Southeast Tennessee Project Access

This is an easy day to celebrate. Eat up your veggies today and make a resolution to add more greens and vegetables to your diet in the future. Here are some more ways you can celebrate Eat Your Vegetables Day:

- Visit your local farmer’s market and get some locally grown produce.
- Prepare all your favorite veggies for all your meals.
- Make your desserts using veggies.
- Have at least five vegetables today.

Key Tips for Excellent Oral Hygiene:

- Brushing: The foundation of good oral hygiene starts with proper brushing. Make it a habit to brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Remember to brush for two minutes, reaching all tooth surfaces and the gum line. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

- Flossing: Daily flossing is a vital step that often gets overlooked. It helps remove plaque and food particles between the teeth and the gum line. Incorporate flossing into your routine to maintain a healthy mouth. Consider alternatives like floss picks or water flossers if you find traditional floss challenging.

- Healthy Eating Habits: What we consume greatly affects our oral health. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can erode tooth enamel and contribute to cavities. Instead, choose a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products. These provide essential nutrients for strong teeth and gums.

- Regular Dental Check-ups: Don’t underestimate the importance of regular dental check-ups. Schedule visits with your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and comprehensive examinations. These visits allow for the early detection of any dental issues and professional guidance on maintaining optimal oral health.

- Additional Measures: Consider incorporating mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine. It can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Additionally, if you participate in sports or activities that pose a risk of dental injuries, wear protective mouthguards to prevent trauma to your teeth and jaw.

At Southeast Tennessee Project Access, we know that we’re only as strong as the communities we serve. That's why June 8 – 12, we'll be celebrating Community Health Improvement Week. Learn more ataha.org/chiweek

We continued to serve our uninsured neighbors in May.

Men continue to experience higher rates of preventable illness and premature death. In the U.S., men die on average 6 years earlier than women, often from conditions that are preventable or manageable with early detection and consistent care. This gap underscores the importance of education, awareness, and
proactive engagement.

Men’s health awareness includes, but is not limited to:
- Heart disease and stroke, leading causes of death among men
- Prostate and testicular cancers, where early detection improves outcomes
- Colorectal and lung cancers, which disproportionately impact men
- Diabetes and metabolic conditions, often linked to preventable risk factors
- Mental health issues, depression/suicide, where men face higher mortality rates
- Substance use disorders, contributing to preventable deaths
- Workplace-related injuries and safety concerns
- Healthy aging and chronic disease management across the lifespan

Improving men’s health outcomes requires a comprehensive approach that promotes preventive screenings, early intervention, mental and emotional well-being, and open health conversations. It also requires recognizing men not only as patients, but as caregivers, partners, fathers, mentors, and community leaders.

This Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, do the

First, check your skin from head to toe. Look for anything new, changing or unusual. Then, post a photo or video of your skin check and share it online with the hashtag .

Truly, health is our greatest wealth. To all our doctors, nurses, and donors who dedicate their time and resources to those in need—thank you for giving the gift of health.

This April we were able to feed more children in our community through our Emergency Food Box Program.

National Women’s Health Week 2026 reflects an important shift in how women’s health is understood, supported, and advanced. Increasingly, care is moving toward a more proactive, connected, and science-driven approach—one that prioritizes early action, incorporates new discoveries, and ensures those advances translate into meaningful improvements in everyday health. This evolving model recognizes that better outcomes are achieved not through isolated moments of care, but through continuous, informed engagement across the lifespan.

The four focus areas include:

- Prevention & Early Detection Across the Lifespan
- Sex-Specific Biology and Hormonal Foundations of Women's Health
- Chronic Disease, Midlife Health, Aging, & Longevity
- Innovation, Translation, & the Future of Women's Health

To read more about Women's Health Week, follow the link: https://womenshealth.gov/nwhw/focus-areas

We continued to serve our community and our patients this April. See our numbers below!