Woman meeting with doctor

Why Women’s Health Screenings are Important

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We know that diet and exercise are important for staying healthy, bWoman meeting with doctorut how many of us are behind on one or more of our regular health screenings? Regular health screenings can help give you and your medical provider a picture of your overall health. If any health problems are spotted, most conditions tend to be more easily treated when detected early, so it’s worth making sure that you are checking all the boxes when it comes to annual screenings.

This may include monitoring your blood pressure and conducting lab work to evaluate any risk factors related to heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Based on other factors such as your family history, age, and other factors, your doctor can determine what screenings should be done to best monitor your health and provide appropriate and timely follow-up, diagnosis, and treatment.

For women, Cervical cancer screening is also important. Thanks to the Pap test and the highly effective HPV vaccine, the rates of cervical cancer deaths have decreased in the United States, which used to be one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. Regular screening can prevent cervical cancer by finding abnormal (precancerous) changes in the cervix cells, allowing for treatment before they become cancerous. This early detection allows for successful treatment. A pap test can also be done at the same time as an HPV test, and your provider can advise how often the HPV test needs to be done.  Here at Clínica del Buen Pastor Mountain Hope, we can help women in Sevier County with this vital screening process, and help women connect with other resources if other treatment is needed.

Breast cancer screening is also particularly important, as this type of cancer ranks only behind skin cancer as the most common cancer among women in the U.S. Early detection is key, and a mammogram can detect breast cancer long before it can be felt and is usually done at the radiology department in your local hospital or imaging center. The American Cancer society advises women to receive a mammogram every year between the ages of 45-54, then every 2 years after the age of 55, and our medical staff can help coordinate the appointment for our patients.  With only 76% of females receiving a breast cancer screening, increasing these breast cancer screening rates will be key to preventing breast cancer deaths in women.   If you have a family history of breast cancer, as your medical provider about genetic counseling for breast and ovarian cancer.

Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic has served the uninsured of Sevier Country since 1999 and will continue to reduce barriers to health care for our residents. If it’s been more than a year since your last health screening, or if you have other health concerns, please contact us at (865)774-7684.

 

 

A Mission of Compassionate Caregiving

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I am Deborah Murph, Executive Director here at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic. In one way or another, my life has been devoted to the health of others: As a mother, as a nurse, to Chief Operating Officer for a Federally Qualified Health Center, and now with Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic. For me, it’s not just about the day-to-day operations of managing health systems, it’s about helping and teaching others about health, and ensuring our clinic has the resources to help our community. This can be anything from providing access to insulin for our diabetic patients struggling to provide food for their family, to being a healthcare advocate for patients unable to afford access to treatment for a new cancer diagnosis. Having a strong professional team ensures we as a Clinic are prepared to pivot and quickly adjust to fulfill our commitment to serving our community during unforeseen circumstances when they need us most.

As a non-profit, we rely on the strength of our board of directors to lend their expertise, their time, and to share the mission of Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic with others in our community. It’s important to me that you know the people that are helping to push our mission forward here in Sevier County, as they create the effective governance to help the clinic navigate the various categories of oversight, from policy, to organizational activities, to strategic decisions.

Our board is comprised of Sevier County residents who have a passion for community service. Many are involved with our local churches, rotary clubs, hospitality, and business associations. They all bring unique and complementary strengths; some as local business owners, some have backgrounds in medicine or law, some hold deep roots with our community, but all are committed to our mission of providing quality healthcare for the uninsured of Sevier County, to reflect the life and Biblical teachings of Jesus Christ.

I am a believer in the spirit of our mission, and in the saying: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”   Collectively, our team brings knowledge, momentum, and energy to the clinic. Without them, we would not have been able to expand our services to include behavioral health. Without them, we would not have been able to expand our facility, enabling us to see more patients. It is through their efforts that we will be able to continue to respond to our growing community, to meet our patients where they are and respond to their needs.

We invite you to get to know our board members here, and we are honored to be able to give back to our special community.

 

 

 

Navigating Medicare as a Health Worker

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Navigating Medicare- a Day in the Life of a Community Health Worker

 

At Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, we see people from all walks of life. They may be the person who waits on you at your local coffee shop, the person helping you at an amusement park, or the person who helps keep your yard mowed and bushes pruned. The need for services is also varied: The mother who is taking her child in for immunizations, a person with shortness of breath, and sometimes the patient has put off seeing a doctor for too long and has a variety of symptoms to work through. Life goes on, whether we have insurance or not.  These are the people we see each day at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic.

In many cases, the first-time screening process can reveal not only an initial diagnosis, but clear gaps in what resources a patient might need to develop a healthier lifestyle.  In one case, a 64-year-old patient had come into the clinic for medical care and was unclear on what direction he needed to go, because he had just become eligible for insurance through his employer. They offered a health benefits insurance plan that he would qualify for, but within a brief time, he would also qualify for Medicare.

One of the Community Health Workers (CHW) here at Clínica del Buen Pastor Mountain Hope discussed the options with the patient, such as how much the employer plan might cost, both while he continued his employment, and how much it would cost to continue that plan, should he be unable to keep working due to health reasons. The patient also learned that there can be penalties associated with delayed enrollment of Medicare, and that they can go up the longer you wait to sign up. The information our Community Health Workers supplied helped clarify his choices, and once he had a better understanding of his options, he knew which plan would work best for him.

Sometimes, the Community Health Worker plays a vital role in aiding the patient in connecting the dots to other resources they may need. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, a change in diet or medication may be needed, and that can create an unplanned expense that their budget cannot accommodate. Insulin and syringes are another such cost, and can often present a difficult choice, as a patient may have to decide between paying for medication or for their utility bill. In such cases, the CHW can connect them with resources to supply more nutritious foods, or medication assistance programs if costs are not within their budget.

In this case, our patient did opt to begin Medicare at age 65, and returned for his last visit, as he would continue care under this new plan, with a new provider. He stated he was fond of his provider at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, a sentiment echoed by many over the years, who found they could receive quality health care while being treated kindly and with dignity. We are always happy to see a positive outcome, knowing we are being led to provide these vital services to those that need them, through the spirit of compassion and giving.

Stay Safer Outdoors This Summer

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As the days get longer and temperatures rise, people are spending more time in the great outdoors. Whether you are hiking, fishing, or mowing the lawn, there are a few things you can do to keep you and your family safer this summer. During the summer months at Clínica del Buen Pastor Mountain Hope, we will frequently see people with sunburn. Sunburns can be quite painful, even blistering in more extreme cases. Applying sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater before you go out is best, and bring some with you, so you can reapply every 60-90 minutes. Wearing sun protective clothing and a hat goes a long way in protecting your skin from the sun’s rays, and sunglasses are not just for looks- they help protect from glare and debris. Keeping an extra hat and bottle of sunscreen in the car is a good way to ensure you are prepared, if you make that impromptu trip to the farmers market or stop for a hike.

For sunburn relief, we recommend a soothing moisturizer, such as aloe lotion or gel. Taking a cool bath with about 2 ounces of baking soda can also help, as does applying a cool damp cloth. Over-the-counter pain relief tablets such as Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help with pain and inflammation, if it is safe for you to take. If you do blister, try to leave them alone, to avoid risk of infection or scaring. If the at-home remedies don’t seem to help, your healthcare provider may prescribe a steroid cream, or if the sunburn is severe, your provider may recommend other care.

All that fun in the sun can also lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of water, early and often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink fluids, and eating hydrating foods like strawberries, cucumber, melon and lettuce are good ways to get more fluids. Signs of dehydration include dry skin or mouth, fatigue, dark or decreased urine, and headaches.
We also see an increase in ticks during the summer. Wearing protective clothing like long pants and sleeves is helpful, as are closed-toe shoes. It’s best to check yourself and children after coming in from hiking, doing yardwork or other outdoor activities, so you can remove any before they are attached. If the tick is not embedded, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If the tick has been embedded, call or see your medical provider, as antibiotics may be required. Keep an eye on any tick bites and seek medical advice if you notice swelling or a bullseye type rash around the area.

Poison Ivy also presents an irritating challenge in not only the summer, but all year long. People can be affected by the oils on Poison Ivy, even if no leaves are present, such as in the winter. If you are in an area where you may be in contact with foliage, such as hiking or doing yardwork, wear long pants and sleeves. Remove and wash clothing when you are inside, and wash with soap and water to remove any residual oils on the skin and clothing. Poison Ivy oils left behind on items like shoes or clothing can cause an allergic reaction even months later, if you come back into contact with the item.
With these tips, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer!

ETSU Medical Residents at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic

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Dr.Spears
Dr.Cox

This past year, we have been able to strengthen our relationship with ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. We have formed a partnership with them to host residents at the Clinic. The collaboration between Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic and medical residents creates a mutually beneficial connection. Residents gain a deeper understanding of the real-world impact of their work and the importance of community-based care. Meanwhile, their contributions provide a lifeline to the clinic, allowing it to expand its reach and touch the lives of even more individuals in need.

The Clinic has long been a place for the uninsured in need of quality healthcare. The medical residents who choose to join us, dedicate their time and expertise to serve the community. They provide an invaluable role that helps give hope to our patients in addition to our amazing clinical staff.

During their time at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, the residents are offered a unique opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and broaden their understanding of healthcare disparities. They gain valuable experience in managing a diverse range of medical conditions while collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals. Medical residents not only experience professional growth but personal growth also. Engaging with patients from different backgrounds and witnessing the impact of their work on vulnerable communities fosters personal growth and empathy. Residents learn to navigate cultural sensitivities, communicate effectively with patients facing language barriers, and develop a deeper understanding of social determinants of health. These invaluable lessons mold them into well-rounded physicians who are better equipped to address the complex challenges in healthcare.

The impact of medical residents serving at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic extends far beyond their immediate interactions with patients. By providing compassionate care and improving health outcomes, these residents inspire hope in the community. They serve as role models, encouraging others to pursue careers in healthcare and contributing to the growth of a more compassionate and inclusive society. Their dedication sets a precedent for future generations of medical professionals to prioritize service to the underserved.

Tom Kincer, MD, Associate Dean for Rural Programs and Professor of Family Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine quoted, “Valued relationships really do exist. It’s even better when everyone involved benefits and this is what ETSU Family Medicine Residency Programs have with Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic in Sevierville. Our resident physicians have spent the last year with the providers and staff at Mountain Hope providing excellent medical care to a grateful patient population while receiving an education in primary care and community outreach. We look forward to another wonderful year with our valued community partner.”  

We are extremely grateful for this new relationship that will be on going. We are already very excited to receive our next group of residents who will make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.