Protect your health before you travel
RiverStone Health Immunization Clinic, 123 S. 27th St., offers travel consultations and vaccines for international travelers. As Melissa Snyder, RN, explains in this column, at the immunization consultation, a RiverStone Health nurse will talk with you about your itinerary and provide the recommended destination-specific vaccines. The nurse will provide printed information on malaria, travelers’ diarrhea and other travel health tips to take with you. Call 406.247.3382 to make an appointment at least 6 weeks before your planned departure because some traveler vaccines require two doses and a waiting period between doses.
Cooking for 1: Good for your health and budget
Learning how to cook is a key step toward eating healthier. People who cook at home instead of eating out, tend to have better diets and lower food expenses, says Emily Bruyere, RiverStone Health Live Well Center intern, in this Billings Gazette column. The Live Well Center’s nutrition and fitness services are available to RiverStone Health Clinic patients. To learn more, call the Clinic at 406.247.3350.
Let’s strengthen families to prevent child abuse
Children are best served when we can prevent neglect and abuse from ever starting. RiverStone Health offers services that empower parents to build stronger, safer families. Leandra Ritter’s Billings Gazette column explains how our nurses and other trained professionals visit young families in their homes through programs such as Nurse-Family Partnership, Parents as Teachers, and Maternal Child Health. For more information, please contact RiverStone Family Health Services at 406.247.3360.
Helping people with mental illness
People who have support from family and friends are more likely to get treatment for mental illness, according to Sandi Karr, RiverStone Health director of Behavioral Health services. Those who get treatment are more likely to recover their mental health. In this column, Sandi explains how to help someone with mental illness. RiverStone Health primary care patients have access to mental health care when needed. To make a primary care appointment, call our main clinic at 406.247.3350.
We need everyone to create healthy community
During Public Health Week, Melissa Henderson, RiverStone Health director of Health Promotion, writes to challenge everyone to make a habit of reaching out to support others in need and asking for help when you are in need. Melissa suggests many ways to create a culture of health and well-being where we live, work, play, pray and learn. She can be reached at 406.651.6569.
Regular primary care helps prevent diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires frequent monitoring. Dr. Luke Leary of RiverStone Health Clinic explains why regular visits with your primary care provider are essential steps for managing or preventing diabetes. For an appointment with a primary care provider at RiverStone Health Clinic, call 406.247.3350.
You can save a life with Narcan
Since Jan. 1, Yellowstone County has counted 47 suspected drug overdoses, including 10 fatal overdoses, according to preliminary information from the Montana Department of Justice. Narcan is a nasal spray containing a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose and save lives. To receive Narcan at no charge, call RiverStone Health at 406-651-6416 and leave a message that you need Narcan. You may also call this phone number to arrange for a brief presentation at your business or organization on how to administer Narcan. Everyone who is trained will receive Narcan to keep on hand for emergencies.
What to expect at your child’s first dental visit
The American Dental Association recommends that kids have their first dental visit by their first birthday. As Dr. Amy Gustafson explains, that is because at least one in four children has a cavity before age four. The goal is to educate parents early about caring for their children’s teeth to prevent decay before it starts. RiverStone Health Dental Clinic cares for patients of all ages. Call 406.247.3333 for an appointment.
Let’s talk about colorectal cancer and save lives
Colorectal cancers are the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States. In 2019, 146,460 Americans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 51,896 died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening can help decrease colorectal cancer cases and deaths. RiverStone Health Clinics encourages our patients to talk to their healthcare provider about what preventive screening test is right for them. Protect yourself against colorectal cancer by making a clinic appointment in Billings at 406.247-3350, Bridger at 406.662.3740, Joliet at 406.962.9062 or Worden at 406.967.2255.
What does home hospice care mean?
Hospice allows patients to choose to stay at home rather than in a hospital in their last months of life. RiverStone Health Hospice Director Roxanne Allen explains that hospice provides people with a comforting choice about how and where they will live their last days. Hospice professionals visit the patient’s home as needed and support the family or friends who are the patient’s primary caregivers. To reach RiverStone Health Hospice, call 406-651-6500.
