February Health Monthly

Hello and Happy New Year!

We hope you are enjoying our Roseman Medical Group Health Monthly. We enjoy reaching out to our patients, partners and friends, and bringing you important news and information from the clinic.

The year has started off with guarded optimism as we remain hopeful in turning the corner on COVID-19. Vaccine deployment is underway in Nevada as it is nationally. Things are evolving rapidly, and we know it can be confusing. The Southern Nevada Health District has weekly updates on the number of vaccines distributed as well as information on the tiers for distribution. This is a process and as we get underway, we are hopeful that the pace quickens. Right now, Clark County is administering vaccines to those eligible in Tier One including Essential Workforce and those in the General population over age 70. Also, please see this helpful link from the American Academy of Family Physicians. It helps to answer some of the questions I am receiving. Roseman Medical Group is not distributing vaccines at this time; however, Roseman University of Health Sciences is a vaccine site. I am extremely proud at how our University has risen to meet the challenge and done so with empathy, grace and the utmost of professionalism.

We hope your year is off to a healthy start and you were able to take advantage of some of our tips on self-care, healthy eating, and stress reduction through the holidays. February typically is the month where the best intentions and holiday resolutions are cast aside, but we encourage you to stay the course on your quest to a healthier life. Small setbacks and missteps are part of the process, and healthier eating with an exercise and stress reduction regimen is more a marathon than it is a sprint—so expect to have ups and downs.  We are rooting for you!  Make sure you schedule your well-checks and take care of any unfinished medical tasks of 2020 including follow-up, diagnostic imaging, and bloodwork.

This month be sure to read our feature on Wellness Tips for the new year and learn more about digital tools that can empower you to live and eat more healthfully.  We are also excited to feature a profile on Daedre Beaumont, Front Desk Supervisor at Roseman Medical Group. Daedre is a vital part of our practice. As one of the first faces patients see when they come into the clinic, her spirit and outlook set the stage for delivering compassionate care—throughout the entire patient experience—to all of our patients.  A consummate optimist with empathy as part of her core ethos, Daedre uses her smile to keep people positive.  Daedre says, “I have adopted my Dad’s favorite quote, ‘keep smiling’.  A smile is such a beautiful thing!  It is amazing how this simple gesture can turn someone’s day around.  It is a universal way of passing hope and happiness on to those around you.” We are grateful for Daedre!

Don’t forget to register for our Neighborhood Health Series (NHS), a free virtual healthcare series tackling a variety of healthcare topics.

As we get deeper into the new year, we remind you all how appreciative we are to be the provider of your healthcare. Our practice is designed to deliver you the highest-quality, patient-centered, evidence-based medical care in a caring, compassionate environment. We are proud to be your partner in good health.

To all good things in 2021,

Andra Prum, D.O.

February Health Monthly Articles

Looking Ahead to Tomorrow: COVID-19 in 2021

On Thursday, January 21, Dr. Manas Mandal, Associate Professor of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Fulbright Specialist, and researcher in Immunology with a focus on viral vaccines spoke virtually to a large group of community members, faculty, students, and colleagues with updates on  COVID-19 and how 2021 will look in the face of the pandemic. Dr. Mandal presented to the Neighborhood Health Series guests an optimistic and hopeful look ahead in how life could improve with increased vaccine administration, consistent mask wearing and the ongoing pursuit of scientific discovery. Dr. Mandal punctuated his presentation with various quotations by Albert Camus and Thucydides, which refer to the Cholera Outbreak in 1849, the Bubonic Plague in 1556, and the Plague in Athens in 430 BC.

A Review of COVID-19

Dr. Mandal reviewed current COVID tests, treatments, Investigational and Concomitant drugs, Convalescent Plasma/Monoclonal Ab, and the vaccines currently available and in development. As of the day of his presentation, there were 24,440,100 total cases of COVID-19 in the US and 406,196 deaths. Dr. Mandal pointed out recent declines in daily COVID-19 cases in Nevada as well as declines in overall test positivity rates. He also reviewed the latest in vaccine data which indicated that roughly 0.54% of Nevada’s population has been vaccinated thus far. Nevada is currently in the expansion of Tier One of administration and follows the CDC’s vaccination recommended schedule

Advances with COVID-19

Dr. Mandal revealed his personal hopes for the future and his feeling that despite immense loss, tremendous scientific and clinical advances were made in 2020-2021. This work has led to national and international collaboration in public health policy, treatment, vaccine development, deployment and roll-out. On the day of Dr. Mandal’s talk, The White House announced The National Pandemic Testing Board and COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force creation, an executive order focused on ensuring a sustainable public health workforce of COVID-19 and other biological threats.

Local COVID Vaccination Information

In addition to offering a hopeful look ahead, Dr. Mandal offered information on local vaccination efforts through Roseman University’s Vaccine Clinics – information can be found at roseman.edu/covid-vaccination or by calling the Information Line at 702-968-7750. Other vaccine information can be found through Southern Nevada Health District

RMG is not administering COVID-19 vaccines at this time, however if you are in need of a primary care doctor please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Mandal’s entire presentation can be found at speakers.roseman.edu. The series is sponsored by community partner Clark County Credit Union.

Preventing Cervical Cancer with HPV Vaccine

January is Cervical Health Awareness month. Cervical cancer is currently responsible for 13,800 new cases and resulted in 4,207 deaths in women in the United States as reported in 2020. The most recent data from Nevada (2019) reported 140 new cases and 39 women who died from cervical cancer. Overall, cervical cancer is the second most common leading cause of death from cancer among women in the world.

What prevention measures are available?

Building awareness of cervical cancer helps inform the public on how to lower risks. Preventative measures, such as cervical cancer screenings allow for early detection with the use of a Pap test. Pap test can be completed during a women’s wellness exam and can provide the patient with an early diagnosis which allows for better treatment options.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 viruses, of which more than 40 can be spread through direct sexual contact. HPV is associated with causing cervical cancer along with 5 other cancers and genital warts. The HPV vaccine could prevent more than 90% of these cancers from developing. HPV in most cases is cleared by the body and does not cause noticeable symptoms, which means a person can be infected and transmit the virus to other partners unknowingly. HPV vaccination not only protects the individual, but also those in the community by lowering the transmission rate.

Who is eligible and when should the immunization be given?

Gardasil-9 is the only current FDA approved vaccine and it is recommended to be given to both girls and boys between ages of 11-12 years old (as early as 9 years old) to provide the best immune response for HPV protection. The recommended vaccine schedule is to give the first dose and then a second dose is scheduled 6 to 12 months later. For adolescents 13-14 years old, catch-up dosing is still 2 doses.

For adolescents and young adults, both women and men, from 15 years to 26 years, the vaccine schedule follows catch-up doses for those not adequately immunized in earlier years. The vaccine schedule includes three doses as follows: the first dose, a second dose at 2 months and then a third dose 6 months following the first dose.

The FDA approved the use of Gardasil-9 for both women and men ages 27 to 46 years old based on shared decision making between patients and their provider. The shared decision making is based on individual patient factors unique to their own benefits and risks for receiving the Gardasil-9 vaccine. The vaccine is not recommended for persons who are 46 years or older.

How safe is the vaccine and what are some side effects of the vaccine?

The FDA approved HPV vaccines have been tested with over 100 million doses given over 10 years. The safety of the vaccine is well documented and studied. Side effects of the vaccine can include pain, redness and soreness at the site of the injection, other mild symptoms include dizziness, headache, and nausea. More severe side effects can include fainting (more likely in adolescents) which can be minimized by having the person remain sitting during the vaccine process or even lying down for 15 minutes. More information regarding safety of the vaccine and side effects can be found at www.cdc.gov/hpv/index.html.

Women who are pregnant should postpone HPV vaccines, there is no current evidence the vaccine affects pregnancy, harms the fetus, or negatively impacts future fertility. Women who are breastfeeding can be immunized. Anyone who had a severe reaction to a previous HPV vaccine dose should not get another dose.  Persons being immunized who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they are feeling better before receiving the vaccine.

Your Cervical Health Matters

Cervical cancer symptoms may be similar to other medical conditions, therefore, it’s important to take an active role in your cervical health. Visiting your healthcare provider for annual wellness exams and women’s wellness exams allows for early detection and better treatment options. In addition, receiving the HPV vaccine can help protect you from the risk of cervical cancer. Contact Roseman Medical Group at 702-463-4040 to schedule your wellness exam and Pap test.

Where to find more information

About KayLynn Bowman, PharmD

KayLynn Bowman, PharmD - Roseman Medical GroupKayLynn Bowman earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Roseman University of Health Sciences’ Henderson campus in 2007. She also has earned a Master of Science in pharmacy, Medication Therapy Management from University of Florida, and Master of Science in Biochemistry and Master of Education Health Promotion, Health Care Administration from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also serves as a Clinical Adjunct Faculty for Roseman University’s College of Pharmacy and in 2017 the college awarded Dr. Bowman Preceptor of the Year for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience. Dr. Bowman is a Member of American Pharmacists Association and American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Dr. Bowman’s role within Roseman Medical Group (RMG) is to provide Medication Therapy Management services in collaboration with RMG healthcare providers.

References

https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/statistics#:~:text=This%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%2013%2C800,likely%20to%20get%20the%20disease. Accessed 1/12/2021.

https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2019/cancer-facts-and-figures-2019.pdf. Accessed 1/12/2021.

Yang BH, Bray FI, Parkin DM, Sellors JW, Zhang ZF. Cervical cancer as a priority for prevention in different world regions: an evaluation using years of life lost. Int J Cancer. 2004;109(3):418-424. doi:10.1002/ijc.11719

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet. Accessed 1/10/2021.

https://www.pharmacist.com/sites/default/files/files/Focus_On_HPV_Guide.pdf. Accessed 1/10/2021.

It’s Time for Your Annual Wellness Visit

It’s a new year and with that comes an opportunity to make sure your health is in tip-top-shape. You can do this by scheduling your annual wellness visit with your primary care physician. Now you may be wondering, if I’m feeling fine, why is it important to have a wellness exam. A wellness exam is a preventative measure taken that can potentially discover health problems sooner and may result in more effective treatments. Preventative healthcare focuses on maintaining wellness and stopping health problems before they occur. This yearly exam is a great way to make sure you’re healthy and stay healthy.

Wellness Visits Explained

Each wellness visit is different based on the patient because each patient has different health needs, are different ages, and have different lifestyles. Although the wellness check is unique per patient, there are some things that are the same for everyone. Your primary care doctor, will

  • Measure your height and weight
  • Check your vitals
  • Check you BMI
  • Perform a physical examination
    • Scan your body for suspicious moles or skin lesions
    • Listen to heart and lungs
    • Check abdomen, thyroid glands, and lymph nodes for abnormalities
    • Check ears
    • Check eyesight
  • Check on any chronic conditions
  • Discuss current lifestyle and health choices
  • Administer shots and immunizations if needed
  • Establish a plan for your health

At your annual wellness visit, you’ll also review your health history. Your health history is your complete medical and family health overview. It’s important to note if anything has changed since you had your last check-up. You may be given a screening depending on your age, risk, and gender. Screenings can include cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, mammogram, pap test, osteoporosis, or STDs.

Schedule Your Wellness Visit

Your annual wellness visit is crucial to detecting early symptoms of a disease. It also provides your primary care physician with a status update on your overall health. This visit allows your physician to review your health and habits and assist in guiding you to make choices that promote better health. It’s a new year, make your health a top priority. 

If you haven’t scheduled your annual wellness check, Roseman Medical Group (RMG) can help. Call us at 702-463-4040 to schedule an appointment with one of our family medicine providers.

Article by Rachael Thomas

Thyroid Awareness Month

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped hormone gland that is located at the base of the throat, right below the Adam’s apple. While the thyroid gland is quite small, it is responsible for a laundry list of jobs within the body including energy production, temperature regulation, and helps to keep vital organs like the heart, lungs, brain, liver, kidneys, muscles, and skin working properly.

Thyroid Problems and Diseases

One in eight Americans will experience some level of thyroid disease in their lifetime, but up to 60% will be unaware of it. Additionally, females are up to eight times more likely than males to develop thyroid disease. Fatigue, sleeping too much or too little, weight gain or weight loss, and depression are common symptoms with thyroid disease, but these can often be confused with other medical conditions or the stresses of life. However, thyroid disease is simple to detect through blood testing, medical imaging, and a physical assessment, which can lead to earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention, and overall better outcomes for those suffering with thyroid disease.

What is Hypothyroidism?

When the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, this is called hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, increased sensitivity to cold, a puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, thinning hair, a slowed heart rate, depression, impaired memory, or an enlarged thyroid gland, also known as a goiter. Risk factors for hypothyroidism include being a female, being older than 60 years old, having a family history of thyroid disease, having been pregnant or delivered a baby in the past six months, having an autoimmune disease, having received radiation treatment to your neck or upper chest, and having had thyroid surgery.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is the opposite of hypothyroidism and occurs when the thyroid gland makes too much of the thyroid hormone. Unfortunately, the wide variety of symptoms that are common with hyperthyroidism can mimic other medical problems and may be difficult to properly diagnose. These symptoms include unintentional weight loss, rapid and/or irregular heart rate, palpitations, increased appetite, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, tremors, sweating, changes in menstrual pattern, increased sensitivity to heat, changes in bowel habits or more frequent bowel movements, fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty sleeping, skin thinning, brittle hair, or a swelling at the base of the neck. Risk factors for hyperthyroidism include a family history of hyperthyroidism, being a female, and having a personal history of certain chronic illnesses.

Your Thyroid Health

January may be Thyroid Awareness Month, but ongoing awareness is needed year-round to promote early detection and early intervention. There are a few simple steps that you can take today to increase thyroid awareness and make thyroid health a priority in your personal health. One simple step is to perform a swallow test on yourself to monitor for thyroid gland or neck enlargement. It takes just a minute and should be performed regularly. Additionally, if you or a loved one are experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, weight gain or weight loss, it is vital that you make an appointment with your health care provider to have your thyroid checked.

Article by Courtney Gormus, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

About Courtney Gormus, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Courtney Gormus, DNP, APRN, FNP-CDr. Courtney Gormus is an experienced Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. Her nursing background includes inpatient and outpatient oncology, hospice, palliative care, bone marrow transplant, telemedicine, and now nursing academia. Dr. Gormus’ current role is within the Roseman University College of Nursing as an assistant nursing professor teaching in the undergraduate nursing skills and simulation lab, along with teaching in the graduate MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner program. Dr. Gormus also works as a Nurse Practitioner in our community completing Human Health Risk Assessments on the Medicare population. Dr. Gormus is married with two beautiful boys. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, walks around the neighborhood with her family and 105-pound dog, baking, long strolls down the aisles of Target, and interior decorating. 

References

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284

O’Day, S. (2021). Thyroid awareness: January and beyond. Retrieved from https://medicareguide.com/thyroid-awareness-january-and-beyond-285923

New Year, New You: Tracking Nutrition in the New Year

It’s no surprise that a healthier lifestyle is a new year resolution for a large amount of the population. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, maintain weight, or just live a healthier lifestyle in general, nutrition plays a big factor to your overall health.

Importance of Good Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential in keeping yourself and your family healthy. When you consume a well-balanced diet, your body is better prepared to take on daily life. Not to mention it plays a huge role in your overall well-being. Good nutrition goes beyond healthy weight. Good nutrition can help:

  • Reduce the risk of diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers, and osteoporosis
  • Reduce high blood pressure
  • Lower high cholesterol
  • Maintain your immune system
  • Boost your energy level
  • Improve your ability to recover from illness or injury

What is Good Nutrition?

Good nutrition consists of a balanced diet from the five major food groups – vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy. Consuming foods in these areas provides your body with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to work its best.

Getting the recommended amount of nutrient-dense foods from each group is essential to your health and well-being. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fewer than 1 in 10 children and adults eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables and 4 in 10 children and fewer than 1 in 7 adults eat enough fruit.

The amount of vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy you need to consume depends on your age, sex, and level of physical activity. For daily recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) visit myplate.gov.

Food Groups. Fruits - Amount each person needs can vary between 1 to 2 cups each day. Grains - Amount each person needs can vary between 3 to 8 ounce-equivalents each day. Dairy - Amount each person needs can vary between 1-1/2 to 3 cups each day. Vegetables - Amount each person needs can vary between 1 to 3 cups each day. Protein - Amount each person needs can vary between 2 to 6-1/2 ounce-equivalents each day. Consumption from each food group depends on age, gender, and level of physical activity. Source: myplate.gov

Nutrition Tracking Simplified

Keeping track of your food intake helps you understand your habits and increases your likelihood to make better choices.

Tracking your nutrition is simpler than ever. With digital tools such as mobile applications (apps) and fitness devices (Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc.), tracking your nutrition and fitness habits is literally right at your fingertips. Get started on a new you in the new year by downloading any of the below free and simple mobile nutrition apps.

This easy-to-use, free app can help you make positive changes in the new year. Start Simple with MyPlate allows you to set goals within food groups, sync to your smartwatch, and see real-time progress.

MyFitnessPal is one of the most popular health and fitness apps. Track nutrition with the digital food journal by scanning product barcodes, importing meals and recipes, or searching from over 11 million foods in the database. Add your exercise activity or connect with other apps or devices to get a full view of your daily progress.

This app is one of the top-rated health and fitness apps on both Apple and Android devices. This app makes tracking nutrition easy by providing a database of over 27 million items, a barcode scan feature, and the ability to upload photos of your food. You’ll also receive reports of your behaviors and progress straight to your inbox.

Cron-o-meter can be accessed from a computer or through a mobile app. It features streamlined data entry, tracking of up to 82 micronutrients from over 300,000 foods, creation of custom foods and recipes, and the ability to log your diet, exercise, biometrics, and notes. The charts and daily breakdown within the app give a quick snapshot of your daily progress.

Fooducate helps you identify what’s in the foods you eat and how to make better choices. The barcode scanning feature allows you to add foods to your digital journal, while also providing suggestions for healthier food options. This simple app tracks your macros and provides a personalized nutrition grade for each food you input into the app.

Your health is a number one priority. Be sure to take care of your body by fueling it with healthy options from each of the food groups. A balanced diet, being physically active, and annual wellness checks are all preventative measures to take in your health journey. We’re here to help. Call us at 702-463-4040 to schedule an appointment with one of our family medicine providers.

Article by Kristine Campo

Healthy Holiday Cooking

Winter cooking makes us think of comfort food, good smells in the kitchen, and creating memorable experiences together as a family. Holiday food often gets a bad rap as being unhealthy and heavy, but some favorite holiday dishes are full of nutrition, affordable, simple to make, and go a long way in feeding multiple people. We have compiled holiday cooking inspiration in the below recipes which span cultures, food groups and levels of complexity.

Healthy Holiday Recipes

Pozole Verde De Pollo

Pozole Verde De Pollo

Try a hearty Pozole Verde De Pollo, full of fresh vegetables, fiber and lean protein. Enjoy the zesty accents of lime and cabbage as garnishes and save some for leftovers on another night.  This super easy hearty warm-up takes less than a half an hour to make. https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/pozole-verde-de-pollo/

Toshikoshi Soba

Toshikoshi Soba

Warm up with a hearty and celebratory bowl of Toshikoshi Soba, also known as “New Year’s Eve Noodles”. This simple Japanese dish is centered around the textural soba noodle, made from buckwheat and served in a dashi broth with scallions, greens, and eggs. The custom of eating soba on New Year’s Eve is an old one, starting in the 13th or 14th century. Perhaps you’ll enjoy some good fortune in your bowl as many believe comes with a good serving of this treasured dish. https://www.justonecookbook.com/toshikoshi-soba/

Gumbo

Gumbo

While the favorite foods of the American South may not be what you have in mind when you think of healthy food, many Southern specialties enjoyed over the holidays can be lightened to be healthier, better versions of themselves. Gumbo is often cited as an example of the melting pot of Louisiana cooking, and its origins and evolution are speculative, according to Southern Foodways. The name derives from a West African word for Okra, suggesting it was first made with Okra. The use of “file” was a contribution of the Choctaws and possibly other local tribes. Roux has its roots in French cuisine.  Gumbo features a variety of seafood and meat including shrimp, chicken, ham, bacon and crab. Check out this lightened-up version and relax in the fact that this dish isn’t dependent upon perfect measurements. It is a forgiving dish and tolerates variation well.  https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lightened-up-gumbo/

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes seem to be on most holiday tables in one form or fashion. The almighty sweet potato is chock full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and plenty of fiber to support good gut health. Diets rich in fiber have been linked to a reduction in certain cancers, and namely, in Colon cancer.  Sweet potatoes keep well and are economical too, on average costing about $.57 per cup. Check out this simple and healthy sweet potato casserole with a crunchy oatmeal topping which can be paired with many other holiday items. https://www.wellplated.com/healthy-sweet-potato-casserole/

We wish our patients, friends and other health care providers healthy eating and a warm, happy holiday season.

Article by Vanessa Maniago

Combined December and January Health Monthly Newsletter

Hello and welcome back to our RMG Health Monthly update.

I hope all of our families, patients, and friends are doing as well as can be expected during these unprecedented times.

The past nine months have felt like much longer, but there are signs that the tides will soon be changing.

We look forward to more news about COVID-19 vaccine deployment to our state starting with frontline workers and our higher risk populations.

We urge our patients to practice good primary preventive care, maintain six-feet social distancing, wear their masks, wash hands, eat well, and get plenty of sleep and exercise. Remember to schedule your well-checks and look ahead to 2021 as a year of new opportunity and healthier lives.  Please check out our articles this month on overall health, and wellness goals for 2021.

We welcome Dr. Kaylynn Bowman to our practice! Dr. Bowman is a Roseman College of Pharmacy graduate who as a PharmD, practices with us two days a week. This is an enormous benefit to our patients who may want help to understand how their medications work together and impact their overall health. Read more about Dr. Bowman in this edition.

Also, a quick reminder and invitation to dial in to our monthly Neighborhood Health Series events, which offer free monthly webinars during which faculty presenters share the latest news and updates on a variety of health-related topics. Next year’s line-up is very exciting and is kicked off by Dr. Manas Mandal, who will share progress on the COVID vaccine and how we all look forward post-pandemic.

Please remember that RMG is here for you with telemedicine appointments and Spanish-speaking providers. We also remind patients of the services of Roseman Dental in Henderson, which offers reduced-cost, high-quality General Dentistry and Orthodontic care to our community.  Check out the brand new state-of-the-art dental clinic.

We wish all of our patients a happy and healthy holiday season and we remain grateful to serve all of your healthcare needs now and into the future.

Stay safe and healthy!

Sincerely,

Andra Prum, D.O.

December/January Health Monthly Articles

New Year Resolutions: A Focus on Wellness Goals

The year 2020 took us for a ride. It was a whirlwind of emotions. From fear to stress, the overwhelming presence of the global pandemic – COVID-19 – was just one of the many events that made for an unprecedented year. It is a year for the history books, as we experienced a global pandemic, social justice movements, raging fires, online learning, remote work, and an election.

While many of the year’s events brought fear and uncertainty, some brought hope and a sense of community. Our healthcare workers fought countless battles on the frontlines showing us strength, empathy, and selflessness. Essential workers – teachers, grocery store workers, deliverymen and -women, parents and caregivers – kept us going. More than just moving lessons online, keeping the shelves stocked with food, and delivering important packages, the essential workers provided a connection to normalcy which was a blur in the rearview mirror.

New Year Resolutions

As 2021 approaches, the anticipation of a new year couldn’t be more palpable. As you look forward to 2021, what will your new year resolution be? The year 2020 threw some curveballs, but when we swing and miss, that’s when we really learn. What trait or behavior would you like to change? What personal goal do you want to accomplish? How do you want to improve your life in 2021?

From what we know of 2020, your health is a good place to focus your 2021 new year resolutions. As you plan for 2021, take the dimensions of wellness into consideration. Your wellness and health are intertwined, therefore when you focus on the dimensions of wellness, you’re actively contributing to you overall health. Emotional, physical, social, environmental, and intellectual wellness play a big role in your health.

As you reflect on 2020, think about how these areas of your life were impacted. Did COVID-19 leave you emotionally drained? Was your workout regimen or sleep affected? Did you struggle with social connections? Did you allow for a change of scenery? Did the economic downturn leave you jobless? If any of these resonate with you, we have wellness goals that will help your health and wellness thrive in 2021.

Play Video

Emotional Wellness Goals

2020 brought a whirlwind of emotions. Emotions are a strong feeling originating from a circumstance, mood, or relationship. These strong feelings can affect your emotional wellness. Emotional wellness is the ability to express feelings, adjust to emotional changes, cope with stress, and enjoy life.

Practice meditation or mindfulness through taking deep breaths, yoga, or enjoying a stroll through the park. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), adding the practice of meditation or mindfulness to your daily routine could help reduce stress, boost working memory, increase focus, create less emotional reactivity, increase cognitive flexibility, and generate relationship satisfaction.

Giving yourself time to breath and reflect on the emotions of the day will give you an understanding of why, how, and when certain emotions occur. Using a journal to record feelings and thoughts is a great way to reflect on the day. It not only helps you reflect, but it allows you to clear your mind.

Self-care is so important. If you’re not caring for yourself, how are you to care for others? Give yourself time. Whether it’s a daily ten-minute walk or a weekly nail appointment, practices of self-care can lift your spirit and emotions. Another daily self-care practice is speaking words of self-affirmations. Positive thoughts equal a positive mood and attitude.

Physical Wellness Goals

Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and preventative measures are all part of physical wellness. Our bodies are miraculous. Fueling them with healthy food, keeping them active, and providing them with rest creates balance and well-being.

Fueling the body with nutritious foods gives you energy and keeps the body moving. Opting for homemade meals over fast food, meal planning, or visiting a dietician or nutritionist are all ways to keep your body healthy.

Your body needs regular exercise and physical activity because it promotes a strong foundation – your muscles and bones. Create a workout routine. Start small with a weekly exercise routine and gradually increase to a daily routine. Find a workout buddy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when you work out with a buddy, you’re likely to feel more motivated, be more adventurous, and be more consistent. Get creative. Your local gym, YouTube, Pinterest, and the beautiful outdoors are all great resources for physical activity.

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), adequate sleep is necessary to fight off infection, support metabolism, perform well in school, or work effectively and safely. There are several goals you can set to ensure your body is getting the recommended 6-8 hours of sleep. Cut back on caffeine or limit TV and exercise at least a few hours before bedtime to allow your body and mind to relax.

Preventative care includes routine visits to the doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers. These visits allow you to stay healthy and receive more effective treatment. In addition, it helps reduce your overall medical expenses. Make it a goal to schedule your annual well-check with your family physician and your semi-annual check-ups with your dentist.

Social Wellness Goals

Social interaction promotes a sense of safety, belonging, and security. It’s also great for your brain health – lighting your mood and making you feel happier. Let’s face it, social distancing really put a damper on our social wellness in 2020. As you move into 2021, make a goal to rekindle social relationships whether “distantly” in person or via digitally.

Even though in-person interactions have been socially distanced, there are still several ways to help bridge the distance. Schedule a weekly check-in with family or friends by utilizing today’s tech tools and resources, such as Zoom, Facetime, or the plethora of social platforms. Get nostalgic, by phoning a friend or sending a handwritten letter or postcard to a family member.

Building new relationships is just as important as maintaining current relationships. Join a group where others share same interests. Platforms like Meetup offer a variety of interest groups (Friends of Nevada Wilderness; VegasHikers; Books, Brunch & Beyond) where you can meet new people, learn new things, get out of your comfort zone, and pursue your passions.

Environmental Wellness Goals

You interact with the environment constantly. According to ODPHP, maintaining a healthy environment is key to increasing the quality of your life and the years of a healthy life. How can you maintain environmental wellness?

Going green means to live life in a way that is friendly to the environment and sustainable to the earth. By practicing a green lifestyle, you have the ability to contribute to a cleaner breathing environment, safer food, and safer water systems. Practice go green acts such as recycling or working on making your home more energy efficient. Other ways to commit to a healthy Earth while also committing to your own health is replacing harsh chemical cleaners with natural alternatives and using personal products free of parabens and phthalates.

We’re often a product of our environment and let’s face it – we’re seeing more of the indoors these days than in the past. With COVID-19 forcing school online and work remotely, it’s been difficult to get fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery. Practicing a change of scenery could really uplift your well-being. Schedule time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Be adventurous and explore areas you haven’t seen before.

Clutter can create chaos. Studies have show that your well-being can be directly affected by the clutter in your life. An overflowing email box; a kitchen countertop covered with mail, appliances, and snacks; a garage baring two broken ladders, decorations from 1985, and childhood toys. It’s an unbearable sight and rather overwhelming to think about. Taking time to organize your environment can create calm and feelings of satisfaction. Whether it’s the overflowing email box or the garage full of surprises, make a goal to tackle the clutter in one area of your life.

Intellectual Wellness Goals

Intellectual wellness focuses on keeping your brain active and your intellect expanding. Engaging in creative and mentally stimulating activities nurtures curiosity and feeds the lifelong learner within you.

Just as your body needs to stay physically fit through exercise, your brain needs to do the same. Keep your mind sharp by playing brain games, mind teasers, puzzles, or memory-enhancing games.

COVID-19 left many jobless and on the hunt for a new job or career. Although it isn’t the ideal situation, it provides an opportunity for growth. Take time to learn something new, brush up on skills, or find things you’re truly passionate about. Taking an online computer course or learning a new language are great things to add to your resume. In addition, you might just learn something that opens additional opportunities.

Although it may be difficult to look back at 2020, take a moment to think about what you want to improve upon in the coming year. You can start fresh in 2021 and make your resolutions a reality. Remember to focus on areas that attribute to your wellness. Whether it is a weekly phone call with a friend to meet your social wellness goal or taking a daily 10-minute walk to meet your emotional and physical wellness goal – be specific about your goal, set a time limit, make it measurable, and write it down.

From all of us at RMG, we hope your 2021 is healthy, safe, and filled with joy!

Is scheduling your annual check-up with a family physician one of your physical wellness goals? We’re here to help. Call us at 702-463-4040 to schedule an appointment with one of our family medicine providers.

Article by Kristine Campo

Featured Healthcare Provider – Dr. KayLynn Bowman

Experienced Pharmacist Enhancing Patient Care

Dr. KayLynn Bowman, a practicing clinical pharmacist, has joined Roseman Medical Group to provide medication therapy management (MTM) to patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Dr. Bowman received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Roseman University of Health Sciences in 2007. In addition, she holds a Master of Science in Pharmacy, Medication Therapy Management from University of Florida (UF) and a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Master of Education Health Education, Health Care Administration from University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

Dr. Bowman’s combined education and 13 years of health and pharmacy experience has driven her passion to develop professional clinical services in the pharmacy setting that benefit both students and patients. She currently serves as a clinical adjunct faculty member for Roseman University’s College of Pharmacy and in 2017 the college awarded her Preceptor of the Year for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience.

Collaborative Care

As a clinical pharmacist, Dr. Bowman works with the providers at RMG as a critical part of the care team providing medication therapy management (MTM) for clients who have complex chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Because these diseases require multiple prescriptions with potential drug interactions, Dr. Bowman plays a vital role in the patient’s overall treatment and health outcomes.

Through MTM, Dr. Bowman identifies, prioritizes, and resolves medication related problems through actively collaborating with and empowering patients to take an active role in their health outcomes. Dr. Bowman states, “working with patients by educating them on how medications work and how to make healthier choices is my favorite part of being a pharmacist.”

As an integral part of the RMG team, Dr. Bowman focuses on patient education, medication management, and working directly with the practices’ primary care and neurology providers to develop patient care plans. In working collaboratively with the providers, Dr. Bowman helps minimize the impact of medication-related problems.

Enhancing Patient Care

Dr. KayLynn Bowman’s devotion to enhance patient care can be seen through her advocacy efforts. She finds inspiration in wanting to be a part of making a difference and changing the lives of people and communities, for the better. As an active member of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), she advocates for a greater focus on patient care outcomes. She’s a former chair and co-chair of the APhA Care for Underserved Patients SIG Education Committee – a committee focused on providing patient-centered care to underserved patient populations. In addition, Dr. Bowman is a member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and the Nevada Pharmacy Alliance.

Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and are using prescription or nonprescription medications, herbal products, and other dietary supplements? Do you need help in understanding your medications, controlling costs, and improving your overall health outcome? Dr. KayLynn Bowman in conjunction with Roseman Medical Group’s caring providers is here to help, call 702-463-4040 to schedule an appointment today.

Article by Kristine Campo