Celebration of Rural Health Nov. 21 at JCH&L Plymouth Clinic

FAIRBURY – In honor of National Rural Health Day and Diabetes Month, on Thursday, Nov. 21, JCH&L Plymouth Clinic will offer free blood sugar screenings, free blood pressure screenings, healthy snacks and an opportunity for all who stop in to sign up to win a frozen turkey.

The special screenings, snacks and drawing will be available from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, at JCH&L Plymouth Clinic.

National Rural Health Day is designated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health to celebrate the power of rural by honoring the selfless, community-minded, can-do spirit that prevails in rural America and showcase the efforts of rural healthcare providers. It also gives an opportunity to bring to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face.

November is also National Diabetes Month – and diabetes is a major health concern in both rural and urban areas of the United States. This year’s focus of National Diabetes Month in on links between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The American Diabetes Association says that 84 million American adults have prediabetes, and are therefore at risk of developing diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly 90 percent of them don’t even know it. A simple blood sugar screening, along with a diabetes risk questionnaire will be available to help you determine if you are at risk.

Blood pressure screening will also be offered. High blood pressure is a “silent killer.” Typically, a person with high blood pressure has no symptoms, and if left untreated high blood pressure can contribute to stroke, heart attack and other health issues. High blood pressure can be prevented and can be managed. Having a blood pressure screening and if necessary making some lifestyle changes can help you live a healthier life.

Everyone who comes in can sample some healthy treats, and sign up for a drawing for a free Thanksgiving turkey.

“On Rural Health Day, we are thankful for our health, and for our community,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations for Jefferson Community Health & Life. “We want to share the Power of Rural with those in Plymouth and the surrounding area and provide some valuable health information which could help people live healthier lives.”

The Plymouth Clinic offers a wide range of family medicine services, including: physical exams and preventative care, treatment of acute and chronic illness, minor surgeries and procedures, laboratory services and radiology services. Winter hours are now in effect: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Appointments at JCH&L Plymouth Clinic can be made Monday through Friday by calling 402-729-6888. Providers are certified physician assistants Kelsey Cherry, PA-C and Tyler Maguire, PA-C. Appointments can be made Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 402-729-6888. When the Plymouth Clinic is not open, calls are answered by JCH&L Fairbury Clinic.