Watch these quick, helpful video tips from Dr. Bruce Gellin, Director of the National Vaccine Program Office, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to get you through this flu season. Dr. Gellin addresses flu symptoms, the importance of getting the flu vaccine,  how to protect children from the flu, and how to keep yourself healthy. For more information, visit Flu.gov.

How can I prevent the spread of the flu?

What is the best protection against the flu?

What are the symptoms of the flu?

What should I do if my child gets the flu?

What should I do when caring for someone with the flu?

This year, millions of people in the United States are expected to become ill with influenza—commonly called “the flu.  Civista encourages you to remember that flu season is unpredictable and that we never know just how severe each year’s flu outbreak will be, so an influenza vaccine is the first step in protecting yourself.

Follow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) “Take 3” Action to fight the flu.

1. Get your flu shot.
   • The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age or older should be vaccinated against the flu particularly people at high risk.
   • People at high risk include: young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health diseases and people 65 years of age or older.
2. Take everyday preventive action to stop the spread of germs
   • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
   • Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
   • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
   • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
   • If you are sick with the flu, stay home to prevent spreading germs to others.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
   • If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness.
   • Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics.  They are prescription medicines and are not available over-the-counter.
   • Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten time you are sick.  They may also prevent serious flu complications.
   • It is very important that antiviral drugs be used early, within the first 2 days of symptoms.

For more information about the CDC’s “Take 3” Actions , click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu information website.

For information on flu shot clinics in Charles County call the Charles County Department of Health at 301-609-6900.

The beginning of each year brings the opportunity for families and friends to come together, eat tasty food and watch the biggest games of the year. However, it’s also when many of us have made New Year’s resolutions to adopt a more healthy diet and lifestyle.

With the help of Health eCooking, it’s possible to enjoy all of your favorite football foods without compromising a nutritious diet. These low-fat, low-calorie snacks are sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next event—and our easy-to-follow video recipes make preparation a breeze.

Our personal favorite? Tasty and heart-healthy Harvest Chili: A football season staple loaded with vegetables, lean meat and lots of flavor.

Head over to Civista’s Health eCooking page to see how we put a healthy spin on all of your favorites, like onion rings, nachos, guacamole and spinach dip.

From all the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Civista, We Wish You a Happy and Safe 2013!

If you are having a new baby, considering a joint replacement, looking for a physician, or are ready to take more responsibility for your good health, we look forward to seeing you at Civista. But we don’t want to see you in the Emergency Department this New Year’s holiday.  CELEBRATE SAFELY. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.

We look forward to serving you in 2013!

Civista Medical Center employees participated in the Christmas Connection Toy Drive for Charles County. Employees collected new unwrapped toys and gifts and held a bake sale/pizza sale fundraiser in the hospital cafeteria. Through these efforts over $1800 in gifts and donations were collected to help needy families in our community.

Special thanks go to Karen Collins, Donna Gray, Kim Stringer, Stephanie Simm, Amy Zimmerman, Tina Anderson, Sharon Thomas, Brandie Janschek, Pam Anderson and Paula Hancock for heading up this terrific effort.

Christmas Connection the largest Christmas program in Charles County includes five human service agencies that have combined their efforts to provide food and gifts for Charles County’s neediest families through donated funds, goods, and services. Annually 3000 children receive their Christmas toys, gifts, clothes and food through this program. The agencies involved are: Charles County Children’s Aid Society, Charles County Department of Social Services, and Department of Community Service Office on Aging, New Life Church, South Potomac Church and The Salvation Army Charles County Service Unit.

Dr. Saleem Naviwala

Expert Ear, Nose and Throat Care in La Plata

Whether you’re suffering from allergies and sinus trouble, dizziness, thyroid or voice disorders, sleep apnea or snoring, head or neck cancers, or other issues, Dr. Naviwala offers a full range of pediatric and adult ear, nose and throat services to help you achieve your optimal health.

Call 301.609.5006 today to schedule an appointment or visit our website for a full list of services.

La Plata Surgical Care
500 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Gladys Wilkins, PA-C

Neil Horlick, M.D.

At Waldorf OB/GYN Associates we care for all of your obstetrical and gynecological needs. From annual well-woman visits to caring for you throughout pregnancy to helping you manage menopause, our experienced health practitioners offer a wealth of knowledge in a caring atmosphere.

Call us at 301-843-3150 to schedule an appointment today.

Hours:  M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Address:  11315 Pembrooke Square, Suite 111, Waldorf, MD 20603

Dr. Eleanor Faherty

Civista Health and La Plata Surgical Care invite you to meet Dr. Eleanor Faherty at a free community presentation on Thursday, December 6, at 6:00 pm at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center. A complimentary dinner will be provided to those who pre-register for the event.

This event is filling fast! Call 888-332-4847 or click here to register before it’s too late.

An Iraq veteran and seasoned surgeon, Dr. Faherty will share her training and expertise for treating conditions including:

• Abdominal Pain & Appendicitis
• Fibrocystic Disease & Breast Pain
• Non-Healing Wounds & Skin Infections
• Gallstones & Hernias

Hurry, only a few seats remain for Dinner with Dr. Eleanor Faherty
Thursday, December 6, 2012, 6:00 pm
Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center
3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601

More and more Americans are developing diabetes. (Read about “Diabetes“) Over the last 15 years, the numbers have climbed over 100 percent in some places. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico between 1995 and 2010, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During that time, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased by 50 percent or more in 42 states, and by 100 percent or more in 18 states.

The report, appearing in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, finds that states with the largest increases are Oklahoma (226 percent), Kentucky (158 percent), Georgia (145 percent), Alabama (140 percent), and Washington (135 percent).

“Regionally, we saw the largest increase in diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the South, followed by the West, Midwest, and Northeast,” said Linda Geiss, a statistician with CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation and lead author of the report. “These data also reinforce findings from previous studies, which indicate that the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is highest in the southern and Appalachian states.”

The study, which uses data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System – an annual telephone survey of health behaviors and conditions of US adults aged 18 and older – found that the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in 2010 was 10 percent or more in six states and Puerto Rico.

“In 1995 only three states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico had a diagnosed diabetes prevalence of 6 percent or more. By 2010, all 50 states had a prevalence of more than 6 percent,” said Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D., director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation.

On behalf of everyone at Civista Health, we’d like to wish you a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Pie in a Glass Recipe

Join us at the Civista Health eCooking Channelfor more on how to make a delicious, healthy Thanksgiving dinner from start to finish, including how to roast a turkey, whip up mashed potatoes, and create a beautiful low-calorie pumpkin pie dessert in minutes.  Here are just a few:

How to Roast a Healthy Turkey: Use these pointers to select and cook a healthy turkey for a Thanksgiving dinner with less salt, lower fat and reduced cholesterol.

Cornbread Stuffing Recipe Video: This gluten free stuffing will have Thanksgiving dinner guests raving.

Pumpkin Pie in a Glass Recipe: At less than 125 calories per serving, you don’t have to feel guilty about this pumpkin pie dessert.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe:  Try this easy fresh cranberry sauce recipe, and you’ll never eat canned cranberry sauce again. This quick cranberry sauce keeps for 3 days.

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Video:  Southern sweet potato pie for about 150 calories per serving? It’s light, creamy and easy as pie.