Central Ozarks Medical Center

Friday, March 16, 2018

Spring Allergies 101

Don’t let allergies ruin your spring this year. Put a stop to them. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips to help you ditch those allergies and have fun enjoying this beautiful weather with your family. If you do find yourself struggling with allergy-like symptoms and can’t seem to get rid of them, give Central Ozarks Medical Center a call at one of our convenient locations. You will find the phone numbers listed at the end of this blog. Keep reading for some helpful tips for dealing with spring allergies.

Tips for Dealing with Spring Allergies

Tip #1
Limit your outdoor activity.
You have a larger chance of either getting allergy symptoms or worsening your current symptoms by going outside. For example, look at the following activities you may do outside in the spring, such as:

Swimming
Running
Walking
Sports
Fishing
Easter Egg Hunts
Gardening
And so much more…

Do everything you can to limit your time outside. For example, host an indoor Easter egg hunt or choose to run on your treadmill or go the gym. Doing so can keep you away from the pollen outside a little more.

Tip #2
Drink your H2O!
As they say, you should drink half your body weight in ounces when it comes to water. Water can help flush out your system and can prevent your body from creating as much mucus.

Tip #3
Remove allergens from your body with a good shower.
Shower after you’ve come in from outside and wash off all of the allergens you may have picked that landed in your hair or on your skin.

Tip #4
A good cup of tea can go a long way.
The steam from a hot cup of tea can help open your nasal passages and clear your sinuses.

Tip #5
Shut your windows and doors.
You are letting the allergens in your home by leaving your windows and doors open in the spring. We understand that it’s tempting to do so with it being so nice outside, but if you are trying to beat spring allergies, closing your windows and doors helps.

Put a Real Spring in Your Step and Best These Allergies with Central Ozarks Medical Center

Allergies are no fun for anyone and are healthcare providers at the Lake of the Ozarks understand that and we are here for you. Central Ozarks Medical Center has been providing quality healthcare in Central Missouri since 1979. Central Ozarks Medical Center’s staff members are committed to leading the way to healthier communities. If you are having trouble beating your allergies and you have consistently had symptoms that won’t go away, we urge you to make an appointment with one of our healthcare professionals to see what’s going on. You may reach any of our health clinics by calling the phone number associated with the clinics listed below. We wish you a Happy Spring!

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

Friday, March 9, 2018

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

Friday, March 2, 2018

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

Friday, February 23, 2018

February is National Snack Food Month!

February is National Snack Food Month and in light of that our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a couple of great healthy snack recipes to try that we found online. If eating healthy and sticking with it is one of your goals for 2018 then this blog is for you! Keep reading for 2 healthy snack recipes we found.

Healthy Snack Recipes

Source: https://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/bacon-baked-egg-in-avocado/

BACON BAKED EGG IN AVOCADO

Ingredients

• 3 large avocados
• 6 eggs
• 4 strips of bacon, diced and cooked until crispy
• ¼ cup fresh chives
• sriracha for drizzle

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Spray a baking sheet or glass baking pan with cooking spray.
3. Cut avocados in half. Scoop about an additional 1-2 tablespoons of the avocado to create a well for the eggs.
4. Place avocados flesh side up on a prepared baking sheet or glass pan.
5. Gently crack one egg into each avocado well, making sure to keep the yolk intact.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until eggs are desired temperature. Remove.
7. Top with crumbled bacon, chopped chives and a drizzle of sriracha.

Source: https://www.dessertfortwo.com/vegan-brownies-small-batch/

VEGAN BROWNIES (SMALL BATCH)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or GF brown rice flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 3-ounces vegan chocolate bar, chopped (or vegan chocolate chips)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325, and line a 9x5" bread loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the ends so that you can easily lift out your brownies when they're done.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cocoa powder, almond butter, maple syrup and coconut oil. Stir well, and then microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds.
3. Remove from the microwave and stir to blend well.
4. Add the flour, baking soda and salt, and stir for about 50 strokes to blend very well. (If you're using gluten-free flour, you don't have to stir this much. Just stir until well-mixed).
5. Pour the mixture into the pan, and top with the chopped chocolate bar.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven, let cool completely, and then chill in the fridge for best results. They cut the most evenly if they're well-chilled. You could dig in right away, though they will be slightly messy.

Ready to Get Healthy and Stay Healthy with Central Ozarks Medical Center?

Our goal is to lead the way to healthier communities and we hope you enjoy the recipes listed above. If you are in need of a healthcare provider you can count on, call us at one of our clinics listed below.

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

Friday, February 16, 2018

Central Ozarks Medical Center Will Be at the Home, Business and Lake Living Expo!

The Home, Business and Lake Living Expo is right around the corner! This expo is a huge event at the Lake of the Ozarks and we here at Central Ozarks Medical Center are very excited to be a part of it this year. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks aim to lead the way to healthier communities and being involved in the community at events like this is a key part of that. Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic event.

The Home, Business and Lake Living Expo of 2018

Source: http://camdentonchamber.com/home-business-lake-living-expo/

When: This fun event will take place Friday, February 23, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: This event will be held at the Lodge of Four Seasons, which is located at:

315 Four Seasons Dr.
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Central Ozarks Medical Center will be at Booth A-19.

It is so rewarding to be able to participate in this huge event at the Lake of the Ozarks. We will be giving away free first aid kits and helpful healthcare information to our visitors. We will also have someone at the booth ready and available to help anyone who has questions about health insurance and Medicare eligibility.

Central Ozarks Medical Center & What We Are About

Central Ozarks Medical Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center and strives to deliver quality healthcare to our communities. As an FQHC we are non-profit and focus on medically underserved communities and bringing affordable healthcare to all.

Why should this matter to you?

Beyond having excellent, Board Certified Providers, several recent studies have found that patients who regularly use community health centers, like Central Ozarks Medical Center, have lower total annual healthcare costs when compared to patients who use other primary care providers, such as HMOs, hospital outpatient units or private physicians. On an average, these studies show that the cost associated with using a community health center is 22% to 33% less expensive than using other healthcare models.

Even better than the savings is the quality of care and concern our providers will offer to you during each visit. With highly trained support staff, Central Ozarks Medical Center Providers can focus on only you and your health. To set up an appointment at one of our health clinics, please call one of the phone numbers listed below. We can't wait to see you at the Home, Business and Lake Living Expo of 2018!

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

Friday, February 9, 2018

It's National Patient Recognition Week

This week is known as National Patient Recognition week. Central Ozarks Medical Center is dedicated to offering quality healthcare that works best for YOUR financial situation. In honor of this special week, our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to point out a few things we try to do in order to accomplish patient satisfaction.

Our Patients Matter! Check out what we do in order to try and lead the way to healthier communities.

1. We accept patients with and without insurance and offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.

Your health shouldn't be dictated by whether or not you have insurance. Here's how our sliding fee discount program works:

Central Ozarks Medical Center offers a discounted fee to patients based on their household size and household income. The Sliding Fee Program includes fees for medical, dental and behavioral health services.

To determine eligibility, COMC will need to ask you to bring in personal financial information. Any information we ask you for will be strictly confidential. None of your personal information, financial or medical, can be released without your written consent. The information we are asking for is used solely to determine household size and household income. Applications are effective for a one-year period. Sliding Fee Discount Program participants must complete an application annually Discount Program applications must be completed, signed and approved prior to services being provided. All participants are asked to notify COMC of income changes as soon as possible after the change occurs.

For more information on the Sliding Fee Discount Program, visit:
http://centralozarks.org/financial.html.

2. We have many locations/services across the Lake of the Ozarks area in order to try and reach more people with different illnesses.

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. We have 5 health clinics throughout Richland, Camdenton and Osage Beach. For more information on our different locations, visit http://centralozarks.org/locations.html.

3. We have offered FREE flu fairs in the past.

The flu has been spreading and we have offered flu fairs in the past to try and give people the chance at a FREE flu shot. Last year, we offered 3 free flu fairs in October, which took place in Camdenton, Osage Beach, and Richland.

4. 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.

Don't just take our word for it, see below for what some of our patients have said.

We Appreciate Our Patients & The Kind Feedback We Get From Them

"My daughter has a severe food allergy. The Drs. Warren are great when dealing with her and her issues. They are compassionate and treat you like family. Dr. Warren part 1 (Barton) always asks what we are reading currently as he knows that is what we do. Dr. Warren revisited (Ashley) is eager to learn and doesn't claim to know all. I would never replace them and fight with my insurance when they try."

"I have been treated very well by doctors, nurses and all the staff here. I like having a Lab in the facility so there is no need to make another appointment elsewhere."

"I've used COMC for more than 25 years for health care services. I've never had a bad experience or had any dissatisfaction with their care."

"I only use doctor Warren not sure what I'll do when he retires hopefully not for many many years. But he makes me feel comfortable and having crazy blood pressure and fibromyalgia I love that he knows my case and doesn't try and pass me off. We work together on this to try and give me the best life medically I can have. He is amazing. I love how he works with me with everything. We are a team and that's how a doctor patient relationship should be. Dr. Warren is the best."

Thank You to All of Our Patients for Trusting Us With Their Health Care

Central Ozarks Medical Center is honored to be able to take care of so many patients and we are dedicated to leading the way to healthier communities. To make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers, please call one of our health clinics listed below. For more information on the services we provide, visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

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

Friday, February 2, 2018

5 Tips to Help Your Kids Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist

What child LIKES going to the dentist? While the thought of visiting a dentist might be scary to a child, there are things you can do to help your children overcome their fear of the dentist. In honor of February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips to try when you're helping your kids get over their fear of the dentist.

5 Tips to Try When Helping Your Kids Overcome Their Fear of Dentists

Tip # 1
Role-play with your child as if you are a dentist.
Pretend like you have a dentist's office in the comfort of your own home and act like you are your child's dentist. Show your kids how the dentist really isn't that bad by going through a routine check-up. Count their teeth and try holding up a mirror and showing them their teeth. You'll obviously want to avoid making drill noises. The point here is to make a dentist office visit sound fun rather than scary.

Tip # 2
Set a good example.
If you have a fear of going to the dentist, then your kid's are probably going to have a fear as well. Set a good example by going to your regular check-ups and pointing out the positive advantages to going on a regular basis, such as having a better chance at cavity prevention or tooth decay.

Tip # 3
Use the power of distraction.
Ask the dentist if you can go back with your child. This way you can talk to your child and distract them while the dentist may be reaching for a "scary-looking" instrument.

Tip # 4
Start taking your kids to the dentist at a young age.
The earlier you start taking your kids to the dentist, the better. Taking your child to the dentist earlier on in life gives them more time to get used to the cleanings and regular check-ups.

Tip # 5
Be mindful of older siblings telling "scary" dentist stories.
Your youngest child could be having a harder time adjusting to the idea of going to the dentist if their older siblings are constantly trying to scare them with made up stories. Be mindful of this and put a stop to it as soon as you can. You don't want your youngest child to feel even more intimidated.

Is Your Child Ready for His or Her First Dental Appointment?

Our Richland Dental Center offers family dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and dentures/restorative services. We can understand how frightened a child may be and our oral health providers in Richland are dedicated to bringing more bright smiles to our community. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 573.765.2510.

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