Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Alcoholism is becoming an ever-growing issue. Did you know that 14.5 million people ages 12 and older have had some alcohol use disorder, and excessive alcohol use contributes to over 140,000 deaths a year in the U.S.?
April is Alcohol Awareness Month,
and we would like to use this time to shine a light on this massive issue that is plaguing people and families everywhere. We want to encourage reflection on the impact that alcohol can have on health, relationships, and your well-being.
Alcohol use may be common in our society, but it is still important to recognize how drinking may be affecting your life and the lives around you. If you or a loved one is struggling with drinking, please speak to your MedNOW provider or call your MedNOW clinic.
We would be happy to help those who are struggling to obtain the treatment they need.
Did you know that we have great medications to curb cravings for alcohol?
Naltrexone is the number one FDA-approved drug for this purpose. This once-a-day, generic medication reduces alcohol cravings by up to 90%! It also has very few side effects. There are other FDA-approved medications as well, and there are also over-the-counter herbal medications that help to curb alcohol cravings.
If you have any questions regarding alcoholism or alcohol abuse, the CDC provides excellent information. If you think you or a loved one may have an issue with alcohol and need immediate help, please call the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Thank you for taking care of your health!
August is National Immunization Awareness Month , and we want to emphasize the importance of staying up to date with your vaccinations. Did you know every $1 spent on childhood vaccinations saves up to $44 in healthcare costs by preventing illness and hospitalizations? Vaccines are essential for protecting your health and the health of those around you, preventing diseases, and reducing the spread of infections. Vaccines are not just for children—adults need them too! Here is a snapshot of vaccines important for adults: 1. Flu Vaccine: Annually, preferably before flu season (all adults, especially those 65+) 2. Pneumonia Vaccine: One vaccine followed by a second 12 months later (adults 50+) 3. COVID-19 Vaccine: Varies (all ages) 4. Shingles Vaccine: Two-dose series (adults 50+) 5. Tetanus Vaccine: Every 10 years (all adults) 6. RSV Vaccine: One-time dose (adults 60+) 7. Gardasil Vaccine: Three doses (ages 9-45) If you have questions or need assistance scheduling an appointment, call your MedNOW Clinic. Your health is our top priority. If you have any more questions regarding vaccines and immunizations, the CDC provides excellent information. To book an appointment to receive your vaccines, please call your MedNOW Clinic, or you can schedule your appointment online through our website. Thank you for taking care of your health!
We are pleased to re-introduce Sarah Paston, PMHNP, from the MedNOW Clinics team! Sarah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, offering compassionate, patient-centered behavioral health care to all MedNOW patients. With a background in treating mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders, Sarah provides a safe, supportive environment for patients navigating a wide range of mental health concerns. She also has specialized experience in women’s mental health, including perinatal mood disorders and the emotional impact of reproductive health challenges. Sarah’s approach is holistic and collaborative—she takes the time to understand everyone’s unique experiences, environment, and goals to support lasting wellness and resilience. We are excited to share that Sarah is now available for telehealth appointments every Thursday , making it easier than ever to access high-quality mental health care from the comfort of your home. To schedule a Telehealth visit with Sarah Paston, PMHNP, please speak with your provider or call your MedNOW Clinic today!
We want to inform you that Hannah Newman, FNP, will be departing from MedNOW Clinics next month, after over a year of dedicated service. During her time with us, Hannah has brought compassion, insight, and a deep commitment to patient wellness through both conventional and functional medicine. We are grateful for the care she has provided and wish her the very best as she embarks on the next step in her professional journey. While we will miss Hannah greatly, we are pleased to announce that Leslie Irwin, FNP, will be assuming the care for Hannah’s patients. Leslie is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of healthcare experience and a strong focus on personalized, collaborative care. Leslie’s diverse background—as both a former professional track & field athlete and a dedicated clinician—brings a unique and inspiring approach to wellness. She is passionate about helping patients take an active role in their health and is committed to delivering the high-quality, individualized care you’ve come to expect at MedNOW. We are confident you will find Leslie to be a knowledgeable, compassionate, and attentive provider. If you have any questions about your care or would like to schedule an appointment with Leslie, please feel free to call our office or use the link on our website! Thank you for trusting MedNOW Clinics with your care. We look forward to continuing to serve you with excellence.