Patient Experience Week

As we step into Patient Experience Week, we want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation to each and every one of you. This week is not just about celebrating healthcare; it’s about celebrating YOU—the heart and soul of NOAH.

So here’s to you, our amazing patients!
Thank you for being the reason we do what we do. 

Your support means the world to us. Whether it’s a kind word, a warm smile, or simply showing up for your appointments, your presence makes a difference. You are more than just patients; you are valued members of our healthcare family, and we are honored to be a part of your journey to wellness.

We want to acknowledge how truly awesome our patients are. You face challenges with grace, champion for your health, and you never cease to amaze us with your strength and courage. It is because of you that we are motivated to provide the best possible care, accessible to every community member.

Fun Giveaways

As a token of our appreciation, patients that have appointments during the week of April 29 – May 3 will receive some fun giveaways, including NOAH branded sunshades (while supplies last). 

Let NOAH help you beat the summer heat with a sunshade which can reduce the temperature inside your car by 8-25%.

Asthma? Allergies? Or Both?

Springtime in the Arizona desert can be surprisingly full of blooms and trees. While it is beautiful, it can also wreak havoc on patients who suffer from seasonal allergies. For those with asthma, it can be a double whammy with uncontrolled allergies triggering their breathing troubles. Nearly 70% of asthmatics report that allergens are a major cause of their asthma symptoms.  Arizona’s allergy season usually occurs in spring and fall, but can start as early as January and last until November. Allergies are a result of your body’s immune system reacting to a foreign substance like pollen, dust, or animal dander. Living in the desert with its lack of rain also keeps the irritants suspended in the air, causing more allergy symptoms.  It is important to identify your asthma triggers, including allergies, to minimize symptoms and keep your asthma under control.

Allergy Symptoms  

Some symptoms of allergies can be confused with a common cold. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, consider seeing your doctor to be evaluated for allergies. Allergy symptoms may include:  

  • Runny nose or persistent nasal congestion  
  • Watery, itchy or red eyes   
  • Sneezing  
  • Scratchy throat  
  • Frequent sniffling  
  • Rash (hives) 

Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

Some patients may experience more of these symptoms during spring or fall if allergies are triggering their asthma. Asthma symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath  
  • Frequent coughing with exercise  
  • Chronic nighttime cough  
  • Wheezing  
  • Tightness in chest  

There can be many triggers for asthma around you. These can be seasonal or present all year round. Identifying and controlling these triggers is essential to bringing your asthma under control. Asthma Triggers may include:   

  • Seasonal allergies (pollen, dust mites, roaches, mold, trees, grasses, animals, dust, etc.)  
  • Tobacco smoke (pipe, cigarette, cigar, vape, etc.) 
  • Environmental pollution  
  • Exercise 
  • Seasonal changes  
  • Viral illness (common cold)  

It Runs in the Family

Allergies and asthma tend to run in families.  Children are more likely to be diagnosed with one or both conditions if their parents or siblings have been diagnosed with them in the past. Some children may even outgrow their allergies or asthma as they get older.  

Prevention  

Here are a few things you can do to help when allergies cause worsening of your asthma symptoms. 

  • Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high or many flowers/trees are in bloom.   
  • If you can’t avoid outdoor activities, make sure to shower and change clothes immediately afterwards. Keep these dirty clothes outside of your bedroom.  
  • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent allergens from coming inside.   
  • Change air filters in the home regularly.   
  • If you can, remove carpets from the home or vacuum frequently.   
  • Clean frequently to keep bathrooms free of mold.   
  • Keep pets outside of the bedroom.   
  • Keep stuffed animals off the bed/sleeping surface.   
  • Start allergy medications.  

Treatment  

Make sure allergies are well controlled so they do not trigger your asthma. This may mean using a daily oral allergy medication or daily allergy nose spray.  Some of these medications are available over the counter, like cetirizine or loratadine.  Please avoid regularly using drugs containing diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl) for allergies without speaking with your doctor first. It is also important to avoid anything that can trigger your allergies, especially exposure to secondhand smoke. 

It is important to have your asthma well managed to reduce the frequency and severity of flares when you encounter a trigger. Your physician can help get your asthma under good control with the use of prescription inhalers. If you need the asthma quick-relief medication more than twice a week or two nights a month, then your asthma is NOT under good control.

Talk with your NOAH provider about additional treatment options to further control your allergies and asthma.  They may also recommend seeing an allergist or pulmonologist (lung specialist) for further care.  

Q&A: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections

Get Fresh at Your Local Farmers Market

By Carolina Grant, RD, IBCLC | Registered Dietitian

There are many ways we can properly fuel our body, and a good way to start is by being surrounded by nutritious foods such as the ones you can find at the farmers market. Around the valley, you can find a variety of farmers markets with local vendors and farmers year-round. You can find fresh produce, delicious food, and even homemade products. It’s a great way to try new things you wouldn’t typically find in stores.

Reasons to attend a local farmer’s market:

  1. Enjoy seasonal produce – the produce is as fresh as it gets and usually at its peak in flavor.
  2. Support your local farmers – this helps the local economy by supporting small businesses and creating more jobs.
  3. Cheaper prices – you can typically find great deals on conventional and organic produce.
  4. Less carbon footprint – farm to table is much closer when you’re shopping at your local farmer’s market a few miles away from home.
  5. Physical activity – you’ll do plenty of walking while traveling between vendors and getting some fresh air is always a great decision.
  6. Variety – you’ll find a variety of vendors selling pasta, bread, and fruits and vegetables among many other edible and non-edible items.

Tips for the farmer’s market:

  1. Get there early – you want to increase your chances of finding the most variety before the crowd arrives.
  2. Bring your own bags – most booths don’t offer any and you can help save some plastic.
  3. Bring the family, pets are welcomed too – this is a great way to involve children by allowing them to choose their fruits and vegetables.
  4. Talk to the farmers – they love sharing about their farming practices and will share some tips and tricks on food preparation.
  5. Shop the color of the rainbow – For a well-balanced diet, pick fruits and vegetables of all different colors for a variety of vitamins and minerals.
  6. Sample before you buy – this allows you to try different products without having to buy them first.
  7. Shop the deals – walk around once writing down prices or produce and come around a second time shopping for the best prices. If you find a great deal, buy extra to freeze, or make into large batches for leftovers.  

On WIC, SNAP, or 60 years and older? You’ll want to keep reading.

If you are on WIC or are a qualifying senior, you may be eligible for at least $80 (per family member) or $100 respectively to spend at a participating farmer’s market on locally grown produce.

You’re eligible to collect coupons from February 15 to September 30.

Click here for participating locations: Locations – Arizona Farmers Market Nutrition Program (azfmnp.org)

SNAP Recipients:

Do you have a SNAP/EBT card with an active balance? For every $1 you spend, you receive an additional $1to spend on fruits and veggies, dried beans, and edible plants and seeds – there is no daily limit on how much you can double.

Click here for participating locations: Locations — Double Up Food Bucks Arizona (doubleupaz.org)

If you have any questions regarding nutrition related concerns, please reach out to one of NOAH’s Registered Dietitians!

Understanding AHCCCS and KidsCare

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet navigating healthcare systems can often be stressful and overwhelming. Luckily, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and KidsCare programs were designed to provide healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. Whether you’re new to AHCCCS/KidsCare or seeking a deeper understanding of its services, NOAH is here to provide you with a starting point on everything you need to know.

What Is AHCCCS?

AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program, designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility criteria. Established in 1982, AHCCCS is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Administration.

Who Is Eligible for AHCCCS?

Eligibility for AHCCCS is primarily based on income and other factors such as age, functional differences, and family size. Eligible individuals include but not limited to:

  • Low-income families with children
  • Pregnant women
  • Seniors
  • Individuals with varied abilities
  • Women who want screening for breast or cervical cancer

It’s important to note that eligibility criteria may vary, and applicants should check with AHCCCS or NOAH’s community resource specialists for the most accurate information.

What Services Does AHCCCS Cover?

AHCCCS provides a wide range of healthcare services, including but not limited to:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital services
  • Prescription medications (not covered if you have Medicare)
  • Lab and X-rays
  • Behavioral health services
  • Dental treatment (for children under age 21)
  • Vision exams (for children under age 21)
  • Transportation to medical appointments
  • Immunizations

Choosing a Health Plan

Once enrolled in AHCCCS, individuals are required to choose a health plan from a list of care organizations. These health plans vary in terms of covered services, provider networks, and benefits.

How Much Does AHCCCS Cost?

While AHCCCS provides coverage for most healthcare services, some services may require copayments. Copay amounts range from $0 to $30 depending on the type of service. Some people and certain services are exempt from copayments which means that no mandatory or optional copayments will be charged.

KidsCare

What Is KidsCare?

KidsCare is designed to help families who earn too much for AHCCCS (Medicaid) yet earn too little to afford to pay for health insurance for their children.

Who Is Eligible for KidsCare?

In general, an applicant may qualify if they are:

  • Under the age of 19
  • A U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
  • An Arizona resident
  • Under the income limit
  • Not eligible for AHCCCS coverage
  • Not currently covered by other health insurance

What Services Does KidsCare Cover?

For those that meet the eligibility requirements, KidsCare covers healthcare services including but not limited to:

  • Doctor visits
  • Immunizations
  • Hospital services
  • Emergency room care
  • Lab and X-rays
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental treatment
  • Vision care

How Much Does KidsCare Cost?

KidsCare will cost no more than $50 a month for one child or no more than $70 a month no matter how many children are in the household. The amount a family pays depends on their income and number of children. 

What Is the Difference Between AHCCCS and KidsCare?

KidsCare specifically targets children, while AHCCCS serves a wider population including children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with varied abilities. Additionally, the benefits and services covered may vary between KidsCare and AHCCCS due to differences in program design and guidelines.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for AHCCCS or KidsCare?

Deciding on the right program can be overwhelming, which is why NOAH’s community resource specialists are here to help. Schedule an appointment so our specialists can help you apply for AHCCCS, KidsCare, and notify you of any other services that might be available to you. 

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Once you’ve set up a meeting with a NOAH community resource specialist, make sure you bring these documents with you to your appointment. If you’re missing any, don’t worry, our specialists can still help you.

Know the Facts about Children and Diabetes

The Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF) has named April Defeat Diabetes Month. Defeat Diabetes Month is a time to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, management, and treatment throughout our communities. At NOAH, we are here to help you through all aspects of defeating diabetes, from awareness to treatment.

There are multiple forms of diabetes, but the two most common forms are called type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both forms can occur at any age, but a child is typically more likely to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. However, with childhood obesity rates on the rise, the number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life is also increasing. According to the DDF, 1 in 3 US children is overweight or obese. 75% of these children will become overweight or obese adults, and 87.5% of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the US are overweight or obese.

The DDF has created three different steps to help win the fight to defeat diabetes. The three steps include awareness, action, and prevention.

  • Awareness – creating awareness of the risk factors, warning signs, and complications.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin is needed to help lower the levels of sugar and maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes occurs when insulin is not produced in sufficient amounts or the cells of the body are unable to use the insulin properly. Over time, high blood sugar levels may lead to serious complications such as diseases of the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), nerves (diabetic neuropathy), and blood vessels (that can eventually lead to poor circulation in the extremities). Diet and lifestyle changes can help decrease the risk of these complications.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that is almost exclusively based on genetics, and it cannot be prevented. With type 1, the pancreas produces very little or no insulin, leading to high blood sugars. Symptoms include increased urination, excessive thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss.

Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable and can be characterized by insulin resistance, decreased insulin production, or a combination of both. Some of the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes include diet, physical activity, and weight management.

  • Action – taking action and providing individuals with the information they need to make the right dietary, lifestyle, and treatment choices to ensure their optimal health.

It’s important to talk with your child’s doctor to find the best treatment plan. Your child’s doctor will talk you through the importance of lifestyle, diet, and medication in order to keep your child’s blood sugar under control. Eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle can help manage BOTH type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As mentioned, Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable, so it is even more important to start creating healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits at a young age.

Children who are at risk or are diagnosed with diabetes can live a happy, healthy life through self-management and with an integrative team approach with various medical professionals. An integrated approach with your child’s doctor, a registered dietitian, and a behavioral health specialist can help develop a nutrition, physical activity, and medication plan that can help.

Here are some healthy nutrition tips from The American Academy of Pediatrics:

  • Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
  • Stick with water, avoiding juices and other drinks high in sugars.
  • Include high-fiber, whole-grain foods such as brown rice, whole-grain pasta, corns, peas, and breads and cereals at meals. Sweet potatoes are also a good choice.
  • Choose lower-fat or fat-free toppings like grated low-fat Parmesan cheese, salsa, herbed cottage cheese, nonfat/low-fat gravy, low-fat sour cream, low-fat salad dressing, or yogurt.
  • Select lean meats such as skinless chicken and turkey, fish, lean beef cuts (round, sirloin, chuck, loin, lean ground beef—no more than 15% fat content), and lean pork cuts (tenderloin, chops, ham). Trim off all visible fat. Remove skin from cooked poultry before eating.
  • Include healthy oils such as canola or olive oil in your diet. Choose margarine and vegetable oils without trans fats made from canola, corn, sunflower, soybean, or olive oils.
  • Use nonstick vegetable sprays when cooking.
  • Use fat-free cooking methods such as baking, broiling, grilling, poaching, or steaming when cooking meat, poultry, or fish.
  • Serve vegetable and broth-based soups or soups that use nonfat (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk or evaporated skim milk when making cream soups.
  • Use the Nutrition Facts label on food packages to find foods with less saturated fat per serving. Pay attention to the serving size as you make choices. Remember that the percent daily values on food labels are based on portion sizes and calorie levels for adults.
  • Prevention – take a personal pledge to prevent diabetes in your family and your community.

Feel free to reach out to one of your NOAH Health Centers with any questions you may have. NOAH offers a full range of primary and preventable health services for all ages!

To learn more about the DDF and the prevention and management of diabetes, visit their website at https://defeatdiabetes.org/

To read more about Type 1 Diabetes in children visit https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chronic/Pages/Diabetes.aspx

To learn more about type 2 diabetes and tips for healthy living check out https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chronic/Pages/Type-2-Diabetes-A-Manageable-Epidemic.aspx

World Health Day

By Maggie Hensley, RDN | Registered Dietitian

It’s finally springtime! For a lot of us that usually comes with some form of spring cleaning. Culturally, spring cleaning has deep roots in Jewish traditions around Passover, Iranian celebrations of Nowruz, Chinese Lunar New Year, Thailand’s Songkran Festival, and many others. Along with the themes of renewal and cleansing, these traditions have another thing in common: food!

As a dietitian I often think about how food connects to the rest of our lives in interesting ways. In light of World Health Day and spring cleaning, I wanted to explore what we can do to “clean up” our relationship with food.

Let’s Start by Dusting Off Our Big Book of Food Rules

Do you notice that you have specific rules around certain foods? Like restricting “junk foods”, only eating at home or during specific times of day or having to exercise more to “earn” foods or “burn off” foods? Do these sound familiar or remind you of any of your own food rules? Some research shows that restricting certain foods can contribute to eventually binging. So, as we clean house, are there any food rules that we are ready to toss out?

Now Let’s Head to the Basement of “Bad” Foods

We often hear a lot of negative talk around calories and carbohydrates which can lead us to thinking of some foods as “good” and some as “bad.” The truth is that foods, like people, are more complex than that. Foods are not good or bad, they just do different things. Some give us quick energy, some longer lasting energy, but they all have complex vitamin and mineral profiles. Some can also comfort our grief, soothe our broken hearts, and reconnect us to treasured memories. What steps can we take today to throw away our focus on the good food/bad food fight, and to start making peace with all foods?

The Last Place We’ll Tidy Today is the Attic

This is where all our preconceived ideas about health, weight, and body size live (amidst a lot of other things). A common misconception is that our weight determines our health. It does not. People in lower weight bodies get the same chronic conditions that those in higher weight bodies get. If we fed every single person the exact same diet our heights, weights, shapes, and health would still be very different. I think it’s time to get rid of those notions and instead celebrate how beautiful our differences are!

If any of these spaces sound familiar and you would like someone to help you tidy your relationship with food, please schedule an appointment with one of our registered dietitians. They are experts in the science of nutrition and exploring relationships with food, they are also conveniently located in person or through telehealth at all of our NOAH health center locations.

Hydration Tips From Our Nutrition Experts

There are many ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and that includes staying hydrated. Our experts share why hydration is so important to healthy living, how much water should be consumed daily, and the many ways to hydrate your body.

Why is water important?

  • Keeps body temperatures normal.
  • Improve brain function and mood.
  • Prevents constipation.
  • Gets rid of waste from the body in urine, sweat, and the digestive track.
  • Lubricates joints and protects your spinal cord and other tissues.

How much should you drink?

That’s not as simple of a question as it sounds. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is 3.7 liters (125 oz.) for adult men and 2.7 liters (93 oz.) for adult women. All beverages (even coffee and tea) count as fluids, and plenty of foods are good sources of fluids, like fruits, vegetables, and soups. The common wisdom of 8 cups of water a day (64 oz.) is a great place to start!

When do you need more water?

In general, you need more water when you lose more water by sweating or by your digestive track.

  • During hotter months
  • More physically active
  • Running a fever
  • Having diarrhea or vomiting

How can you tell if you’re not drinking enough?

You may have one or more of the signs below if you need more water:

  • Thirst
  • Darker than light-yellow urine
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • Muscle cramps or fatigue

Tips for getting enough water?

  • Carry a water bottle. Try freezing one overnight for ice-cold water all day.
  • For a little extra flavor, add something! Lemon, lime, mango, mint, cucumber, strawberry, melon, jalapeno or a low/no calorie flavoring can enhance the taste of water.
  • Have a glass of water with meals before, after, and during exercise.
  • Still having trouble remembering? Try an app! There are free phone apps that will help you set goals and send you reminders to keep you on track.
  • Snack on watermelon, cucumbers, other water-rich fruits and vegetables or reduced-fat yogurt. You’ll benefit from the extra fluid and healthy nutrients.
  • Use a large water container such as 1 gallon (128 oz.) and mark off times to indicate how low the water level should be at different points in the day such as 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.
  • Place water bottles or cups in different areas of the home or office where you spend a lot of time, such as the chair you usually read in. These can serve as a physical reminder to drink more.

Looking to increase your water intake? Book an appointment with our nutrition experts to get the assistance you need.

Help and Support for Eating Disorders

The earlier an eating disorder is detected, the better the chance for recovery. It’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of disordered eating. The first step towards positive changes is to recognize disordered eating behaviors. The second step is to reach out and tell someone that you trust. You can tell a close friend, family member, or a healthcare professional. Starting this conversation can be challenging, but you’re doing the right thing by asking for help and support and you should be proud of yourself.

Resources

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website offers a screening tool to determine if it’s time to seek professional help for an eating disorder.

For support, resources, and treatment options, individuals can contact the Helpline at (800) 931-2237. NEDA provides online forums accessible 24/7 for individuals and loved ones seeking to connect and communicate about the eating disorder recovery process. Additionally, they offer a support group finder to locate in-person and online support groups.

Managing an eating disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a medical doctor, therapist, family members, and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). How can a Registered Dietitian help? Nutrition counseling is essential, and an RDN can assist individuals in challenging distorted thoughts about:

  • Body image and weight.
  • Exploring emotions and fears related to food and hunger.
  • Achieving goals without fear of judgment.

It’s important to have a strong support system when recovering from an eating disorder. Schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider to help you make and stick to healthy habits.

Advice to Living a Heart-Healthy Life

February is American Heart Month, so let’s raise awareness and support for heart health in the fight against heart disease!

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and it is the leading cause of death worldwide. There are many risk factors that impact your chances of having heart disease. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that preventing heart disease starts with knowing what your risk factors are and what you can do to lower them.

Some risk factors for heart disease include:

  • high blood pressure
  • high blood cholesterol
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • smoking
  • lack of physical activity
  • unhealthy eating behaviors

These risk factors can be managed or changed. Some risk factors that cannot be changed include age, sex, and family history of heart disease.

If you have any questions or concerns about potential risk factors, please check with your NOAH healthcare provider!

Nutrition can impact your heart health

Heart disease is often preventable when people make healthy changes, including diet and how much activity or exercise they get. Living a heart-healthy life means knowing your risk factors and making good choices to protect your heart and stay healthy. Here are some heart-healthy nutrition and exercise tips:

  • Choose heart-healthy foods and eat a diet that is balanced with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources.
    • Try to have at least half of your grain intake come from whole grains such as 100% whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa.
    • Aim for 1-2 cups of fruit daily
    • Aim for 1-3 cups of vegetables daily
  • Choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products when having milk, cheese, or yogurt.

Foods to enjoy

  • Lean meats such as 95% lean ground beef or pork tenderloin, or skinless chicken or turkey (limit red meats to one time per week)
    • Fish such as salmon and tuna (try to eat fish as least once per week)
    • Eggs
    • Nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, edamame
    • Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas
  • Incorporate foods that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (good fats):
    • Olive oil or avocado oil
    • Fish and seafood
    • Nuts and seeds
    • Nut and seed butters
    • Avocados

Foods to limit

  • Limit high sodium foods. Adults and children 14+ should eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily.
    • Read food labels and choose foods that are lower in sodium. Look for low sodium, reduced sodium, or no salt added on the food label.
    • Choose fresh, whole foods whenever possible and try to avoid processed foods such as frozen meals.
    • Avoid the saltshaker and flavor foods with herbs and spices instead.
  • Limit saturated fats.
    • Saturated fat is usually found in animal-based proteins such as fatty beef, pork, and chicken skin.
    • It is also found in full-fat dairy products such as whole milk.
    • Butter, lard, coconut and palm oils also contain saturated fats (replace with olive oil).
  • Avoid trans fats.
    • Trans fats can be found in margarine, shortening, processed sweets, baked goods, and some fried foods.
    • Avoid foods with “partially hydrogenated oil” on the ingredient list such as cookies, pastries, baked goods, biscuits, crackers, and frozen dinners.
  • Limit foods that are high in added sugars
    • Sugar-sweetened drinks such as soda, fruit juice, sweetened coffees, and energy drinks
    • Sweets and desserts
  • Limit Alcohol

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists provide nutritional care and guidance for patients with nutrition-related conditions like diabetes and pre-diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight management, digestive issues, food allergies, and more.

If you have any nutrition questions or need help developing a heart healthy diet plan, please reach out to one of the dietitians here at NOAH and make an appointment today!