WE ARE LIVE!

Please be patient with our staff as we navigate our new electronic health record system. Things may take a bit longer. Some processes have changed and may not be what you're used to.

Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated!

SVCHC expresses its deepest gratitude to the Back to School Committee 2023. In addition, thank you to the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, all sponsors, individual donors, volunteers, informational booths, all the students and their families who participated in this event, and all who, in one way or another, made the BTS Health Fair a success! Thank you! We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you to our major Sponsor of the Back to School Health Fair 2023

Tips for Getting Kids Ready for Back-to-School

Whatever their age, many kids are apprehensive about starting school or going back to school. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to ease their minds and help them get ready for a new school year.

1. Early to bed, early to rise

Getting back into a school sleep schedule won’t happen overnight. A few weeks before school starts, get your child into the habit of going to bed earlier.

2. Re-establish a routine

Establishing a consistent routine is essential for kids. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. In the evening, this could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, bathing, and reading before bed.

3. Encourage independence

Children who play an active role in preparing for back to school – such as choosing and organizing school supplies and new clothes – are more likely to get excited about going back to school, which in turn eases their jitters.

4. Choose the right backpack

Backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly could result in muscle strain, headaches, and neck pain. Choose a backpack made of sturdy, lightweight fabric with wide, padded straps that will support your child’s shoulders. Watch that they don’t sling it over just one shoulder.

5. Talk about safety

Review outdoor safety rules – things like looking both ways before crossing the street, taking the same route every day if they are walking, familiarizing themselves with crosswalk rules, and being cautious in talking to strangers.

6. Establish healthy habits

Involve your children in choosing and preparing healthy lunches and snacks. Help them find physical activities they enjoy. Take them shopping for healthy snacks and lunch items they can pack themselves.

7. Limit screen time

Back to school is the perfect opportunity to re-establish screen time limits. Why not have the whole family “unplug” in the evenings before bedtime? Choose a spot where everybody can charge their devices overnight. Use an alarm clock instead of a cell phone to wake up in the mornings.

8. Map it out

If your kids are starting at a new school, practice walking or driving to the bus stop or to the school building a week or two before school starts. You could even play in the school playground before school starts. This creates fun memories associated with the school before summer vacation ends.

9. Talk about first-week jitters

Reassure your child that being nervous is natural – even for teachers. You can help your child cope with these feelings when you:

• Let them express their fears. Perhaps you can offer stories of your first-day jitters as a child.
• Teach them to breathe deeply and slowly to calm their nerves.
• Discuss the scenarios that worry them. For example, if they’re worried about whom to sit with or talk to on the first day, help them plan a strategy and rehearse it so they’ll know what to do.

10. Celebrate the start of a new school year

If you celebrate the first day of school, your kids will see back-to-school as a transition they can enjoy. Try a back-to-school party the day before school starts, with cake, balloons, and educational gifts. And don’t forget to take a picture on the front step in their first-day-of-school outfits. It’s going to be a great year!

Source

August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month

Healthy vision starts with you! Use these 10 tips to take care of your eyes.

• Eat right to protect your sight.

Keep your eyes healthy by eating a well-balanced diet. Load up on different types of fruits and veggies, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. Fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut have been shown to help your eyes, too.

• Get moving.

Did you know that kids who exercise often have a healthier body weight than kids who don’t? Being overweight or obese can put you at higher risk for diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision problems.

• Speak up if your vision changes.

Is your vision blurry? Do you squint a lot? Ever have trouble seeing things at school? Tell a parent or teacher if your eyes are bothering you or if you notice any changes in your vision.

• 4 Wear your glasses.

Your glasses help you see better, especially when they’re clean and free of smudges. Talk to an adult about how to clean your glasses and how to store them when you’re not wearing them.

• Keep the germs away.

Always wash your hands before putting them close to your eyes, especially if you’re putting in or taking out contact lenses.

• Gear up.

Playing your favorite sport? Using chemicals during science class? Mowing the lawn? Wear the right protection to keep your eyes safe. Many eye injuries can be prevented with better safety habits, such as using protective eyewear.

• Wear your shades.

The sun’s rays can hurt your eyes. Choose sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. And remember, you should never look directly at the sun.

• Give your eyes a break.

Do you spend a lot of time looking at a computer, phone, or TV screen? Staring at any one thing for too long can tire your eyes. Give your eyes a rest with the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Say no to smoking.

Did you know that smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is the rest of your body?

• Talk about it.

Does anyone in your family have issues with their eyes? Not sure? Ask!

Source

Healthy Communities Powered By A Healthy Democracy

2023 (& 2024) Keep on Knocking!

 “Why is National Voter Registration Day talking about 2024 so much already?” Well, brace yourself for a little wake-up call: 2023 is the LAST National Voter Registration Day before ALL of the 2024 presidential and state primary elections. So don't hesitate and click here for more information!

When is the California Fire Season?

Fires are possible throughout the year in California, but the peak fire season in Northern California usually begins in June or July and runs through late October or November.

It is a common misconception that the most dangerous time for fires in California is during July and August. While there may be fewer fires in September and October, the fires that do occur are far more destructive and burn through many more acres. This explosive effect is due to a combination of dry vegetation from hot summer weather, and intense dry winds that blow through the state during fall.

How Long is California’s Fire Season?

The length of the fire season in any given year in California depends on summer temperatures, rainfall, and wind, with the most fires historically occurring between May and October. However, recent data show that, due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall, the season is beginning earlier and ending later each year, approaching a year-round fire season.1

When Does the California Fire Season End?

The fire season in California tends to end once the state receives heavy rainfall. However, the impacts of climate change mean that fall precipitation is often delayed, which can keep fires burning throughout the winter months.

Be Prepared

• Be prepared to leave if an evacuation order is issued for your area. Gather essential items now to be ready to go.
• If you feel unsafe, leave immediately. If you have time, please check your neighbors to be sure they have received this alert
• Monitor local media, social media and be sure you’re signed up for alerts. Call 9-1-1 only if you have a life-threatening emergency. Do not call 911 for information. For the latest information, follow the County of Sonoma on Facebook and Twitter or call 2-1-1.

For more information, click here

This holiday aims to educate the public about psoriasis and enlighten patients on topics surrounding causes, triggers, and treatment methods. Thankfully, psoriasis is treatable; however, dissemination of vital information on all aspects of the disease is necessary, which is the aim of this month.

Psoriasis is a condition characterized by scaly, red, and raised patches on the skin, especially on the elbows, knees, and scalp; however, it could also affect other areas in the body. Psoriasis often causes itching, burning, and stinging in affected areas. Though its etiology is unclear to medical experts, psoriasis occurs when the life cycle of skin cells increases, causing a buildup of excess skin cells that form red patches and scales. Scientists believe that genetics and the immune system are contributory factors to the development of psoriasis.

Psoriasis affects people differently, with varying levels of severity. For severe cases, 10% or more of the patient’s skin may be affected by the disease. In mild cases, less than 3% is affected by psoriasis; however, psoriasis affects between 3% to 10% of the skin in moderate cases. Because psoriasis is often cyclical, particular triggers, such as infections, skin injuries, heavy alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency, stress, emotional trauma, certain medications, and smoking, may lead to an episode. Thankfully, psoriasis has various treatment options — creams and ointments can clear skin patches in mild-to-moderate cases. Light therapy, including U.V.B. phototherapy, Goeckerman therapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), can also be employed. For severe psoriasis, retinoids, methotrexate, and cyclosporine are the drugs of choice.

By The Numbers

• 8 million Americans have psoriasis – making it the most common autoimmune disease*
• 10-30% of people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis
• 15-25 years old: most likely age of psoriasis onset
• 30-50 years old: most likely age of onset for psoriatic arthritis
• 25% of psoriasis cases are considered moderate to severe
• $135 billion/year: total health care costs (both direct and indirect) of psoriasis in the U.S.

* Source: The National Psoriasis Foundation

MEDI-CAL AND COVERED CA COVERAGE

To learn more, click the following links:

Medi-Cal

Covered California

1. Medi-Cal beneficiaries whose renewals/redetermination are due in June and who have not submitted their paperwork by mid-June will be receiving a termination notice by the end of this month.

2.  Medi-Cal beneficiaries that are over income (and *status that qualifies for Covered CA) will be transferred to Covered CA. A plan must be chosen and paid for a plan before July 31^st ,  otherwise, Covered CA will be lost and will have a coverage gap. 

PLEASE NOTE: Nonetheless, due to the Special Enrollment period ( 60 days ), they will have until August 29th to choose a plan; otherwise, they will not be able to get Covered CA until Open Enrollment 2024 (Nov 2023 - Jan 2024), which starts coverage until January 1st, 2024. 

As of September 4th, BENEFITSCAL will replace MYBENEFITSCALWIN and GETCALFRESH in Sonoma County. 

On September 04, 2023, your MyBenefits CalWIN (MyBCW) will change to a new website: BenefitsCal.com.

This will be a new simple way to apply for, view, and renew benefits for health coverage, food, and cash assistance.

BenefitsCal.com will also replace your MyBenefits CalWIN (MyBCW) Mobile App. But don’t worry. The BenefitsCal site will work great on your smart phone.

BenefitsCal will make it easier than ever to:

1. Apply online
2. Upload documents
3. Report changes
4. Renew your benefits

This transition from MyBCW to BenefitsCal will not impact your current benefits.

What do I need to do?

Starting on 09/04/23, create a new BenefitsCal account and link your case to your account.

Let’s keep in touch

Progress updates are posted regularly. To learn more, click here

Thank you for investing in the health and education of our students in the Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center has been on the front lines, providing care to our community since 1992. Low-wage jobs, minimal health benefits, and high living cost mean too many of our neighbors lack access to affordable health care. SVCHC spends approximately $1 million each year on providing care to our patients who are under or uninsured. Thanks to generous, community-minded people like you, we can ensure that all of our neighbors have access to quality care.

Thank you for your support!

• PHE Medi-Cal Continuous Coverage Requirement ended on March 31st. For questions regarding renewing Medi-Cal or questions about Covered California, please get in touch with SVCHC Eligibility Team at (707)939-6070 or by email: eligibility@svchc.org

• Appointments for SVCHC W.I.C Office must be made via phone prior to visits. Please call 707-565-6590.

• REFB Food Distribution is at SVCHC every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Distribution hours are from 8:45 am-9:45 am or until supply lasts. 

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