January 2023 News
Happy New Year!

RSV
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection typically include:
  • Runny nose
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
Call your healthcare professional if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.
Learn more about care and symptoms here.

COVID-19
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Possible symptoms include:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider the following options:

Flu
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
  • fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
More information is available on Flu and COVID-19 symptoms.
📢 With RSV, COVID, and the Flu going around us daily, it is essential to have some healthcare. If your job does not offer health insurance, you’re self-employed, or you do not qualify for Medicaid, we can help.

Learn how Access Medical can help you...

What is the Access Medical discount program?
Our members receive healthcare services at a discounted price in exchange for payment at the time of service. Access Medical is not insurance. Access Medical is registered with the State of Nevada Division of Insurance.

Who qualifies to join Access Medical?
Just two easy requirements!
  • Be uninsured – not currently have health insurance
  • Live in the state of Nevada

Is there a fee to join?
There is a small fee to become a member of Access Medical. This helps us to keep our doors open, so we can continue to serve you.
  • Adult: $40-$45 monthly
  • Kids: $10 monthly
Signing up is easy! Give us a call today at (877) 385-2345 or start your online application today here: accesstohealthcare.org/medical-discount-program/

Can I pay for a whole year for my membership?
Of course! Here is our yearly membership fee:
  • Adult: $400-$450 yearly
  • Kids: $100 yearly
Take advantage of our Access Medical 6-Month Special! Thru January 31st, pay for an Access Medical membership for five months and get the 6th month FREE!

How much will I pay for my doctor's appointments?
  • Primary Care: Without AHN: $100 - With AHN: $50
  • Specialist: Without AHN: $350 - With AHN: $75
This is a common question for Access Medical members and those considering joining the program. Our website's “Access Medical” tab lists standard service pricing. For all other services, established members can contact their care coordinator.

What services can I obtain through Access Medical?
primary care doctors • specialists • dental care • hospital visits • surgical services • optometrists • pharmacies/RX • prenatal visits • and much more!
Since 2007, Access Medical has provided individuals in our community with access to needed medical services at discounted prices through our statewide network of over 2,000 healthcare providers. Learn more HERE.

What is the process to get Access Medical?
We will screen you to determine eligibility. Then we could schedule an appointment over the phone or in the office for enrollment. Once enrolled, you can schedule an appointment with your primary provider.

After enrolling, when does my Access Medical membership become effective?
Your Access Medical membership will be effective as soon as you enroll and pay for your first-month membership. We have no waiting periods.
Access Medical
Resource Line.
Do you need healthcare information? The Access Medical Resource Line can help answer your questions and connect you with programs and resources to help you.

CALL: 877.385.2345
National Diabetes
Prevention Program
Beginning January 23, 2023 from 4-5 PM. This class is targeted at people who have prediabetes or are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. It will be offered both in person and virtually, though in person attendance is encouraged.
If you are unsure if you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes visit DoIHavePrediabetes.org to take the risk test.
For more information please contact our Health Education team at
775-284-1898. 
Diabetes
Self-Management Program
Beginning January 4th, 5-7 PM. This workshop meets once/week for four weeks. Each session lasts approximately 2 hours. This workshop is for people living with diabetes that would like to understand the condition better, and learn how to take care of their diabetes.
For more information please contact our Health Education team at
775-284-1898. 
Need Help Enrolling Into An Insurance Plan?

A recent life change may qualify you for a special enrollment period for health insurance. If you've experienced any of the changes above. Access to Healthcare Network can help you enroll into a plan that's right for you!
Chronic Disease Management
and 
Prevention Resources

Are you looking for support with diabetes, managing your medications, or high blood pressure?
Access to Healthcare Network has created an easy-to-use Google map.
FREE Transportation!
Access to Healthcare has a variety of FREE transportation programs to help get you to your medical appointments and even to grocery stores in Washoe county!
Recipe of the month:
Ceviche-Style Canned Tuna Salad
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National Healthcare News
Why Is American Food So Unhealthy?
But why is American food so unhealthy? It's not just that Americans eat too much, which they do, but it's also what they eat that's unhealthy: fat, sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the average American diet consists of excess salt, saturated fat, refined grains, calories from solid fats and added sugars.
Americans also eat fewer vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products and oils than recommended. Nearly 42% of American adults are obese, statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show.
Quick Scan Spots a Common Hormonal Form of High Blood Pressure
In about 5% to 10% of high blood pressure cases, the source is a gene mutation in the adrenal glands, according to earlier research. Tiny benign nodules in the glands lead to excessive production of the steroid hormone aldosterone, which causes salt to be retained in the body and drives up blood pressure.
Unfortunately, folks with this type of high blood pressure don't usually respond to common blood pressure medications.
With a new type of CT scan, researchers say they can light up the nodules. Creation of this simpler screening test could lead to surgical removal of the nodule, curing the high blood pressure (also called hypertension) in this specific group of patients.
Learn more about our programs: