Central Ozarks Medical Center: October 2017

Friday, October 27, 2017

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to BreastCancer.org, about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Also, about 2470 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men by the end of this year. These statistics are troubling to see. In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to make you aware of different things you can do to try and reduce your risk of getting breast cancer, along with some screening and early detection tips.

Actions You Can Take To Reduce Your Risk of Getting Breast Cancer

Limit your alcohol consumption.

The more alcohol you consume, the greater your risk is of getting breast cancer. To be safe, generally the recommendation is to limit yourself to less than 1 drink per day.

Try to avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.

Different medical-imaging methods use high doses of radiation. Certain studies suggest that there could be a link between breast cancer and radiation exposure.

Get your exercise.

Being physically active on a continuous basis can help you maintain your weight, which can in return help reduce your risk of breast cancer. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you should complete 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week in addition to strength training twice a week.

Do not smoke.

Studies suggest that there is a link between smoking and breast cancer, especially in menopausal women.

Keep your weight under control.

Obesity or being overweight increases your chances of getting breast cancer, especially after menopause.

Screening and Early Detection

If you are over the age of 40, you should get a mammogram. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have family members who have family members who have had breast cancer. If they had breast cancer before reaching menopause, your own risk of breast cancer could be higher than the average.

Do You Not Have Health Insurance and Are Struggling to Find Quality Health Care Because Of It?

Central Ozarks Medical Center is here for you. We keep the lack of insurance from being a roadblock to quality healthcare. Our mission is to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventative health care and to improve the health care status of underserved and vulnerable populations in Camden, Laclede, Miller and Pulaski Counties. Our belief is that it is not just what we do here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, but how we do it that makes all the difference. If you are in need of a health care professional at the Lake of the Ozarks you can trust, call one of our locations today to make an appointment. Our different locations and phone numbers are listed below.

Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

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For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 -- Richland
573.302.7490 -- Osage Beach
573.346.4446 -- Camdenton
573.317.9200 -- Stone Castle
573.765.2510 -- Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

Friday, October 20, 2017

It's National Dental Hygiene Month!

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Central Ozarks Medical Center has a dental center located in Richland, MO. Our professional dentists at the Lake of the Ozarks area would like to give some friendly dental hygiene tips in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month. In this blog, you will find 5 dental hygiene tips you can use for a more thorough clean.

5 Dental Hygiene Tips for a More Thorough Clean

1. Use the proper tooth brushing technique.

Just brushing your teeth in a very quick way doesn't always cut it. There may be left over food particles. Your teeth also may not look very polished. Start brushing your teeth at a 45 degree angle and use short back and forth strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth. Then, hold the brush at a vertical angle use several shorter strokes and focus on the backs of your teeth of the front anterior teeth since that's where plaque builds up often.

2. Brush your teeth often enough.

The ADA recommends that you brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day.

3. Be sure you choose the right brush.

Pick a toothbrush that can reach into the crevices of your molars, where food and debris can often hide after you eat. The International Dental Health Association shows that most adults need a small or medium sized toothbrush for this purpose.

4. Floss in the proper way.

Use a piece of floss up to 18 inches in length. This can allow you to use a fresh area of floss for every few teeth without inserting bacteria you just removed.

5. Use the right mouthwash.

Mouthwash can go where toothbrushes and floss can't in order to get rid of the same debris that irritates the gum line and can cause gingivitis. Add using mouthwash to your daily oral care routine. Doing this can help you to get the most thorough clean you can, even when you are traveling. If you need a recommendation for mouthwash, consult with one of our experienced dentists at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Check Out Our Richland Dental Center!

Our Richland Dental Center is located at 304 W. Washington Ave in Richland, MO. It is open during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday each week. The services offered there include family dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and dentures/restorative services. To make an appointment with an experienced dental provider at the Richland Dental Center, call 573.765.2510.

Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Friday, October 13, 2017

5 Helpful Tips to Deal With Your Menopause Symptoms

It's World Menopause Month. So many women deal with menopause in their everyday lives. It may be difficult, but it can be done. Whenever you enter into menopause, you may not realize what's happening to your body. In honor of world menopause month, Central Ozark Medical Center will explain the symptoms of menopause and give 5 helpful tips to deal with your symptoms of menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause

Symptoms you may experience that could mean you are entering into menopause could include:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Irregular periods
Loss of libido
Vaginal Dryness
Mood swings
Hair loss or thinning
Fatigue
Sleep disorders
Difficulty concentrating
Memory lapses
Dizziness
Weight gain
Incontinence
Bloating
Allergies
Brittle nails
Changes in body odor
Irregular heartbeat
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Panic disorder
Breast pain
Headaches
Joint pain
Burning tongue
Electric shock sensation
Digestive problems
Gum problems
Muscle tension
Itchy, crawly skin
Tingling extremities
Osteoporosis

5 Helpful Tips to Deal With Your Symptoms of Menopause

1. Eat Foods That Have Plenty of Calcium and Vitamin D

Hormonal changes that can happen during menopause can cause your bones to weaken. This can lead to osteoporosis. Foods high in vitamin D and calcium are linked to good bone health, so it's essential that you eat plenty of these types of foods. For calcium-rich foods, try eating foods or drinking liquids such as:

yogurt
milk
cheese
kale
tofu
beans
sardines

For foods with Vitamin D, try eating:

oily fish
eggs

2. Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

It can be very common to gain weight during menopause. According to healthline, one study of 17,473 postmenopausal women found that those who lost at least 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of weight or 10% of their body weight over a year were more likely to eliminate hot flashes and night sweat.

3. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

Eating lots of fruits and vegetable can help prevent many menopause symptoms. Fruits and vegetable can be low in calories, so that helps with weight loss and maintenance. Fruits and vegetables have also been known to help prevent heart disease. This is significant because the risk of heart disease tends to increase after menopause.

4. Avoid "Trigger Foods"

There are foods that can trigger hot flashes, such as foods or drinks that contain:

alcohol
caffeine
foods that are spicy or sugary

5. Exercise on a Regular Basis

Regular exercise can lead to:

improved energy
improved metabolism
healthier joints
healthier bones
better sleep
decreased stress

Need a Women's Health Provider at the Lake of the Ozarks Who Listens to You and Provides Care for your Specific Needs?

Central Ozarks Medical Center Physicians recognize the unique medical needs of women and provide a variety of medical services designed with you in mind. Through each stage of your life, COMC physicians tailor wellness and preventative care to meet you where you are.

Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Friday, October 6, 2017

3 Unique Benefits of Working in the Healthcare Field

Working in healthcare can be really rewarding. If you enjoy helping people and have a knack for learning more and more every day about the growing industry of healthcare, then it may for you! Our healthcare clinics in mid-Missouri are here to give you 3 unique benefits of working in the healthcare field.

3 Unique Benefits of Working in the Healthcare Field

1. Fantastic career stability and steady earnings

Healthcare facilities are known to be very busy, which means typically you will get to work full hours because you are constantly needed. This shows that you can make steady earnings while working in the healthcare field. In addition, there are typically plenty of opportunities to move up in your field when working in healthcare. Teamwork and great skills are very much appreciated in the healthcare field. So, as long as you work well with your team and do your job well, you typically have a better chance of moving up quickly.

2. Helping your community out

As stated earlier, careers in health care can be really rewarding. Not only are you helping patients but you are helping your community as a whole. For example, Central Ozark Medical Center aims to lead the way to healthier communities. Part of what goes behind leading the way to healthier communities is hosting events such as all of the free shot fairs we have going on right now. We don't charge for any of these services, we simply are giving people free flu shots who need it. We are currently in flu season so there is definitely a need for it right now.

3. A stimulating and fast moving work environment

Healthcare is constantly changing, whether a new cure is found or a new disease is discovered. There's always something new to learn. There will also always be those people who are ill and need your help. Typically, when they need your help, they need it quickly which can make for a fast-moving work environment that can keep you on your toes. If you are up for a challenge, then healthcare is for you!

Interested in Working for an Equal Opportunity Employer?

Central Ozarks Medical Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center and strives to deliver quality healthcare to our communities. As a FQHC, we are non-profit and focus on medically underserved communities and bringing affordable healthcare to all. Call today to see what positions we may be hiring for.

Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare