May is Mental Health Month, and at Axis Community Health, we believe in treating a whole person’s physical and mental health. How our bodies feel can dictate the state of our mental health and when we are in pain, it’s hard to feel happy and well. Axis has two programs that help patients find pain relief without relying on medication: Acupuncture and Chiropractic care. If you’re dealing with things like anxiety, headaches, arthritis, or just some plain pain, we’ve got you covered. These two practices that been used for managing pain in ancient Greece and China. Let’s explore how it can help:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is believed to stimulate your body’s nervous system that can help us feel better overall. It focuses on rebalancing your body to treat all sorts of conditions and help ease pain. A thin, threadlike needle is gently inserted into your skin at specific points called, “acupoints”. It’s believed that certain acupoints are connected to certain parts of your body release of our body’s natural painkillers, called endorphins. While needles don’t sound appealing, the process virtually painless!
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on body’s structure, especially your spine, to help relieve pain and improve how everything functions. By adjusting your alignment your body will have an easier time healing itself. It’s not just about cracking your back; chiropractic care can include manual therapies, exercises, and even tips on how to sit, stand, and walk better.
Our acupuncture and chiropractic services are open to teens and adults alike and can help give you some relief if you suffer from:
– Anxiety & Depression
-Nausea
– Headaches & Migraines
– Arthritic Pain
– And more.
If you’re already part of the Axis family and want to know more about how these services can help you, please just give us a call at 925-462-1755. We’re here to make sure you feel your best, inside and out!
This month serves as a reminder of the invaluable healthcare support system that Medi-Cal provides to those in need, while also shedding light on the importance of healthcare accessibility and equity.
Did you know that 69% of Axis patients are Medi-Cal beneficiaries? Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals and families who are experiencing income hardships have access to essential healthcare services. As of January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal now covers adults ages 26-49 regardless of immigration status. The 2024 expansion gave over 700,000 additional California residents the ability to access low to no-cost health insurance1. Age is no longer a constraint to benefit from full-scope Medi-Cal. From preventive care and routine check-ups to emergency medical treatment and specialized services, Medi-Cal serves as a lifeline for millions of Californians, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Many eligible individuals may not be aware of their options or may encounter barriers to accessing the care they need. Medi-Cal Awareness Month is a time to educate and inform the public about the program’s eligibility criteria, benefits, and enrollment process. Axis’s Certified Enrollment Counselors can be reached at 925-462-1755 to help individuals enroll into Medi-Cal or to check one’s Medi-Cal status.
This Medi-Cal Awareness Month, Axis would like to highlight the importance of quality, affordable, and accessible health care as a fundamental human right. Whether through raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, or supporting those in need, each of us has a role to play in ensuring a healthy and happy community!
April 11-17th is Black Maternal Health week, a time to acknowledge that significant disparities still exist in maternal health outcomes. In California and across the United States, Black mothers experience some of the highest rates of life-threatening childbirth complications, deaths from pregnancy-related causes, and babies born too early or too small. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women1. This statistic is not just a reflection of individual health choices or behaviors, but proof of inequities deeply ingrained in our healthcare system.
Community Health Centers like Axis exist to ensure that equitable, quality health care services are available to everyone in our communities, including Black mothers. Timely and comprehensive prenatal care not only monitors the health of both mother and baby but also provides opportunities for education and intervention. Did you know that Axis provides expectant mothers with extensive resources to lead a healthy pregnancy? For example, Medi-Cal beneficiaries can participate in the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) that provides a wide range of culturally responsive services to pregnant individuals from conception through 60 days post-partum. Services include prenatal care, health education, nutritional assessments, individual case coordination, parenting education, and more! In addition, Axis partners with local organizations to address issues such as food insecurity, domestic violence, and financial literacy. The CDC highlights the significance of addressing social determinants of health, such as income, education, and housing, which profoundly impact maternal health outcomes.
At Axis, we understand that there are many factors, negative and positive, that influence medical decision-making. By giving mothers the right resources and support they need, we empower them to advocate for their reproductive health.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Maternal Mortality. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html
