by Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
During COVID, many of us put off our routine medical care. As a result, patients in the YK Delta (along with most other places in the United States) are behind on scheduling health checks, such as cancer screenings, managing prescriptions, and routine vaccinations. This is something healthcare providers would like to see change.
Regular health care visits can help us stay healthy. Staying up to date with the recommendations of your healthcare provider is typically easier and less expensive than treating disease and its complications.
Colon cancers and breast cancers both have better treatment outcomes when they are caught early. It’s recommended that you not wait for something to feel “off” to meet with your provider. Detecting cancer before it spreads helps avoid invasive treatments and potentially having to put your life on hold.
Chronic health conditions can be more easily managed when you see your health care provider and get your prescriptions refilled in advance of when you need them.
Routine adult vaccinations, such as those that protect against tetanus or seasonal flu, help avoid preventable diseases that can be serious and can cause long-term health problems.
Regular health screenings can lead to better outcomes and more treatment options. Speak with your healthcare provider and make your appointments today. Be there for your family and community in the long run and keep doing the things you love.
If one of the things you love is cooking, consider trying this simple, one-pot recipe that can be made with a vegetable, pasta and the meat of your choice.
Meaty Whole Grain Pasta and Broccoli
Ingredients:
•½ pound uncooked whole wheat pasta
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
•1 medium yellow or sweet onion, minced
•4 – 3-ounce pieces of your meat of choice, sliced into bite-sized pieces
•2 cups broccoli, fresh or frozen, in bite-sized pieces
•3 ounces Parmesan cheese
•Salt & Pepper (to taste, optional)
Preparation:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
3. During last two minutes of cooking the pasta, add the chopped broccoli to the pasta pot.
4. Drain, saving ¼ cup of the pasta water for later.
5. While pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. When oil begins to shimmer, add the garlic and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 2 minutes.
7. Add meat to the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
8. Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and saved pasta water to the skillet with the meat.
9. Stir to combine.
10. Add parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
