New Year’s Resolutions: CHCs Can Help!

What are your new year’s resolutions for 2017? If you, like millions around the world, have resolved to better your health and wellness this year, Community Health Centers (CHCs) can help you achieve your goals. CHCs in Colorado and across the nation provide comprehensive primary and preventive medical, oral, and behavioral health care to all regardless of ability to pay. On top of providing high quality primary care services, CHCs are also leading the way in innovative community health programs that aim to improve outcomes related to: chronic disease management, chronic pain management, weight loss, and mental wellness. Additionally, many CHCs now employ non-clinical health coaches, health educators, patient navigators/facilitators, and care coordinators to help patients take control of their wellness through a whole-person approach, stay on track with treatment plans, and navigate the often complex landscape of health coverage.

Is your new year’s resolution to drop some extra pounds by sticking to an exercise and healthy eating routine? If so, the experienced and dedicated providers and clinical staff at CHCs across Colorado can help you create an individualized nutrition and exercise plan, and help you stay motivated by scheduling follow-up visits to track your progress. For example, Mountain Family Health Centers in Glenwood Springs, Sunrise Community Health in Greeley and Evans, and Denver Health in Denver, Co  all offer community members the opportunity to participate in its Weigh and Win program, a weight loss program funded primarily by Kaiser Permanente that is free to all Colorado residents age 18 and older. The Weigh and Win program offers cash incentives and other prizes to participants who lose weight to achieve a healthy BMI and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle by following an individualized fitness and nutrition plan. The Weigh and Win program includes personalized health coaching for participants sent via text message or email.

Is your new year’s resolution to de-stress and rejuvenate your mind and body? If so, Colorado CHCs are coming up with innovative community programs to address patients’ stress levels and behavioral/mental wellness.  For example, some CHCs in Colorado, including Salud Family Health Centers in Fort Lupton, Clínica Tepeyac in Denver, and Summit Community Care Clinic in Frisco, offer exercise and yoga classes to CHC staff and/or the public. Additionally, 19 out of 20 Colorado CHCs now provide on-site, integrated behavioral and mental health care, and many offer behavioral/mental wellness check-ups to patients as part of their annual wellness exams.

Is your new year’s resolution to take control of your chronic disease or pain management regimen, and to explore innovative practices and programs to improve your outcomes? If so, a number of CHCs in Colorado are now offering chronic disease management group visits, personalized health coaching, chiropractic services, physical therapy, and other programs to address issues related to chronic disease or pain. For example, Valley-Wide Health Systems serving southern Colorado and Clinica Family Health, serving Adams, Boulder, and Broomfield counties, has pioneered a group visit model for a number of chronic illnesses and medical issues to improve patient outcomes and patient experiences. In Lamar,  High Plains Community Health Center has chronic care team that provides free health coaching services.

No matter what your new year’s resolution, Colorado CHCs can help you maintain and improve your overall health and wellbeing in 2017. For a full list of CHCs in Colorado, visit CCHN’s website.

 

Are you interested in a mission driven career that helps make a difference in patients’ lives? Check out the Mission Driven Careers Job Board or the CHAMPS Job Opportunity Bank for more information about rewarding careers with a Colorado CHC. To learn more about Colorado’s CHCs and other great work they are doing, visit CCHN’s website.