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.
Back sleeping is safest for your baby
Each year, about 3,500 American babies die while sleeping. This number of sleep-related deaths has dramatically decreased since the Back to Sleep campaign started in the 1990s. In this column, Kristen Bonner, RN, explains why putting babies to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface are key steps to safe sleep. Kristen, director of Health Provision/Public Health Nursing at RiverStone Health, can be reached at 406-247-3337.
Your keys to improving your heart’s health
Your primary care provider can help you keep you heart healthy. Dr. Travis Loy, a family physician at RiverStone Health Clinic explains the key habits for healthier hearts.
For an appointment with a primary care provider, call RiverStone Health Clinic at 406.247.3350.
Childhood immunizations make many diseases rare today
There are many severe illnesses that are preventable with routine childhood vaccines. RiverStone Health communicable disease prevention program manager Kelly Gardner reminds us that childhood vaccines are safe, affordable and prevent deadly diseases that once killed thousands of infants and children.
Not only do they save lives, but they can prevent paralysis, brain damage and other long-term effects from serious illnesses that can be costly, painful and disabling. To schedule your child’s vaccines, call the RiverStone Health Immunization Clinic at 406-247-3382.
Test your home for radon this winter
Radon is an odorless and tasteless gas that is estimated to cause thousands of deaths a year and is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Recent RiverStone Health Environmental Health Services intern Manhattan Bach explains why winter is the best time to test your home, and how to get a free radon test kit.
Adult-use marijuana raises health risks for kids
The risk of a person developing a marijuana use disorder increases the younger someone starts using. Sarah Music, RiverStone Health’s program manager for Population Health, explains in this column that the human brain is not fully developed until age 25, which means that children, teens and young adults are at higher risk of addiction from the high-potency marijuana now sold for adult use. Sarah can be reached at 406-247-3273.
Advance care plans can comfort your loved ones
Mary Abrahams, outreach coordinator for RiverStone Health Home Care and Hospice, explains how creating an advance directive gives you control over your healthcare decisions. It provides information to your healthcare team if you are unable to communicate and guides decisions about your healthcare. An advance healthcare directive provides comfort to your family, preventing them from guessing what it is you would want. To learn more, please attend our free presentation at 2 p.m. on Jan. 24 in the Billings Public Library Community Room or call Mary at 406-651-6500.
