Asthma? Allergies? Or Both?

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Springtime in the Arizona desert can be surprisingly full of blooms and trees. While it is beautiful, it can also wreak havoc on patients who suffer from seasonal allergies. For those with asthma, it can be a double whammy with uncontrolled allergies triggering their breathing troubles. Nearly 70% of asthmatics report that allergens are a major cause of their asthma symptoms.  Arizona’s allergy season usually occurs in spring and fall, but can start as early as January and last until November. Allergies are a result of your body’s immune system reacting to a foreign substance like pollen, dust, or animal dander. Living in the desert with its lack of rain also keeps the irritants suspended in the air, causing more allergy symptoms.  It is important to identify your asthma triggers, including allergies, to minimize symptoms and keep your asthma under control.

Allergy Symptoms  

Some symptoms of allergies can be confused with a common cold. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, consider seeing your doctor to be evaluated for allergies. Allergy symptoms may include:  

  • Runny nose or persistent nasal congestion  
  • Watery, itchy or red eyes   
  • Sneezing  
  • Scratchy throat  
  • Frequent sniffling  
  • Rash (hives) 

Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

Some patients may experience more of these symptoms during spring or fall if allergies are triggering their asthma. Asthma symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath  
  • Frequent coughing with exercise  
  • Chronic nighttime cough  
  • Wheezing  
  • Tightness in chest  

There can be many triggers for asthma around you. These can be seasonal or present all year round. Identifying and controlling these triggers is essential to bringing your asthma under control. Asthma Triggers may include:   

  • Seasonal allergies (pollen, dust mites, roaches, mold, trees, grasses, animals, dust, etc.)  
  • Tobacco smoke (pipe, cigarette, cigar, vape, etc.) 
  • Environmental pollution  
  • Exercise 
  • Seasonal changes  
  • Viral illness (common cold)  

It Runs in the Family

Allergies and asthma tend to run in families.  Children are more likely to be diagnosed with one or both conditions if their parents or siblings have been diagnosed with them in the past. Some children may even outgrow their allergies or asthma as they get older.  

Prevention  

Here are a few things you can do to help when allergies cause worsening of your asthma symptoms. 

  • Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high or many flowers/trees are in bloom.   
  • If you can’t avoid outdoor activities, make sure to shower and change clothes immediately afterwards. Keep these dirty clothes outside of your bedroom.  
  • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent allergens from coming inside.   
  • Change air filters in the home regularly.   
  • If you can, remove carpets from the home or vacuum frequently.   
  • Clean frequently to keep bathrooms free of mold.   
  • Keep pets outside of the bedroom.   
  • Keep stuffed animals off the bed/sleeping surface.   
  • Start allergy medications.  

Treatment  

Make sure allergies are well controlled so they do not trigger your asthma. This may mean using a daily oral allergy medication or daily allergy nose spray.  Some of these medications are available over the counter, like cetirizine or loratadine.  Please avoid regularly using drugs containing diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl) for allergies without speaking with your doctor first. It is also important to avoid anything that can trigger your allergies, especially exposure to secondhand smoke. 

It is important to have your asthma well managed to reduce the frequency and severity of flares when you encounter a trigger. Your physician can help get your asthma under good control with the use of prescription inhalers. If you need the asthma quick-relief medication more than twice a week or two nights a month, then your asthma is NOT under good control.

Talk with your NOAH provider about additional treatment options to further control your allergies and asthma.  They may also recommend seeing an allergist or pulmonologist (lung specialist) for further care.  

Q&A: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections

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Get Fresh at Your Local Farmers Market

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By Carolina Grant, RD, IBCLC | Registered Dietitian

There are many ways we can properly fuel our body, and a good way to start is by being surrounded by nutritious foods such as the ones you can find at the farmers market. Around the valley, you can find a variety of farmers markets with local vendors and farmers year-round. You can find fresh produce, delicious food, and even homemade products. It’s a great way to try new things you wouldn’t typically find in stores.

Reasons to attend a local farmer’s market:

  1. Enjoy seasonal produce – the produce is as fresh as it gets and usually at its peak in flavor.
  2. Support your local farmers – this helps the local economy by supporting small businesses and creating more jobs.
  3. Cheaper prices – you can typically find great deals on conventional and organic produce.
  4. Less carbon footprint – farm to table is much closer when you’re shopping at your local farmer’s market a few miles away from home.
  5. Physical activity – you’ll do plenty of walking while traveling between vendors and getting some fresh air is always a great decision.
  6. Variety – you’ll find a variety of vendors selling pasta, bread, and fruits and vegetables among many other edible and non-edible items.

Tips for the farmer’s market:

  1. Get there early – you want to increase your chances of finding the most variety before the crowd arrives.
  2. Bring your own bags – most booths don’t offer any and you can help save some plastic.
  3. Bring the family, pets are welcomed too – this is a great way to involve children by allowing them to choose their fruits and vegetables.
  4. Talk to the farmers – they love sharing about their farming practices and will share some tips and tricks on food preparation.
  5. Shop the color of the rainbow – For a well-balanced diet, pick fruits and vegetables of all different colors for a variety of vitamins and minerals.
  6. Sample before you buy – this allows you to try different products without having to buy them first.
  7. Shop the deals – walk around once writing down prices or produce and come around a second time shopping for the best prices. If you find a great deal, buy extra to freeze, or make into large batches for leftovers.  

On WIC, SNAP, or 60 years and older? You’ll want to keep reading.

If you are on WIC or are a qualifying senior, you may be eligible for at least $80 (per family member) or $100 respectively to spend at a participating farmer’s market on locally grown produce.

You’re eligible to collect coupons from February 15 to September 30.

Click here for participating locations: Locations – Arizona Farmers Market Nutrition Program (azfmnp.org)

SNAP Recipients:

Do you have a SNAP/EBT card with an active balance? For every $1 you spend, you receive an additional $1to spend on fruits and veggies, dried beans, and edible plants and seeds – there is no daily limit on how much you can double.

Click here for participating locations: Locations — Double Up Food Bucks Arizona (doubleupaz.org)

If you have any questions regarding nutrition related concerns, please reach out to one of NOAH’s Registered Dietitians!

Understanding AHCCCS and KidsCare

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Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet navigating healthcare systems can often be stressful and overwhelming. Luckily, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and KidsCare programs were designed to provide healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. Whether you’re new to AHCCCS/KidsCare or seeking a deeper understanding of its services, NOAH is here to provide you with a starting point on everything you need to know.

What Is AHCCCS?

AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program, designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility criteria. Established in 1982, AHCCCS is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Administration.

Who Is Eligible for AHCCCS?

Eligibility for AHCCCS is primarily based on income and other factors such as age, disability, and family size. Eligible individuals include but not limited to:

  • Low-income families with children
  • Pregnant women
  • Seniors
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Women who want screening for breast or cervical cancer

It’s important to note that eligibility criteria may vary, and applicants should check with AHCCCS or NOAH’s community resource specialists for the most accurate information.

What Services Does AHCCCS Cover?

AHCCCS provides a wide range of healthcare services, including but not limited to:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital services
  • Prescription medications (not covered if you have Medicare)
  • Lab and X-rays
  • Behavioral health services
  • Dental treatment (for children under age 21)
  • Vision exams (for children under age 21)
  • Transportation to medical appointments
  • Immunizations

Choosing a Health Plan

Once enrolled in AHCCCS, individuals are required to choose a health plan from a list of care organizations. These health plans vary in terms of covered services, provider networks, and benefits.

How Much Does AHCCCS Cost?

While AHCCCS provides coverage for most healthcare services, some services may require copayments. Copay amounts range from $0 to $30 depending on the type of service. Some people and certain services are exempt from copayments which means that no mandatory or optional copayments will be charged.

KidsCare

What Is KidsCare?

KidsCare is designed to help families who earn too much for AHCCCS (Medicaid) yet earn too little to afford to pay for health insurance for their children.

Who Is Eligible for KidsCare?

In general, an applicant may qualify if they are:

  • Under the age of 19
  • A U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
  • An Arizona resident
  • Under the income limit
  • Not eligible for AHCCCS coverage
  • Not currently covered by other health insurance

What Services Does KidsCare Cover?

For those that meet the eligibility requirements, KidsCare covers healthcare services including but not limited to:

  • Doctor visits
  • Immunizations
  • Hospital services
  • Emergency room care
  • Lab and X-rays
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental treatment
  • Vision care

How Much Does KidsCare Cost?

KidsCare will cost no more than $50 a month for one child or no more than $70 a month no matter how many children are in the household. The amount a family pays depends on their income and number of children. 

What Is the Difference Between AHCCCS and KidsCare?

KidsCare specifically targets children, while AHCCCS serves a wider population including children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the benefits and services covered may vary between KidsCare and AHCCCS due to differences in program design and guidelines.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for AHCCCS or KidsCare?

Deciding on the right program can be overwhelming, which is why NOAH’s community resource specialists are here to help. Schedule an appointment so our specialists can help you apply for AHCCCS, KidsCare, and notify you of any other services that might be available to you. 

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Once you’ve set up a meeting with a NOAH community resource specialist, make sure you bring these documents with you to your appointment. If you’re missing any, don’t worry, our specialists can still help you.

World Health Day

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By Maggie Hensley, RDN | Registered Dietitian

It’s finally springtime! For a lot of us that usually comes with some form of spring cleaning. Culturally, spring cleaning has deep roots in Jewish traditions around Passover, Iranian celebrations of Nowruz, Chinese Lunar New Year, Thailand’s Songkran Festival, and many others. Along with the themes of renewal and cleansing, these traditions have another thing in common: food!

As a dietitian I often think about how food connects to the rest of our lives in interesting ways. In light of World Health Day and spring cleaning, I wanted to explore what we can do to “clean up” our relationship with food.

Let’s Start by Dusting Off Our Big Book of Food Rules

Do you notice that you have specific rules around certain foods? Like restricting “junk foods”, only eating at home or during specific times of day or having to exercise more to “earn” foods or “burn off” foods? Do these sound familiar or remind you of any of your own food rules? Some research shows that restricting certain foods can contribute to eventually binging. So, as we clean house, are there any food rules that we are ready to toss out?

Now Let’s Head to the Basement of “Bad” Foods

We often hear a lot of negative talk around calories and carbohydrates which can lead us to thinking of some foods as “good” and some as “bad.” The truth is that foods, like people, are more complex than that. Foods are not good or bad, they just do different things. Some give us quick energy, some longer lasting energy, but they all have complex vitamin and mineral profiles. Some can also comfort our grief, soothe our broken hearts, and reconnect us to treasured memories. What steps can we take today to throw away our focus on the good food/bad food fight, and to start making peace with all foods?

The Last Place We’ll Tidy Today is the Attic

This is where all our preconceived ideas about health, weight, and body size live (amidst a lot of other things). A common misconception is that our weight determines our health. It does not. People in lower weight bodies get the same chronic conditions that those in higher weight bodies get. If we fed every single person the exact same diet our heights, weights, shapes, and health would still be very different. I think it’s time to get rid of those notions and instead celebrate how beautiful our diversity is!

If any of these spaces sound familiar and you would like someone to help you tidy your relationship with food, please schedule an appointment with one of our registered dietitians. They are experts in the science of nutrition and exploring relationships with food, they are also conveniently located in person or through telehealth at all of our NOAH health center locations.

Hydration Tips From Our Nutrition Experts

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There are many ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and that includes staying hydrated. Our experts share why hydration is so important to healthy living, how much water should be consumed daily, and the many ways to hydrate your body.

Why is water important?

  • Keeps body temperatures normal.
  • Improve brain function and mood.
  • Prevents constipation.
  • Gets rid of waste from the body in urine, sweat, and the digestive track.
  • Lubricates joints and protects your spinal cord and other tissues.

How much should you drink?

That’s not as simple of a question as it sounds. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is 3.7 liters (125 oz.) for adult men and 2.7 liters (93 oz.) for adult women. All beverages (even coffee and tea) count as fluids, and plenty of foods are good sources of fluids, like fruits, vegetables, and soups. The common wisdom of 8 cups of water a day (64 oz.) is a great place to start!

When do you need more water?

In general, you need more water when you lose more water by sweating or by your digestive track.

  • During hotter months
  • More physically active
  • Running a fever
  • Having diarrhea or vomiting

How can you tell if you’re not drinking enough?

You may have one or more of the signs below if you need more water:

  • Thirst
  • Darker than light-yellow urine
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • Muscle cramps or fatigue

Tips for getting enough water?

  • Carry a water bottle. Try freezing one overnight for ice-cold water all day.
  • For a little extra flavor, add something! Lemon, lime, mango, mint, cucumber, strawberry, melon, jalapeno or a low/no calorie flavoring can enhance the taste of water.
  • Have a glass of water with meals before, after, and during exercise.
  • Still having trouble remembering? Try an app! There are free phone apps that will help you set goals and send you reminders to keep you on track.
  • Snack on watermelon, cucumbers, other water-rich fruits and vegetables or reduced-fat yogurt. You’ll benefit from the extra fluid and healthy nutrients.
  • Use a large water container such as 1 gallon (128 oz.) and mark off times to indicate how low the water level should be at different points in the day such as 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.
  • Place water bottles or cups in different areas of the home or office where you spend a lot of time, such as the chair you usually read in. These can serve as a physical reminder to drink more.

Looking to increase your water intake? Book an appointment with our nutrition experts to get the assistance you need.

The Legacy of Cesar Chavez

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Cesar Chavez, born in 1927 in Yuma, Arizona, became a well-known figure in the struggle for fair treatment and improved working conditions for farmworkers. Growing up in a migrant farmworker family, he understood the hardships endured in the agricultural labor sector. Driven by his belief that all workers deserve fair pay, Chavez dedicated his life to effecting change.

Founding the United Farm Workers Union

In 1962, Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, an organization aimed to advocate for farmworkers’ rights across the United States. Using tactics such as strikes, boycotts, and marches, he successfully raised awareness about the challenges faced by agricultural laborers. Through peaceful protests and nonviolent resistance, Chavez inspired millions to join the fight for equality and justice.

Legacy of Change

Chavez’s efforts resulted in significant improvements in farmworkers’ lives, including better wages, safer working conditions, and the right to organize. His legacy continues to inspire individuals worldwide.

Cesar Chavez Day: A Federal Holiday

On March 31, 2014, Cesar Chavez Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, in honor of the birthday of Chavez. This day serves as a reminder of Chavez’s vision and legacy, and serves as day for reflection, education, and community service. It encourages individuals to carry forward the pursuit of a more just and equal society, where every worker is treated with dignity and respect.

Celebrating Cesar Chavez Day is not only a tribute to his legacy but also an acknowledgment of the diverse communities we serve at our health centers. Our community includes individuals from various backgrounds, each with their own unique struggles and desires. Recognizing this day allows us to honor Chavez’s commitment to justice and equality while also reinforcing NOAH’s dedication to providing healthcare services that address the diverse needs of each one of our community members.

Swinging into Spring – How to Keep Your Allergies in Check

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Spring is here, and in Arizona, that means it’s not just spring training season – it’s also the peak of allergy season! As the desert comes to life again, pollen levels soar, and allergy sufferers find themselves sneezing and sniffling more than usual. With these tips, we’re helping to keep your allergies in check so that you can enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer – both on and off the field.

Know Your Opponent

From February to June, allergy sufferers in Arizona face their toughest opponent: high pollen counts and windy conditions. The biggest rivals? Trees like ash, mesquite, mulberry, cottonwood, oak, olive, and various grasses. These sneeze-inducing elements can be tough opponents during springtime, but with the right game plan, you can step up to the plate and hit a home run against them.

Defensive Plays

Preventing allergies is all about defense. Here are some key strategies to keep those pesky allergens at bay:

  • Keep windows and doors closed – limiting outdoor air can significantly reduce pollen exposure indoors.
  • Use air purifiers – these devices help trap allergens, making the air cleaner and safer to breathe.
  • Wash bedding and clothing regularly – pollen can cling to fabrics, so frequent washing can help to remove potential allergens.
  • Vacuum and dust often – dusting and vacuuming regularly can prevent allergens from settling in your home.
  • Take off your shoes and socks – leave your shoes and socks at the door to prevent tracking pollen throughout your home.
  • Pollen Forecast – websites like Pollen.com can help allergy sufferers stay updated on the daily pollen forecast in their area.

Offensive Strategies

When allergies strike, it’s time to go on the offensive. Prevention medications and strategies that are often used to alleviate allergy symptoms are:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines – these medications can help relieve sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
  • Nasal corticosteroids – nasal sprays help to reduce inflammation and provide long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
  • Decongestants – decongestant medications can help to alleviate nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
  • Eye drops – if your allergies affect your eyes, over-the-counter eye drops can provide relief from itching and redness.
  • Natural remedies – some people find relief from allergies through natural remedies like saline nasal rinses or herbal supplements. 

All-Star Treatment

If you suspect you or your loved one is suffering from allergies, schedule an appointment with your NOAH medical provider. Our team can help identify the issue, provide relief, and refer you to an allergist if necessary.

Help and Support for Eating Disorders

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The earlier an eating disorder is detected, the better the chance for recovery. It’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of disordered eating. The first step towards positive changes is to recognize disordered eating behaviors. The second step is to reach out and tell someone that you trust. You can tell a close friend, family member, or a healthcare professional. Starting this conversation can be challenging, but you’re doing the right thing by asking for help and support and you should be proud of yourself.

Resources

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website offers a screening tool to determine if it’s time to seek professional help for an eating disorder.

For support, resources, and treatment options, individuals can contact the Helpline at (800) 931-2237. NEDA provides online forums accessible 24/7 for individuals and loved ones seeking to connect and communicate about the eating disorder recovery process. Additionally, they offer a support group finder to locate in-person and online support groups.

Managing an eating disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a medical doctor, therapist, family members, and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). How can a Registered Dietitian help? Nutrition counseling is essential, and an RDN can assist individuals in challenging distorted thoughts about:

  • Body image and weight.
  • Exploring emotions and fears related to food and hunger.
  • Achieving goals without fear of judgment.

It’s important to have a strong support system when recovering from an eating disorder. Schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider to help you make and stick to healthy habits.

Honoring Black History in our Healthcare: Understanding the Tuskegee Study

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NOAH is proud to share and honor Black History Month with articles of just a few of the important, impactful, and life-saving stories of Black history and healthcare in America. One of our primary goals at NOAH is ensure quality healthcare for every member of our community. It is well-established that blacks and other minority groups in the U.S. experience more illness, worse outcomes, and premature death compared with whites. To change that, we will look at where we have been, what we have accomplished, and how we will collectively achieve these goals.

Understanding the Tuskegee Study

Frequently cited as one of the original causes of mistrust and discord between the African American community and the U.S. Department of Health and its branches is the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male.” This study was intended to examine the progression of syphilis in humans. After the promise of free medical care, 600 Black men in Alabama registered for the study in 1932. The details of the study were not disclosed to the men who registered. Of the 600 participants, 399 had the disease while the remaining 201 served as the control group.

Researchers only told the men they were being treated for “bad blood,” a local term used during that time to describe several different ailments. However, the men in the study were all given a placebo (a pill or treatment with no medical effect) such as aspirin and mineral supplements. Healthcare workers continued to monitor the participants and provide ineffective treatments. Although the study was intended to be six months, it continued for 40 years. The men suffering from the disease continued to receive placebos, even after penicillin became an effective treatment for syphilis in 1947, 15 years into the study.

The men in the study paid the ultimate price of blindness, insanity, and death as their disease progressed unnecessarily for the sake of scientific analysis. Later research found nothing to show the men were given the option to leave the study once effective treatment had become available.

In the mid-1960’s, Peter Buxton, a venereal disease investigator raised concerns about the ethics of “The Tuskegee Syphilis Study” as it became known, and a committee was formed to review it. Ultimately, the committee elected to allow the experiment to continue, and recommended concluding only once all participants had died, autopsies had been performed, and the data analyzed.

Buxton decided to leak the story. He sent the information to Associated Press reporter Jean Heller, who published the findings. When the story broke in 1972, it was met with public outrage. By that time, 128 participants had died from the disease or related complications, while at least 40 spouses had been infected, and 19 children had contracted syphilis in-utero. After the conclusion of Congressional hearings, the living participants and their families collectively reached an out-of-court settlement of $9 million, and new guidelines were issued to protect future participants of human studies. As part of the settlement, the U.S. government promised participants (later extended to spouses and their offspring) lifetime medical benefits offered through the Tuskegee Health Benefit Program.

Although the government has attempted to make amends, including an apology from President Bill Clinton in 1997, suspicion of the government and healthcare services continue to plague the Black community. Even with the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 there is still caution, distrust, and wariness as a result of events in our history like “The Tuskegee Syphilis Study” and other disparities in healthcare for Black Americans.

To learn more, watch The Tuskegee Study video by Black History in Two Minutes or read The Tuskegee Study Timeline by the CDC.  

Read our other Black History Month snapshots:

Understanding the Tuskegee Study

The Lasting Impact of Henrietta Lacks

Enslaved Women and Modern Gynecology

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Charles Richard Drew

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Alexa Irene Canady

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. James Durham

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Honoring Black History Month: Dr. Louis T. Wright