Still Safe After Sell-by Date?
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
When is food that’s beyond the “sell-by” date still safe to eat? Our director of Environmental Health Services answers some of those common questions in this Health Matters column.
Progress in Treating HIV
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
One way of combating the spread of HIV focuses on treatment as prevention. It works by making sure that HIV infected individuals take their antiretroviral therapy successfully to reduce the presence of the virus in the blood and body fluids. Individuals with a very low, or undetectable viral load, greatly reduce their chances of spreading HIV to others.
Keeping Diabetes In Check During the Holidays
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
Cheri Ridenour, RN, a Diabetes and Wellness Nurse at RiverStone Health Clinic, answers some frequent questions about handling diabetes during the holidays.
Movember Focuses on Men’s Health
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
During November, men are encouraged to grow a moustache and change the face of men’s health. In this column, one of our resident physicians talks about some of the biggest issues surrounding men’s health.
Art Helps Children Express Grief
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
When children are at a loss for words, art projects can sometimes help them cope with their grief. One of our social workers suggests a few projects that are simple enough to do at home.
Enroll for Health Insurance
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
Open enrollment starts November 1st in the Health Insurance Marketplace through healthcare.gov. Our specially trained counselors help individuals and families figure out their options. Anyone can make a free appointment by calling 651.6540. Just don’t delay, since open enrollment ends December 15th.
The Poor Smoke More and Die More from Smoking
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
When it comes to smoking, the gap between the rich and the poor is enormous. In Yellowstone County, nearly 20 percent of adults smoke, according to the 2016-17 Community Health Needs Assessment for Yellowstone County. But among low-income adults, 37 percent are smokers.
The Benefits of Primary Care
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
Patients who get regular primary care are more willing to seek medical attention sooner for potentially serious symptoms, rather than putting it off until the symptoms are more severe. Primary care doctors help keep chronic conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, under control, reducing healthcare costs. And patients who trust their doctor are also more apt to take their medicine or stick to a treatment plan.
Four Things to Know About Syphilis
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
This Billings Gazette column offers advice about stopping the spread of this sexually transmitted disease as cases increase in Yellowstone County and in the rest of the state.
Getting Ready for Flu Season
![Health Matters Logo](https://riverstonehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/health_matter.png)
The severity of the flu season is unpredictable, but the best available protection is a yearly influenza vaccination, as this Health Matters column advises. To help protect our patients and clients, all RiverStone Health employees get an annual flu shot.