A Healthy Heart - What you need to know
posted 10/20/2009
San Juan Healthcare, in collaboration with local and area health care providers, is presenting a series of classes focused on the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Following up on last spring's well-received series on Diabetes Management, a decision was made to focus on cardiovascular disease and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The free classes will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday evening in the recreation room at Village at the Harbour on Spring Street in Friday Harbor.
It is a rare day that we cannot pick up a magazine or paper, listen to the radio or TV, or access the internet without coming upon the latest news, statistics and advice about diabetes or heart disease. That is because it affects almost everyone – if not personally, then a family member or friend.
The statistics are daunting. Over 20 million Americans have a diagnosis of diabetes, perhaps 6 million more are undiagnosed. Over 73 million Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension). Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
All of us need to be informed, encouraged, and sometimes reminded to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Over the next several months local and area health care providers will present a series of presentations covering a variety of subjects – everything from nutrition and exercise, dental and vision care, treatment options and tools and resources– these classes are open and free to the public.
Thursday, Oct. 22 the class is FREE HEALTH CLASS: EXERCISE IS YOUR FRIEND (Your Heart Will Thank You) 5:30 to 6:30 pm at
Village at the Harbour
547 Spring Street. In this class, taught by Joyce Thomson, RPT, MBA of
Islander's Physical Therapy, you will learn FUN exercises you can do at home to support a Healthy Heart and Diabetes Management.
For more information please contact San Juan Healthcare 378-1338 and speak with Joann Mayo, RN.
H1N1 flu update
posted 10/20/2009
The H1N1 (swine) flu is widespread in 30 states including Washington, San Juan County Health and Community Services Director John Manning told the county Council Tuesday, Oct. 20. There is no clearcut widespread outbreak in the county. In October, there have been five to 10 hospitalizations a week in the northwest part of the state. None involve people with county addresses. MORE INFORMATION
First-hand account of H1N1 case in young child
posted 10/13/2009
Friday Harbor's Town Administrator, King Fitch has a daughter and grandchildren in Nashville, where the H1N1 flu virus has re-emerged this fall; and his 8-year-old granddaughter Eleanor was one of the first to become ill - and she became very ill.
MORE INFORMATION
Nasal H1N1 Vaccine Here, Injectible Vaccine on the Way
posted 10/12/2009
PRESS RELEASE: As of noon on Monday, the San Juan County Health Department had administered 14 doses of the "live attenuated" H1N1 flu vaccine and made a total of 200 doses available to health providers throughout the county. A shipment of vaccine suitable for different risk groups will be distributed in San Juan County next week. MORE INFORMATION
County Health Officer: anticipate 11 deaths in next 8 to 12 weeks
Lists ways to try to prevent prediction
posted 09/17/2009
"It's as if someone out there with a gun is chasing down 4- to 5-year-old kids to kill them," Dr. Frank James said to the county Board of Health during yesterday's discussion of the expected novel H1N1 (swine) flu pandemic. "There is a very real risk of people dying."
He used the analogy to stress the need to take the situation seriously. "It is time to act," he said.
He recited the following statistics for San Juan County.
FULL STORY
Swine flu cases hit SJI camps this summer
posted 09/05/2009
Asked September 4, 2009 if there had been swine flu cases in the county, San Juan Community Health Department staff did not return San Juan Islander's call. Instead a press release was sent from the communications manager about the 2,000 cases at Washington State University.
At the county Board of Health meeting, September 16, 2009, County Health Officer Dr. Frank James said there were 12 to 25 cases of swine flu per week in the summer in the San Juans. "They were virtually entirely not county residents," he said. The cases were in camps in the islands.
Swine flu hits WSU hard
County health officials warn
county likely to see cases
posted 09/05/2009
The "novel H1N1" (swine) flu has spread to more than 2,000 students at Washington State University in Pullman Washington since classes began.
San Juan County Health & Community Services Department warns that now that school is resuming here, odds are good flu will spread here. The more closely grouped people are, the more likely the disease will spread. MORE INFORMATION
Center For Disease Control Weekly Updates:
CDC: Novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu
CDC: Seasonal Flu
Three ways to help Cancer Patients
Written by Soroptimists
posted 06/26/2009
There are three different projects on San Juan Island that can assist our local cancer patients. The Soroptimist Cancer Treatment Support Mission, the San Juan Eagles flight services, and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
The Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor volunteers raise funds for the Cancer Mission through their annual Bowl-A-Thon/Raffle Ticket Sales. This is a wonderful event, and everyone, from the bowlers, the donors to the attendees have a great time. Keep your eyes open for signs for the event around spring.
Soroptimist have also graciously received generous donations in the past to help fund this program. Donations can be made to Soroptimist Friday Harbor (with a note ‘cancer mission/ferry tickets’) and mailed to Post Office Box 2856, Friday Harbor, 98250.
Through the fundraiser, and these donations, the Cancer Mission then is able to fund a service project for the club where Soroptimists buying ferry tickets and commercial flights assisting cancer patients to get to their off island treatments. Approximately $10,000.00 is spent annually on these services. The contact person for this project is Liz Illg at 317-4010.
The San Juan Eagles are a group of private pilots who volunteer their time and resources by providing flights for patients. There are currently 30 San Juan Eagle pilots on the call list and approximately 12 fly consistently. They provide about 200 flights a year depending on the need of each patient. For info on their services call Vicky Thalacker 378-4578/378-2300 or Dr. John Geyman 378-6264.
This program is not compensated because it would be considered paid commercial flights according to FAA rules. In other words, the pilots do this strictly out of the goodness of their heart. The Eagles are not a subsidiary of the Soroptimist club but work in conjunction by providing transportation. If you are a pilot and would like to help with this project please call Vicky Thalacker (Again, her number is 378-4578, or 378-2300).
The American Cancer Society (ÅCS) has their annual Relay for Life fundraiser coming up July 25. The Soroptimist has two teams participating among the many teams on the island. The Soroptimist team has taken first place in the Relay for the last six years! In the past, ACS has provided funds for transportation and recently introduced a new program called ‘Looking Good, Feeling Better’ in San Juan County. In order to raise money for Relay for Life, Soroptimist held a rummage sale and an in-house silent auction. Now Soroptimist are reaching out into the community with the fundraiser “the Kiss for the Cure” with ticket sales at the markets in the near future.
For more info on Soroptimist please visit www.sifri.org
20 percent of SJC stores checked fail tobacco compliance check
posted 06/17/2009
In May, a 17-year-old girl, working for the WA Tobacco Prevention Program, was able to purchase cigarettes at three stores in San Juan County. She was asked at each store for her identification which clearly showed she was 17. Twelve other stores refused to sell cigarettes to her. The resulting 20 percent non-compliance rate gives San Juan County the second worst record in the state.
Martha Sharon PHN, coordinator SJC Tobacco Prevention & Control Program says because we have fewer stores it takes fewer sales to increase our rate of non-compliance to the law. However, it is unacceptable that any sales are made.
The law exists because tobacco is still the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S., and if people do not start smoking as teenagers, they usually do not start. 80% of smokers started as teens. Most of those people want to quit, but because of high levels of the most addictive substance in existence, nicotine in the cigarettes, most of them fail.
The habit takes an average of 15 years off of one's life, and one's last years can be spent battling cancer, emphysema, and heart disease caused by tobacco. In addition, at today's prices, tobacco addicts are enslaved by it: One store charged $9.50 for the pack. A pack a day habit would be $3,200/year. Over 20 years, that would mean $64,000 spent on cigarettes; probably more, as they will continue to rise in price.
Free parking at Anacortes Ferry Terminal July 3-6
posted 06/17/2009
For the second year, Washington State Ferries offers free parking at the Anacortes ferry terminal for the Fourth of July weekend.
This free parking, limited only by available space at the time of arrival, will be in effect at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 6. This time period covers all sailings from July 3 through July 6.
For all other dates, payment is required for vehicles located in the lots at the Anacortes ferry terminal. Orcas Island and San Juan Island have reasonably priced, seasonal shuttle service for ferry walk-on passengers.
New strain of Swine flu to be treated same as seasonal flu by health officials
posted 06/01/2009
A new H1N1 strain of swine flu has been similar to seasonal flu in symptoms, means of spread, and response to treatment. Typically, people with existing health conditions are at greater risk of serious health effects from influenza. The strain is widespread in the state and around the country.
Flu symptoms often include fever with cough or sore throat, muscle aches, and sometimes trouble breathing. Symptoms last several days to a week. It’s important for people who are sick with flu-like symptoms to stay home and call a health care provider if they become seriously ill. Keep sick children out of school or day care until they’re well. The best thing people in our state can do is to pay attention to their own health with hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and getting flu vaccine yearly.
The state Department of Health will no longer be asking healthcare providers to send in samples from everyone who has symptoms. Of the 1,700 samples which were sent in, 25 percent were positive for the new strain.
The focus of the DOH will now be on the high-risk population as it normally is during seasonal flu outbreaks. Annually 36,000 people die from influenza.
With the change in monitoring, only the state total of hospitalizations and deaths will be posted online. The updates will be available at about 3 p.m. on Fridays. These are the cases that state health officials will report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is moving to a similar monitoring strategy nationwide.
Detailed information about this outbreak is available on the Department of Health swine flu update Web site . The agency’s swine flu information telephone line, 1-888-703-4364, provides prevention advice in English and Spanish. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the latest information on the national disease investigation. MORE STORIES
Larsen celebrates House Passage of Obama-Backed Children's Health Care Bill
posted 01/20/2009
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) cheered House passage today of a bipartisan children's health care bill that will provide health care coverage to 11 million American children who need it including thousands of kids in Northwest Washington. President Bush twice vetoed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization bill in 2007. President-elect Obama supports the legislation (HR 2), which passed the House today by a vote of 289 to 139.
"This bipartisan bill will help children from families who cannot afford private insurance get the basic medical care that every child needs and deserves," said Larsen. "In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever that we help our neighbors hit hard and ensure that kids from low-income families can see a doctor when they get sick."
The bill reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) for four and a half years, ensuring that the 7 million children currently enrolled in SCHIP continue to be covered and extending coverage to 4 million additional children, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
The legislation also includes a funding fix for Washington state that Larsen has worked with his Democratic colleagues to secure. Since the Children's Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) became law 1997, Washington and 10 other states have been penalized for having expanded health insurance coverage to children from families just above the poverty line prior to the bill becoming law. For the past twelve years, Washington state has been unable to spend its allotment of federal dollars to provide coverage for these children. The legislation passed by the House today provides a fair, permanent solution for this inequity.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act could help thousands more children in Island, San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties get the health care coverage they need according to estimates from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Service. In San Juan County, an estimaged 62 children could sign up for the coverage.
Mini implants available on San Juan Island for denture wearers
posted 10/23/2008
There are millions of denture wearers in the United States. Most of them are unhappy with their dental appliances and have trouble stabilizing them with traditional adhesives. Lower dentures can cause the most problems including interfering with eating and talking due to slippage. There is hope for denture wearers everywhere and it comes in the form of tiny IMTEC Sendax MDI Implants.
Michelle Reynolds, DMD, recently completed a training seminar on the IMTEC MDI Implants. The industry-sponsored program is designed to train dentists in Mini Dental Implant placement and denture stabilization techniques.
"The IMTEC MDI implant solves this problem in an innovative way,” says Dr. Reynolds. “Four of these tiny implants, which are about the diameter of ordinary wooden toothpicks, can stabilize a denture. There is no longer a need for messy adhesives after this minimally invasive procedure. In less than two hours a patient can go out and have their favorite meal. It's that simple."
Dr. Reynolds earned her DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine after completing undergraduate studies in Zoology at the University of Washington. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Reynolds now joins a growing number of dental practitioners placing IMTEC Sendax MDI Implants and changing the lives of thousands of denture wearers.
Dr. Reynolds' practice is located at 385 Court St., Friday Harbor, Washington. For more information on IMTEC Sendax MDI Implants contact Dr. Reynolds at (360) 378-5300 or visit www.imtec.com.
FHES "Big Toy" Playground opens with concerns raised by some parents
Meeting set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3
posted 08/30/2008
With the first day of school just around the corner, one of the much anticipated additions to the elementary school facility is the new "Big Toy." Through the tireless work of the PTA, funds were raised for the much needed upgrade which is now ready for play. However, while the toy itself is ready to go, some FHES parents have raised their concerns about the "crumb rubber" material which was chosen as underlayment to protect children when they jump or fall from the toy.
Three options for the underlayment were offered by the company, each meeting current ASTM safety standards. "Crumb rubber" is a standard product that is installed in playgrounds throughout the nation, however concerns have recently been raised about potential long term effects of exposure to the chemicals in the recycled tire rubber.
The District has consulted the State of Washington Department of Health as well as Steve Grout, the risk management representative from the District's insurance carrier Canfield and Associates. Canfield and Associates insures 80% of the school districts in Washington State. The insurance carrier and the health department said that they had received no reports of adverse affects from this product, and that it has been successfully used by school districts and park departments in our state. However, though the product has been in use for fifteen years, studies of the long term exposure to the product have yet to be conducted.
The PTA and District administration have formed a committee to immediately conduct a thorough review of the product as well as other product options for the safety underlayment. The committee will consider product options, including potential benefits and risks, in order to make a recommendation to either keep the "crumb rubber" or to replace it with another product. The PTA has placed this issue on its meeting agenda scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 3rd, at the elementary school. Parents wishing to learn more and/or participate in the evaluation process are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Parents who have concerns, and who wish to exclude their children from using the playground equipment until a final decision is made about the product may do so.
Who owns the rain?
posted 08/29/2008
The county Health Department has applied for rainwater catchment rights San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw Islands. The four permits cost $50 each. As it stands now, the state owns the rights to all rainwater unless individual parcel owners have acquired the rights (at a cost of $50 per parcel).
Rainwater catchment systems are an allowable water source for homes in San Juan County. If a neighbor files a complaint and you don't have a water right, the county Health Dept. would have to issue a cease and desist order and the home owner would not have a source of water for their home.
Environmental Health Manager Mark Tompkins said the county has tried to work with the state to avoid the problem through changes in legislation which failed to pass in the past two legislative sessions. The suggestion was made to have the county obtain the water rights as a way of solving the problem.
Tompkins said it is solely an administrative matter and no one has to buy rainwater rights from the county. There are permitting fees involved with rainwater catchment systems.
San Juan County Telepsychiatry: Asking for community support
By Carrie Burke, Project Assistant
posted 03/27/2008
As Project Assistant for the San Juan County Telepsychiatry Project, I would like to share my thoughts and insight on how the project has changed the lives of people in our community.
As a 2007 graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health, I feel very fortunate to begin my career with such a rewarding job. I take my job to heart, as I already see patients getting better and feeling better, both mentally and physically, because of this service.
My main role is to support each patient during their telepsychiatry sessions and make sure their needs are met, help them find additional community resources if needed, and answer any questions about this new form of treatment. Because of my relationship with each patient, I am often told of the difficulties of living in such a small community.
Unfortunately, a stigma still remains around mental illness, having an immense impact on those who suffer. Our community is no different than any other small town, but I feel it’s necessary to help support these individuals and their willingness and desire to get better. Each person is caring, smart, and courageous. They are being proactive and are trying to make positive changes for themselves. If we are going to change the number of people suffering from a mental illness in our community, we need to accept and treat these individuals as equals.
As an Associate Trustee for the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition and a member of the 2008 Leadership San Juan Islands cohort, I am gaining a wealth of knowledge to provide our community with a young adult’s perspective. My long term goal is to develop a prevention program that combines physical activity and mental health therapy for people of all ages. I feel that physical activity and psychiatric treatment go hand in hand.
Since December 2007, the project has grown from 10 to 23 patients. Patients now range in age from mid-teens to mid-eighties, and everyone has provided positive feedback on the services as well as delivery of treatment. If patients become stable on their treatment plan, it is recommended that treatment is taken over by their primary care providers, persons who help in identifying, preventing, or treating an illness or disability. Two of the 23 patients are now overseen by their primary care provider. This project creates collaboration between a person’s doctor and the psychiatrist, giving the individual the best possible care.
Services are offered the third and fourth Fridays of each month. New patient appointments and follow-up appointments are held during these days. Because the project is funded by a federal grant, we are fortunate to have a consortium, consisting of three entities. Inter Island Medical Center, Friday Harbor’s COMPASS Health, and San Juan County Health & Human Services all give input and expertise to the project.
To become a patient in the Telepsychiatry Project, you must first obtain a referral from your primary care provider. For additional information on the project or how to become a patient, call me at 317-6572 or email me at carrieb@interisland.net.
Carrie Burke
Project Assistant
More than 300 sign up for donor registry during Bone Marrow drive for Matt Johnson
posted 03/18/2008
Puget Sound Blood Center staff suggested 60 forms would be adequate for a bone marrow drive in a small community. Margaret Johnson said, "You don't know Friday Harbor." She ended up asking for 400 forms figuring she could always return the unused ones. There were few left at the end of the two-day drive as more than 300 people signed up, hoping to be a match for her son, Matt Johnson.
The 1992 graduate of Friday Harbor High School has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This very rare blood disease is a precursor to Acute Myelodysplastic Leukemia. His only hope for cure is a stem cell transplant.
Matt and his wife Jackie,(formerly Jackie King), also a FHHS graduate, and their four children, Dustin 7, Tesa 4, and twin girls Taylor and Jordan 15 months, live in Lake Stevens, where Matt supports his family as an electrical contractor.
Matt’s MDS is an aggressive form and it’s critical that he find a match immediately. A bone marrow drive in Matt’s honor, took place in Friday Harbor March 18 and 19, 2008. This expedited placement of potential donors, aged 18 to 61, to the National Bone Marrow Registry.
If you were tested before during previous bone marrow drives and your name and contact information remain the same you do not need to be tested again.
For those who live off island and would like to know where to donate, please go to www.psbc.org for more information.
If you have any questions please call: Margaret at 360.472-0123, or Greg at 360.378-2151.
Your Prayers for a match and cure for Matt are sincerely appreciated,
Matt, Jackie, Dustin, Tesa, Taylor and Jordyn Johnson
Kerwin, Margaret, Ben and Vanessa Johnson,
Rick and Karen King
Steve and Kelli King
Greg and Natalie King
Realtors donate 9 defibrillators to island schools
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Chris Spaulding, 2007 President of the San Juan County Association
of REALTORS, Lainey Volk, San Juan EMS and Mike Soltman, San Juan Island
School Superintendent.
posted 03/17/2008
In an effort to add another level of safety to our Island student and
teachers, the San Juan County Association of REALTORS donated 9 Heart Start
OnSite Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) to Island Schools. The units
were placed in:
- Friday
Harbor Elementary School,
- Friday Harbor Middle School,
- Friday Harbor High
School,
- Lopez Elementary School,
- Lopez Middle/High School*,
- Children's House
School,
- Spring Street International School,
- Paidea School
- Skagit Valley
College San Juan Island Campus.
"As part of our ongoing involvement with the
Washington REALTORS Quality of Life campaign, our local Association is
pleased to provide this safety feature to our Island Schools," Said Chris
Spaulding, 2007 President of the San Juan County Association of REALTORS.
Training on the defibrillators was provided by Lainey Volk and Steve
Williamson from the San Juan Island EMS. "This gift will undoubtedly help
save a life," stated Lainey Volk, "the element of quick response is
invaluable."
On behalf of the school district, Michael Soltman said, "We are grateful to
the Association of REALTORS and our EMS Services for donating this
life-saving equipment and training to our schools. It brings peace of mind
and a sense of security to be able to respond effectively in life
threatening emergencies. We are fortunate to live in a community where
people seek out opportunities to collaborate for the common good of our
citizens."
Chance to quit smoking with help from an expert
posted 03/06/2008
Who better to help you stop smoking than an ex-smoker. Christie Driskell
of Lopez Island is offering a 10-week smoking cessation class on Lopez
Island beginning March 13. "I always told myself that if it ever gave me
problems I would quit," she said.
She stopped the night before seeing
her oncologist. She was diagnosed with tongue cancer the day after her
mother died of emphysema.
The irony isn't lost on the upbeat clinical social worker, who treated
people for addictions among other issues. "I had developed an elaborate
denial system. Talk about arrogance. I had tremendous lung capacity as a
former competitive swimmer," she said. Prior to the diagnosis, "I never
had a minute's trouble. I was playing the best tennis of my life."
FULL STORY
Hospital Board agrees present site
likely to be unworkable for a hospital
posted 02/21/2008
San Juan County Hospital Board Commissioner Michael Edwards agreed with consultant Joe Kunkel's assessment that it would be unrealistic to use the current site of the Inter Island Medical Clinic as a site for a hospital. He suggested the board ask the committee researching the feasibility of building a critical access hospital to include a study of an alternative site.
The motion was approved by the board at the Feb. 20, 2008 meeting. Asked if this meant the current site was completely ruled out, Commissioner Bob Low said, "The short answer is no." The current site's location next to the convalescent center and closeness to town are pluses. The study of an alternative site will be borne by the committees not by the hospital district. FULL STORY
American Cancer Society offers transportation assistance
posted 02/07/2008
San Juan County Health and Community Services has received funding from the American Cancer Society for transportation assistance for San Juan County residents receiving cancer treatment on the mainland.
The emotional and economic toll that cancer takes on individuals and families is enormous. Bearing the cost of off-island transportation adds to an already daunting series of tasks facing local cancer patients as they proceed with treatment. It is fortunate that organizations such as the American Cancer Society recognize the need for support with this issue and provide assistance.
For more information about this program and other cancer treatment transportation resources in San Juan County contact Kathy Hagn, San Juan County Health and Community Services, 370-7514 or 378-4474.
OTC Cough and Cold Products—Are they safe or effective?
posted 1/28/2008
We are in the depths of winter and many of us have the sniffles, cough and miseries of a cold. Making sense of the hundreds of products for cold remedies found on the shelves in a drugstore can be challenging, even when you feel well, let alone woozy with a cold. Are all those products really different? Do any of them help? Are some of them hazardous? Well… no, maybe and yes. COLUMN
More than 40 cases of whooping cough on Orcas Island
Health Department urges parents to take immediate action
to protect young children
posted 01/18/2008
All Orcas and Lopez residents with a persistent cough are urged to see their health care provider for evaluation, testing and treatment of pertussis (whooping cough).
The County Health Department is continuing to investigate more than 40 cases of pertussis on Orcas Island. After starting among a few childcare facilities, the outbreak has become a community-wide outbreak. MORE INFORMATION
MRSA - What you need to know
By Dr. Mark Fishaut
posted 11/08/2007
"Port Townsend High School canceled a football game and closed its athletic facilities because a player contracted MRSA, a staph infection that resists antibiotics." (Seattle Times, November 3rd)
"Pikeville, Ky. An eastern Kentucky school district with one confirmed case of antibiotic-resistant staph infection plans to shut down all 23 of its schools Monday, affecting about 10,300 students, to disinfect the facilities." (Seattle Times, October 28th)
Panic in the streets! What’s going on here? A confluence of events that have made a well described and definitely serious problem take on dimensions beyond the scope of reality.
Here are the facts:
MRSA (Multiple antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a big deal and this concern was shared with all of you almost a year and a half ago (The Journal 8/30/2006). In fact, we saw more infections back then that we do now.
A large study confirming this as a national problem was released in mid October of this year and received substantial press play. The only new information in that report was documentation of the scope of the problem. Nothing else has changed.
Serious illness and death in previously healthy young people is always frightening.
Part of the "sell" has been the use of tabloid terms such as "superbug", "flesh eating bacteria", and "killer staph" by mainstream media who should know better. This perpetuates fear, not understanding.
The closing of schools and athletic facilities is a reaction to hype and fear rather than attention to the facts.
There are great resources out there. Here’s a terrific resource: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/athlete/
Every effort has been made to keep our own athletic department and schools abreast of the problem and to make sure they have the right information. Everyone should be confident that the Friday Harbor School System has been receptive and responsive.
These bacteria are and will remain in our community.100% protection can never be guaranteed for any infection, but preventive hygiene combined with early detection, treatment, and appropriate exclusion from sports limits this problem and eliminates over reaction.
And how about a little perspective: yes, it is true that in the last several years more have died in this country of MRSA infection than of AIDS. But let me again remind everyone that these deaths are dwarfed by the number of teens killed in auto accidents. It’s certainly true in our own backyard. So, where’s the outcry for this much bigger problem?
This is neither the first nor the last time that facts get buried in the language of fear. This risk isn’t limited to the medical arena but to all news. We can be paralyzed by fear of that which we don’t understand or we can overcome it. Education and a focus on objectivity over emotion are and have always been our best tools against misinformation and ignorance.
WASH YOUR HANDS,WASH YOUR HANDS,WASH YOUR HANDS!
Sales tax may increase from 7.7 to 7.8 percent for mental health services
posted 09/26/2007
The state legislature has given counties the option of increasing sales tax by one tenth of one percent with the funds used for the provision of mental health and chemical dependency treatment services. A therapeutic court would also be established.
Public Health Director John Manning estimated the tax would raise $350,000 a year. "
Local funding gives us an opportunity to develop a program to meet our needs," he said.
As an added incentive, the state is giving counties that join the program additional funds for methamphetamine programs until 2010.
The therapeutic court deals with dependency cases. Manning said, "In dependency hearings the child is going to be taken away." Usually there is a mental health or dependency problem which would benefit from early intervention, he said. "The (therapeutic) court says if you get help we won't proceed with court proceedings."
The county Council will hold a worksession with members of the law and justice community, mental health providers, representatives of other counties where the program is operating, and other interested parties. No date has been set. The council has the authority to raise the sales tax.
Naturopathic Physican offers alternative care
at Inter Island Medical Center
Walking down the hall to Dr. Tina Torri's office at Inter Island Medical Center, a patient immediately knows this isn't the typical doctor's office. The water fountain, candles, jade plants outside the office are the first clue. Torri, a board accredited and licensed Naturopathic Physician and licensed acupuncturist began working at the clinic in February, 2007. "I specialize in these different areas and can tailor how to on each individual person. I'm seeing great results," she said. "This is the most rewarding profession I can think of." FULL STORY
Audiology Services available at Mullis Center once a month
posted 10/07/2007
Audiology services are available at the Mullis Community Senior Center through Island Hearing Healthcare one day each month. Free services include hearing tests, hearing aid evaluations, hearing aid repairs and hearing aid programming. All services are provided by Stacie Baisch, Au.D., an audiologist and resident of Friday Harbor. Island Hearing Healthcare is located at 545 Spring Street, across the street from the Inter Island Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, contact the senior center at 378-2677.
Stacie Baisch, Au.D. specializes in emerging hearing aid technology and aural rehabilitation. Hearing solutions are available in every price range and most insurance plans are accepted for diagnostics. Financial assistance and sponsorship by San Juan Lions through the Lions Hearing Aid Bank and Audient is available. To learn more, contact Island Hearing Healthcare at 378-2330.
Nurse practitioner joins San Juan Healthcare
posted 09/25/2007
Leslie Mutchler, ARNP has joined San Juan Healthcare. The nurse practitioner moved to Friday Harbor from Missoula, Montana. While she completed her Bachelors and Masters degree in Nursing from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, she worked as a cardiac nurse.
Mutchler is available to patients Monday through Friday. She has a special interest in family medicine, women's health, cardiovascular disease and health promotion. "I'd like to help keep you from getting sick in the first place," she said.
Mutchler has adjusted to island life. Her hobbies include hiking, fishing, camping and quilting. "I've never lived near the coast," she said. "Now I have both the water and the mountains."
For appointments call 378.1338.
Prostate cancer support group meets on second Tuesdays
posted 09/11/2007
USToo International, a resourceful and informative prostate cancer education and support group with over 300 grassroots chapters worldwide has granted a Chapter Charter to Friday Harbor. USToo’s mission is to "communicate timely, personalized and reliable information enabling informed choices regarding detection and treatment of prostate cancer". The group will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mullis Community Senior Center on the second Tuesdays of the month beginning Sept. 11, 2007.
USToo provides monthly "hot sheets" of the latest information in PCa research, care, reference, activities, political decisions and medical reviews. The new Chapter library will feature books on treatment choices for newly diagnosed, best practices for men at all stages, diet, spousal questions, and extensive referential contact information. The designation of Friday Harbor to host a chapter is an honor and a unique opportunity for the community to take advantage of this highly regarded and respected resource.
Chapter leaders, Teddy Deane and David De La Zerda will facilitate meetings. Deane spent several years as a leader of Man 2 Man Groups and trainer of Man 2 Man facilitators; having been trained at American Cancer Society National Headquarters in Atlanta. "We are hoping to get a great group of survivors and their partners in Friday Harbor and I look forward to creating a place for men and women to learn about the latest treatment options and life saving alternatives available for this disease that strikes one in six men. Please attend if you want more information about prostate cancer and/or tell anyone you know who could use this wonderful free service."
Call Teddy at 378-5250 or David at 378-6932 with any questions. For more adventure, please visit
www.TeddyDeane.com
County Board of Health approves new septic system maintenance rules
posted 07/25/2007
PRESS RELEASE:
At its Monday, July 23 meeting, the San Juan county Board of Health unanimously approved the On-site Sewage System Operation and Maintenance Program Plan that will ultimately require the annual inspection of more than 4,000 septic systems in the county and inspections of all others every three years. The program plan must next be accepted by the State Department of Health. FULL STORY
State will pay for lab tests to identify toxic algae in freshwater
PRESS RELEASE: Summer brings warm air, sunshine and swimming. And it also can
bring deadly outbreaks of toxic algae blooms in freshwater lakes that
threaten the health of people, pets and wildlife.
This year, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) will pay the
laboratory testing fee to help local health officials identify toxic
algae blooms. Test results allow officials to warn people and their pets
to stay out of the water if a bloom is toxic algae. MORE INFORMATION
HRSA grant awarded to Inter Island Medical Center;
will be used countywide
posted 05/04/2007
A $375,000 Rural Health Care Services Outreach grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has been awarded to Inter Island Medical Center to establish, run and maintain a telemedicine project that provides psychiatric services to patients in rural San Juan County. This federal grant is a demonstration project over three years with two goals: 1.) increase access to psychiatric services for underserved populations and 2.) to influence third party payers to pay for such services in order to sustain services over the long term. These services will be provided to patients at no cost.
This project will address high rates of depression in San Juan County, reduce the incidence of untreated psychiatric illness and examine the cost-offset and community health status effects of psychiatric services. The goal of the project is to result in the reduction of the global health burden of psychiatric illness in San Juan County, a condition that ranks second only to cardiovascular disease as a health burden.
The mission and purpose for San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 is to provide expanded and enhanced healthcare services to residents in its district and to promote healthy choices and behaviors through community education, and access to care otherwise not available to all residents of San Juan County.
Health IT and Telemedicine projects such as this have a broad base of support. United States Senator Patty Murray, a strong proponent of telemedicine, stated that "Inter Island Medical Center is on the cutting edge of care for its patients. This new ability to provide psychiatric services for San Juan County residents in their own community with the aid of technology is a tremendous step forward."
If you would like to know more about this project please contact Beth Williams Gieger, Administrator and SJCPHD#1 Superintendent at:
360- 378-2141 ext 23 or bethwg@interisland.net or write to 550 Spring Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
A brave and patient Mayor Jones home from the hospital
posted 03/13/2007
As he sat at a table on Feb. 21 - nine days after undergoing four and a half hours of brain surgery - Mayor David Jones' hand trembled as it had for the past seven years from the effects of Parkinson disease. He watched his hand as the voltage to one of the electrodes implanted in his brain was turned up. His hand slowly relaxed and the trembling stopped. "I feel like I've got my personality back," he thought.
Jones, who is the Mayor of Friday Harbor, recounted the scene and how he felt in an interview last week. He wants to spread the word about the deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure. It is not a cure but is a treatment which can greatly improve the quality of life for Parkinson patients. FULL STORY
Susan Hill resigns from San Juan Healthcare
posted 03/19/2007
PRESS RELEASE: San Juan Healthcare Associates would like to let the community know that effective March 15, 2007, Susan Hill, ARNP, has resigned from the practice to pursue other personal interests. Dr. Mark Fishaut and Dr. Eduardo Miller will be expanding their hours and a Nurse Practitioner will also provide interim services to meet the needs of our patients. We thank Susan for her years of service to the practice and the community. We will miss her and wish her well in her future endeavors.
IIMC welcomes Physician Assistant Marilyn Eaton
posted 03/17/2007
PRESS RELEASE: Marilyn Eaton, MS, PA-C will begin practice at the medical center on Monday April 2, 2007. Eaton will assume the schedule Dr. Zakarison worked, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Dr. Zakarison died March 12, 2007.
Dr. Zakarison had been planning to work with Eaton as her colleague. Eaton would assist her in providing more comprehensive care for her many patients by providing increased accessibility, especially for patients with women’s health care needs. MORE INFORMATION
Free Air Transportation for Cancer Patients
posted 03/15/2007
The San Juan Eagles are celebrating more than five years of serving San Juan Island cancer patients with free custom flights to and from the mainland for cancer treatment. Thirty-two pilots have flown more than 400 flights to Skagit Regional Airport, Bellingham International Airport and Anacortes, as well as to Seattle destinations since the Eagles inception in November, 2001. The pilots have donated their time and plane costs to this program.
Patients flying to Skagit Regional (Burlington) have use of a car donated by Foothills Pontiac Buick Toyota in Burlington for transportation to nearby treatment centers. Bellingham Air Taxi provides a courtesy car for patients flying to Bellingham. MORE INFORMATION
Results of telephone survey
indicate support for community hospital
posted 02/21/2007
PRESS RELEASE:
At the request of the Community Hospital Project Steering Committee, a phone survey of 560 San Juan County residents was taken by Health Facilities Planning Inc. in January. The survey explored the possibility of creating a small community hospital not only to replace the current Inter Island Medical Center but also to provide services for patients of all healthcare professionals in the county. MORE INFORMATION
SJ Healthcare Associates working with Dept. of Health on Diabetes
posted 02/16/2007
San Juan Healthcare Associates has been selected to be one of ten clinics to participate in the Washington State Diabetes Collaborative on Economic Outcomes.
In 1999, the Washington State Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program joined with Qualis Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to co-sponsor the first state-level collaborative on chronic disease. The goal of the Collaborative at that time was to improve chronic care by training primary care teams in health care organization, community resources, management support, delivery system, decision support and clinical information systems.
San Juan Healthcare Associates has been selected to participate in the first formal quantitative analysis of the Collaborative to determine the effect on economic outcomes for patients with diabetes. The results of this study will be directly relevant and actionable for healthcare organizational leaders and for public and private policymakers.
Dr. Burk Gossom, MD and Joann Mayo, RN/ Certified Diabetic Educator, will be working directly with the Department of Health research team on this project. San Juan Healthcare Associates is honored to be selected for participation in this study.
IIMC welcomes new healthcare provider
posted 02/16/2007
Dr. Allen Johnson has joined Inter Island Medical Center on a permanent part-time basis. He is currently scheduled to provide urgent care on Saturday and after-hours calls one weekend a month. Johnson’s practice interests include emergency medicine and dive medicine, and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and asthma.
Johnson received his MD degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Virginia Mason and then went on to practice emergency medicine at Virginia Mason in Seattle for 10 years. Johnson is board certified in Internal Medicine and in Hyperbaric Medicine and has worked at the hyperbaric chamber for five years. Johnson also completed an MBA in medical management at the University of Washington and currently practices inpatient internal medicine, or hospitalist medicine, with the Polyclinic at Swedish Medical Center.
Johnson has worked as a fill-in doctor at IIMC over the past six years and he and his family are part-time residents here. Johnson and his family enjoy running, gardening, kayaking, boating, snowboarding and scuba diving. Johnson and his wife Jen have two daughters, Annabelle and Amelie as well as a Portuguese Water Dog, Harley.
It’s not too late to get influenza vaccine
posted 01/22/2007
PRESS RELEASE: Flu is in the southeast (Florida, Alabama, and Georgia) and it is headed our way. So far this year Washington and British Columbia have reported sporadic flu activity, but we are starting to see flu in the San Juan County preschool population. Typically flu hits hardest in the cold months of February and March. However given our warmer fall, the flu season has had a late start.
Flu shots are not just for the elderly or people with chronic diseases like diabetes or asthma. In fact the persons at highest risk for influenza related complications are children 6 mo to 5years, people over 50 years old, seniors, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions of any age that make you more vulnerable. Examples are asthma, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and people with fragile immune systems. Children are particularly susceptible to influenza B. If caregivers of young children and the elderly, get flu shots they are less likely to transmit the flu.
Flu commonly presents with a high fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms. It is easily transmissible between people from cough droplets and contact with secretions (mucus). Remember to cough into your elbow or clothing instead of your hand or handkerchief!
Influenza tends to affect between 5 to 20 percent of the population. In the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the flu. The most common complication is pneumonia.
This year’s flu vaccine contains two strains of influenza A (New Caledonia and Wisconsin, H1N1) and one strain of influenza B from Malaysia (H3N2). The injectable flu vaccine is the inactivated or killed virus type. It cannot give you the flu but it will trigger your body into making antibodies against the flu.
Every year the CDC checks to see how closely the flu vaccine strains meet the flu strains circulating in the communities. This year we appear to have a fairly good match.
Getting a flu shot can prevent hospitalizations, influenza related respiratory illnesses, physician visits, or absenteeism from work or school. If you have not yet been vaccinated this year, please consider getting a flu shot. Vaccine is available at the Health Department or from local physicians. Please call the Health Department, 378-4474, for further information.
Tom Ashcraft's diagnosis leads to activism
posted 01/19/2007
Tom Ashcraft was diagnosed with prostate cancer and considers himself a lucky man. His cancer was caught at an early curable stage. The 53-year-old San Juan Island man had no symptoms but went in for a screening because his wife
Julie Capron had made an appointment for him. It is recommended men get screened for prostate cancer at age 50 if they do not have a family history or at age 45 if there is a family history.
The prostate-specific antigen blood test (PSA) score was less than one. PSA levels under 4 ng/mL are usually considered "normal," results over 10 ng/mL are usually considered "high" according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation Web site. A physical exam however revealed a growth which was biopsied.
Ashcraft praised his physician Dr. Moran at Inter Island Medical Center for catching the problem early when it was at an early curable stage. The National Institute of Health (NIH) expects 218,890 new cases of prostate cancer in 2007 and 27,050 deaths.
Since being diagnosed, Ashcroft has become an activist and is encouraging men to be tested. Ashcaoft was scheduled for surgery Jan. 18.
600 islanders have purchased Airlift subscriptions
posted 01/19/2007
Airlift Northwest has sold more than 600 airlift subscriptions so far, according to San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services Chief Jim Cole. The $79 annual membership fee shields you and your household from out-of-pocket costs for Airlift Northwest air medical services. Airlift Northwest bills the insurance carrier (if any), and other payers, and accepts their payment as your payment in full. The helicopter medevac services cost thousands of dollars.
Airlift has also received a donation from an islander who purchased a subscription to go to a needy family, Cole told the Hospital District Board at its monthly meeting Jan. 17. Others wanting to purchase subscriptions as donations can contact Airlift Northwest. SJEMS will select the families who will receive the subscriptions.
Details about the subscription plans are available on
their Web site.
Download the AirCare brochure for complete details and an enrollment form. You may also visit the AirCare frequently asked questions page to find answers to your membership questions.
PREVIOUS STORIES
Cancer Relief Treatment Project:
free transportation from FH to mainland
posted 01/19/2007
Soroptimist of Friday Harbor and the San Juan Eagles provide free airplane service and ferry tickets from Friday Harbor to the mainland for any San Juan Islander undergoing cancer treatments at mainland treatment centers.
The San Juan Eagles are a group of volunteer pilots who donate their time, planes and fuel to fly cancer patients between Friday Harbor and various mainland airports. In 2006, the San Juan Eagles flew 106 missions to Bellingham and Skagit Regional Airports. Patients wishing to fly cannot be acutely ill and must be able to enter and exit the plane.
Also in 2006, Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor supplied 40 car and driver books of tickets and 26 passenger ticket books to patients. Car/ driver and passenger ferry tickets are available for the patient plus friends or family members accompanying them to treatments.
More information is available on the Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor Web site Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor Web site. For flights call 360.378.4578. For ferry tickets call 360.378.7275
New Skin Care Center Opens in Friday Harbor
posted 11/22/2006
The Dermalogica skin care system, developed and researched by the International Dermal Institute, is known for pioneering formulas that have set industry standards since the 1980s is now available in Friday Harbor. In October, Mary-Brooke Barger, WA Licensed Skin care and Massage Therapist, opened her new practice, Mirabella Skin Care and Massage, at 425 Argyle Avenue, Suite PS3, above the fitness center.
"I look at the skin as a living, dynamic organ, and approach skin care holistically. So rather than simply offering therapeutic skin treatments, I also look for the root causes and triggers of such conditions as acne, premature aging, dehydration, and sensitive skin," says Mary-Brooke.
Mary-Brooke combines her expertise in the fields of Skin Care and Massage Therapy to create a unique experience that is both therapeutic and relaxing. In practice since 1987, she is Nationally Certified in Massage (NCBTMB), a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and a member of the Aesthetics International Association (AIA).
Call Mary-Brooke to schedule an appointment or to receive a complimentary Dermalogica Face Mapping consultation (a comprehensive zone by zone skin analysis with recommendations about how to best care for your skin). 378-4250.
County purchasing $40K of tamiflu
posted 11/15/2006
San Juan County Council agreed to purchase $40,000 worth of tamiflu from the federal government. The antivirus medication is available at a special rate of $16 per course of treatment vs the usual price of $85. According to Health and Community Service Director John Manning, the Town of Friday Harbor has agreed to purchase $10,000 of the county's supply.
The medication can only be used if a pandemic is declared. The medication will be stored at Friday Harbor Drug Store and Lopez Pharmacy. County staff was talking with Ray's Pharmacy staff about storing some there. The shelf life is five years.
Audiological care available on-island
posted 10/26/2006
Amplification with hearing aids is positively related to improving quality of life according to the National Council of Aging. But adjusting to a new hearing aid is not as easy as putting on a new pair of glasses. "There is an acclimization period," said Stacie N. Baisch, Au.D, Doctor of Audiology. "It is not instantaneous. People don't anticipate that...it can be overwhelming, irritating and exhausting." Followup care is critical for success.
It will be easier for people to access that care now that Dr. Baisch has opened Island Hearing Healthcare in Friday Harbor. MORE INFORMATION
County can buy anti-viral medicine
for everybody for $250K
posted 10/24/2006
County Health Officer Dr. Frank James gave the county Board of Health a brief update on pandemic influenza planning at the Monday, October 23, 2006 meeting. The biggest news was the opportunity for the county to order antiviral medication for every citizen. An individual course of treatment which last year cost $85, can now be purchased for $16 through a federal contract. The drugs are Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza).
If the county were to purchase enough for 16,000 residents it would cost $256,000. Right now there is only enough anti-viral medication stockpiled in the U.S. for 2 percent of the population. By December of 2006 that number climbs to 7 percent. By December 2007, it is expected to be 25 percent.
Dr. James said, other countries are way ahead of the U.S. in stockpiling anti-viral medication. James says British Columbia has four times the amount of anti-viral medication stockpiled as does the U.S. The pharmaceutical companies are taking orders and filling them in the order received.
Purchasing enough medication for all residents could help it doesn't necessarily make the pandemic flu problems go away, James said. There could be reactions to the drugs. The drugs could expire before the pandemic. One of the drugs, Tamiflu, is good for five years.
Better treatments could be developed in the meantime. If they are purchased through the federal contract the drugs cannot be released until a pandemic is declared.
The Board of Health will discuss the idea in depth at an upcoming meeting. The BOH meets on the fourth Monday of each month.
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