Muskingum Valley Health Centers

Muskingum Valley Health Centers MVHC is a non-profit federally qualified health center that provides access to high-quality, affordable primary care.

Happy Thanksgiving from MVHC! Let us know in the comments what you're thankful for today!
11/26/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from MVHC! Let us know in the comments what you're thankful for today!

This time of year it can be common to wake up with a sore, scratchy throat. But is it strep, or just related to a cold?S...
11/25/2025

This time of year it can be common to wake up with a sore, scratchy throat. But is it strep, or just related to a cold?

Sore throats are usually caused by allergies or from a virus like the cold or flu. They typically come on slowly and go away on their own within 5 to 7 days, and can be treated and with OTC allergy or pain medications like antihistamines and Acetaminophen, and managed with home remedies like warm tea. They may be accompanied by symptoms like:
Runny nose
Coughing
Sneezing
Red or watery eyes
Mild body aches

Strep throat is caused by bacteria; specifically, group A Streptococcus. It will usually appear suddenly and will often hurt most when you try to swallow. It is usually not accompanied by other cold symptoms like coughing or sneezing. Signs of strep may include:
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
Headache
Loss of appetite
Belly pain, especially in children
Red tonsils or white spots

If you think you have strep, you'll need to see your healthcare provider. To schedule an appointment with MVHC call or text 740-891-9000.

It's Thanksgiving week! Please refer to these holiday hours for MVHC. All MVHC sites, including Urgent Care locations, w...
11/24/2025

It's Thanksgiving week! Please refer to these holiday hours for MVHC. All MVHC sites, including Urgent Care locations, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.

Have a great Thanksgiving, from MVHC!

Today is National Espresso Day! Coffee actually has quite a few health benefits when consumed in moderate amounts. Here ...
11/23/2025

Today is National Espresso Day! Coffee actually has quite a few health benefits when consumed in moderate amounts. Here are 10 health benefits of drinking coffee:
1. Gives you energy
2.Provides nutrients (like potassium and magnesium)
3. Fights inflammation
4. May lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes
5. Supports good brain health
6. Could protect your liver
7. May lower your risk for cancer
8. Fights depression and anxiety
9. Promotes a healthy heart
10. May offset the effects of being inactive (But you still need to get exercise)

Now, all of these benefits are great, but aren't a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise. It is recommended to consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, and maybe you should have some actual coffee with your creamer, caramel and sugar (Yes, we're looking at you.) But in moderate amounts, coffee can actually benefit your health!

This sweet potato casserole recipe is healthy and perfect for a Thanksgiving side! Next time you're at the store, you ma...
11/22/2025

This sweet potato casserole recipe is healthy and perfect for a Thanksgiving side! Next time you're at the store, you may want to get a big bag of sweet potatoes!

Ingredients:
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, 8 ounces, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Put the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water by 2-inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots. Cook until both the potatoes and carrots are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.

2. Transfer the potatoes and carrots to a large bowl and add the sugar, butter, ginger, zest, and cinnamon. Mash until well combined and slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the egg whites and transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle with the nuts and bake until well puffed and hot through, about 30 minutes.

Do you know what a midwife is and what they do?MVHC has certified nurse-midwives as part of our Women's Health team. Th...
11/20/2025

Do you know what a midwife is and what they do?

MVHC has certified nurse-midwives as part of our Women's Health team. They provide care for women during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. They can also provide general care such as annual checkups. A common misconception is that midwives only assist with home births. However, midwives also deliver in hospitals.

Why would I choose a midwife for care during my pregnancy?
Midwives view pregnancy and birth as normal life events that can be a healthy time in your life. Midwives are experts in knowing the difference between normal changes that occur and symptoms that require extra attention, but believe that not all births require medical intervention. They offer health care that respects the goals and choices of each individual woman and family.

To learn more about MVHC's Women's Health Services, visit mvhccares.org/womenshealth

Of course, we usually recommend home-cooked meals made with healthy ingredients. However, we know that sometimes when yo...
11/19/2025

Of course, we usually recommend home-cooked meals made with healthy ingredients. However, we know that sometimes when you're on the move or traveling that's not always possible. You can still find ways to make healthier choices when you eat at fast food restaurants.

Here are some of the healthiest options on the menu at popular fast food chains, to help you stick to your health goals while on the road.

Has MVHC made a difference in your life? Your story is important, and it can make an impact. MVHC can use your experienc...
11/18/2025

Has MVHC made a difference in your life? Your story is important, and it can make an impact. MVHC can use your experience to advocate for the importance of Community Health Centers with elected officials and on social media. You can remain anonymous and be an advocate!

To submit your testimonial, visit bit.ly/4i1JDQi and go to the section labeled "Advocacy for Community Health Centers."

November is COPD Awareness Month. Maddie Applegate, PA is here to explain what COPD is and common symptoms of both kinds...
11/18/2025

November is COPD Awareness Month. Maddie Applegate, PA is here to explain what COPD is and common symptoms of both kinds of COPD.

"There are two types of COPD- emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is when the inner walls of sacs in the lungs weaken, leading to less oxygen and more air trapping. Chronic bronchitis is a disease involving inflammation of parts of the lungs, leading to mucus production and obstruction of air. Both affect the lungs, causing shortness of breath. To***co use/smoke inhalation is not the only way one can get COPD, but it is one of the most common. The best test to diagnose COPD is spirometry with pulmonary function testing.

In people with emphysema, expiration (or breathing out) is an active process. This leads to trapped air, overinflation of the lungs, and pursed lip breathing. In those with emphysema, patients can experience significant weight and muscle loss. In contrast, the most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis are shortness of breath with a wet cough. Sometimes, those with chronic bronchitis can become cyanotic from increased cardiac output. It is important to evaluate heart strain in those with chronic bronchitis.

Though emphysema and chronic bronchitis can look different for each patient, the best way to treat it is the same for both: smoking/vaping cessation and oxygen use. However, rescue and maintenance inhalers are also used for symptom control."

To schedule an appointment with MVHC Adult Health, call or text 740-891-9000.

We're getting into the time of year when it gets dark earlier, people are staying inside, and seasonal depression and an...
11/17/2025

We're getting into the time of year when it gets dark earlier, people are staying inside, and seasonal depression and anxiety can start to set in for some people. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you're not alone. MVHC Behavioral Health is here to help you manage these feelings; just call or text 740-891-9000 to make an appointment.

This healthy white chicken chili recipe is all made in the crockpot, and is the perfect cozy dinner for fall.Ingredients...
11/15/2025

This healthy white chicken chili recipe is all made in the crockpot, and is the perfect cozy dinner for fall.

Ingredients
1 cup onion diced
1 tablespoon garlic minced
1 lb chicken breasts
4 oz canned diced green chiles
1 cup chicken broth low or no salt
1/2 tablespoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt omit for low salt
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
13.4 oz cannellini beans canned, rinsed + drained
1 cup frozen corn optional

Instructions
1. Chop onions and garlic. (Optional: you can sauté in 1 teaspoon of olive oil for 2 minutes before adding to the crockpot.)
2. Lay chicken breasts along the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Cover chicken with onions, garlic, green chiles, broth and spices.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
5. After 6 hours, shred chicken breasts. You can shred them right in the crockpot with two forks or remove from the pan and pull apart on a cutting board. The chicken will be tender enough that it falls apart. Stir the chicken in with the other ingredients. Add cannellini beans and frozen corn.

Optional if you have time: Allow the chicken to sit for an additional 10-20 minutes after shredding the chicken. The chicken will absorb some of the liquid and thicken the chili.

Please welcome Ashley Devoll, APRN to our MVHC Urgent Care team!Ashley says she became a nurse practitioner because she ...
11/15/2025

Please welcome Ashley Devoll, APRN to our MVHC Urgent Care team!

Ashley says she became a nurse practitioner because she wanted to take a larger role in making a meaningful difference in her patient’s lives. For many years, Ashley has taken care of patients at the end of their life and provided symptom management and support. While she loved that work, Ashley wanted to be more involved in their treatment and overall care plan. Becoming a nurse practitioner allows her to guide, support, and advocate for patients in a deeper and more impactful way. Ashley especially enjoys caring for elderly patients. She says she finds it incredibly rewarding to be able to listen to their stories, build relationships, and help improve their quality of life. She says being able to provide comfort, education, and support during vulnerable moments is a privilege and it’s one of the reasons she loves what she does.

A fun fact about Ashley is that she loves to sing. She’s spent more than 40 years singing in churches, nursing homes, and the occasional wedding and memorial service. She also says she summoned the courage to bungee jump and hopefully one day she’ll be brave enough to go sky diving.

Welcome, Ashley!

Address

McConnelsville, OH

Telephone

+18884545157

Website

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MVHC

MVHC is a non-profit federally qualified health center that provides access to affordable, quality primary care to the residents of Coshocton, Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum and surrounding counties.