MACT February 2026 Newsletter
February is American Heart Month, and while Valentine's Day reminds us to love others, this awareness month reminds us to love our own hearts. Heart disease remains a leading health concern, but small changes make a big difference. At MACT Health, we play a vital role in promoting cardiovascular health by encouraging routine screenings, preventive care, and patient education. American Heart Month also reminds us of the importance of partnering with patients to empower them to take an active role in their health.
Through compassionate care, education, and access to services, we remain dedicated to helping individuals and families make informed choices that support lifelong heart health. By making heart health a priority in February, and throughout the year, we can work toward stronger hearts and healthier communities.
From the Desk of John Alexander
- Executive Director
“While this issue covers the importance of
heart health and preventive dentistry, I think it’s
important to celebrate our staff as well! Hannah
Jones is a testament to her own personal
development. She came to us as an LVN and
volunteered to take charge of the COVID-19
vaccine program during the pandemic. She went
on to complete her education and become a
Registered Nurse. The Board and I are very
proud of her success and commitment to
MACT, and we will continue to support her and
her team as they take us to a new level of quality
care for our patients!”
Love Your Heart: Prevention is Key
February is American Heart Month, and while Valentine’s Day reminds us to love others, this awareness month reminds us to love our own hearts. Heart disease remains a leading health concern, but small changes make a big difference.
Move More: Aim for just 20 minutes of walking a day.
Know Your Numbers: Schedule a check-up this month to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eat Smart: Swap salt for herbs and spices to flavor your food without raising your blood pressure.
American Heart Month: Supporting Heart Health in Our Community
February is American Heart Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness about heart disease and reinforce our commitment to supporting heart health within the communities we serve. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of illness and death nationwide, yet many cases can be prevented through early detection, education, and healthy lifestyle choices.
At MACT Health, we play a vital role in promoting cardiovascular health by encouraging routine screenings, preventive care, and patient education. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, along with supporting nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and tobacco cessation, can significantly reduce heart-related risks.
American Heart Month also reminds us of the importance of partnering with patients to empower them to take an active role in their health. Through compassionate care, education, and access to services, we remain dedicated to helping individuals and families make informed choices that support lifelong heart health. By making heart health a priority in February—and throughout the year—we can work toward stronger hearts and healthier communities.
This February, take action for your heart: schedule a heart health screening at your MACT Health clinic, speak with your healthcare provider about prevention strategies, and commit to one positive lifestyle change. Small steps today can make a big difference for your heart tomorrow.
Bright Smiles for a Healthy Future
Developing good habits at a young age is the secret to a lifetime of healthy smiles. This month, we focus on National Children's Dental Health Month. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases in children, yet they are largely preventable.
Parents, try the "2x2" rule: Help your children brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day. If you have a child under the age of one, or if their first tooth has appeared, it is time for their
first dental visit!
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a reminder of the importance of healthy teeth and gums for children. Good oral hygiene supports not only a bright smile but also overall health, growth, and development.
At MACT Health, we encourage parents and caregivers to help children brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental checkups. Early dental care builds healthy habits that last a lifetime.
This month, take action: schedule a dental checkup for your child and ask our team for tips on keeping their smile healthy and strong. Together, we can ensure every child’s smile shines bright!
Welcome Dr. Jaskirat Singh
Dr. Singh was born in Punjab, India. He is a compassionate and highly skilled Dentist dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to patients of all ages. He earned his Dental Degree from Institute of Dental Sciences, followed by Masters in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from India. To pursue his dentistry in the United States, Dr. Singh did his International Dental Program from Universidad La Salle, at Leon Gto Mexico where he graduated with top credits through the dental program.
Dr. Singh is committed to ongoing education and keeps up with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques to deliver the highest standard of care. With a strong background in restorative, preventive and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Singh brings both precision and gentle touch to every dental procedure. His approach to care is centered on patient comfort, education and long-term oral health. He takes the time to listen to each patient's needs and tailors treatment plans to ensure optimal results and a positive dental experience.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Singh enjoys spending time with his family and playing cricket. Dr. Singh is honored to be a part of MACT Health Board. You can book an appointment with Dr. Singh at our MACT Dental clinic by calling 209.366.0573
Hannah Jones, RN, Director of Nursing
The Architect of Excellence: How Hannah Jones is Elevating the Clinical Narrative In the sophisticated world of modern medicine, true leadership is defined by the ability to envision a more seamless and integrated future. Hannah Jones, RN, the Director of Nursing at MACT Health, is currently orchestrating a graceful evolution within the clinic care model. By placing Registered Nurses at the heart of daily operations, Jones is doing more than expanding a team; she is refining the very art of the patient experience.
The hallmark of this initiative is the intentional integration of RNs directly into the clinic environment. For patients, the arrival of RNs in the clinic translates to a deeper sense of support and enhanced access to specialized coordination within a familiar and trusted setting. This ensures that no detail is overlooked and every patient feels fully supported.
"We are building a more connected care model," Jones explains. "This is about bringing Enhanced Care Management to the forefront and ensuring our patients have every resource they need to thrive."
Hannah Jones brings over eight years of nursing experience working in community-based and ambulatory care, with a strong focus on supporting patients, strengthening care teams, and improving clinic workflows. In this role, Hannah's focus is on supporting MACT Health's nursing and clinic staff, partnering closely with providers, and helping ensure our patients receive high-quality, culturally respectful care. She is especially passionate about care coordination, staff development, and building systems that support both patient health and staff well-being. Hannah is grateful for the opportunity to serve our organization and community in this role and looks forward to working together to continue strengthening the care we provide.
The Future of the Clinic
For patients, the arrival of RNs in the clinic translates to a deeper sense of support and enhanced access to specialized coordination within a familiar and trusted setting. It is a forward-thinking model that prioritizes the long-term health and vitality of the community.
Through the leadership of Hannah Jones, the organization is not just meeting the standards of modern care: it is setting them. This is the new pulse of the clinic: connected, empowered, and meticulously coordinated.
Hannah Jones, RN Director of Nursing
To book an appointment at any of the MACT Health clinics call 209.754.6262 or go to our new patient intake page on our website.
From MACT’s Kitchen: Three Sisters Stew
Cultural Background
The “Three Sisters” refers to corn, beans, and squash, three crops traditionally grown together by many Native American nations, especially among the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) and other tribes across the Northeast, Great Lakes, and parts of the Southwest.
These plants support each other:
Corn grows tall and provides a pole for beans
Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, nourishing the other plants
Squash spreads along the ground, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture
Beyond agriculture, the Three Sisters represent balance, cooperation, and sustainability, values central to many Indigenous worldviews. The stew was (and still is) a nourishing, plant-based food that could be made with locally available ingredients and adapted seasonally.
Three Sisters Stew Recipe: Ingredients
1 tablespoon oil (sunflower or corn oil are traditional-inspired choices)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups squash (butternut, pumpkin, or acorn), peeled and cubed
1½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1½ cups cooked beans (traditionally dried beans like kidney or cranberry beans)
4 cups vegetable broth or water
1 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh if available)
Salt to taste
Optional: chili powder or dried chilies (used by some tribes, especially in the Southwest)
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add squash, corn, beans, and broth.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until squash is tender.
Stir in sage and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve warm, often with corn bread or on its own.
Holiday Announcements
President’s Day Monday February 16th: MACT offices will be closed