It’s National Nutrition Month!
Let’s face it, we all could be doing a little (or a lot) more to live healthier lives. It’s good to know that there are people out there that want to help us get on the right path! Here are some organizations that are helping us get motivated and learn tricks and tips to getting healthier.
It’s been 5 years since First Lady Michelle Obama launched her “Let’s Move” campaign. This initiation encourages children (however, people of all ages should take up these healthy habits!) to get active and eat better for healthier lives. View their “Cheers to Five Years of Let’s Move!” blog post and also facts, ways to eat healthy, get active and more!
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is helping to celebrate National Nutrition Month by giving us “Ten Ways to Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle During [and after] National Nutrition Month”. They provide motivation to staying healthy such as, eating right and exercising to win a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. Another motivator would be, putting yourself out there and using our First Lady’s “Let’s Move” #GimmeFive hashtag to document your healthy actions on social media. Read the rest of the tips, motivators and nutrition advice here.
Don't think you have time to work out? The Columbus Dispatch demonstrates different ways to exercise at your desk while you are in the office. View the article here. Maybe, you don't have a lot of experience
exercising. Today's Pulse lists the best low-impact exercises for
beginners. Click Here.
Dentistry’s partnership role in achieving total health for our patients
By Theodore E. Wymyslo MD, FAAFP
Chief Medical Officer, Ohio Association
of Community Health Centers
Comprehensive, coordinated healthcare is the hallmark of the new model of care many of you have been hearing about around Ohio – the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). In this model of patient care, managing the patient’s total health means addressing their biological, psychological and social needs, many of which occur when the patient is not in your office. Being patient-centered entails designing your system to be available and easily utilized by patients according to THEIR needs, schedules and definitions – not around the convenience of the providers. The term “home” refers to where all the known health information on the patient resides – the collection of data and communications from ALL the points of health contact in the community. For the PCMH model to work, there must be a sense of TEAM among all providers so that each knows what the other is doing, and so they can effectively co-manage decisions with the patient as partner. In order to be effective, its communications must extend beyond its own walls and into the rest of the community into the Patient-Centered Medical Neighborhood.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can be a useful tool for this information exchange, but only if the various health providers can push and pull information with the primary care office where the total health Dentistry’s partnership role in achieving total health for our patients information resides. This process allows the dental practice to reinforce health advice and plans of the primary care practice, inject their own oral health plan into the patient’s personal plan of care, and make joint health decisions with the primary care provider (PCP) to optimally benefit the whole patient. Similarly, the PCP reinforces the oral health plan of care to enhance patient adherence.
Many feel expanding the role of the dental office in the total health of patients presents a wonderful opportunity to more effectively address the cause of 70 percent of premature death and chronic disease prevalence in our population – lifestyle choices. All of us in health care need to be engaged in the solution to this problem if we hope to be successful. Indeed, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has undertaken a new direction with this challenge in mind … that of “Creating a Culture of Health in America.” They anticipate this will be a 20 year effort – one whole generation – to realize the culture change we need to get our entire population focused on optimizing health and well-being, rather than treating illness and trying to correct the adverse effects that poor lifestyle choices have had on our patients.
Unless the health professions all join together in this effort and utilize a system of care that facilitates patient co-management and care coordination, it is unlikely we will be successful in battling the epidemics of obesity, inactivity and addiction that plaque our population today.
So I will challenge dentistry to keep expanding its focus by joining with the PCMH model of care in addressing the total health of the patient – their biopsychosocial well-being. Help us reinforce the importance of good nutrition, encourage greater physical activity, confront and discourage addictions of all types, pay attention to the safety of relationships and housing, reinforce the importance of immunizations, be aware of fluoride in the water and lead in the paint in our patients’ communities, and be sure your patient is part of a coordinated health care delivery system. I will similarly challenge medical health care providers to increase their efforts to achieve good oral health, reinforcing your guidance given to your dental patients when they visit our medical practices. Only by all health professions working together as a team, with the patient, can we achieve the culture change we look for and need to achieve in America.
Dr. Wymyslo will present “Dentistry’s Role in the Patient-Centered Medical Home Model of Care” at the ODA Leadership Institute on March 28. Leadership Institute is March 27-28. Visit oda.org/events for more information and to register.
The Importance of Oral Health: Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women have many things to think about, but it’s also important for them to “think teeth.” The health of a woman’s teeth is actually linked to the health of her child. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has an excellent, free-to-order flyer that can be used by dental clinics, community health centers, WIC clinics and other settings to educate women about protecting their teeth and gums.
Education is crucial because four out of 10 pregnant women have tooth decay or some form of gum disease. That decay and disease can impact her child. Some studies have found an association between periodontal (gum) disease and pre-term or low-birth weight babies. In addition, women with poor dental health have the potential to transmit cavity-causing bacteria to their children. Doing so raises kids’ risk of tooth decay.
Dental health for pregnant women is important, yet often overlooked. Some women mistakenly believe they should not receive dental care during pregnancy. Dentists may also believe that patient care should be delayed during pregnancy. In a survey of obstetricians and gynecologists, 77% said their patients had reported being declined dental services due to pregnancy.
However, this goes against strong evidence that dental care is safe — and recommended — during pregnancy. In 2013, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued recommendations that "women should be counseled about the maintenance of good oral health as well as the safety and importance of oral health care during pregnancy."
Pregnant women in some states are eligible for free dental coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Children enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP are covered for dental services.
The CMS flyer mentioned earlier can be ordered in large quantities for free. It offers tips for pregnant women’s dental care, and it encourages them to see if they’re eligible for Medicaid enrollment. Share the handout today to help educate pregnant women about oral health.
Blog post provided by: Children's Dental Health Project
Spread the word:
Twitter- use hashtag #ThinkTeeth
Materials- here are some free educational materials
Colon Cancer | Catching it Early
Guest Blog by Anna Fetzer, MPH Senior Manager, Primary Care for the American Cancer Society
For many, March means the beginning of spring, but for those in the health care profession, March has another important beginning: colon cancer awareness month. While colon cancer incidence rates have dropped 30 percent in the U.S. over the last 10 years among adults 50 and older, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, despite being highly preventable, detectable and treatable. If the good news is that colon cancer is preventable and treatable when found early, the bad news is that only 65% of adults age 50 to 75 are up-to-date with the recommended screening for colorectal cancer, meaning that 23 million adults are not getting tested as recommended.
While awareness of colon cancer screening is high, the fact remains that colonoscopies and other screening tests for colon cancer are perceived as invasive, embarrassing, uncomfortable, unpleasant, and expensive. The American Cancer Society is here to help health care professionals understand patient barriers to getting screened and to help them overcome those barriers. Working together, we want to spread the message that there are screening options available, including simple take home options, and that everyone should talk to their doctor or health care professional about getting screened.
Earlier this year, the OACHC made a pledge to increase colorectal screening rates by supporting the 80% by 2018 initiative, led by the American Cancer Society, the CDC and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. We are excited to partner with OACHC and you on this important campaign and hope it will lead to more collaboration and success in providing colorectal screening options to your patients.
There are five things that you can do to be a part of 80% by 2018:
- Understand the power of the physician recommendation. Recommend colorectal screening to your patients ages 50 and older, as well as to younger patients at an increased risk of disease. They may need to start screening at an earlier age.
- Measure the colorectal cancer screening rate in your practice; it may not be as high as you think.
- Use evidenced-based practice changes to systematize screening in your office. More screening doesn’t have to mean more work for you.
- Understand the screening options for colorectal cancer. Educate your patients and staff on the various testing options.
- Make sure that patients and staff understand that most insurance companies are required to cover colorectal cancer screening.
80% by 2018
The 80% by 2018 handout
The American Cancer Society has many resources on how to increase screening rates in practice. A great place to start is cancer.org/colonmd. For more information about the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable and 80% by 2018, go to: http://nccrt.org/tools/80-percent-by-2018/.
The 80% by 2018 initiative is an extraordinary effort, and we can all do our part toward eliminating colon cancer as a major health problem. Thanks for all you do to improve the health of those in your communities every day, and thank you for helping to spread the message of the importance of colon cancer screening.
2015 OACHC Annual Conference
Overview
OACHC is happy to present the 2015 Annual Conference: Helping All Communities Live Healthier Lives. This 3 day event is shaping up to be our largest event yet with close to 50 exhibitors, about 40 presenters and 220 registered attendees.
This conference will start with the OACHC Meeting of the Board of Directors on Monday afternoon, March 9th. Directly followed by a Board of Directors reception.
The conference will kick off for all attendees bright and early Tuesday morning with a legislative update, bringing you the latest information on the legislation impacting your health center and your patients. Following the plenary update, the conference will split in to breakout sessions featuring multiple offerings in finance, clinical, workforce, outreach, dental, board and administrative tracks.
Following your Tuesday breakout sessions we invite you to relax and network with your peers and our exhibitors at our Tuesday Welcome Reception (Sponsored by Cardinal). We will be offering complimentary refreshments and ample ambiance for great conversation.
Wednesday morning we continue our educational breakout sessions in the morning and reconvene for a keynote session and lunch. Dr. Miller will be presenting a session on successfully integrating behavioral health. The conference ends at 2:00pm Wednesday, giving you ample time to get home safely.
Check out what is new this year!
- Multiple 202 offerings will be available on Tuesday to those attendees who are more advanced learners.
- The conference will feature one reception that will be held on Tuesday evening. (OACHC's Legislative Day will be held April 15th)
- Two full days of the Dental Track with CDEs offered.
Continuing Education
- CEU Elective Credits: up to 9.75 hours AAFP #68425
- Certificate of Participation:up to 9.75 hours
- CPE Credit: Potential of 6.5 hours
- CDE Credit: Potential of 6.5 hours
Great Location
The 2015 Annual Conference is located just a hop, skip and a jump away from fun and activities at the Hilton Polaris. The Polaris Fashion Plaza is a great destination point full of food, shopping and more! After a fulfilling day of learning at the 2015 Annual Conference you will have a blast in this hot location! Enjoy a fun evening of upscale bowling at Star Lanes Polaris just across the road from your hotel. If you are looking for great places to eat near the conference, you have the bustling brewery/sports bar, BJ’s Brewhouse. Or, perhaps you are looking for the fine dining experience such as Eddie Merlot’s or Michelle’s Steakhouse. There are food and attractions for any taste you might have, whether it be California Pizza, a Bistro, Cheesecake, an Italian grill and more!
Not registered!? Don't miss out!
We accept onsite registrations at the conference! Just fill out the registration form and bring payment with you to the conference registration desk.
More Ohioans Are Benefiting from Health Insurance
2015 Open Enrollment (OE2) “officially” ended Sunday, February 15. With 234,507 Ohioans re-enrolling or signing up for the first time for Marketplace coverage, this represents a 51 percent increase over last year’s total.
OE2 Fast Facts:
- On February 15 alone, more people signed up for coverage than on any other day during this year’s Open Enrollment or last
- Eight in ten consumers had the option of coverage for as little as $100/month
- Across the country there are 10 million less people uninsured from 2013-2014
Eligible consumers still have an opportunity to gain Marketplace coverage.
Last week, three Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) were announced:
“In-line” SEP
For consumers unable to enroll in coverage through the Marketplace at the end of Open Enrollment (February 15) because of technical issues or long Call Center wait times.
Consumers eligible for the SEP:
- Are not currently enrolled through the Marketplace
- Have not been terminated from Marketplace coverage during OE2
- Attest that they attempted to enroll during OE2, but did not complete the process (“in line”) by February 15, 2015 because they experienced:
- a technical issue with HealthCare.gov that prevented them from completing enrollment by February 15, or
- an extensive Call Center wait on February 13, 14 or 15
- This SEP started February 16, 2015 and ends February 22, 2015.
- Enrollments completed during this SEP will have a coverage effective date of March 1, 2015.
- Eligible consumers can activate the SEP via the Call Center or HealthCare.gov.
Tax-related SEP
Consumers that found out they must pay the Shared Responsibility Payment (fine) because they did not have coverage in 2014 are eligible for a SEP if they:
- Live in states with a Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM),
- Are not currently enrolled in 2015 Marketplace coverage,
- Attest that when they filed their 2014 tax return they paid the fee for not having health coverage in 2014, and
- Attest that they first became aware of, or understood the implications of, the Shared Responsibility Payment after the end of open enrollment (February 15, 2015) in connection with preparing their 2014 taxes.
- This SEP does not apply to consumers who do not have to pay the penalty but are subject to reconciliation and have to repay APTCs.
- This SEP begins on March 15 and ends on April 30.
- Consumers who qualify must complete the entire enrollment process (that is, including selecting a plan) by 11:59 pm on April 30, 2015.
SEP for consumers that don’t received Medicaid denials until after Open Enrollment:
If consumers applied for coverage through the Marketplace or Ohio benefits and found out they were denied for Medicaid or CHIP, they may eligible for a SEP. Consumers have 60 days from their Medicaid determination date to renew.
MEDICAID
In addition to Ohioans gaining health insurance through the Marketplace, another 471,340 Ohioans enrolled in the Medicaid program through January 16. Last year 526,378 Ohioans enrolled in Medicaid.
Eligible residents can enroll in Medicaid year round.
At this time, many beneficiaries are receiving notices that they must complete and send in the redetermination information required to verify their continued eligibility in the Medicaid Program. Ohio’s FQHC CACs can help with this process. Please click here to find a CAC nearby. (LINK TO PDF OF CACs)
LOOKING AHEAD
Open Enrollment 3 (2016) dates were released last week.
November 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016 will give consumers three full months to shop and according to HHS, will “aid consumers in finding a health plan that best suits their needs.”
Rules for OE3 clarify standards for qualified health plan (QHP) issuers to publish up-to-date, accurate, and complete provider directories and formularies. Issuers also must make this information available in standard, machine-readable formats.
In addition, there are rules around better transparency, premium stabilization programs, formularies, interpreter services and SHOP. The final rule was placed on display at the Federal Register on February 20 and can be found here
TALKING TO YOUR PATIENTS ABOUT VACCINES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
It's all over the news and many people are in search of more information. It is important that if people have questions they get the facts and are not getting the information from an untrustworthy source. It is up to health care providers to provide the facts and evidence to their patients to make sure they are not getting misinformed about the pros and cons of vaccines.
STATE THE FACTS
Health Care Workers
aren't the only ones that need to help spread the facts. It is
imperative that officials making public statements are getting accurate
information from reputable sources before speaking on such subjects.
AAP released a press release urging public officials to cite credible science when discussing measles stating:
“A
measles outbreak has grown to more than 100 people in 14 states. As
public officials discuss the outbreak and the immunizations that could
have prevented it, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges each of them
to research the issue first, using credible, science-based sources of
information. It is incumbent on public officials to speak from the facts
when shaping public perception and policy. This is crucial when it
comes to our children's health and safety.
Getting
the measles vaccine is much safer than getting the measles infection… of people who get measles, 1 or 2 in 1,000 will die.”
PROTECT YOURSELF WITH VACCINATIONS
In the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Blog Post "The Fight Against Measles Starts with Vaccination" they stated:
"Measles is still common in other parts of the world and can be brought into the United States anytime by a person who gets infected in another country. In recent years, many measles cases have been brought into the United States from common U.S. travel destinations, such as England, France, Germany, India, and, during 2014, from the Philippines and Vietnam. Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected. Pockets of unvaccinated communities are especially at risk for large outbreaks.
While most people in this country are protected against measles through vaccination, the current outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination, as the majority of the adults and children in the outbreak reportedly either did not get vaccinated or did not know whether they had been vaccinated. One thing we are most certain of, the measles vaccine is safe and very effective. Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective, and even one dose is 93% effective.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, talk with your doctor. By making sure everyone is protected against measles, we can help prevent measles from getting a foothold in this country again."
FAQS
The CDC put together some FAQs about measles for people searching for more information. They answer questions like these:
Q: Why have there been more measles cases in the United States in recent years?
A:
In 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014, there were more reported measles cases
compared with previous years. CDC experts attribute this to:
- More
measles cases than usual in some countries to which Americans often
travel (such as England, France, Germany, India, the Philippines and
Vietnam), and therefore more measles cases coming into the US, and/or
- More spreading of measles in U.S. communities with pockets of unvaccinated people.
For details about the increase in cases by year, see Measles Outbreaks.
Q: How effective is the measles vaccine?
A:
The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is
about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus and
two doses are about 97% effective.
RESOURCES FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND TALKING TO YOUR PATIENTS ABOUT IMMUNIZATIONS:
HANDOUTS AND INFORMATION TO GIVE TO YOUR PATIENTS:
HOWEVER, THE MEASLES VACCINATION ISN'T THE ONLY IMPORTANT VACCINE TO KNOW ABOUT AND TO INFORM YOUR PATIENTS ABOUT.
The goal of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Immunization Program is
to reduce and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases among Ohio's
children, adolescents and adults.
The ODH Immunization Program seeks to prevent 17 vaccine-preventable diseases (listed below) with
currently available vaccines:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTap or Tdap depending on age)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Meningococcal (meningitis)
- Pneumococcal (PCV)
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Zoster (shingles- adults only)
