WMHS Wellness Center

The WMHS Wellness Center provides access to information and services that promote healthier lifestyles and enhance quality of life.

Staff at the Wellness Center includes a medical director, community care manager, dietitian, nurse educator and more.

Many of the health improvement services are offered for a nominal fee. Some services are covered by insurance. A sliding fee scale also is available.

The WMHS Wellness Center collaborates with numerous community partners to improve the health status and quality of life in our community.

How can the WMHS Wellness Center help you?

Individuals...

• Learn about your health risks
• Find health information and how to access local services
• Identify healthy changes that will make you feel better
• Help develop a personalized plan for making healthy lifestyle choices

Employers...

• Assess and report on the overall health risks of employees
• Implement on-site health promotion and health protection programs targeted to address the identified risks
• Increase productivity by improving the health risk profile of employees
• Reduce employee absenteeism and health care costs by improving their health

Awareness

Health Screenings

Throughout the year a variety of health screenings are held to check for warning signs and provide information about your health. Times, dates and locations are publicized through the media and can be found in the Calendar. Free blood pressure checks are also provided each day at the WMHS Wellness Center.

Screenings include:

• Blood Pressure
• Body Fat Analysis
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Breast & Cervical Cancer
• Carotid Artery
• Cholesterol
• EKG (electrocardiogram)
• Fasting Blood Glucose
• Hearing
• Osteoporosis (bone density)
• Prostate Cancer
• Skin Cancer

Breast & Cervical Screening Program
Screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer are available year round to uninsured and underinsured women. This program provides mammography to women who meet both the programs' financial guidelines and the American Cancer Society's guidelines for screening. A nominal fee is requested.

Health Risk Appraisals
Various survey tools are available to assess health status and an individual's risk. The results will identify areas for improvement and enable you to monitor health changes over time.

Health Fairs Whether focused on one topic or more, health fairs combine information and screenings to increase awareness, promote health, and prevent disease. WMHS sponsors a Community Health Fair annually and facilitates others at worksites and with the WMHS Parish Nurse Program.

Education

Individual Counseling
Appointments are available with a dietitian or nurse educator. Private sessions are available for nutritional counseling and for those learning to manage a variety of health issues. Nutrition counseling provides one-on-one education for a variety of modified diets and general nutrition information. Those who may benefit from this service are those who have hypertension, diabetes, obesity, renal disease, or eating disorders. Individuals who are newly diagnosed diabetics, have gestational diabetes, or are having difficulty managing their diabetes may be referred by a physician for consultation to help in understanding diabetes and learning how to manage it.

Group Classes
Health education programs lead by health care professionals are offered in the community to teach you how to manage disease, minimize health risks, and how to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Topics include tobacco cessation, stress management, nutrition, disease and medication management. Community lectures are also offered throughout the year. Programs are offered for a nominal fee or free of charge at various sites in the community. Times, dates and locations are publicized through the media. Please check the Calendar for upcoming programs.

Tobacco Cessation- Need help to quit using tobacco? Please call the WMHS Wellness Center about the next scheduled class or to learn about other strategies for quitting.

Stress Management-Learn about proven stress reducers. The techniques learned are effective tools for keeping relationships with family, friends, and co-workers at their most productive and most rewarding.

Nutrition & Weight Management- In addition to usable advice about eating smart, these programs help participants understand the physiological, psychological, and emotional factors that affect eating and exercise habits.

Disease and Medication Management- Learning to make everyday choices that will help you feel better when faced with heart disease or diabetes can be a challenge. Through a four part series called Living Healthy with Heart Disease or Diabetes, participants can valuable health tips for stress reduction, nutrition, and medication management.

Access

Community Health Access Program
The CHAP program offers preventive and primary healthcare services to Allegany County residents who are uninsured and meet the financial eligibility guidelines. This unique program, a joint venture of the Western Maryland Health System and Allegany Health Right, assists uninsured adults gain access to appropriate health care, such as prescription programs, nutritional counseling, and diagnostic care. Please call the WMHS Wellness Center for more information.

Allegany Community Access Program
In partnership with various health and human service providers, Allegany CAP helps uninsured adults access a range of services in the County. Through the Allegany CAP management information system, individuals are screened for potential eligibility in over 40 area programs.

Support

Mallwalkers
This walking program is available at the Country Club Mall in LaVale. Walk the mall at your own pace each Monday through Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. Walkers can take advantage of monthly blood pressure checks.

Senior Connection
People age 55 and older who want to stay healthy, active, and involved can become a member of Senior Connection and access a variety of services. Membership entitles you to free and discounted services, including health education programs, health screenings, social activities, and more. The Senior Connection newsletter features details about the activities and topics of interest.

Community Health Improvement Program-Community Care Management
Individuals with a chronic disease or at-risk for one may benefit from the support of a care manager. Resources, disease management tips, and help with developing a personal plan for healthier living are available.

Worksite Wellness and Occupational Health
Health promotion and occupational health services can be customized and brought to your worksite. A free consultation is available to discuss these options. There is a charge for this service and it varies depending on level of services provided.