • sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow
  • female health and pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and lymphedema
  • skin conditions or injuries, such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers

According to the CDC, over 116 million people struggle with chronic pain, which greatly hinders their abilities to stand, walk, run, work, and move as they wish.

One of the most empowering aspects of physical therapy is that it puts you in the driver’s seat of your health journey. Rather than relying solely on passive treatments, physical therapy equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take an active role in your own healing process. Whether it’s learning how to perform therapeutic exercises at home or adopting healthy lifestyle habits to prevent future injuries, physical therapy empowers you to become the master of your own destiny.

Need help finding a physical therapist that’s right for you? Finding a suitable physical therapist can involve a number of factors, including insurance acceptance, specialty, and reason for treatment, and geographical location. Insurance companies and your doctors’ offices often have lists of physical therapy locations that participate in your specific health plans. Another way to find a physical therapist is to look online or access the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) Find a PT web-based tool.

In a world where quick fixes and band-aid solutions abound, physical therapy stands out as a beacon of hope for those seeking true healing and restoration. By offering targeted treatment for specific needs, taking a holistic approach to wellness, and empowering individuals to take control of their health, physical therapy unlocks the door to pain-free future. So the next time your doctor prescribes physical therapy, remember — it’s not just a treatment plan; it’s a pathway to healing.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

2024 July, Lifestyle and Wellness June 24, 2024

Do you ever feel like your past is a shadow that follows you, interfering with your present experiences?

Memories, particularly traumatic ones, can linger, casting a long shadow on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Enter Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy — a groundbreaking approach that’s transforming the landscape of mental health treatment.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Imagine a safe space where you can confront your past traumas without feeling overwhelmed, where you can process them in a way that diminishes their power over your present. That’s precisely what EMDR therapy offers. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is a structured therapy approach designed to help individuals process distressing memories by targeting the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations associated with them.

During an EMDR session, a trained therapist guides you through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques, such as following their fingers with your eyes or listening to alternating sounds while discussing the trauma. These techniques mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase, believed to be the brain’s natural way of processing and integrating information. By engaging both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, enabling you to make sense of them and integrate them into your life story in a healthier way.

Kaiser Permanente sponsored research that reported 100% of single-trauma sufferers and 77% of people impacted by multiple trauma show no diagnosable PTSD following six EMDR sessions.

The Power of EMDR in Healing Trauma

Trauma can manifest in various forms — from childhood abuse and neglect to combat experiences and natural disasters. Regardless of its origin, trauma can leave deep emotional scars that impact every aspect of our lives. Traditional talk therapies often require individuals to recount their traumatic experiences repeatedly, which can be retraumatizing and ineffective for some. EMDR offers a different approach by focusing on the underlying mechanisms of trauma and promoting adaptive resolution.

Studies have shown that EMDR therapy can be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions. By helping individuals reprocess traumatic memories, EMDR empowers them to break free from the cycle of distress and live more fulfilling lives. It’s not about erasing the past but rather reframing it in a way that no longer holds them captive.

Embracing the Journey

While EMDR therapy can bring profound relief and transformation, it’s essential to recognize that healing is not linear. There may be ups and downs along the way, but each step forward is a testament to your resilience and inner strength. As you engage in EMDR therapy, you’ll not only unravel the knots of trauma but also cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and your capacity for growth. You’ll learn valuable coping skills to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and grace. And most importantly, you’ll reclaim ownership of your narrative, no longer defined by the shadows of the past but empowered to create a brighter, more hopeful future.

EMDR therapy is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless capacity for transformation. If you’re ready to embark on the journey of healing, consider exploring EMDR therapy with a trained professional.

Hidden Perks of Libraries

2024 July, Lifestyle and Wellness June 24, 2024

Picture this: you stroll into your local library, expecting rows of books and quiet study corners. But what if I told you there’s more?

Much more than meets the eye awaits within those walls. From browsing seed catalogs for your next gardening project to swapping tools with your neighbors, libraries today offer a treasure trove of services for your overall health and wellness that extend far beyond the realm of literature.

Seed Catalogs

In an age where sustainability reigns supreme, libraries are stepping up to the plate by offering seed catalogs that rival those of specialized gardening stores. Imagine flipping through pages filled with vibrant illustrations of heirloom tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and colorful blooms — all available for free! Many libraries across the country have embraced the seed-sharing movement, allowing patrons to check out packets of seeds to plant in their own gardens. Not only does this promote biodiversity and self-sufficiency, but it also fosters healthy eating and a sense of community as neighbors come together to swap gardening tips and share their harvests.

The Tool Swap

Ever found yourself in need of a specific tool for a home improvement project, only to realize you don’t have it in your arsenal? Many libraries have you covered with their ingenious tool lending program. Gone are the days of dinging your financial health by shelling out big bucks for a one-time use tool or cluttering your garage with equipment gathering dust. Many libraries now offer a collection of tools ranging from power drills to pressure washers, available for patrons to borrow free of charge. Need a ladder for that painting project or a wrench for that leaky faucet? Simply head to your local library and peruse their tool selection — it’s like having a hardware store at your fingertips, minus the hefty price tag.

Computers and Digital Services

In today’s digital age, access to technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It is where you apply for jobs online, access social services, and even improve health literacy. Yet, for many underserved communities, reliable internet access and computer resources remain elusive. That’s where libraries come in, bridging the digital divide by providing free computer access and internet services to all. Moreover, many libraries also provide tech assistance and digital literacy programs to help patrons navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape with confidence.

3D Printers

For many, the prospect of owning a 3D printer may seem out of reach due to its cost and complexity. However, by offering 3D printing services, libraries make this cutting-edge technology accessible to all, regardless of background or expertise. Whether you’re a hobbyist experimenting with new designs or an entrepreneur prototyping a product, the library provides the tools and support you need to bring your ideas to life.

Museum Passes

With library-issued museum passes, the world becomes your oyster, offering access to a wealth of artistic and historical treasures. Expanding your mind is good for your mental and physical health. From fine art museums to science centers, these passes open doors to immersive experiences that inspire curiosity and ignite the imagination. By providing free or discounted access to museums, libraries are democratizing culture and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enrich their lives through the arts.

And all of this is just to name a few ways local libraries enhance lives. Libraries today offer programs like craft supply swaps, puzzle exchanges, and checkout programs for instruments, boardgames, electronics, small printers, or GoPros. This is, of course, in addition to the environmental health impact of borrowing vs. purchasing books. Don’t overlook the wealth of resources that your local library has to offer.