UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center

02/09/2026

Cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from moving, but make sure you’re doing it safely.

Exercising in low temperatures comes with extra risks, from muscle strains to cold-related illness, but a few simple precautions can help protect your body. Dressing in layers, warming up properly, and knowing when to head indoors can make all the difference.

Check out these 7 tips to stay safe while exercising in the cold from UK HealthCare:

It can be tough to follow through on your New Year's resolution to exercise more when the weather is still chilly. But you don’t have to let frigid…

02/02/2026

This National Heart Month, take time to prioritize your heart, because a healthy heart helps you keep moving and doing what you love.
At North Fork Valley Community Health Center, we encourage simple, heart-healthy habits like staying active, eating well, managing stress, and keeping up with regular checkups. Even small changes can make a meaningful impact on heart health.

12/29/2025

Sniffles might come home as holiday fun winds down and regular life returns. Dr. Michael Hall has advice to make colds and flu season easier to navigate.

Dr. Michael Hall joined UK HealthCast to discuss effective ways to slow the spread of viruses, which over-the-counter medicines to use and avoid depending on your symptoms, and when you should consider seeking help from a provider.

11/27/2025

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food—but keeping your health in mind can make the holiday even better! Take breaks, ask for help in the kitchen, and remember to breathe. Fit in some movement with a morning walk or “turkey trot” to keep your joints and muscles active. When it comes to the meal, watch portions, enjoy your favorites, and focus on spending time with loved ones.

From all of us at UK HealthCare, have a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving!

Read more for tips on staying healthy this holiday:

Make Thanksgiving happy and healthy this year with our top tips for a guilt-free holiday. 1. Take a deep breath. Between cleaning your house, …

11/25/2025

The holidays are here, and many of us are hitting the road to see family and friends—but are you prepared for a safe journey? From avoiding travel fatigue to keeping your joints and muscles comfortable during long drives, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Want to know the 8 essential safety tips every traveler should follow this holiday season? From vehicle prep to smart stretching breaks, these tips could make all the difference in arriving safely—and comfortably.

Check out the full guide from UK HealthCare ]and make your holiday travel safer than ever:

Thanksgiving is nearly here, which means the busy holiday travel season between November and January is upon us. The weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas …

11/24/2025

Recycle your used cooking oil and support UK biofuel research at the 16th annual Gobble Grease Toss!
Bring your leftover cooking oil (in a sealed, hard-sided container) to Redwood Cooperative School on Nov. 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. This free, drive-through event helps keep pipes clean and turns your oil into renewable energy through a UK CAER partnership. Fayette County residents only. Learn more at LexingtonKY.gov/GobbleGreaseToss.

11/20/2025

Today is Great American Smokeout day and a great time to prioritize your health and well-being. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., contributing to heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious health conditions. But the good news is, it's never too late to quit.

At UK HealthCare, we support you in your journey to quit smoking. Whether it's your first attempt or you're continuing your efforts, every step counts. Our team is here to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to help you succeed.

Remember, quitting smoking is a process, and seeking support can make a significant difference. You're not alone—reach out to healthcare professionals who can assist you in creating a personalized plan to quit.

Take that first step today. Your heart, lungs, and overall health will thank you.

Visit the Great American Smokeout page on the American Cancer Society website to learn more: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

11/19/2025

Living with COPD can make staying active feel challenging, but even small movements can make a big difference in maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health. You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment—walking, gentle stretches, or light activities that use your large muscle groups can all help improve joint and bone health while supporting your lungs.

The key is to start where you are, move at your own pace, and gradually build up over time. Every step counts, and consistency matters more than intensity. Staying active can help reduce fatigue, improve daily function, and enhance quality of life for those managing COPD.

This World COPD Awareness Day, let’s celebrate small steps toward stronger, healthier bodies—because even small movements matter.

Learn more about safe exercises for people with COPD and tips to support your musculoskeletal health: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/comprehensive-stroke-center/education-prevention/preventing-stroke/exercise-good-health

11/11/2025

Today we salute our Veterans and thank you for your service! We appreciate you! (Photo was taken in Arlington)

11/10/2025

At North Fork Valley Community Health Center, we believe quality healthcare should never depend on your income or insurance. That’s why we provide affordable, comprehensive care for every patient who walks through our doors.

Here’s what you’ll find with us:
14 welcoming exam rooms
Dental care on site and in our mobile unit
Lab services
Nutrition counseling to fuel healthy living
An on-site pharmacy for your convenience
Licensed psychologists for mental well-being
Hands-on osteopathic treatments for pain relief
Workers’ comp services to get you back on track

Need help fast? We’ve got same-day appointments ready for you.

11/05/2025

UK HealthCare is proud to celebrate Dr. Nikki Stone, DMD, who has served as the dentist on-board UK North Fork Valley’s Ronald McDonald Care Mobile for the past twenty years, for being honored with the Elizabeth Carey Nahra Legacy of Love Award by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass.

This award recognizes an individual or organization whose exceptional contributions or projects have enabled the Ronald McDonald House of the Bluegrass to assist families across Kentucky with their children’s healthcare needs.

Dr. Stone’s leadership in expanding access to pediatric dental care through UK’s Mobile Dentistry Program ensures that children across Eastern Kentucky receive vital, preventive, and compassionate care right in their own communities.

Her dedication to serving families with compassion and excellence reflects the true spirit of UK HealthCare’s mission, improving the health and well-being of every Kentuckian, one smile at a time.

Congratulations, Dr. Stone. Keep up the good work!

11/02/2025

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Did you know diabetes can affect your bone health and healing? Proper management of blood sugar is essential to support strong bones and recovery from orthopedic procedures. Learn more about diabetes and how to manage tour blood sugar for healthy bones here: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/wellness-community/health-information/diabetes