If you're sick, injured, or you need vaccinations, you have a few options to choose from when it comes to getting the care that you need. Some people will call their primary care physician when they need medical care and there are some people who will go straight to the emergency room. Finally, many people today visit health care clinics to get the care that they need. If you're considering going to a health care clinic when you need to be treated by a health care professional, you should know the pros and cons of visiting one of these facilities.

It’s time to trade in your swimming suits for school supplies - back to school season is upon us! While many parents and caregivers are ready to get back into a routine again, actually doing so can take some time. The tips below can help you make healthy choices for your kids as you start the summer to classroom transition. 

Basketball, baseball, field hockey, soccer, football, or volleyball -- all things that unite classmates within the school, city, and maybe even state! Your child has practiced all summer, joined rec teams, and studied all of the tricks. Tryouts will start early in the school year, so what could you be forgetting?

There’s been a lot of talk about Monkeypox in the news and around the web. After going through a pandemic many of us may feel on edge when we hear, see, or read about a recent outbreak that has surfaced, causing many people to ask the question, is Monkeypox dangerous?

Many people look forward to the summer. During the summer you can enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors, the days are longer, and there are plenty of fun things to do. The only complaint that people have during the summer is that it can get too hot. When the temperature reaches the 90's and the 100's, it can be very difficult to get comfortable. It can also be dangerous. If you are not careful and you don't keep yourself cool, your body can overheat, which can be very dangerous and even deadly.

UPDATED: June 2022

The CDC now recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible. The Medical Specialty Center at Orchard Hospital will be offering a one day infant/toddler vaccine clinic on Friday, July 1st from 8am-4pm by appointment. Call 530-797-3595 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Both Moderna and Pfizer is available for all children and adults ages 6 months or older.

The official start of summer brings the fun of outdoor activities, summer camps, vacations, and high temperatures. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of activities and a more relaxed routine, forgetting to take proper care of ourselves and our loved ones when the temperatures get into the triple digits. High temperatures combined with strenuous physical activity can lead to heat exhaustion. Luckily, with the right knowledge and precautions it’s completely preventable.

We all experience levels of stress, sadness, depression, anxiety and other emotions in our lives. They are part of who we are as human beings and our natural way of responding to situations. But as many as 1 in 5 people are affected by these expected behaviors and responses turning into a mental health condition. The signs of mental illness are not always obvious, and each mental health condition has its own symptoms. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms and to know how to help yourself or someone else who is suffering.

There is no one-size-fits-all definition of nursing. It’s a profession in the field of healthcare that focuses on the care of individuals, families, groups, and communities, both sick and well, to promote optimal health and quality of life. Nursing are an integral part of the healthcare system, and its role falls on a spectrum from general to specialized care. Nurses work in various settings, but their ultimate role is to take care of patients. If you’ve had a nurse positively impact your life, we invite you to celebrate National Nurses Month.

We all want our youngsters to eat nutrient-rich foods and hope they naturally gravitate towards choosing healthy options – especially when we’re not around to feed them. But you may find yourself with a picky eater and you’re at a loss of how to get them to eat anything other than chicken nuggets or mac & cheese.

Being a picky eater typically starts around the age of one or two. This is the age when kids begin to form specific opinions, but also act very fickle. They love a certain food one day, but if you suggest it to them the next day, they have a temper tantrum.

Some parents feel like bribing their kids is the only way to get them to eat healthy options. Forcing and bribing kids to eat specific foods seldom instills a desired result or behavior. Instead, try different strategies on your meticulous eaters to encourage healthy eating habits.