Dr. John Houchins is a volunteer physician and Medical Director of the University of Utah’s Physician Assistant Program. A weekly volunteer who treats many of the Clinic’s diabetic patients, Dr. Houchins gestures toward a middle-aged patient waiting for a blood draw. “See that man over there. He’s the reason I come here. He has diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. His conditions were diagnosed here, and he keeps coming back. His son attended the Diabetes management class with him and brings him in every couple of weeks so we can monitor his conditions. It may sound dramatic to say, but the care he gets here keeps him alive.”
That care includes education in several areas. All the professionals at the People’s Health Clinic believe that education and prevention are crucial to our patients’ wellbeing. Ask your clinician at your next visit how you can attend our ongoing classes.
Diabetes Education
Diabetes management classes are taught in English and Spanish each week to patients newly diagnosed with Diabetes, and are considered a critical part of their ongoing care. Classes focus on use of diet and exercise, use of home testing devices, and medication management.
Prenatal Education
A one-session OB orientation class is taught every Wednesday morning at the Clinic. This class is mandatory for all prenatal patients at the Clinic. You must make an appointment to attend this session, and fathers-to-be are encouraged to attend. After the class, a medical history interview is conducted. Initial blood work is done and prenatal vitamins are dispensed. The class is taught in English and Spanish.
A 7-session series of prenatal classes is taught at the Clinic by educators from Holy Cross Ministries. Topics include prenatal nutrition, labor and delivery, infant care, and other women’s health issues. Mothers-to-be who attend the entire series receive a “new baby” gift basket.
Because Gestational Diabetes can lead to serious complications during pregnancy, individual counseling in management of Gestational Diabetes is given on an as-needed basis.
Other Educational Opportunities
New classes are being offered in Heart Health and general chronic disease care. Classes can be arranged in medication management and diet education, and other topics as they arise. The Clinic is also a referral source for the community, referring patients to dental, psychological, drug and alcohol, and other resources as needed.