Community Health

Community Health
(231) 242-1601

The Community Health Department of Health Services consists of the Community Outreach/Diabetes Program, SDPI Healthy Heart (Mno Ode), Maternal Child Health,  The Tribal PREP (Personal Responsibility and Education Program) and Alternative Medicine.

The Community Outreach/Diabetes Program is a specifically funded program to address the needs of diagnosed diabetics, provide education and develop programs to prevent diabetes in our population. They provide comprehensive diabetes education to diagnosed diabetics in the tribal community. This program has a community health nurse who provides home nurse visits; a Health Educator who helps the department meet the criteria of the Diabetes grant as well as two Community Outreach Workers who provide home health visits and limited patient transportation for our local counties with 72 hour notice. This program also has a registered dietician who is contracted to provide nutritional counseling two days per month. They also have foot and nail care “Gichinendama Zidan Gamig” that is offered two days each week.

SDPI Healthy Heart (Mno Ode-Good Heart) is a special diabetes program for Native Americans. The goal of Mno Ode is to “help our patients learn to live in balance”. Services in this project include case management services, more clinic visits, a wide range of appropriate medications and education to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

The Maternal Child Health Healthy Start Project “Maajtaaf Mnobmaobzid “ is designed to assist Anishnabe women and their families take care of their health and their babies health right from the start. Services provided include; office or home visits by a maternal child health nurse; community health promotion events; referral and follow-up services; health education counseling for teens and their families; transportation to healthcare provider; childbirth education on individualized basis; breastfeeding supplies and support; and incentive for health behaviors.
The overall goal of  “Maajtaaf Mnobmaobzid “ is to reduce the risk of infant mortality. Risk factors that contribute to infant mortality include, but are not limited to:

· Maternal Smoking and exposure to 2nd hand tobacco smoke

· Use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs

· Domestic violence

· Gestational Diabetes

· Unintended teen pregnancy

· Lack of appropriate immunizations

· Lack of early prenatal care

The Tribal PREP Personal Responsibility and Education Program is a new grant that will allow LTBB to plan and offer programs to youth on topics such as abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and STI’s, healthy relationships, Parent-Child Communication, career success, money management, and healthy life skills. The goal of the program is to help prepare our youth for their transition to adulthood.

Community Health also offers alternative medicine services through a contracted traditional healer, Jake Pine. He is available for appointments two days per month.

Wellness is Achieved Through Balance
Mnozhiyaadaa (Let’s be in good health)

Ziisabkwat Daapine

Diabetes can be prevented. We offer you the tools that you need to protect yourself and your family. Using modern and traditional teachings we can help each other achieve wellness through balance; strengthening the circle of life. We offer diabetes home management and prevention education that is culturally relevant, focusing on self management using self empowerment, physical activity and nutrition as tools. Sessions can be individual or group. We also offer a Chronic conditions self management calls.

Gichinendama Zidan Gamig
(place of happy feet)

Diabetic Foot Specialists are available to perform annual diabitic foot exams and routine nail/foot care. Non-diabetics are welcome. This service is available to all Tribal Members.

Community Outreach Program

Under the direction of a physician, nurses and community health representatives are available to assess, educate and support community members on their journey to wellness, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention and management of chronic illness.

Staff is available to assist clients with the application process necessary to access community services. Includes but not limited to contract health, Medicare, Medicaid, Michild and Social Security.

Elders – outreach representives are able to check in on Elders, or accompany you to your medical appointment as your advocate if needed.

Medical Transpotation – is available to medical appointments only, if do not have other means available to you. 72 hour notice is required.

STEPS Program

Focuses on wellness by using education, physical activity and nutrition to decrease diabetes, asthma, obesity and tobacco abuse. Programs supported include Waganakising Martial Arts, yoga classes at the Native Way, the Home Grown Project, the Tribe2Tribe Walking Challenge and the A Better Choice camp for kids. Contact Regina Brubacker-Carver at 231-242-1664 for more information.

Who Can Join The Project?

The purpose of the project is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.

• Diabetes is a serious problem for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
• Cardiovascular disease, which affects the heart and blood vessels, is a major complication of diabetes and the number one cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Research has shown that it is possible to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by:

• Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and gluccose levels.
• Stopping smoking
• Taking an aspirin a day
• Losing weight through a healthier diet and physical activity

We are looking for volunteers with diabetes to participate in our new project, which includes case management services, more clinic visits, a wide range of appropriate medications, and education to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease.

Could I Have Heart Disease?

Most people do not know if they have cardiovascular disease until they have an emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.

You could have heart disease if:

• You have diabetes
• you have high blood pressure
• You have high cholesterol levels
• Your blood glucose (sugar) is too high
• You weigh more than you should

Join The SDPI Healthy Heart Project?

The Healthy Heart Project can help you in several ways:

• We will watch you health closely
• You will get free checkups and other medical tests
• You may be able to delay or avoid getting cardiovascular disease by participating in this project
• You will help us learn the best ways to prevent cardiovascular disease
• Transportation is available by appointment. A 72 hour notice is required

Taking part in this project is voluntary

Today is the day

you build healthy habits to build muscle.

Want to keep your body strong and healthy?
Staying fit is more than just losing weight. It’s equally as important to tone your body. Not only will you look great but you’ll feel better, gain more energy and build strength. Start now to get into the best shape you can be.

Here are some tips to tone your body:

• Eat a well-balanced meal. Make sure your diet consists of lean protein, fruits and veggies, and whole grains. They’ll provide you with the nutrition, fiber and hydration your body needs to tone up.
• Drink more water. Experts recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. This will help flush away toxins and keep you hydrated, which are both essential to achieving a healthy, toned body.
• Commit to cardio. Do cardio exercises 3-4 times a week for 30-40 minutes to increase your overall fitness. This will help you lose body fat and increase muscle visibility. You can mix it up with a variety of cardio exercises including running, hiking or swimming.
• Lift weights. Incorporate some weight training into your exercise routine to define the contours of your muscles. Do this every other day, 2-3 times a week. Alternating days will give your muscles time to heal and prevent you from straining them.
• Relax and rest. When you’re under stress, your body releases hormones that can exhaust you and even lead to weight gain. It’s important for you to reduce stress so you can stay healthy—mentally and physically.

Maximize your muscles for a healthier tomorrow!

For more inspiration, motivation and conversation, like us on Facebook.

For more information about Community Health Programs

Community Health Pamphlet
Healthy Start Pamphlet
Healthy Heart Pamphlet
Tribal PREP