Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re likely feeling fatigued throughout your day, which can cause serious problems for your health, your job and your life.

Symptoms of Fatigue
Fatigued individuals typically experience drowsiness, mood changes, loss of energy and appetite, headaches, and a lack of motivation, concentration and alertness. Men and women often differ in their symptoms—men may become angry, while women more often feel sadness.

Fatigue in the Workplace
Going to work fatigued even occasionally impairs your ability to perform your job at the highest possible level. The above symptoms are obviously not conducive to productivity, and can also create a safety hazard depending on the job.

Health Concerns
Studies show that fatigue can lead to other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and diabetes. Similarly, many health conditions can cause the poor sleep that produces fatigue.
In addition, while many people suffer simply from trouble sleeping, others have more serious sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia.

Sleep Hygiene
There are certain ways you can improve your sleep, referred to as “sleep hygiene.”

• Strive for seven to eight hours a night. This may involve changing the schedule you’re used to, but it’s vital to make sleep a priority.
• Keep a regular schedule—try to go to bed and wake up the same time each day, including weekends.
• Create a good sleep environment, including comfortable room temperature, minimal noise and sufficient darkness.
• Keep track of habits that help you fall asleep, like relaxing music or reading before bed. Repeat those activities each night.

Healthy Habits
There are some specific habits that will help you not only sleep better, but lead a healthier lifestyle in general:

• Eat nutritiously. Good eating habits can help you sleep better and feel energized all day. Also, avoid big meals right before going to bed.
• Exercise regularly. This also helps your sleep quality and daytime energy level. Just be sure to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine three to four hours before going to bed.
• Limit alcohol before bed, as it can reduce sleep quality.

Migraine headaches are episodic, recurrent, throbbing headaches that usually occur on one side of the head. Migraines last from several hours to several days, and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.

Types of Migraine
Migraines are classified into two types: classic or common. Classic migraine, or migraine with aura, is a migraine that is preceded by visual disturbances such as flashing lights, jagged lines or distorted images. There can also be neurological symptoms including numbness or weakness on one side of the body, severe dizziness or difficulty speaking. These pre-headache symptoms are the aura, which is an indication of the impending headache.
Common migraine is simply a migraine that sets in without an aura. However, many common migraine sufferers do notice subtle indications that a migraine is coming several hours or days before it starts. These symptoms include feeling elated, energetic, thirsty, hungry for sweets or feeling drowsy, irritable or depressed.

Causes
The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown. Experts believe that migraines are hereditary, and that 60% of adults with migraines and 90% of children with migraines report a family history of the condition. 

Several theories exist about their cause. Migraine pain is believed to be primarily related to abnormal constriction and dilation of blood vessels surrounding the brain. The reasons for these changes in blood vessels are unclear. One theory blames changes in the trigeminal nerve system—a major pathway in the brain—and another suggests that imbalances in the brain chemical serotonin might be the culprit.

Triggers
A number of factors can generate migraines. Keep in mind that these triggers do not cause the pain associated with a migraine attack, but rather activate a chemical imbalance that already exists. Such triggers include:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Certain foods like fermented, pickled or marinated foods
• Chocolate
• Food additives such as monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrate, aspartame and caffeine
• Hormone fluctuations due to oral contraceptive use, hormonal therapy, pregnancy or the menstrual cycle
• Changes in sleep habits and meal times

Before being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, most people develop “prediabetes,” a serious medical condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal.

People with prediabetes often have no signs or symptoms, or don’t recognize them because they develop slowly over a period of time.

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Risk Factors
If you are overweight and age 45 or older – You should be checked for prediabetes during your next routine medical office visit.
If your weight is normal and you are over age 45 – You should ask your doctor during a routine office visit if testing is appropriate.
If you are under age 45 and overweight – Your doctor should recommend testing if you have any other risk factors for diabetes, including:

• High blood pressure
• Low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides
• History of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
• Family history of diabetes
• Belonging to an ethnic or minority group at high risk for diabetes, including African-Americans, 
• Latinos, Native Americans, or Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders
  

Screening and Diagnosis
Screening guidelines for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes are as follows:

• Fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dl or lower is considered normal.
• Fasting blood glucose elevated to 100 - 125 mg/dl indicates pre-diabetes.
• Fasting blood glucose elevated to 126 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes.
• If your blood glucose levels are in the normal range, follow-up tests should occur every three years. If your results indicate prediabetes, you should be re-tested every one to two years after your diagnosis.
  

Prevention and Treatment
If diagnosed with prediabetes, you can and should do something about it. Studies show that people with this condition can prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, including:

• Moderate weight loss (reducing total body weight by 7 percent)
• Regular exercise (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
• For some people with prediabetes, early enough intervention can actually return elevated blood glucose levels to the normal range.
  

In an effort to share the faces behind our organization, we're shining a spotlight on our Team, Volunteers, and Board Members who have worked tirelessly to get Trinity Health Center open to provide health and healing to the working uninsured and underinsured neighbors in DeSoto County.

This week, we're spotlighting Trinity Health Center Volunteer Coordinator, Jamie Moffitt. Jamie has been a HUGE asset to our team in being able to help organize volunteers for our clinic and attending outreach events with the DeSoto County Dream Center. 

Why did you become involved with Trinity Health Center?
Years ago, when I first heard about Trinity becoming something our church would be a part of, I knew I wanted to be involved. A friend, whom I hold in high regard reached out and asked if I would be interested in taking a volunteer position and without a doubt I was in!

What excites you most about Trinity Health Center's mission and purpose?
I am so excited to work with such an amazing group of people who have such a heart for the people of our community! It also excites me to see folks in our community have the opportunity to receive affordable quality health care at a Christ centered facility!

What are some of your favorite places in our County to enjoy a healthy lifestyle? 
I love Olive Branch City Park! You can spend an entire day there nature walking, biking, fishing, bird watching, kite flying, playing tennis....the options are endless! Then after all those activities hit up "Tacoholics" food truck followed up by an authentic Mexican dessert at Frutanas!
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What is your favorite quote or bible verse?
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

If you're interested in volunteering with us, check out our Volunteer Application here.

Extreme summer temperatures are not only uncomfortable, they’re also dangerous for your health. This is particularly true for older adults and children, who are more susceptible to illness. Read on for more information about heat-related illnesses and top tips for preventing them.


Heat Exhaustion
This condition occurs when the body is not able to sweat enough to cool itself. Symptoms include:

• Dizziness or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurry vision and difficulty speaking
• Body temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Excessive thirst

When someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, they should move into a cooler place and drink water immediately.


Heat Stroke
This condition is the result of untreated heat exhaustion and includes the following symptoms:

• Sweating
• Unawareness of heat and thirst
• Body temperature rising rapidly above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Confusion or delirium
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

When someone is suffering from heat stroke, medical personnel should be called immediately, as the condition is life-threatening. Place ice packs on the person’s body until help arrives.

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Prevention Is Key
To avoid heat illness in summer temperatures, remember to drink lots of water—even if you aren’t thirsty. Additionally, wear light-colored, lightweight clothing made of natural fibers and put on a well-ventilated hat. Lastly, avoid leaving air-conditioned areas in the middle of the day if you can. Instead, complete outdoor activities (e.g., exercising or gardening) in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. For additional lifestyle and well-being guidance, contact us today.

In an effort to share the faces behind our organization, we're shining a spotlight on our Team, Volunteers, and Board Members who have worked tirelessly to get Trinity Health Center open to provide health and healing to the working uninsured and underinsured neighbors in DeSoto County.

This week, we're spotlighting Trinity Health Center Family Nurse Practitioner, Tina Smith. Tina has been a tremendous asset to our team and patients and has been an outspoken advocate for our organization. 

What is your role here at Trinity Health Center?
To listen to the patient describe symptoms, physical exam, order diagnostics if appropriate and treat condition with education on lifestyle changes, medications and other therapies as appropriate.


Why did you become involved with Trinity Health Center?
First, called into the profession of advanced practice nursing. Desired to partner as a volunteer and was available to fulfill the full time role. This is all the Lord's calling in every aspect of preparation for most of my life.


What excites you most about Trinity Health Center's mission and purpose?
To reach the community that does not otherwise have healthcare and give them a higher quality of care than they expect. It is so gratifying when they state they are surprised to be treated so respectfully and that they feel heard.


What are some of your favorite places in our County to enjoy a healthy lifestyle? 
Olive Branch City Park, Snowden Grove Park and Central Park in Southaven, Lee's Summit Park in Hernando. Stars in Motion in Hernando - yoga, aerial yoga, etc. multiple sports for all age children and some for adults through our local churches, Johnson Cree Greenway in Lake Cormorant. These are a few in Desoto County. There are many other active areas in the neighboring city of Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville TN.

What is your favorite quote or bible verse?
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Trinity Health Center is proud to announce their new Executive Director, Beth Kolb. Beth became the Executive Director of Trinity Health Center on May 15th and most recently served as a staff member of Compel Church (formerly Life Fellowship Church) in multiple roles.

Beth has been a part of Trinity Health Center’s planning process since its inception through her role at Compel and is honored to lead this organization providing hope and healing to those who need it most here in Desoto County.

Prior to her role in full-time ministry at Compel, Beth worked as a Registered Nurse and is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in this role that allows her to combine her two passions - medicine and ministry.
“Lack of insurance should not equal lack of quality healthcare. At Trinity, we get the opportunity to provide a first-class healthcare experience for those who are working and unable to obtain health insurance. I am honored to work with this amazing team every day,” said Kolb.

Awareness and advocacy is at the top of the list for Beth and the team at Trinity Health. “We are working to get the word out to the working uninsured of Desoto County that we are here and excited to become their primary healthcare provider. We are creating great partnerships with other medical facilities, businesses and churches and look forward to partnering with more. We are a clinic that has no government funding and is 100% funded by donations. Local churches and individuals have given generously to launch Trinity Health Center. We are believing that there are more in this community who are ready to invest in the mission and vision of Trinity Health Center.”

According to the US Census Bureau’s 2016 Population Survey, 20% of Mississippians were without any form of health insurance.  DeSoto County’s uninsured rate is roughly 17% (29,750). Out-of-pocket costs associated with health care deductibles, copays, prescriptions, and other costs inhibit residents from accessing care when they need it. Nineteen percent (33,250) of adults in DeSoto County consider cost a barrier to accessing care and acknowledge that they have not received care because they could not afford it. Trinity Health Center is working to become the medical home for many of these individuals.

The lack of available and affordable primary care access in the existing healthcare safety-net is driving the work of Trinity Health Center. With almost 30,000 identified uninsured residents, DeSoto County is benefiting from a comprehensive health clinic designed to serve those falling through the cracks of our healthcare system.
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If you’re interested in donating, volunteering, taking a tour, or providing medical services to Trinity Health Center, you can contact them at bkolb@trinityhealthcenter.org or by visiting www.trinityhealthcenter.org.

In an effort to share the faces behind our organization, we're shining a spotlight on our Team, Volunteers, and Board Members who have worked tirelessly to get Trinity Health Center open to provide health and healing to the working uninsured and underinsured neighbors in DeSoto County.

This week, we're spotlighting Trinity Health Center LPN, Madison Task. Madison has been with us since we opened our doors and has been a tremendous asset to our team and patients. 

What is your role here at Trinity Health Center?
As an LPN, my role is assisting the provider. I triage patients upon entering the facility and I'm in charge of drawing blood, completing labs, and getting all necessary information from the patient before seeing the Nurse Practitioner. I contact patients daily to provide lab results, treatment plans, prescription updates, and schedule follow-up visits. You can also find me at the front desk assisting with the administration side of the clinic checking patients in, out, and scheduling appointments!


Why did you become involved with Trinity Health Center?
As a new graduate, I was eager to begin working and allowing those in need to benefit from my skills. I learned about his position through Dr. Patrick Ball, and applied without knowing the purpose and additional details about Trinity.

After my interview and being around the future staff, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I always imagined myself working in a fast-paced environment, but this was the perfect place to learn and grow as a new nurse.

From the beginning, everyone was so willing to teach me skills that they knew and mold me into the nurse that I am today. It was nothing like I expected but day by day my love for what I do continues to grow.


What excites you most about Trinity Health Center's mission and purpose?
From experience, I believe that those who are uninsured don't always receive the same quality care as those that are insured. Trinity Health not only offers quality health care, but it has become a safe haven for those who need it most. We don't just encounter people in the community who need a primary care provider.

Most of our patients haven't been to a doctor's office in years and they are searching for a sense of reassurance and a positive impact in both their physical and mental health. Our team has made many connections with our patients and hearing their gratitude has made everything so much rewarding.


What are some of your favorite places in our County to enjoy a healthy lifestyle? 
To maintain my health, my favorite gym to work out at is Edge Fitness in Hernando! I've noticed that working out has improved both my physical and mental health. With the help of everyone at Trinity, I have attempted to change my eating habits for a healthier diet (it's a challenge, but I'm trying)!


What is your favorite quote or bible verse?
"If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it."