Clinic Services
Blood Pressure Clinic
A "free" blood pressure clinic is available at our McCook and Imperial offices
everyday during business hours. Blood pressure checks are important for your cardiovascular
health. High blood pressure (Hypertension) killed over 49 thousand Americans in
2002. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Because
the consequences associated with high blood pressure are so serious, early detection,
treatment and control are so important.
A blood pressure reading 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. In general, lower
is better. However, very low blood pressure can also cause concern and should
be checked by your doctor. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is
considered high blood pressure. Both numbers are important. If one or both numbers
are high, you have high blood pressure.
Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults ( in mmHg - millimeters of mercury
)
|
Category |
Systolic
(Top Number) |
Diastolic
(Bottom Number) |
|
Normal |
Less than 120 |
Less than 80 |
|
Prehypertension |
120-139 |
80-89 |
|
High Blood Pressure-Stage 1 |
140-159 |
90-99 |
|
High Blood Pressure-Stage 2 |
160 or higher |
100 or higher |
What can you do to lower your risk of heart disease? Visit the Center for Disease website to learn more.
Influenza Immunizations
The flu season begins in October, with the peak months being mid-December through
February. You can get the flu vaccine anytime during the flu season. Injectable
Flu vaccines usually contain killed strains of types A and B flu virus, and help
your body to provide immunity to these two common strains of the flu. The nasal
spray vaccine contains a live, but weakened version of the same strains. Several
clinical studies have shown that the annual flu vaccine is 70 - 90 percent effective
against influenza. What this means is that while a person reduces her or his individual
risk of getting the flu after having received the flu vaccine for that year, it
is still possible to get sick from the illness. Any immunity from these vaccines
is short-lived, however, and with the influenza virus changing each year, vaccination
must be repeated annually to continue protection. Whatever protection you do get
doesn't kick in until about two weeks after getting the vaccine.
Flu Shots will be offered in the fall (date to be announced). Immunizations are
offered to everyone with a sliding fee schedule available.
Tele-Health Services
Tele-health services are available at our McCook office location for all residents
in our eight county health district. Tele-health connects you with your doctor.
Many office calls can be conducted by visual connection with patient and doctor.
This saves time, mileage and money traveling to see a specialist for a 10 to 15
minute office visit. Ask your provider if they offer this service and if you qualify.
Public Health Nursing Program
This program provides centralized access for Medicaid eligible and potentially
eligible individuals and families through the establishment and maintenance of
a rural physician network, a health and human services network, and a “single
contact” community health nursing consultation; thus increasing the opportunity
to improve the health status of Nebraska’s rural citizens.
With centralized access, the Medicaid eligible and potentially eligible individuals
and families will be linked to and learn about responsible utilization of health,
be encouraged to obtain early and regular preventive care for children, and be
encouraged to obtain early and adequate prenatal care for pregnant women.
Other services provided under the Public Health Nurse program are:
- Educate individuals and /or families about Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis
and Treatment (EPSDT) services.
- Provide outreach and coordination of health services to Medicaid eligible individuals
within eight county areas.
- Encourage the utilization of office-based care in place of hospital emergency
room care for non-emergent care visits.
- Develop and implement strategies to reduce the number of failed medical, dental
appointments, non-emergent hospital emergency room visits and Medicaid eligible
individuals with under treated or untreated preventable diseases.
The Public Health Nurse program also helps promote Kids Connection. Kids Connection is health care coverage for qualified children developed by
the State of Nebraska. Learn more about this program by visiting the Kids Connection.
|
308-345-4223