Join me for the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet to receive the 2018 Health Advocacy Award on Sunday, Nov. 4th @ 5pm

       Being nominated for the 2018 NAACP Health Advocacy Award is quite an honor.  So many people know my trials and tribulations as a grass roots organizer whose treaded stormy waters in Delaware to increase  awareness of a Rare Disease sickle cell anemia that impacts so many.  Just when it seems that my efforts to improve access to high quality care in a collaborative effort in Delaware have withered, I get this awesome nomination.  For whomever pushed for my nomination, I truly say Thank You!  For Delawareans living with Complex Chronic Diseases such as Sickle Cell we have made an impact.  This will be a great day of celebration especially for all those who dedicate their lives fighting for social justice, economic inclusion, and health equity.  As a black american visionary with progressive ideologies, I pray that the many of the seeds that I have been planted will one day grow into strong- tall trees.  I say, the Future Looks Very Bright.

Named 2017 Small Woman-Owned Business of the Year

With deepest humility, Dr. Nina

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

302-429-5870 ext. 120

Did you know that Marijuana may cause Short-Term Memory Loss

      

    Marijuana may cause memory loss for those who use      it over long-periods of time starting in adolescent when      the brain is still developing. Studies found  that (THC)        may alter areas of the brain called the hippocampus            responsible for memory  formation (NIH/NIDA).

  Link, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

           TOVA Community Health

               Primary Specialty Care

                www.tovacommunityhealth.org                                              (302) 429-5870

The benefits of Massage Therapy for Self-Care

Managing pain can be stressful and debilitating in itself.  Multiple things     can trigger pain.  For example, dealing with stress and anxiety, lack of sleep, tension, circulatory issues and constipation, just to mention a few.  As stressful events arise in our lives, we tend to hold on to that stress and tension in our bodies  that cause our muscles to become sore and tighten up over time.  The benefit  in massage therapy for self-care is that it plays a large roll in a holistic  approach to your overall medical care.  Massage therapy specifically works to lengthen   muscles that are stuck in a pattern of chronic shortening.  If you're worried about the cost of regular massage sessions, consider how costly  prescription drugs, doctor visits and surgeries may be once that nagging muscle ache  becomes a real functional problem.  Massages help reduce some of the key contributors that can cause pain crisis and eases chronic painful stimuli.  Just the simple form of touch helps release toxic chemicals, tension and stress from the body that have built up over time.  It aids in improving circulation that can assist in improving healing (from leg ulcers) due to poor blood flow and  circulation in persons with sickle cell anemia, lupus, diabetes etc.  One who    experiences painful crisis flare-ups, may want to consider this approach as a preventative measure that can assist in reducing frequent crisis and chronic pain.

        The good news is that Massage Therapy has no adverse side effects unlike narcotic (opioid) drugs.  Today, there are many options that allow one to have massages that are affordable in your budget.  The larger massage chain  companies have reduced rates that makes it more cost effective starting around $59.00 for one hour.  Also, you can always get session deals on Groupon  that offer first time client massages as low as $29.00 for an hour.  Massage is a     staple that  helps heal ones mind, body and spirit.  It allows the  body to relax and allows one to go into a meditation mode giving the body a flow of positive energy.  In this case an ounce of prevention through massage is worth more  than a pound of cure and it may cost less!  Schedule a Massage for your self-care in order to improve your overall health and wellness.  Make yourself a priority.

  

                                                              Taihitia Watson-Wilmer, Nurse Coordinator

  

                                               TOVA Community Health

                                                           Primary Specialty Care

                                                     www.tovacommunityhealth.org

                                                               (302) 429-5870 

Dr. Anderson’s sickle cell opinion commentary makes local news

News Journal

TOVA Community Health
Primary Specialty Care
www.tovacommunityhealth.org
(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

TOVA Declares October as 'Take your Man to the Doctor Month'

Radio host, Tom Joyner founded a mass campaign called, ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor’ many years ago which has helped many hesitate men get a check-up.  The importance of preventative health maintenance is ever more important as the statistics show that the gender health gap has widened      between the sexes.  According to the World Health Organization’s Global   Burden of Disease study, women tend to have a longer life expectancy than men.  Oftentimes, men do not like discussing their personal health issues with their loved ones and wait to seek care when the condition is in an advanced stage. There are many reasons and excuses given such as ‘they are always looking for something’  to delay going.  It is important to find a healthcare provider that your he feels comfortable talking with about his personal health concerns and is invested into helping him make strides towards living a healthy lifestyle. Once you have found a primary care provider, it is a good idea help facilitate scheduling the appointment and completing the necessary paperwork.  

    It is also important to advocate by attending (or a family member)  the    appointment  to help bring out questions that he may not ask.  Before the    visit, get a copy of his medical summary which should include his current medicines.  Write down one to three questions that need to be discussed.    Ensure him that going to the doctor is just a step towards living a healthier lifestyle.  Though it may be uncomfortable and invasive (like drawing blood), it can help prolong your man’s life.  Frankly, ‘Taking your Man to the Doctor’ is just worth the investment.  I declare, October as  ‘Take Your Man to the Doctor’ month.  Let’s Get Started!                                

Nina Anderson, Editor

                                                   TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

www.tovacommunityhealth.org