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VCHS Celebrates National Men's Health Month

ORD, Neb. – In recognition of National Men’s Health Month this June, the Valley County Health System (VCHS) Medical Staff and clinicians offer the following recommendations to men to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. Serving individuals across central Nebraska, VCHS offers a spectrum of healthcare services to promote and meet health needs across a lifetime.

Sleep Well. Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. A lack of sleep is associated with numerous chronic diseases and health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and depression, as well as increases the chance of automobile and workplace accidents.

The nationally accredited VCHS Sleep Program evaluates and treats sleep disorders, which affect more than 50 million Americans. VCHS offers both on-site and in-home sleep study testing options – using state-of-the-art equipment and technology – to meet the needs and preferences of each patient. Treatment may include behavioral modifications, surgery, medications or dental appliances.

Toss the Tobacco. Kicking the habit is possible. From sharper vision and hearing to easier breathing to a cleaner mouth, the immediate and long-term benefits of quitting smoking and/or chewing are many.

A primary care provider can discuss available resources and support to help kick the smoking or chewing habit.

Move More. It is recommended that adults get at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week as well as strength train two or more days every week.

VCHS offers Fitness Reaching Older Generations (FROG) – a free twice-weekly, hour-long, low-intensity aerobic, balance and resistance training group fitness class – to local community members to help reach their exercise goals.

Eat Fresh. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy carbohydrates and fats every day. Quality nutrition helps protect against chronic diseases, boosts mental wellbeing and improves performance of daily tasks of living.

VCHS Diabetes Education Program helps individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes successfully manage the disease to help lead a healthy and full life. This includes learning about healthy eating habits tailored to fit one’s preferences and lifestyle, as well as education about being active, monitoring, taking medication, problem solving, reducing risks and healthy coping mechanisms. 

Stifle Stress. Overall wellbeing is about more than just physical health – mental and emotional health each play a role too. Not all stress is bad, but it negatively affects health when it leads to being overwhelmed, burned out, anxious or depressed. Find support. Connect with others. Stay active. Engage in enjoyable hobbies. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Get outdoors.

If stress is greatly affecting one’s mental, emotional, or behavioral wellbeing, help is available through The Heritage Program for Seniors at VCHS. The program offers individualized, group-setting counseling services to help clients restore optimal mental and emotional health. Individuals under the age of 55 (minimum age required to participate in the Heritage Program) are encouraged to talk to their primary care providers about available mental and emotional support and resources available locally.  

Stay Ahead of the Game. Preventative care is a key component of overall health and wellbeing across a lifetime. Completing regular health screenings; keeping track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), etc.; getting vaccinated; and knowing your family health history are just a few of the ways to stay ahead of the game. 

The VCHS Medical Clinics offer primary care services, which are at the core of preventative healthcare, at clinic locations in Burwell, Loup City and Ord. A primary care provider (PCP) diagnoses, treats and prevents a variety of conditions; serves as the coordinator and central point of contact for all of a patient’s care; and acts as the first line of defense against health problems. Research shows that establishing care with a PCP leads to better overall preventative care, greater continuity of care, improved management of chronic diseases, fewer trips to the emergency room, lower overall healthcare costs and higher levels of satisfaction with healthcare. VCHS PCPs include family medicine physicians Jennifer Bengston, MD; Greg McClanahan, MD; Hilary Miller, MD; and Daniel Schneider, MD, as well as providers Kristy Dunbar, PA-C and Bob Reilly, PA-C. Other VCHS Medical Staff members – Jeff Breitkreutz, PA-C, and Johanna Spencer, APRN-NP, FNP-BC – provide medical services in the VCHS Emergency Department.

Men, increase your chances of leading a healthy, active and fulfilling long life with the above tips and with the support of VCHS’s spectrum of healthcare services. For more information about VCHS services, call 308.728.4200, or talk with your primary care provider to discuss any health concerns as well as goals in leading a healthy life.