The Healthy Native Newsletter - Updates and events inside!

Cervical Cancer Awareness

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and AIHSC wants you to know that there’s a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don’t know they are infected.

HPV is also a major cause of cervical cancer. Each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer.

The good news?

The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.
Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.

In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, AIHSC encourages:

Women to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21
Parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12

Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they didn’t get it as pre-teens. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can still get the vaccine.

Thanks to the health care reform law, you and your family members may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to learn more.

If you are American Indian/Alaskan Native you can receive your pap test and/or HPV vaccines at NO COST to you. Please call AIHSC to set up your appointment or if you would like more information at 773-883-9100

Legislative Announcement

January 25, 2017

On January 23, 2017, Senators Cassidy (LA-R) and Collins (ME-R) introduced the Patient Freedom Act of 2017, to partially replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This bill, S. 191, has left the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) untouched, as it only repeals Title 1 of the ACA. We must be diligent to make sure that the congressional delegations of all Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) protect the IHCIA and key American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) provisions created by the ACA at the state and federal levels.

The Announcement

Thyroid problems - most common thyroid problems, symptoms and treatment

How do Thyroid Problems Affect Women? Here are some common ones:

• Puberty. During puberty, hyperthyroidism can cause early menstruation (before age 9). It may also cause delayed menstruation and delayed growth.

• Infertility. Thyroid disorders can cause irregular or skipped periods, which can make it hard to get pregnant. They also raise the risk of miscarriage.

• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, untreated thyroid disorders raise the risk of high blood pressure, anemia, miscarriage and low birth weight. They may also have long-term effects on the baby.

• Postpartum depression. Some women develop a thyroid problem after delivery called postpartum thyroid dysfunction. It causes fatigue, low mood and irritability, and it may be linked to postpartum depression.

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms similar to PMS, including weight gain, bloating and depressed mood.

• Menopause. Thyroid disorders can cause premature menopause (before age 40). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can mimic those of menopause, such as hot flashes and insomnia.

EVENTS

HEALING CIRCLE DATES

2/23/2017 FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS

3/23/2017 HEALTHY EATING

When: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Where: 4071 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613

Call or email Reojyce at 773-883-9100

[email protected]

FREE flu shots for AI/AN and AIHSC clients!

If you haven't already gotten your flu shot, now is the time to do it before the holidays really get underway. AIHSC is providing flu shots FREE of charge. Call or walk in for your flu shot. 773-883-9100

AA Meetings every Thursday and Sunday

Thursdays from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Big Book Meetings

Sundays from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Open Meetings

Meetings are held at 4081 N. Broadway