Using Locally sourced produce and ingredients moving towards a Healthier Lifestyle

My quest to educate and utilize locally sourced produce towards my quest to live a Healthier Lifestyle. Try switching bacon or sausage for slices of home grown New Jersey tomatoes for a hearty breakfast. Now just awaiting for my clothes to fit a little ”looser”.......
All the best, Dr. Nina

#tovacares
#jerseycorn
#jerseytomatoes

  

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

Should Sickle Cell Trait be taken more Seriously?

Sickle Cell Trait is no Joke:  Sickle Cell Trait-My Tragic Story

     

Sickle Cell Lives Matter TM

I received a medical discharge from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1992 and shortly after, received a letter from the Army informing that I have a fatal blood disease and I must see a doctor ASAP!   I was horrified and so confused.  I    made an appointment with the doctor and his words were “have you ever had pain constantly”?  And I replied “just mild pain in my legs and arms.”  The doctor said, “you’re just a  sickle trait carrier and you have nothing to worry about.”  Needless to say, I was thrilled and went on with life and never looked back until giving birth to my second child, I suffered       congestive heart failure.   No one really knew why.  My doctor told me not to get pregnant again because if this happens again, I may not pull through.  Later, I gave birth to my third child.  A week later, I had sickle pain crisis in both arms and legs.  I was in the ICU and had congestive heart failure again (fluid around my heart and lungs), high blood pressure and pneumonia.  I had to have a blood transfusion.  I was on oxygen and the doctors told my family that my organs may shut down if my condition continued to deteriorate.  Doctors had done all they could do, and my condition was not improving.  But GOD had other plans for me in this life and I pulled through this terrible ordeal.  And today, I live to tell my story about having the trait.  The truth is people can die from having the trait.   There have been those in the military and athletes who have died from the “sickle cell trait.”  These are the ones reported in the media.  I’m pretty sure there has been more cases.  When a person is over exerting their bodies, the body can be deprived of oxygen, and the red blood cells can take on the “sickled” shape.  Women can surely have complications during pregnancy and or after pregnancy if they have the trait.  Definitely more trait awareness and research is needed.   To read more about Tamika’s story go to, ssnaturalhealing.com. 

                                                         Tamika Mosely, Herbalist                                  

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

Summer Farmers Markets

Over the years, I have tried to buy farm fresh meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables from the local farmers market.  Summer Farmers Markets are places in the community where vendors and small businesses can sell their foods, goods and services at  affordable costs.   EBT cards are also welcomed by some food vendors.  Around the New Castle County (NCCO) area, the farmers markets are located all around town on Route 9, Westside, Glasgow Park, Carousel Park and etc.  The Summer Farmers Markets have also expanded their retail and services to include handmade jewelry, international food trucks, baked goods, bedding plants, etc.  If you are living on a tight budget, put on your sneakers and plan time to walk around the park.  Certain parks  also feature local musicians and after a nice brisk walk you can sit on a bench to enjoy a free music concert.  While your are eating healthy foods and  enjoying the beautiful park scenery, there are organizations that provide health care information and even blood pressure screenings.   To find out the Summer Farmers Market schedule in New Castle County go to, www.nccde.org.

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

www.tovacommunityhealth.org

(302) 429-5870 ext. 120

Protect Primary Care & Insurance Payment Cuts: Call your State Rep. & Support Senate Bill 199 on Thursday 6/21

pcpi.org

PROTECT PRIMARY CARE

SUPPORT SENATE BILL 199

  Several primary care practices in our area have recently closed or are at risk of doing so.

  Insurance companies have cut primary care payments. 

  Call Senator Harris McDowell (302) 744-4147 & Representative Helene Keeley 

(302) 577-8476 & Protect Primary Care in DE & support S.B. 199

  Family Medicine at 

Greenhill

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870

Committed to High Quality Primary Care

Link:  www.delaware.gov.  

Click on Find Your Legislature

World Sickle Cell Day is June 19th

According to the World Health Organization, most sickle cell affected children born in low-income countries still die undiagnosed, usually from malaria, but things are changing. About 40% of Africa is now urbanised, and improved access to health care is leading to increased survival and rising demand for tertiary hospital services.  Though, Community-based services including information, prophylactic antimalarials or antibiotics, and social support greatly improve survival and quality of life and reduce demand for acute hospital services – in short, it is less costly to make organized care available than not.  If average survival reaches only half the African norm, over six million Africans will be living with a sickle cell disorder (not counting sickle cell trait) – clearly, care for these disorders must become part of primary care wherever they are common.  These statistics do not include Asian countries where community-based preventative services are increasing survival as well.

      Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) affects 3 million individuals in the U.S. and as many as 100 million individuals worldwide. In the U.S., SCT affects approximately 8-10% of African-Americans but can also affect Hispanics, South Asians, Caucasians and people from the Middle East. There is a lot of work to do!  Sickle Cell Lives Matter TM.   WHO

                                    TOVA Community Health

                                                       Primary Specialty Care

                                                               www.tovacommunityhealth.org

                                                                   (302) 429-5870 ext. 120

PROTECT PRIMARY CARE IN DELAWARE: SUPPORT SENATE BILL 199

pcpi.org

PROTECT PRIMARY CARE

SUPPORT SENATE BILL 199

  Several primary care practices in our area have recently closed or are at risk of doing so.

  Insurance companies have cut primary care payments. 

 

  Call Senator Harris McDowell (302) 744-4147 & Representative Helene Keeley 

(302) 577-8476 & Protect Primary Care in DE & support S.B. 199

  Family Medicine at 

Greenhill

TOVA Community Health

Primary Specialty Care

(302) 429-5870

Committed to High Quality Primary Care

Link:  www.delaware.gov.  

Click on Find Your Legislature

Your Tips for safe Overseas Travel

Here are a few of my tips from my Overseas Travel:

• Carry your Medications in a Carry-On Bag include a bottle of      Pepto Bismol
• Put a copy of your Health Passport in your Wallet  which         would include your Primary Care Provider and Specialist   contact information
•   Include your Health Insurance Information
•  Purchasing Traveler's Insurance is recommended
• Plan ahead!

All the Best & Safe Travel,
Dr. Nina

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