Together We Rise Wellness Podcast

In this episode of "Together We Rise," we meet retired veteran Tupu Siolo and learn about the benefits of PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which provides comprehensive wraparound services with the goal of keeping seniors living at home. Joining Mr. Tupu is occupational therapist Candace Lock and registered nurse Yotsana Tripathi. Learn how PACE supports seniors in living independently and safely in their own homes while providing a comprehensive care model that includes medical, social, and personal support. If you or a loved one are considering options for elder care, this episode is essential for understanding what makes PACE unique. Don’t forget to check out our website at ichspace.org for more information!

The road to parenthood can be overwhelming, especially for new families! The OB and Maternity Support Services team at International Community Health Services (ICHS) is here to help. Dr. Aisling Zhao, family physician, and Julia Shi, registered nurse, will walk us through the services available for new parents and their babies, from prenatal care through delivery and beyond.The road to parenthood can be overwhelming, especially for new families! The OB and Maternity Support Services team at International Community Health Services (ICHS) is here to help. Dr. Aisling Zhao, family physician, and Julia Shi, registered nurse, will walk us through the services available for new parents and their babies, from prenatal care through delivery and beyond.  Learn more about Aisling Zhao, MD, MPH 

Acupuncture helps many of our patients of all ages and backgrounds achieve their optimal health and wellbeing. ICHS licensed acupuncturist Phuc Nguyen will talk about the general experience of acupuncture and what to expect for people totally unfamiliar.  Learn more about Phuc Nguyen, LAc/EAMP 

Geriatric dentistry or gerodontics is simply dental care for older adults. It is geared towards diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of problems associated with age-related dental conditions and diseases. Dr. Annie Kwan, a dentist at International Community Health Services (ICHS), explains it all in this episode of Together We Rise, a wellness podcast by ICHS.

Join the conversation as Aliya Haq examines the potential downsides of relying solely on weight loss medications like Ozempic. Discover holistic and sustainable approaches to weight management that prioritize your overall well-being and health.

No longer considered alternative treatment, integrative medicine plays a comprehensive role in achieving the appropriate care for each person with a focus on health promotion. Dr. Hannah Gordon, a naturopathic physician at the ICHS International District Medical Clinic, explains all about this fascinating field and how best to incorporate it into your life.   #naturopathicmedicine #integrativemedicine #wholepersonhealth #healthpromotion #patientcenteredcare

Delve into the often overlooked but essential topic of sexual health with John Marrin from ICHS. In this episode, we explore the importance of open dialogues about sexual wellness, ways to find a supportive healthcare provider, and practical tips for maintaining a healthy sex life.   #SexualHealth #HIVPrevention #PrimaryCare #HealthWellness #SexualWellness    

According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, up to 2.4 million people in the United States are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. More than 50% of people living with chronic hepatitis B are of Asian, Pacific Islander or African descent. Only 25% of infected individuals are diagnosed, and thousands of people die each year from this preventable disease. Mohammed Abdul-Kadir, a coordinator at both International Community Health Services (ICHS) and the Hepatitis B Coalition of Washington (HBCW), will speak on the importance of raising awareness of hepatitis B and the role that effective screening and vaccination programs play in eradicating this disease.

After-hours medical clinics play an important role in the healthcare system by providing access to affordable medical services to people who otherwise might have no other choice but to go to an emergency room. ICHS opened its own after hours clinic at their Holly Park location in September 2023. Dr. Beth Weitensteiner, Assistant Medical Director at ICHS Holly Park Medical & Dental Clinic, and Tram Le, Health Center Manager at the same clinic, will share their insights on running the Holly Park after hours clinic and how it is making a difference in our community.

Mobile medical clinics provide essential services to underserved communities and play a vital role in improving access to quality healthcare. In April 2024, ICHS launched its own such clinic with the goal of reaching patients where they are. It currently serves community locations in south King County, but they are also looking into expanding into north Pierce County in the future. Dr. Beth Weitensteiner, Assistant Medical Director at ICHS Holly Park Medical & Dental Clinic, and Tram Le, Health Center Manager at the same clinic, will share their insights on the importance of mobile medical clinics and how they are making a difference in our communities.

ICHS PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) provides individualized services to keep you or your nursing-home eligible family member living independently at home or in the community for as long as possible. Dr. Mandeep Walia, PACE medical director at International Community Health Services (ICHS), and Heidi Wong, program director of the ICHS Healthy Aging & Wellness Program, are here to talk about PACE and if it’s right for you or your loved one.

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one in four of all deaths. There are risk factors we can’t change, including age, gender, and genetic factors. Dr. Alan Chun, a family physician and geriatrician at International Community Health Services (ICHS), is here to talk about what we can do to boost heart health.

If you think your baby’s toothless smile is cute, just wait until their first teeth start to come in! Dr. Chi Nguyen, a dentist at the ICHS Holly Park Dental Clinic, is here to inform parents what they need to know about their child’s teeth, why they’re important for lifelong dental health, and how to care for them from birth through preschool.

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t. Dr. Chi Nguyen, a dentist at the ICHS Holly Park Dental Clinic, wants to educate parents on how to protect their children’s teeth from cavities.

The Dental Assistant Internship Program at International Community Health Services is a unique pipeline for anyone looking to make a career change. The internship is a full-time, paid position offering six months of all-expenses-paid training followed by a year-and-a-half of guaranteed work experience at an ICHS clinic. Dental assistants are a vital part of the dentistry field and currently in high demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental assistants is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. The aging of the large baby-boomer generation is expected to fuel the continued need for dental care to maintain and treat teeth. I’m pleased to introduce Viktoriya Garkavi, dental clinical support supervisor at ICHS. Joining her is ICHS dental assistant Mei Vuong. Together, they will talk about this highly-valued, intensive training opportunity available only at ICHS.

Let’s face it, everyone is tired of COVID. Many people have stopped wearing masks and are going about like normal. Yet, the U.S. is experiencing another coronavirus surge brought on by omicron subvariants. How can we protect ourselves and prepare for a third winter with COVID? Dr. Deepa Yerram, chief medical officer at International Community Health Services, is here to talk about steps we all can take to live our lives while minimizing COVID risks.

According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 43 percent of parents with children under 5 say they will “definitely not” get them vaccinated against COVID-19. Only 7 percent of parents say they have had their young children vaccinated, and 27 percent want to “wait and see” how the vaccine impacts other young children first. Dr. Deepa Yerram, chief medical officer at International Community Health Services, is here to talk about the importance of vaccinating our youngest children against COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 percent of children in the US have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Dr. Harvey Wu, assistant dental director of the Holly Park Dental Clinic, is here to talk about the importance of pediatric dental care and what parents can do to keep their children’s teeth healthy.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing minority group in the US, with 22.9 million people in 2019. Of those, nearly 15 percent reported having a mental illness in the past year. That is more than the number of dentists, postsecondary teachers and lawyers in the United States combined. Yet Asian Americans are three times less likely to seek mental health services than Whites. Randon Aea, behavioral health manager at International Community Health Services, explains why and what we can do to change that.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 in 5 Americans live with at least one chronic disease, like heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes. Dr. Beth Weitensteiner, medical director at International Community Health Services, is here to talk about how providers can address the needs of patients with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The vision of International Community Health Services (ICHS) is "Healthier People. Thriving Families. Empowered Communities. A Just Society." In this episode we explore what “a just society” means and looks like for ICHS in the context of advocacy. ICHS Foundation Director Heidi Wong hosts this conversation with ICHS President & CEO Teresita Batayola and former ICHS Foundation Executive Director Ron Chew. If you’d like to donate to support our work, or learn more about ICHS, please go to https://bloom2022.raisely.com/ Help us meet our goal of $300,000 for this campaign - every dollar donated up to $100,000 before June 10 will be matched!

Public health experts say vaccine equity is a must to end the coronavirus pandemic. What is vaccine equity and how do we achieve it? Dr. Beth Weitensteiner is here to talk about the barriers that communities of color face in accessing the COVID-19 vaccines and what we can do to close the gap.

Diabetes affects people of all cultures, races, and ethnicities. However, it impacts Hispanics, Blacks, Asian Americans, and American Indians/Alaskan Natives at higher rates. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented, treated, and managed. Aliya Haq, RDN, CD, is here to talk about how cultural awareness and sensitivity affect patient care.