DOT and Pre-employment Physicals in Kenai!

Whether you are a company ramping up, getting ready for spring, or you need to get your DOT Physical out of the way, the MediCenter in Kenai is the place to go! Our Medical Staff is accustomed to doing both and it just so happens that Company Medicine is one of our specialties.

• DOT Physicals are easy to schedule, inexpensive, and we try to make the process as painless as possible while giving you the care you deserve.
• Our Pre-employment Exams can be customized to whatever the company needs, although our capabilities and passion go way beyond what most ask for. We do our best to eliminate risk for both employers and employees at the start by doing quality functional capacity exams and other realistic job testing when needed.We not only test for capabilities, but train the client on proper body mechanics to help them stay healthy. We also educate them on how getting injured on the job doesn’t just affect their job, but everything they do or want to do in life. This enables companies to keep their employees healthy, allowing for happy workers and company savings.
• We do handle work. comp. but we believe that the best work. comp. strategy is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

To schedule for any of our Physicals or Screenings please call (907) 283-9118 and we’ll be happy to serve you.

Kenai MediCenter’s Windmill

At the MediCenter, our emphasis has always been on helping people become independent and healthy. We fully realize that we can’t encourage independence and health unless we first “walk the walk”. We have programs set up in the clinic to help us live a healthier and more independent lifestyle and most recently, we have made a big step to becoming independent on an energy basis as well. Our goal is to show how one can, with the benefits of tax credits and other deductions, become more energy independent in an affordable fashion.

We want to give a special thanks to Gary from Gary’s Electric. Gary walked us through the whole process, first analyzing our wind and solar capabilities on site, and then recommending high quality renewable energy systems that have been shown to last. He properly sized the equipment to meet our needs and took care of the logistics and installation for us. He is currently in the process of preparing for our solar panel installation, which most likely will be mounted on our roof. Gary was reasonably priced and gave more to make this happen for us than we could have hoped for. If you want to learn more about opportunities in alternative energy, and learn how to take advantage of tax incentives while not being pushed into a sale that you might not want, Gary is the guy to talk to. He did an excellent job and I’d recommend him to anybody. You can contact him at 262-3993.

Here is a breakdown of costs, benefits, specifications, and energy produced from our windmill:

Total Cost including install before tax benefits: $59,752.00

Minus 30% Tax Credit for alternative energy: $17,925.60

Total Cost after Tax Credit: $41,826.40

Apply Section 179 Tax Deduction on remaining balance

gives us further savings of this amount in taxes: $12,547.92

Net Total spent on 6KW windmill and tower: $27,278.48

KW hours used by average household each month: 850kw hours

Average KW generated by windmill per month: 750kw hours

As with many businesses, the benefits of using tax incentives to be able to afford alternative energy greatly outweighed the cost. If you are thinking about the possibility of using alternative energy, it helps to consult with a professional who can measure and estimate with you your needs and resources available to you.

We love to help people to become independent, but we encourage you to use real calculations of the costs and the benefits before moving forward. It has been a great investment for us and we hope to show you our daily production in the near future.

Free Screenings for New Varicose Vein Treatment in Kenai, Soldotna Jan 24-29!

We know that varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic nuisance; they cause inflammation and pain, and eventually can form ulcers, making life very uncomfortable, and not just on the social level. Give yourself an opportunity to feel good again. With Dr. Corey Johnson, a Vein Specialist, we offer regular free screenings for varicose veins. Join us at our Kenai location on January 24th through the 29th.

Remember, varicose veins won’t just go away. Let us help you take care of them. Call 283-9118 to schedule a free screening today. The procedure is less expensive than you think, and we do accept payment plans when needed. To find out more information go to our Varicose Vein Page on our website under services or go to Alaskaveincare.com.

Join us in the Race Against Diabetes! Free Screenings At MediCenter!

23.6 million children and adults in US have Diabetes and 57 million children and adults in US have pre-diabetes. 24% of those that have it don’t even know it!

Some Scary Facts on Diabetes

• Diabetes has a rate of amputations 10 times higher than average
• Significantly increases the risk for Sexual Dysfunction
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44% of new cases in 2005.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20–74 years.
• About 60% to 70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage.
• Causes birth defects and complications in pregnancy Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 2006.
• Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without diabetes.
• The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes.
• $174 billion: Total costs of diagnosed diabetes in the United States in 2007
  • $116 billion for direct medical costs
  • $58 billion for indirect costs (disability, work loss, premature mortality)
  • After adjusting for population age and sex differences, average medical expenditures among people with diagnosed diabetes were 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes. So if you think Diabetes will only hurt your health, check your bank account once again.

For years, Diabetes has been known as the “Silent Epidemic”. Because of its “hidden” nature, Diabetes has infused itself into our society as the Plague of the 21^st Century. Just because you aren’t aware of any symptoms yet, doesn’t mean you are in the clear. The truth is, until you find out where you stand, no one is in the clear.

Join the MediCenter in the “RACE AGAINST DIABETES” and get everyone you care about a free diabetes screening today…With diabetes, not knowing is the biggest danger.

Depression, Anxiety, and Alaska’s Infamous SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Winter Season Means Winter Blues

Do you find yourself more depressed the darker it gets outside? Do you deal with depression but are too embarrassed to do anything to treat it? Depression is a common illness. You should NOT feel guilty or embarrassed about the way you feel. You didn’t choose for it to happen, it just happened. And what’s worse, it happened to you.

Common signs and symptoms of depression

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
• Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
• Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
• Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
• Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
• Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
• Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
• Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Statistics on depression

• 15% of the population of most developed countries suffers severe depression. (World Health Organization (WHO) report quoted in BBC-Online January 9, 2001).
• 30% of women are depressed. Men’s figures were previously thought to be half that of women, but new estimates are higher. (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “The Numbers Count: Mental Illness in America,” Science on Our Minds Fact Sheet Series).

• 54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness. (National Mental Health Association (NMHA) study reported in MSNBC Health Today, March 10, 2004).
• 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help. (NMHA Survey, 1996. NMHA factsheet on women and depression)
• 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment. (“National Healthcare Quality Report”, 2003).

The GOOD NEWS IS…WE CAN HELP! People every day confront their depression get help. Depression is not new, and treatment options keep getting better and broader. Whether you medication or alternative therapies, our providers are well qualified to help. Many people fear that their Doctor will just shove some sort of treatment at them once they hear the word “depression”. We realize that depression is a case by case situation and there are several different causes and treatment options. We listen and work hand in hand with you to come up with an appropriate treatment plan that you are happy with.

So, the question is, when do you want to be happy? Call now and we’ll help you on your way to being independently healthy, because when you’re healthy, you’re happy!

Flight Physicals, Pilot’s Medical Exams in Kenai, Soldotna

Dr. Morrissette is now certified to provide medical examinations for pilots needing their class 2 and 3 medical certificate. Dr. Morrissette makes this process friendly, fast, and easy. Below are a few details on requirements for pilot’s medical certificates:

Medical requirements state that an applicant for or a holder of a private pilot license must hold a valid Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate. Class 2 medical certificates are valid for 60 months until the age of 30, then 24 months until the age of 50, and 12 months thereafter. Initial, renewal and revalidation examinations for Class 2 medical certificates may be carried out at an aero medical center or by an authorized medical examiner.

An applicant for an air traffic controller’s licence or AFIS officer’s qualification must hold a valid Class 1 or Class 3 medical certificate. Class 3 medical certificates are valid for 24 months until the age of 40, and for 12 months thereafter. Initial, renewal and revalidation examinations for Class 3 medical certificates may be carried out at an aeromedical centre or by an authorised medical examiner.

At the MediCenter, Dr. Morrissette will get you in and out quickly and we’ll even help keep track of your renewal date for you. Don’t let your medical certificate stop you from flying, call and schedule your Flight Physical now at (907) 283-9118

Joint Pain Relief in Kenai, Soldotna with Dr. Schurig

Do you have Joint Pain?

Do you have pain in your knees, shoulders, wrists, elbows or back?

Come in for an evaluation with Dr. Schurig at the MediCenter. Dr. Schurig has helped many patients find relief with Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy, as well as Laser and injection treatments. So, if you have joint or back pain, Dr. Schurig at the MediCenter has the tools and the experience to help you. Call 283-9118 and get relief today!

Physical Therapy in Kenai!

Leon Richard, your new Physical Therapist at the MediCenter is a great educator. He is a firm believer that a medical care provider should not only treat, but they should teach. Physical therapy isn’t just about rehabilitation, it’s about prevention. He puts you in the driver seat for your own health, giving you better results, making you less dependent on us. He ensures you get great care, resulting in fewer visits. We want to make “Getting Better” easier, faster, and less expensive. A few key points in why physical therapy with Leon at the MediCenter is so effective are listed below: read more

Mole, Wart, Cyst Removal made simple and easy with Dr. Schurig in Kenai

You don’t want them, so get your Moles, Warts, and Cysts Removed with Dr. Schurig at the MediCenter. Dr. Schurig specializes in minor surgeries and makes them simple, quick, and easy. Most of us spend way too long conscientiously hiding our minor blemishes out of embarrassment. Now with Dr. Schurig making this minor surgery more affordable and easy, we should stop covering and start removing. Call to schedule an appointment today at 283-9118.

Meet our New Female Physician with special interest in Women’s Health!

K. Lee Morrissette, MD is Board Certified in Preventive Medicine and comes to Medicenter from Cordova. She is a retired US Air Force flight surgeon who has spent the last several years travelling for assignments in various parts of Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas. As a Preventive Medicine specialist, Dr. Morrissette provides general medical care with an emphasis on keeping people healthy, in addition to treating disease and injury when they occur. She is also trained as a massage therapist and finds it useful to sometimes integrate manual therapies such as craniosacral therapy, deep tissue, and myofascial release into her treatment of certain conditions.

Dr. Morrissette grew up in West Virginia where she graduated from the West Virginia University School of Medicine. She completed her follow-on training with the military and travelled all over the world as part of her job. This fostered a love for travel which continues today and so far has spanned four continents. When at home in Alaska, Dr. Morrissette enjoys hiking with her dog Rugby, kayaking, snow-shoeing, photography, and writing. She is excited to join the Medicenter staff and explore the Kenai Peninsula.

Here is a list of a number of the female care she provides: