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August is National Wellness Month!

August is a month full of special times: most kids’ first day of school, the last month of the dog days of summer and National Wellness Month! With all of the busy days that August brings, it’s important to take a step back and remember to take care of yourself among the chaos of everyday life. Central Ozarks Medical Center has five habits to work into your everyday routine. Our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics believes that practicing positive habits daily is great way to help you create a happy and healthy life.

Meal Planning

When you’re in a hurry and need to eat, it’s easy to grab something that’s quick and processed in your pantry or pick up fast food. While this may save time, it’s definitely not saving you the amount of calories, fat or sugar that you’re putting into your body. Meal planning is a great way to be more conscious of what you’re eating and will allow you to make healthier decisions. Schedule to meal plan on a specific day each week to create a thorough and effective menu for you and your family. Meal planning limits food waste, saves money, saves time and allows you to learn portion control. Bonus points if you meal prep after planning. Meal prepping is preparing the food in the portions you’re going to eat so when the time comes, you just have to heat it up.

Spend Time Outside

Maybe you’ve spent all day at work indoors and then when you get home you just want to relax in front of the TV or maybe you have a ton of chores to do around the house. It can easy to find at the end of the day that you haven’t spent anytime outside that day. While we understand that getting outdoors can take a little extra effort, the health benefits are well worth it. Spending just 20 minutes outdoors gives your brain an energy boost, strengthens your immune system, enhances creativity and restores your focus. Most importantly, you can also get your daily dose of vitamin D while spending time in nature. Vitamin D provides all kinds of health benefits like helping our bodies absorb calcium and reducing inflammation.

Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly does a lot more than helping you lose weight. It has tons of benefits for both your mental and physical health. A little bit of exercise a day can reduce anxiety and depression, strengthen your muscles and bones, increase energy levels, promote blood flow to reduce signs of aging and help with mental functioning like memory. Exercise does have to be intense workouts like lifting weights or doing sprints, it can be something as simple as taking a walk, swimming, yoga, dancing or biking. Pick a regular exercise that you enjoy to help insure that you stick with it. Also, exercising outside can help combine the benefits of physical activity and being outdoors all in one.

Drink Lots of Water

Water is essential to having a healthy functioning body and can help naturally increase energy by preventing sugar or caffeine crashes that you often get from soda, coffee or energy drinks. Water helps deliver oxygen throughout the body, aids in keeping your skin healthy, clear and young-looking, regulates body temperature and prevents kidney damage (just to name a few of its benefits). If you dislike the taste of plain water, consider adding slices of fruit for a healthy way to add flavor.

Take Time to go Offline

We live in a world that is dominated by phones, social media and technology. While we understand that it can be very difficult to completely “unplug” for a lengthy amount of time, taking small amounts of time out each day to step away from technology can still benefit us. Designate a certain time for each day that you’re going to take out some time where you don’t look at your phone, check emails or browse social media. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, when you get home from work or right before you go to bed, take some time out to go offline. You may find yourself getting that project done that’s been weighing on you for a while, connecting more with those around you or being able to unwind and relax better.

Bonus: National Relaxation Day

National Relaxation Day is on August 15th this year. We challenge you take just 30 minutes out of your day to do something that relaxes you. Whether it’s going on a walk, reading a book, doing yoga or mediating, it’s up to you! It can sometimes be easy to forget to take a little time out for ourselves to do something we want to do, so on August 15th make a conscious effort to do so.

If you’re looking for other ways to incorporate healthy habits into your daily life, make an appointment with Central Ozarks Medical Center at one of our mid-Missouri health clinics. We can give you a check-up and help you create a plan for a healthy lifestyle. Find all of our health clinic locations and phone numbers are www.CentralOzarks.org.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

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Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

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Sleep Apnea FAQs

Sleep apnea can be more common than you may realize and you most likely either know someone or know someone who knows someone who has it. If you know someone who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, they may be scared or confused as to how this happened to them in the first place. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to answer a few frequently asked questions regarding sleep apnea. If you think you or someone you know may have symptoms of sleep apnea, make an appointment with one of our Central Missouri health clinics today. All of our locations and phone numbers can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Q: How can sleep apnea be treated?

A: Treatment for sleep apnea has come a long way, so if in the past you were unhappy with treatment, you may be impressed now. Some of the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea include CPAP, Other breathing devices, Dental devices, Implants, Surgery. Only seek these options if they are prescribed to you by a doctor. For other treatment options, consult a doctor.

Q: What are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea?

A: It can be very difficult to identify symptoms of sleep apnea since you are asleep, but you can have a sleeping partner help you or have your sleep recorded by a professional. These are some of the symptoms that could indicate you might have sleep apnea:

  • Loud and chronic snoring almost every night
  • Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
  • Being sleepy and feeling fatigued during the day, no matter how much time you spend in bed
  • Waking up in the night feeling short of breath
  • Pauses in breath

Q: What exactly is sleep apnea?

A: Sleep apnea is a common, but serious sleep disorder that occurs when you’re breathing is briefly interrupted when you are asleep. There are 3 types of sleep apnea:

  • Complex Sleep Apnea – This is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea – This is the most common type of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep, blocking the airway, often causing you to snore loudly.
  • Central Sleep Apnea – This is a much less common type of sleep apnea that involves the central nervous system.  This occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People who have central sleep apnea seldom snore.

Have more questions about sleep apnea? Make an appointment with one of our providers at the Lake of the Ozarks today. All of our providers’ bios, health clinic locations, and phone numbers can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Please give us a call today!

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

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Sugary Drinks to Avoid this Summer

With the hot summer sun beating down on you, you may want to quench your thirst with an ice cold soda. When you need a boost on energy at work, you may find yourself reaching for a coffee or energy drink. Sugar and caffeine are addictive, so after a while, it’s easy not to put much thought into what’s in your drink. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, our Lake of the Ozarks healthcare providers are here to help you make conscious healthy decisions. Here’s how much sugar is in your average sugary drink. You may rethink reaching for that soda, energy drink or coffee after you know what’s in it. To make an appoint at any one of our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks, please give us a call today. All of our Lake of the Ozarks health clinic locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

Soda 

According to the Food and Drug Administration, you shouldn’t consume over 50 grams of sugar a day. The hard truth is that the majority of sodas are only a few grams within the daily limit, meaning that when you pop open a can of soda, the large majority of your day’s preferred sugar intake is consumed within those 12 fluid ounces. And many fountain drinks come in larger sizes than that! At many fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, you can choose a large range of sizes when it comes to your soda—with the largest being sold at a certain convenience store measuring in at an entire GALLON of soda. Think about how much sugar is in that!

The idea of a fountain cup of soda holding an entire gallon of soda is a little mind boggling and you’re most likely not consuming that much soda in a day. However, in just 12 fluid ounces, most popular soda brands contain 37 to 46 grams of sugar. Most dark sodas fall between 40 to 50 grams of sugar and most light-colored sodas contain 30 to 40 grams of sugar. Meaning that drinking two cans of soda puts you well over the daily limit for sugar intake. While a soda every once in a while is acceptable for your health, try your best to cut down on daily soda consumption.

Energy Drinks 

Energy drinks provide a major boost of energy, but at what cost? Loaded up with both caffeine and sugar, the sugar that is found in one 16 fluid ounce energy drink typically exceeds the FDA’s recommended daily sugar intake count. Four of the popular energy drink brands have between 54 and 60 grams of sugar within one can. Some brands offer “mega” drink options that contain 84 grams of sugar! That’s almost two days worth of sugar in one drink.

While a kick of energy may be what you need to get through a hard day at work, the effect that energy drinks could have on your health may not be worth it. You don’t have to ditch your daily caffeine intake when you’re cutting back on energy drinks though. There are other healthier options for a caffeine boost that don’t have the drawbacks of a major sugar crash. These include green tea, black coffee, and caffeinated water.

Coffee Drinks 

Coffee is a common morning routine for many workers and students. While black coffee contains no sugar and is fairly healthy for you, the sugar count can add up quickly for popular coffee drinks that contain sweeteners like crème, milk, sugar, foam and some even contain whipped cream. These coffee drinks include (but are not limited to): lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffees, and macchiatos.

While these sweet drinks give you a delicious caffeinated kick to the day, they are loaded with sugar. You could be consuming close to your entire sugar intake before you even make it to work! Sixteen ounces (a medium drink) of a caramel macchiato is 33 grams of sugar, a vanilla latte contains 35 grams, an iced mocha with flavoring is 49 grams and one of those sweet blended frozen coffee drinks topped with whipped cream can have up to 71 grams of sugar. When grabbing your morning coffee, opt in for black coffee to cut out sugar. If the taste of a black coffee is a little too bitter for you, you can sweeten it with alternative milks like almond or coconut milk, or think outside of the box by adding honey or cinnamon.

We Can Help! 

Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we understand that it can be hard to break unhealthy habits sometimes, especially with the size of today’s serving sizes and the convenience of buying sugary drinks. We can help you create a plan for a healthy lifestyle. Stop by our mid-Missouri health clinics for a check-up today. Our multiple locations in the Lake of the Ozarks area can be found at www.CentralOzarks.org.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

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FUN Tips for Making Sun Protection Not So Boring for Your Kids

What kid LOVES putting on sunscreen? The odds are your kid probably doesn’t think of putting on sunscreen as the FUNNEST thing to do, but as a parent you know it has to be done. But, how can you go about protecting your kids from the sun and they don’t think of it has such an annoying thing to do? Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few FUN tips for making sun protection not so boring for your kids. As a health center at the Lake of the Ozarks aiming to lead the way to healthier communities, we feel you should feel 100% comfortable with whatever Camden County Pediatrician you choose for your kids. Central Ozarks Medical Center has you covered. Give us a call today to make your appointment. Our phone numbers and locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

FUN Tips for Making Sun Protection Not So Boring for Your Kids



Let your kids pick out an AWESOME pair of sunglasses.

There are so many affordable choices out there. The main thing here is to make sure your child’s eyes are protected from the harmful rays. No one said they have to wear boring sunglasses to do so, so let them pick out a fun pair. Whether they are polka dotted or striped, as long as their eyes are protected, that’s what counts!



Reward your kids for putting on their sunscreen with no fuss.

Yes, some kids can’t stand putting on sunscreen but if they knew a treat was coming their way for doing so, don’t you think they would be a little more susceptible to the idea? Maybe an extra ride down the water slide will do the trick!

Allow your kids to pick out ADORABLE hats.

Hats provide extra protection from the sun, so give your kids the excitement of getting to choose a cute hat of their very own.

Reward your kids for taking breaks from the sun in the shade.

Your kids may find it annoying to have to take a break from having fun in the sun, but you can make it fun! Play a game in the shade or tell them they will get 5 extra minutes at the water park, pool, Lake, etc. if they do so.

Everyone here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hopes you found these fun tips for making sun protection not so boring for your kids enlightening. We wish everyone a FUN summer at the Lake of the Ozarks this year, but we also want you to be safe and healthy. So take care of yourself and your kids and if you find yourself needing a Lake of the Ozarks doctor, contact Central Ozarks Medical Center. We aim to lead the way to healthier communities!

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


Like us on Facebook

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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

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Dieting Mistakes to Avoid this Summer

Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, our main priority is to make sure that you’re healthy! Along with the joys of summer, comes dieting for some people. Whether you’re trying to shed some winter weight or get swimsuit ready, here’s 7 dieting mistakes to avoid this summer. Need professional advice concerning your diet and health? Learn more about our practice and healthcare providers at the Lake of the Ozarks on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics a call. 


1. Don’t Skip Breakfast- Whether you’re busy or trying to cut back on calories, skipping breakfast won’t help you lose weight. You could be missing out on important nutrients that are essential to your health or you may end up snacking more throughout the day as a result (causing you to gain weight, instead of losing it).



2. Don’t Eat at Irregular Times- Eating your meals at regular times during the day is important when it comes to losing weight. Eating or snacking too late in the night (after dinner or outside of your regular sleep schedule) can lead to the calories that are being consumed stored as fat rather than being stored as burnable energy.  



3. Don’t Forget to Exercise- A common mistake when it comes to dieting is only watching what you eat rather than combining healthy eating with regular exercise. Exercise isn’t confined to going to the gym though. For an exercise program, you’re likely to stick to, find an activity that you find enjoyable. Think outside of the box when it comes to exercising—some examples include taking a walk around your neighborhood, kayaking or dancing. Finding an exercise practice that you enjoy will help you stick to it!



4. Don’t Keep Junk Food in the House- When beginning your diet, get rid of tempting unhealthy food in your house. You’re probably less likely to drive to the store to buy a certain food while craving it than just walking to the kitchen to grab it. Instead, keep healthy snacks on hand to grab when you’re in need of something to tide you over until the next meal.



5. Don’t Focus Only on the Scale- Most people weigh themselves often while dieting to keep track of their progress. Many things can affect scale weight though. If you’re regularly exercising, a gain in muscle weight could balance out the fatty weight you’re losing. In addition, water weight may be affecting what the scale reads. A more effective way to measure your diet journey is to regularly measure your waist with a measuring tape and take pictures weekly or monthly to track your weight loss.

6. Don’t Ban Foods- Banning yourself from fatty or high calorie foods that you love is only going to make you crave them more. Instead, a more effective plan is to cut back how frequently you eat these foods but allow for a treat every once in a while. This will also help when you’re done with your diet. Instead of binging on a food post-diet, you’re likely to eat it in more moderation.

7. Don’t Cut Protein Out- Protein intake is very important when it comes to dieting. Consuming the right amount of protein can help decrease your appetite and calorie intake while increasing your metabolism and protecting your muscle mass while losing weight. High protein foods include: eggs, almonds, chicken and turkey breast, lean beef, broccoli, and oats.

If you’re trying to shed a couple pounds like summer, make sure you’re avoiding these dieting mistakes. Our health clinics in Mid-Missouri are here to help become your healthiest self. Part of having a healthy lifestyle is scheduling an annual health check-up. You can count on Central Ozarks Medical Center for affordable, quality healthcare. Find the closest location near you on www.CentralOzarks.org.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental




Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

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The Sliding Fee Discount Program at COMC

Affording health insurance can sometimes be one of the hardest things to. Premiums can be outrageously expensive and if you have a job where health insurance isn’t offered, buying it on your own can be really challenging. Our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics understands this. That is part of the reason why our Mid-Missouri health clinics accept patients with and without insurance and offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. Keep reading to learn more about this sliding fee discount program at Central Ozarks Medical Center.

The Sliding Fee Discount Program at COMC

Q: What exactly is the Sliding Fee Discount Program?

A: Central Ozarks Medical Center offers a discounted fee to patients based on their household size and household income.  The Sliding Fee Program includes fees for medical, dental and behavioral health services.



Q: How do you qualify for this program?

A: To determine eligibility, COMC will need to ask you to bring in personal financial information.  Any information we ask you for will be strictly confidential.  None of your personal information, financial or medical, can be released without your written consent.  The information we are asking for is used solely to determine household size and household income.  Applications are effective for a one-year period.  Sliding Fee Discount Program participants must complete an application annually Discount Program applications must be completed, signed and approved prior to services being provided.  All participants are asked to notify COMC of income changes as soon as possible after the change occurs.

Q: What are some of the things I should be aware of before trying to apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program?

A: As we said earlier, the information we are asking for is used solely to determine the household size and household income. 

All patients under 19 years of age must have a Medicaid denial letter to be eligible for the Discount Program.

Household Size:

  • Household size includes all people living in your home EXCEPT for those you are not financially responsible for. 
  • Marital Status is not a factor when determining household size.

Household Income

Household income includes ALL INCOME earned by ALL INDIVIDUALS COUNTED IN HOUSEHOLD SIZE.



Acceptable Forms of Proof of Income

  • Prior year’s tax return
  • Paycheck Stubs
  • W-2 or 1099 from prior year
  • Letter from employer showing Year-to-Date wages and dates of employment
  • Letter from Social Security, Veteran’s Affairs, Employment Office, etc.
  • Other proof of income may be accepted and will be determined on an individual basis

If you would like to learn more about the Sliding Fee Discount Program at Central Ozarks Medical Center, please do not hesitate to give us a call. All of our phone numbers and clinic locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. We hope you found this information helpful and we look forward to your call.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


Like us on Facebook

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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

read more…

3 Tips for Staying Healthy at Work

We can all get stressed at work sometimes and that can absolutely affect your health. We can also get into bad habits such as eating poorly at our desks and not getting enough exercise each day. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips for staying healthy at work. If you are feeling sick and are in need of a new doctor at the Lake of the Ozarks, consider Central Ozarks Medical Center. All of our phone numbers and locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

3 Tips for Staying Healthy at Work



1. Be mindful of what you are eating for lunch at work.

While in the middle of a very busy workday, it can be so tempting to just have a pizza delivered or run to the nearest fast food restaurant for a quick bite, but you could just be looking for the most convenient option because you are in a rush. A nice healthy alternative to this could be to meal plan. At the beginning of each week, plan your meal for the week, you could make a delicious salad or a nice sandwich for yourself and have it ready to go for your work lunch versus eating something less healthy. This could end up saving you time and money and calories.



2. Check your posture throughout the day.

If you work at a desk all day, you could be straining your back and neck by leaning forward too much. Don’t be afraid to get up and walk around or do some light stretching throughout the day. This could end up saving you from having unwanted neck and back pain. Take care of yourself.



3. Manage your work-related stress in healthy ways.

Many people might say they “stress eat” and work can be that cause of said stress, but there are healthier ways of dealing with work-related stress, such as:

  • Go for a walk around the building.
  • Journal your negative feelings and vent in a healthy way.
  • Exercise on a regular basis throughout the week and enjoy the endorphins.
  • Schedule some “you time” each week whether you either take some time to read a good book, go to a spa, etc.

Need to Make An Appointment?

We understand that work can be stressful and at the end of the day your health is very important. If you are feeling sick and are in need of new Lake of the Ozarks doctor, check out Central Ozarks Medical Center. All of our phone numbers and locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Our goal is to lead the way the healthier communities and we have several health clinics throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

read more…

Things You Can Ask About When Trying to Find a New OB

Struggling to find the right OB or OB-GYN, as they are also referred to as can be really difficult. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few things to ask about when trying to find a new OB. If you are in the process of looking for an OB at the Lake of the Ozarks, consider Central Ozarks Medical Center. You can learn more about our practice and providers on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. If you have any questions, please give us a call.

Things You Can Ask About When Trying to Find a New OB



Flexibility with Appointment Scheduling

Ask about how long you have to book an appointment ahead of time and what their hours of operation are. Are they open on Saturdays ever or no weekends at all?



Whether or Not They Take Your Insurance

Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we accept patients with and without insurance and offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.



Availability of the Doctor and How Often or When You Can Call With Questions

When you are pregnant, it is likely that you will have many questions along the way, especially if this is your first pregnancy. You may not always think to ask these questions during your appointments so ask if the doctor is available for phone calls and how often that may be.



The Experience Level of the Doctor

There are doctors with a high level of experience and there are doctors with little experience who may just be starting their careers. Then, there are doctors who are somewhere in the middle. This is important to know. This person is supposed to your guide throughout your entire pregnancy, so don’t be afraid to ask about it when searching for a new OB.

OB Providers at the Lake of the Ozarks

Here at our Mid-Missouri health clinics, we say knowledge and preparation can be key to enjoying your pregnancy.  Our Lake of the Ozarks OB providers know that every birth is special and we are always privileged when chosen to guide a woman during their pregnancy and prenatal care. The ultimate goal the OB providers at Central Ozarks Medical Center is for your continued good health and the delivery of a healthy newborn. Our providers as well as their amazing staff of nurses will work to keep you informed and answer all of your questions from pregnancy confirmation to your post-partum check-up. We aim to lead the way to healthier communities and we would like for you to feel comfortable and at ease each and every time you interact with an OB at Central Ozarks Medical Center. To take a look at all of the OB providers at COMC, please visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org and if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please give us a call, all our numbers and locations can be found on our site.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn


For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

read more…

Superstitions About Pregnancy – Are They True or Not?

Congratulations! You just got the BIG news that you are pregnant! There must be SO many things going through your mind right now. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks encourage you to find an OB you can trust as soon as possible. The Lake of the Ozarks OB providers at Central Ozarks Medical Center want you to know that we understand how alone you can feel if you are pregnant and unable to find the RIGHT OB. We have experienced OBs who will work to keep you informed every step of the way through your pregnancy. There are a lot of superstitions out there about pregnancy and our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics are here to set the record straight in this week’s blog.

Question: Does the shape and height of your belly have anything to do with determining the baby’s sex?

Answer: People have been known to say, if an expecting mother is carrying high, then the baby will be a girl if they are carrying low than it will be a boy. This is not true. The shape and height of your stomach are justified by your muscle tone, uterine tone, weight gained, and the position the baby is in. The best way to tell the gender of your baby is to talk to your doctor about an ultrasound. Don’t rely on superstition.



Question: Can the fullness of a pregnant woman’s face determine the baby’s gender?

Answer: Yes, every expectant mother gains weight during pregnancy, but every pregnancy is different. Some people may tell you your face is round, so you’re having a girl. They may be correct, but it’s just as likely they’re incorrect.



Question: Does having heartburn mean you will have a hairy baby?

Answer: CNN also shows that in the second trimester of pregnancy, babies develop a coat of fine hair all over their bodies, called lanugo. Sometimes, in the third trimester, they shed it and eat it. A baby’s first feces, in fact, can be digested remains of their own body hair.

Question: Can avoiding eating bananas increase your chances of having a girl?

Answer: CNN shows, in 2008 a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society Basked 740 women who were pregnant for the first time to describe their diets leading up to conception. The women in the top third of the study, calorie wise, had boys 56% of the time, among the third that consumed the fewest calories, 55% had girls.

Want to learn more about a healthy pregnancy and meet some of the Lake of the Ozarks OB Providers at COMC? Make an appointment today and see all the phone numbers and clinic locations we have for you to choose from at www.CentralOzarks.org. Once again, if you just found out you are pregnant, congratulations!

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare


Like us on Facebook

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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

read more…

June is National Fruits and Vegetables Month!

Did you know that the month of June is National Fruits and Vegetables Month? Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks did. In this week’s blog, our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics are going to point out the health benefits of eating certain fruits and vegetables in honor of this special month. To keep your health up and get your annual checkup booked for this year, if you haven’t already, call Central Ozarks Medical Center. We have several health clinics throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area, all of which can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

June is National Fruits and Vegetables Month!

Source: https://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/All-Star-Foods/Fruits

Fruit

Eating fruits have possibly been known to:

  • Reduce your risk of stroke.
  • Protect against certain cancers.
  • Keep your calorie count for the day down.
  • and so much more…

Vegetables

Source: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/vegetables-nutrients-health

“Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. None have cholesterol. (Sauces or seasonings may add fat, calories, and/or cholesterol.) 

Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C. 

Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Vegetable sources of potassium include sweet potatoes, white potatoes, white beans, tomato products (paste, sauce, and juice), beet greens, soybeans, lima beans, spinach, lentils, and kidney beans. 

Dietary fiber from vegetables, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.“

We hope you enjoyed learning more about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. We hope you are able to work both fruits and vegetables into your daily diet so you can experience the health benefits for yourself. Speaking of being healthy, Central Ozarks Medical Center aims to lead the way to healthier communities. Central Ozarks Medical Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center and strives to deliver quality healthcare to our communities.  As a FQHC we are non-profit and focus on medically underserved communities and bringing affordable healthcare to all.

  • Beyond having excellent, Board Certified Providers, several recent studies have found that patients who regularly use community health centers, like Central Ozarks Medical Center, have lower total annual healthcare costs when compared to patients who use other primary care providers, such as HMOs, hospital outpatient units or private physicians. 
  • On an average, these studies show that the cost associated with using a community health center is 22% to 33% less expensive than using other healthcare models. 

Learn more about us and visit our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

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573.765.5141 — Richland

573.302.7490 — Osage Beach

573.346.4446 — Camdenton

573.765.2510 — Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

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