Author: VNA Health Care Communications

 

There is a wide range of things you will need to consider when it comes to your pregnancy. One of those is what kind of team you would like to have to help you through your birth experience. You could just use a doctor or a midwife, or could add a doula, or have some other combination of professionals at your side. There are several differences between a doula and a midwife, and it is important to know what each one does before deciding what is best for your pregnancy and birthing plan. In general, a doula provides support to the mother before and during childbirth. They will also be available for a short time after the birth. A midwife can offer gynecological assistance, birth control counseling, labor and delivery care, and prescriptions.

Delivering Babies

You may be wondering if a doula and midwife can deliver a baby. A doula typically provides support for expectant mothers and focuses on their needs in order to provide an empowering and memorable experience. Their main goal is to prepare you for childbirth and create a birth plan that meets all of your needs. There are birth doulas that can stay with the mother during the birthing process to offer breathing techniques and relaxation support. They are not medically trained and therefore cannot deliver a baby. 

A midwife is a healthcare professional who can perform gynecological exams, perform health monitoring and provide information on contraceptives. A midwife is able to deliver a baby without assistance, but they will refer women to an obstetrician during birth if the need arises and works closely with an obstetrician. However, in general, midwives can and do deliver babies on their own, and in many countries, most babies are delivered by midwives. 

Certifications

Both a doula and midwife will be well-trained for their respective roles. A doula does not need accredited medical training, but they can choose to be certified and trained by different organizations depending on their location. You can get recommendations from your doctor or other patients when choosing a doula. VNA offers free doula services for first and second-time mothers.

On the other hand, a midwife is required to be certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). They will also need to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and will have extensive training before getting their certification. 

Similarities

The similarities between a doula and midwife are that they are both healthcare professionals who assist women during their pregnancy or birthing process. They can play different roles and can each provide a special resource for women during their pregnancies. 

Differences

A doula and midwife offer different services. It is important to understand the differences, so you will make the right decision for your birthing team. When you want a more natural birth with little technological advances, then a midwife is a good choice for you. When you want an advocate specifically looking out for the person giving birth, a doula is a good choice for you. A doula will be there to provide services and support to the mother and works closely with the doctors, nurses, and midwives.

Can You Use Both During Pregnancy?

Yes! You can use both a doula and midwife during your pregnancy and birthing journey. Please note that a midwife is trained to know when an emergency is happening and a doctor is required to step in. This can happen during high-risk pregnancies or when there is an issue during birth, and the midwife and the doctor will work together to ensure that you have a safe pregnancy and birth. 

VNA Health Care Can Assist With Your Prenatal Care

When you are considering your birthing options, you should contact VNA Health Care to get the help you need. Call us at (630) 593-7974 to make an appointment today.

 

You may not think you need to get the influenza (flu) shot, especially if you are young and generally healthy or if you haven’t had flu in a few years. It is true that flu cases have gone down considerably because of all the precautions that have been implemented to protect people from COVID-19. However, the flu is still very much a threat, even though the precautions we take to protect ourselves from the coronavirus may also prevent the flu from spreading. While the two illnesses are completely different, they both pose a serious threat to people each and every year, especially the elderly and those with immune disorders or other health issues. It is advisable to get the vaccinations for to protect yourself from both flu and COVID-19.

Here are five reasons why you should get your flu shot this year. 

Reduces Your Sick Days

Each year, 111 million lost workdays across the country are the result of people being treated at home or in the hospital for flu symptoms. This hurts employees who are stuck at home recovering from the illness and employers who lose productivity hours. Plus, it can take up to a few days to fully recover from the flu, meaning getting even further behind with work.

Saves Your Life

You may believe that the flu is harmless; after all, it has been around for as long as you can remember. That is a common myth. Every person reacts differently to illnesses, and the flu is no different. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized for serious complications from the flu. 

Some of these complications include ear infections, sinus infections, bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening chronic illnesses. In some of the worst cases, people can die from the flu. So the next time you ask yourself if you should get the flu shot, and how long does the flu shot protect you, consider that every year you need to rebuild your immunity so getting the flu shot every year could save your life. 

Most People Are Eligible

Anyone who is over the age of six months is eligible to get the flu shot and it is available at most primary care providers and at local pharmacies. There is also a flu shot that is specifically intended for those who are 65 and older. It allows this age group to get even better protection from the flu, especially since they may be more vulnerable than other age groups. 

It Changes Each Year

Each year, the CDC may suggest adjustments to the flu shot based upon which strains of influenza are most likely to be active that year. However, your symptoms will be reduced regardless of what strain is currently active if you get the flu shot. You may not even get the flu at all when you’ve had the flu shot.

Herd Immunity

There is such a thing as natural herd immunity, this is when enough people have immunity either from having the infection or from vaccination that it reduces the likelihood of infection for individuals who lack immunity. In the US, before herd immunity can take effect, millions of people have to first get sick or be vaccinated. 

The flu can spread easily. You can be exposed when a person coughs, sneezes, or even simply speaks. The flu can also be contracted when you touch a surface with flu germs on it. Unfortunately, not everyone can get the vaccination as some people have medical conditions that prevent them from being able to get the shot. However, it is important that everyone else who is eligible to get the flu shot actually go ahead and get vaccinated as this helps protect those that are unable to get it as well as the person who receives the vaccine. 

Schedule Your Flu Shot at a VNA Health Care Location Today

The answer to how long does the flu shot last is approximately six months. The best time to get it is in October, so you have some protection through the winter months when the flu is most active. If you have missed your flu shot, VNA encourages you to get it at any time during the winter as it will help protect you later in the season. You can contact VNA Health Care at (630) 593-7974 to find out more about the flu shot or to schedule an appointment. 

 

Being active during pregnancy is a great way to get your body moving and to stay healthy. However, you want to maintain a good balance and not push yourself at the risk of your health. The key is to do everything under the direction of your doctor. You want to keep yourself and your baby healthy and happy without overdoing it. The good news is that you can continue to exercise during pregnancy, and it is even encouraged. 

Is It Safe To Exercise?

If you have a normal pregnancy and are generally healthy, it is safe to continue to exercise during pregnancy, depending on the amount of time and level of physical exertion you are doing. Most routine workouts do not increase your risk of miscarriage, early delivery, or low birth weight. Keep in mind that you need to discuss your exercise plans with your healthcare provider during prenatal visits. If they determine it is okay to exercise during your pregnancy, you can easily find a safe and satisfying workout routine. 

How Much Should You Exercise During Pregnancy?

In ideal circumstances, a pregnant woman should exercise at least 150 minutes per week. It can be a moderate-intensity exercise, which means you move enough to raise your heart rate and even some sweating. Some examples include walking and gardening. You can reach the 150-minute weekly goal by dividing it into 30 minutes a day or even dividing it further into 10-minute sets throughout the day. 

Are There Any Precautions?

Since your body is going through so many changes, you may need to take additional precautions when you exercise during pregnancy. You will need to drink plenty of water before, during, and even after your workout. You should wear a sports bra for added support and protection for your breasts. Avoid exercising when it is extremely hot or humid. Choose indoor exercise if it is slippery outside. You should also avoid lying flat on your back as much as you can, as the uterus can press down on a large vein that returns blood to the heart and can cause circulation problems. 

Examples of Safe Exercise During Pregnancy

Walking is a great exercise because it offers a variety of benefits and is low impact. Ensure that you are wearing good footwear to prevent falling and take extra care if the weather is wet or icy. There are several other good exercises for pregnant women as well. You can try water workouts like swimming or aerobics, as this can often help you avoid injury and muscle strain. Biking is good too, but instead of using a standard bicycle, you should use a stationary bike. Your pregnancy can affect your balance and this can help prevent you from falling. You can also do modified yoga and modified Pilates to increase your flexibility and improve your breathing.  

Exercises to Avoid

There are, of course, several exercises to avoid during pregnancy, such as contact sports.  Any sport that may put you in danger of getting hit in the abdomen, like basketball, boxing, soccer, and others, is not recommended. Although modified yoga and Pilates are safe, avoid hot yoga or hot Pilates as they can cause you to overheat. Scuba diving is also not a recommended exercise during pregnancy. Any activity that is performed at a high altitude is also to be avoided while you are pregnant and an example of this would be skydiving. 

Seek Prenatal Care from VNA Health Care

Have questions about your pregnancy? Schedule your appointment today with VNA Health Care. Contact us online or call us at (630) 593-7974 to make an appointment.  Our doctors and nurse practitioners look forward to answering all of your pregnancy questions. 

With our children back in the classroom, it is essential to ensure they are back on track and up-to-date with routine vaccinations and check-ups which protect them from preventable diseases.

Illinois Pandemic Health Navigator Program Launch

VNA Health Care was delighted to welcome Governor J.B. Pritzker and representatives from the Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) and the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to our Health Center at Indian Avenue in Aurora for the launch of the State’s COVID-19 Pandemic Health Navigator Program.

This program integrates local health departments and public health partners to coordinate access to critical services and resources to reach the most vulnerable populations. Available resources include meals, medicine, mobility support, immigration matters, work and income resources, mental health support, support for unsafe living conditions (e.g. domestic abuse), etc., which are available during isolation and quarantine.

VNA Health Care continues to provide COVID-19 services including vaccinations and testing throughout its service area within health center, community and home settings in Kane, DuPage and Will counties. VNA Community Health Workers make sure that all residents equitably receive the health education, outreach, and resources they need to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic.

IPHCA and IPHA conducted a survey of more than 800 Illinois residents. The survey found that 20% of those who responded to the survey indicated that they were not confident in their ability to determine the difference between fact or fiction on the internet. 71% percent said that they were open to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. 57% said that they would be open to working with a Community Health Worker.

“Healthcare providers have been on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 from day one,” said Linnea Windel, President and CEO of VNA Health Care. “The Pandemic Health Navigator Program will provide us with additional tools, resources and Community Health Workers to support our fight against this virus and help our patients and larger community get through this together.”

Read the Pandemic Health Navigator Program Survey Findings Report: https://ipha.com/content/uploads/PHN_Report_FINAL_04.26.21%201.pdf

On April 15, 2021, VNA Health Care joined with the City of Aurora and Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple leaders to vaccinate Aurora’s South Asian and Southeast Asian residents and neighbors at the former Carson Pirie Scott location at the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.

This vaccination event was made possible with help and support from local community leaders. Speakers at the press conference prior to the clinic opening included City of Aurora Mayor, Richard C. Irvin and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi via video link; City of Aurora Alderwoman-Elect Shweta Baid; Dr. Venkata S. Musunuru, Chairman, Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple; and Roopa Anjanappa, Chairwoman of the Aurora Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and management of the Balaji temple, I extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to VNA and its management, City of Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irwin and staff Michael Pegue, Clayton Muhammad and Alderwomen Scheketa Hart-Burns and Alderwomen-Elect Shweta Baid for their support and participation in the Indian Vax program on 4-15-2021. It was a great joint effort to organize and reach out to various groups of people in the community. VNA is truly a Nightingalean order. Thanks to everybody who participated in protecting our communities against this terrible disease,” said Dr. V Musunuru, Chairman, Balaji Temple.

VNA Health Care and the City of Aurora are focused on increasing vaccine equity and decreasing vaccine hesitancy by collaborating on a series of mass vaccination events. Locally and nationally, minority populations have been disproportionately diagnosed and hospitalized and have died from COVID-19.

“VNA staff have administered over 25,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far and we were thrilled to vaccinate 750 more individuals at Indian Vax Aurora,” said Linnea Windel, President and CEO, VNA Health Care.

On April 1, 2021, VNA Health Care collaborated with the City of Aurora at the former Carson Pirie Scott location in Fox Valley Mall to launch UnityVax, which further builds upon the success of three of the prior collaborative, equity-focused initiatives – BlackVax, LatinvaX, and Indian Vax Aurora. Linnea Windel, VNA President and CEO and VNA’s vaccination team joined Mayor of Aurora, Richard C. Irvin, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and DuPage County Health Department at the opening this event. At the time of writing, more than 11,000 Aurorans have been vaccinated so far.

At the end of the press conference, Mayor Richard C. Irvin, rolled up his sleeve and received his own vaccination from VNA Nurse Practitioner, Michelle Sexton FNP-BC and shared the following remarks: “Let us thank VNA for being seemingly everywhere all the time and vaccinating people by the thousands. This is in addition to their other medical life-saving work that they have been doing in Aurora for more than a century. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, VNA Health Care has taken the lead in serving our most vulnerable and underserved populations. VNA does this with the utmost professionalism, patience and care. Linnea and her team never run from a challenge and face the realities of inequity in the health care system head on. Just as they are doing here today at the UnityVax Aurora Vaccination Clinic.”

Linnea Windel, VNA President and CEO expressed VNA’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable and outlined the health disparities faced by people of color which places them at greater risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. 50% of Hispanics will develop diabetes over the course of their lifetimes, African Americans are 40% more likely to have hypertension than non-Hispanic whites, and Asian Indians are three times more likely to have coronary heart disease than the US general population.

By the end of the day, VNA successfully vaccinated over 900 individuals, helping to further protect public health in the city of Aurora and the community at large. VNA continues its effort to reach underserved communities or communities where vaccine hesitancy is still prevalent as increasing vaccination rates is critical to preventing hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.