How to reduce risks of childhood obesity
Healthy family habits will help your children avoid overweight and obesity and the serious health consequences of those conditions. Dr. Grace Rose of RiverStone Health offers suggestions for healthy kids in this Billings Gazette column. RiverStone Health Clinic cares for children of all ages. To schedule an appointment, please call 406.247.3350.
What happens to your pets if you smoke or vape?
Secondhand smoke from cigarettes and vapor from e-cigarettes puts our pets’ health at risk. Dogs exposed to secondhand smoke have more eye infections, allergies, and respiratory issues like lung cancer. Alli Kieckbusch, a prevention health specialist at RiverStone Health, reminds us the best way to keep our pets safe from these dangers is quitting tobacco usage. If you need help quitting smoking or vaping, visit QuitNowMontana.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) for free counseling.
Give yourself healthier holiday habits
End-of-year holidays can bring a lot of stress as well as opportunities to start healthy habits. Dr. Douglas Burns of RiverStone Health Clinics offers some tips on stress relief and self-care in this Billings Gazette column. For an appointment at RiverStone Health Clinics, call 406.247.3350.
Dementia patients benefit from hospice care
If your family is struggling with the changes that come at the end of Alzheimer’s disease, hospice can help. Kim Brown, RN case manager for RiverStone Health Hospice, explains how the professional hospice team can assist dementia patients and their family/friend caregivers. To learn more, please call hospice at 406.651.6500.
Sign up for 2023 ACA insurance started Nov. 1
Now is the time to sign up for affordable, comprehensive health health insurance coverage that will start Jan. 1. RiverStone Health Clinic Certified Application Counselors are available to assist you with Federal Marketplace enrollment. Please call 406-651-6540 with questions or to schedule an in-person appointment. In this column, RiverStone Health’s Scooter Gates explains how Marketplace plans can help Montanans.
10 tips for parenting toddlers
The words you speak to your child often become their inner voice. What they believe, they will become. How can you help your child have a positive internal dialogue? Kaylee Stark, Program Coordinator/Educator for RiverStone Health Family Health Services, offers 10 tips for parenting toddlers. Kaylee can be reached at 406-694-4830.
Make Halloween safer, healthier for kids
Find fun and healthy Halloween treat ideas in this Billings Gazette column from Melissa Davis, RiverStone Health WIC intern. To learn more about the WIC nutrition program for pregnant women, new moms and children under age 5, call us at 406.247.3340.
When are kids too sick to go to school?
Is my child too sick for school today? James Miller, PA-C, with RiverStone Health School-based Clinics at Orchard Elementary and Medicine Crow Middle School, offers guidance for parents to look at symptoms and decide whether a child should stay home. Our school-based clinics are open to serve all students and their families in Billings Public Schools. Call 406.247.3210.
Preconception counseling for healthier pregnancy
Scheduling preconception counseling with your healthcare provider can offer peace of mind when entering into one of the most exciting changes of one’s life. In the latest Health Matters column, Dr. Luke Leary of RiverStone Health Clinic explains the importance of establishing goals and planning for both pregnancy and life after pregnancy.
To make an appointment with Dr. Leary or any of RiverStone Health’s family physicians, call 406-247-3350.
Flu resurging, COVID-19 never left
Influenza is back in Montana. Yellowstone County had its first confirmed flu case of the season last week and Flathead County also has had flu. Now is the time to get your annual flu vaccine, says Kelly Gardner, RN, RiverStone Health communicable disease program manager. Flu shots are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. To schedule your vaccine, call RiverStone Health Immunization Clinic at 406.247.3382. Flu shots also are available for RiverStone Health patients at our primary care clinics in Billings, Bridger, Joliet and Worden.
