Health & Wellness

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Unveils Strategic Plan

Publisher — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 02:30:00 +0000

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Unveils Strategic Plan Publisher Sun, 01/18/2026 - 03:30

Heathy Horizons

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County is pleased to share the 2026-2028 Strategic Business Plan. This comprehensive plan is designed to strengthen market position, enhance services and experience for patients, and expand and support our valued workforce.

“This plan is the culmination of a multi-month project that was pursued to help us achieve clinical, operational, and financial success. The Senior Leadership Team, with input from the Board of Trustees, is committed to evaluating each aspect of how we do business. It is essential that we adapt to changes while using a blend of data and community-centered approaches to help us create our future.” Stephanie Hinkle, COO

The plan consists of three primary categories.

•Optimize Our Performance

• Enhance Local Access

• Engage Our People

Each category is expanded to include specific, measurable objectives. Leadership will work closely with each department to achieve the objectives within a pre-determined timeline, utilizing a Management Action Plan to create accountability and tangible results.

The document also includes a Health Equity Plan, created to identify and implement initiatives to promote health equity and greater access to care in Carbon County.

A copy of the plan can be found at www.imhcc.com.

Pappy’s Pulse Services Offers Alternative Therapy for People, Pets and Livestock

Publisher — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Pappy’s Pulse Services Offers Alternative Therapy for People, Pets and Livestock

Publisher Sat, 12/13/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Rich Jackson has spent the past three years traveling across Wyoming, bringing an unusual but increasingly popular therapy to residents, their pets, and even ranch animals. His business, Pappy’s Pulse Services, specializes in pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, or PEMF, a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the body’s cells and promote healing.

Jackson, a Certified MagnaWave Practitioner, said the therapy can benefit nearly any creature with a cellular structure. “It basically oxygenates all your red blood cells and almost doubles your white blood cells, gets rid of toxins and bad bacteria out of your blood system. PEMF gets the bad ions out and the good ions in, creating a healthier immune system…healthier everything,” he said. Inflammation is one of the primary targets of the therapy; PEMF can also help shorten the duration of common illnesses such as colds and ease chronic conditions like arthritis.

The technology has roots in NASA research. According to Jackson, PEMF devices were originally designed for astronauts, who experience fatigue and blood clots in the absence of Earth’s magnetic field. Once the astronauts used the devices, Jackson said, they were more energetic and better able to resume normal activities. Modern MagnaWave machines, which Jackson uses, are designed to oxygenate blood, increase white blood cells, reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness.

Jackson’s interest in PEMF began with a personal experience. “I got into it because my horse was hurt and the vets couldn’t get anything done on him. So I bought the machine, did the education, but I never put it on my horse,” he said with a laugh. Despite that, the horse recovered over a couple of years. Jackson soon discovered others were interested in the therapy for their animals and began treating a variety of creatures, including dogs, horses, and even chickens. One bird with a condition called “bumble foot” regained the ability to walk after treatment. Jackson also works with humans, focusing on arthritis, injury recovery, and wellness maintenance.

Sessions typically last up to 30 minutes for the whole body, with additional time added for targeted treatment of problem areas. Some clients come every two weeks, others weekly, and Jackson emphasizes the importance of ongoing therapy. He keeps prices lower than most alternative treatments in the area, often charging $75 per session compared with the hundreds spent on prescription medications. Veterans and cancer patients whose doctors approve the treatment can receive PEMF at no charge.

The therapy works at the cellular level, stimulating cells to perform natural healing processes. According to Jackson, PEMF can help balance ions and support recovery by providing the body with the tools to heal itself. He cautions, however, that responses vary. “Everyone is different and the body’s response to the treatment may be different from other people.” Some clients may experience a flu-like reaction if toxins are rapidly released, but such responses are usually manageable with fluids and over-the-counter remedies.

Jackon said that he has clients who would like to receive PEMF treatment daily. He said the treatment would not be harmful if performed even up to every 6 hours and likened the treatment to charging a cell phone. “When it’s at 100%, it’s not going to charge anymore. Your body is going to do the same thing,” he said.

Scientific studies suggest PEMF may have measurable benefits. Research shows the magnetic pulses generate tiny electric currents that influence cell growth, repair, and communication. Clinical studies have highlighted positive outcomes in bone healing, arthritis, osteoporosis, and wound recovery. NASA research indicates PEMF may promote cartilage repair, while laboratory studies suggest it can stimulate stem cells and reduce inflammation. Despite these findings, experts caution that treatment parameters vary widely.

Insurance companies typically consider PEMF experimental or investigational and therefore do not cover the treatment.

Jackson travels regularly, visiting Raw Town Local Grocers in Rawlins every other Friday while also serving Rock Springs, Riverton, and the surrounding areas. He even travels out of state for clients, only requiring a minimum of five full sessions for appointments. His clients range from professional barrel racers and ropers to everyday people and pet owners seeking a drug-free path to wellness. “So like I tell people, come on down, let me help you find your path to healthy and happy,” Jackson said.

For Jackson, the motto is simple: “A happy critter is a healthy critter.” Through his mobile PEMF services, he is bringing that philosophy and the science behind it to humans and animals across Wyoming, offering an alternative approach to traditional medicine to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and overall better health.

Before trying PEMF or any alternative therapy, it’s important to consult your doctor to ensure it is safe for your specific health situation.

Jackson also requires clients to sign a waiver and answer a few medical questions before treatment. Certain conditions, including some heart issues, may make PEMF unsafe, so full disclosure of your medical history is necessary to prevent potential complications and ensure the therapy is used appropriately.

For more information or to schedule a session, Jackson can be reached at 307-705-7520 or via email at pappyspulseservices@gmail.com.

Additional Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10379303/

https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/msc-tops-96

Medicine Bow Health Center to Celebrate National Rural Health Day

Publisher — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Medicine Bow Health Center to Celebrate National Rural Health Day Publisher Sat, 11/15/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Medicine Bow Health Center will mark National Rural Health Care Day on Wednesday, Nov. 20, with a soft open house for the community. Staff members will wear National Rural Health Day T-shirts and offer light refreshments to visitors.

National Rural Health Care Day highlights the essential role rural health clinics and centers play in providing primary care across the country. More than 5,400 rural health clinics and over 6,000 rural health centers or health center look-alike sites support the backbone of primary care in rural America.

Forty percent of rural local health departments operate school-based health clinic services and are more likely than urban departments to provide services including immunizations, tuberculosis screening and treatment, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs, BMI screenings, and home health care.

Rural communities also provide opportunities for mission-minded health professionals to deliver individualized care. From 2022 to 2023, the number of students from rural backgrounds in federal pipeline programs rose to 118,384, representing 18% of total pipeline participants. Rural participants were more likely to graduate (84%) compared to urban participants (75%).

Compared to urban nurse practitioners, rural NPs report higher job satisfaction, the ability to fully practice to the extent of their license, and greater likelihood of remaining in their positions long-term. Over 400 rural training sites for medical residencies now exist, a fourfold increase since 2008. Graduates of rural graduate medical education programs are two to five times more likely to stay and practice in rural communities.

State Offices of Rural Health help strengthen rural health care through communication, education, collaboration, and innovation. In 2021, they provided more than 93,000 instances of technical assistance to over 26,500 rural stakeholders.

More information about rural health resources can be found at www.nosorh.org.

MHCC Works to Ease Patient Fears Over Medical Costs

Publisher — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0000

MHCC Works to Ease Patient Fears Over Medical Costs

Publisher Sat, 10/11/2025 - 22:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Going to the hospital is a scary experience for most people. The fear that medical personnel might find something wrong with your body is frightening enough, but the added worry about how to afford treatment makes it even harder.

There are too many stories on social media and news outlets of people going bankrupt because of a medical situation. More than one person has avoided going to the hospital to get a check-up because they don’t want to face the perceived medical expense.

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County (MHCC) is very aware of this concern patients have. The medical personnel and administrative staff don’t want a payment issue to be a reason a person does seek out treatment if needed.

Maegan Chichi, who started working at MHCC in January, helps patients understand the cost of a visit, surgery, or any medical care they may need. “Normally, before a patient calls with questions, my everyday process is–once I have an order, I go through the insurance and I confirm if prior authorization is required,” Chichi said. “If it is not, I will go directly to the financials and run an estimate for the patience to see what they are looking at.”

Chichi said there are a couple of components that go into the estimate. “Basically, if the average person has not met their deductible or they have an out-of-pocket (maximum) that has not been met, if they have a co-pay, I am going to add all those things together, so the patient knows what they are looking at,” Chichi said. “Granted, it is an estimate, so things can change, but I make that clear to the patient as well.”

Once she gives the estimate of the cost, Chichi goes into the options.

“Payment wise, I will go into plans and discounts,” Chichi said. “From there, I can tell if a patient gets a little nervous or even if they just express concern,” Chichi said. “Then I will go into the financial assistance and let them know, ‘Hey, we do have more options,’ and then break down the process to them.”

This is important.

“Financial assistance is not based on if you have insurance or not, because I feel there is a misconception on this,” Chichi said. “A patient may feel they may not qualify because they have insurance and that is not how it works. It depends on how many people are in your household and how much the yearly income is. From there, they can potentially get 100, 75 or 50 percent off after insurance pays.”

She gave an example. “United Health Care Medicare Advantage is a big one for us,” Chichi said. “I have talked with patients plenty of times where there is confusion,” Chichi said. “We will still put a payment plan on for patients if that is what they would like. That is why I always talk to them about financial assistance, because they are able to coordinate the payment. Just because a person has the coverage, does that mean they have cash to cover this payment? Many people do not.”

This is why she points to the financial assistance that is available.

“With surgery, there may be some extra charges from anesthesia or medications or whatever and financial assistance can maybe help with this,” Chichi said. “This goes back eight months and forward six months with bills, so I think it is really important for patients to know there are options. We have tried our best to let people know about these options, but most of the time when I talk to patients about this, they have no idea.”

She said that, in addition to this part of her job, Chichi also reviews patients’ insurance benefits with them. “I do a lot of breaking down the benefits of their plans with patients, going over the co-pays and deductibles, explaining to them how they work.”

She said deductibles have to be met and if a patient has an 80/20 plan where 80 percent is covered, but not the 20 percent, you have to pay the 20 percent until the out-of-pocket maximum is met. There is a lot of explaining on this, Chichi said. Once the in-network out-of-pocket is met, a patient is covered for the remainder of the year.

“It really is a matter of letting the patients know what they are looking at, what their options are, and where they can go from there,” Chichi said.

For self-pay patients, Chichi confirms that they truly do not have insurance, rather than simply having forgotten their insurance card.

“If they confirm they are self-pay, I will have the estimate for them and with that estimate, we do offer two discounts,” Chichi said. “It is 25 percent off for an uninsured patient and an additional 25 percent for prompt pay, which means that self-pay patient will get 50 percent off their bill if they pay in full within 30 days of service.”

Chichi recognizes that it can still be a lot of money.

“Even if we bring that $4,000 bill down to a $2,000 bill, that can be a lot of money to some people at the time of service,” Chichi said. “Some patients can’t afford it, so I go over the financial assistance options.”

Chichi acknowledges that there are plans changing as we go into another year. MHCC will stay abreast of options.

There are payment plans too. If it is $1,500 and under, it stays in-house. For amounts above that, the hospital offers a separate payment plan. MHCC emphasizes that it will work with patients to help them manage costs. “We want to cure a patient and not have them stay away because they think they can’t afford it,” Chichi said. “A person’s health is very important and we realize that. Fear of finances should not be a reason to stay away because we at MHCC really do want to help patients. We want to get people the health care they need.”

Health Insurance Terms

By Dana Davis

Provider - The provider of service, physician, hospital or lab.

Member - The health insurance policyholder.

Usual and Customary (U&C) - Allowed amounts for services that are based on the typical amount you would expect to spend for services in your area.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) - Once a provider submits a claim, your insurance company will send you and EOB showing what is applied to your deductible or coinsurance. It will also show if the provider is in-network and what your total member responsibility is.

In-network - Providers who have contracted rates or fee schedules for services with your health insurance plan. In-network providers cannot charge over the allowed amount shown on your EOB.

Out-of-Network - Providers that do not have contracted rates for services with your health insurance plan. U&C amounts are used to determine how much will be applied to your deductible or coinsurance. The out-of-network provider can also charge you the difference between their initial charge and the U&C amount.

Deductible - The amount of money you are responsible for paying before your insurance starts to pay.

Coinsurance - The amount you are responsible for paying after the deductible is met. You pay a percentage and your insurance pays a percentage of the claim.

Copay - The set dollar amount you pay every time you see your provider. Not all healthcare plans have a copay.

Maximum Out of Pocket (MOOP) - The most you will pay at the in-network level of benefits once you reach your deductible and are paying at the coinsurance level of your healthcare policy. Once met, you will be covered at 100% for in-network services only.

MOOP does not apply to out-of-network level of benefits and you will continue to pay your coinsurance.

Lifetime Maximum - The most your health insurance will pay for a service in your lifetime, typically this applies only to certain procedures, such as bariatric procedures, but some plans do have a lifetime maximum as well.

Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance

Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans are private insurance plans offered by Medicare approved companies that provide most of Part A and Part B coverage and typically offer extra benefits such as vision, hearing and dental care. Most Part C plans also include Part D. They can have different plan types, such as being a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Know what plan type you are signing up for.

Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug coverage

An important note: To obtain your highest level of benefits (your in-network benefits) when seeing a new provider, always ask if they are in-network with your insurance or if you have Medicare, ask if they accept assignment with Medicare.

Do not just ask if they accept insurance. Providers can say they accept insurance even if they are out-of-network if they are willing to submit claims to your insurance company.

Starting a Medical Journey

Publisher — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Starting a Medical Journey Publisher Sat, 10/04/2025 - 10:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

In general, there is trepidation in going to a hospital. Stephanie Hinkle, Chief Operating Officer, Foundation Executive Director of Memorial Hospital of Carbon County (MHCC) and Lisa Harding, Patient Advocate, are two employees at MHCC who understand this.

They have different jobs, but both empathize with a person thinking about coming to the hospital for treatment.

Hinkle said this feeling of trepidation is normal with potential patients because there are so many unknowns when first approaching a hospital.

“Preventive care is better than reactive,” Hinkle said. “Reactive can be so much harder to take care of versus preventive.”

Unfortunately, most people wait because there is fear of learning that there might be something more wrong than they had imagined. Who wants to find out they have cancer or a heart condition?

Also just as scary, is the question that comes to mind for many, ‘How expensive is this going to be and will it devastate my world financially?’

There are too many stories in the media of treatments costing people so much money, they are broken financially. If a person has kids, this is a real concern about bankrupting their family because they find out there is a serious medical issue.

Hinkle and Hardy both understand these fears, but they also know that MHCC has payment options that work with patients.

Their concern, as they point out, as is the entire staff at the hospital, the care of the patient and getting them healthy.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and both Hinkle and Hardy are hopeful women will take advantage of the hospital’s 15 free breast cancer screening vouchers to uninsured women in Carbon County on a first-come, first-served basis.

MHCC is partnered with the Wyoming Cancer Program and the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative, which provide year-round funding for uninsured and underinsured women across Wyoming.

MHCC is required to participate in a patient Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, a federally mandated survey through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

MHCC did very well in the survey.

In the responsiveness of hospital Staff, MHCC was rated at 100 percent, where the State average is 73 percent.

Nurse communication was at 94.12 percent favorable, whereas the State average is 73 percent.

Doctor communication was at 88.24 percent and the State average was 82 percent.

“I trust my family to be treated at this hospital,” Hinkle said. “I could not say that if it was not true.”

On that note, this reporter is going to trust MHCC to take care of a medical condition I have had for a few years.

I have learned a valuable lesson that ignoring signs of medical conditions could have serious repercussions in the long run.

I was lucky that the Medicine Bow Clinic discovered I not only had high blood pressure, but also diabetes. Nurse Practitioner Samantha Santy caught it and has helped me get control of what could be a really dangerous health situation. Sure, I have to take medicine, but that is way better than having damage done to my internal organs.

Taking care of my health was reinforced this past month, with dental problems too. Again, I was lucky to have a medical professional who took time to care for me. Dr. David Scott took the fear out of going to the dentist. I know there is more work to be done on my teeth and at least now I feel confident going to him.

The medical condition that I have, a double hernia, I have known about for a few years. It was an acupuncturist who told me about it.

After realizing preventive care is important, I decided to get the hernia operated on.

I interviewed Dr. Ched Singleton when he first came to MHCC and I liked his demeanor and experience.

I decided MHCC was the place I wanted to get this condition taken care of.

I asked MHCC if they would be willing to let me report on the experience and they agreed to let me.

Meeting Hardy was a bonus because her job is to answer any questions I might have about the surgery and hospital. She wants to make sure the experience at MHCC is a good one. It is not just me that she does this for. She does this for all patients. Her friendly demeanor makes it very easy to talk to and there is a feeling of trust already building.

MHCC does a lot for Carbon County. It gives free school physicals to students across Carbon County, serving over 200 students. The MHCC Foundation presented checks to both school districts in the amount of $1,485 to be applied toward unpaid lunch balances for students. MHCC partnered with other area businesses to gather school supply donations and distribute them to both school districts to benefit students across Carbon County.

I feel comfortable trusting MHCC and the next article to come will be the consultation I had with Dr. Ched Singleton about the condition and the forthcoming surgery. There will also be a story on talking with the business office about the ways payment can be made.

This operation is an opportunity for residents of Carbon County to see up close how MHCC operates and the people who make it work.

I can say at this stage, I am impressed with MHCC and am glad I am having my operation here.

What You Need to Know About Changing Health Care Costs

Publisher — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000

What You Need to Know About Changing Health Care Costs Publisher Sat, 08/30/2025 - 10:00

By Diane Gore

CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming

The cost of health care in America is rising faster than most families can afford—and as a health care insurance provider and proud Wyomingite, I’m deeply concerned. Results from a March 2025 Gallup poll showed health care affordability ranked as the second most important concern for Americans—just behind the economy.

With Congressional Republicans and President Trump signing the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), into law, Americans will gain more flexibility in some areas of their health care. The law expands access to health savings accounts (HSAs) to reduce out-of-pocket costs and makes permanent pre-deductible telehealth coverage for individuals with high-deductible health plans and HSAs.

As we move into the health insurance open enrollment period, we want to share additional changes ahead for us all.

We’re disappointed that the OBBA did not extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, introduced in 2021, to make health insurance more affordable. These tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 and without them, many individuals who purchase health insurance on the Marketplace may see steep increases.

These changes will have an impact on many Wyoming residents, particularly middle-income earners and self-employed individuals who rely on the Marketplace for health insurance. Without enhanced tax credits, people will pay more out of pocket, or some may choose lower-tier health insurance plans with higher deductibles.

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, we’ve seen firsthand how these tax credits have helped people access care they otherwise might not have been able to afford. Since 2020, the number of Wyoming residents enrolled in Marketplace plans has nearly doubled—from about 24,000 to more than 46,000 in 2025. *Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

We believe every person deserves access to high-quality, affordable care. Affordability isn’t just about insurance premiums, it’s about the entire health care ecosystem—from what hospitals charge for routine services, to the price of prescription drugs, to the complexity of navigating coverage.

When healthier people leave the Marketplace due to increased costs, the people who keep coverage often need more care. To account for healthy people dropping their coverage, insurers nationwide will be increasing premiums. Like everything else, health care is getting more expensive. Hospital services, outpatient care, and medications are all seeing steep cost increases. In fact, industry experts project 2025 will bring the highest medical cost growth in over a decade. While rates vary based on age, income, plan selection, and geography, the overall trend is clear: without continued tax credit support, the cost of health insurance will rise for Wyoming consumers.

While our premium adjustments reflect the realities of today’s health care landscape, the expiration of enhanced premium federal tax credits will have the greatest impact on what many families pay for coverage.

Below are examples of how these changes may play out for individuals in Wyoming who purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace: *Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

A 60-year-old couple earning $100,000 a year could see their premium jump from $0 to more than $31,702 per year, or about $2,642 per month, on a bronze plan.

A 40-year-old couple, with two children, earning $80,000 per year could see their premium go from $3,408 per year ($284 per month) to $6,000 per year ($500 per month) on a silver plan.

While the Affordable Care Act and enhanced premium tax credits primarily affect the individual market, it’s important to remember that any disruption in coverage options can ripple across the entire system. Additionally, there will be stricter eligibility and enrollment rules, making it even more important for individuals to stay informed and take action early. Consumers should carefully review their options ahead of open enrollment to understand how these changes may affect their coverage and monthly costs.

With the expiration of these tax credits looming, and open enrollment on the horizon, it is important everyone in Wyoming understands their options and knows they can rely on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming to provide solutions. Whether it’s helping a family switch to a Health Savings Account-compatible plan or guiding someone through new eligibility rules, we’re here for every step of the journey.

Rising costs are not inevitable. They are the result of our collective choices. We appreciate the ongoing engagement from regulators, legislators, and our health care partners who recognize the urgency of the challenges we face and are actively exploring solutions—though much work remains to turn conversations into meaningful change.

While many of the challenges we face are systemic, individuals can still take steps to manage their own costs such as completing preventive visits, understanding their benefits, and choosing the right site of care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming is the only not-for-profit health insurer headquartered in the state and is dedicated to helping members, and Wyoming residents make informed decisions and navigate this evolving health care landscape. To ensure you have the most up to date information, we will be scheduling in-person meetings across the state and informational webinars this fall. For more information visit BCBSWY.com.

Let’s join together to make health care more affordable and accessible for Wyoming families.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming

Kaiser Family Foundation Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator | KFF

Healthcare.gov

Finding Balance in a World That Never Stops

Publisher — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Finding Balance in a World That Never Stops

Publisher Sat, 08/16/2025 - 12:00

By Dr. Kristel Lessard

We live in a very busy, very demanding, and ever-changing world. While blessed with endless advances to make our lives simpler and safer, we can still find ourselves struggling to manage our day-to-day responsibilities and routines. Many of our challenges are the result of our current lifestyles or past choices and other stressors are there simply because we exist. Bills, work, housing, school, family, health, transportation, personal goals, neighbors……..each of these can be a blessing or bring stress. Even the great things in life can bring stress that needs to be managed properly.

Everyone goes through life and experiences ups and downs at different times. Each of us has different strengths and abilities to deal with these changes. With all of these challenges come a ‘limit’. It will be different from person to person, but it’s there. Our aim should be to manage our lives so we can reduce stress to stay as far from that ‘limit’ as possible. This doesn’t mean we won’t have challenges and disappointments. It just means that we have found a way to deal with what comes your way. Often the balance gets out of control and takes a toll on our emotions in the form of anxiety or depression. You don’t have to look too far to find someone who is dealing with these mental health challenges. It may even be that awesome person you see in the morning each day!

The National Institute of Mental Health states that in 2021 approximately 21 million people had at least one episode of depression that year, with just over 14 million experiencing a severe episode. That is just over 8% (and 5.7% for severe symptoms) of the population of our wonderful country. We were in the midst of the COVID pandemic at that time, so I’m sure that fueled the fire. However, outside of a pandemic, we can still see a significant level of mental health needs.

How do you know if you have depression? Well, some symptoms are obvious like constant crying, inability to get out of bed in the morning, feeling hopeless and even thoughts of self-harm. But there are many more subtle or unexpected signs that could point to mild or moderate depression such as anger/irritability, loss of interest in things you love, insomnia or sleeping a little too much, lack of energy, eating too little or too much, anxiety or restlessness, difficulty concentrating, recurrent negative thoughts, and interestingly enough, increased physical ailments.

How do you know if you need help with depression. Well, ask yourself the two simple questions that we in the medical world call the PHQ-2 Screening. First, in the past two weeks have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things? Second, in the past two weeks have you felt down, depressed or hopeless? If you answer YES to both of these questions, then you should go talk with your PCP. It is much better to get help on the front end than to try to tackle depression after it has set in.

Anxiety often goes hand in hand with depression. How do you know if you are struggling with anxiety? Symptoms include feeling tense or restless, trouble concentrating, excessive worry, feeling a sense of danger or doom. Our bodies can sure tell us if we have anxiety through digestion issues, increased heart rate, weakness, sleep difficulties and more.

The anxiety questionnaire used at healthcare clinics is called the GAD-7 which asks the following 7 questions: In the past 2 weeks, have you been bothered by the following-

1 Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge

2 Not being able to stop or control worry

3 Worrying too much about different things

4 Trouble relaxing

5 Hard to sit still

6 Easily annoyed or irritable

7 Feeling impending doom

If these symptoms remind you of yourself, it’s likely time to visit your PCP and start a conversation.

Just because you experience any of the above symptoms, doesn’t automatically drop you into the ‘depression’ or ‘anxiety’ bucket. There are plenty of other health issues that could be the cause. That is why it’s important to talk with your provider and get down to the root of the problem. There are so many ways to manage anxiety and depression. I would like to share a few tips on things you can do at home to improve your life.

First and foremost, eat right and exercise. A healthy diet with whole foods and plenty of water or other natural drinks will provide the nutrients your body needs to function properly. I often recommend the Mediterranean diet because of its simplicity. You don’t need to buy special foods for this way of eating, you just need to know what to eat and how much to eat. Daily exercise outside of work is a must. Get moving and keep moving. Find a way to set goals that will help you to get up and go! If you have not exercised in a while or if you have a lot of current health issues, talk with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program.

Second, avoid stimulants, tobacco, nicotine, and any recreational drugs. We will talk more about this next month, but for now just know that these substances will just complicate your symptoms and make it more difficult to manage depression and anxiety.

Next, give yourself some ‘Me’ time. Slow down and put yourself first. It can seem hard to find alone time in certain situations, but it is so very important. Take a little extra time each day to be by yourself for reflection and decompression. Some people do this through prayer or meditation. Others benefit from keeping a journal or having a hobby.

Simplify your life and your surroundings. Declutter your schedule and your living space. If this task seems insurmountable, ask a friend to help. You’d be surprised how your mood can change with a change of environment. Be sure to keep a calendar or to-do list which simplifies the burden on your brain and allows you to direct that power to other things.

Keep a steady schedule, especially if you are retired. Your brain needs consistency each day in waking and retiring. If you are retired, having daily/weekly goals is very important and can help ward off depression. Proper socialization is also very important in staying mentally healthy; join a club, exercise with friends, play card/board games with a group, or attend church regularly.

Fortunately for us, living in Carbon County provides endless opportunities to nurture our minds and bodies. We are buffered from the noise and stresses of city life. We have the ability to slow down, step away from the chaos and find a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, reflect on our lives, and simply relax. Not everyone is so lucky to be able to get to the lakes and rivers to fish so easily or drive up into the mountains for a couple nights of camping. So take advantage and enjoy life!!

Resources

National Suicide Hotline – 988

National Suicide Chat line - 988lifeline.org

Youth Gay, Lesbian, and bisexual youth - 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

Suicide Prevention National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Hotline TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)

Healthy U Leadership Training

Publisher — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Healthy U Leadership Training Publisher Sat, 08/09/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

University of Wyoming

The Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA) at the University of Wyoming will offer a Healthy U Leadership training on the UW campus Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 16-19. Training will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.

Those interested in becoming leaders must register in advance for the facilitator training by emailing WyCOA at HealthyU@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-2765. Healthy U is coordinated by WyCOA.

This is an opportunity for community members to become leaders for the Healthy U network and begin offering chronic disease self-management education in their communities. No prior experience or certification is needed to become a Healthy U leader.

All Healthy U workshops are fully funded and supported by WyCOA and its partners. For those attending a leader training, WyCOA will reimburse all travel, hotel and daily expenses. Training is entirely free of charge.

Healthy U is Wyoming’s version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, a renowned, evidence-based health program that has helped over half a million participants nationwide to take charge of their health.

Chronic conditions include anything that affects someone on a day-to-day basis such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, chronic pain, anxiety, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

During Healthy U workshops, participants receive support from trained leaders and other workshop participants to learn practical ways to manage their pain and fatigue; learn about nutrition and exercise options; understand new treatment choices; and learn better ways to communicate about their conditions with doctors and family members.

The goal of the workshop is to help people better manage their health conditions and deal with the frustration, fatigue and pain that can accompany a chronic disease. Healthy U participants learn skills that help them play a more active and productive role in the management of their health.

Healthy U Leaders are those certified to organize and lead Healthy U workshops in their communities. Leaders work in pairs when delivering a workshop, and each receive a $500 stipend per workshop series that they deliver. Leaders must deliver one workshop series each year to remain certified and to continue to be a part of the Healthy U program. All Healthy U workshops are fully funded and supported by WyCOA.

Anyone who is interested in leading Healthy U workshops in Wyoming can become a leader. It requires no prior training or accreditation. Public health workers, senior center staff, local volunteers, patient educators, community leaders and wellness advocates all make great leaders.

To learn more about the programs offered by the UW Center on Aging, go to www.uwyo.edu/healthierwyo/.

Wyoming Department of Health Community Notification-Confirmed Measles Case in Carbon County

Publisher — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Wyoming Department of Health Community Notification-Confirmed Measles Case in Carbon County Publisher Sat, 07/26/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has confirmed a third case of measles in Wyoming. The most recent case is related to an unvaccinated adult from Carbon County. Measles is a highly contagious infection that can cause severe illness. The person was exposed outside of the United States.

The person was briefly in public areas, resulting in a potential measles exposure window of the following places and times:

July 16, 2025, 11:15 AM through 2:10 PM – Elevated Health & Safety Solutions (EHSS)

July 16, 2025, 1:00 PM through 3:00 PM – City Market, Rawlins

July 17, 2025, 11:59 AM through 6:43 PM – Memorial Hospital of Carbon County (MHCC)

The WDH is working with EHSS and MHCC to notify exposed individuals. “We are asking people who may have been exposed to watch for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date and consider avoiding crowded public places or high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” said Clay Van Houten, State Epidemiologist with WDH. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. As more information becomes available, WDH will post locations of potential exposure, if any, and updated case counts on its website: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-uni….

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine safely provides highly effective and long-lasting protection against measles infection. WDH recommends that all Wyoming residents ensure that they and their children are up-to-date on MMR vaccines.

Infants who are too young to be vaccinated, non-immune pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe complications from measles infection. WDH recommends that individuals in these groups who believe they may have been exposed to measles contact their healthcare providers. Post-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. Individuals who develop symptoms consistent with measles should call their healthcare provider for guidance. Calling ahead in non-emergent situations helps prevent additional exposures. Other than seeking healthcare, individuals with measles symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible to prevent further spread. Avoiding contact with infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals is especially important.

Medicine Bow Clinic Stocked with Antivenin as Rattlesnake Sightings RIse Across Carbon County

Publisher — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Medicine Bow Clinic Stocked with Antivenin as Rattlesnake Sightings RIse Across Carbon County

Publisher Sat, 07/19/2025 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The weather has been getting hot lately and making the flora dry. Rattlesnakes are being sighted in Rawlins and Hanna town limits and in truth, rattlers could be found in other Carbon County municipalities.

According to the U. S. Forest Service, rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive and strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room, they will retreat. The Forest Service points out that most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing.

It makes sense that the majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles. The Forest Service indicated rattlesnakes usually avoid humans.

About 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year, with 10 to 15 deaths (this includes coral snakes and other venomous snakes in the USA), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022.

Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal, with less than 1 in 600 resulting in death, and approximately 33 percent not containing injection of venom at all. However, you should assume, for your own sake, that venom has been introduced and always seek treatment.

The most common venomous snake in the West is the Western Rattlesnake and Midget Faded Rattlesnake. Other nonvenomous snakes of the West include the Rubber Boa, Racer, Ringneck Snake, Night Snake, Striped Whipsnake, Common Garter Snake, Gopher Snake, Ground Snake, and Longnose Snake.

In Wyoming, the Western Rattlesnake (or Prairie Rattlesnake) and Midget Faded Rattlesnake are the two venomous species.

The Forest Service points out, most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. About 25 percent of the bites are “dry,” meaning no venom was injected, but the bites still require medical treatment. Depending on weather and threatening conditions, such as wildfires, rattlesnakes may roam at any time of the day or night. If walking at night, be sure to use a flashlight.

The Forest Service has guidelines to avoid rattlesnake bites with some safety precautions, which will also help because nobody wants to get bitten. Wear appropriate over-the-ankle hiking boots, thick socks, and loose-fitting long pants. This is especially good advice when mowing in tall grass. The Forest Service gives excellent advice by telling people to never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. When hiking, stick to well-used trails if at all possible. The Forest Service advises avoiding tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day. Look at your feet to watch where you step and do not put your foot in or near a crevice where you cannot see. The Forest Service also advises, do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark. They say, if a fallen tree or large rock is in your path, step up onto it instead of over it, as there might be a snake on the other side. The Forest Service points out, be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use. Do not turn over rocks or logs. If you must move a rock or log, use gloves and roll it toward you, giving anything beneath it the opportunity to escape in the opposite direction. Something many people don’t think about, but the Forest Service warns against grabbing “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim. Avoid approaching any snake you cannot positively identify as a safe species. If you hear the warning rattle, move away from the area and do not make sudden or threatening movements in the direction of the snake. Remember, rattlesnakes do not always rattle before they strike. Do not handle a freshly killed snake. It can still inject venom.

Medicine Bow Clinic’s Family Nurse Practitioner Samantha Santy advised, if bitten by a rattlesnake, do not make incisions over the bite wound. She said there are a lot of myths about dealing with a venomous snake bite. “Do not restrict blood flow by applying a tourniquet and do not ice the wound,” Santy said. “Do not suck the poison out with your mouth. These methods can very well cause additional harm and most amputations or other serious results of a rattlesnake bite are a result of icing or applying a tourniquet.”

Santy said to stay calm and call Dispatch via radio or 911 to let them know if you are going to a clinic that has antivenin, like the Medicine Bow clinic. She advised washing the bite area gently with soap and water if available. Remove watches, rings, and any jewelry or clothing that may constrict swelling. Immobilize the affected area and keep the bite below the heart if possible. Transport safely to the nearest medical facility immediately that has antivenin.

The key, Santy said, was getting to a medical facility immediately.

If the medical facility is more than 30 minutes away, keep the bite below the heart, and then try to get to the place where there is antivenin as quickly as possible.

There are over-the-counter snakebite kits consisting of a suction device for drawing out venom from the bite wound. These can help in the interim of getting to a hospital or clinic.

Antivenin is made from antibodies extracted from horse blood. The serum has its own side effects, as the body can have an allergic reaction. However, it’s the most effective treatment available.

Antivenin will not cure the effects of a snake bite. The first shot stabilizes the patient and counteracts the venom until you get to another hospital.

“It is not a one-and-done,” Santy said. “You get your initial dose and once it is controlled with that, you get another dose after six hours and another dose six hours later for a total of three shots.”

In the United States, there are over 25 different species of rattlesnakes. Snakes are one of the only animals in the United States that help control the US rodent population.

With gophers going into towns like Hanna, rattlesnakes follow.

Santy reiterates, rattlesnake bites are a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. Seek help within half an hour. Left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and death in two to three days.

The venom from the majority of rattlesnake bites will damage tissue and affect your circulatory system by destroying skin tissues and blood cells and by causing you to hemorrhage internally. Most rattlesnake venom is composed mainly of hemotoxic elements. You must contact your healthcare provider if your wound shows signs of infection. If your symptoms persist, return to the emergency department.

A patient will likely leave the hospital with pain medication. Don’t wait to be in pain before taking it, and take it as directed by the healthcare provider. Attend follow-up appointments to ensure your wound is healing well.

Santy said once bitten, the venom takes only seconds to travel from the rattlesnake’s retractable fangs, through the skin, and into the bloodstream. A person will begin to see symptoms immediately, but the symptoms will worsen over time.

Take a rattlesnake bite seriously if it happens, and get to a medical facility that has antivenin within about 30 minutes, but to avoid this whole situation, just be smart about where rattlesnakes might be hiding and wear the right clothing. There is a reason cowboys always wore boots.