Carmelita began her career at IHCRC in 1976 when she helped survey residents to assess health needs of the local urban Indian population. Survey results showed medical needs of Tulsa’s Native Americans were not being met. When she was hired as one of IHCRC’s original four employees, the agency provided referral services only. Within a year, the first medical services were offered. During her tenure with IHCRC, Carmelita has worn many hats, including Clinic Administrator and, since 1989, Chief Executive Officer. During the past 45 years she has been the recipient of many awards, including (1) “Outstanding Community Leadership of the Year,” presented by the Oklahoma Native American Business Development Center, 1998; (2) an award for significant contributions in improving the health of American Indian and Alaska Natives presented by the National Indian Health Board, 1999; (3) the national Council of Urban Indian Health “Outstanding Program of the Year” award, 2002; (4) Maxine Cissel Horner Spirit of Community Excellence Award, 2003: (5) a Women in Communication Annual Newsmaker, 2011; (6) a Women of the Year Pinnacle Award winner; (7) a YWCA 100 Women of Moxie, 2014; (8) a Dan Allen Social Justice Award Winner, 2016; (9) City of Tulsa “Carmelita Skeeter Day” Proclamation, 2019; and (10) Kenneth Anquoe Lifetime Achievement Dream Keeper Award, 2021. Carmelita has dedicated her life to the issues affecting Native Americans. She is never without drive and determination to add to and enhance the many services already provided by Indian Health Care Resource Center. She is admired and respected by the IHCRC patients, former and current staff, and the Board of Trustees. Indian Health Care would not be such a vital resource to the Tulsa community without the vision and leadership of Carmelita Skeeter.

Most of us have heard about transgender people in the news recently, with multiple celebrities coming out and also multiple states attempting to pass legislation prohibiting treatment for transgender youth and preventing transgender youth from competing on athletic teams matching their gender identity. To a cisgender person (a person whose gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth), it may be difficult to understand what transgender is and how a person could identify as such. “Transgender” is used as an umbrella term for a person whose assigned sex at birth (based on specific body parts) does not match their gender identity (internal sense of their being male or female). Non-binary people may also consider themselves as part of the transgender community. A person who identifies as non-binary has a gender identity that does not fit neatly in the constructs of male or female. Studies have shown that children as young as 3 years old start to identify with a specific gender (wearing clothes typical of a certain gender, the pronouns they use for themselves, and do activities generally associated with a certain gender). Gender dysphoria, the distress a person feels when their assigned sex at birth does not match their gender identity, has also been seen around this age as well. Children this young may not have the words to explain how they feel, but will show signs of being a different gender (insisting that they are a different gender, refusing to dress a certain way, asking if doctors can “fix” them, etc). Being transgender is not a phase. Gender identity is completely different from sexual orientation. A person’s gender identity is who they are, whereas sexual orientation is who they are attracted to. A transwoman (a person born assigned male at birth that has a gender identity of female) can have any sexual orientation: straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or any other orientation. Transgender people are at high risk of poverty, homelessness, mental illness, harassment, and suicidality, lack of medical treatment, and other adverse experiences. The National Center for Transgender Equality’s “2015 US Trans Survey” showed that 40% of the people surveyed had attempted suicide. The survey also showed that transgender women of color were more likely to have negative experiences, including being assaulted and murdered. One third of respondents to the survey had seen a medical doctor and had a negative experience such as being harassed or refused treatment. Currently, at the Federal level, transgender individuals can be discriminated against for housing, employment, healthcare, among other things. H.R. 5, also named the Equality Act, would extent protections to transgender individuals at the Federal level. Currently, Oklahoma is considering three anti-transgender bills that would negatively affect transgender youth specifically. SB 331, also named the Save Women’s Sports Act, would prohibit a transgender female from competing on a women’s athletic team, stating that athletes must play for the team associated with their assigned sex at birth. SB583 prohibits anyone under 18 years old from receiving gender affirming treatment (hormones, surgeries, etc). This bill also allows punishment to healthcare professionals that provide gender affirming treatments. SB676 would make it unlawful for a transgender person to receive gender affirming treatment until the age of 21, make it unlawful for a parent to seek gender affirming treatment for their child, and make it unlawful for healthcare professionals to provide this treatment. The punishment listed in SB676 would be a felony charge with a minimum of 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. Some ways to show support for transgender individuals is to use their preferred pronouns (he, she, they, etc), using their preferred name, and standing up for transgender individuals when you see or hear something. https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Executive-Summary-Dec17.pdf https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender-children-and-youth-understanding-the-basics https://www.glaad.org/transgender/transfaq

“Two Spirit” may sound like a new terms for most people, however, it has been around since 1990 in Canada. The term “Two Spirit” is used as an umbrella term encompassing people of all nations. Prior to 1990, the term used for these people was Berdache, but many nations have had specific names for such people such as Winkte in the Lakota language and Nadleeh in the Navajo language. There are images from the 1800s showing Two Spirit people, one of the most well-known being We-Wha of the Zuni nation. Two Spirit identities vary greatly from nation to nation, but some characteristics remain among them. Two Spirit does not have regards to assigned sex at birth or sexual orientation, but instead, Two Spirit people have a male spirit and a female spirit both inside them, understanding gender as a spectrum instead of a dichotomy. Two Spirit people, in most nations, are not referred to as “male” or female” but instead given an alternative gender. Depending on the nation and Indigenous language, a Two Spirit person was referred to by a third gender (when the Indigenous language did not have a distinction between male and female-bodied Two Spirit people) or a fourth gender (when the Indigenous language did specify between male and female-bodied Two Spirit people). A Two Spirit person may enjoy activities of the opposite sex, work in environments typical of the opposite sex, and have characteristics and temperaments typical of the opposite sex. Two Spirit people and their traditions were forced to go underground with European colonization. Two Spirit people were fed to dogs, forced into schools were assigned sex at birth was forced onto them. Male sex children were forced to cut their hair and wear male clothing and female sex children were forced to wear dresses. Many traditions were lost due to marginalization and violence, but in the last 20 years Two Spirit gatherings, Pow Wows, and traditions have become more common. https://www.ihs.gov/lgbt/health/twospirit/ https://www.hrc.org/news/two-spirit-and-lgbtq-idenitites-today-and-centuries-ago https://www.ncai.org/policy-research-center/initiatives/Pruden-Edmo_TwoSpiritPeople.pdf

With COVID-19 here to stay for the foreseeable future, many parents are left wondering how to protect their children. Schools are returning to in-person learning which can increase a child’s risk for potential exposure, and many parents are hopeful that vaccination can be an additional line of defense. The FDA has approved 3 COVID-19 vaccines for adults (ages 18 years and older) including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. At this time, only Pfizer has been approved for older teens ages 16 years and up. IHCRC does not currently offer Pfizer and therefore we are unable to vaccinate anyone who is not yet 18 years old. However, Pfizer is offered at select facilities and we would encourage families to contact their tribe and other local IHS entities to determine if their 16 or 17 year old teen can receive the Pfizer vaccine elsewhere. The public health community is hopeful that the FDA will be expanding the approved age brackets for COVID-19 vaccines to eventually include younger teens and older children as the year progresses.Please check with your child’s doctor or our IHCRC Facebook page frequently for the most up to date information regarding when your child can be vaccinated against COVID-19.

IHCRC will be closed February 16th due to weather. Stay safe and warm!

Going into 2020, none of us knew what it was going to be like. Maybe you had plans like a vacation or graduation, a new job or a wedding. Or maybe you were looking forward to spending quality time with family that you don't get to see very often. Whatever you were hoping to do in 2020, COVID-19 probably changed your plans somehow, and you may even be mourning a loved one this year. I'm a family practice doctor, and like most other healthcare workers, I was thrilled to hear that the coronavirus vaccines had been made, and that they work so well. Everyone should talk to their own doctor about whether the vaccine is a good choice for them, and I made sure to read everything I could find about the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, so I could help my patients decide what they wanted to do when given the chance to get one. Many people wonder how they will feel after a shot, and if the shots are safe. The possible side effects are the same as for most other vaccines: arm pain where the shot is given, body aches, fatigue, fever, headache, etc. Side effects usually only last a couple of days, and go away on their own. The vaccine is very safe, and definitely safer than getting an infection. A lot of people - 25 million Americans! - have already gotten a shot, and nobody has died because of the vaccine. On the other hand, 26 million Americans have had COVID-19, and over 400,000 people have died because of those infections. Most people who get infected will be sick for days or weeks. We are also learning that ~1 in 10 people will have symptoms or signs of organ damage for months after they get COVID-19. I've had patients and friends who still can't taste or smell, or who have cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, brain fog - the list is long! Most people who get COVID-19 will survive and probably be just fine in the long run. But this virus is unpredictable, and can hurt people in many ways. I wear a mask and got the vaccine because I don't want to take chances with my family's health. I got my shot so that someday I can hug my parents and in-laws and baby niece again. I got my shot so that someday I can hold my grandparents' hands, and tell them how much I missed them in 2020. I got my shot because I love my family so much, and I never want to be the reason that they got sick. The vaccines are giving us a chance to beat this virus, so I'm not throwing away my shot!

At First Nations, we always put Native communities first – every day and with every opportunity. But for many people outside Indian Country, thoughts about Native Americans and Native communities can be fleeting, and come to the forefront only on certain occasions. For many, those occasions happen in November when attention turns to Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving. Here, we offer four reasons to rethink these annual celebrations to truly make a difference for Native Americans. Celebrate year-round. In 1990, President George Bush declared the month of November as Native American Indian Heritage Month, which later became Native American Heritage Month. The month is designed to provide a platform for Native people to share their culture and traditions and for non-Native people to learn about Native American history and rights in order to improve awareness. The month builds on the initial proclamation of American Indian Week, and while a month is longer than a week, we have to ask: Why just November? At First Nations, we believe any time of the year is the appropriate time to celebrate the contributions of American Indians. Remember the roots of Thanksgiving. Another way to “rethink” at this time of year is to grasp a greater understanding of Thanksgiving. The myth of Thanksgiving suggests that Native people and pilgrims came together to celebrate the survival of the fragile Plymouth colony. In reality, there was indeed a “First Thanksgiving” in 1621, but Native people were not invited. Instead, Wampanoag soldiers showed up on their own after hearing celebratory gunshots and screams from pilgrim settlements. The Wampanoag soldiers thought the pilgrims were under attack and arrived as part of a diplomatic treaty of mutual defense between the Wampanoag nation and pilgrims. Ultimately, it wasn’t until after the formation of the United States that narratives of a harmonious celebration between pilgrims and Wampanoag were created to justify westward expansion and “manifest destiny.” Our purpose here is not to erase Thanksgiving as a celebration of gratitude and family, but to ensure people know and honor the real story of how this holiday came to be. Help reclaim Native truth. In November and all year, another way to make a difference for Native communities is to recognize the myths and misconceptions surrounding Native Americans and take active steps to gain a more accurate understanding and share that truth with others. In Changing the Narrative About Native Americans, A Guide for Allies, part of First Nations’ 2016 groundbreaking research Reclaiming Native Truth, we wrote: What most people in this country know — or think they know — about Native Americans is rooted in myths, stereotypes and half-truths. Information they have received since birth from movies, television, the media and school lessons has created a false narrative (or commonly accepted story) about historic and contemporary Native Americans and tribes. From a young age, most people in the United States have been immersed in the current dominant narrative about Native peoples. It is a largely false and deficit-based narrative, meaning it focuses on challenges and weaknesses — real, assumed or exaggerated — rather than being based on strengths and opportunities. These narratives are almost always created by non-Native people, often with the intention to oppress Native nations, peoples and cultures. By recognizing these existing narratives, people can enact strategies to shift these beliefs in everything from how stories are told and how people are portrayed, to how children are taught and how decision-makers are informed. The result: Greater social justice and increased collaboration with Native American peoples in all aspects of society. Invest in Native communities. Finally, a great way to make a difference this season is to learn about and support the amazing work that’s taking place throughout Indian Country when it comes to Native food sovereignty, language preservation, youth programs, and community building and asset building. Our grantee directory details hundreds of grassroots Native-led initiatives across the U.S. that First Nations has invested in. You can support these organizations directly, or support First Nations overall and designate your gift to our Native Youth & Culture Fund, to our COVID-19 Emergency Response efforts, or to where funding is needed most. Your support is always valued – during Native American Heritage Month, Thanksgiving, and beyond. Native Americans are still here in November and always. As the holidays and promotions pass, remember it’s always the right time to appreciate Native cultures and remember and honor the role of Native Americans in this country and in our lives. About First Nations Development Institute For 40 years, using a three-pronged strategy of educating grassroots practitioners, advocating for systemic change, and capitalizing Indian communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own – be they land, human potential, cultural heritage or natural resources – and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native American communities. First Nations serves Native American communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.firstnations.org.

A diagnosis of pre-diabetes can be confusing and scary but what is pre-Diabetes? A diagnosis of pre-diabetes means that your blood sugar levels are higher than what your doctor considers normal. This is usually diagnosed with an A1C reading. An A1C is a representation of a 2-3 month average of blood sugars. Normal A1C values are less than 5.7%, Pre-diabetes range is 5.7-6.4%, and diabetes is diagnosed with an A1C of 6.5% and above. There are many things that increase our risk for diagnosis of pre-diabetes including but not limited to: increasing age, being overweight or physically inactive, having a parent or sibling with diabetes, being Native American, for women being diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or a dark velvety rash on the back of the neck or elbows. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes there is hope! A referral from your doctor to see a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) can help you understand your diagnosis, prevent a progression to diabetes, and help you to make small lifestyle changes to lose weight and prioritize your health. RDNs are specially trained to help you set and meet lifestyle goals to help you lead your healthiest life. The RDNs at Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa look forward to meeting with you!

While the fear of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise, there is fear that cases of domestic violence will also be on the rise. While residents of Oklahoma are being asked or issued to practice social distancing and remain within their homes, which is crucial in reducing the spread of COVID-19, this could also strike fear in many vulnerable individuals. Senator Amy Klobuchar and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence spoke about these elevated risks during a public conference call this week. “Think about what we say to victims when they call and ask for help on the hotline. We say, ‘leave the house, leave the house.’ And the opposite message—for good public health reasons—is being conveyed right now,” said Senator Klobuchar. Now is the time to be mindful of potential risk factors that increase the likelihood of domestic violence occurring, how to reduce risk factors, or ultimately how to get help and know your community resources. It is well known that as emotional or life stressors increase, the likelihood of negative outcomes may increase as well, such as domestic violence related situations. Stressors such as food insecurity, lack of childcare, church and school closures, job loss, the inability to seek face-to-face care in some businesses- especially in rural areas, and lack of community interactions combined with isolation within the home for long periods of time can increase the risk to victims of domestic violence. But the most important message for anyone reading this is..YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS. It is important to not let hopelessness take over during this time. There are resources within the community and people that are here to help. Now is the time to become creative and think outside of the box if you are with your family within the home. When safety planning with an individual a large focus is placed on harm reduction. So how do we cope during these times? We focus on the here and now. We focus on how to change our daily routines during these changing times. Examples of this could be taking breaks from schoolwork, serious conversations, or during a stressful moment and refocus on something else, such as spending time outside meditating, taking a walk, playing silly games with your children such as tag. Now is the time to focus on healthier ways to take care of ourselves, which can be as simple as taking a shower, having a meal, writing our feelings or thoughts. But when all else fails, there are resources and teams that are available to provide emergency relief. Domestic violence victims are used to adapting to new situations to rebuild their lives. You have not been forgotten and we are here to help.

The Encyclopedia of Britannica states that the instinct and enthusiasm people share for gardening occurs all over the world and over all periods of human history with the earliest known garden plan from Egypt in 1400 BC. The encyclopedia goes on to say that the shared human desire to garden is from a “response to nature…a wish to produce growth and harmony in a creative partnership with it”. With this knowledge, it is no great shock that many people have turned to gardening in today’s time of uncertainty. I feel an internal shift as winter starts to fade into spring each year, a growing wonder in my soul. A need to dig deep into the soil that surrounds me and plant a seed to bring nourishment and joy in the coming weeks and months. Each new sign of life grows my enthusiasm to plant another so that I may watch and learn from the way it develops. Every season of gardening my knowledge heightens as each flower, bush, and vegetable brings with it new insight on how to use the land around me. In this way, we are all growing together. Harmony is found as I leave behind all other expectations and worries of today to step into the garden, where both my hands and mind are busy caring for the life around me. I open the gate and look in on the kale, radish, lettuce, onions and others, greeting them as both new and old friends. I wander to the hydrangeas and irises to see new leaf and bud has sprung overnight. Before any time has passed, the sun is setting and it is once again time for us all to rest. Each visit to the garden, I am taught something new, small kernels of detail on how to care for the world around me. As I care for the garden, it gives back the certainty that I can change and alter my surroundings in a beautiful way. A deal is made, though not spoken, that if I come and care for the earth around me, I will learn and be nourished in return. National Gardening Day is April 14th, and my hope for all of us is that we find and nourish growth and harmony through a partnership with the world around us.

We all struggle with life’s problems: relationship problems, money problems, job problems, car problems. Bottom line is we all have problems. Many of us have friends or family who do their best to help. Sometime, even a stranger has advice to help with our problem. This is especially true in today’s world of social media. Post a problem to your page or feed and see how many people tell you how to solve your problem. Or not. Because we all have problems, we are often too quick to offer our help when someone has a problem. We may be the ones commenting on the post or sending a personal message or maybe, just maybe, sitting down over a cup of coffee to talk. Whether you are receiving or giving help for a problem, one must be careful to understand that helping someone with a life problem is not the same as providing therapy. Offering assistance or advice is being a friend or a colleague, but it is not therapy. After all, you have probably taken aspirin to relieve a headache but did not begin to view yourself as a medical doctor People often minimize the value of training received by behavioral health providers because they have helped other people. Helping someone does not make you a therapist, any more than picking up cold medicine for a sick friend makes you a doctor. There is value in the training that counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists receive, otherwise they would not receive training. Just like physicians, behavioral health providers are trained to recognize and evaluate problems. They are also trained to provide assistance that causes no harm. Behavioral health providers have expertise in this area. It is important to trust that expertise in treatment just as you would with a medical provider.

Parties. Family. Money problems. Lack of time. All of these things cause stress and anxiety during the holidays. Often times we think simply avoiding something will relieve all that stress and anxiety. Anxious about seeing family who criticize you? Just don't attend the family holiday party. After all, Aunt Bea should be there again next year. Anxious about having no money this year? Have a drink (or two or three), spend the money you have and simply avoid the bills that need to be paid. Anxious about going to a party where too many people will be there? Then just stay home and miss out on the all the fun. Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. The office holiday party, going to a family function, or being in a crowd of people you don't know may cause you to be fearful and nervous. These are feelings we don't like so we simply avoid situations that frighten us. Did you know that avoiding that situation will most likely NOT relieve your anxiety? In fact, scary situations become scarier when you avoid them. And as they become scarier, our anxiety actually increases over time. Avoidance has become our way to cope. So, now what do we do? 1. Recognize that avoidance doesn't work. 2. Recognize the cost of avoidance. (Being alone, not seeing loved ones) 3. Learn to understand, accept, and handle the feelings and situations that make you anxious. Anxiety is not just about the holidays. Many things in life cause us extreme stress and anxiety. If you find yourself constantly avoiding life situations on a regular basis or find that your avoidance is causing issues in your daily life (not leaving home or not going to the store, for example), reach out and get some help. Effectively treating anxiety often requires facing those frightening situations. The IHCRC Behavioral Health Team is here to help when anxiety and avoidance take over your life. In the meantime, during this time of holiday stress, find a friend to attend that party with you. You just might have a merry time.

Tidings of comfort and joy. Be of good cheer. Have a holly jolly Christmas. May your days be merry and bright. It is the season of giving thanks. We hear these sentiments almost daily this time of the year. Too often we fail to realize that the holidays are a difficult time for many people. Life situations, like those listed below can influence how happy our holidays will be. Loss or death of a loved one Estrangement from family Financial difficulties Life stressors (even happy ones like moving, starting a new job, or getting married) Too often in today’s cyber world, the words sadness and depression fill our phone screens, especially this time of year. Everyone has an opinion, a similar story, or a recommendation. "See a therapist." "Go talk to someone." "Get some meds for your depression." Unfortunately, share a problem or an ailment on Facebook and everyone becomes a doctor or a therapist. The IHCRC Behavioral Health team does their best to help people understand when therapy or medication management is necessary. Having strong emotions is not necessarily a bad thing. Emotions are helpful in navigating the world because they provide feedback about activities to engage in more often and activities to engage in less often. Emotions can help people experience things like empathy. Some emotional reactions are reasonable responses to situational factors, such as those included in the list above. Bottom line, there are situations where having strong emotions do not necessarily mean that therapy is needed. Not all emotional reactions require psychotherapy or medication management. Grief is a natural response to loss. Stress is a natural response to financial difficulties. Emotions sometimes simply mean that we are alive. And sometimes, emotions become so strong that we need to seek the help of a professional. You might need to see a therapist if you have….. Suicidal thoughts Been depressed for a long time and no longer finding any joy in life Uncontrollable crying Panic attacks Feelings that your life is meaningless Trouble completing daily tasks Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness Addictive behaviors, drinking more or gambling Lack of self-care (not bathing or getting dressed for example) Been withdrawing from social interactions Been hearing voices that frighten you We are always here to help, to guide, and to listen. Instead of posting publicly on social media, why not contact someone privately who can truly help you determine if therapy is right for you #holiday #depression #therapy #sadness #medication #emotions

National Stalking Awareness Month is observed on Tuesday, January 1st, 2019. It has been observed the month of January since 2004. Did You Know 7.5 million people are stalked in one year in the United States. 15% of women and 6% of men have experienced stalking victimization at some point during their lifetime in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed. The average length of partner stalking is approximately 2.2 years (which is longer than the average of just over one year for non-intimate partner cases) 81% of women who were stalked by a current or former husband or cohabitating partner were also physically assaulted by that partner. 57% of stalking victims were stalked during the relationship. Most Commonly Reported Stalker Tactics by Both Female and Male Victims of Stalking Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim didn’t want them to be there Making unwanted telephone calls Leaving the victim unwanted messages (text or voice) Watching or following the victim from a distance Spying on the victim with a listening device, camera, or global positioning system Time of Greatest Risk for Violence Any stalking case can escalate into violence. The risk of violence is heightened when the stalker Issues direct threats of violence Expresses jealousy of the victim’s relationships with others during the relationship Uses illegal drugs Impact of Stalking on Victims 46% of stalking victims fear not knowing what will happen next. 29% of stalking victims fear the stalking will never stop. 1 in 8 employed stalking victims lose time from work as a result of their victimization and more than half lose 5 days of work or more. 1 in 7 stalking victims move as a result of their victimization. The prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression is much higher among stalking victims than the general population, especially if the stalking involves be­ing followed or having one’s property destroyed. Things You Can Do If you are in immediate danger, call 911 Develop a safety plan, including things like changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative go places with you. Also, decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, or somewhere else. Tell people how they can help you. Contact a crisis hotline, victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis program Keep evidence of the stalking Contact the police. Every state has stalking laws. The stalker may also have broken other laws by doing things like assaulting you or stealing or destroying your property. Consider getting a court order that tells the stalker to stay away from you. Tell family, friends, roommates, and co-workers about the stalking and seek their support. Tell security staff at your job or school. Ask them to help watch out for your safety. Resources Call Rape/Tulsa Rape Crisis Call Rape is a 24hr information and crisis line that can assist with Stalking, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Teen Dating Violence. They offer services 24-hours a day by calling their hotline at (918) 743-5763 The Family Safety Center 600 Civic Center, Main Floor Police Courts Building Tulsa, OK 74103 Phone: 918-742-7480 Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc. Phone: (918) 743-5763 Tulsa Police Department The Tulsa Police Department investigates reports of crimes that were committed off-campus in Tulsa. Their non-emergency number is 918-596-9222. Heartline Crisis Line Dial 2-1-1 – or text your ZIP code to 898-211– for a free and confidential helpline that can connect you with resources in your area. If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide and would like to speak with someone call (800) 273-8255 Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault OCADVSA provides advocacy and support related to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Stalking. For information and services across the state, call (405) 524-0700 Domestic Violence Hotline The National Domestic Violence Hotline has been the vital link to safety for women, men, children, and families affected by domestic violence. With the help of dedicated advocates and staff, they respond to calls 24/7, 365 days a year #stalking #nationalstalkingawarenessmonth

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the pressure in your arteries is higher than it should be. When your blood pushes against the sides of the arteries this creates a force. The force of this pushing is called your blood pressure. Blood pressure is written as a fraction. The top (systolic) number represents the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom (diastolic) number represents the pressure when your heart rest between beats. Almost half of people in the United States who are over the age of twenty have high blood pressure. It is important to know your blood pressure and have it checked on a regular basis. High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, but can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and more. So how does someone know if they are at risk for developing high blood pressure? Risk factors are divided into two groups. The first group includes the factors we do not have control over. These include: getting older, family history of hypertension, race/ethnicity, having kidney disease and having obstructive sleep apnea. Men also are at higher risk than women. The second group of risk factors are things we do have control over. These include the following: smoking tobacco, being overweight or obese, high cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes, not getting enough exercise. Also eating an unhealthy diet that is high in sodium, low in potassium and drinking too much alcohol increase your risk for high blood pressure. For adults, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is when your top (systolic) number is between 120-129 and your bottom (diastolic) number is less than 80. High blood pressure is when your numbers read 130/80 or higher. If your blood pressure is in this category, it is definitely time to pay attention. It is a myth that a person can tell if they have high blood pressure just by how they feel. Many people think that having high blood pressure has symptoms such as nervousness, sweating, or having flushing of the face. However, many times people have no symptoms at all. This is why hypertension is known as the “Silent Killer”. If you have high blood pressure, it can be causing damage to you heart, arteries, eyes, kidneys and other organs. Prevention is key to keep blood pressure under control. Start by not smoking. If you already smoke, do everything in your power to quit. Get active. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of aerobic activity. This is exercise using your large muscle groups. The goal is to get your heart rate up high enough so you are breathing harder than at rest, but able to still carry on a conversation. Some examples of aerobic activity include walking, riding bikes, swimming and dancing. If you are overweight or obese, lose weight. Limit alcohol intake. Women should have no more than 1 drink per day and men no more than 2 drinks per day. Limit sodium. Aim to consume less than 1500 milligrams of dietary sodium a day. This includes all forms of salt that you cook with. This also means it is important to read labels at the grocery store and choose lower sodium options. Be aware that the highest foods containing sodium include; breads and rolls, pizza, soup, lunch meats and cured meats (ham, bacon, sausage), rotisserie chicken and sandwiches. A low sodium food usually contains no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving. Lastly, if you are prescribed medicine to lower your blood pressure, take your medication exactly as prescribed. There are several categories of medicines for managing blood pressure. Many people are on more than one type of BP medication because the medicines work in different ways. Do not stop taking you medicines just because your blood pressure improves. It can be very helpful to track your blood pressure at home. Keep a log of your readings if your doctor requests you too and bring your log with you to your appointments for review. So, know your blood pressure. If it is well controlled, maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep it there. If it is 130/80 or higher, see your provider and ask to see an educator in the Health and Wellness department. #bloodpresssure #heartdiease #hypertension #highbloodpressure