Ask An Expert

HWC of Wichita

Ask An Expert Answers

Q:	Where can I find information on non-smoking clinics/sessions being held in Wichita?
A.	You can call the Kansas Quit Line 1-866-KAN-STOP (1-866-526-7867).
Q:	Is there a State or local (Wichita) indigent care program? My mother has no income and is in need of medical care, prescriptions, lab, etc. What resources are available?
A.	Here are the addresses, phone numbers, and hours for all safety-net clinics in Wichita. Call and make an appointment or ask about their sliding fees. Center for Health and Wellness, Inc. Address: 2707 E 21^st St. (67214) Phone: (316) 691-0249 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 - 6:00 COMCARE of Sedgwick County Community Support Services- Twin Lakes Address: 1929 W 21^st St N (67203) Phone: (316) 838-3234 Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:00 – 5:00 Homeless Program Center City Address: 154 N Topeka (67202) Phone: (316) 660-7800 Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:00 – 5:00 Crisis Intervention Services Address: 934 N Water (67203) Phone: (316) 660-7500 24hr Emergency (316) 660-7525 Administration Good Samaritan Clinic Address: 3701 E 13^th St. Bldg. 400 (67208) Phone: (316) 688-5020 Contact: Brent Adams Hours: Mon.- Fri. 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. GraceMed Health Clinic Address: 1122 N. Topeka (67214) Medical Phone: (316) 263-7455 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 12:00, 1:00 - 5:00 Guadalupe Clinic Address: 941 S St. Francis Phone: (316) 264-8974 Contact: Marlene Dreiling, Director Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 8:30 - 12:00, 1:00 - 4:30 Wed., 1:00 - 6:30 Guadalupe Clinic- Holy Savior Address: 1406 N Erie (67214) Phone: (316) 682-0588 Hours: Thurs., 9:00 - 12:00, 1:00 - 4:00, Fri., 9:00 - 12:00 Healthy Options for Planeview Address: 3920 E Sunnybrook, Ste. C (67210) Phone: (316) 651-5357 Hours: Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 1:00, Mon. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Hunter Health Clinic Address: 2318 E Central (67214) Phone: (316) 262-2415 Medical & Dental (316) 262-0517 Alcohol & Substance Abuse (316) 262-3611 Admin/HIV/Mental Health Hours: Mon 8:30 - 6:00, Tues. & Thurs. 8:30 - 8:00, Wed. 8:30 - 5:00, Fri. 8:30 - 3:00 The Brookside Satellite Address: 2760 S Roosevelt (67210) Phone: (316) 652-0152 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:00 Medical Service Bureau Address: 1148 S Hillside, Ste. 105 (67211) Phone: (316) 683-7559 Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 8:30 – 11:00 & 1:00 – 4:00 Fri. 8:30 – 12:00, Emergency RX Only Assistance with prescriptions, glasses and eye exams for children and adults. Proof of income and written prescription required. Wichita Child Guidance Center Address: 415 N Poplar Phone: (316) 686-6671 Sedgwick County Health Department Immunizations · Family Planning · Prenatal Care · Sexually Transmitted Disease Care · Early Detection Works (Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection) · Lab Address: 2716 W. Central (67203) Phone: (316) 660-7300 Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed & Fri. 8:00 - 6:00; Thurs 12:00 - 6:00

Q.	I'm inquiring to find out if you know of a place in Wichita where I can take my 3 1/2 year old son and get some tests run that will tell us how his health rates from a nutritional perspective. He is a very picky eater and this has grown from giving him a lot of junk food (fast food, candy, etc.). I even give him too much junk...if I don't his mom will. He won't eat anything healthy, or even try it. I fear for his long term health and am prepared to starve him until he tries the foods I give him. It does no good to do this however unless him mom in on board. I'm thinking that if we can consult an expert in this field she might become convinced enough, or even scared enough, that she'll want to change some habits and try new healthy things. We've talked to our pediatrician about this. He told her our son will eat if he's hungry enough but she always breaks down and gives him junk .
A.	The eating habits and preferences developed in the first 4 or 5 years of life can influence lifelong eating patterns. The best approach is only offer a child nutritious choices from day one. At age 3 1/2, my recommendation would be to eliminate all junk food or “temptations” from the home environment. That way, when you or his mother says, “we don’t have any cookies”, it will be true. Junk food simply will not be an option. Avoid situations where junk food might be available (e.g. avoid eating out at fast food places or restaurants do not offer healthy foods). If you are accustomed to having soda pop and other junk foods in the house, I would advise changing your habits as well. Changing to healthier eating patterns work best when the whole family agrees on a plan. There will be occasional special events, such as birthdays and holidays. I always recommend having healthy foods available (such as veggies and fruit), and limiting the frequency and quantity of “party foods” such as chips and cake. Regarding special testing, blood tests are available for measuring vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. However, I would advise trying the above behavioral recommendations before any testing would be indicated.

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