Start planning for healthy baby before pregnancy
Every pregnancy is different. That is why having proper ongoing counseling and medical management is essential for protecting your health and your baby’s health, says Dr. Matt Lopiano, RiverStone Health family physician. Read more of his prenatal advice in this Billings Gazette column. For a prenatal appointment, call RiverStone Health Clinic at 406.247.3350.
Know what you are drinking
Alcoholic drinks have a wide range of alcohol content, so stay informed about the types of alcohol you’re consuming and how much, says Jenna Solomon, RiverStone Health prevention specialist. As she explains in a Billings Gazette column, medication, genetics and medical conditions may vary your reaction to alcohol consumption.
Preventive health screenings you need in 2024
The start of a new year is the ideal time to take control of your health. In a Billings Gazette Health Matters column, Dr. Landon Stevenson, a family physician at RiverStone Health Clinic, outlines recommended wellness screenings and encourages everyone to schedule the preventive screenings that fit your age, gender and risks for 2024. For an appointment at RiverStone Health Clinic, call 406.247.3350.
Good self-care is first step in coping with grief
RiverStone Health Hospice bereavement specialist and chaplain Terri Steinbrink talks about the way grief affects us and ways to cope with it.
Tips for reducing your holiday season stress
The holiday season can be stressful with unrealistic expectations, lack of time, financial pressure, gift giving and family gatherings. Karla Maslowski, a licensed addiction counselor at RiverStone Health Clinic and Healthcare for the Homeless, recommends reducing stress by keeping things simple: Focus on what you can control. Create new traditions that are fun and meaningful to you. Make time for yourself and BREATHE. For more tips, read Karla’s Billings Gazette column posted below. RiverStone Health Clinic provides primary care patients with mental healthcare, too. For an appointment, call 406.247-3350.
Talk to your family about what matters most
By creating an advance healthcare directive, you gain control over decisions about your care, even if you later are unable to speak for yourself. In this Billings Gazette column, Mary Abrahams, community outreach coordinator for RiverStone Health Home Care and Hospice, explains how advance directives provide information to your healthcare team and comfort to your family. For more information, call RiverStone Health Home Care and Hospice at 406.651.6500.
Eat healthy while enjoying your holidays
Using small plates, instead of large ones, or keeping food off the table to limit grazing before mealtime, can help you stay in track with healthy eating, says Lisa Linday, registered dietitian with RiverStone Health Live Well Center. Lisa offers many practical tips and healthy recipe swaps in this column. She can be reached at 406-247-3249.
Sign up for affordable 2024 health insurance
If you or family members need health insurance for 2024, check out the affordable private plans offered through HealthCare.gov. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1. At HealthCare.gov, you also can find out if you or your family members qualify for the Montana HELP Plan, Healthy Montana Kids or other Medicaid coverage, says Jeanne “Scooter” Gates, care team coordinator at RiverStone Health. RiverStone Health patients who need insurance may call the care team for assistance at 406-651-6540. Learn more in Scooter’s Health Matters column published by The Billings Gazette.
When is your student too sick to go to school?
Family Nurse Practitioner Katie Keith and Vicki Sulser, RN, offer tips the help parents determine when an ill student should stay home from school. If you suspect your child won’t be able to comfortably make it through their school day, a day off is probably the best idea, they write in this Billings Gazette Health Matters column. They can be reached at RiverStone Health School-based Health Centers, 406.247.3210.
Montana syphilis cases quadruple since 2021
Syphilis cases have quadrupled in Montana since 2021. So far this year, 153 Yellowstone County residents have been diagnosed with this serious infection, which can cause psychiatric disorders as well as loss of vision and hearing. The disease can be transmitted through sexual contact or passed from infected mothers to cause stillbirth or severe disabilities in infants who survive. Public health professionals at RiverStone Health are available Monday through Friday to answer questions about testing and treatment for syphilis and other STIs. Please contact us at 406-247-3396 or phs.info@riverstonehealth.org.
