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Central Ozarks Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Holland Haynie as New Chief Medical Officer
Osage Beach, MO — Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC) is proud to announce Dr. Holland Haynie as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). A dedicated Family Medicine and Urgent Care physician, Dr. Haynie has been a valued member of the Osage Beach medical community. He brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the individuals and families he serves.
Dr. Haynie’s journey in medicine began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Georgia State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He earned his medical degree from the prestigious University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. After completing an internship in pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Dr. Haynie pursued a three-year residency in Rural & Frontier Family Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. His extensive training and expertise uniquely position him to lead COMC’s medical team and further its mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care to the community.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Haynie enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Katie, and their four children. His passion for rural medicine and patient-centered care makes him an exceptional fit for this leadership role at COMC.
“I am honored to serve as Chief Medical Officer at Central Ozarks Medical Center,” said Dr. Haynie. “COMC’s commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare aligns perfectly with my own dedication to caring for families and individuals. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to make a positive impact in our community.”
COMC CEO Kelly Miller also shared her enthusiasm for Dr. Haynie’s new role. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Haynie as our Chief Medical Officer. His exceptional medical expertise and dedication to patient care, combined with his understanding of rural health challenges, will undoubtedly elevate our services and strengthen our mission to serve our communities.”
As COMC welcomes Dr. Haynie, the organization also extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Daniel Schmidt for his remarkable leadership and over a decade of service as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Schmidt has been instrumental in shaping the growth and success of COMC’s medical programs. While stepping down from his role as CMO, Dr. Schmidt will continue to provide exceptional medical care at COMC’s Richland clinic.
“Dr. Schmidt’s contributions to COMC have been invaluable,” added Miller. “We are excited that he will continue to bring his expertise and compassion to our patients in Richland.”
With Dr. Haynie’s leadership and the ongoing dedication of COMC’s outstanding medical professionals, the organization is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in community healthcare.
For more information about Central Ozarks Medical Center and its services, visit www.centralozarks.org or call (573) 346-4446.
COMC Receives Exclusive Grant to Launch Reentry Navigator Program in Pulaski County Jail
Richland, MO – June 10, 2025 – Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC) is one of only two Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Missouri to receive the Quality Improvement Fund – Transitioning Justice-Involved (QIF-TJI) grant. This funding allows COMC to embed a dedicated Reentry Navigator inside the Pulaski County Jail, offering justice-involved individuals critical support beginning 90 days prior to release.
This initiative—developed in collaboration with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office—aims to break the cycle of incarceration by addressing root causes such as addiction, mental health challenges, and poverty, and by providing individuals with personalized assistance in areas like job placement, housing, healthcare access, and benefit reactivation.
“Reintegration doesn’t start after release—it starts inside our jail, and this move reflects that philosophy,” said Pulaski County Sheriff Stacy Ball. “We’re not just warehousing inmates. We’re working to break the cycle, restore dignity, and give people the tools they need to become productive members of society again. This is more than a program—it’s a new mindset. It’s good for the inmates, it’s good for public safety, and it’s good for Pulaski County.”
The Reentry Navigator will be fully integrated into jail operations and focus entirely on connecting individuals with lifesaving support services—including Medicaid/Medicare reactivation, drug rehabilitation, behavioral health counseling, and job-readiness resources.
“This grant empowers COMC to walk alongside individuals at a critical turning point in their lives,” said DawnElyn Schneider, Chief Population Health and Network Development Officer at COMC. “By starting the reintegration process before release, we can better connect people to the care and stability they need to succeed. This is a community-based approach to justice that restores hope and builds healthier futures for everyone.”
COMC remains committed to improving the health and well-being of all individuals across central Missouri, and the Reentry Navigator program is another step in providing equitable, wraparound care for those most in need. For more information about COMC or the Reentry Navigator program, visit www.centralozarks.org
About Central Ozarks Medical Center:
Central Ozarks Medical Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) delivering integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services to patients of all ages—regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Boone Health Osage Beach Primary Care to transition to Central Ozarks Medical Center
Osage Beach, MO – Central Ozarks Medical Center is pleased to announce that, effective June 1, 2025, the Boone Health Osage Beach clinic will transition to Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC). This change is part of COMC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening access to high-quality healthcare in the Osage Beach community.
“It was a no-brainer for us!” said Kelly Miller, CEO of Central Ozarks Medical Center. “These providers are so well known in our community for their great care that we wanted to keep them right here to continue to serve our patients! The entire staff at Boone Health has been fabulous to work with through this transition, and we are excited to see what the future holds with Drs. Paul & Maria as a part of the COMC Team!”
Patients can expect a seamless transition with no changes to their care team. The same trusted providers—Drs. Paul and Maria Bernabe—along with the dedicated staff that patients know and rely on, will continue to serve the community, now under the COMC name. Patients can expect to receive the same compassionate, expert care—just with a new logo on the door.
“Boone Health is excited to be able to partner with Central Ozarks Medical Center to ensure that quality healthcare continues to be available to the community,” said Drew Wilkinson, vice president of provider and ambulatory care at Boone Health. “Boone Health’s hospital will continue to have strong connections to the area and be ready to serve whenever patients are in need of our nationally recognized, and mid-Missouri leading quality care.”
About Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC)
Founded in 1979, COMC is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and vision services. COMC has locations in Richland, Laurie, Camdenton, Osage Beach, and Eldon. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, self-pay, and most commercial insurances. A sliding fee scale is also available based on household size and income, ensuring that all community members can access the care they need and deserve.
About Boone Health
Boone Health is a mid-Missouri health care network of primary care offices, private practice clinics, outpatient services and affiliated hospitals, including Boone Hospital Center, a 392-bed full-service hospital and regional referral center located in Columbia, Mo. The hospital provides progressive health care programs, services and technology to residents in 26 mid-Missouri counties. Boone Hospital Center is ranked as a Top 100
Hospital by Healthgrades and is the only mid-Missouri hospital to be designated as a 5-Star hospital by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and a Magnet® Hospital for Nursing Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
COMC ADDS NEW SERVICE LINE
Under the leadership of Dr. Susan Currey, Chief Dental Officer, Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC) adds Pediatric Oral Sedation service line. An initiative like this clearly shows COMC’s commitment to improving the oral health of pediatric patients.
By providing a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist for each procedure, Premier Dental Anesthesiology adds an extra layer of expertise and comfort for children needing extensive dental treatment This partnership indicates a commitment to ensuring that the pediatric patients at COMC receive high quality, specialized care close to home.
At this time, COMC will be providing this service once a month at the Camdenton location, for established pediatric dental patients. This approach allows Dr. Currey’s team to focus on high-need pediatric patients during a designated time while ensuring access to dental care, for everyone, daily and at all COMC dental locations.
“COMC is deeply committed to serving and enhancing the well-being of the community,” said Kelly Miller, Central Ozarks Medical Center CEO. “The addition of pediatric oral sedation further reinforces our dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare services. By offering this specialized form of care, we’re not only addressing the dental health needs of our most vulnerable pediatric patients, but also contributing to a more holistic approach to healthcare.”
Tracy Dampier, Director of Dental & Ancillary Services shares that “offering Pediatric Oral Sedation at COMC is such a benefit to our patients who otherwise would have to travel far away from their home for these services. Our community is very blessed to have the vision of our CEO, Kelly Miller and CDO, Dr. Susan Currey, to bring this service to the patients we serve.”
THIS INITIATIVE REFLECTS A DEDICATION TO COMPREHENSIVE AND SPECIALIZED CARE, ENSURING THAT PEDIATRIC PATIENTS RECEIVE THE ATTENTION AND EXPERTISE REQUIRED FOR THEIR DENTAL CARE. IT’S ANOTHER STEP IN CREATING A HEALTHCARE HOME FOR CHILDREN IN COMC’S COMMUNITIES. TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A COMC PROVIDER, PLEASE CALL…… AT COMC, YOUR HEALTH IS OUR MISSION.
COMC Launches New Dental Urgent Care to Serve the Lake Area Community
[Camdenton, MO – November 25, 2024] – Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Dental Urgent Care, a facility dedicated to addressing the immediate dental needs of residents in the Lake Area and beyond.
The Dental Urgent Care is designed to provide same-day care for dental emergencies such as severe toothaches, broken teeth, infections, and other urgent concerns. The facility’s highly trained dental professionals are equipped to deliver compassionate, efficient care, ensuring patients receive the treatment they need without delay.
“Dental health is an integral part of overall health, and at COMC, we are committed to ensuring our community has access to the care they need, especially in emergencies,” said Kelly Miller, CEO. “Our goal is to provide accessible, high-quality urgent dental care when our patients need it most, eliminating barriers to timely treatment.”
Mission Statement
“Our mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate dental care when you need it most.”
In addition to alleviating pain and addressing acute dental conditions, the Dental Urgent Care aims to prevent complications that can arise when emergencies go untreated.
Key Services Offered Include:
- Emergency evaluations
- Tooth extractions
- Pain relief treatments
- Management of dental infections
“Our vision is to bridge the gap in access to urgent dental care in our region,” said Dr. Susan Currey, Chief Dental Officer at COMC. “Dental emergencies can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. With this new facility, we can provide relief quickly”
The Dental Urgent Care will operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome and will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Some insurances and self-pay are accepted.
Located at 1652 N. Business Hwy 5, Camdenton, MO 65020, this new addition will help continue COMC’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access for all residents in the region.
For more information about the new Dental Urgent Care or other services offered by COMC, visit centralozarks.org or contact us at 877-406-2662.
About Central Ozarks Medical Center:
COMC is dedicated to providing quality healthcare services to communities across the Lake Area. With a mission to serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, COMC offers comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services, ensuring the well-being of the region it proudly calls home.
7 Habits to Change in 2023 for a Healthier You
As the new year approaches, many people are thinking about goals and improvements they would like to make in the coming year. A lot of us know we have developed habits that don’t serve us well, and now is the time of year when many people think about retraining those habits. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, our goal is to help the communities we serve improve their health, healthcare awareness, and access to healthcare. If you are interested in some simple, common-sense ways to improve your health in 2023, we have seven habits to consider changing that could help you towards your goal. To learn what they are, just keep reading this blog!
Empty Calories
It can happen because we’re tired, because we’re stressed, or because we’re super busy. But when we start reaching for fast food and chips and soda and other types of junk food, we are consuming calories but giving our body no nutrition. It’s unrealistic that people will never eat this kind of food, but when we do it’s important to understand your body is going to need actual nutrition to help balance out the junk. You’d be amazed at how much better you will feel and look if you make a point to replace junk food with healthier options. Focusing on high protein and high-fiber foods, and avoiding processed foods is a great habit to start in 2023.
Neglecting Our Sleep
While we would not allow ourselves to let our cell phones go dead without feeling silly, many of us are guilty of neglecting our sleep in order to get more things done, or because of stress or anxiety. But unfortunately, it becomes a bit of a cycle because not having enough sleep makes it harder for us to deal with the things that come at us and cause stress and anxiety. Your body goes into more of a regenerative mode when it is sleeping, and you need to allow that in order to help your body stay as healthy as possible. So, consider yourself as important as your cell phone, and make sure you get plenty of sleep to recharge.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Ironically, one of the first signs of being dehydrated is fatigue. That can lead us to go for sodas and coffee and anything but water. It really takes a mindset to develop a new habit of making sure water is your go-to drink. It may help to get a water tumbler so you can keep track of your water intake more easily. There are different guidelines about how much water a person should take in each day. On average it should be about a half an ounce per pound of body weight. But an easy way to tell is by the color of your urine. If it is dark or deep yellow or orange, you’re not getting enough water. If it is light yellow, kind of like lemonade, you’re doing good.
Not Exercising Regularly
It can be hard to find the time, and when we skip exercising it can be even harder to find the motivation. But fortunately, when you start getting in the habit, it becomes more motivating so you can get in the groove and make it a part of your routine. Like everything else, it may be a matter of mindset and actually scheduling it on your calendar so it’s not an option.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is incredibly hard on your body in every way. It is a challenging habit to break, and if you need help, we have mental and behavioral health specialist in Central Missouri that can assist you. One of the best things you can do for your body is to avoid the damage that cigarette smoking causes.
Drinking Too Much
Not everyone is going to abstain from alcohol 100%, but if we all use some common sense and drink in moderation, it can be far less detrimental to our health. Drinking several drinks on a daily basis not only adds a lot of calories, but it could be harder for your body to stay at peak strength when it comes to your immune system. Like anything else, moderation is key.
Eating Too Much Sodium
It can be very easy to get way more sodium than your body needs if you are eating a lot of processed foods or frozen microwave dinners. The more you can focus on eating fresh whole foods, non-processed foods, and not adding a lot of extra table salt, the more likely you are to stay within a reasonable sodium limit. Keep in mind that using iodized salt can give you the iodine that your body needs, and when cooking, add salt at the very end rather than during the cooking process to convey more flavor with less salt.
Happy New Year from our Health Clinics at Lake of the Ozarks!
None of these tips by themselves are life-changing, and none of them are impossible to incorporate into our lifestyle if we make it a goal. It’s not about avoiding certain things, it’s about being true to and valuing your own health. We all want to be as healthy as we can, we want to feel good, we want to have energy, and a positive mindset. The more we focus on being true to that goal, the more motivated we will be to change these bad habits into good ones. We hope you are able to apply some of these tips in the coming year, and we invite you to use the link below to follow us on social media so we can share with you more helpful information about healthcare in mid-Missouri and tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!
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Does Winter Get You Down? Getting Answers about Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD)
Did you know that exposure to sunlight can actually affect your mood? It’s a physiological fact. But getting enough sunlight during the darker winter months can be a challenge for some people. Not everyone is affected as others, but if you or someone you know consistently feels down or finds it harder to maintain their normal optimistic mood during winter months, they may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is usually a milder form of depression that is temporary – resolving itself as the weather changes. But, as with any form of depression, it can affect so many aspects of a person’s life. You don’t have to just suffer through if you are experiencing SAD symptoms. If you are curious about SAD and would like to know more, we will answer three common questions about SAD for you in today’s blog.
#1) What does it feel like?
SAD is similar to other types of depression in that it leads to a lack of motivation, feelings of sadness, lack of energy, etc. People experiencing SAD may feel like sleeping all the time, they may have changes in their appetite where they just want to eat even if they aren’t hungry and especially carbs. Sometimes people find it difficult to focus, stay motivated, or make decisions. In extreme situation there may be thoughts of death or suicide.
#2) How is it treated?
One of the simplest ways to start when it comes to treating SAD is to just get more sunlight. Ideally your body should have 20 minutes of exposure to the sun every day. If that’s not possible, it is a good idea to intentionally sit near the window when you are working indoors. If that’s not enough, you might ask your mental health therapist in mid Missouri about light therapy. Light therapy involves the use of what is called a light therapy box that you are able to plug in and use indoors to produce light to replicate what you would get from spending time outside. There are also types of talk therapy that can help with SAD, as well. The main thing is to reach out to a professional to get a proper diagnosis and direction on what is the best treatment for you.
#3) What can I do for myself?
When you are experiencing feelings of depression of any kind, it’s important not to isolate yourself. Reach out to someone you trust to share how you’re feeling so you can receive encouragement and know you are not alone. Try to take care of yourself as best as possible by eating healthy meals, getting exercise regularly, avoiding drugs and alcohol, etc. Be kind to yourself when it comes to setting goals, and don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on too much. Try to be more self-aware and notice when things make you feel a little better and do those things more. Sometimes it’s as simple as spending time helping someone else, doing a hobby or activity you enjoy, going out for coffee with friends, etc. Whatever works for you, try to make it a point to do that more often.
Beat the Winter Blues with Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keep in mind, that with any form of depression, getting back to normal is a process, there is no easy button. But, by focusing on your overall gains it is easier to recognize that you are feeling better over time – which can encourage you to keep trying. At COMC our caring behavioral health therapists in the Lake of the Ozarks area understand Seasonal Affective Disorder and can help you develop a treatment plan to overcome its effects on you. Reach out to one of our clinics in mid-Missouri any time to make an appointment and get help now. Also, be sure to use the links below to follow us on social media so we can share more tips and helpful information about living your healthiest life in Central Missouri.
Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!
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10 Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays (Part 2)
If you missed our blog last week, we shared the first 5 of 10 tips to help you stay healthier during the holiday season. This time of year can be very demanding on our schedules and can even be a bit stressful for some of us. At COMC we know that extra stress and burning the candle at both ends can make it more challenging for your body and immune system to keep up. We also tend to slack off on good habits when we get busy and stressed which means we can lose some of the progress we have made. So, we thought this would be a good time to share a few easy tips to help you help your body keep up. Last week our tips were to 1) Wash your hands regularly, 2) Use moderation when drinking, 3) Manage your stress 4) Exercise and 5) Buddy up for encouragement and accountability. You can click here to see all of part one, and just keep reading to hear tips 6-10!
6) Get Your Sleep
It’s important to let your body refresh and recharge in an order to keep up with the busy pace of the holidays. While it can be a challenge to schedule enough sleep each night, it is a powerful way to help give your body what it needs to stay healthy.
7) Don’t Smoke
Smoking cigarettes is hard on your health in every way. One of the best things you can do for yourself no matter what your health goals are is to not smoke.
8) Eat Healthy
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without some of the yummy treats and dishes that we look forward to each year. It’s hard to avoid eating unhealthy things all together, but we can help balance that by also feeding our body things that we know are good for it. Focus on high-fiber foods and lean proteins that are satisfying and nutritious so that your body doesn’t suffer as much when you eat the sugary and fatty foods of the season. Again, moderation is key.
9) Drink Water
You may indulge in many other tasty beverages during the holidays but be sure to not neglect your water intake. Sometimes just keeping track of how much you’re drinking can help you be more successful in drinking enough water. Being tired is one of the first signs of being dehydrated and we know we push ourselves a little harder during this time of the year anyway. So do yourself a favor and make it a goal to stay hydrated.
10) Don’t Make Food the Focus
It seems like so many of the gatherings and activities we enjoy during the holidays are very centered around food. But simply positioning yourself away from the buffet table and visiting or playing games instead of standing next to the snacks can make it less tempting to eat the whole time. When you are full after a sit-down mean, get up from the table and go for a walk or do something more active rather than sitting there and continuing to nibble.
Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
At Central Ozarks Medical Center, our team of caring medical care providers in Central Missouri are here to help and encourage you regarding all of your health related goals. We hope you find these tips helpful and we want to remind you that you don’t have to do utilize all 10 of these tips to receive some benefits. Every little bit helps when it comes to helping you and your family stay healthy. We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season this year. We encourage you to stay in touch by following us on social media using the links below to hear more helpful tips and information about staying healthy and accessing healthcare services in mid-Missouri.
Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!
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10 Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays (Part 1)
If you’re like most people, your to-do list gets a little bit longer during the holiday season. Between shopping, running errands, planning meals, visiting loved ones, attending parties, etc., it’s enough to keep a person even busier than usual. It can become a lot to balance our list of things to do with taking care of our health. But our busy schedule is all the more reason to prioritize our health because the holiday season brings its own unique challenges to it. That is why it helps to use a few healthy habits to get yourself through the holiday season in good shape. We have 10 tips for you in our two-part blog of easy things you can do to help keep yourself and your family healthier this holiday season.
1) Wash Your Hands
‘Tis the season for catching the flu, so use hand sanitizer regularly and make a habit of washing your hands. It’s good for you and everyone around you!
2) Drink Responsibly
If you plan to drink alcohol as part of your holiday celebrations, remember to do so responsibly. Drinking alcohol in excess can be hard on your immune system, so moderation is the key.
3) Manage Stress
There are a lot of demands on our schedule during the holidays. As you put your heart into taking care of everyone else’s needs, don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Having a little me-time or scheduling small breaks so that you can destress can be very beneficial. Sometimes it can be helpful to just to mentally accept that everything doesn’t have to be perfect in order to celebrate the holidays.
4) Exercise
At this busy time of the year, it may seem impossible to get your regular amount of exercise. But every little bit helps. Doing simple stretches or lunges or squats during your breaks at the office, or going for a walk after your holiday meal, are ways to build in a little bit of exercise during the season in is doable way. If you set your mind to look for opportunities, you might be surprised how much activity you can get in even if it’s in small spurts at a time.
5) Buddy Up
Create a mutual support system by finding a buddy who also wants to focus on staying healthy through the holidays can help, too. By checking in with each other, encouraging each other, and even hold each other accountable, it can be a lot easier and more fun to focus on these goals together.
Every Little Bit Helps!
Sometimes just being aware can make a difference in our habits. But, if you so happened to wear yourself down and get under the weather, remember we have Telemedicine visits available through our health clinics in Missouri. If you are looking for a primary care doctor in central Missouri, we have outstanding healthcare providers in the Lake of the Ozarks area who are able to care for you and your family, as well. We invite you stay in touch with Central Ozarks Medical Center by following us on social media using the links below, and we hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!
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5 Things to Consider to Boost Your Immune Health
People are always looking for ways to boost their immune system, and at Central Ozark Medical Center, we are all about that! The more you can give your body what it needs to fight what the world throws at it the better chances you have of staying healthy and recovering from any illness or injury. There are many practical things we can do in our daily lifestyle that can help us strengthen our immune system or avoid weakening it. Today’s blog will tell you about five different things you can think about to help you when trying to support your immune system.
1) Eating
Our diet can make such a big difference in our health and healing. There are foods that will actually help build your immune system by providing important vitamins and antioxidants. The more you can incorporate those into your diet on a regular basis the more your body will love you! Some of the better immune boosting foods include:
-Red Bell Peppers
-Oranges
-Garlic
-Broccoli
-Seafood (Shellfish in particular)
-Turmeric
-Almonds
2) Drinking
Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can have a negative effect on your immune system. That doesn’t mean that you have to avoid alcohol completely, but it is important to drink in moderation if you choose to do so.
3) Exercising
Staying active and exercising on a regular basis is another way to help support your immune system. If you are too busy to go to the gym regularly, try a quick and simple workout at home. Either way, put it on your schedule so it becomes part of your regular routine. If that won’t work look for ways to use your lunch or breaks at your job to take a quick walk or do some lunges or squats or stretching, etc. Take care of your body, so it can take care of you!
4) Stressing
As you might imagine and have probably felt personally, stress can directly affect your immune system. When you get drained from being under a lot of pressure and stress, it makes it harder for your body to resist threats to your health. If you find it difficult to avoid stress or to de-stress, try learning some deep breathing exercises, and meditation. Journaling may be another great technique to help you process your stress. Keep in mind at COMC, we have knowledgeable and compassionate behavioral health therapists in Central Missouri who can help you learn ways to avoid and process stress in healthier ways.
5) Sleeping
It’s amazing how many of us neglect sleep when we would never let our cell phone run out of battery. It’s important to recharge yourself just as it much as it is to recharge your phone. Just like with stress, the more you wear your body down, the harder it is for your immune system to remain strong. A common threat to people’s sleep is the use of electronic devices up to and during bedtime. You are much better off if you stop using your electronic device 30 minutes before you go to bed and do not use it as a way to try to wind down. While it seems natural, and tempting, the fact is it can rob you of sleep.
Take Charge of YOUR Immune Health!
We encourage you to consider these tips and try to make them a part of your daily lifestyle. The more these immune boosting habits become part of your regular activity, the more consistently you will be able to rely on your immune system to protect you and have what it needs to fight when it matters. For all your health care services in mid-Missouri, we want you to know we are here for you. Our mission is to make sure no one in the areas we serve are unable to access healthcare because of their insurance status. If you have challenges accessing healthcare services, reach out to one of our health clinics in the Lake of the Ozarks area and see how we can help. We hope you enjoy these tips, and we invite you to stay in touch with us to hear more helpful information about staying healthy and accessing high quality healthcare in mid-Missouri – we have links below for you to follow us on your favorite social media platform.
Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
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