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Resources

quote

January 21, 2016

Free parenting classes sending the right message

It started with one of our providers noticing that many parents of her pediatric patients seemed to be frustrated with some of their children’s behavior and maybe they could use some help.

Enter Shane Moore, our patient care coordinator. Working with patients to see what they would like to see (and when), Family First Health now brings in our friends from Family Child Resources once a month to provide FREE parenting classes. Plus we’ll entertain your kids during class.

During warmer months, the class has seen 16 or so people. Many of them are new faces each time. The classes started in May, and Shane’s calculated that they’ve helped 34 individuals.

January’s class met last night, and I got the chance to sit in. The topic was self-esteem and that how you feel about yourself can influence how you parent. Full disclosure — I am not a parent, but there are many tools to dealing with people (and kids) that you can take from this.

It was great to see parents opening up about how their own parents shaped how they want to be (or don’t want to be) with their own kids. The things we hear as kids — “You can be anything you want to be,” “You’ll never amount to much” — can affect how we see ourselves.

At one point, we started talking about “labels” we use to describe our kids. Even negative ones — when fostered correctly — can lead to great things later in life. Say your kid is stubborn now, hopefully that will lead to a more persistent and focused adult.

20160121_102903

Another great takeaway was:

“Your attention is your biggest tool as a parent.”

If you encourage and reinforce your child’s good behavior, they’ll continue to act that way to receive praise. If they only get your attention when they do something wrong, they’ll continue to misbehave.

Personally, it was really cool to see patients opening up about parenting — their successes, their fears of not doing it right. Even in their struggles, you can see how much they care.

At one point, our Family Child Resources instructor mentioned a quote that really stuck with me and Shane. She told a patient:

instaquote-21-01-2016-10-27-40

We all try to do what we can for others, but in the end, you have to take care of yourself (and your kids). What powerful words to live by whether or not you’re a parent.

Interested in the next class? Contact Shane by calling 717-801-4838 or email him at smoore@familyfirsthealth.org.

little boy with tooth plush

January 20, 2016

Filling a dental need

20151027_093129Who loves teeth as much as this guy? We do.

I just wanted to share something with you guys that really reminded me of the good work that’s done here.

I was checking on other dentist offices in the Hanover-Adams County area that accept Medicaid patients. There are a LOT of dentists in Hanover-Adams. A lot. Only two in the whole area do accept Medicaid — and one of them is Family First Health.

20151027_100703

Why? Well, Medicaid doesn’t really offer a lot to dentists who accept Medicaid in terms of reimbursement. So it’s easier and more cost efficient for many to just say no. Many offices offer other payment plans for potential patients. Here, we do both.

We treat the whole patient at Family First Health — mouth. Because a healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy you.

Checking for other Medicaid options in the area was a frustrating experience. Say you’ve got a tooth in serious pain — I can’t imagine checking with as many places that I did today.

So don’t give up, patients. Here at Family First Health, we want to help you and your teeth.

Come and see us at our three sites that offer dental services – York, Hanover and Gettysburg. We also take our dental tools into the schools to reach kids where they learn and get them started on good oral care.

aids testing

January 12, 2016

HIV testing – how are we doing?

Nurse educator Brittany Hanchett gets tested to show how easy it is on World AIDS Day.
Nurse educator Brittany Hanchett gets tested to show how easy it is on World AIDS Day.

You may or may not know that here at Family First Health, we offer free HIV testing Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

You might also know that we go out into the community to events and to test people who might be at a high risk for contracting HIV. In a recent newsletter, our Caring Together staff took a look at how many tests we’ve been doing and the demographics of the population we’re reaching.

Our Linkage to Care Coordinator Tadd Hoffman has lead NINE testing events this past quarter — testing more than 100 people combined. HIV testing took place at White Deer Run, Penn State York, Colonial House and Millersville’s Pridefest.

From July 1 to Dec. 31, here’s a snapshot of just who is getting tested:

  • 59% of them are white. 21% are black, 15% identify as other.
  • 82% are non-Hispanic.
  • 56% are men.
  • 65% have been tested previously.

Getting tested is as easy as a simple, finger prick and 5 minute wait. Know your status and come in today.

Questions? Call (717) 846-6776, or just stop by the Caring Together office on the third floor of our York office at 116 S. George St.

Learn more about what Caring Together has to offer.

tax form

January 4, 2016

Need some tax preparation help?

taxesThe holidays are over and it may seem a little early to start thinking about taxes. While there are a few months to go before things need to be filed, if you need help, start planning now.

SpiriTrust Lutheran sent over a flier today about their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which gives FREE tax help to households that made $54,000 or less in 2015. It also has free online self-assisted tax preparation for homes making $62,000 or less in 2015.

IRS-certified volunteers can do free basic, state and local income tax returns and inform taxpayers about special tax credits. SpiriTrust Lutheran has sites at Hanover, Red Lion, Shrewsbury and York.

There are three ways to get these folks to help with your taxes.

  1. Do it in person — Call 717-854-2244 starting Jan. 11 to schedule an appointment.
  2. Drop it off — You drop off your materials, and they do the work for you. Once the return is complete, you come back in to review before sending.
  3. Do it online — Visit myfreetaxes.com/VITAYork to complete and file your taxes. While anyone can do this online, it is free to homes that made less than $62,000 in 2015.

So call 717-854-2244 and set up a time Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to get some help with your taxes.

World Aids Day logo

November 30, 2015

Tackling myths this World AIDS Day

wad-header-logoDec. 1, is World AIDS Day.

We wanted to take a few minutes and look at some myths that still surround HIV/AIDS and then show you the reality.

For me, the most important one you should read today is:

Myth: I’m HIV-positive — my life is over.

Reality: In the early years of the disease epidemic, the death rate from AIDS was extremely high. But today, antiretroviral drugs allow HIV-positive people — and even those with AIDS — to live much longer, normal, and productive lives.

If you have HIV/AIDS, your life is NOT over. And you are NOT alone. Come see our Caring Together staff on the third floor of our George Street site in York.

Take a look at more myths and the truth below.

[Read more…] about Tackling myths this World AIDS Day

items to build a home

November 12, 2015

Staff-wide help to build a home

Look at all the stuff we have so far, and it's just beginning!
Look at all the stuff we have so far, and it’s just beginning!

Remember the story about Sarah — the Caring Together patient whose birthday was made when staff surprised her with a night in a king-sized bed at a hotel? 

Well, the staff continues to go above and beyond for her. Let’s get caught up.

Sarah continues to be resilient and brave about her recent HIV diagnosis and health battles. Case manager Carrie Prowell said:

“She makes me proud everyday with her determination to ‘be just fine’ for her girls,  and her story is truly nothing less than inspirational.”

The family is currently living in a crowded one bedroom apartment without a bed (hence the birthday surprise), but as of Jan. 1, they’ll be moving into a new three-bedroom apartment!

The problem is that the family has no household items.

You probably won’t be surprised that the minute Carrie shared this story, Shannon McElroy (her boss) and Courtney Lewis (director of development) started collecting things to bring in. Of course, Carrie did, too. Word spread to Sue Posey (practice manager at the George Street Center) and she started bringing in items.

[Read more…] about Staff-wide help to build a home

Woman and child

November 11, 2015

First-time moms: You’re not alone

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Looking down at the pregnancy test for the first time and seeing the plus sign can be overwhelming for most women.

You might think: “I don’t know if I can do this.”

And for some first-time moms, they aren’t sure they can do it alone.

But with Family First Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership, you don’t have to. The program pairs up first-time, MA/WIC eligible moms with a nurse and they stay together through the baby’s second birthday.

Amber was at her doctor’s office when he asked if she’d be interested in a NFP nurse to help educate her about children. Amber thought, “This is a stupid question, I don’t need help from a complete stranger.” But still, she answered the call. Her nurse, Bridget, showed up and Amber was feeling nervous, scared and unsure. But once Bridget walked through the door, those fears were gone. She was already like family.

Bridget and Amber spent time together before her daughter’s birth. Bridget came to the hospital to help Amber learn how to hold the baby without hurting her C-section scar. And now, five months later, they’’re working on interactions and teaching her daughter new things. “She comes to my new apartment and just loves my baby girl to death,” Amber said.

– – –

For the Adams County Giving Spree, we were raising money for the Nurse-Family Partnership program.

Not only is it important for first-time moms to know about our program, but for anyone who might have a first-time mom in their life.

No first-time mom has to do it alone. We’re here to help.

Learn more about Nurse-Family Partnership here.

And please considering giving the Gift of Good Health to all first-time moms through our programs.

Go the extra mile for your health

November 11, 2015

Going the EXTRA mile for your health

PrintLying back in the chair as the dentist looked in his mouth, Greg Conrad had his headphones on and turned up as his hands gripped the armrests. He gets scared and nervous easily, but whenever the dentist asks how he’s doing, he’s quick with a thumbs up. It’s been a long journey for the 26 year old who is mentally delayed, his mother, Sherri said. In more ways than one.

Greg had his first caps and crowns down when he was 2 years old. He was born with bad teeth, Sherri said. The older he got, the more he’d “forget” to brush twice a day. Then add the junk food, sodas and smoking. He was in pain for years before they were able to get insurance for him. There were trips to the emergency room for antibiotics and pain meds, and that would hold things off until the next time. “He suffered for so long with no insurance,” she said.

Back in January, Greg got insurance and needed a dentist in his network. He found his way to Family First Health and Dr. LaJuan Mountain. Since then, he’s been a regular patient. Almost a little too regular for his taste. Greg and his mother make the drive from Delta every two weeks for a visit — it used to be once a week. Dr. Mountain wants to do a few teeth at a time to keep from causing Greg too much pain.

Since he’s been coming to Family First, Greg hasn’t been complaining of any pain. There are still two teeth to take out, and his lower teeth to work on, but overall, they’re feeling very positive. “The sooner you start going to the dentist, the better,” she said. And hopes are that the lifetime of dental issues will wrap up by the time winter weather hits so they don’t have to make the hour drive each way to visit so often. Then, it’s up to Greg to remember to brush and floss twice a day. Though Sherri said she’s ready and willing to help with reminders.

Join the Extraordinary Give!

This Nov. 20, join Family First Health as we go the EXTRA mile to get affordable health care to all.

Your donation through Lancaster’s ExtraGive will be matched and will help us get people like Greg the care they need.

Did you know that a donation of only $50 can cover a child’s ENTIRE dental visit?

How to donate

  1. On November 20th, beginning at midnight, visit www.ExtraGive.org from your computer, smartphone, or device (There is an app for iPhone and Android!!) or click this link to go directly to our page: https://extragive.org/#npo/family-first-health
  2. Select Family First Health from the list of community benefit organizations
  3. Make an online, tax-deductible donation (minimum $25) to Family First Health
  4. Give yourself a pat on the pat! High-five your coworker! Share on your social media sites! Encourage your friends and family to do the same! 🙂
diabetes plan page

November 4, 2015

Just one step to better health with diabetes

This month is National Diabetes Month and the National Diabetes Education Program has several tips to help you take control of your life.

Set goals

“Change begins with just one step” the program touts. So how exactly do you want to do that?

  • Decide how much weight you want to lose. Set that goal.
  • How will you do it — move more? Make healthier food choices?
  • How often will you move? How long, how often each week?
  • How will you eat better — avoid sugary drinks, choose lean meats, etc.

Then, make your plan. They offer a handy sheet you can print and fill out yourself.

Hang it on your fridge to remind yourself of your goals.

diabetes plan-page-001

 

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From Our Patients

  • This is the most friendly, caring, and compassionate doctors office I've ever been to. You are a person with concerns and issues and ailments to them and they do everything they can to help. Everything is explained so you completely understand what the next step is.
    Lewisberry Site Patient
    Heather | Lewisberry, PA
  • I love this place. My kids are addressed by their names, fast to get us in to be seen, its clean, very friendly. Always have a warm atmosphere. I LOVE IT HERE, first time I trust a practice with my babies!
    Columbia Site Patient
    Milagros | Columbia, PA
  • I've had some of the best experiences when using their dental services as well as the plethora of other services they provide. I really like the staff and they have all been super nice and friendly, I recommend that people take advantage of the services they provide!
    George Street Site Patient
    Dirk | York, PA
  • The receptionists are very pleasant. I would recommend this office to any of my friends who might need a doctor or dentist. The fact that they have someone who can help translate for my family has been such a convenience. I can't thank them enough.
    Gettysburg Site Patient
    Mrs. H | Gettysburg, PA

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