Carthage Area Hospital

Today, we’re proud to join thousands of organizations around the world in observing #WorldAIDSDay. Let's unite to raise awareness, show support for those living with HIV, and emphasize the importance of prevention and testing. Get tested. It’s the first step toward prevention and protecting yourself and others. Don’t know where to get an HIV test? Visit locator.hiv.gov to find a site near you. Many locations offer testing, including: 🔷 Your primary care provider’s office 🔷 A health clinic or community health center 🔷 A sexual health or family planning clinic 🔷 Your local health department #HIVAwareness #HIVTesting #PreventionMatters #SupportHIV #HealthForAll

This Thanksgiving, We Are Grateful At North Star Health Alliance, we are thankful for the remarkable individuals and organizations that shape the heart of our community. From Carthage Area Hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, and North Country Orthopaedic Group to Meadowbrook Terrace, each member of our alliance represents unwavering dedication to compassionate, close-to-home care. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare workers, first responders, and frontline professionals who continue to work tirelessly so the rest of us can celebrate this day with loved ones. Your commitment and sacrifice do not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate all that you do. This Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to honor their efforts and reflect on the strength of our community. From all of us at North Star Health Alliance, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving! #NorthStarHealthAlliance #Thanksgiving2024 #Gratitude #ThankYouFrontlineHeroes

Pre-Thanksgiving Healthy Holiday Tips There’s nothing like a Thanksgiving feast! As you gather with loved ones to celebrate, take a moment to focus on staying healthy while enjoying all the delicious food. Here are a few tips to balance indulgence with wellness: 🍽️Fill your plate with smaller portions of your favorite dishes so you can enjoy variety without overdoing it. 🚰Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps with digestion and keeps you feeling your best. 🥦Load up on veggies! They’re nutritious and a great way to balance out rich foods like stuffing and gravy. 🏃♂️Make time for physical activity — take a family walk, play some backyard football, or run in a turkey trot! 🦃Savor each bite and appreciate the flavors. Eating slowly can help you feel satisfied with less. Wishing you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving from the North Star Health Alliance!

November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month Stomach cancer, though less common, remains a serious condition with over 26,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Early detection is crucial, as symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced. Here are a few key points to understand and share this month: 💡 Know the Risk Factors 💜 Risk increases with age, particularly for those over 50. 💜 A diet high in smoked, salted, or pickled foods may elevate risk. 💜 Smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history of stomach cancer also contribute to risk. Be Aware of Symptoms 💜 Persistent stomach pain or discomfort 💜 Nausea or vomiting 💜 Loss of appetite and unexpected weight loss 💜 Difficulty swallowing 💜 Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts 💜 Prioritize Screening and Prevention If you’re at higher risk, talk to your doctor about screening options. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk. For those with chronic gastric conditions, regular check-ups are important to monitor changes. Take charge of your health this month by learning more about stomach cancer and sharing this information with others. Awareness and early action can make all the difference. #StomachCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #KnowTheSymptoms #HealthMatters

It’s National Family Caregivers Month! The focus of this year’s celebration is the importance of self-recognition and self-identity. If you are a caregiver, please speak up! Identifying yourself as a #caregiver in various settings ensures that both you and the loved one you care for receive appropriate support. What are some places where you should always identify yourself? 🔹At your loved one’s doctor’s office 🔹At your own healthcare provider’s office 🔹At your mental healthcare provider or therapist’s office 🔹When talking with your loved one’s insurance provider 🔹In the emergency room 🔹At the pharmacy 🔹At long-term care facilities 🔹At work, with friends and with faith leaders Learn more about why self-identification is important, especially in these settings, at caregiveraction.org/care.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Today is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a day in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. Today also serves as a reminder that healing takes time, and grieving looks different for everyone. If you or a loved one needs help processing grief, the North Star Health Alliance has mental health professionals with experience in bereavement support available 24/7. Visit carthagehospital.org or claxtonhepburn.org to learn more.

What do you know about your family’s health history? It may not be something your family often talks about, but knowing the medical history of your siblings, parents, grandparents and other relatives can help you know if you are at higher risk for certain diseases. Observed annually around the Thanksgiving holiday, National Family Health History Day invites families everywhere to make room at the table for a discussion about their health histories. Wondering how to start the conversation? Here are a few ideas: 🔹Write down what you already know, and prepare questions ahead of time. 🔹Share your own health history or concerns, paving the way for others to speak. 🔹Explain why you’re asking; most relatives will open up if they know you have real concerns. 🔹Say you’re researching the family tree, and you have questions about medical history or causes of death. #FamilyMedicalHistory #NationalFamilyHealthHistoryDay #FamilyHealthMatters #FamilyHealth

Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of any cancer, with 98% of diagnoses ending in death. It is a stark statistic, but an important one to share during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, because it could save a life. Early detection is critical to effective treatment and survival. This month, assess your pancreatic cancer risk with a simple 10-question survey at www.pancan.org, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. #PancreaticCancerAwareness #KnowYourRisk

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month Nearly 7 million people in the United States are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, with even more cases undiagnosed. Research reveals that Alzheimer's can begin affecting the brain 20 years or more before symptoms appear. This November, for Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, take time to understand the factors that may increase your risk: * Age: Most cases occur in individuals age 65 or older. * Family History: Having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s can raise your risk. * Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s. * Lifestyle: High blood pressure, binge drinking, and smoking can all heighten the risk. * Trauma: A head injury with loss of consciousness may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. If you're concerned about your risk, discussing it with your primary care doctor is a great first step. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can empower you to take proactive steps to slow its progression and plan for the future. #AlzheimersAwareness #KnowYourRisk #EarlyDetection

Mental Health Monday Another Monday, another #mentalhealth tip! How are you sleeping these days? Have you adjusted from the end of Daylight Savings Time, or does your internal clock still feel a bit out of sync? Sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for our mental wellness! 💤 Getting enough quality sleep can help reduce stress, improve mood and boost our ability to focus and make decisions. When we prioritize our rest, we’re investing in our mental health. If you have a sleep disorder, or think you might, you can trust the highly-trained specialists at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's Sleep Laboratory to evaluate, diagnose and resolve sleep problems of all kinds. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gqPcwbcP. #MentalHealthMonday #sleepwell #selfcare