June is Men’s Health Month, a perfect time to focus on improving health and wellness. While everyone wants to look and feel healthy, many struggle with body dissatisfaction. Rising obesity rates are concerning, often stemming from inactivity at home and work, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
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At NOAH, we believe in the power of stories. Your journey with us is more than just medical appointments—it’s a testament to hope and healing. Today, we invite you to become an advocate for NOAH by sharing your unique experience with our community.
Your story matters. Whether it’s overcoming a health challenge, finding support in difficult times, or experiencing exceptional care from our dedicated team, your words have the potential to inspire and uplift others.
When you share your story, you illuminate the impact of NOAH’s compassionate care. Your experience not only offers support to those navigating similar challenges, but also plays an important role in our mission to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare services to our community.
Take a look at some of NOAH’s previous patient stories:
Are you ready to make a difference? Please complete the form below and if your story is selected, a member of our team will reach out for more information.
Please note if your story is selected we may ask you to share your experience in a written, voice recorded, or video recorded interview. Rest assured, your privacy and comfort are our top priorities. Our team will ensure a supportive environment during filming.
Thank you for entrusting NOAH with your care. Together, let’s spread hope, kindness, and the power of healing through the gift of storytelling.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a common experience for women following childbirth, typically occurring within six weeks after delivery, with statistics indicating one in seven women may develop PPD. It is common to experience what is known as “baby blues” after giving birth, characterized by mood fluctuations from happiness and joy to sadness and bouts of crying. Over the first two weeks after delivery, the baby blues tend to decrease. More concerning, there is Post-Partum Psychosis: hallucinations or delusions that may cause suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
Simply put, women undergo hormonal, physical, emotional, and psychological changes after childbirth, which can be challenging, exhausting, and even traumatic for some. Let’s explore the risk factors, symptoms, stigmas, and treatment/resources for PPD.
Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) happens after giving birth, like PPD, however this condition affects your sense of reality. There are three types of PPP: The depressive type is the most common and most dangerous, the manic is the next most common type, and lastly the mixed/atypical is the least common.
Statistics show that about 50% of new mothers with PPD go undiagnosed due to issues with privacy and not wanting to disclose these issues with family members. As a mother, there are a lot of responsibilities put on us, including expectations of what a “good mother” is or should be. It’s difficult for mothers to express themselves and ask for help, in fear of being judged, invalidated, and even fear of losing their children.
Having a lack of support can also play a big factor. If a mother lacks social support and is fearful to turn to her doctor, she may feel isolated and overwhelmed. These feelings are entirely normal, and it’s crucial to recognize that every mother experiences them at some point. Remember, you are not alone, and it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for help. One of the most valuable pieces of advice for new mothers is to prioritize self-care and take breaks when needed. It’s okay to step away for a few moments to collect yourself, even if your baby is crying. Taking care of your well-being is important for both you and your baby’s health and happiness.
If you feel like hurting yourself or your baby, please put your baby in a safe space, go to a different space, and dial 988 or 911 immediately.
People are more comfortable seeking help for emotional challenges than ever before. Fortunately, as the demand for mental health services has grown, so have the available options, with telehealth significantly increasing access to these services.
Knowing that help is available provides hope, but important questions like “Where do I go?” and “What kind of services do I need?” still arise. We’re here to assist you in finding the answers.
This is the most traditional level of care where individuals meet with a mental health provider either for psychiatric care and/or counseling services. Patients meet anywhere from once a week, once a month, or as needed for care. Outpatient treatment can include services like general mental health for adults, children, and groups; people with serious mental illnesses; specific programs for conditions like substance abuse and eating disorders. Treatment usually starts with a full assessment and creating an individualized treatment plan. This ensures someone gets the proper treatment and level of care. Depending on the treatment setting, services could include mental health counseling, medication management, case management, and group therapy.
Outpatient Intensive Program (IOP) usually refers to types of rehabilitation for individuals who suffer from addiction problems. But IOP can also help people who are facing different types of conditions like eating disorders and depression. This level of care allows people to continue an intensive treatment – typically between three to five days a week – while allowing them to go home, maintain a job, or engage in educational activities in-between treatments. IOP treatment includes group therapy often combined with individual counseling, case management, psychiatric care, and support groups.
This level of care focuses on a specific type of treatment for mental health. Some centers specialize in long term substance abuse programs while others may provide an intensive treatment for eating disorders. These programs provide intensive treatment usually for 30 to 90 days and will help individuals learn skills for long term recovery.
This type of care and treatment is for individuals who might be experiencing severe emotional distress to the level of requiring close monitoring. Hospitalization or inpatient care can also be used to continually evaluate and properly diagnose people who need help with mood stabilization and medication adjustment. Psychiatric hospitalization can be brief, typically 3 to 14 days. After that, the patient will get an evaluation and referral to a long-term level of care, IOP, or outpatient services.
No matter who you are or what you are going through, there is a treatment program and level of care that is right for you. Beyond what is listed above, there are also:
For more information about treatment options, take a look at this helpful guide. Life will have challenges. Some days and life experiences will be more difficult than others. But now you know there are programs and support to help you overcome these challenges.
Women’s Health Week is May 12 – 18, making this a crucial time to talk about a major health issue affecting women globally: cervical cancer. Despite medical progress, this disease still affects women of all ages. That’s why awareness and prevention are so important. Understanding these aspects can give women control over their health, helping them make smart choices about screenings and vaccinations, and help to save lives.
Cervical cancer is a cancer that forms at the lower end of the uterus. Most cervical cancers are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the most spread sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people get the virus at some point in their lives. Most people’s bodies will naturally fight off the virus, but for those who can’t fight it off, HPV can lead to health issues like cervical cancer later in life. The good news is, cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early.
First, get regular Papanicolaou (Pap) screens/tests. According to the CDC, only 66% of women over the age of 18 have had a Pap test in the past three years. Pap tests are covered by private insurance and Medicaid/AHCCCS and are the best way to diagnose any problems.
Second, get the HPV vaccine if possible. It is safe and very effective at reducing the risk of getting HPV-caused cancers later in life. The CDC estimates that around 90% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented by the HPV vaccine.
It used to be that Pap tests were recommended every year. With what we know now about HPV and cervical cancer risk factors, that recommendation has changed. The new recommendation for people also being tested for HPV is every three years for people aged 21-29, and every five years for people 30-65.
Typically, the three-dose HPV vaccine is recommended for males and females around age 11 or 12. We wrote all about the HPV vaccine here!
Schedule an appointment today to discuss your cervical health and take proactive steps towards prevention.
NOAH is thrilled to let you know that we’ve made some changes to make getting your prescription medications even easier.
If you’re part of NOAH’s Sliding Fee Scale Program and want to keep getting your medications at a discounted rate, you have four convenient options: you can pick them up at NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy or have them delivered to NOAH’s Desert Mission, Palomino, or Copperwood II Health Center for pick-up.
Additionally, prescription delivery to NOAH’s Copperwood II Health Center is available for Sliding Fee Scale and insured patients.
To make sure you get your medications accurately and on time, here’s what you need to do:
If you already have prescriptions filled elsewhere, you can easily transfer them to NOAH’s Pharmacy by calling your provider. NOAH providers can be reached via MyChart or by calling 480-882-4545.
Please note controlled substances are not available for prescription delivery services.
NOAH’s full-service pharmacy located at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center is open to anyone including NOAH patients and community members. For more information, you can reach our pharmacy at 480-903-3560.
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, advocate 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.
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).
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.
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:
Some patients may experience more of these symptoms during spring or fall if allergies are triggering their asthma. Asthma symptoms may include:
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:
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.
Here are a few things you can do to help when allergies cause worsening of your asthma symptoms.
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.
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.
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!
