Kaniksu Health Insider for Winter 2023 - New Year, New you!

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Kaniksu News

New Year, New you, Renewed Health
The new year has begun, and so should the journey to a healthier year for you and your family. 

​Did you know that Well Child Checks are not just for infants. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents and their children continue these visits until at least 21 years old. There are many benefits to taking your child for yearly visits. Including the opportunity for you and your Child's pediatrician to make sure your child is on a healthy path to adulthood.

Did you also know that Annual Exams are for you too. Preventive Personal Exams or PPE's are the grown-up versions of Well Child Checks. They are just as essential for adults as they are for children. Think of it like a car, you buy a car and a few months down the road you get a ding saying "Tire pressure low". Do you ignore this warning? Of course not. You take the time and go add air to your tires. Otherwise, you end up with a flat tire. Maintenance is not just for your car, it's also for your health. 

This article helps to further explain the importance of Preventive Care, and why you should really consider taking proper maintenance of you and your family's health.

Doctor visits aren't just for when you are sick.
Book your or your family's annual visit today to stay on top of your health this year!
Learn more by visiting this link

4 proven tips to reduce your risk of cervical cancer​

• ​Having routine Pap tests. Most health care experts recommend Pap tests, which detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, beginning at age 21. Read the updated recommendations for Pap tests.
• Getting vaccinated against HPV. The two-dose HPV vaccine is recommended for all 11and 12 year olds. this is the best age to receive the vaccine to protect against the virus. Children as young as 9 can receive the vaccine. Teens and young adults, from ages 15 to 26, also can receive three doses of the vaccine.
• Limiting sexual partners, using condoms, and abstaining from sex at early ages help limit risk.
• Don't smoke, or quit if you do. Smoking is linked to squamous cell cervical cancer.

Through awareness and diligent health management, patients and healthcare providers can continue to reduce the instances of, and deaths from, cervical cancer. Symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious. Most women with cervical cancer don't experience any signs in the early stages. Cervical cancer can often be treated. Treatment options are available depending on the stage of the disease, your health status, and personal preferences. The earlier cervical cancer is detected, the more successful treatments can be. Common treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
For more information please visit this link

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Get Active, Take Action!

One of the reasons why people suffer from the Winter Blues is that they are overly ambitious with their New Year’s resolutions and are left feeling unhappy when they can’t fulfill them. If you find that the winter months bring on persistent symptoms of depression, it may be that you’re living with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People with SAD may feel anxious or irritated for prolonged periods, timed around the winter months. They’re also likely to withdraw from social situations and have trouble concentrating. 
Unlike the winter blues, SAD is a major depressive disorder that needs treatment. Spot the difference between winter blues and SAD, and talk with a healthcare provider if your mood lasts more than a few weeks. 

3 easy ways to say goodbye to your winter blues.
1. Get active. Exercise or go outside if you are able and get some fresh air. 
2. Take up a new hobby. Here is a link to some local events that are sure to help you shake the winter funk off.
3. Visit with family and friends. Having a good old-fashioned laugh is proven to improve your mood. Don't have any family nearby? Try joining a support group or following the link above to join a class and meet new people.

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“Bridging the gap between people in need and people who serve.”
Community Resource Envision Center (CREC), was founded in 2009 by Adam Pietz and Rich Crettol. What started as two men with a cell phone and a purpose, quickly turned into a lifeline for our underserved population(s) in Boundary and Bonner County. The mission was simple, to have one central place, where people in need can go to receive help. 
With help from local and regional funders who believe that their vision is adding value to the community and providing much-needed aid to our underserved population. CREC has been able to establish a process to connect potential volunteers with organizations and opportunities in our community.
With local volunteers and board members, it is easy to catch the contagious bug of giving back to those in need. CREC believes that we can respond to the needs within our community through the development of effective tools and efficient use of service organizations. They hope to inspire the community to volunteer to help their neighbors. With one view of their website, it's easy to see what they mean by efficiency and effectiveness. Their website serves as a portal for those in need and for those who wish to help out those in need. Monthly schedules with useful resources for the community and ways to help others in need. CREC has a sophisticated web presence with search capabilities that enable quick and easy access to resources and services in our area.

Follow this link to be directed to the local resources portal

Need Help?

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January Is
Hypertension and Thyroid Awareness Month

Hypertension
High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, affects 1/3 of adults in the United States. High blood pressure can cause serious implications to your health, without showing any warning signs. It can put you at risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, or an aneurysm formation. 
The good news is lifestyle changes can help you naturally lower your blood pressure. These include:
1. Regular physical activity. 150 minutes per week of physical activity is recommended to help keep your heart strong and healthy.
2. Eat less salt. This doesn’t just mean not shaking your salt shaker at meals, but consider how much sodium is already in the food you are eating. The American Heart Association estimates that the average American eats about 3,400 mg of sodium a day. However, the recommended daily intake is 2,300 mg, with an ideal limit of less than 1,500 mg per day, especially for those with high blood pressure.
3. Add more potassium to your diet. This is easier to achieve by adjusting your diet, instead of taking supplements. Potassium-rich foods are not hard or expensive to find. These include:

• Fruits like bananas, melons, oranges, apricots, avocados, and tomatoes
• Milk, yogurt, and cream cheese
• Leafy green vegetables, potatoes, and sweet potatoes
• Tuna and salmon
• Beans
• Nuts and seeds

For more tips on how to reduce your risk of Hypertension naturally visit this link.

 For more information please click this link.

What is a Thyroid?

Your thyroid is an important endocrine gland that makes and releases certain hormones. Your thyroid's main job is to control your metabolism — how your body uses energy. Sometimes, your thyroid doesn’t work properly. These conditions are common and treatable.

Take this quiz to find out if you could possibly be suffering from Thyroid problems.

Please note: This quiz is for educational purposes. It is not intended as a diagnosis of any medical problem or condition. Consult your medical doctor for analysis of thyroid-related medical conditions or concerns.

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February Is
National Cancer Prevention Month

While there is no certain way to prevent cancer, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood. You can TAKE ACTION to lower those risks through healthy lifestyle choices, getting recommended cancer screenings, and vaccinating against certain viruses. Some healthy prevention tips:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight and Active Lifestyle​
• Get Screened
• Know your family history​

• Limit alcohol consumption​​
• Sun protection

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We are hiring!
New year, New You, New job!
Got little kids? Bring them! KCH is leading the way in Bonner County, by providing in-house childcare for employees. Imagine not having to worry about your kids while you are working. KCH Kids Club has providers that are certified in early childhood education. With a sprawling kids center. Join us and see for yourself that this is the place for you and your children!

Available Positions - Click the links to learn more about each position.

Sandpoint Clinic
Certified Medical Assistant- Family Medicine
Certified Nursing Assistant- Family Practice
Certified Medical Assistant- Pediatrics
Certified Nursing Assistant- Pediatrics
Certified Nursing Assistant- Medical Records
Certified Nursing Assistant - Referral Coordinator
Pharmacy Technician - Part Time
Dental Assistant
Front Office Receptionist
​Behavioral Health Administrative Assistant​​

Bonners Ferry
Certified Nursing Assistant​​
Certified Medical Assistant​​
RN Care Manager
Clinical Operations Supervisor 

Childcare Center
Childcare Center Teacher - Infant and Toddler
​​Childcare Center Teacher - Part Time

Administration
General Ledger (GL) Accountant ​

Provider
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Pediatrician, MD/DO
Pharmacist​​

Click Here for Job Opportunities