February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the importance of oral health for kids of all ages. Healthy teeth and gums aren’t just about a bright smile, they’re essential for overall health, growth, and confidence. Establishing good dental habits early sets the stage for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth. Why Early Dental Care Matters Children are especially vulnerable to cavities and other oral health issues because their teeth are still developing. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can prevent problems before they start. According to the American Dental Association, children should visit the dentist by their first birthday and continue with regular visits every six months. These visits allow dentists to catch early signs of cavities, ensure proper development, and provide guidance on nutrition and oral care. Making Dental Care Fun Healthy habits don’t have to be a chore! Encourage children to: Brush twice a day for two minutes, sing a favorite song or use a fun timer. Floss regularly. Start with easy-to-use flossers for little hands. Choose kid-friendly dental products, colorful toothbrushes, flavored toothpaste, and fun cups make oral care enjoyable. Eat tooth-friendly foods, fruits, vegetables, and dairy help strengthen teeth, while sugary snacks and drinks should be limited. Parents play a key role in modeling and supporting these habits. By turning dental care into a fun and positive routine, kids are more likely to maintain good oral health throughout their lives. Celebrate the Month Use Children’s Dental Health Month as an opportunity to: Schedule your child’s next dental visit Talk about the importance of brushing, flossing, and healthy eating Make oral care a fun family activity By focusing on prevention and education, we can help every child enjoy a healthy smile and a confident start in life. Let’s make this February a month to celebrate healthy habits, happy teeth, and bright smiles!

A substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic, treatable condition marked by a pattern of cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms that indicate continued substance use despite harmful consequences. In 2022, more than one in six Americans aged 12 and older reported experiencing a SUD. SUDs can significantly affect every area of a person’s life. Health care providers use specific patterns of symptoms related to drug or alcohol use to diagnose a SUD and help connect individuals to appropriate treatment. Symptoms may vary depending on the substance involved, and not all symptoms apply to every drug type. For example, withdrawal symptoms are not defined for inhalant use. Substance use disorders can range from mild to severe and affect people of all races, genders, income levels, and social backgrounds. A SUD may involve the use of the following substances: • Alcohol • Cannabis • Hallucinogens • Inhalants • Opioids (prescription or illicit) • Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics • Stimulants and psychostimulants • Tobacco (nicotine) • Other or unknown substances Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing. Individuals living with substance use disorders often struggle to control their use, even when they understand the harmful effects of drugs. Recovery from a SUD is not simply a matter of willpower. Treatment may include medications to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, along with counseling or behavioral therapies. In some cases, recovery may also involve care in a residential or rehabilitation setting.

Community Health Center of Central Wyoming (CHCCW) would like to inform our patients that our Sliding Fee Discount Program (SFDP) will be changing effective January 1, 2026. These changes were encouraged by our patient surveys and regional sliding fee discount programs, and we are happy to announce new 2026 nominal fees for medical, behavioral health, dental, labs, vaccines, X-rays, procedures, and supplies. Provider Visit Fees Slide A: $10  Slide B: $20  Slide C: $30  Slide D: $40 Above 200% FPG → Standard Charges Ancillary Service Flat Rates per category (Labs, X-Rays, Vaccines, Procedures, Injections, Supplies/DME) Slide A: $5  Slide B: $10  Slide C: $15  Slide D: $20 Above 200% FPG → Standard Charges

Medicare is health coverage for adults 65+, but you may qualify earlier if you have a disability, ESRD, or ALS. Some people are enrolled automatically, while others need to sign up, it all depends on when you begin receiving Social Security benefits. You can have an annual Wellness visit to update a personalized plan for preventing disease or disability; this visit focuses on prevention, not a physical exam. Medicare Part B covers the cost for your annual visit.

On National Rural Health Day, we celebrate the strength, compassion, and resilience that define our rural communities. Rural healthcare is more than medicine, it’s about neighbors caring for neighbors, families looking out for one another, and a shared commitment to keeping our communities healthy and thriving. At Community Health Centers of Central Wyoming, we’re proud to serve the people of Riverton, Lander, and Dubois , where our rural clinics provide care close to home for families, workers, and individuals of all ages. From routine checkups to preventive screenings and beyond, our teams are dedicated to our patients because distance should never stand in the way of good health. Our providers, nurses, and staff in these clinics embody the true spirit of rural healthcare; going the extra mile to make sure every patient receives compassionate, quality care. On this Rural Health Day, we thank them and we are proud of the communities they serve. Together, we’re building a healthier future for rural Wyoming!

Your Guide to Medicare Wellness Visits and Preventive Care

Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Testing, and Prevention

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence vs. Domestic Violence

Understanding the Flu Vaccine