Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc.

12/11/2025

Peanuts May Help Boost Brain Health

A new study suggests that eating 2 daily servings of peanuts may help support brain health in older adults. With more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s in 2025 and no cure available, lifestyle choices like diet are an important area of research.

The new study focuses on the impact of eating skin-roasted peanuts on brain health. The research found that peanuts can increase blood flow to the brain, notably in areas tied to memory and thinking.

The research examined how peanuts impact blood flow in adults aged 60 to 75. According to the American Brain Foundation: “blood flow delivers oxygen and other essential nutrients for cognitive functions, including memory, focus and problem solving to the brain.”
Since medical providers often recommend making dietary changes to help with the risks of Alzheimers, this research focused on peanuts, since they are rich in nutrients linked to heart and blood vessel health, including protein, healthy fats, antioxidants and L-arginine – an amino acid involved in regulating blood flow. The study used skin-roasted peanuts because the skins contain extra fiber, protein, and antioxidant compounds.
Participants in the research went through a 16-week control period where they totally avoided eating peanuts and tree nuts. During the test period, participants ate 60 grams of unsalted, skin roasted peanuts per day. During the peanut phase, the participants saw a boost of 36% in brain blood flow. The subregions of the brain involved in memory and decision making showed even greater improvements. The research also showed a small improvement in verbal memory during the peanut phase.
Findings in the study suggest that peanuts can enhance brain function by improving cerebral blood flow. The research suggests that 2 daily servings of peanuts appear to be a positive addition to the diet of senior Americans. So add some skin roasted peanuts to your diet!!!

11/25/2025

Gulf Coast Health Center will observe Thanksgiving with all offices closed Thursday - 11/27, Friday - 11/28 and Saturday - 11/29/25. We will resume normal business hours Monday, 12/01/25. Please have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Holiday weekend!

11/11/2025

GCHC - Important Announcement!!!

Since receiving Bronze Status back in January 2025, GCHC employees have worked diligently on additional requirements to achieve Gold Status. And, we are pleased to announce..........We Did It!!!

Gulf Coast is now an Advocacy Center of Excellence - Gold Status Community Health Center. Our center's dedication to advocacy is very important as we partner with the National Association of Community Health Center to address federal policy issues that affect our patients and community.

Thanks to all GCHC employees who helped us achieve our ACE - Gold Status!!!

11/05/2025

Artificial sweeteners come in many different forms - as liquids or powders and more. They are consumed by millions of people around the world, and especially by people with diabetes.

The main reason behind the recommendation for people with diabetes to swap sugar for sugar alternatives is that the latter are believed to cause fewer blood sugar spikes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved several artificial sweeteners as well as sugar alcohols and plant-based sugar substitutes as safe for consumption. However, in recent years, more and more research has emerged about the possible long term effects of consuming sugar alternatives.

The most recent research completed found that sweeteners were linked to declines in memory and overall thinking skills equal to about 1.6 years of brain aging. This research has stirred concern among the public with people wondering whether they should completely stop consuming artificial sweeteners.

Current research does not suggest that sweeteners be totally eliminated from a person's diet, since the use of sweeteners is certainly better than consuming sugar. However, it does indicate that the use of sweeteners in moderation is healthier for everyone, especially those who have diabetes.

So the takeaway from this research is avoid sugar as much as possible in your daily diet. Instead of sugar, substitute by using artificial sweeteners - but use the sweeteners in moderation. Limiting the use of artificial sweeteners will minimize the damaging effects of these sweeteners to your body - in particular your brain.

10/13/2025

10/09/2025

More photos from the 11th Annual GCHC Community Health Fair!!

10/06/2025

09/25/2025

11th Annual GCHC Community Health Fair!

09/23/2025

What Moms Should Know About Tylenol and Autism Risk

Recently, President Trump shared that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning doctors about a possible link between Tylenol and autism when used during pregnancy. This news has made a lot of people nervous—but what does it really mean?

Tylenol is a medicine taken for pain or fever. Some scientists have looked at whether taking Tylenol while pregnant could be connected to autism or ADHD in children. A few studies say there might be a small link, but others say there’s no proof at all. The FDA says more research is needed before we can know for sure.

Autism is a condition that affects how people think, learn, and interact with others. It is not caused by one thing – it is a mix of many factors, including genetics and environment. Just because a child has autism doesn’t mean someone did something wrong during pregnancy.

Most doctors still say Tylenol is the safest choice for pregnant women who need relief from pain or fever. In fact, having a high fever during pregnancy can be dangerous for the baby, so treating it is important. One doctor said: “Telling moms that Tylenol causes autism can be scary and confusing. Right now, the science doesn’t prove that.”

So What Should Moms Do?
If you’re pregnant and wondering what’s safe, here are some smart steps:
• Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.
• Use the smallest amount you need and only use when necessary.
• Try natural ways to feel better, like resting, drinking water, or using a cool cloth for fevers.

Being pregnant can be exciting—and a little scary. There is a lot of advice out there, and not all of it is clear. That’s why it’s important to ask questions, learn the facts and make choices with help from trusted doctors.

09/19/2025

Thursday night, Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. had the honor of co-sponsoring the city of Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte Moses’ 90 Day Community Progress Meeting. The event was held at the PA Department Club and more than 100 citizens were in attendance. A variety of speakers, both city officials and leaders from several organizations including GCHC shared status reports and outlined the progress being made in our city.

Dr Marsha Thigpen, Executive Director of GC shared information about our clinics and the services we offer patients. She announced that GCHC is the “best kept secret” in Port Arthur and invited those present to utilize the services and wonderful care GC provides its patients.

09/17/2025

Gulf Coast may have a Great Job for YOU!

09/17/2025

Looking for a great career in Healthcare?

Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. has a variety of job opportunities available now in our Port Arthur, Orange, Jasper and Silsbee locations. Come join a great team and get a wonderful package of employee benefits.

Call 409.983.1161 ext. 789 for more details!