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Staying Safe While Exercising in the Heat of Summer
Summertime is a time when many people think about getting in shape and being fit. Maybe that is because we start thinking about how we look in our swimsuit, maybe it is because we feel like being more active and participating in fun activities like sports or physical hobbies. Either way, it is always good to take advantage of the motivation to exercise and be in better shape. So, while you are making a commitment to work out this summer, we have 5 tips for you on how to keep it safe. If you want to learn how to avoid the risks that could come with exercising in the summer, just read on.
1) Timing
When exercising outside, chose the early morning or an hour or so before sunset to do it. Exercising during the hottest part of the day in full sunshine is not a good idea. If your schedule only allows your workout during the middle of the day, stay in the shade and consider having a spray bottle/fan combo to cool your skin down. If you can do a water-related activity like swimming or water aerobics that is even better!
2) Clothing
The color of your clothes can make several degrees difference when you are out in the sun. Dark clothing is considerably hotter, so choose light colors or white when you exercise outside in the summer. Also, wear clothing that is loose will allow more airflow and keep you cooler as well.
3) Hydrate
It is most important to drink right before, during, and right after exercising. It also helps to eat fresh fruit and vegetables as they supply hydration, vitamins, and electrolytes. This is a healthier way to replenish than sports drinks, too.
4) Pace Yourself
It is okay (and sometimes important) to take it a little easier when exercising in the summer. How often you exercise can make a bigger difference than how long each workout is and overexerting yourself in the heat can sometimes do more damage than good.
5) Recognize When Something Is Not Right
If you start getting a headache or feeling light-headed or dizzy, don’t ignore it or try to power through. If your skin starts getting pale and you feel weak, take notice. Having nausea, muscle cramping, or a rapid heartbeat are also signs that you need to pay attention and DO SOMETHING. Have a seat in the shade, drink water, cool the skin with water and wind, have a snack with higher moisture content like fruit and avoid dry snacks like energy bars.
If you stop sweating and have a body temperature of 104F or higher, have trouble breathing and continue having a rapid heartbeat, you should call 911. You may be having a heat stroke. If you observe someone else having these symptoms, they may also act confused or hallucinate, they may be agitated or disoriented or exhibit other strange behaviors. If a heat stroke is not treated, in severe situations it can lead to seizure, coma or even death. That is why knowing how to stay safe when exercising in the summer is totally worth it! You can take precautions to not over-do it and take action if you start to feel even the beginning signs of getting overheated. That way you don’t have to worry about it progressing into something dangerous.
We Are On Your Side at COMC.
At Central Ozarks Medical Center our nurses and health care providers in the Lake of the Ozarks area care about your health and safety. We encourage your fitness goals and don’t want anything standing in your way when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. Staying health also means preventative health care with regular checkups with your primary care physician in central Missouri. If you do not have one, we would be happy to see you at one of our mid-Missouri health clinics and help you find your own family doctor in the Lake of the Ozarks area. If you would like to hear more health-related tips and information from COMC, you can use the links below to follow us on social media.
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Smoothies – Great Tasting and Good For You!
Are you always looking for easy ways for you and your family to eat healthier? Smoothies can be a way to do just that. They are not only a refreshing summertime snack, but they can have a lot of health benefits, too; especially when you make them at home with fresh ingredients. Smoothies can be an enjoyable way to get more fiber in your diet. Smoothies can be an effective way to get your kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. Smoothies can also be an easy snack that you can take on the go with your busy lifestyle. So, we thought we would share a few easy and healthy smoothie recipes with you in this week’s blog. We found these at https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-smoothie-recipes.
Banana Colada Smoothie
Whether it’s a hot summer day or you just wish it was, this banana colada smoothie is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Plus, fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Ingredients
2 bananas
1 cup coconut water
1/2 cup plain Greek or nondairy yogurt
1 cup pineapple chunks (if from a can, drain and rinse before blending)
3 cups crushed ice
Blend together until smooth. If desired, sprinkle raw coconut flakes on top after blending for garnish.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Nothing goes together quite like peanut butter and banana! Peanut butter has protein, which may help you feel fuller longer, and bananas are a great source of magnesium and potassium, two essential minerals.
If possible, look for all-natural peanut butter that has no added sugar or hydrogenated oils.
Ingredients
1 1/2 bananas
1 1/2 tbsp. natural peanut butter
10 oz. regular or nondairy milk
Blend together until smooth. If you’re looking for a thicker consistency, add a few ice cubes before blending.
Tropical Raspberry Avocado Smoothie
Like soft tofu, avocado blends really well into smoothies, adding a lot of creaminess but not an overwhelming taste. Avocados are also a natural source of fiber and healthy fats, which may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk in some people.
Raspberries are another source of anthocyanins, and coconut water provides a slightly tropical flavor without a lot of sugar.
Adding yogurt to smoothies is a great way to boost their protein content and creaminess.
Ingredients
1 avocado (peeled and pitted)
3/4 cup coconut water
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup regular or nondairy yogurt
Blend together until smooth. If you’re looking for a thicker consistency, add a few ice cubes before blending.
Kale Smoothie
Kale most definitely had its moment in the sun a few years ago, but its health benefits are more than just hype. This dark leafy green has a bit of protein and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Because kale leaves can be very fibrous, you may want to soak them in hot water for a few minutes before blending.
Ingredients
2 large handfuls of kale leaves (soaked in hot water beforehand, if desired)
2 bananas
1 cup blueberries
a few slices of cucumber
Blend together until smooth. If you’re looking for a thicker consistency, add a few ice cubes before blending.
Blueberry Antioxidant Smoothie
According to some research, eating a moderate amount of blueberries on a regular basis may be linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. There’s even some evidence that they may help with weight management.
Anthocyanins, a type of flavonoids found in blueberries, are a key component for their many health benefits.
Ingredients
1 cup blueberries
1 handful of spinach
1/2 cup plain regular or nondairy yogurt
1 cup regular or nondairy milk
1/2 banana
Blend together until smooth. If you’re looking for a thicker consistency, add a few ice cubes before blending.
Here’s to Your Health!
We hope you and your family enjoy these yummy smoothies as a great way to boost your diet with healthy fruits and vegetables. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we are all about being a resource to help improve the quality of health of everyone in the communities that we serve. We provide healthcare services in mid-Missouri as well as dental and behavioral care at our Central Missouri health clinics. If you’re looking for a primary care physician in the Lake of the Ozarks area, or a healthcare provider near you, we have several locations for your convenience. Just go to our website to see your options. If you’d like to hear more tips and information about healthcare at the Lake of the Ozarks and living a healthy lifestyle, we will continue sharing on our social media channels. So, be sure to use one of the links below to follow us on your favorite platform.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
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Summer Time Fun, Health and Safety!
As summer approaches and more people are spending time outside having family barbecues, and celebrating the season’s holidays, we thought we would share a few things to think about as you get into the swing of summer. If you are planning on doing some grilling, celebrating with fireworks, and enjoying some fun in the sun, we have a few easy things to consider to look out for your health and safety this summer in this week’s blog.
Backyard Barbecues
We all love getting together for some great food and good times in the backyard. Food handling is important to consider when eating outside. Be sure to wash your hands after handling raw meat, before touching anything else. Separate cutting boards used for raw meat versus vegetables. Make sure food is completely cooked by using a food thermometer to check its temperature. Also, keep your grill on a level area, and watch the kiddos around the fire. If you are serving cold foods like potato salad, be sure they are sitting on ice and stay cold the entire time.
Don’t Over-Indulge
A lot of adults like to kick back and enjoy some alcoholic beverages when they celebrate during the summer. We encourage you to drink in moderation, and not overdo it, especially in the heat and the sun. Remember to alternate a glass of water between each alcoholic drink. Having a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative available can help you moderate as well.
Fireworks Safety
If you plan on celebrating with fireworks, think safety first! Never point ignited fireworks at a person or animal. Avoid placing any part of your body over a firework when lighting it. Make sure there is an adult closely supervising, and that no one who is shooting fireworks has been drinking. Also, be sure to have a clear area and plenty of distance between where you are shooting fireworks and any people, houses, cars, etc. so that sparks and debris are not falling down on them.
Beat the Heat
As temperatures increase, and we spend more time outside, it’s important to think about sun exposure. That means remembering to wear sunscreen, and reapplying regularly. If you’re planning on getting wet or going swimming, apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you do so it doesn’t wash off. It is also important to include sunglasses and even a hat to your sun protection routine as well. Of course, last but not least, don’t forget to hydrate. Drink lots of water! We know to look out for our furry friends, don’t forget to look out for yourself too.
At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we hope you have a great summer season! It is our mission to help improve the health of the people in the communities we serve. We love to share tips and helpful information to help you keep your family healthy and stay safe. If you’re in need of medical care in central Missouri, or if you do not yet have a primary care doctor at Lake of the Ozarks, we encourage you to explore our website, and give us a call. We are able to provide healthcare services in mid-Missouri regardless of your insurance status. At COMC, we know it’s not just what we do, but how we do it that matters. If you’d like to hear more information about healthcare in the Lake of the Ozarks area, be sure to follow us on social media. We have links to our channels below.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
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What Services Does COMC Offer Near YOU?
At Central Ozarks Medical Center your health is our mission, and we are committed to leading the way to healthier communities by providing high-quality medical behavior and dental health care services in central Missouri. We want to make it easy for you to access the healthcare services you need, in one place where all your providers coordinate and work together to provide integrated healthcare services for you. If you live in central Missouri and would like to know what services we provide and how to access them, we wrote this blog for you.
Locations
Currently, we have four locations for our clinics in mid-Missouri with another opening soon. You can choose from the following to find the clinic closest to you. Contact information for each clinic can be found at the bottom of our website, or you can call the main number at (877) 406–2662 and ask for the location nearest you.
-Camdenton Medical and Dental Center
-Eldon Dental Center
-Osage Beach Medical Center
-Richland Medical and Dental Center
-Laurie Medical Center coming soon!
Healthcare Services
We provide healthcare services for every age and stage of life. From birth to 18 years of age, child-focused healthcare and parent education is the goal of our pediatric providers at COMC. We offer well-child exams, immunizations, sports screening, autism testing, diagnostic tests, follow-up of chronic problems, and more. Our women’s health services range from gynecology to obstetrics to preventative care, our focus is on open communication and meeting your needs from puberty through childbearing and menopause. For individuals on Medicare, we offer chronic care management which may allow patients the opportunity to access 20 minutes a month or more with a nurse or care team member participating in their care plan. In addition, we have telemedicine or virtual visits available so you can access your doctor from the comfort of your own home using your phone, tablet, or computer.
Behavioral healthcare
Mental health affects every aspect of our life, including our physical health. It’s important to have access to help when you need it, and COMC is dedicated to being there for you. We offer a list of approaches and therapies for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. You can see a full list on our website and choose the one that’s the best fit for you.
Dental Care
Oral care is much more important than many people think when it comes to your overall physical health. Problems with dental health can lead to other physical ailments, so it is our mission to provide the best quality dental care to keep your smile looking and functioning at its best. We offer highly individualized care for all our patients no matter their age, and we offer a comprehensive range of dental services from cleaning, examinations, & x-rays, to extractions, fillings, crowns, and bridges. We also have limited same-day services if you are having a dental emergency.
Call 1-877-406-2662 for an Appointment!
Central Ozarks Medical Center, we want you to have easy access to the quality healthcare services in mid-Missouri that you need for yourself and your family. We want you to know you have primary care doctors in the Lake of the Ozarks area available close to you, so you aren’t left wondering or going without. You also have experienced dentists in central Missouri, and compassionate mental health therapists in mid-Missouri that are here to help you when you need it. Our healthcare providers in central Missouri or on your team when it comes to living a healthy life and taking care of your medical, dental, and mental health care services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Feel free to reach out to us anytime, and don’t forget to follow us on social media to hear all the latest tips and help with information to help you and your family stay healthy.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
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Healthy Snacks for On the Go
At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we understand that eating healthy when you’re on the go can be tough. It may be very tempting to give in to fast food or a snack from the convenience store. But with a little planning and a few simple ideas, you can have satisfying snacks that are easy to take on the go! Whether you’re working from home, running errands, or working a job that has you eating out of your car, if you would appreciate a few tips on how to eat healthy snacks when you have a busy lifestyle, we have ideas for you in today’s blog.
Grab-and-Go Foods
Any time we can include more whole foods, raw fruits and vegetables, and high-quality protein in our diet, the better. Some great options that don’t require much prep include almonds, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and popcorn. If you want to save money and be even healthier, try popping your own popcorn! It takes very little oil and is way less expensive than buying pre-popped popcorn. Plus, you avoid the powdered flavor added to most store-bought popcorn.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is another great snack for on the go that is super easy to make. Just starting with a base of peanuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds is great. You can always mix it up with your own favorites, but it doesn’t take much to make a satisfying trail mix that you and your family can enjoy.
Peanut Butter with Apples or Celery
Here’s an idea … get more fruits and vegetables into your diet by adding peanut butter! Peanut butter and celery, and peanut butter and apples are two great snacks that give you protein and fiber to fuel your day. They have great texture, great taste, and great nutritional benefits for something that is super easy to prep.
Energy Balls
Yes, it does take a small amount of work, but it is actually pretty simple to make energy balls. There are a variety of recipes to choose from, here’s one we found online that we thought you would like. It only takes a few ingredients and a little bit of time to make.
Energy Balls Recipe: https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/5-ingredient-peanut-butter-energy-bites/
Veggies and Dip
It can be a lot easier to get your kids (and yourself) to eat vegetables when you have an interesting dip to eat with them. You can make your own dip with Greek yogurt and not have to feel bad about eating it! Here is a recipe for a dill dip made with Greek yogurt for you to try. We think it will help make eating vegetables much more inviting.
Greek Yogurt Dip Recipe: https://bit.ly/3KrrVD5
Keep It Simple and Stay Inspired!
The easier and less complicated you make it, the more likely you are to do it and stick with it. It is possible to eat healthy on the go. With a few ideas in a little bit of time, you can make your daytime snacking much more satisfying and healthy. At Central Ozarks Medical Center it is our goal to improve the health of our communities through quality health care and access to medical services. We believe it’s not just what we do but how we do it that makes all the difference. When you are in need of a family doctor at the Lake of the Ozarks, or primary health care services in central Missouri, give us a call at 877–406–COMC (2662). We provide a variety of services at our health clinics in mid-Missouri including dental and behavioral health services as well. If you would like to hear more tips and information about healthcare in the Lake of the Ozarks area, just use the link below to follow us on social media!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
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Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Do You Have Difficulty Accessing Health Care? COMC May Be Able to Help!
At Central Ozarks Medical Center it is our mission to improve the healthcare status of the communities we serve around Lake of the Ozarks. We feel very strongly about making sure the underserved and vulnerable populations are not left out, and we recognize that lack of time, transportation, and finances, can all keep patients from accessing healthcare in the Lake of the Ozarks area. COMC works diligently and creatively to overcome these limitations and provide the healthcare our patients need in spite of the challenges they face. If you can relate to the difficulty of accessing one of our health clinics in mid-Missouri, we invite you to read this blog to learn some of the different options we provide.
Virtual Visits
You literally can see a primary care doctor in central Missouri with nothing more than your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. If you’re not able to drive to one of our clinics, you can connect with your provider from home and receive care for things like colds, coughs, and flu, and more. This can be a great tool when you’re not able to drive to one of our clinics.
Mobile Units
If you live in Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, or Miller County, you should know about our mobile medical units and mobile dental units. We have been able to expand people’s access to care in health care services in central Missouri by removing the obstacle of having to travel to one of our regular clinic sites to be seen in person. We are proud to be able to supply our services through our mobile units and provide well-woman and well-child exams, immunizations, as well as treat things like strep throat, allergies, abdominal pain, migraines, knee pain, ingrown toenails, minor injuries, and more. If you would like to learn more, there is a great video on our website under the Services tab if you click on Mobile Units.
School-Based Clinics
Sometimes it is a challenge, to say the least, to be able to get off work to take your child to the doctor. With our school-based clinics, that problem can be easily solved. With on-site clinics in Eldon, Waynesville, and School Of The Osage, students, student parents, and younger siblings, as well as faculty and staff are eligible to be seen regardless of insurance status. For conditions like stomach aches, earaches, congestion, scrapes, cuts, injuries, and more, don’t forget this resource is available.
Community Health Workers
The community health workers at COMC can help you navigate the insurance process by determining eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, and other insurance types. They also work with patients affected by other social determinants of health besides insurance such as food insecurity, transportation, costs of medication, and more. Consider them your helpers when you find access to quality healthcare hard or impossible to get. They are experienced in ways to overcome limitations that prevent you from getting the healthcare you need and deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you are facing challenges in accessing healthcare.
We Believe Everyone Deserves Access to Quality Healthcare!
If you experience difficulty getting to one of our healthcare clinics in central Missouri, we hope this blog has been helpful to you. You can find more information about all of these ways to access healthcare at http://www.centralozarks.org/ under the services tab. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we know that any obstacle to healthcare, whether it be finances, transportation, time, or something else can become a roadblock to good health. That is why we work so hard to create solutions for our patients. We encourage you to give us a call today at 1-877-406-COMC (2662) to learn what options are available for you. Don’t forget to follow us on social media using the link below to stay in touch and hear more news and information about healthcare in mid- Missouri.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect with us on LinkedIn
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
5 Benefits YOU Could Enjoy from a Career in Healthcare
Have you ever wondered what the motivation or drive is for people to become health care professionals in mid-Missouri? It is such a satisfying and fulfilling feeling to be doing what you know you were meant to. Maybe YOU have the heart and the skill set to contribute to the health care community but just haven’t thought about it. Are you someone who loves a challenge or likes solving problems? Do you feel inspired to help or uplift others? Are you looking for ways to establish a career without going into a lifetime of debt? Then you may be surprised what a good fit a job in healthcare at the Lake of the Ozarks could be for you. If you are curious to learn more, this blog is all about the benefits of a career in health care and how they might relate to you.
1) Making a Difference
When you choose a career in healthcare, you choose a line of work that makes a difference in people’s lives. Not only can you have a direct influence on the health of patients, but you also make a difference in the lives of their loved ones as well. Having a healthcare professional that truly cares when a patient is facing a health issue can help provide the motivation and peace of mind for them to do their part in the process of getting well. In addition, by helping improve the health of individuals in the community, you help not just the family, but the community as a whole.
2) Being in Demand
There is no shortage of healthcare jobs, and there likely never will be. As the Baby Boomers age into retirement, their healthcare needs will increase as well. Because yours is a hands-on job, you can never be replaced or outsourced by workers in another country.
3) Getting Help with Education
With such a demand for healthcare workers in central Missouri, there are also numerous incentives for people to get into the healthcare industry. There are a lot of opportunities to get help paying for your education in healthcare either through your employer or government programs. More people are realizing what a smart move it can be to earn a paycheck while they are getting their education and the advantage of graduating without being deep in debt.
4) Enjoying Variety
A job in healthcare does not mean just nursing. Of course, nurses are very valued and in high demand. But it takes all kinds of support staff and care providers to be part of the team when providing healthcare for our patients. So no matter your skillset, there is something in healthcare that would be a good fit for you. From clerical jobs to cleaning, mental and dental health, and a variety of medical professional positions, there is a need for all kinds of people and skills in healthcare. In addition, you’re likely to be working with people of all ages, with an array of backgrounds and medical issues. If you want variety, you can have a job that won’t be the same old same old each and every day.
5) Being a Problem Solver
Having a job in healthcare can also mean being the one who works to analyze and fix problems. Every person and healthcare challenge is uniquely different. Sometimes it takes collaboration across the entire medical team to finally learn what is going on with the patient and how to help. That use of analytical skills and the fulfillment that comes from finding solutions can make a career in healthcare extremely fulfilling and exciting. It also allows you to be in an environment where you’re constantly learning and growing.
Consider a Career with COMC!
Of course, everyone has their own reason for being attracted to the healthcare field, and there are a lot more than what we can discuss in one blog. But if any of the advantages we have mentioned above sound good to you, we would love to meet with you and talk to you about furthering your career in the healthcare field. We are always looking for caring individuals to join our team and make a difference in our local communities. We truly believe that it’s not just what we do but how we do it that makes the difference. Our goal is to improve the quality of healthcare and access to healthcare for the communities we serve. If you would like to be a part of that goal, give Central Ozarks Medical Center a call at 1-877-406-COMC (2662) today! We would love to show you how to get started with a career in health care in mid-Missouri. If you’d like to stay up-to-date with healthcare information and tips about getting or staying healthy, be sure to follow us on social media. We have links to our channels below.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Serving Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties. Coming soon to serve Morgan County.
Good Habits to Help Keep Your Family Healthy
Keeping your family healthy can be one of the biggest priorities and biggest challenges for a parent. At our health clinics in central Missouri, we are on your side when it comes to that goal. We think it is easier when everybody in the family can be on the same page, so we wanted to write a blog to give you some ideas for a few simple habits that you can help your family develop that will benefit their overall health. If you’d like some easy tips to help keep your family healthy, we think you will enjoy this blog!
Get Outside and Play
The Lake of the Ozarks area is fortunate to have a multitude of city and state parks that are available to us. Each one is unique and offers a fun way to get some sunshine and fresh air, as well as some great exercise! Whether you like hiking, biking, golfing, etc., make it a habit to get outside and do it! You can have a great time, make some memories, and get some exercise along with all the health benefits that come with it.
Drink Lots of Water
Water is extremely important for our good health, and most people don’t drink enough of it. But it is one simple thing you can do that can help in a huge way. Anytime you can substitute water for less healthy drinks like soda or sugary juice, that is excellent. You can even try making it a game or a competition with your family to get the recommended daily intake and see how well the whole family does!
Talk About Health
Get in the habit of having regular conversations about health. Talk about healthy food choices, talk about things that help or hurt your health. Include your kids when it comes to making dinner, and discuss which foods have specific benefits for your body. The more the whole family is aware of what is good and bad for their health and why, the more empowered and motivated they may be to develop healthier habits.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is the time when your body rests and recovers from the stresses of the day. Not allowing your body that recovery time is very hard on your health. We know that life is demanding and that your workload can be really full. But, understanding and teaching your family the importance of sleep and making it a priority is one of the best habits you can instill for your family’s health.
Get your regular checkups!
Making sure everyone in the family has their regular checkups with your family doctor at Lake of the Ozarks is a great way to keep your family healthy! Your primary care provider in central Missouri is your partner in maintaining your health and that of your entire family. He or she will be able to provide preventative care and provide guidance and treatment for any health issues your family may have. If you do not have a primary care physician in the Lake of the Ozarks area, just call Central Ozarks Medical Center at 877-406-COMC (2662). You can find a list of all our providers at http://www.centralozarks.org/. Our mid-Missouri health clinics are located in Richland, Camdenton, and Osage Beach. Be sure to follow us on social media using the links below to stay informed and receive more tips for keeping you and your family healthy!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Serving Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties. Coming soon to serve Morgan County.
5 Healthy Habits You Can Develop While Working From Home!
As working remotely has become more feasible, it has also become much more popular! There are many people who are still working from home and enjoying the many benefits. However, there are some challenges that come along with working remotely. One of those challenges is having the discipline and consistency to create healthy habits or avoid unhealthy ones. In fact, it’s easy to completely ignore your health and get stuck in a work routine and barely leave your desk all day long. But with just a little bit of thought and planning, you can develop some really good habits that can help your work from home routine benefit your health. So, if you’d like to learn some tips on how to stay healthier while working from home, this blog is for you.
1) Get Some Sun!
Did you know that sunshine is a great source of vitamin D? It is recommended to get at least 20 minutes a day out in the sun to provide for that vitamin D intake. What a great way to stay healthy! However, many people do not get 20 minutes of sunshine per day. If you’re working from home, you may not either. But it could be as simple as taking your laptop and working outside on the porch for a little while every day. Doing so also has the added benefit of fresh air, hearing the birds sing, enjoying the breeze in the trees, and an overall therapeutic atmosphere in general. You know you have emails to check every day, why not do it outside? It is a simple way to give yourself an immune boost and a little health advantage that is free and easy to do.
2) Get Up and Move It, Move It!
It is so easy to get sedentary when working at a desk job from home. Hours can go by before you notice you have not gotten up from your desk or moved out of your chair. Staying in the same body position all day long can be very hard on your body. It can lead to aches and pains and other issues, and those can make it harder to stay motivated. It’s a great idea to just set the alarm on your phone to go off every one or two hours. When the alarm goes off, get up and move around! Even just a few minutes of exercise can help. Do some jumping jacks. Go for a short walk. Play catch with your dog or your kids. It doesn’t have to be a long period but you want to be consistent. You might be surprised how many great ideas and inspirations you may get while taking a little bit of an exercise break during your workday.
3) Drink Lots of Water
Many people do not realize that one of the first signs of dehydration is fatigue. When we feel tired we often turn to caffeine which may make us more dehydrated. If you find yourself worn down and struggling to have enough energy just to get through the day, pay attention to how much water you are drinking. A great method for making sure you’re drinking enough water each day is to get a large thermos or drinking container and fill it at the beginning of the day. Make it a goal to finish that container completely, every single day. It is recommended that you drink 1 ounce of water every day for every half pound you weigh. If you weigh 150 pounds, you should try to drink 75 ounces of water each day. If that does not sound realistic, do what you can. Any movement you can make towards drinking closer to your target amount helps your overall goal of developing healthier habits.
4) Plan your meals
It is so easy to sit at your desk and snack all day. It’s even easier to snack on unhealthy snacks like chips or candy. But if you take just a little time to plan your meals, then you know ahead of time what you’re going to eat, and are more likely to stick to that. Plan in your snacks too. Healthy and easy-to-eat snacks like nuts, veggies, fruits, etc. can satisfy your need to munch without creating unneeded extra pounds. Gaining unwanted weight because we just aren’t thinking about what we’re eating while we’re working is not just hard on our health, it can be hard on our self-esteem and make it difficult to do the things we enjoy in life. With just a little planning, you can avoid that self-esteem buster and be good to your body with healthy foods instead.
5) See Your Doctor!
It is easy to let time go by and forget to schedule your regular checkups with your family doctor at Lake of the Ozarks. But those checkups are recommended for a reason. The earlier you are able to notice any problem with your health, the easier it is to get effective intervention. At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we make it simple! Just call 1-877-406-COMC (2662) and choose the location nearest you to schedule an annual health check-up with one of our primary healthcare providers in central Missouri. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up on all of our latest announcements and helpful hints regarding healthcare in mid-Missouri!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Serving Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties. Coming soon to serve Morgan County.
Boost Your Immune System with FOOD!
As part of our mission to provide healthcare services in mid-Missouri, we wanted to talk about the importance of your immune system when it comes to overall health. Your body has the ability to recover and heal itself if it is given the proper resources to do so. Nutrition is one of those resources. So today’s blog is dedicated to foods that can help boost your immune system! If you are interested in staying as healthy as possible, avoiding illness, and recovering from health issues and injuries more quickly, keep reading this blog to learn what foods can help.
Foods for Immune Health
There are some very tasty foods that actually help boost your immune system and keep it strong. What better way than eating to help keep yourself healthy? If you have specific concerns about your immune system, be sure to ask one of our primary care physicians in the Lake of the Ozarks area for more suggestions or recommendations on how to keep your immune system strong. When it comes to diet, the following are just a few healthy foods that can help in your goal of supporting your immune system.
- Oranges
- Red Bell Peppers
- Blueberries
- Elderberries
- Acai Berries
- Watermelon
- Yogurt
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Papaya
- Tumeric
Other ways to help
Of course, your overall health can be supported with some other goals as well. Being dedicated to exercising regularly, keeping a healthy weight, reducing your stress as much as possible, avoiding smoking cigarettes, and not drinking in excess are all ways to help your health goals. For more suggestions, be sure to ask one of our healthcare providers in central Missouri.
Bon appétit! Enjoy your journey to a stronger immune system!
We hope you enjoy incorporating some of these tasty and healthy snacks into your diet. Anything we can do to help our body to take care of itself is a good thing for overall health. If you have questions about your immune system, or ways to maintain your health, and do not have a doctor, we invite you to consider Central Ozarks Medical Center. We accept patients regardless of insurance status, and we also have resources available if accessing healthcare is more difficult for you. To make an appointment, just call (877) 406-COMC to find the location nearest you.
At Central Ozarks Medical Center, it is our goal to improve the healthcare status of underserved and vulnerable populations in the Lake of the Ozarks area. Your health is our mission, and we believe it’s not just what we do but how we do it that makes all the difference. We have health clinics in Richland, Osage beach, and Camdenton for your convenience. We also offer dental and behavioral health care. For all of your healthcare needs, feel free to reach out to one of our healthcare providers in mid-Missouri. If you liked hearing these tips about immune health and would like to hear more about staying healthy as well as all of our latest announcements, don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels using the links below.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Serving Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties. Coming soon to serve Morgan County.
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