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November 2017 Blogs

Drug Take Back Day at PIMC

Deanna Dick, Acting CEO, Phoenix Indian Medical Center

November 30, 2017
by Deanna Dick, Acting CEO, Phoenix Indian Medical Center

The United States is currently facing an epidemic of addiction, overdose, and death due to prescription drug abuse. More than 6.4 million Americans, age 12 and above, abuse prescription drugs. These numbers are higher than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine combined. Studies show that the majority of the prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

... Continue reading


Mashpee Wampanoag Service Unit Works with Patients Apprehensive about Dental Procedures

Dr. Benjamin Warren, Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit, Indian Health Service

November 27, 2017
by Dr. Benjamin Warren, Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit, Indian Health Service

At the Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit in Massachusetts, I have seen several patients come to us with a history of traumatic dental experiences. In most cases, the trauma seems to stem from experiencing pain with a dental procedure.

It is estimated that 75 percent of American adults experience ... Continue reading


Why I Quit Smoking

Cdr. Brian Burt, PA-C, Phoenix Indian Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Indian Health Service

November 16, 2017
by Cdr. Brian Burt, PA-C, Phoenix Indian Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Indian Health Service

It was college. I was a young and impressionable freshman, living away from home for the first time. I was making new friends and living a new routine. I had never smoked a cigarette, but a bunch of my friends would smoke at parties. Not that frequently, just on the weekends while hanging ... Continue reading


Supporting Those Who Care for Elders with Dementia

Bruce Finke, MD, Elder Health Consultant, Indian Health Service

November 15, 2017
by Bruce Finke, MD, Elder Health Consultant, Indian Health Service

During the month of November, we observe National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month. There are many different causes of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. All causes of dementia share common features of difficulty with memory, gradual progression, and difficulties ... Continue reading


Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Dena Wilson, MD, FACC, DDTP Clinical Consultant, Indian Health Service

November 1, 2017
by Dena Wilson, MD, FACC, DDTP Clinical Consultant, Indian Health Service

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a great time to raise awareness of the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Diabetes is one of the major risk factors for the development of CVD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  , ... Continue reading