This month we celebrated National Health Center Week to raise awareness of the important role health centers play in  our communities.

But, why just celebrate one week? Let’s spread awareness year-round about the positive impact health centers have.

Health centers serve 23 million patients in the United States, which is about one in fifteen people who utilize health centers as their health care home. As a Patient-Centered Medical Home, DFD meets and exceeds the healthcare needs of its patients through innovative, patient–centered primary care services. Through our system focused on care coordination, patient education, and medication management, DFD Russell has seen a:

• 20% decrease in non-preventative medical provider visits
• 50% decrease in patient visits to the ER
• 38% decrease in patients requiring hospital stays

Health Centers across the United States perform just as well or better than private physicians on 94% of quality measures and save an average of $1,263 per patient per year.

DFD is the highest-ranking community health center in Maine and the nation for its commitment to quality care. Each year DFD serves more than 8,000 local patients with 25,000 encounters.
But what makes DFD different from other providers?

• More night and weekend hours
• More likely to accept new patients
• Community-governed
• More services under one roof

Health Centers make a tremendous impact in our communities. DFD alone employs 54 individuals, providing over $3,900,000 in salaries and benefits that go back into our community each year.

Together, let’s raise awareness about the positive impacts health centers have on our communities, Share with friends and family on how DFD is supporting our neighborhoods and can help support them.

Summer is finally coming to an end, and it’s time to start gearing up for another school year. We’ve got a list of tips to help make your students ready for a fun and safe school year.

Backpack Safety:

Backpacks that are too heavy can cause back and shoulder pain and promote poor posture for your kids. Your child’s backpack should weigh no more than ten percent of your child’s weight, and they should always use both shoulder straps.
When selecting a backpack look for:

• Wide, padded shoulder straps.
• A padded back.
• Multiple compartments to better distribute the weight.
• The correct size–never wider or longer than your child’s torso, and never hanging more than 4 inches below the waist.

Bullying is Never OK:

Bullying can have life-long effects on our children. You can help prevent bullying by educating your kids at home:

• Teach your child when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.
• Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
• Encourage your child to include all students/peers in activities they are participating in.

Develop Good Homework Habits:

Getting back into the swing of a school schedule can be tough after a summer packed with fun. Help your child develop good homework habits and to avoid schoolwork frustration:

• Schedule ample time for homework–this provides consistency for your child to get in the habit of sitting down and completing homework.
• Supervise internet use–The internet is a useful tool for students, but can also be an easy distraction.
• Be available to assist your child with homework but never do homework for them.

Schedule a Visit with DFD:

Make sure your child is up-to-date with their well-child visits, immunizations, and sports physicals. Call to schedule an appointment today!

In just fifteen minutes the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin causing lasting effects that include premature aging of your skin, suppression of your immune system, and even skin cancer. You can protect your skin from the sun by wearing long-sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Sunscreen allows your skin to safely absorb or block ultraviolet radiation that causes damage and mutations in genes involved in the development of cancer.

While sunscreen can protect you from the sun, sometimes it can do more harm than good. For example, Vitamin A found in many sunscreen products can actually speed the growth of cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. They conduct research to empower consumers to understand what is in products and the effects those products can have on their own health and the environment. EWG’s sunscreen database rates the safety and efficacy of sunscreens and other products with SPF. Below, we share some of their guidelines and research to help clue you in on what to look for when searching or high-quality sun protection:

When buying sunscreen look out for the following ingredients:

• Oxybenzone – Acts like estrogen in the body and is associated with endometriosis (irregular growth of the uterine tissue) in women.
• Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) – Accelerates the growth of cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight.
• Added insect repellent – Reduces the potency/effectiveness of sunscreen by one-third.

Look for these safe, high-potency sun protection ingredients:

• Zinc oxide
• Avobenzone
• Mexoryl SX

When buying sunscreen, avoid these types of products:

• Sprays – Dangerous if inhaled, easy to apply to little or to miss spots.
• Powders – Little sun protection and inhaling loose powders can cause lung irritation or other harm.
• SPF above 50 – High SPFs may protect against sunburn but could leave your skin exposed to damaging UVA rays.

Look for these types of sunscreens:

• Cream
• Broad-spectrum protection
• Water-resistant
• SPF to suit your needs, 15-50 – These numbers represent the measure of a sunscreen’s effect against UVB rays, or maximum exposer time. (Varies slightly from person to person.)

Click the link to visit EWG’s website and to see a list of their top-rated Beach and Sport Sunscreens so you don’t have to waste your time standing in front of the sunscreen aisle when you should really be enjoying the beach.

EWG’s Sunscreen List

DFD’s Tips for a Safe Summer

Summer is in full swing–you’ve fired up the barbeque, the kids are splashing in the sprinkler, and the sun is shining. DFD wants to make sure your summer is as safe as it is fun. Follow these helpful tips for summertime safety. 

Be H2O Smart:

• Enroll kids in swim lessons to help ensure their safety in the water
• Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on the water

Be Informed about Boating Safety:

• Don’t drink alcohol and drive
• Take a boating safety course – learn more here
• Get a free Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary – learn more here

Keep Cool in Warm Weather:

• Drink Plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Put on and reapply sunscreen; wear a wid-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down when feeling overheated
• Never leave children or pets in cars

Don’t let Mosquitoes and Ticks Bug You:

• Keep bugs at bay by using EPA-registered insect repellents. Try a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET
• Perform tick checks after spending time outdoors
• Wear loose, long clothing and tuck in your clothes to avoid openings

We’d love to hear how you’re having a safe summer. Let us know your favorite ways to beat the heat while having a blast this summer on Facebook.

DFD is now accepting patients at all locations.

At DFD Russell Medical Center, our commitment to patient-centered care means our experienced providers and innovative services focus on you, the patient.

We are committed to providing each patient with a medical team of physicians, providers and staff dedicated to getting each patient healthy and keeping each patient healthy.

With medical centers in Monmouth, Turner and Leeds you can access personalized care, close to home. Providers at all three  DFD Russell Medical Centers are accepting new patients. To see a full list of those providers, click here.

Join us Saturday, April 30th from 10 am to 2  pm for the Drug Take Back event.

Prescription medications play an important role in the health of many patients. However, expired medications or unused drugs often end up staying in the back of cabinets for months, or even years. Expired drugs can be a significant health risk to toddlers, teens and even family pets who may accidentally consume expired medications. Some expired medications are so potent that a single does could be fatal if ingested.

The misuse of prescription narcotic drugs is becoming a major health problem. In fact, over 46,00 Americans die each year from drug-related deaths, with more than half being from heroin and prescription opioids. 70% of people who first misuse prescription drugs get them from friends, family, or simply take them without asking.

In order to crack down on drug addiction and accidental overdose the DEA has initiated the “Drug Take-Back”. Proper disposal of prescription medication is the safest and most effective way ensure your expired or extra prescription medicine is not accidentally ingested or used illegally.

The Androscoggin County Sherriff’s office will have “Take-Back” locations from 10:00 to 2:00 pm at the following locations:

• Auburn: Bedard Pharmacy 359 Minot Avenue
• Lewiston: Farwell Elementary School, 100 Farwell Street
• Livermore Falls: Livermore Falls Police Department, 108 Lewiston Street
• Poland: Poland Town Office complex lot, 1241 Main Street
• Sabattus: Sabattus Police Department, 190 Middle Road
• Turner: Turner Fire/ Rescue station, 19 General Turner Hill Road

For a complete listing of all sites in Maine please visit the following link:

National Drug Take Back listings

Warm weather is here and spring sports are upon us. Each year an estimated 3.8 million sports and recreation – related concussions occur in the United States. These head injuries can have long lasting affects on kids. Be aware of risks and symptoms, and keep the game fun and safe for your sports superstars this season.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a bump or blow to the head. What may seem to be a mild injury can, in fact, be quite serious.

What are the sings and symptoms of a concussion?

If your child experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice be aware of the following:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

How you and your child can prevent a concussion:

• Follow coach’s rules for safety
• Practice good sportsmanship at all times
• Wear the right protective equipment for the activity (equipment should fit properly and be well maintained)
• Wear a mouth guard to reduce risk of brain injury

What should I do if I think my child has sustained a concussion?

If you think that your child has experienced a concussion, get him/her evaluated by a medical professional. This will ensure the best path to recovery.

Every eight seconds someone needs a poison control center and there are over 2 million poison exposures each year in the United States. Poisons are all around us and can affect anyone, anywhere and at any time. However, poisonings are preventable and treatable.

Know the risks and facts about poison to protect you and your family.

• Drug-related poisonings cause nearly 70,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms.
• Poisonings cause more than 35,000 deaths each year.
• Children under age six account for half of all poison exposures.
• 9 out of 10  poisoning deaths occur among people over the age of 20.
• The top five causes of poisoning are:
  • Cosmetics or personal products
  • Household cleaning products
  • Sedatives, hypnotics and antipsychotics medicine
  • Foreign bodies, toys and other objects
  • Painkillers
• Never mix household or chemical products together. Doing so can create a dangerous gas.
• Never share prescription medicines. If you are taking more than one drug at a time, check with your health care provider to find out more about possible drug interactions.
• Keep all chemicals, household cleaners, medicines and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of reach of children.

If you suspect someone has been poisoned call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222

Credit: poisonhelp.hrsa.gov