Community Care Day Event

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We are thrilled to announce an upcoming event that goes beyond the usual back-to-school preparations, offering valuable resources for the entire family. NOAH will be hosting a Community Care Day on Saturday, July 27, at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center. This event is open to all patients and community members and offers free supplies and essential health information.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, July 27
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Cholla Health Center

Resources Offered:

  • Diapers and Wipes*
  • School Supplies*
  • Wellness Kits*
  • Food Boxes*
  • Haircuts
  • Shoes*
  • Health Resource Information
  • Application Assistance for SNAP, AHCCCS, Marketplace, and more

Mark your calendars and help us make this event a success by sharing this information with friends, family, and anyone who might benefit from these resources.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Molina Healthcare and to the team at Jaburg Wilk Law Firm for their contribution of diapers and school supplies. We can’t wait to see you!

*While supplies last.

Time to get Ready for School!

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The 2024-2025 school year is just around the corner and the back-to-school feeling is nice to have back. As kids everywhere begin to get ready for the year, here are ways to make sure the start of the school year is a healthy and safe one.

Well-child Appointments
Well-child checks or well-child visits are crucial for healthy development among children. Make sure your child has their well-child appointment before school starts!

Schedule a Sports Physical
If your child is playing any sport this fall or spring, it’s a good time to get them a physical before the season gets into full swing.

Make Sure Immunizations Are Up to Date
Schools require immunizations and they keep your child and their classmates protected from unnecessary, dangerous, and sometimes fatal diseases. Take a look at the CDC list of childhood vaccines.

Start a Good Sleep Routine
Kids need enough sleep to develop and do well in school and everything else. Most children need between 9-12 hours of sleep each night, so start a routine now and keep it up!

Be Physically Fit
Kids need at least one hour of exercise every day. Make sure they get enough activity whether it is walking, swimming, playing soccer or basketball, dancing, or something else.

Get School Supplies Ready
Start the school year with a sturdy backpack. Make sure your student has whatever supplies, like notebooks, folders, pens, and pencils, etc. to start the year successfully.

Talk About Bullying
Make sure your child knows about the seriousness of bullying. It can hurt people emotionally and mentally and can harm their learning. If your child is being bullied or sees another student bullied, make sure they know to tell a bully to “Stop!” and to talk to a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, nurse) at school.

Ready to start this school year and get your student in for their back-to-school medical appointments? NOAH pediatricians, counselors, nutritionists, and community resource specialists can help your student and family head into the year with everything you need for success. Make an appointment today!

5 Tips to Eat Healthy During Summer

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With summer in full swing and your kiddos out of school, you may notice that your family’s mealtime routine is a bit more relaxed. It’s easy to indulge in beverages and foods which increase your empty caloric intake which can put on extra weight. And as we age, those pounds are much harder to get rid of.

Make healthy eating year-round; exercise helps burn those extra calories, but what about the lack of vitamins and minerals you may be missing out on? The best way to maintain a healthy diet is to develop and keep a mealtime routine and offer a variety of nutritious foods for your family year-round.

Try following these tips:

  1. Buy a variety of foods. When you go grocery shopping, start in the fruits and vegetables area. Then head over to the dairy and meats section. This allows you to focus on macronutrients that your body needs (carbohydrates, proteins, and fat). These nutrients give your body the energy it needs to maintain a balanced diet. By filling your cart with these foods first, you are less likely to have room for processed items that include high sugar, sodium, and carbs your body doesn’t need.
  2. Meal prep. It’s not just for the work week. Making good nutrition choices is easy if you prep right after you go grocery shopping. Designate a shelf or drawer in your refrigerator that includes cut-up fruits and vegetables, portioned out. In your pantry place the healthier items such as dry roasted edamame or chickpeas, low-sugar breakfast bars and nut/fruit trail mix, and popcorn in the front so these are the first items to grab. These snacks can be portioned out ahead of time making it much easier for your family to choose when they are hungry.
  3. Be mindful. Eating together whenever possible is a great way to catch up with your family and allows you to enjoy your food. Fill your plate with lean protein, vegetables, and grains. Fresh fruits make a great dessert option and help clean your palate. Most importantly, take the time to chew properly and taste the goodness.
  4. Smart drinks. This, especially during the summer months when it’s hot, can be tricky. Instead of grabbing a sugar-filled beverage, have ready-to-go containers filled in the fridge with water, low-fat or fat-free milk, or milk alternatives in the front that are easy to grab and go. This will help everyone avoid those empty calories.
  5. Get everyone involved. Going to the grocery store with your whole family can be an adventure that’s for sure, but it can also be an opportunity to educate your kiddos on what to buy and how to read labels. Teaching them the importance of a healthy diet at a young age will make them more likely to stick with it into their teens and beyond. It also allows them to learn how to make healthy food purchases.

But don’t stop here, meal prepping is way more fun as a family activity and it speeds up the process, making it feel less like a chore and more like a family bonding experience. Kids can peel fruits and vegetables, measure and scoop and assemble bags.

Eating healthily may reduce any sluggish feelings you may experience from processed carbs, high-saturated fats, and high-sugar drinks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the benefits of healthy eating may boost immunity, strengthen bones, and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases. For more information on nutritional eating benefits, visit https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/resources-publications/benefits-of-healthy-eating.html.

Tips to Manage Your Child’s Phone Time Over the Summer

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With summer in full swing, it’s important to balance allowing your child to enjoy their time off and ensuring they don’t spend too much time on their phone. Managing screen time can be challenging with the allure of social media, games, and endless online content. By setting clear boundaries, offering engaging alternatives, and promoting various activities, you can help your child make the most of their summer while developing healthy phone habits. Here are some practical tips to guide you in managing your child’s phone time effectively.

  • Set Clear Boundaries
    Establish specific times when phone use is allowed, such as after chores or outdoor playtime. Clear rules help set expectations and reduce conflicts.
  • Create a Schedule
    Develop a daily schedule that includes time for reading, outdoor activities, family time, and phone use. Balance is key to keeping your child engaged in various activities.
  • Encourage Outdoor Activities
    Promote outdoor play and sports. Organize family outings, nature walks, or visits to parks to keep them active and away from screens.
  • Use Parental Controls
    Utilize parental control apps to set limits on screen time, block inappropriate content, and monitor phone usage. This helps ensure your child’s online safety.
  • Offer Alternatives
    Provide a variety of non-screen activities such as board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and books. Keeping them occupied with fun alternatives can reduce their reliance on phones.
  • Lead by Example
    Be a role model by limiting your own phone use. Show your child that engaging in offline activities can be enjoyable and rewarding.
  • Establish Tech-Free Zones
    Designate certain areas of the house, such as the dining room and bedrooms, as tech-free zones to encourage family interaction and better sleep hygiene.
  • Set Goals and Rewards
    Create a reward system for adhering to phone rules. For example, extra screen time can be earned through completing chores or participating in educational activities.
  • Communicate the Reasons
    Explain to your child why it’s important to limit phone use. Discuss the benefits of balancing screen time with other activities for their overall well-being.
  • Plan Tech-Free Activities
    Schedule regular family activities that do not involve screens, such as cooking together, playing sports, or having a movie night with no phones allowed.

By implementing these tips, you can help your child develop healthy phone habits and enjoy a well-rounded, active summer. For questions related to your child’s overall health, call 480-882-4545 and schedule an appointment with your child’s NOAH provider.

Have a Summer Safe in the Sun!

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By Cassandra Altamirano | PA-C, MPAS

Summer is a time to have fun!

Many of us enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, biking, and running, but summers in Arizona are very hot!  This heat can be dangerous and can cause people to become very sick or even die. Being out in the heat too long can cause dehydration and symptoms of dizziness, headaches, light-headedness, and fainting. If your body reaches too high of a temperature it can even impact organs like your kidneys and brain. Every year, people end up in the hospital due to heat related illness. Have fun, but be sure to have a summer safe from heat illness.

Here are the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses:

Recommended tips to have a summer safe in the heat and prevent heat-related illness:

Bring water 

  • Bring water with you everywhere you go. 
  • If you are outside in the heat stay hydrated! Drink at least 1 cup (8 oz) of water every hour even if you do not feel thirsty.

Wear sunscreen 

  • Wear at least 30 SPF sunscreen and remember to reapply every 2-3 hours especially if you are in the water. 
  • People often forget to apply sunscreen on wrists, tops of feet, backs of hands, ears, and nose. Don’t forget these areas!

Wear the right clothes

  • Wear a hat – a wide brimmed hat is best.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Wear lightweight cotton clothing that covers your skin. 

Make safe choices

  • Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. is generally the coolest time.
  • If you are unable to avoid being out in the heat be sure to take frequent breaks to drink water and find shade to rest.
  • Check in on your elderly neighbors, family and friends, people from out of town or those that may be at high risk.

If you have more questions about heat and hydration safety, talk to one of NOAH’s providers today.

NOAH and Molina Healthcare: Programs Benefiting our Community

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At NOAH, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our community. Our partnership with Molina Healthcare has been vital in enhancing our services and reaching more individuals in need. We are proud to highlight some of the key programs and events that with support from Molina Healthcare have made a significant impact on our community.

Fresh for You Food Distribution System 

Addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy lifestyle choices are central to our mission at NOAH. Thanks to the generous funding from Molina Healthcare, NOAH purchased a bank of 16 refrigerated lockers for our Cholla Health Center. The Fresh for You food distribution program provides our food-insecure patients and community members with easy and dignified access to healthy produce and other nutritious items.

In collaboration with Farmbox Arizona and St. Mary’s Food Bank, we ensure a steady supply of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and shelf-stable items to fill these lockers. This partnership not only supports local agriculture but also guarantees that our patients receive the freshest and most nutritious options available. 

Since launching in late 2023, demand for our Fresh for You food distribution program has soared creating the need for even more food lockers. Molina Healthcare was quick to support this community need by funding additional food lockers doubling our distribution capacity to 32 food lockers by August 2024.  

Books for Kids

During well-child checks, children receive books generously donated by Molina Healthcare, available in either English or Spanish based on the family’s preference. These books are theirs to keep, encouraging reading at home and supporting literacy.

To make the experience enjoyable for the entire family, we also provide books for siblings. This ensures that if a sibling accompanies the child to the appointment, both children can enjoy a book, making visits to our health centers a positive and engaging experience for families.

Special Events

NOAHfest Carnival and Health Fair

Molina Healthcare was the presenting sponsor two years in a row for our 2023 and 2024 NOAHfest events. These free one-day community events featured a day of fun, entertainment, and health at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center in Scottsdale. 

Thanks to Molina’s contribution, NOAH was able to offer this event to hundreds of individuals and families who enjoyed a variety of activities, including inflatable and tabletop games, face painting, crafts, and giveaways, as well as information and health screenings from NOAH providers. 

Connecting with patients and community members about healthcare in this non-traditional way created an opportunity to educate more than 800 participants about NOAH services and community resources.  

Back-to-School Wellness Events

Back to School season is a great time to ensure students are up to date on vaccinations, on-track for growth and development, and ready for the new school year. With support from Molina Healthcare, NOAH was able to fund the post-COVID-19 return of special back to school wellness events in 2023. Over 700 children benefitted from our increased appointment availability, extended Saturday schedules, and free resources to get the school year started.  

Community Care Day

In 2024, Molina and NOAH are going beyond back to school with resources available for the whole family during a special Community Care Day event on July 27 at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center. Patients and community members are invited to stop by for free school supplies, diapers, nutrition tips, health information, and more while supplies last.

Our partnership with Molina Healthcare has enabled us to launch and sustain impactful programs, addressing critical needs such as food insecurity and community engagement. We are deeply grateful for Molina’s support and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to improve the health and well-being of our community.