News & Blogs

Stay up to date on the latest news from Fetter Health Care Network by viewing our updates below.

News & Blogs

Stay up to date on the latest news from Fetter Health Care Network by viewing our updates below.

What are anxiety disorders?

When feelings of fear or anxiety become persistent, so much so that they interfere with school or home life, it could signify that your child has developed an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are common mental health disorders that cause feelings of fear, worry and anxiety in a person when they are exposed to particular situations. Beyond the mind, these disorders can also affect the body, as well as sleeping and eating habits.

Common symptoms exhibited by children with anxiety disorders can include:

Behavioral changes, such as moodiness, aggression, temper tantrums, clinginess or frequent crying spells
Complaints of stomach aches or headaches
Constantly worrying or having negative thoughts
Changes in appetite
Difficulty concentrating
And more

Common Anxiety Disorders Among Children

Not all children express their anxiety the same way. Depending on how your child may be showing theirs, it could give some insight into their particular anxiety order.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), several anxiety disorders are particularly common among children.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Children affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) will show excessive worry about various subjects: grades, relationships, and more.

The ADAA notes that those living with GAD may be especially hard on themselves, strive for perfection or seek constant approval.

Specific Phobias. If your child shows an intense and potentially irrational fear toward a particular subject or situation, they may be experiencing a phobia. Common phobias amongst children include the fear of dogs or cats, the fear of flying and more.

Separation Anxiety Disorder. Feelings of anxiousness when separated from one’s parents are common for young children, especially for those between 18 months and three years old. However, if your child is beyond this age range and displays signs of extreme discomfort or distress when separated from loved ones, it may reflect the development of separation anxiety.

It is common for children with this anxiety disorder to experience the fear that their separation from a loved one may somehow cause a harmful outcome.

Panic Disorder. Those who have panic disorders may find themselves frequently experiencing sudden episodes of intense panic or fear. Along with this sense of dread are symptoms such as sweating, shaking, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and more.

It is common for children experiencing panic attacks to stress over the thought that they are “losing control” following these episodes.

Social Anxiety Disorder. Children experiencing a social anxiety disorder will often feel overwhelmed or fearful of social and performative settings. These situations can include starting up a conversation or being called on by a teacher.

Social anxiety disorders can make everyday interactions difficult for children, negatively impacting their performance in school or participation in social activities like sports.

How do you treat an anxiety disorder?

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from any kind of anxiety disorder, having a conversation with them is a great first step toward identifying the problem.

It is not uncommon for children with anxiety disorders to hide their thoughts regarding these issues, leading to missed diagnoses. By talking to your child about these anxious feelings, you may help put their minds at ease and help them open up about the extent of the issue.

You should also contact your local health care provider or behavioral health specialist to schedule an appointment for your child so that they can suggest a proper course of action. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommends that health care providers conduct routine screenings on children for behavioral and mental health concerns.

Behavioral Health Services at Fetter Health Care Network

Our Fetter team is committed to treating the whole person and promoting wellness in all forms — and that includes behavioral health. We integrate behavioral health services into the primary medical care setting in order to improve overall health outcomes. The initial patient visit must be with a Fetter provider before behavioral health services are rendered.

In partnership with Charleston County School District, Fetter also provides school-based health services to students and staff at several schools throughout the Lowcountry.

January 27, 2022

7 Tips to Manage Stress

As much as we wish it weren’t, stress is a regular part of the human experience. From tight deadlines at work to managing relationships, life can be filled with situations that may cause stress and anxiety when under the right (or wrong) conditions.

But just because stress may be unavoidable, that doesn’t make it unmanageable. With the right tools and know-how, a person can manage – and in some instances avoid – the stresses of life.

1. Learn from previous experiences and plan ahead.

A spilled drink, a last-minute cancellation, or something more serious, like an unforeseen diagnosis: Unless you are a time traveler or can see the future, some stresses are unknowable.

However, while we cannot change the past, we can learn from it. Practicing time management can assist you in avoiding the tight deadlines you may have experienced on a previous project. Address concerns in the moment if you see them leading to more stressful complications later on.

By using lessons learned from past experiences, you can analyze developing situations and make adjustments to minimize stress as much as possible.

2. Avoid stressful situations.

Believe it or not, some stresses really are avoidable. For example, if you know that your regular route to work is prone to traffic stops, you can plan for an earlier start from your home. Avoid long lines and enjoy your lunch break by packing instead.

Knowing yourself and what triggers you is the key to practicing proper avoidance. Once you are able to identify your personal stresses, you can begin to plan around them and steer clear of them whenever possible.

Also, remember the response “No.” is also a powerful tool. When asked to participate in a situation you know will cause stress, sometimes declining to participate is the best option.

3. Develop a regular exercise routine.

Staying healthy and active is not only great for your physical health. It can offer a boost to your mental health as well! Studies show that those engaged in occasional and regular exercise sessions saw noticeable relief in their stress levels. Those who developed a habitual exercise routine were more likely to see long-lasting and beneficial effects on peak cortisol levels.

Exercise can include anything from taking a short afternoon walk to engaging in some intense weight lifting. Remember, everyone’s comfort level is different. Listen to your body when developing your routine to make sure not to over-exert or injure yourself.

4. Try using meditative techniques.

Peace can be found in the mind as well as the body. In a 2013 report conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health (NCCIH), studies showed that those who went through an 8-week mindfulness training program were left with reduced stress-induced inflammation.

Adopting meditative techniques are simple and can be practiced almost any time in any location. Methods can include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and more.

5. Practice positive self-talk.

We all talk to ourselves from time to time, and, in many cases, it may be that we are our own harshest critic. Positive self-talk is the practice of changing the way one communicates with themselves to promote calmness and reduce stress by shedding a positive light on situations initially negatively perceived.

Instead of saying, “I hate when this happens,” say, “I can do this. I’ve handled situations like this before.”
Instead of saying,” I’ll never be able to do this,” say, “I’ll try my best. I can do this.”

Consistent practice of positive self-talk is the best way to reinforce this way of positive thinking.

6. Disconnect from or limit media consumption.

Keeping up to date on the world around you can be beneficial, but constant exposure to traumatic events can be stressful on one’s psyche. If you find yourself stressing over the events of the world, it may be time to form limitations on your media consumption.

Rather than spending time on endless social media scrolling and the 24-hour news cycle, try instead filling that time with alternate activities that you enjoy, like reading a book, painting, or taking a nature walk. It is important to stay informed, but when information overload begins to take a toll on one’s mental health, it may be time to take a step back.

7. Connect with others.

Finding your own chain of support is crucial for healthy stress management. Whether it is a friend, partner or family member, being able to openly communicate with another about life’s worries helps relieve one’s mind from internal stress and opens up the possibility for an outside perception or assistance with the stressor.

Finding your chain of support is an important step in managing your stress. If you are without others to rely on, it may be helpful to join a support group or seek out aid from a professional.

When should you seek professional help?

If you find your issues persist, or discover a disruption in sleeping and eating patterns, or thoughts of suicide and self-harm, you should reach out and schedule an appointment with a mental health care professional. A behavioral health care medical specialist or psychiatrist will be able to assist you in discovering the root of your issue and help you develop a plan to treat and cope with current and future stresses.

Live Better With Fetter

Fetter Health Care Network is committed to the continuous upkeep and improvement of our community members’ mental and physical health, offering a wide range of services, including behavioral health evaluations.

To schedule your appointment with your local Fetter Health Care Network team, visit FetterHealthCare.org/request-an-appointment.

January 24, 2022

8 Things You Should Know About Diabetes

Whether it’s you or a loved one, receiving that first diagnosis can seem overwhelming, but rest assured, diabetes is not a debilitating disease. With proper care and management, along with some potential lifestyle changes, life with diabetes will continue.

Regardless of if you are newly diagnosed or are just doing a bit of research, here are a few things you should know about diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which a person’s pancreas develops an inability to properly or completely produce the hormone insulin.

In a person without diabetes, the pancreas will produce insulin as needed to help the body efficiently regulate blood sugar levels. When the pancreas develops problems, it can result in insufficient production of insulin. This stops the cells from turning glucose in the blood into energy, resulting in high blood sugar levels, leading to some severe complications.

There are two types of diabetes.

Though they fall under the same umbrella, those living with diabetes are classified under one of two kinds: Type 1 and Type 2. Understanding which type of diabetes you have is key to forming the best management plan for you.

One way to tell the difference between the types is by recognizing the degree to which the pancreas is still able to produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetic pancreases still produce insulin.

With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas remains functional but cannot sufficiently produce the body’s insulin. The organ either does not make enough insulin, or it is unable to use the insulin it does produce properly.

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease in which an individual’s body develops a resistance to the insulin that they do produce, causing the pancreas to increase production of the hormone for a demand it can’t keep up with.

This insufficient supply of insulin leaves the body’s cells unable to use the glucose for the energy the way it needs, leaving it to remain present in the blood and resulting in higher blood sugar levels.

People with Type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is no longer producing insulin. This leaves cells unable to convert the glucose in the blood to get the energy they need.

This form of diabetes comes about as a result of the body’s immune system turning on the insulin-producing cells found in the pancreas. Over time, these damaged cells are worn down, restricting the body’s ability to produce its own insulin.

Because the pancreas has completely stopped producing insulin in this case, people with Type 1 diabetes must compensate for its absence by manually introducing the insulin into the body. This can be done with either insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump.

The perfect diabetic diet does not exist.

In a five-year study conducted by a panel of scientists, doctors, diabetic educators, and dieticians, results showed no one diet is best suited for all people with diabetes.

Just like your personality, your body’s reaction to food is unique to you. As a newly diagnosed diabetic, you will need to do some homework to determine how different foods affect your blood sugars.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends cutting back on added sugars and refined grains while including lots of non-starchy vegetables as an ideal choice for a diabetic diet.

A diabetic nutritionist can help you to analyze your glucose patterns and discover the best diet for you. The ADA’s Diabetes Plate Method can also be helpful for those looking for guidance.

Exercise is your friend!

Developing a dedicated exercise routine can sometimes seem like an impossible task. Still, adopting a healthy diet and taking your medications, regular exercise is an essential tool for properly managing your diabetes.

Physical activity helps increase your cells’ sensitivity to insulin, making it work more effectively. It also helps with weight loss which can improve blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.

However, it is also important to remember that while exercise is a great way to help manage diabetes, excessive exercise can also cause drops in blood sugar levels. It is important to pay attention to your body during these activities so that you can correct any fluctuations at the moment they happen.

Mismanaged diabetes can affect other parts of your body.

Diabetes may be caused by an issue with the pancreas, but it’s important to know the far-reaching effects that can result from poor control over this disease.

Over time, long-term repercussions can be caused due to frequent and uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. These include damage to the body’s various organs: diabetic retinopathy in the eyes, problems with the liver and damage to the nerves and the vascular systems, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Due to the possibility of major health complications such as these, regular appointments and check-ins with your endocrinologist (diabetic specialist) and health care provider are essential.

You are not alone!

Though your new situation may seem impossible at first, it’s important to remember that you are not in this alone. According to the CDC, 34.2 million Americans are living with diabetes and another 88 million American adults are considered prediabetic.

There are countless resources available to help you learn more about this disease and how to manage it. There are also communities and organizations such as the ADA with a wealth of information to help you navigate life with diabetes.

Receiving Medical Care at Fetter Health Care Network

If you are in need of affordable medical care in the Lowcountry, look no further than Fetter Health Care Network. Fetter is the oldest federally qualified health center in the state, providing quality health and dental services for over 53 years.

Along with our other services, Fetter offers an array of specialized health and wellness programs designed specifically for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension and more to help you live a happy, healthy life.

At Fetter, we offer medical services to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. With various clinics throughout Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties, residents from almost any area of the Lowcountry can reach a Fetter clinic for medical care. For more information, request an appointment today.