NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR DAY
Direct Medical Care supports:
June 14th
“Each year, approximately 6.8 million people in the U.S donate blood. Annually, this adds up to about 13.6 million units of whole blood collected for donation in the U.S. The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood cell components to donors. Your blood donations are used for patients in need of surgery, cancer treatment and transfusions for blood loss from traumatic injuries.” (https://www.redcrossblood.org/)
Eligibility: In Missouri, people who are at least 17 years of age (or 16 years of age with signed American Red Cross parental or legal guardian consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good general health on the day of donation, are usually eligible to donate blood.
Jessica Whiteman, MSN,APRN, FNP-C
GO GRAY IN MAY
by Jessica Whiteman, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
**NATIONAL DAY OF GRAY: MAY 27
On May 27, we celebrate the efforts of our incredible volunteers and honor the lives of brain tumor patients and their caregivers.
QUICK BRAIN TUMOR FACTS
- An estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a primary brain tumor
- Approximately70% of all brain tumors are benign
- Approximately30% of all brain tumors are malignant
- Approximately 58% of all brain tumors occur in females
- Approximately 42% of all brain tumors occur in males
Brain tumors do not discriminate, inflicting men, women, and children of all races and ethnicities.
Using social media show your support for nearly 700,000 people living with brain tumors and their caregivers # TheGrayscale @headforthecure
According to the National Brain Tumor Society, approximately 85,000 more people will be diagnosed in 2021.
Join over 6,000 Facebook friends at Head for the Cure public group page: A nonprofit organization with the mission to build awareness, raise funds, and inspire hope for the community of brain cancer patients, survivors, their families, friends, caregivers and other supporters, while celebrating their courage, spirit and energy.
****** IN LOVING MEMORY OF CRAIG RIGGS 1972 -2020 *********
April Health Awareness
There are over a dozen health awareness/promotion topics this month and each are equally important. All topics deserve time in the spotlight for recognition but for the sake of time (and a really long video ) I narrowed it down to 3:
- Oral Health awareness
- Donate Life awareness
- STI prevention awareness
Important April Dates:
National Public Health week April 1-7
National Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer awareness week April 11-16
National Pediatric Transplant week April 18-24
Jessica Whiteman, MSN, APRN-FNP-C
Care for your Kidneys
MARCH: NATIONAL KIDNEY CARE AWARENESS MONTH
3D Illustration von menschlichen Nieren mit Querschnitt 
Nurse with stethoscope holding anatomical model of healthy human kidney. White background. 
Doctor supports kidneys healthy concept design .
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care(DPC) involves cutting out the middle man–insurance companies. As health insurance becomes increasingly confusing, expensive, and frustrating, Direct Primary Care removes it from the equation.
At Direct Medical Care, you have the option of obtaining a membership, which includes the cost of provider visits along with other perks. However, a membership is not required, and you can pay for waht you need as you go.
With this type of healthcare in place you should expect:
- To spend more time with your healthcare provider as they are spending less time filling and billing for insurance
- Affordable wholesale medications, labs, imaging, and procedures
- Transparent pricing
- Accessibility and convenience such as same day appointments, virtual visits, and so much more
- Flexibility! You still have the option to submit to insurance. We will provide you the necessary information at the end of your visit to do so.
Melanie Shockley, DNP
Go big RED!
February is American Heart Month
National wear red day is Friday, Feb 5th
Provider spotlight:
Fuel with Fiber!
All of us have been told to add fiber in our diet. This is because there are so many health benefits and most Americans only get about half of the recommended fiber per day. Lets breakdown the details of fiber and why it is an essential part of our diet.
What is Fiber?
· It is a type of carbohydrate. Don’t panic! Most carbs are broken down into sugars, which we associate with diabetes and being bad for our health. Fiber cannot be broken down into sugar and instead has a positive effect on our body!
Some Benefits of Fiber:
· Reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
· Lowers cholesterol.
· Helps prevent constipation.
· Aids with weight loss.
How much do we need?
· Approximately 25-35 grams/day.
What are good sources of fiber?
- Whole grains, fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Tips to increase Fiber in your diet:
- Skip fruit juices and eat whole fruits instead!
- Substitute white rice, bread, flour, and pasta for whole grain alternatives.
- Add fiber slowly into your diet and it’s very important to increase water intake as you increase fiber.
- Still need help getting fiber in your diet? There are over the counter fiber supplements that come in variety of forms.
Fiber can be an easy addition to your diet to help meet your healthcare goals this 2021!
Melanie Shockley, DNP
Pink Isn’t the Only Color
Cervical Cancer Awareness is this month.
Direct Medical Care’s newest nurse practitioner, Jessica Whiteman, addresses what you need to know:
COVID-19 Preparation
When the pandemic hit in early spring, I commented that you should assume you will get the coronavirus. It is not a matter of if you get the virus, but when you will get it. If you happen to not get it, count yourself lucky.
So what have you been doing the last six months to prepare? I am not talking about wearing a mask. I am not talking about staying six feet apart. I am talking about what have you done to better your health to better prepare your body to fight the coronavirus?
What should you have been doing these past six months to prepare?
- Eating Healthy
- Achieving/Maintaining a Healthy Weight
- Getting Good Sleep
- Exercising
- Managing Stress
- Managing Medical Issues
- Building your Immune System–zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, elderberry
If you have not engaged in your health there is no better time to start–not just for the coronavirus but for life.
Ann Riggs, DO
Direct Medical Care 