After months of being bundled up from head to toe, many of us are ready to take advantage of outdoor exercise. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week improves your health. But, it is important to be mindful of rising temperatures while exercising outdoors. We're here to help with a few pointers.

 

Drink plenty of fluids: Hydrating your body before, during and after a workout is key, especially in warmer weather. Be sure to keep a bottle of water on you and drink it often.

 

Protect your skin: Wear sunscreen containing SPF 15 (or higher) to prevent sunburn -- even if it's cloudy. Opting for an oil-free and sweat-proof formula is important, as it won't interfere with your body's ability to cool down and can prevent sunscreen from irritating your eyes.

 

Train your body: Your body needs time to acclimate itself to the rising temperatures and changing environment, no matter how fit you are. Most experts say it takes approximately two weeks of a combination of heat exposure and exercise to reduce an individual's risk of a heat-related injury.

 

Listen to your body: Even while taking all precautions to stay safe in hot weather, listening to your body is key. If you begin to feel symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, nausea or trouble breathing, stop immediately and take a break.

 

So what's left to do? Get moving!

 

Family First Health is launching "Get Movin' With Dr. Go," a half-hour walk with Dr. Asceline Go that departs from the George Street Center in downtown York at 11:30 a.m. every first and third Wednesday. 

Find details online at familyfirsthealth.org.

 

 

 

CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF PUTTING COMMUNITY FIRST

 

In 2015, Family First Health celebrates a major milestone: 45 years of providing health care in York County.

 

As one of the first community health centers in the nation, Family First Health was founded in 1970 in response the York Charrette, a meeting of the minds that identified solutions to several problems facing York City. Family First Health proved to be an effective way to meet the comprehensive health care needs of underserved populations.

 

In the last 45 years, Family First Health has:

• Grown to five locations in York and Adams counties
• Launched social services programs that address barriers to better health
• Built a staff of uniquely qualified providers who deliver comprehensive health care to insured, uninsured and underinsured populations
• Provided a medical home for underserved populations
• Increased affordable, accessible health care for those who need it most

We're proud to work with individuals and families to effect community-wide changes and address the challenges and barriers to achieving better health. This summer, we'll be sharing stories of how Family First Health puts community first in its program and services every day.

 

Follow along with updates on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MEET MISSI ENSMINGER

Title: RN, Nurse-Family Partnership program

Years with Family First Health: 32

As we celebrate our 45-year anniversary, we wanted to take the time to spotlight an individual who has spent many years with the organization empowering individuals to live better lives in better health.

Missi joined Family First Health's medical department in 1983 seeking hours and an environment that would work for her young family. As an RN, her work allowed her to care for the same patients she had been seeing in a hospital setting, but on a schedule that worked for her new family. As part of her job, she received training in HIV testing and counseling.

She grew her role to become the nursing supervisor of the Hanover, Lewisberry, George Street and Hannah Penn centers for five years before starting work with the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program.

The Nurse-Family Partnership program allowed Missi to get back into what she loves: Interacting with patients. By meeting with patients in their home environments, the program allows Family First Health to tailor care to each family in order to provide the best possible outcomes for mothers and babies. 

Through her work, Missi has the opportunity to assist patients throughout the York area that may not otherwise have a voice in their health care.

In her spare time, Missi enjoys working in her garden; cruising in a 1962 MGA convertible recently restored by her husband, Tom; and bragging about her son and daughter-in-law's photography business.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY'S HEALTH 

A gift today will help Family First Health continue to provide affordable, high-quality medical and dental care and support services to residents of York and Adams counties.

Every donation, in any amount, makes a difference in the lives of the members of our community as we increase access to affordable health care.

Donate safely and securely through the Family First Health website.