Help improve the client services and patient care at Open Health. The new community advisory board (CAB) meets monthly to discuss ways to improve our health center. CAB members serve as a link between the patients, the community, and Open Health. Please call Dr. Barney at (225) 655-6422 or pick up an application at the clinic front desk.
Updated 3/22/2021 per new state vaccine guidelines.
Open Health is now offering COVID-19 vaccines in a convenient drive-thru clinic. Schedule an appointment with our nursing staff by calling us at (225) 655-6422.
Pregnant women of any age
Adults 18+
No. Anyone can get the vaccine as long as they meet the requirements listed above.
Yes! Appointments are required. Please call us at (225) 655-6422 to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination.
Photo ID
Insurance card
Personnel working in the qualifying fields listed above must bring a paystub or badge to their vaccine appointment.
If you have questions, please call us at (225) 655-6422.
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
Open Health will give you two shots, 28 days apart. We will schedule your second shot when we make your appointment for your first vaccine shot.
Fever
Chills
Tiredness
Headaches
Pain
Swelling
Visit the CDC to learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
We will update this site as additional information becomes available. 3/22/2021
According to the CDC, Tooth decay (cavity) is one of the most common chronic diseases of early childhood even though it is preventable.
Cavities occur when a buildup of dental plaque “eats” at tooth enamel causing a hole in the tooth to form. Plaque is a sticky substance that covers the teeth, and it is formed when bacteria in the moth combines with food and saliva.
Tips to decrease risk of cavities include:
· Brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes to prevent a buildup of plaque. Children under the age of 6 should be supervised by an adult to maximize efficiency.
· Parents should refrain from putting infants approximately 6 months of age and older to bed with bottles filled with milk, formula or juice. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children who are seven or eight months of age no longer need to feed during the night. If your child must have a bottle to sleep, slowly dilute the milk or juice with water over a few weeks until your child is only drinking water.
· Parents should encourage a diet for their children that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates and increase fresh veggies, fruit and protein intake.
· Schedule regular Dental Checkups. Dental exams are scheduled every 6 months. At each visit, the dentist will look for any signs of regular tooth decay, remove dental plaque and apply fluoride which can reverse and stop early decay in children.
· Having your dentist apply Dental Sealants. Dental Sealants are plastic coatings that are usually placed on the chewing (top) surface of the permanent back teeth to help protect them from decay.
Poor oral health, including cavities and infections, can have a lifelong impact on a child. If you have any questions or concerns about cavity prevention, please contact our Dental Providers at Open Health Care Clinic.
Tamma Gray, DDS
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of this, let’s take a few minutes to talk about cervical cancer, and the ways to prevent it. Did you know that at one time cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States? However, in the last 40 years, these numbers have been cut in half due to vaccines and cancer screenings.
Scientists discovered that HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus infections that last a long time greatly increase the risk of cancer. HPV is an infection passed through sexual activity. Your risk for HPV is increased when you have more than one partner, but anyone who has ever had sex (even once!) is at risk for HPV. There are a lot of different types of the HPV virus. Some cause genital warts and some cause cancer. Fortunately, there is a vaccine that can protect us against several of the HPV strains that are most likely to cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and penile cancer. According to American Cancer Society (ACS), the HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause 90% of cervical cancers. Ninety percent - now, that’s worth talking about!!
Ask your healthcare provider about being immunized today. The HPV vaccine was originally given only to teens; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that even more people should get vaccinated. The CDC now says that anyone age 26 or younger should get the vaccine. Folks ages 27 - 45 should talk to their health care provider to learn if the HPV vaccine could benefit them as well. Getting regular pap smears can also greatly decrease your risk for invasive cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the slowest-growing cancers, and routine screening can help to see worrisome changes in the cervix before these changes become cancer. Other things that increase your risk for cervical cancer include cigarette smoking, a depressed immune system (which can be caused by living with HIV, certain medications or other conditions), and a high number of childbirths.
Lindsay Haislip, FNP-C
For folks born as female, it is recommended that you complete a pap smear every 3 years if you are under 30 years old. Once you turn 30, this screening can be extended to every 5 years, based on your risk and HPV test results. If your provider tells you to repeat this testing sooner, it’s very important to follow up. The ACS estimated that 260 people in Louisiana would develop cervical cancer in 2020. Every single one of these cases could be prevented with timely screening and vaccinations. Talk to a healthcare provider today about the best way to protect your sexual health!
Lindsay Haislip, FNP-C
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/index.htm
https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/DataViz.html
https://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_hpv.asp
Warren Fraser, MD
January is Thyroid Awareness Month! To learn more about the thyroid, a small gland of the endocrine system, we interviewed our Endocrinologist, Dr. Warren Fraser.
The thyroid, located at the bottom of your neck, is a butterfly-shaped gland that controls your metabolism helping your body turn food into energy. Your thyroid may only take up a small portion of your body, but it plays many roles in keeping you healthy. The thyroid produces two hormones (T-3 and T-4), which affects your heart rate, breathing patterns, and how much weight you can gain or lose. The thyroid can affect other bodily functions such as your body temperature and cholesterol levels.
What are common problems people have with their thyroid? What are the causes and symptoms of these problems?
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is when your thyroid produces fewer hormones than a normal thyroid gland should. Your body needs a certain number of thyroid hormones so your body can produce the energy it needs to function. If your thyroid is producing fewer amounts of hormones compared to the average person, then it can cause you to have less energy than usual.
Symptoms
Overly tired
Fatigue
Weight gain
Feeling cold
Dry skin
Causes
Hashimoto’s disease is one of the main causes of Hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, a condition where your immune system attacks your body, and can cause swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Thyroiditis can also be caused by other conditions such as a viral infection.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is when your thyroid makes too many hormones. An overactive thyroid produces too much of a hormone called thyroxine (T-4). When your thyroid gland produces too many thyroxine hormones, your metabolism can speed up and cause you to lose weight and experience other unusual symptoms.
Symptoms
Mood swings
Shakiness
Fatigue
Feeling warm or hot
Weight loss
Fast heartbeat
Causes
Graves’ disease causes your immune system to function incorrectly and is one of the main causes of Hyperthyroidism, especially for women under 40-years-old.
Lumps of tissue placed in your thyroid, called nodules, can produce too many hormones, and may cause the thyroid to become overactive.
Thyroiditis, an infection that causes your immune system to function incorrectly, can affect your thyroid by causing it to swell and release more hormones than usual.
Thyroid Cancer
There are four different types of thyroid cancer, papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. Typically, all thyroid cancers that are found in the early stages can be successfully treated. Tests that examine your thyroid, neck, and blood are used to find and diagnose thyroid cancer.
Symptoms
A lump or swelling on the side of the neck (most common symptom)
Trouble breathing
Trouble swallowing food or drinks
Hoarse voice
Causes
There are no clear causes of thyroid cancer, but some likely causes are: radiation around the neck area, especially at a young age or inherited from a family member.
If you are feeling thyroid health-related symptoms like the ones listed above, you should talk to your provider. Untreated symptoms, especially over long periods of time, can cause serious health problems.
Your thyroid is an important part of your body, so we should always keep its well-being in mind. Keeping your thyroid healthy may not just help your thyroid but also your all-around physical health. Eating a well-balanced diet does your body good. Stay away from processed foods with preservatives or sugar and fat replacements. These types of foods can cause inflammation or problems with your immune system. Remember to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and don’t forget your proteins!
Salmon and anchovies are a good source of lean protein, as well as almonds and other nuts. Fish and other seafood are also good sources of iodine. Iodine is essential to include in your diet because your body does not produce it naturally. However, it is still needed for your thyroid to produce hormones.
Always remember to take care of your thyroid, and your thyroid will take care of you!
