Halloween is all about costumes, candy, and spooky fun! Too many sugary treats can increase the risk of cavities though. The good news? Your family can enjoy Halloween treats with these tricks to take care of those smiles.
Here are a few simple tricks to protect your teeth this Halloween and all year long.
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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. While some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed, there are steps you can take that may lower your risk.
Understanding your personal risk can also help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about screening and prevention.
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop breast cancer. In fact, some people who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors. Breast cancer risk is influenced by a combination of factors, including age, genetics, family history, reproductive history, lifestyle, and overall health.
Some breast cancer risk factors are outside your control. Knowing about them can help you and your healthcare provider understand your individual risk.
The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
However, breast cancer can occur at any age. If you notice a change in your breast or have concerns about your breast health, don’t wait for your next screening to talk with your healthcare provider.
Having a close family member with breast cancer may increase your risk, especially if your mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer. Your risk may also be higher if several relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, if a relative was diagnosed at a young age, or if a male relative has had breast cancer.
Remember that your father’s side of the family matters, too. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about cancer history on both sides of your family.
Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue in the breast. Dense breasts are common and are not an illness. However, having dense breasts can increase breast cancer risk and can make some cancers harder to see on a mammogram.
If your mammogram shows that you have dense breasts, talk with your healthcare provider about what that means for you and whether additional screening is recommended.
Certain reproductive factors can affect breast cancer risk because they influence how long breast tissue is exposed to hormones. For example, starting menstrual periods at a younger age or going through menopause at an older age can slightly increase risk.
These factors are part of your medical history—not choices you need to feel guilty about.
You can’t control every breast cancer risk factor—and you don’t need to make your health perfect to make a difference.
Some everyday choices can help lower your risk.
Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Find activities you enjoy, whether that’s walking, hiking, dancing, swimming, biking, or another form of movement.
The goal is to make physical activity a regular part of your routine.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, and the risk increases as alcohol consumption increases.
If you drink alcohol, drinking less can help lower your risk.
Having overweight or obesity after menopause is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
Rather than focusing on a specific number on the scale, talk with your healthcare provider about healthy habits that support your overall health.
Some forms of menopausal hormone therapy can increase breast cancer risk. The level of risk depends on the type of hormone therapy, how long it is used, and individual factors.
If you use or are considering hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks. Don’t stop a prescribed medication without talking with your provider first.
There is no single way to predict who will develop breast cancer. Your healthcare provider can look at your family history, personal health history, reproductive history, and other factors to help estimate your risk and determine whether you may benefit from additional screening or prevention strategies.
Most importantly, don’t let your risk factors discourage you from taking care of your breast health. Some factors are outside your control, but there are still meaningful steps you can take.
Have questions about your breast cancer risk or when you should get a mammogram? Talk with your NOAH provider about your breast health and screening needs. We can help you understand your risk and connect you with the care you need.
Flu season is here and getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. The vaccine is especially important for young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
The flu can come on suddenly and may cause:
The flu can be more serious than a typical cold and can lead to complications or even hospitalization. Getting vaccinated can lower your risk of serious illness.
Almost everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each season. This includes pregnant people, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Children younger than 6 months are too young to receive a flu vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or have questions about whether vaccination is right for you, talk with your healthcare provider.
What about an egg allergy? Egg allergies are no longer a reason to avoid the flu vaccine. People with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine that is appropriate for their age and health.
Flu viruses change over time, and the protection provided by vaccination decreases over time. Each year’s vaccine is updated to help protect against the influenza viruses expected to be most common during the upcoming season.
That’s why it’s important to get a flu vaccine every year—even if you received one last year.
For most people, September and October are good times to get vaccinated, and ideally you should be vaccinated by the end of October. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop protection after vaccination.
But don’t worry if you miss that window. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. Vaccination can still protect you later in the season as long as flu viruses are circulating and vaccine is available.
No. A flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.
Some people may experience mild side effects after vaccination, such as soreness where the shot was given, a low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches. When these side effects happen, they are usually mild and last only a day or two.
These reactions are much less severe than getting the flu itself.
Flu vaccines are available at NOAH. Schedule an appointment today and protect yourself this flu season.
Your health changes as you age—and your healthcare needs can change, too. The good news is that small, healthy habits can make a big difference. Here are a few simple ways to support your health at any age.
Regular visits help you and your provider keep track of your health, talk about concerns and catch problems early. If you have Medicare, ask about your yearly Medicare Wellness Visit.
You don’t have to spend hours at the gym. Walking, swimming, gardening or other activities you enjoy can help support your heart, muscles, bones and overall health.
Try to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins in your meals. NOAH offers Nutrition Services along with nutritional guidance and education for patients with diet-related conditions. If healthy food is difficult to afford or access, NOAH may be able to help connect you with food services.
Stress, anxiety and depression can affect your overall health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or down, talking with a healthcare provider can be a good place to start. Learn more about our mental health services here.
Spending time with friends, family and your community can support your mental and emotional well-being. Find activities that help you stay connected and involved. Volunteer opportunities and other local community groups are a great place to start! You can fill out a volunteer interest form or look for current volunteer opportunities with NOAH here.
Your healthcare needs are unique. Your NOAH provider can help you understand what screenings, vaccines, checkups and healthy habits are right for you. Call 480-882-4545 or request an appointment with NOAH.
September is a great time to check in on your health. Before the hustle of the holidays sets in, take a few minutes to make sure you and your family are staying on track.
Here are five health checkups worth putting on your calendar.
Regular visits help you and your provider keep track of your health, catch problems early, and talk about any concerns. NOAH offers routine checkups, screenings, immunizations, lab services, and more.
If you have Medicare, you may also qualify for a yearly Medicare Wellness Visit. These visits focus on prevention and your long-term health.
You don’t have to wait until you have a toothache to see the dentist. Regular dental exams and cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy and can help find problems early.
Your mental health is part of your overall health. If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, you don’t have to handle it alone.
NOAH offers counseling and psychiatry for adults and children ages 6 and up.
Some health problems don’t cause symptoms at first. Your provider can help you understand which screenings you may need based on your age, health history, and risk factors. These may include screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or certain cancers. NOAH can help you create a plan that fits your needs.
Kids need regular checkups, too. Well-child visits help track growth and development, keep vaccines up to date, and give parents a chance to ask questions about their child’s health.
That’s okay! Your NOAH care team can help you figure out what care you need and when you need it.
Call NOAH at 480-882-4545 or request an appointment online.
Your health matters, and we’re here to help. We offer medical, dental, counseling, psychiatry, nutrition, pediatrics, pharmacy, and other services to care for the whole person.
Arizona’s warm climate means that mosquitos can be active for most of the year. During monsoon season, mosquitos become even more active. While most mosquito bites are harmless, some can spread illnesses like West Nile. Knowing how to protect you and your family can help reduce your risk.
With the new school year underway for most kids, there are plenty of exciting new friends, activities, and experiences to look forward to. But all that excitement can also make it harder for kids to calm their minds and settle down at bedtime. If you’re struggling to help your child wind down and fall asleep, these simple tools can help.
Sometimes kids are tired but their minds are still busy. These simple activities give the brain something calm and repetitive to focus on.
Count Sheep—With a Twist
Have your child imagine animals jumping over a fence while counting backward from 100. If they lose track, simply start again. You can make it more fun by imagining unicorns jumping over rainbows, squirrels climbing trees, or other silly scenes.
Try the Rainbow Method
Pick a color and slowly name five things that are that color. For example: “red apple, red balloon, red fire truck…” Then move to another color. For a longer activity, try moving through the alphabet instead.
Count Backward by Threes
Start at 100 and count backward: 100, 97, 94, 91… This takes just enough concentration to distract the brain from racing thoughts without being too stimulating.
Help the Body Relax
Starting with the toes, have your child imagine each part of their body becoming heavy, warm, and relaxed. Slowly work your way up the body toward the head. This is a simple, kid-friendly relaxation exercise.
There isn’t one trick that will make every child fall asleep right away. These activities work by helping children relax and giving their minds something gentle and repetitive to focus on.
The most important tools are a consistent schedule, a calming bedtime routine, and a sleep-friendly environment. Start practicing these habits before the school year gets busy so your child can ease into a healthy sleep routine.
Ongoing sleep problems can sometimes be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. If your child continues to have trouble falling asleep, snores heavily, wakes frequently during the night, or is unusually tired during the day, talk with your NOAH provider.
Exercising in the pool is a great way to stay cool, build strength, and improve cardiovascular health. Check out the exercises below which can all be done with minimal equipment; you just need yourself and the pool, but it can be handy to have some goggles too! Check out the following exercises to learn more!
Remember: Unless using an indoor pool, use plenty of sunscreen to prevent sunburn, even when cloudy outside. Also, drink plenty of water while exercising to stay hydrated. You can still sweat in the pool!
Also known as free style, front crawl is a type of swimming stroke. This is an advanced swimming technique, but once learned, this exercise can take your fitness routine to the next level! Check out the video tutorial below to learn how to do the front crawl correctly.
Similar to front crawl, breaststroke is another swim stroke that you might find easier to do. What’s unique about this exercise is that it can be easier to swim with your head above the water. Tune into the video below to learn how to do this exercise.
This exercise is great for beginners. It comes with similar health benefits to walking on land, while adding extra resistance and taking stress off your joints. To perform this movement, simply walk back and forth across the shallow end of the pool.
This exercise involves staying in place, while keeping your head above the water. If you are new to this exercise, start in the shallow end of the pool first before moving to the deep end. There are many ways to do this exercise so do whatever is easiest for you! Check out the video below to learn how!
Perform this exercise like you would on land. Don’t worry if you can’t do as many as you can do on land. It’s supposed to be harder!
For this exercise, hold onto the side of the pool and do a flutter kick to keep yourself afloat and flat across the surface of the pool. You can also do this exercise with a breaststroke kick.
This is a fun one! To start, hold on to the side of the pool while placing both feet on the wall so that you are hanging off the edge. Tuck your knees into your chest, and when you are ready, push off and glide on your back. Jog/walk back to the edge and repeat.
To perform this exercise, alternate between pushing off the bottom of the pool with your foot bringing your knee up as high as you can. You can stay in place or do this exercise across the shallow end of the pool.
This exercise is effective for building upper body strength. If you can’t do the dips, pushups in the pool can be an easier alternative. Start in the pool by placing both of your hands on the edge of the pool a little bit wider than shoulder width apart. While at an angle, lower your chest as far as you can and push back up. Watch the video below for step by step instructions.
This exercise can help strengthen your shoulders. Start with your shoulders below the water with your hands placed at your side. Slowly raise your hands up out to the side until they reach the surface of the water like a cross. Slowly lower your arms back down to your sides to repeat the movement. You can also do this exercise with your arms bent at 90 degrees to make it easier.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that mental health is part of overall health. Many people struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use concerns, but still avoid asking for help. Some worry about being judged. Others think their problems are “not serious enough.” But mental health care is healthcare, and getting support early can make a big difference.
At NOAH, getting mental health support is easy. With our head-to-toe approach to care, NOAH’s providers work together as one team, helping patients easily connect to counseling, psychiatry, nutrition, medical, dental, and pharmacy services all in one place.
Sometimes the signs that you may need support are easy to miss. Mental health concerns do not always look like sadness or emotional breakdowns. They can show up in everyday life and physical health.
Some common signs you or a loved one may benefit from mental health services include:
If these feelings or symptoms are affecting your daily life, work, relationships, or physical health, it may be time to ask for support. Start by talking with any member of your NOAH care team about a direct referral for counseling or psychiatry services. If you’re new to NOAH or don’t have an upcoming appointment, call our patient engagement center at 480-882-4545 or request an appointment online to get started. Your NOAH team will guide you to the right provider for your needs. If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to connect 24/7 with someone who can help.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to check in with yourself and remember that asking for help is a healthy step. Mental health care is not only for people in crisis, it’s for everyone.
For more information and resources, visit mentalhealthmattersaz.org.
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. We all experience anxiety as a temporary, protective emotion to help us stay alert and cope with challenges. This response can be related to all sorts of things like starting a new job, going on a first date, parenting, public speaking, performing in front of a crowd, and even making a phone call. Since anxiety is the body’s way of helping us through situations, we can’t make it go away entirely but we can learn skills to make feelings associated with anxiety more manageable.
Anxiety can cause both emotional and physical symptoms.
Some people experience anxiety in a way that is unhealthy, which is referred to as an anxiety disorder. While the tips provided here can help ease anxiety in the moment, people with anxiety disorder often experience overwhelming feelings that interfere with daily activities like work or relationships.
Anxiety disorders come from genetics, brain chemistry, and/or stressful life events and is highly treatable in both adults and children.
For more information on normal anxiety or anxiety disorder, schedule an appointment with your NOAH primary care provider to discuss symptoms, explore options, and develop a plan for recovery. Counseling and psychiatry services are available at NOAH for ages six and up.
