At Family First Health, we Care Forward so that our patients are able to count on us for quality care and can live happy, healthy lives. We work to pass on good behavior and health and are pleased to share this newsletter with you. Here's to a happy, healthy summer!

You had planned to hit the gym after work, but your commitment to exercise gets derailed when your girlfriends plan an impromptu happy hour. You aim to eat healthier, but that cheeseburger your husband ordered is calling your name. 

The habits of friends, family, co-workers and your community can adversely affect your health. But these people -- along with your health care providers -- can also encourage habits for better lives in better health.

In June and July, Family First Health will launch a social media campaign called "Spread the Word. Share Good Health." For four weeks, we'll raise awareness and share tips on how good health practices are easy to adopt when you have the support of those around you. 

Find shareable images and information on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/familyfirsthealth, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/famfirsthealth, and be to sure to LIKE and FOLLOW us for all our updates!

If you see a tidbit of advice or information that could benefit your friends, family and social networks, retweet and share on your own accounts. You can also contribute your own tips with the hashtag #sharegoodhealth.

Spread the Word. Share Good Health.

Employee spotlight -- Smitha Nair, MD

Dr. Smitha Nair joined the Family First Health community as a medical provider at the Gettysburg Center in May 2012, and loves the friendly atmosphere and flexibility offered with her schedule. She wanted to stay close to home while helping the neediest in her community, working alongside her patients and assisting them to a better quality of life.

Dr. Nair, who specializes in family medicine, likes working with all age groups, from babies to older patients. She educates her patients and enjoys the challenges that come from her job. 

She also works with the Care Coordination committee, which focuses on relations in health care. The group is currently working on an effort to improve the health and quality of life of those who frequently end up in the hospital.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Nair enjoys playing the piano, dancing, writing poems and spending time with her three children. She also volunteers for the Junior Achievement Program at the Gettysburg Montessori School.

Family First Health announces two new partnerships

Family First Health recently announced a partnership with The Women's Healthcare Group, designed to increase access for residents of the city of York to high-quality OB/GYN care. 

A longstanding partner in patient care, The Women's Healthcare Group began this spring to offer its services at Family First Health's George Street Center in York to help ensure that high-quality health care for pregnant women is as convenient as possible.

The Women's Healthcare Group is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Patients can schedule an appointment through either the Family First Health's George Street Center at 717-845-8617 or the Women's Healthcare Group office at 717-845-1621. Please visit familyfirsthealth.org/women for more information.

Family First Health and TrueNorth Wellness

Services launch Collaborative Care

Family First Health has also begun partnering with TrueNorth Wellness Services to provide behavioral health services as part of routine medical care through Collaborative Care: Integrating Mind and Body for Better Health. 

This integrated mindset and approach breaks down barriers to achieve better health outcomes for each patient. In its early stages at Family First Health's George Street center in York, this partnership shows that a cohesive and melded approach can deliver improved whole health and wellness by offering comprehensive and accessible primary, behavioral health and wellness services together.

Through Collaborative Care, a behavioral health consultant works on site at the primary care center to follow up on behavioral health issues identified through a patient health questionnaire administered at each visit. Read more about the partnership at familyfirsthealth.org/collaborative-care.

Donate to Family First Health

When you make a gift to Family First Health, you are making an investment in your community. Each gift elevates Family First Health's ability to provide affordable access to high-quality care and ensures healthier outcomes for our patients.

Please mail contributions to:

Family First Health

Attn: Courtney Lewis, Director of Development

116 S. George St., Third Floor

York PA 17401

Or, visit us online at www.familyfirsthealth.org/support-ffh.

In addition to monetary donations, we graciously accept gifts of goods for our Nurse Partnership Program, including diapers; new Good Start formula; gift cards to local grocery stores, Walmart or Target; and car seats.

Mark your calendars!  

Family First Health will host a community fundraiser night from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 7 at Isaac's Deli in East York. For every patron who brings in a flyer for takeout, dine-in or online orders, 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Family First Health. Email clewis@familyfirsthealth.org with questions, or download a flyer from familyfirsthealth.org.