When you do your holiday shopping this year, consider purchasing items through the AmazonSmile program. By adding IHCRC as your designated non-profit, every purchase you make on Amazon.com or inside the Amazon app will donate a small amount to IHCRC all at no cost to you! Thanks to a recent update to Amazon's mobile app, designating IHCRC as your AmazonSmile non-profit has never been easier! This entire process takes only three minutes and can be done completely from the Amazon shopping app on your mobile device! Open the Amazon shopping app and navigate to the settings (small three horizontal lines on the bottom right corner). Scroll down and select “settings” and then click “AmazonSmile” You will be prompted to enable notifications (required to enable AmazonSmile Donations). Once notifications are enabled you will be prompted to search for your designated non-profit. Search “Indian Health Care Resource Center”. Select IHCRC in the populated list and that’s it! Alternatively, if you shop Amazon through a web browser, visit the link here to sign up: https://smile.amazon.com/charity Congrats! You now support Indian Health Care Resource Center through the AmazonSmile program. Although some purchases may not qualify, you will quickly generate funds with each purchase you make, all at no additional cost to you. Happy Shopping!

You brush your teeth every day, but are you doing it with purpose? Just going through the motions isn’t enough – you need to make sure you’re brushing correctly in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here’s a quick guide on how to brush your teeth with purpose. How to Brush Your Teeth With Purpose 1. Choose the right toothbrush. There are all kinds of toothbrushes on the market these days, from manual to electric. But the most important factor is the bristles. Look for toothbrushes with soft bristles, as hard bristles can damage your gums. If you have sensitive gums, look for a toothbrush with extra-soft bristles. And if you have trouble reaching all of your teeth, consider an electric toothbrush. 2. Use the right amount of toothpaste. You don’t need a lot of toothpaste to get the job done – just a pea-sized amount will do. Using too much toothpaste can actually be harmful, as it can contain abrasives that can damage your teeth. 3. Brush properly. Hold your toothbrush against your teeth at a 45-degree angle and use gentle circular motions. Be sure to brush on the inside surfaces of your teeth and to use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces of your molars. Don’t forget to brush your tongue! This will help remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Use this tip next time you brush your teeth and you’ll be on your way to keeping your smile healthy and bright! Rinsing with mouthwash or water immediately after brushing can wash away the fluoride in toothpaste left on the teeth. By waiting 10 minutes, you allow the fluoride within your toothpaste to be most effective. - Dr. Akberali 4. Floss daily. Flossing is just as important as brushing, so be sure to do it every day! Start by wrapping the floss around each middle finger, leaving about an inch or two of floss between them. Then hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and slide it up and down between each tooth, using a gentle back and forth motion." Brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, but it’s important to do it with purpose in order to keep your smile healthy and bright! Use these tips next time you brush and you’ll be on your way to a healthier mouth in no time!

When we hear about the personal and societal costs of domestic violence, it is difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the issue. Domestic violence is a pervasive problem that affects all segments of our society. The direct and indirect costs of domestic violence are staggering. From a public health perspective, domestic violence is a serious problem that has far-reaching consequences. Victims of domestic violence often suffer physical and mental health problems. They may also experience problems at work or school, and in their personal relationships. Domestic violence can also lead to homelessness and suicide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that domestic violence costs our nation billions of dollars annually. This includes costs for medical and mental health care, lost productivity, and homicide lost earnings. According to the CDC, domestic violence results in more than $8 billion in annual losses for employers. Domestic violence is often underreported, so the actual figures and costs are potentially even greater than these projections. Domestic violence also takes a significant toll on the overall health of victims. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma that victims suffer, there are also long-term health consequences. Domestic violence can increase the risk of chronic diseases, injuries, and death. It is clear that domestic violence has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. The personal and societal costs are immense. We must do more to address this serious problem. If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please seek help in a safe manner. National Domestic Violence Hotline: resources for all IPV victims; 24-hour hotline at 1-800-799-7233, 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

It's estimated that every day, around 123 people lose their life by suicide worldwide. That means that every 40 seconds, someone somewhere decides that life is no longer worth living. Suicide is a global problem, and it touches all of us in one way or another. Whether we have lost someone to suicide, know someone who has attempted suicide, or have ourselves struggled with suicidal thoughts, the issue is relevant to us all. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time when we come together to remember those we have lost and to raise awareness about this preventable tragedy. Many people who die by suicide do not want to die but are desperate and feel they have no other way out. Those who die by suicide often show some warning signs before they take their own life. It is important to keep an eye out for these warning signs and seek help before reaching the point where suicide seems like the only option. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. Through Indian Health Care Resource Center’s Behavioral Health Program, we can provide you with confidential counseling and the support you need. By utilizing cognitive and behavioral therapies, coping skills can be developed to help deal with mental illness. Family therapies and therapies for trauma are also offered to help support you in your times of trouble. If you need immediate assistance, please call 988. When you have a police, fire, or rescue emergency you call 911. When you have a mental health emergency, you call/text 988. By reaching out for help, you can begin the journey to recovery and hope.

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child succeed in school. One important way to help your child is to make sure he or she is up-to-date on immunizations. Immunizations protect children from diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox. These diseases can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia, meningitis, and even death. Immunizations are important for school-aged children for two reasons. First, unvaccinated children are at risk for catching these diseases. Second, many schools require proof of immunization in order to attend school. If your child is not up-to-date on his or her vaccines, talk to your doctor about getting them caught up. Click the link below to see the required immunizations for Oklahoma Public Schools. Required immunizations for 2022-2023 School Year Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to protect your child from disease. Make sure your child is up-to-date on his or her vaccines so that he or she can have a healthy and successful school year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated its policy statement on breastfeeding and the use of human milk. The revised policy updates recommendations on breastfeeding, highlights special considerations, and notes how pediatricians can support breastfeeding parents. Breastfeeding not only provides key nutrition for development, but it also reduces the risk for SIDS. Research shows that feeding only human milk by breastfeeding directly or by giving milk pumped from the breast reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The research also shows that feeding human milk some of the time is more protective than not feeding human milk at all, and feeding only human milk, with no supplements or additives, offers the best protection against SIDS. The longer a baby is fed human milk, the lower their risk of SIDS. In most cases, pediatricians and other healthcare providers recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least baby’s first 6 months. Recommendations may be different for babies born preterm, with certain health conditions, or for those families for whom breastfeeding is not an option. After 6 months, AAP recommends continued breastfeeding, with appropriate complementary foods, for as long as mutually desired by parent and child. Learn more about ways to reduce baby’s risk for SIDS on the Safe to Sleep® website. For more information on breastfeeding and SIDS risk reduction, check out these doctor’s tips for breastfeeding moms. Members of the AAP Task Force on SIDS are committed to answering your questions about safe infant sleep. Q. Why are weighted swaddles or blankets not recommended for babies? A. Weighted blankets and swaddles are not recommended because there is not enough evidence of their safety for use with infants, and because—based on what we know about infant health, SIDS, and sleep-related infant deaths—they could actually cause harm. Consider the following: An infant’s ribcage is still developing. Adding weight could make it difficult for baby to expand their chest to take in air, reducing their ability to breathe properly. There are no studies on what amount of weight, if any, is safe to place on baby’s chest. Weighted swaddles and blankets are a new product category, meaning there are currently no safety standards for them beyond the general rules for children’s products (for example, lead content, likelihood of catching on fire, etc.). There are also no studies regarding the use of these products and the risk of sleep-related death. If an infant rolls over during sleep, the additional weight could make it more difficult for them to roll onto their back again. Sleeping on the stomach carries the highest risk of SIDS. That risk is very high among infants who are used to sleeping on their back but who are placed onto their stomachs for sleep, and among swaddled infants who are placed or roll onto their stomachs. Because there are no safety regulations for these products, they could be made with heavy/thick materials that increase the risk of overheating. Overheating from excessive clothing or blankets and high room temperature is associated with increased SIDS risk. Claims that these products are safe for infants during sleep are based on a single study of 16 infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome who were in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they were constantly monitored and covered with a weighted blanket for only 30 minutes at a time. Because this tightly controlled situation is very different from using a weighted product on an infant for an hour or more at a time, outside of the NICU and without constant monitoring, the safety of using these products in the home cannot be assumed. Suggested benefits of weighted blankets and swaddles for infants are unproven. Although there is some evidence that the products may be beneficial in certain groups of older children or adults, there are no studies that show any benefits specifically in infants. Until mandatory product standardization is in place and convincing evidence of safety and efficacy regarding weighted swaddles/blankets/sleep sacks is available, the Task Force cannot support their use for infants. The U.S. Breastfeeding Coalition (USBC) is an independent nonprofit coalition of more than 50 organizations that collaborate on policy and practice efforts to create a landscape of breastfeeding support across the United States. For years, Safe to Sleep® and the USBC have worked together to develop and share consistent, integrated messaging for all caregivers about safe infant sleep and breastfeeding. This National Breastfeeding Month, the USBC reminds families and caregivers that Together We Do Great Things! Throughout the month, the USBC is celebrating all efforts in service to babies, families, and human milk feeding. Join the USBC and Safe to Sleep® in celebrating the power and impact of our collective efforts. Visit the Coalition website to learn more about the USBC’s National Breastfeeding Month resources. In case you missed it, a recording of the July 21 SIDS Awareness Month Activities Webinar, along with featured partner resources, will soon be available on the Safe to Sleep® website.

Don’t let age keep you from being fit and healthy! Exercise is important for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for our elders. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help improve balance and flexibility, leading to fewer falls and injuries. Elders who exercise regularly tend to have more energy, better sleep, and a sharper mind. So how can you get started? If you’re not used to exercising, start slow with chair exercises. Designed to be safe and easy, chair exercises can be done from the comfort of your own home. Chair exercises are a great way to introduce a workout routine to your daily life. Follow along with Jordin H., IHCRC Fitness Specialist, in the video below. Once you’ve built up your strength and stamina, you can try more challenging exercises like biking, swimming, or joining our Running Strong Run Club! With a little effort, you’ll be on your way to a heathier, happier life! Visit our fitness page to find a class that fits your lifestyle: www.ihcrc.org/fitness Interested in joining our run club? Sign up here: www.ihcrc.org/running

The Fourth of July is a great time to get together with family and friends, fire up the grill, and celebrate our nation’s independence. It’s also a great opportunity to get outside and get active. There are plenty of activities to choose from, so there’s no excuse not to get up and move! If you’re looking for something low-key, take a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood or go for a swim at your local pool. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to the nearest park for a game of frisbee or go hiking/biking on one of the many trails available in Tulsa (Turkey Mountain is our favorite!). So, whether you’re looking to burn some calories or simply want to enjoy the outdoors, make the most of this holiday and get moving! As you’re planning July 4th adventures, be sure to account for ample water and skin protection. It’s important to stay safe and protect your skin from the intense summer heat. Applying sunscreen BEFORE heading outdoors will protect your skin from burns and harmful UV rays. Have a safe and hydrated Fourth of July! Resources: Oklahoma Outdoor Activities Red Cross Fireworks Safety Tips CDC Fourth of July Blog

For Native Americans, Pride Month is more than just a time to celebrate LGBTQ2S+ culture and history. It is an opportunity to learn more about our rich and diverse cultures, as well as a time to reflect. Despite making up nearly 3% of the U.S. population, Native Americans are often left out of the conversation when it comes to LGBTQ2S+ rights and representation. This June let’s change that! Here are a few ways to celebrate Pride Month as a Native American: Educate yourself and others about Native American LGBTQ2S+ history. Many free resources exist through online databases and libraries. Reading Walking in Two Worlds: Supporting the Two Spirit and Native LGBTQ Community is a great place to start! (resource link listed on bottom of page) Seek out local events to show support. Tulsa Pride is the longest running Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride festival in Oklahoma and is held at downtown Tulsa every year. Support Native American LGBTQ2S+ organizations and businesses. Some examples include the Tulsa Two Spirit Society, Central Oklahoma Two-Spirit society, and organizations such as NativeOUT or the Treavor Project. Two Spirit The term Two Spirit emerged in 1990 out of the third annual inter-tribal Native American/First Nations gay/lesbian American conference in Winnipeg. The term is used to describe indigenous people who fulfill mixed gender roles found traditionally among many Native American tribes. Mixed gender roles have long been recognized among Native Americans as the presence of people who embody both masculine and feminine energy, known as Two Spirit people. Historically, two spirit people were often revered for their ability to connect with both worlds and were considered blessed with wisdom. Its important to know that not all LGBTQ Native Americans identify as being Two-Spirited. Some Native people may only identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Additionally, not all Two-Spirited people identify as LGBTQ. By taking pride in our culture and histories, we can create a more inclusive and just world for all Native Americans. Happy Pride Month! Additional Resources: NPAIHB: http://www.npaihb.org/2slgbtq/#story Walking in Two Worlds: https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/resources/twospiritbrochure.pdf The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

In order to better serve the needs of American Indian youth ages 6 to 24, IHCRC began a redesign and reinvigoration of its youth programs last year. The team noted that while suicide and drug use prevention remain crucial, IHCRC's youth programs must also be designed to address one of the most important characteristics of care for American Indians, attentiveness to the four aspects of an individual's nature (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). To this end, IHCRC's new youth program is an innovative multi-faceted and multi-disciplined integration of services. Six primary components ensure a well-rounded, comprehensive program focused on the whole person. Those six components ensure a well-rounded, comprehensive program focused on the whole person. Those six components encompass (1) a youth leadership, mentoring and volunteer program, (2) nutrition education, (3) fitness and health, (4) family strengthening, (5) cultural connections, and (6) behavioral health including substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention and a new LGBTQ2S+ program funded by The Upswing Fund. IHCRC will begin using Plant Teachings for Growing Social-Emotional Skills. The classes taught through this book include information on how plants teach us resilience and strength. The youth will also learn to fish with regular fishing trips added to the program. In addition to the ever popular Running Strong Club, IHCRC will offer individual youth fitness programs focusing on weight control, strengthening, and movement. Bi-monthly family fun activities will get the entire family moving together. Each family fun activity will include nutrition education, a healthy meal (sometimes cooked by the families) and a fun activity to help get people moving. Events will range from family competition nights to outings at local parks, zoos, botanic gardens, and nature centers.

In spring of 2020, IHCRC's Behavioral Health Department had a waiting list of more than 60 youth. Additionally, staff had begun to recognize the need to offer support for American Indian youth identifying as LGBTQ2S+. A study by Kids Data found that 7.6% of California's Native American youth identified as LGBTQ2S+. Using that percentage to extrapolate Oklahoma numbers, more than 1,800 Native American adolescents ages 10-18 are LGBTQ2S+. (2,610 when adolescents who are dual race or ethnicity are included.) IHCRC submitted a proposal to the Upswing Fund, a national funder created to address the mental health needs of adolescents of color and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+. The primary goal of The Upswing Fund project was twofold: (1) reduce the behavioral health wait list for Native American youth ages 10-18, and (2) increase in the number LGBTQ+ adolescents served throughout the clinic. During the course of the project, the behavioral health wait list for youth ages 10-18 was cleared. No new wait list has developed. Additionally, 61 new youth ages 10-18 presented for care during the project year, 20 of them identified as LGBTQ2S+. Although the Upswing Fund grant has ended, IHCRC continues the position originally funded through this grant. The position has proven to be a valuable asset for Native American youth in the community.

Tucked away in a hallway rarely traveled by patients or staff are the hard working staff known as Patient Benefit Coordinators. We prefer to call them our unsung heroes. These individuals battle daily to ensure our patients have the health care, services, and insurance they need. A fallacy about Indian health care is that it is "insurance." While health care is free for tribal citizens, the availability of specialty care (and primary care for that matter) is very limited. In Oklahoma, having a tribal card or CDIB card does not mean you can present at the nearest emergency room for care and have it paid for by the tribe or government. Neither does it mean you can see that wonderful cardiologist your co-worker recommended. Every day IHCRC's physicians refer patients for specialty care services such as an MRI, a visit with a cardiologist, or a biopsy. That referral passes to an IHCRC Patient Benefit Coordinator. These unsung "contract health" or "purchased referred care" dollars are simply no longer available. It is at this point the Patient Benefit Coordinators come alive. Their job? To find the referred service for the patient whether or not funding is available and to keep track of that referral from beginning to end. The unsung heroes of IHCRC are also the experts on health insurance, especially SoonerCare, Medicaid, and Medicare. Being able to cover IHCRC patients with a third party payer source is just another way to ensure they receive the health care they deserve. If anyone asks you why IHCRC is different, an answer must always be, "Because our Patient Benefit Coordinators are the absolute best at what they do!"

Ten percent of IHCRC's annual patient population are ages 65 and up. Another 1,500 are ages 55 to 64. According to the U.S. Census, 14.2% or 6,387 of Tulsa County's population are Native American ages 65+. Elders in Native American societies play a vital role in the preservation of Indian culture. Elders teach younger generations about spirituality and history. They are considered to "wisdom-keepers" and are held in the highest regard. Unfortunately, these same American Indian and Alaska Native elders comprise the most economically disadvantaged group in the nation and are at increasing risk of health disparities, financial exploitation, and neglect. Additionally, this group is often responsible for the raising of grandchildren. During 2020, IHCRC received an invitation to apply for a grant from the United Health Foundation. The United Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of UnitedHealth Group, a diversified health care company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and helping to make the health system work better for everyone. It is an honor to be invited to apply for a grant. IHCRC submitted a project with the goal of reducing health disparities and disease complications in Tulsa County's Native American community ages 65 and over. The proposed project consists of five patient community ages 65+: (1) comprehensive medical care; (2) behavioral health services; (3) fitness activities; (4) medical social work services; and (5) health education for individuals ages 65+ and their caregivers. In September United Health Care announced that IHCRC has been awarded a $1.8 million grant for its Protecting Our Elders program. IHCRC is honored and humbled to be partnering with United Health Foundation.

When part of a routine, children can develop relationships with those they interact with during those activities, and it can help support a sense of belonging and self-confidence. As they grow, they will be able to follow routines, begin to demonstrate independence, and more easily adjust to change. Create a schedule and routine for your family does not have to be hard; you can keep it simple. Think of the things you do each day and break those down into steps. You can review this schedule daily with your children and have it in a place they can easily see. It's important to remain flexible and let your child know that sometimes plans do change, but also try to give them a warming if you know something will be different. .........See more

The last two years have been all about separating ourselves from… you know… people. Other people. Those people. Them. As much as I want to believe, still, that pre-pandemic normalcy is surely right around the corner, I struggle with a pragmatic belief that we probably are living our new normal and must adapt. I miss the people. And I know you do too. I think the biggest change every single one of us people had to adapt to was the isolation and separation from other people. This was required of us all. All ages. Globally. In both physical and psychological ways, it’s taken a toll and impacted our lives and relationships. We need to get our peopling opportunities back. The energy created, the understanding achieved, the motivation sustained, the respect appreciated, all feed off our ability to be present with our people. We have an amazing group of 161 people. (That active staff number is as of the writing of this piece.) As we progress through the new year, let’s prioritize putting other people first, taking care of our people, serving other people, and appreciate our need for peopling. If not for our people, our 161 amazing healthcare-providing people we have at IHCRC, we wouldn’t be where we are today…45 years into an amazing existence. An existence excitedly on the edge of second expansion and an existence only attributable to the people who come to IHCRC every day and care about other people. Let’s get to know each other, let’s get to know our people again. This is what the people at IHCRC are made of. Enjoy the demographics! Of the 161 employees who are active this day, 135 of those are women. We are an organization who truly appreciates and strives for diversity and appreciation of women in the workforce, in healthcare! 84% of our workforce are made up of amazing women! One of which has been with IHCRC for our entire 45 years of service to Indian people, Carmelita Skeeter. Carmelita started with IHCRC in August of 1976 and has dedicated her life to the mission of providing healthcare services to Indian people in the Tulsa area. Carmelita has provided leadership to our IHCRC community, to our people, for 45 amazing years that have been full of growth and achievement. In her 45 years, in the clinics 45 years, we’ve seen the workforce, the people, grow to a staff of 161 and growing. We have all 5 generations represented with our largest being Generation X. Generation X represents 43% of our workforce, followed by our Millennials at 37%, and Baby Boomers making up 17% of our people. Interestingly, the remaining 3 percent belong to 3 young IHCRC professionals in the newest generation, Generation Z, and one amazing leader of the Traditionalist Generation, also known as the Greatest Generation and for good reason. Demographically, today our workforce people are comprised of 57% salaried professionals and 43% hourly professionals. 97% are considered full time status. 32% of our current staff have advanced education and are Licensed to perform the health services we provide to our patient population, with an additional 18% having training Certifications to either assist in or perform certain other health services. The remaining staff is comprised of both management and support staff whose function is to support the service providers by maintaining the infrastructure and leading the people. Our workforce people are made up of many tenured individuals who have more stories and memories of the growth and development of our organization than we could ever capture in entirety. Thank goodness for a trove of old photo negatives and slides we have kept safely in administration all these years. Interestingly 32% of our people have worked for IHCRC between 1 and 4 years with an additional 19% of our current staff having been with us for under one year. That means half of our staff, due to both healthy turnover and adding new positions, have a history of less than 5 years with IHCRC and bring so many new, creative, ideas and experiences with them to add to our talents. 29% of our staff have a tenure between 5 and 9 years and 17% have been with our organization between 10 and 19 years. We have a total of 4 people who have been with us between 20 and 29 years, with one person having dedicated the last 37 years of their career to IHCRC, and one other, 45. In the last year and a half that we have been avoiding people, we have had amazing and incredible stories of resilience and tragedy and celebration among our people. Many of these experiences need to be shared in person to be truly respected and appreciated with the compassion and empathy we people need. We’ve had marriages and divorces, births and deaths…too many deaths. We’ve had promotions, terminations, office moves, and Plexiglas grooves. We had program growth and facility expansion hopes, and we’ve again run out of office space. And we had a really amazing street party. In all of it, remember the most important part, are the people. On a purely entertaining side, 44%, almost half of our staff, prefer the Fall season, with both Spring and Summer seasons each being preferred by 22% of staff. Winter is the preferred season of only 3% of our staff and 9% of our staff fell into another season category by answering with new seasons including Hunting, My Birthday, Vacation, and Monsoon season. Very funny people, very funny.