Vidalia Community Health Center

08/06/2025

08/06/2025

08/06/2025

that Community Health Centers have a long history of finding communities in need of healthcare services and providing reliable primary and preventative care? Louisiana's own sprawling Community Health Center movement started with 3 clinics in Franklin, Natchitoches, and Lake Charles. Now, our state is home to 41 Community Health Center organizations operating over 470 clinic sites across the state, providing additional services like dental care, behavioral health care, school-based health services, and more.

Join us in celebrating 60 years of our nation's Community Health Centers and the incredible work they do each day to make our families and our communities healthier and safer.

08/03/2025

🍩☕ Save the Dates for a Special Thank You! ☕🍩

In celebration of National Health Center Week, we’re thanking those who serve our community with free coffee and donuts—stop by our Tensas or Vidalia clinic on your way to work!

👉 Check the dates below to see when you can swing by!

💚Monday, Aug 4th- All police, sheriff, fire department, and paramedics
💚Tuesday, Aug 5th- Farmers, LSU Ag, USDA and Ag related businesses
💚Wednesday, Aug 6th- All local small business and local banks
💚Thursday, Aug 7th- All teachers, school staff, bus drivers, school-board members, and clergy
💚Friday Aug 8th- All elected individuals and parish employed staff

Thank you to all those who serve our small but mighty town!

We appreciate all that you do for our small town—let us treat you to a little something sweet.

07/24/2025

🏈⚽️🏀 Game on! ⚾️🎾🏐

Make sure your athlete is ready for the season with a sports physical ✅💪

🗓️ Call us today to schedule—quick, easy, and keeping them safe on and off the field!
Tensas: (318)766-1967
Vidalia: (318) 414-3020

To learn why sport physicals are important and what to expect visit:
https://www.tensashealth.com/sport

07/02/2025

A meta-analysis by Holt-Lunstad et al. (PMID: 25910392), published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, found that loneliness and social isolation increase mortality risk by 26-29%, comparable to smoking 15 ci******es daily. Based on 70 studies with over 3 million participants, it links loneliness to heart disease, depression, and weakened immunity. Loneliness triggers inflammation by raising pro-inflammatory cytokines (like labs we run for telehealth patients such as IL-6, CRP and others), contributing to chronic conditions like cardiovascular, metabolic, digestive, hormonal and autoimmune conditions. Other mechanisms include elevated cortisol from chronic stress, disrupted sleep, and impaired immune function, all accelerating aging and disease. Behavioral factors, like reduced activity or poor diet, also exacerbate risks.  
 
Recent 2024 data shows 30% of U.S. adults feel lonely weekly, 10% daily, with 30% of 18-34-year-olds reporting frequent loneliness, per the American Psychiatric Association. Gen Z reports up to 80% feeling isolated yearly. 
 
Practical Tips to Decrease Loneliness: 
 
1. Reach Out Regularly: Schedule calls or meet-ups with friends or family to maintain bonds 
 
2. Join Community Groups: Explore local clubs, hobby classes, or online communities (e.g., book clubs, fitness groups). 
 
3. Volunteer: Community service fosters connection and purpose. 
 
4. Use Technology Wisely: Balance video calls or social media platforms with in-person interactions. 
 
5. Practice Small Interactions: Chat with neighbors or coworkers to build micro-connections. 
 
6. Seek Professional Support: Therapy or support groups can help if loneliness persists. 
     
I’ve talked about this topic at length on my podcast, The Art of Being Well and in articles on drwillcole.com.  
       
       
       
          

07/02/2025

🇺🇸 Fourth of July Closure Notice 🇺🇸
Our health clinics will be closed on Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

✨ As you celebrate, please stay safe—especially around fireworks and while enjoying time on the water.
✔️ Keep a close eye on kids
✔️ Stay Hydrated
✔️ Wear life jackets
✔️ Never mix alcohol with fireworks or boating

🎇Have a fun and safe 3 day weekend!

07/01/2025

🎉This week we celebrate 3 years with Myisha Snyder!🎉

Thank you for your dedication and the care you bring to our team and patients every day. We’re grateful to have you! 💚

06/24/2025

We are under heat advisory!
Heat Exhaustion Signs

Heavy sweating
Weakness
Cold, pale, and clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
What You Should Do:

Move to a cooler location.
Lie down and loosen your clothing.
Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
Sip water.
If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke

High body temperature (above 103°F – *104°F taken rectally is the most accurate)
Hot, red, dry or moist skin
Rapid and strong pulse
Possible unconsciousness
What You Should Do:

Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
Move the person to a cooler environment.
Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
Do NOT give fluids.
When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness.

06/03/2025

Please join us in congratulating our raffle winners. You may pick up your prize whenever convenient. We thank everyone for participating.
LaShaye Parker
Ashley Wynn

05/28/2025

🎉 Happy 6-Year Work Anniversary! 🎉
Today we’re proud to celebrate Mandy Howington, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, who has been with us for 6 amazing years as our mental health provider.

Mandy’s commitment to whole-person care and mental health advocacy is a vital part of our mission. Thank you for the care, insight, and heart you bring every day! 💚

05/21/2025

Let’s stop the scroll and start the conversation to tackle this together for your optimum mental health!
• 50% of all lifetime mental
illnesses begin by age 14
• More than 1 in 10 youth in the
U.S. experience major
depression
• Anxiety disorders are the
most common mental illness
in America—but only 1 in 3
get treatment

Mental health is health!
It’s time we talk about it, support each other, and end the stigma.

Because every mind matters!