March is National Caffeine Awareness Month!

Caffeine can act as a stimulant for your nervous system. Just like with anything, too much caffeine can cause health problems you don’t want, so it’s important to be aware of how much caffeine is in certain products you may consume on a daily basis. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a breakdown of how much caffeine is in a few popular drinks people in the U.S. consume pretty regularly.

How Much Caffeine Is In…?

According to https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html:

“Most people consume caffeine from drinks. The amounts of caffeine in different drinks can vary a lot, but it is generally…”

• An 8-ounce cup of coffee: 95-200 mg
• A 12-ounce can of cola: 35-45 mg
• An 8-ounce energy drink: 70-100 mg
• An 8-ounce cup of tea: 14-60 mg

How Do You Know How Much Caffeine is TOO Much?

Also, according to https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html:

“For most people, it is not harmful to consume up to 400mg of caffeine a day. If you do eat or drink too much caffeine, it can cause health problems, such as

• Restlessness and shakiness
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Rapid or abnormal heart rhythm
• Dehydration
• Anxiety
• Dependency, so you need to take more of it to get the same results

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others.”

In the Spirit of Being Healthy with Your Caffeine Consumption, Check Out These Healthy Tea Recipes:

Source: https://www.asweetpeachef.com/4-healthy-iced-teas-recipes/

Lemon Basil Iced Tea

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
6 fresh basil leaves
2 green tea bags
3 cups hot water
raw honey, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the lemon slices, fresh basil leaves, and green tea bags to a 1-quart mason jar or pitcher.
Pour hot water into the mason jar, and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Then, remove the tea bags.
Place into the fridge to completely chill for 3-4 hours for the flavors to release.

Coconut Lime Iced Tea

INGREDIENTS

2 black tea bags
1/2 lime, thinly sliced
3 cups coconut water, heated
raw honey, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the black tea bags and sliced lime to a 1 quart mason jar or pitcher.
Pour heated coconut water into the mason jar, and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Then, remove the tea bags.
Place into the fridge to completely chill for 3-4 hours for the flavors to release.

If You Suspect That You May Have Overdosed on Caffeine, Contact Your Health Care Provider ASAP

If you are in need of a new health care provider at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Central Ozarks Medical Center. We have several locations throughout the area. Call one of our clinics listed below to schedule your appointment today and see the difference that quality healthcare can make.
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
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

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Doctor

Choosing a new doctor can be challenging. Whether you have moved to a new area, had a recent falling out with your current doctor, or have just never claimed a primary provider, change can be intimidating. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks understand that which is why Central Ozarks Medical Center is here to give you a few factors to consider when choosing a new doctor.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Doctor

Factor #1
Find out what the doctor's availability is.
If the doctor you are considering can only see patients during the week, but you are only available on weekends, then that's not going to work. Look for a doctor can see you during the time you are available.

Factor #2
Pay attention to your comfort level around this doctor.
The doctor you choose to be your primary provider will likely be the person to treat any long-term illnesses you may have in the future. It's important you feel comfortable around him or her. What was his or her personality like? Did he or she speak in a way you could understand? Did he or she answer all of your questions?


"The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease." - William Osler

Factor #3
Refer to your health insurance to see what doctors are in your network.
You may have a very strict health insurance network and not even realize it. Check with your health insurance company to see which providers are in your network or call the clinic or doctors office you plan to visit ahead of time and ask.

Factor #4
Consider feedback from others.
When choosing a new doctor, ask around. Check with friends and family members to see what they have heard about this new doctor.

Factor #5
Check out the scheduling policies at the doctor's office.
Some offices may offer same day appointment setting and some may not. Ask these types of questions when choosing a new doctor.

In Need of a New Doctor?

Visit with the doctors at Central Ozarks Medical Center. 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 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.  Our providers see patients of all ages for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and ailments.  For more information about our providers, visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org or 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

Switching Doctors? 9 Questions To Ask

Most people don't seem to realize this, but as the patient, you are in control of your relationship with your doctor. Your doctor is working for you - if you are not happy with the care you are receiving, switching to a different provider is completely within your rights. 

If you are contemplating switching to a different provider, asking certain questions can be a great way to determine whether or not your new provider will be the right fit. The answers to these questions can help you determine whether or not your new Lake of the Ozarks doctor will be a good fit for you and your family.

1. Is The Technology Up-To-Date?
How current is the equipment at your new facility? Will you have access to the advances of modern healthcare technology?

2. How Accessible Is The Practice?
How long is the drive to the hospital or clinic? If there is an emergency, will you be able to receive treatment in a timely manner?

3. Who Will Be Providing The Majority Of Your Care?
Will your new doctor provide many of your needed services him/herself, or will he/she frequently refer you to an outside specialist?

4. Does The Doctor/Clinic Have A History Of Malpractice Claims?
Do a little digging to see if you can learn the legal history of your new practice. Even good doctors can make mistakes now and then, but if your new clinic or provider has a history of many claims or unsatisfied patients, you will probably want to look elsewhere.

5. How Long Does It Take To Get An Appointment?
Is there a long waiting list? If you are in need of urgent attention, will your new provider be able to accommodate?

6. Will The New Clinic Work With Your Insurance Company?
Insurance companies can be rather selective about the providers/hospitals they have in their networks. It's important to find out whether or not the care you receive from your new provider will be covered by your plan.

7. Is The Staff Courteous?
Do you feel welcomed when you walk in the door? Are you treated with respect? Your doctor isn't the only person you will have contact with at your new clinic, so it's important that you are comfortable with the rest of the staff.

8. Can You Receive Care After Hours?
Life is unpredictable. Quality medical care shouldn't be limited to standard business hours. Find out what your new practice's policy is on evening and weekend appointments.

9. How Do You Feel About Your New Doctor?
This is arguably the most important question you can ask yourself. While it's important to think through your decision logically, choosing your new doctor is an emotional decision as well. As you meet with your new provider for the first time, tap into your subconscious and evaluate how you feel in the presence of your new provider. Does he respect your needs? Does he address your concerns? Does he answer your questions in a way that is easy to understand? Do you feel comfortable and safe in his presence? 

Looking For A New Provider? Consider COMC!

At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we pride ourselves on providing patient-driven care. Our providers and our medical staff make a point to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care we can give them. If you are considering switching healthcare providers at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would be honored if you would consider setting up an appointment at our clinic nearest to you. You deserve the best, and it is our goal to provide you with nothing less!

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