Steamboat Springs — New Steamboat Springs health coach offers services

Integrative health coach Sally Wackowski is hoping to help people improve their health through dietary changes as part of a new business, A Healthy Fork, LLC.

Wackowski’s training allows her to guide people in adapting their diets based on individual health needs. She is also a certified coach for The Wahls Protocol, a specific diet that helps people with auto-immune diseases.

Wackowski is knowledgable about more than 100 dietary theories, including ayurveda, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, raw food diets and macrobiotics.

Learn more about Wackowski’s work at ahealthyforkcoaching.com.

Drop-in flu clinic at Yampa Valley Bank

Northwest Colorado Health is holding a drop-in flu clinic from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at Yampa Valley Bank, 600 South Lincoln Avenue. Flu shots will be available for adults and children. Costs vary. Bring Medicare, Medicaid, CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) or other insurance cards. Low-cost options are available to individuals who do not have insurance. Cash and checks will be accepted. Flu shots also are available by appointment. Call 970-879-1632.

Hospice volunteer training offered Dec. 8 and 9

Northwest Colorado Health will host a hospice certification training for individuals interested in volunteering to support hospice patients and families in Routt, Moffat or Grand counties. The training will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at The Haven Community Center in Hayden, 300 South Shelton Lane. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. The two-day training and a one-year commitment are required to be a hospice volunteer. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, including helping hospice patients and families with errands, meal preparation and light household tasks or simply sharing hobbies and interests. For more information or to register, call Mindy Marriott at 970-871-7609.

Help is available for insurance enrollment

Individuals who need health insurance or need to renew their plans must do so by Jan. 31.

• There are new plans and prices every year. Financial help is available to lower monthly costs.

• Free in-person assistance is available to help consumers find the right plan.

• Those already enrolled must renew your plan to retain coverage.

• There are tax penalties for not having health insurance.

Deadlines for plan renewals are Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1,; Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1; and Jan. 31 for coverage beginning March 1.

For free assistance, contact a Health Coverage Guide at Northwest Colorado Health at 970-871-7330 or Yampa Valley Medical Center at 970-879-1322. Drop-in open enrollment assistance also is available from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Jan. 25 at Yampa Valley Medical Center, 1024 Central Park Drive.

For more information and resources, visit northwestcoloradohealth.org/healthinsurance.