Poteau Community Care, Tabitha Young, APRN

10/30/2025

🔥 Let’s Talk About Uncontrolled Reflux (GERD)

Do you find yourself reaching for heartburn meds every day?
You’re not alone — but it’s important to understand **why reflux happens**, and how long you should really be taking those **proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)** like omeprazole, pantoprazole, or esomeprazole.

💡 **What’s Happening:**

Reflux (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing:

* Burning in the chest or throat
* Bitter taste or chronic cough
* Hoarseness or trouble swallowing

When it’s frequent, it can **damage the esophagus** and increase risk for complications like **Barrett’s esophagus** over time.

⏱️ **How Long Should You Take a PPI?**

PPIs are meant for **short-term use (usually 4–8 weeks)** to heal irritation and reduce acid — not as a lifelong daily medication unless directed by your provider.

Long-term, unsupervised use can lead to:
⚠️ Low magnesium, B12, or calcium
⚠️ Increased infection risk (C. diff, pneumonia)
⚠️ Rebound acid overproduction if suddenly stopped

🌿 What You Can Do Instead:

✅ Avoid eating 2–3 hours before bed
✅ Limit caffeine, carbonated drinks, and high-fat foods
✅ Elevate your head when sleeping
✅ Maintain a healthy weight
✅ Discuss step-down therapy or H2 blockers with your provider

If your reflux isn’t controlled after 8 weeks on a PPI, it’s time to re-evaluate the cause— not just keep refilling the bottle. You may need further testing or a medication change.

10/21/2025

🍂 **Here Comes Fall, Y’all!** 🍁

For some, that means **bonfires, cozy sweatshirts, and all things pumpkin spice.** 🎃
But for others, fall brings shorter days, darker evenings — and a real change in mood.

When the sun sets by 5 p.m., many people start to feel more tired, less motivated, or even sad for no clear reason. This can be a sign of **Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)** — a form of depression that comes with the changing seasons.

🌥️ **Common Signs of Seasonal Depression:**

* Feeling down or irritable most days
* Sleeping more but still feeling tired
* Increased cravings (especially for carbs)
* Difficulty concentrating
* Withdrawing from activities you usually enjoy

#🌞 The Good News:

There are ways to manage it — from **light therapy and vitamin D, to exercise, counseling, or medication if needed.
If you’ve noticed these changes in yourself or someone you love, don’t wait it out alone. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again this fall and winter.

💬 Message or text 918-564-2010 to schedule an appointment or chat about your symptoms.

10/19/2025

💧 Recharge from the Inside Out with a Myers’ Cocktail + Glutathione Boost!**

Feeling tired, run-down, or struggling to bounce back after stress or illness?
Our **Myers’ Cocktail IV infusion** gives your body the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to **restore energy, support your immune system, and improve recovery** — and now you can **add Glutathione** for an extra antioxidant boost! 🌿

⚡ What’s in a Myers’ Cocktail ?

💛 **Vitamin C** – powerful antioxidant and immune support
💙 **B-Complex + B12** – natural energy and metabolism boost
💚 **Magnesium** – relieves tension, headaches, and fatigue
🤍 **Calcium** – supports muscle and nerve function
💦 **Fluids** – deep hydration for faster recovery

✨ **Add-On: Glutathione**

Known as the body’s “master antioxidant,” **Glutathione** helps:

* Brighten skin and promote a healthy glow
* Support liver detoxification
* Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
* Boost immune defense and cell repair

It’s the perfect finishing touch to your IV for detox, recovery, and radiance.

📅 Session Time:

Most infusions take **30–45 minutes**, and you can feel the difference fast — refreshed, re-energized, and renewed.

COST $150 (insurances does not pay for elective fluids)

📍 Poteau Community Care
💧 *Restore. Recharge. Rebalance.*
📲 Text or call 918-564-2010 to schedule your Myers’ Cocktail with Glutathione today!

10/16/2025

We’re Hiring!
Position: Full-Time Receptionist
Location: Poteau Community Care

We’re looking for a friendly, people-oriented receptionist to join our team! You’ll be working face-to-face with patients daily, so kindness and professionalism are a must.

Requirements:
• Answering phones and taking messages
• Efficient on a computer
• Fast learner and detail-oriented
• Willing to handle tedious tasks
• Experience with insurance or medical EHRs is a plus

Start Date: Immediately (after a short trial period to ensure it’s the right fit)

Open Interview Day: Wednesday, October 22nd 12:00-2:00pm
To Apply: Send your resume to mattison@poteaucommunitycare.com

10/06/2025

Supplements aren’t magic — food is medicine. 🥦✨
We all love the idea of a quick fix, but your body was designed to get most nutrients from food — not pills or powders.
Before you start a supplement routine, ask yourself:
🍳 Am I eating enough protein?
🥕 Do I get a variety of fruits and veggies daily?
🥑 Am I hydrating and managing stress?
Supplements can help if there’s a true need, but nutrition always comes first.

10/06/2025

**We’re seeing a LOT of viral infections right now! 🤒**
Colds, flu, RSV, even COVID — it’s that time of year that we see a rise in these! Most are mild, but some need a closer look.

👉 Here’s the rule of thumb:
If you’re feeling run-down but breathing okay — rest, fluids, and time will usually do the trick.
If your fever lasts more than a few days, you’re short of breath, or symptoms suddenly get worse — it’s time to be checked.

09/18/2025

🌸 Struggling with PCOS Symptoms? 🌸

If you’re experiencing:
✨ Irregular periods
✨ Acne or unwanted hair growth
✨ Weight changes
✨ Trouble getting pregnant
✨ Mood swings or fatigue

➡️ It could be Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS).

👩‍⚕️ We provide comprehensive PCOS evaluations and treatment plans tailored to your health needs.
💻 Telehealth & in-office visits available.
💊 Evidence-based care with a focus on hormone balance, fertility support, and symptom relief.

📞 Call 918-564-2010 ext. 3 to schedule your appointment today.
✅ Leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back ASAP!
💖 Take control of your health—don’t let PCOS control you.

09/12/2025

🩸 Understanding Ferritin – Your Body’s Iron Storage

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. When we check your ferritin level on a blood test, it tells us how much iron reserve you really have.

👉 How do you know your ferritin level?

* A simple blood test ordered by your provider.
* Often checked along with iron, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
* Ask us to include it if you’ve been feeling tired or suspect low iron!

👉 Low ferritin may mean your body’s iron stores are running low, which can cause:

* Fatigue 😴
* Hair loss 💇‍♀️
* Brittle nails or restless legs
* Increased risk of anemia

👉 High ferritin can sometimes signal:

* Too much iron in the body
* Inflammation or chronic illness
* Liver problems

⚠️ Here’s the tricky part: These low ferritin symptoms can overlap with an underactive thyroid. Many people feel frustrated when their thyroid labs look “normal,” but iron stores are actually the missing piece of the puzzle.
“Normal” isn’t always normal!
✅ How to correct abnormal ferritin

Low ferritin: Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, leafy greens, beans, fortified cereals), pair with vitamin C for absorption, and sometimes take iron supplements (as prescribed).
High ferritin: Work with your provider to find the cause—treatment depends on whether it’s iron overload, inflammation, or another condition.

Balanced ferritin = healthier blood, more energy, and better overall wellness! 💪

📞 Call or text us at 918-564-2010 to schedule your lab check or follow-up.

09/07/2025

😷 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is Here in Our Community

We often think of pertussis as an “old-time” illness, but it’s still very real—and we’ve seen activity right here in our own community.

👶 Who’s most at risk?

Infants under 1 year (too young to be fully vaccinated)
Unvaccinated- many families choose to not be vacciated. This is their right to choose.
Pregnant women (both for their own health and to pass protection to their baby)
People with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems
Older adults who may not have had a booster in years

💉 What can we do to help?

Get the Tdap booster– Adults often forget, but it’s our best tool to protect ourselves *and* those around us.
Stay home if sick– Even a “nagging cough” can spread pertussis.
Practice good hygiene– Wash hands and cover coughs.
Protect infants– Make sure parents, grandparents, and caregivers are up-to-date (“cocooning” strategy).

Pertussis can cause weeks of severe coughing fits in adults, but in babies it can be life-threatening. By staying current with vaccines and being mindful when we’re sick, we can keep our families and neighbors safer. 💙

📞 Call your provider or the health department if you’re unsure about your vaccine status or need a Tdap booster!

09/04/2025

09/03/2025

🍎📚 **Back-to-School Stress is Real** 🚌✏️

Getting back into the swing of school can be stressful for kids *and* parents. New routines, early mornings, homework, and busy evenings can take a toll on everyone’s mood and energy.

Here are a few simple things you can do at home to help ease the transition:
✨ Set a routine early– Consistent bedtimes and morning schedules help kids feel more secure.
✨ Create a calm space– A quiet, organized spot for homework makes tasks feel less overwhelming.
✨ Talk it out*m– Encourage your child to share how they’re feeling about school, friends, or worries.
✨ Prioritize rest and nutrition– Adequate sleep and balanced meals support focus and emotional health.
✨ Plan family downtime– Even 15 minutes together without screens can lower stress levels for everyone.

Remember—you’re not alone. Many families find this transition tough, and a little patience and flexibility go a long way. 💙

08/28/2025

🧪 Lab Work = Your Health Roadmap 🧪

Routine lab work is one of the most powerful tools we have for keeping you healthy?

Regular labs help us:
✔️ Detect health issues early — before symptoms start
✔️ Monitor chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol
✔️ Track progress on medications and treatment plans
✔️ Make personalized recommendations for your diet, lifestyle, and overall wellness

👉 How often should you get labs?

Annually– for healthy adults with no chronic conditions
Every 3–6 months– if you’re managing diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or on certain medications
Every 3 months– if you’re on our weight-loss program, to keep you safe and on track

Your health is too important to leave to chance — routine labs help us catch problems early and give you peace of mind!