February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease and promoting heart health. As your local community health center, we're committed to keeping your hearts healthy and strong. We know that heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women, but the good news is that it's often preventable. This month, and every month, we want to empower you with the knowledge and resources you need to make heart-healthy choices.

Understanding the Importance of Heart Health
Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. Many factors can contribute to heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.  While some risk factors are beyond our control, many are modifiable through lifestyle changes.

What We Can Do Together: Prevention and Management
At IHCWV, we believe in a proactive approach to heart health. We focus on partnering with you to prevent heart disease and effectively manage existing conditions. Here's how we can work together:

Regular Check-ups:  Regular health screenings are crucial for early detection. We offer comprehensive check-ups that include blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks. These screenings help us identify potential risks and create a personalized plan to address them. Don't delay – schedule your annual check-up today!

Education and Counseling: We provide education and counseling on heart-healthy lifestyle choices, including:

• Nutrition: Our team can help you develop a balanced diet plan low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. We can also provide guidance on reading food labels and making healthier food choices.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy heart. We can help you find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, even if it's just a short walk each day.
• Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. We offer resources and support to help you quit.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. We can discuss stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and exercise.

Chronic Disease Management: For those already diagnosed with heart conditions, we offer comprehensive management programs.  We work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.

Connecting You to Resources: We understand that access to resources plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health.  We can connect you with local programs and support groups that can help you on your journey.

Your Partner in Heart Health
At IHCWV, we are more than just a healthcare provider; we are your partner in health. We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to a healthier heart.  We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and we are committed to providing compassionate and affordable care to our community.

Contact us today to learn more about our heart health services and how we can help you love your heart!

Our new location is NOW OPEN!
We've opened another location at 111 Lafayette Street, Suite 201, in downtown St. Marys. Open Monday and Thursday 8 AM – 4:30 PM and Friday 8 AM – 4 PM, the St. Marys Downtown Campus provides primary care and behavioral health services to all community members, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted. For qualifying uninsured or underinsured individuals, IHCWV offers access to the Sliding Fee Discount Program, which provides discounted service rates based on household size and income level.
 
For years, IHCWV has proudly served the Pleasants County community from its school-based health center near the front entrance of St. Marys High School. Although the school-based site is and will remain open, this additional location allows IHCWV to extend its hours of operation and see patients in St. Marys Monday through Friday. Certified Physician Assistant Tyler Ebbeskotte is the primary care provider available for patients aged 2 years and older, while Behavioral Health Therapist Ashley Stevens works with clients aged 5 years and older.
 
Although we plan a grand opening for this new location in late spring, the St. Marys Downtown Campus already accepts new patients and welcomes walk-ins for acute medical care needs. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, please call 855-552-8907 or text 304-643-4005. Be sure to follow Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) deeply invested in the well-being of our community, we at IHCWV are thrilled to celebrate School-Based Health Care Awareness Month this February. For us, this isn't just a month of recognition; it's a celebration of our daily commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive healthcare to students right where they are – in school.
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We understand that a healthy student is a better learner. When kids are struggling with physical or mental health issues, it impacts their ability to focus, learn, and thrive. That's where school-based health centers (SBHCs) come in. They bridge the gap between healthcare and education, ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

At IHCWV, we're proud to operate multiple SBHCs within our community's schools. These centers aren't just about treating sniffles and scrapes (though we certainly do that!). They offer a wide range of services, including:

• Comprehensive Primary Care: From well-child visits and immunizations to treating illnesses and managing chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, our SBHCs provide essential primary care services. This helps prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and keeps kids healthy and in school.
• Behavioral Health Services: We know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our SBHCs offer counseling, therapy, and support groups to address issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. Early intervention and support can make a huge difference in a child's life.
• Dental Care: Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Our Doddridge School Campus in West Union offers dental screenings, cleanings, and education, helping kids develop healthy habits for a lifetime.
• Telehealth Kiosks: We have partnered with twelve Wood County schools and Salem University to provide quality healthcare services to students, faculty, and school staff via telehealth kiosks. The kiosks allow students to schedule primary care and behavioral health appointments. To learn more, click here.
• Health Education: We empower students to take control of their health through education on topics like nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention.

Why are SBHCs so important?

• Accessibility: SBHCs eliminate barriers to care, especially for families who may face challenges with transportation, insurance, or scheduling appointments.
• Prevention: By focusing on preventive care and early intervention, SBHCs help keep kids healthy and prevent future health problems.
• Collaboration: SBHCs work closely with schools, families, and community partners to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.

This School-Based Health Care Awareness Month, we encourage you to learn more about the vital role SBHCs play in our community. Talk to your school administrators, visit our page about School-Based Health, or reach out to us directly to learn how we're making a difference in the lives of students.

At IHCWV, we believe that every child deserves access to quality healthcare. Our SBHCs are a testament to that belief, and we're committed to continuing to invest in the health and well-being of our future generations. Join us in celebrating School-Based Health Care Awareness Month and supporting these vital resources for our children.