United Indian Health Services

12/05/2025

12/03/2025

Tips On Tuesdays Winter Arts & Crafts Fair

If you are looking for that special gift for giving, then you have come to the right place. United Indian Health Service (UIHS) is once again hosting its annual Winter Arts & Crafts Fair. Now in it’s 23rd year, this event is a great way to support Native artisans and get items for winter gift giving.

The UIHS Board of Directors and Staff invites you to Potawot Health Village this Saturday December 6th from 10 AM – 5 PM to do some of your holiday shopping. Over 60 Native American artists will have tables selling everything from t-shirts to hand made jewelry. Additionally, lunch items and desserts will be available to purchase.

UIHS believes that creating and sharing art can be part of the healing process is also a good way to help bring together our American Indian community. Please join us at 1600 Weeot Way, just off Janes Road, in Arcata, CA in celebration of the season and in support of local American Indian artists. For more information please call the UIHS Tribal and Public Health Department at (707) 825-5070.

12/02/2025

Join us for the 23rd Annual UIHS American Indian Winter Arts & Crafts Fair!
✨ Saturday, December 6, 2025
✨ Potawot Health Village in Arcata
✨ 10:00am–5:00pm
Local Native artists, handmade gifts, food, and community.
Bring your family and enjoy a beautiful day together!
Vendors accept cards, cash, and digital payment (varies by vendor)
Food + treats are cash only.
See you on December 6 at Potawot Health Village!

11/29/2025

Dear Doctor Coyote, I have recently been helping take care of a close family member and am trying to help them navigate the medical care system. What can I do to help meet their needs? Signed, Anxious Advocate.

Dear Anxious Advocate, I applaud your for stepping in to help out a relative in need. Having you by their side will help things go smoothly and can be an important part of their overall return to good health. I know the medical care system can be imposing and sometimes overwhelming. By being patient and persistent you should be well on your way to helping your family member recover. November is National Family Caregivers Month and to get additional information on being a Family Caregiver go to: https://caregiverdoc.com/national-family-caregivers-month/

The first thing that you need to take care of is authorization to work on behalf of your family member. According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) all Family Advocates (also known as Personal Representatives) must have a signed “HIPPA Release of Information” form before health care workers can share any information about a patient. You should be able to get a copy of this form from any medical provider’s office. Once it is signed by the patient you can be an active participant in the process. Keep a copy of this release with you for all medical visits. Also, ask that a copy of the signed release is maintained in your relative’s medical record(s). For more information about being a Personal Representative please go to: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/personal-representatives/index.html

Try and attend all medical appointments with your family member. Make sure to arrive early to fill out any needed paperwork prior to seeing your medical provider. Also have an up to date list of all medicines and over-the-counter supplements the patient is taking including dosages. Bring copies of any medical or insurance cards that the office might need. Be sure to ask questions especially if something being said is technical or they are using acronyms. If unclear about something be sure to ask questions, the medical team is there to be resource. Be sure and take notes so you have a good record of things discussed. You can also record the appointment on your phone if you get permission of the provider.

Your Doctor’s office may even have someone whose job is to help you in through the medical process. They are known as Patient or Client Advocates. Their job is to ensure that clients are assisted in completing all necessary documents and understanding the contents of those documents before signing. He or she will also make certain that clients understand all the available services. This includes assistance with making appointments, arranging transportation, if available, and explaining patient rights and responsibilities. They are also aware of other services in the community that you may need. United Indian Health Services has Client Advocates in our Tribal Public Health Department. You can get in contact with Fran Pederson at Potawot Health Village at (707) 825-5070 or Winter Berry in the Crescent City Office at (707) 464-2750 to see what services they can provide.

Hope this has been helpful to you. Signed, Always an Advocate for the People-Dr. C.

For more information please go to:
VIDEO-How To Be An Effective Patient Advocate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPAQRXODies

How to Be a Caregiver Advocate for Your Loved One
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-caregiver-advocate-your-loved-one-jasen-p-mikels/

VIDEO-How to be a Patient Care Advocate as a Caregiver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFa0hL-v1qc

11/26/2025

Tips On Tuesdays: Adding Native Thanksgiving Foods

As we gather with friends and family at this year’s thanksgiving table it is a good time to reflect on how native foods have become part of this holiday tradition. It is also an opportunity to try some new dishes that are indigenous to this country that maybe you are not used to eating during this annual feast.

You can start off your meal with a savory pumpkin soup. Add onions, leeks and shallots, all ingredients indigenous to this land, to compliment the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. Flavor with salt and pepper to your taste. You can try giving it a spicy kick by adding some cayenne powder as well.

The centerpiece of most thanksgiving meals is the turkey which is indeed a traditional native food. The stuffing on the other hand is more of a modern recipe made with ingredients that we have available today, mainly flour for the breaded croutons used. To make it more traditional try using a cornbread based formula that incorporates corn which was much more widely used by native peoples.

Side dishes are another area where you can add a native flair. Wild rice is a nutritious grain that is wonderfully nutty and crunchy. You can add a three-sister’s salad of corn, beans and squash for a very nutritious addition to your meal. Make a vinaigrette based dressing to bring out the natural flavors. Don’t forget the side of cranberry sauce (whole or jelly), another native staple.

Some of your favorite thanksgiving desserts all have native roots. Apple, pecan and pumpkin pie all use ingredients originally found in this part of the world and enjoyed by native peoples. Make mine with extra whipped cream please.

For more information and resources please got to:

VIDEO-American Indian Museum Celebrates Thanksgiving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJmxnIbAMPY

VIDEO-Cooking With Indigenous Ingredients: A Day With The Sioux Chef
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvwgf6NAdNw

Seven Native American Chefs Share Thanksgiving Recipes
https://tinyurl.com/NativeThanksgivingFoods

11/22/2025

Dear Doctor Coyote,

Many members of my family have suffered from diabetes. I was just diagnosed with pre-diabetes. What more can you tell me about this dangerous disease and how I can improve my health? Signed, Trying to Change.

Dear Trying to Change,

According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) “American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults are almost 3 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes compared to White adults.” Having diabetes comes with a number of health-related risks such as blindness, amputation due to poor circulation, doubling your risk of stroke, kidney failure, and dialysis. Statistically, the AI/AN population has among the highest rates of diabetes, and related health complications, of any group in the world. Experts believe this higher rate reflects how quickly our communities were forced to shift from traditional, active ways of living and eating to modern diets and lifestyles that don’t match how our bodies learned to thrive over centuries.

November has been proclaimed as National Diabetes Awareness Month and this is a good chance to learn more about this disease that impacts so many AI/AN people. Take this opportunity to find out facts about diabetes and what you can do to reduce its impact on your life. The theme for this year’s observance is “Take Charge of Tomorrow,” and it encourages all of us to make changes to improve our overall health and diet.

According to the Mayo clinic there are 5 things you can do to improve your health in the face of diabetes:

1. Be more physically active – even simple daily walking helps lower blood sugar and build strength.
2. Eat healthy, fiber-rich plant foods – think leafy greens, beans, berries, and root vegetables that grow well around us.
3. Choose healthy unsaturated fats – like salmon (rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids), avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
4. Avoid high-carbohydrate processed foods – especially those that come in boxes and packaging or have added sugars.
5. Skip fad diets – instead, focus on steady, sustainable changes that fit your life and culture.
6. These habits together can help you lose extra weight naturally, which in turn improves blood sugar and heart health.

For more complete information on these recommendations go to: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-prevention/art-20047639

Suffice it to say you have a lot of control in your own hands when it comes to diabetes. If you focus your efforts you can help turn around the things that have led to your diagnosis of pre-diabetes. Many Native people feel a sense of hopeless about diabetes, like it is inevitable because of your family and community history, but by making changes in your lifestyle you can fight back against this disease that has plagued American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our bodies remember the old ways — hunting, gathering, moving, fasting. It’s only modern snacks that confuse the wisdom in our genes.

Signed, Dr. Coyote-Who Will Take Any Reason To Eat More Salmon

For more information and resources please go to:

VIDEO: We Can Prevent Diabetes - Native Americans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpDQrkOZUTk

VIDEO: Importance of Culturally Appropriate Care for Native Americans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCDXs0Rtqn8
Advancing Diabetes Prevention and Control in American Indians and Alaska Natives
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9924140/

Indian Health Service-Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
https://www.ihs.gov/diabetes/

Improving Health in Indian Country-Diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/health-equity/health-american-indian.html

American Diabetes Association:
https://diabetes.org/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes

11/21/2025

On Saturday, November 22, we will gather for International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day. A day when those who have lost someone to su***de can come together to find understanding, connection, and hope. This event offers a compassionate space to share stories, honor loved ones and support one another.

We will feature guidance and teaching by Dr. Gina Belton focused on healing, resilience, and the strength found in community.

Join us at Potawot Health Village, 1600 Weeot Way, Arcata, from 10am to 2pm. Coffee and tea will be available.
Register at arcata-california.isosld.afsp.org

11/20/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and uplift the family members, friends, and community members who care for loved ones across Indian Country. In American Indian and Alaska Native communities, caregiving is more than a responsibility — it is a reflection of our values, traditions, and deep respect for our elders and families.

“Caregiving taught me the true essence of strength, purpose, and resilience. Though the journey was not easy, ensuring our loved one could remain at home in their final days was an honor beyond measure—one that will stay with us always,” said Acting Deputy Director for Management Operations Dr. Rose Weahkee.

Family caregivers embody love, strength, and resilience. This month, we honor their compassion and encourage caregivers to care for themselves, too. Read more in the IHS Blog: https://bit.ly/4hX0X93

Learn more about caregiver support and resources from the Indian Health Service:

👉 IHS Elder Care Program: https://www.ihs.gov/dccs/eldercare/
👉 IHS Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Resources: https://www.ihs.gov/alzheimers/alztraining/otherresources/

11/19/2025

Every third Thursday in November is the Great American Smokeout, this year it is on November 20. This is a day, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, to challenge people to try quitting on that day and to implement a plan to remain ni****ne free. Remember that smokeless to***co such as chew or s***f and va**ng are NOT healthy alternatives to smoking ci******es. For more information on the Smokeout and quitting resources go to https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/to***co/great-american-smokeout.html

According to the Truth Initiative “American Indians and Alaska Natives use to***co more than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States.” Smoking takes a toll on every major organ in the human body. It increases your risk for cancer, heart disease and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease, death and disability.

By quitting now, you are giving yourself, your family and your friends a great gift. Plus, you will not be responsible for second hand smoke that can harm others. With a pack of ci******es now costing upwards of $10 thinking of how much money you will save.

American Indians have a cultural practice of using to***co as a sacred medicine. For many tribes, to***co used in ceremony, prayer, and offerings. It is not used recreationally is given as an offering to the Creator and to the earth. The commercial to***co that causes disease is heavily processed, filled with additives and ni****ne levels far beyond anything in traditional plants. Returning to the original respect for to***co as medicine, not habit can help guide the healing process of quitting.

For more information and resources please go to the following links:
VIDEO-American Lung Association: Smoking Cessation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA2RQLygZx0

VIDEO: Traditional To***co Use
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXFPBD6k73I

https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/i-want-to-quit/how-to-quit-smoking

https://keepitsacred.itcmi.org/

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/smoking.html

https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-to***co/great-american-smokeout.html

https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2017/11/gaso/

https://www.undo.org/

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/targeted-communities/to***co-use-american-indianalaska-native-community

11/18/2025

In honor of Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, all UIHS clinics and offices will be closed on Thurs Nov 27, Fri Nov 28, and Sat Nov 29th. 🦃❤️ This is a time for family, friends, gratitude and honoring the resilience and culture of Native peoples. We hope you’re able to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and take time for rest and connection.