Health Matters
March 2018 Newsletter
Life changes forever for a family who’s been hit with the diagnosis of a chronic health condition. And for some families in Nebraska, that same diagnosis may mean that adaptations and specialized equipment are required moving forward. This equipment can be expensive, and families don’t always have access to insurance or other financial assistance to help offset the costs. Fortunately, several of Community Health Charities of Nebraska’s (CHC-NE) 22 member charities offer equipment loan programs to make sure that families have access to this valuable support.
*New: You can also download a PDF of our equipment loans resource guide here .
Medical Research Update
Vioxx for Hemophilia Patients?
Back in 2004, Merck voluntarily pulled Vioxx from the shelves. Vioxx was used to treat arthritis, but it also doubled the chance for heart attack and stroke. Now, a new startup, Tremeau Pharmaceuticals, is working to bring it back. This time, it would be used to treat joint pain caused by hemophilia. Patients with hemophilia usually end up taking opioids to treat pain, because most other options raise the risk of internal bleeding. Vioxx may be the answer for hemophilia patients, but Tremeau has a big hill to climb. They need to raise $25 million to pay for testing in hemophilia patients.
Story of Caring
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and Marlene and Martin Pabian are two Nebraskans affected by brain injury. Marlene's son, Martin, has been in the cycle of homelessness, hospitalizations and jail for years. He received his first traumatic brain injury (TBI) at age seven. Since then, he’s been in and out of institutions without receiving comprehensive evaluation, treatment or living options. 
Do you Know the Cost?
What is the average yearly medical cost of care for a person affected by diabetes?
A. $7,200  B. $13,700  C. $15,300
See the answer here.
Recycling Medical Equipment
How much do you know about donating used medical equipment? Learn more here.
Vacation Planning
Are you going somewhere for spring break or getting a head start on planning an international trip this summer? Here are some tips on how to travel with a chronic disease.
Slam Dunk Snacks
Looking for some healthier snack options during March Madness? Here are some options.
It's Easy to Support CHC-NE!
It's easy to support the health charities you care about! 
  • Participate in a workplace giving campaign in Omaha, Lincoln or Greater Nebraska. If your workplace doesn't currently support a campaign, contact us to see how to start one.
  • Use this AmazonSmile link when shopping to support Community Health Charities of Nebraska with your purchases.
  • Remember CHC-NE in your planned giving.
  • Make a donation through our web site and give the gift of health! We appreciate your support!
Find us Online!
Visit www.chcne.org for our calendar of events , keep up on the latest news during the month and learn more about our 22 member charities . To learn more about us, access our annual report here .