7 Reasons a Career in Health Care Might Be Right for You

At Central Ozarks Medical Center we know that those who work in the health care industry are attracted to it for a variety of reasons.  From our support staff to our medical providers at the Lake of the Ozarks, the draw may be different. Whether they like a constant change of pace and challenging work environment, or they prefer routine and organization, or they are compelled to make a difference in the lives of others, they can all find something that is a fit for them in the field of health care.  If you are curious about what a career in health care could look like for you, keep reading this blog.  We can’t wait to share 7 reasons it might be a great fit foryou!

1) Fulfilling – Make a Difference

When you choose a career in health care you are spending each day helping people in one way or another.  Having the skills and heart to make a difference in the lives of others goes further than your job.  It uplifts families and the community, directly and indirectly, through the overall improvement of health in the individuals you care for and the community as a whole.

2) Job Security – Always In-Demand

The need for health care will never go away, and as the Baby Boomer population ages, the needs are already increasing.  That being said, the skills you develop in your career in health care will always be in demand. 

3) Flexibility – Find Work Anywhere

Health care is a 24/7 all-encompassing field and there are numerous positions and types of work available.  Keep in mind health care includes mental and behavioral health as well as dental services.  There is a need for people with all levels of education and skillsets, with lots of options for upward mobility.  There is also demand for health care workers nationwide, which creates an opportunity to travel for work and find jobs in any state.

4) Earning Potential – Above Average         

Most health care jobs provide wages that are above average.  This is especially true with the high demand for health care workers right now.  In some areas, a job in health care can be the most readily available professional-level job attainable, and your options could be wide open as far as the type of work you want to do.

5) Choices – Jobs of All Kinds

When people think about a career in health care, the first job that comes to mind is nursing.  But a career in health care can be many different things.  As mentioned, it also covers mental, dental, and medical health. Working in health care may mean working with kids, working with the elderly, helping people prepare for surgery, working in intensive care, or it may be clerical work or cleaning.  No matter what your skillset, there is something in the health care field that you would be perfect at.

6) Variety – Every Day is Different

No two days are the same in health care.  There is always something new, and you are usually looking to solve a problem or help a situation in some way at any given moment.  You will get to employ your critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities on a constant basis and be able to learn and teach as you do.

7) Free Education & Training – Earn AND Learn

There are incredible resources out there including employer-funded and government programs that will help pay for your education in health care.  Because of increasing demands in health care and ever-changing technologies, incentives have been created to encourage employees to grow and enhance their skills.  That means you can get your education and earn a paycheck too!

At Central Ozarks Medical Center we know firsthand how fulfilling it is to make a difference in the lives and health of individuals and the communities where we live.  We are happy we made the choice to enter the field and provide health care services at the Lake of the Ozarks and we want to share that opportunity with others as well.  We are especially proud to operate each day on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality care regardless of insurance status.  We know from experience that it is not just what we do at Central Ozarks Medical Center, but how we do it that makes all the difference.  For all your medical, dental, and mental or behavioral health care at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for you. For more news and health-related tips, follow us on our social medial channels listed below!

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

                            Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties 

Providers Spotlight: The COMC Pediatric Team

As parents, you want the very best for your children, including healthcare. It's so important to have a pediatrician at the Lake of the Ozarks you can trust. Central Ozarks Medical Center has a great pediatric team, that we are happy to tell you about in this week's blog. Have any questions? Please call our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks today. All phone numbers and locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

The COMC Pediatricians

Kristen Theobald, DO
Kristen Theobald, DO, is a graduate of Truman State University, Kirksville, MO, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Kirksville, MO, as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.  Dr. Theobald completed her General Internship at the Moberly Regional Medical Center, Moberly, MO, and her Pediatric Residency at the Women and Children’s Hospital in Columbia, MO.

Dr. Theobald has been the collaborating physician for Kids Harbor I and II since 2012 and most recently practiced at Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly, MO.  She joined the Central Ozarks Medical Center group of providers in July of 2015.

Dr. Theobald is Board Certified in Pediatrics through the American Academy of Pediatrics, which she has been an active member of since 2006.

During her free time, Dr. Theobald enjoys golfing, swimming and spending time with her family.

Erin Rademan-Alonso, MSN, FNP-BC
Erin Rademan-Alonso graduated from University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She began her career at Barnes Jewish Hospital where she worked in a trauma & surgical unit. She later attended Texas Tech University where she completed a Master of Science in Nursing and became board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

While attending Graduate school, Erin worked as a nurse in a level I trauma & surgical intensive care unit at the University Hospital in Lubbock, TX. She later worked as a travel nurse in the medical intensive care unit at St. Mary’s hospital in Jefferson City, MO. In 2017, Erin was a recipient of the Daisy Award, a nationwide program that honors excellence in nursing.

Erin joined Central Ozarks Medical Center in November of 2017. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Laurie Sparr, DNP, FNP
Laurie graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Saint Louis University in May 2017.  The focus for her Doctorate was identifying the percentage of families in a federally funded pediatric clinic who reported not having enough food and helping to increase access to community resources for those families.  Laurie has worked in nursing for over 25 years in the areas of behavioral health, home healthcare, oncology, and case management.

Lauri is an active member of St. Louis Nurses in Advanced Practice, Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau International Nurses Honor Society of Nursing, and American Association of Nurse Practitioners.  She has presented posters related to Food Insecurity research at St. Louis Nurses of Advanced Practice symposium and the Sigma Theta Tau convention in Indianapolis in 2017.

Lauri is originally from northeastern Montana and has lived in the St. Louis area for the last 25 years.  She has been married for 29 years with 4 children ages 24 to 16.  Lauri enjoys spending time with family, friends, baking, reading, and volunteering in the school and community.

Jillynn Hull, FNP
Jillynn started her nursing career as a RN working primarily in Med/Surg and Peds, and also worked for 4 years as a school nurse for Eldon. She earned her NP from Maryville University and has worked in family practice for the past 4 years. Jillynn lives in Eldon with her husband of 17 years, Ski. They have 3 children; Teagen is 13, and twins Tinley and Talon are 11. In addition, they have 2 dogs and a cat.

Make Your Child's Appointment Today!

All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope you enjoyed getting to know our pediatricians a little better. You should have only the best of everything for your children. We make it a point to try and lead the way to healthier communities at the Lake of the Ozarks. To schedule your child's pediatric appointment, please visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org and take your pick of the pediatricians we have and call the appropriate number.


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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

For Appointments Call

573.765.5141
Richland

573.302.7490
Osage Beach

573.346.4446
Camdenton

573.765.2510
Dental


Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

Sugary Drinks to Avoid this Summer

With the hot summer sun beating down on you, you may want to quench your thirst with an ice cold soda. When you need a boost on energy at work, you may find yourself reaching for a coffee or energy drink. Sugar and caffeine are addictive, so after a while, it’s easy not to put much thought into what’s in your drink. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, our Lake of the Ozarks healthcare providers are here to help you make conscious healthy decisions. Here’s how much sugar is in your average sugary drink. You may rethink reaching for that soda, energy drink or coffee after you know what’s in it. To make an appoint at any one of our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks, please give us a call today. All of our Lake of the Ozarks health clinic locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

Soda 

According to the Food and Drug Administration, you shouldn’t consume over 50 grams of sugar a day. The hard truth is that the majority of sodas are only a few grams within the daily limit, meaning that when you pop open a can of soda, the large majority of your day’s preferred sugar intake is consumed within those 12 fluid ounces. And many fountain drinks come in larger sizes than that! At many fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, you can choose a large range of sizes when it comes to your soda—with the largest being sold at a certain convenience store measuring in at an entire GALLON of soda. Think about how much sugar is in that!

The idea of a fountain cup of soda holding an entire gallon of soda is a little mind boggling and you’re most likely not consuming that much soda in a day. However, in just 12 fluid ounces, most popular soda brands contain 37 to 46 grams of sugar. Most dark sodas fall between 40 to 50 grams of sugar and most light-colored sodas contain 30 to 40 grams of sugar. Meaning that drinking two cans of soda puts you well over the daily limit for sugar intake. While a soda every once in a while is acceptable for your health, try your best to cut down on daily soda consumption.

Energy Drinks 

Energy drinks provide a major boost of energy, but at what cost? Loaded up with both caffeine and sugar, the sugar that is found in one 16 fluid ounce energy drink typically exceeds the FDA’s recommended daily sugar intake count. Four of the popular energy drink brands have between 54 and 60 grams of sugar within one can. Some brands offer “mega” drink options that contain 84 grams of sugar! That’s almost two days worth of sugar in one drink.

While a kick of energy may be what you need to get through a hard day at work, the effect that energy drinks could have on your health may not be worth it. You don’t have to ditch your daily caffeine intake when you’re cutting back on energy drinks though. There are other healthier options for a caffeine boost that don’t have the drawbacks of a major sugar crash. These include green tea, black coffee, and caffeinated water.

Coffee Drinks 

Coffee is a common morning routine for many workers and students. While black coffee contains no sugar and is fairly healthy for you, the sugar count can add up quickly for popular coffee drinks that contain sweeteners like crème, milk, sugar, foam and some even contain whipped cream. These coffee drinks include (but are not limited to): lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffees, and macchiatos.

While these sweet drinks give you a delicious caffeinated kick to the day, they are loaded with sugar. You could be consuming close to your entire sugar intake before you even make it to work! Sixteen ounces (a medium drink) of a caramel macchiato is 33 grams of sugar, a vanilla latte contains 35 grams, an iced mocha with flavoring is 49 grams and one of those sweet blended frozen coffee drinks topped with whipped cream can have up to 71 grams of sugar. When grabbing your morning coffee, opt in for black coffee to cut out sugar. If the taste of a black coffee is a little too bitter for you, you can sweeten it with alternative milks like almond or coconut milk, or think outside of the box by adding honey or cinnamon.

We Can Help! 

Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we understand that it can be hard to break unhealthy habits sometimes, especially with the size of today’s serving sizes and the convenience of buying sugary drinks. We can help you create a plan for a healthy lifestyle. Stop by our mid-Missouri health clinics for a check-up today. Our multiple locations in the Lake of the Ozarks area can be found at www.CentralOzarks.org.

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

5 Tips to Quit Smoking

2018 is here! The New Year can motivate you to better yourself. One way you can do that is to quit smoking. If this is what you have decided to do, congratulations on making such a great decision! Quitting smoking may be difficult and stressful at times, but there are some tips you can try that may make the process a little easier on yourself. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips to hopefully help you quit smoking.

5 Tips to Quit Smoking

Tip # 1
It’s a New Year, get a new hobby.
Finding a new hobby can help keep you busy and distract yourself from wanting to smoke. For example, perhaps try: 

• Going to the movies
• Reading a new book
• Go for a walk 
• Start doing yoga

The point is to just keep yourself busy. You can also keep your mouth busy by chewing gum. This may make you less likely to smoke.

Tip # 2
Name your reason for quitting smoking and make it strong. 
You probably have a good reason for quitting smoking, whether it be for family, a new baby, or friends; stick by your reasons. Remember it so much that you aren’t motivated to try and start smoking again.

Tip # 3
Stay away from anything that can trigger you to smoke.
Throw away all old cigarettes and try to avoid areas where you know there will be a ton of people smoking. If you are serious about quitting smoking, you probably aren’t going to want that temptation in your life.

Tip # 4
Start exercising more.
Exercising can also help keep your mind off smoking. Get a steady exercise routine going. Stick with it and this can motivate you even more not to start smoking again because you probably aren’t going to want to lose all the progress you’ve made on improving your body.

Tip # 5
Start eating your favorite healthy snack more.
Whether you love carrots, celery, apples, bananas, or broccoli, find a healthy snack you enjoy. When you quit smoking, your appetite can increase. Keep your mouth busy with eating your favorite healthy snack, when you start to crave a cigarette. 

New Year, New You! Stay Healthy with Central Ozarks Medical Center

Again, Congratulations on deciding to quit smoking. We hope these tips help you on your journey to a smoke-free life. Our health clinics in Mid-Missouri are committed to leading the way to healthier communities and that can happen one person deciding to quit smoking at a time. Smoking can cause lung cancer, COPD, dental issues, and all sorts of problems, so stick to your plan and stay confident in yourself. If you are in need of a new healthcare provider at the Lake of the Ozarks, call one of our clinics listed below. Happy New Year to all!

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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

Unhealthy Habits to Avoid Around the Holidays

Christmas and New Year’s Day are so close and the excitement is stirring. With all of the excitement of the holidays stirring, bad habits can start. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks want you to have a very happy holiday season, but also to stay healthy AND happy. If you are in need of a health care professional at the Lake of the Ozarks you can trust, call one of the Central Ozarks Medical Center locations listed at the end of this blog. Keep reading for information regarding unhealthy habits to avoid around the holidays.

Unhealthy Habits to Avoid Around the Holidays

Unhealthy Habit # 1

Snacking when you are bored
Who’s guilty of snacking in between arriving at your holiday destination all the way until dinner is ready? The holidays are such a fun time of year, but you don’t have to let your diet slip away. If you are going to snack then try going for the veggie or fruit tray versus the holiday sweets.

Unhealthy Habit # 2

Not sleeping enough
If you are hosting Christmas or a New Year’s party at your home, chances are you have been running around busy preparing for your holiday party. Don’t forget to sleep! You still need 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, even around the holidays.

Unhealthy Habit # 3

Overindulging on your holiday meal
Holiday meals can be really be delicious but don’t overdo it. Save your leftovers and eat them the next day versus trying to eat everything in one sitting. No one wants a stomach ache the day after Christmas.

Unhealthy Habit # 4

Forgetting to sanitize
Everyone is likely gathering together for the holidays, everyone from the newborns to the elderly. More people bring more germs, so don’t forget to sanitize. Sanitize your hands before and after eating. Always wash your hands after using the restroom. With all of the excitement around the holidays, you are likely rushing around and you could easily forget to wash or sanitize your hands. It only takes a few minutes, so make the time to sanitize.

Happy Holidays from Central Ozarks Medical Center!

Our friendly healthcare staff at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. If you are in need of quality healthcare that is affordable and you don’t happen to have health insurance, then we have you covered. We accept patients with and without insurance and offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. All of our locations are community practices and serve everyone from newborns to the elderly. To make an appointment, call one of our health clinics listed below.

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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

November is National COPD Awareness Month

It's National COPD Awareness Month. According to Healthline, in 2010 alone, COPD claimed 134,676 lives. Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD and 10 million Americans had it in 2011. COPD is a serious disease and clearly affects a lot of people. In honor of National COPD Awareness Month, our mid-Missouri health clinics are here to help spread awareness about COPD. We found this great article by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute that strongly explains what COPD is and what can cause it.

Source: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/

What Is COPD?

Also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; chronic bronchitis; or emphysema.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Progressive means the disease gets worse over time.

COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of a slimy substance called mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. However, up to 25 percent of people with COPD never smoked. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants—such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dusts—also may contribute to COPD. A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency can also cause the disease.

Overview 

To understand COPD, it helps to understand how the lungs work. The air that you breathe goes down your windpipe into tubes in your lungs called bronchial tubes or airways.

Within the lungs, your bronchial tubes branch many times into thousands of smaller, thinner tubes called bronchioles. These tubes end in bunches of tiny round air sacs called alveoli.

Small blood vessels called capillaries run along the walls of the air sacs. When air reaches the air sacs, oxygen passes through the air sac walls into the blood in the capillaries. At the same time, a waste product, called carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, moves from the capillaries into the air sacs. This process, called gas exchange, brings in oxygen for the body to use for vital functions and removes the CO2.

The airways and air sacs are elastic or stretchy. When you breathe in, each air sac fills up with air, like a small balloon. When you breathe out, the air sacs deflate and the air goes out.

In COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways because of one or more of the following:

The airways and air sacs lose their elastic quality.
The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed.
The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.
The airways make more mucus than usual and can become clogged.

Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks hope you found this article enlightening. We also want you to know the symptoms of COPD.

COPD Symptoms

Symptoms of COPD include:

• Wheezing
• Tightness of chest
• Lack of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Blueness of lips
• Swelling of ankles
• Unintended weight loss
• Clearing of throat due to excess mucus in lungs
• Frequent respiratory infections
• A chronic cough where mucus may be produced

Get Healthy With Central Ozarks Medical Center

Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks hope you enjoyed this article. If you ever feel like you may have one of the symptoms of COPD listed above, consult with an experienced healthcare provider in Camden County. If you ever have any questions regarding your healthcare, call one of our clinics listed below.

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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

November is National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month. According to the Centers Disease Control and Prevention, 29 million Americans have diabetes and 1 in 4 don't know. These numbers are hard to see, but they are true. In honor of National Diabetes Month, our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to bring more awareness to diabetes. Central Ozarks Medical Center is here to give you some important information regarding diabetes, including more diabetes statistics and some key symptoms that could show someone might have diabetes.

Important Diabetes Statistics

Source: Centers Disease Control and Prevention

Key findings from the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014 (based on health data from 2012), include:

• 29 million people in the United States (9.3 percent) have diabetes.
• 1.7 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2012.
• Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native adults are about twice as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic white adults.
• 208,000 people younger than 20 years have been diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2).
• 86 million adults aged 20 years and older have prediabetes.
• The percentage of U.S. adults with prediabetes is similar for non-Hispanic whites (35 percent), non-Hispanic blacks (39 percent), and Hispanics (38 percent).

Diabetes is a serious disease that can be managed through physical activity, diet, and appropriate use of insulin and oral medications to lower blood sugar levels.  Another important part of diabetes management is reducing other cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and tobacco use.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Before we give the symptoms of diabetes, we must first distinguish a difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes, otherwise known as juvenile diabetes, can't produce insulin. People with type 2 diabetes aren't able to use insulin the right way, which can lead to an insulin deficiency.

Source: American Heart Association

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

• Blurred vision
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased urination
• Increased fatigue
• Increased appetite
• In certain cases, there are no symptoms
• Fruity breath or odor

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

• Sores that won't heal
• In certain cases, no symptoms
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Increased urination, especially at night

Central Ozarks Medical Center, Leading the Way to Healthier Communities

We here at our Mid-Missouri health clinics strive to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventative health care and to improve the healthcare status of underserved and vulnerable populations in Camden, Laclede, Miller and Pulaski Counties. We believe in providing quality healthcare to patients with or without health insurance. We offer a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. We offer a wide variety of services and have been providing quality healthcare in Missouri since 1979. To schedule an appointment, call one of our locations listed below.

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Your Life?

Do you have or know someone who has sleep apnea? It's fairly common and can actually impact your life and cause change, but the good news is that you CAN live with it. Our mid-Missouri health clinics want you to know the symptoms that tell you, you might have sleep apnea, what sleep apnea is, and how to treat it.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It can be very difficult to identify symptoms of sleep apnea since you are asleep, but you can have a sleeping partner help you or have your sleep recorded by a professional. These are some of the symptoms that could indicate you might have sleep apnea:

• Waking up in the night feeling short of breath
• Pauses in breath
• Loud and chronic snoring almost every night
• Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
• Being sleepy and feeling fatigued during the day, no matter how much time you spend in bed

Sleep Apnea Defined

Sleep apnea is a common, but serious sleep disorder that occurs when you're breathing is briefly interrupted when you are asleep. There are 3 types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea - This is the most common type of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep, blocking the airway, often causing you to snore loudly.

• Central Sleep Apnea - This is a much less common type of sleep apnea that involves the central nervous system.  This occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People who have central sleep apnea seldom snore.

• Complex Sleep Apnea - This is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

How Sleep Apnea is Treated

Treatment for sleep apnea has come a long way, so if in the past you were unhappy with treatment, you may be impressed now. Some of the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea include:

• CPAP
• Other breathing devices
• Dental devices
• Implants
• Surgery

Only seek these options if they are prescribed to you by a doctor. For other treatment options, consult a doctor.

In Need of Affordable Quality Healthcare?

Central Ozark Medical Center has a goal of keeping the lack of health insurance from being a roadblock to getting quality healthcare. Our mission is to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventative health care and to improve the healthcare 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. Central Ozarks Medical Center provides a broad set of services based on the needs of the communities we serve. We pride ourselves on offering quality healthcare that works best for your financial situation. If you are uninsured and would like to look at insurance options we have Assisters to help you navigate the process. 

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

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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