Protecting Your Vision, One Exam at a Time

Annual Diabetic (DM) Retinal Eye Exams are now available at both the Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers and can be scheduled with your regular provider visit.

For people with diabetes, this exam is an essential part of managing your health. High blood glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness if left untreated. The sooner these changes are detected, the sooner you and your care team can act to protect your vision.

Our RetinaVue 700 Imager provides high-quality retinal images in less than 30 minutes—no eye drops or special preparation needed. The camera is designed to capture detailed images without chemical dilation for most patients, offering a comfortable, convenient way to screen for diabetic eye disease. If the images are not clear enough due to cataracts or very small pupils, your provider may refer you to an eye specialist for a traditional dilated exam.

Images are reviewed by a board-certified ophthalmologist, and results are shared directly with your provider for a complete picture of your eye health.

Benefits:

• Detects early signs of diabetic eye disease
• Comfortable, quick, and non-invasive
• No chemical dilation usually needed
• Available at both Bellaire and East Jordan locations
• Can be scheduled with your annual or diabetes exam

Please note: Retinal imaging at our health centers is available only for patients with diabetes. If you are not diabetic but would like to schedule a routine eye exam, we encourage you to contact your local optometrist or ophthalmologist for ongoing vision care.

Protect your eyesight, schedule your annual Diabetic (DM) Retinal Eye Exam today!

Vaccine has proven to keep outbreaks at bay
from Health Department of Northwest Michigan

Measles is on the rise, and it’s making the news. But unlike some diseases, measles is preventable.

The increase in cases being discovered in the United States is attributed to 1) an increase in the number of travelers who get measles abroad and bring it into the U.S., and 2) further spread of measles in U.S. communities in pockets of unvaccinated people.

As of January 25, there have been nine measles cases reported in four states this year: Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. In 2023, there were 58 total cases reported in 19 states and Washington, D.C.

“Measles only becomes a problem in communities which are not highly vaccinated against the disease,” says Dr. Joshua Meyerson, Health Department of Northwest Michigan Medical Director. “We are reminding residents to take advantage of this safe and effective vaccine. Getting two doses provides 97% protection against measles for life.”

The measles vaccine, often called MMR because it also protects against rubella and mumps, provides significant protection again all strains of measles and greatly reduces the risk of complications. Since widespread use of the vaccine in the U.S., the number of people with measles has decreased by more than 99%. The MMR Vaccine is routinely recommended for all children starting after age one with a second dose given when they’re 4-6 years old.

Facts About Measles

Measles:

• Causes a red, blotchy rash, fever, dry cough, inflamed eyes, and more.
• Is primarily a childhood disease caused by a virus but can infect adults too.
• Spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Can almost always be prevented with a vaccine.
• Can be serious and even fatal for small children.
• Kills more than 200,000 a year, mostly children.

Vaccine hesitancy is responsible for measles outbreaks in countries where measles had previously been eliminated and is one of the 10 threats to global public health identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to the National Library of Medicine.

“Vaccine hesitancy increased during COVID-19, but regardless of how people feel about the COVID-19 vaccine, we cannot afford to discount the benefits of long-proven vaccines like MMR,” says Dr. Meyerson. “Let’s keep ourselves and our neighbors safe from preventable disease.”

Visit Us Online

To learn more about childhood immunizations and how to cover them if you are uninsured or underinsured, click here. For facts on the measles vaccine, click here.

Change the Outcome: 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes. But in a world where much feels out of our control, prediabetes can be reversed.

Prediabetes affects 96 million Americans, but it can be reversed. Learning your risk is the first step to a healthier future. While many people know that type 2 diabetes is a serious health concern, far fewer people know about prediabetes. Prediabetes is a serious but reversible condition that affects more than 1 in 3 American adults. Without healthy lifestyle changes, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes.

People with prediabetes have higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels but not high enough yet to be considered type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. More than 80 percent of people with prediabetes don’t even know they have
it.

With the right steps, prediabetes can be reversed, and you can change the outcome. The key is to find out whether you’re at risk. That’s why the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have partnered with the Ad Council since 2016 to raise awareness
of prediabetes and help people take steps to prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes.

Most recently, the campaign released public service announcements (PSAs) under the theme of “Change the Outcome.” The ads remind viewers that while many things in life can’t be reversed, prediabetes doesn’t have to be one of them. Through healthy lifestyle changes like eating better, losing weight, and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, a person can prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes.

Not sure if you’re at risk for prediabetes? It only takes a minute to find out! Know where you stand by visiting DoIHavePrediabetes.org — PodriaTenerPrediabetes.org in Spanish—and taking a short online test to learn your risk and how to take action for a healthier you today. Why wait?

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) celebrates the critical role vaccination plays in protecting the health of our children and families — and this year we’re reminding parents of the importance of staying up to date with routinely recommended vaccines following disruptions from COVID-19.

As a parent, you want to protect your little one from harm. Vaccinating your child according to the recommended immunization schedule gives him or her the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses — like measles and whooping cough — before the age of 2.

EJFHC encourages you to make sure your child is up to date on vaccines by ensuring that they haven’t missed any check-ups. Well-child visits are essential.

You can also review the 2021 easy-to-read immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines.

For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit these resources:

• The Ultimate Babyproofing Plan: 6 Reasons to Follow CDC’s Immunization Schedule
• CDC’s vaccine website for parents and Infant Immunization FAQs
• CDC’s series of three 1-minute videos
• The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which provides free vaccines to children who qualify
• The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children
• Vaccinate Your Family
• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center

If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child’s doctor.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common — and most preventable — cancers in the United States. At Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers, our providers, nurses, and care management team are here to help you understand your risk, choose the right screening option, and take steps to protect your long-term health.

Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters

Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon and rectum. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., yet it is highly preventable and treatable when found early.

Each year in the United States:

• Over 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• More than 50,000 lives are lost

While most cases occur in adults over age 50, rates among younger adults are rising, making awareness and early screening more important than ever.

The Good News: Screening Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms, especially in its early stages. Screening can:

• Find precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer
• Detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective

National guidelines recommend that most adults begin screening at age 45. People at higher risk may need to start earlier.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

You may need earlier or more frequent screening if you:

• Have a family history of colorectal cancer
• Have certain inherited conditions, such as Lynch Syndrome
• Have inflammatory bowel disease
• Have type 2 diabetes
• Are experiencing symptoms such as:
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Ongoing fatigue or weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you have symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider right away.

How Our Care Team Can Help

At Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers, you’re not navigating this alone. Our nurses and care management team can help you:

• Understand your personal risk factors
• Learn about screening options, including colonoscopy and at-home stool tests
• Coordinate appointments and follow-up care
• Answer questions and support you every step of the way

We’re here to make screening clear, manageable, and accessible.

Screening Options

There are several effective screening options available. Your provider or care manager can help determine which is best for you based on your age, risk, and medical history. Options may include:

• Colonoscopy
• At-home stool-based tests, such as FIT

Our team will help explain what to expect and coordinate any follow-up care.

How Our Care Team Supports You

At Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers, our nurses and care management team provide personalized support, including:

• Education about colorectal cancer risk and prevention
• Help scheduling screenings and referrals
• Follow-up reminders and coordination of care
• Ongoing support before and after screening

We’re here to make preventive care easier and more approachable.

Lowering Your Risk

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. We encourage:

• Regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol use
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and calcium

Small changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

Take the Next Step

If you’re 45 or older, or if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, now is a good time to talk with your healthcare provider about screening.

You can also explore a free, personalized screening recommendation based on your risk factors at quiz.getscreened.org.

Contact Bellaire or East Jordan Family Health Centers today to schedule an appointment or speak with our care management team.

Join the #OurHearts Movement

February is American Heart Month!

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others.

Here are some facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others, even if you can’t be physically together, to improve your heart health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Most middle-aged and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease.

Why Connecting is Good for Your Heart

Feeling connected with others and having positive, close relationships benefit our overall health, including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who motivate and care for us helps, as do feelings of closeness and companionship.

Follow these heart-healthy lifestyle tips to protect your heart. It will be easier and more successful if you work on them with others, including by texting or phone calls if needed.

• Be more physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce stress.
• Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
• Track your heart health stats.

You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go.

Move more

Invite family, friends, colleagues, or members of your community to join you in your efforts to be more physically active:

• Ask a colleague to walk “with you” on a regular basis, put the date on both your calendars, and text or call to make sure you both get out for a walk.
• Get a friend or family member to sign up for the same online exercise class, such as a dance class. Make it a regular date!
• Grab your kids, put on music, and do jumping jacks, skip rope, or dance in your living room or yard.

How much is enough? Aim for at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week—that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. In addition, do muscle strengthening exercises 2 days a week. Can’t carve out a lot of time in your day? Don’t chuck your goal, chunk it! Try doing 10 minutes of physical activity at least three times a day. NHLBI’s Move More fact sheet has ideas to get and keep you moving.

Aim for a healthy weight

Find someone in your friend group, at work, or in your family who also wants to reach or maintain a healthy weight. (If you’re overweight, even a small weight loss of 5–10 percent helps your health.) Check in with them regularly to stay motivated. Agree to do healthy activities, like walking or cooking a healthy meal, at the same time, even if you can’t be together. Share low-calorie, low-sodium recipes. Check out NHLBI’s Aim for a Healthy Weight web page.

Eat heart-healthy

We tend to eat like our friends and family, so ask others close to you to join in your effort to eat healthier. Follow NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. Research shows that, compared to a typical American diet, it lowers high blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels. Find delicious recipes at NHLBI’s Heart-Healthy Eating web page.

Quit smoking

To help you quit, ask others for support or join an online support group. Research shows that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does. Social support online can help you quit. All states have quit lines with trained counselors—call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). You’ll find many free resources to help you quit, such as apps, a motivational text service, and a chat line at BeTobaccoFree.hhs.gov and Smokefree.gov.

If you need extra motivation to quit, consider those around you: Breathing other people’s smoke, called secondhand smoke, is dangerous. Many adult nonsmokers die of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke.

Manage stress

Managing stress helps your heart health. Set goals with a friend or family member to do a relaxing activity every day, like walking, yoga, or meditation, or participate in an online stress-management program together. Physical activity also helps reduce stress. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone else you trust.

Improve sleep

Sleeping 7–9 hours a night helps to improve heart health. De-stressing will help you sleep, as does getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight. Take a walk instead of a late afternoon nap! Family members and friends: remind each other to turn off the screen and stick to a regular bedtime. Instead of looking at your phone or the TV before bed, relax by listening to music, reading, or taking a bath.

Track Your Heart Health Stats, Together

Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy track. Ask your friends or family to join you in the effort. Check out NHLBI’s My Heart Health Tracker.

Visit #OurHearts for inspiration on what others around the country are doing together for their heart health. Then join the #OurHearts movement and let NHLBI know what you’re doing to have a healthy heart. Tag #OurHearts to share how you and your family and friends are being heart healthy. For more information about heart health, visit www.heartttruth.gov.