Grateful for our heroes. Saluting the heroes who served our nation.
A Special Thank You to our BCH Veterans!
Veterans Day 2023

On November 11^th, we honor the Veterans of our great nation. We acknowledge the sacrifices they took and their love for this country.

Collectively, our BCH Veterans have served over 80 years to our Country! We thank them for their service!

“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do.” -Unknown”

Benewah Community Hospital offers you access to your health records through Cerner Health.

By utilizing the secure, online portal, you can send a message to your Provider’s Medical Assistant/Nurse, request an appointment, view your health profile, and look up lab results (to include COVID-19 test results).

Once signed up, Cerner Health offers an app, “HealtheLife,” that can be downloaded on your smartphone/tablet.

Information on how to sign up for the patient portal located on flyer below.

BCH’s Clinic has begun scheduling pre-screening appointments for patients to complete paperwork and talk with a provider regarding getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Please see press release with specific information below:

Final COVID Vaccine Press Release 01.2021 (PDF)

*Article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Heart Disease: It Can Happen at Any Age

Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. This is partly because the conditions that lead to heart disease are happening at younger ages. February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart.

Conditions/Behaviors that put people at risk of Heart Disease:

• High blood pressure. Millions of Americans of all ages have high blood pressure, including millions of people in their 40s and 50s. About half of people with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. Having uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the biggest risks for heart disease and other harmful conditions, such as stroke.
• High blood cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease. Having diabetes and obesity, smoking, eating unhealthy foods, and not getting enough physical activity can all contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
• Smoking. More than 37 million U.S. adults are current smokers, and thousands of young people start smoking each day. Smoking damages the blood vessels and can cause heart disease.
• Obesity. Carrying extra weight puts stress on the heart. More than 1 in 3 Americans—and nearly 1 in 6 children ages 2 to 19—has obesity.

• Diabetes. Diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood. This can damage blood vessels and nerves that help control the heart muscle. Nearly 1 in 10 people in the United States has diabetes.
• Physical inactivity. Staying physically active helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Only 1 in 5 adults meets the physical activity guidelines of getting 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity.
• Unhealthy eating patterns. Most Americans, including children, eat too much sodium (salt), which increases blood pressure. Replacing foods high in sodium with fresh fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. But only 1 in 10 adults is getting enough fruits and vegetables each day. Diet high in trans-fat, saturated fat, and added sugar increases the risk factor for heart disease.

If you are concerned that you or a loved ones may be at risk of heart disease, schedule an appointment with one of our Clinic providers today. St. Maries Family Medicine: 208-245-2591

 *Full article can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/index.html

Dr. Aragundi, MD is a Board Certified Family Practice Physician who has 30 years of experience in family medicine. Dr. Aragundi is a compassionate provider who is looking forward to being your Doctor. She will return to St. Maries Family Medicine on January 23^rd. To schedule an appointment to see her please call the Clinic at 208-245-2591.