INSIDE: YE Grads, p. 5 • RPC Wrap, p. 7 • DEET, p. 8 • Omega 3, p. 9 • Spine Care, p. 10 Well Connected.. YKHC’s hard-working Technology Networking Team. Top: Aaron Mute, CIO Val Warzewick, Nick Perry. Bottom: Joel Simon, Rhys Tony. Photo by Chris Ho. YKHC’s Technology Department, in partnership with United Utilities Inc. and TAMSCO have completed the first phase of a telecommunication technology upgrade that will provide high-speed connectivity to all of the villages YKHC serves by the end of the year. In phase one, the villages of Emmonak, Hooper Bay, Quinhagak, Toksook Bay, Aniak, St. Mary’s, and Mekoryuk gained a faster, more reliable connection. Be sure to read next month’s Messenger for details about how this monumental technology will improve the healthcare service YKHC provides throughout the YK Delta. Volume X No. 7 • July 15, 2005
Transcript
INSIDE: YE Grads, p. 5 • RPC Wrap, p. 7 • DEET, p. 8 • Omega 3, p. 9 • Spine Care, p. 10
Well Connected..
YKHC’s hard-working Technology Networking Team.Top: Aaron Mute, CIO Val Warzewick, Nick Perry. Bottom: Joel Simon, Rhys Tony. Photo by Chris Ho.
YKHC’s Technology Department, in partnership with United Utilities Inc. and TAMSCO have completed the first phase of a telecommunication technology upgrade that will provide high-speed connectivity to all of the villages YKHC serves by the end of the year. In phase one, the villages of Emmonak, Hooper Bay, Quinhagak, Toksook Bay, Aniak, St. Mary’s, and Mekoryuk gained a faster, more reliable connection.
Be sure to read next month’s Messenger for details about how this monumental technology will improve the healthcare service YKHC provides throughout the YK Delta.
Volume X No. 7 • July 15, 2005
2
YKHC Board of DirectorsUnit 1Joe MikeP.O. Box 20269Kotlik, Alaska 99620907-899-4756Aaron S. KameroffP.O. Box 37Alakanuk, Alaska 99554907-238-3125
Unit 2Ray Alstrom P.O. Box 8Marshall, Alaska 99585907-679-6320James C. LandlordP.O. Box 32168Mt. Village, AK 99632907-591-2119
October 19 – 21Alaska Federation of Natives, in Fairbanks.
November 15Finance Committee
November 16–18Full Board of Directors Meeting
December 13Finance Committee
December 14–15Executive Board
Call The YKHC Learning Center: 907-543-6758
Roy Alexie, Licensed Practical Nurse
Roy Alexie (Ciquyaq) is the son of Roy and Ida Alexie and is a tribal member of the Orutsaramuit Native Council. Royʼs father is from Napakiak and his mother
is from Kwethluk. “I was born and raised in Bethel and graduated from Bethel High School. I
attended the University of Alaska Anchorage Licensed Practical Nurse program that was offered through Kuskokwim Campus. The 12-month program began January 2003 and ended December 2003.” After the pro-gram, Roy passed the NCLEX-PN national certifi-cation exam and received licensure to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
“I am currently working in the Pediatrics Depart-ment. A few of the responsibilities I have are to draw labs from pediatric patients, start IV Heplocks, catheterize patients to get urine samples, and place patients in rooms.”
Roy decided to pursue a career as a licensed prac-tical nurse while working as an emergency medical technician in the Emergency Room, and now looks toward the registered nurse profession as a long-term goal. “You all have to start somewhere. An LPN license is where I decided to start in my health care career.”
LPN Basic Requirements• Graduation from
high school with coursework in Eng-lish, science and math
• Completion of a 12 to 18-month licensed practical nurse program
• Pass national certifi-cation exam
• Beginning wage $19.48 hr
www.ykhc.org
Employment Opportunities • Latest NewsUpcoming Events • Messenger Back Issues
4YKHC Diabetes Prevention & Control
Healthy Recipe of the Month
SALMON KABOBS1 pint button mushrooms
1 large onion, sliced into 1 inch chunks
2 bell peppers, red, green or yellow sliced into1 inch chunks
1 can pineapple chunks
1 pound salmon cut into 2 inch cubes (Bigger pieces because salmon cooks quickly) or 1 inch chunks chicken
½ cup fat-free Italian dressing
8 skewers (if made of wood, soak them in cold water so they don’t catch fire during grilling)
1. Prepare grill.
2. Assemble kabobs by alternating mushrooms, onions, peppers, and salmon/chicken cubes on each skewer.
3. Brush all sides of each kabob with the Italian dressing and grill over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning several times so all parts are exposed to the heat.
Happy Birthday from the Diabetes Programfrom Diabetes Prevention and Control
The Diabetes Prevention and Control Program is sending out birthday cards to all registered patients who have diabetes. The
card includes a reminder to get annual diabetes health exams, and phone numbers for scheduling health, eye and dental exams.
Patients are invited to stop by the diabetes department to receive their education update and pick up their birthday present after all exams and lab work are completed.
Wally Richardson says, “I think sending out the birthday cards is a good idea. I appreciated getting the greetings and reminder. Many people in the Delta are being diagnosed with diabetes but that does not mean we canʼt live healthy normal lives. I have had diabetes for four years. I am trying to lose a few pounds, eat more fruits and vegetable and check my blood sugar regularly. It is important for us to remember and return to Native practices that kept our ancestors healthy.”
Delaine Davis, Coordinator of the Diabetes Prevention and Con-trol program, initiated the birthday card as a Value Added Idea. She says, “We were concerned about our patients receiving proper follow-up care as recommended in the Diabetes Standards of Care. Patients with diabetes can live healthy lives by getting their annual exams and controlling their blood sugars.”
Tips for the traveler with diabetes• Pack twice as much medicine and supplies as you think youʼll
need and keep them with you.• Bring extra batteries for your glucose meter.• Bring your ID and diabetes identity card.• Keep snacks, juice and/or glucose tablets close at hand to treat
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).• Keep your doctorʼs letter, insurance card, prescriptions and impor-
tant phone numbers (doctor, insurance emergency line, etc.) in your wallet.
More about CarbohydratesWhat are “net carbs?” Net carbs were invented by the food mar-
keting people. Basically they subtract fiber and sugar alcohols (they have a slower effect on blood sugar) from the total carbohydrate to get the “net carb” count. The catch is that sugar alcohols still have calories. In fact many “low carb” products have the same number of calories as their “regular” counterparts.
The Messenger will now be available
to Delta boxholders by subscription only.
You won’t be receiving it in your mailbox every month whether you want to or not.
The subscription is FREE!All you have to do is call, fax, email or write to
us and we’ll put you on the mailing list.
Copies of the Messener will be available at your local health clinic,
Tribal office and other YKHC locations in the villages and Bethel.
Bethel student donates $202 to McCann Treatment Center
“This is the first time that the McCann Treatment Center has ever received a
contribution to its education program,” said Steve OʼBrien, MTCʼs Senior Inhalant Educator. “We are very grateful.”Christopher Liu, a student at Bethel Regional High School and son of Chris and Barbara Liu, decided to solicit contributions for the operation of MTCʼs school program as an independent project for his school Health Class.
Going door-to-door in the community of Bethel, Liu, age 15, collected $202 to support the McCann Treatment Center under the guidance of BRHS teacher Robert Ellsworth. Ellsworth expressed pride that one of his students would have such a strong interest in supporting the center.
“We are grateful that Christopher has such a strong commitment to the community that he would donate his time and energy to help others,” said OʼBrien. “His contribution will be spent on much needed educational supplies.”
Established in 2001, the McCann Treatment Center specializes in providing care for youths who have developed problems with inhal-ants, but also serves youth with emotional and behavioral issues.
For more information about the MTC, contact:Steve O’Brien, McCann Treatment Center, Senior
Inhalant Educator — 543-6812
Yuut Elitaurviat graduates first 13 workersStory and photo by Naomi Klouda, Tundra Drums Editor
On June 17, 2005, the first class of construction workers graduated from the new Yuut Elitnaurviatʼs (YE) Construction Trades center, enabling them to
enter an apprenticeship program that puts them on a job.Graduates from YE include Leemon Carl and John Carl of Kipnuk, Walter
Springer and Simeon Williams of Hooper Bay, Allen Evon of Kwethluk, Michael Berlin of Kasigluk, and Bethelʼs Ian Smith, Doug Foss, Dario Sanchez-Notti, Dustin Anaruk, Misha Demantle, Anthony Shield and Kevin Kernak.
The graduates were taught by Mike Tucker from the Alaska Works Partnership, an organization that helps fund and train construction workers, and Jim OʼNeill, a local high school shop teacher.
“These guys were a joy to teach because they wanted to learn and that s̓ the key,” said OʼNeill. “I would hire anyone of these guys any day.”
Gene Peltola, YKHCʼs President & CEO and also President of the YE Board, told the graduates during the ceremony that they are setting the tone for the future of the program. “Itʼs important to apply yourselves and make motivated attempts to always show up on time,” he said, referring to their next segment of training—an on-the-job apprenticeship program.
YE is an innovative program that seeks to address a full scope of workforce issues through vocational training, in response to the inability of Y-K Delta resi-dents to fill local, available jobs due to the lack of job skills. When completed, YE will have a variety of training opportunities such as in health sciences, childcare development, and construction journeyman jobs.
YE is a partnership of nine organizations in Bethel, including AVCP, AVCP Housing, Calista, Army National Guard, City of Bethel, LKSD, Coastal Villages Region Fund, KuC, and YKHC.
The YE construction worker graduates proudly show off their certificates. “The whole goal of YE is so that Yuut graduates can take those jobs that are out there,” said Carlton Kuhns, Executive Director of Yuut Elitnaurviat.
“I would hire anyone of these guys any day.”
—Jim OʼNeill, high school shop teacher.
Steve accepts a donation check from Christopher Liu for the McCann Center.
6
Hospital Community RelationsGreetings From... The Hospital Community Relations
(Ciuniuristet) Department has moved to the front of the hospital where they are more visible to our patients, visitors and staff.Community Relations personnel are there to assist patients, provide information and take customer comments.
They also provide interpreting services for our Yupʼik speaking patients when a provider or staff requests their help. They are an excellent resource for everyone and work closely with patients, providers and staff to assist in YKHCʼs mission to achieve excellent health.
The department is staffed 11 hours a day, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Their phone number is 543-6350. One staff member is on-call after hours, week-ends and holidays to provide interpreting services to inpatients and emergency department patients.
“Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health”
What our mission means to meby Debi Olick, Health Education Dept.
What exactly is “Work-ing together to achieve excellent health?” The first thing that comes to my mind are all the dif-
ferent departments within the Yukon-Kus-kokwim Health Corporation.
It is very true that all the different depart-ments need to work together to make a dif-ference with the residents of the YK Delta, but I believe that “together” includes all that is within the YK Delta.
This would include the staff and beneficiaries of YKHC and all the different entities within a village—Tribal councils, schools and school districts, Multi-Disciplinary Teams or Community Wellness Teams, the different faith communities, Head Starts or Tumkanka Programs, the airline companies that fly into the villages with supplies, foods, and medicine, the Native and Corporation stores, individual businesses—the list can go on and on.
We all need to work together to get everything good in life. Think of it like fishcamp. There are different people rang-
ing in all ages and everyone has a job to do. Everyone is responsible for different types of chores. Some people go out fish-ing, some bring up the fish, pack water to clean the fish and to make essuluunaq while others dig pits to make tepa or for the gut pile. During or after de-heading and gutting the fish, some people hang salmon roe to dry. Others hang fish slabs and others take care of feeding the “crew.”
Work isnʼt done yet when the fish is
hanging to dry on the drying rack. Next comes cleaning the equipment you used so it will be ready for the next batch of fish. Then, depending on the weather, you need to make sure that the fish you hung to dry are drying well and are not being ruined by the flies or the birds. When the fish are dry enough there comes the task of smoking
the fish. Someone has to gather and store dry wood for fire starters and for use on the days that are wet from rain and drizzle. They also need to get “wet” wood for smoking the fish, to give it flavor. Drying time depends on weather, type of fish, how thick the fish is cut, and if you are keeping up with the smoking.
With everyone working together, we can reap the rewards of working hard and being healthy—mentally, physically, spiri-tually, emotionally, and socially. In this example, the reward is not just having fish put away for the winter, it also includes living a healthy lifestyle by working together, eating healthy native foods, being physically active, and keeping in mind that everything has spirit.
Healthy living shouldnʼt occur only at fishcamp. You can live a healthy lifestyle year-round, not just in the summer. Every-one in the family and the community has something to contribute. With more people envisioning the same goals, the better the outcome, if everyone does his or her part. This is what “Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health” means to me.
“Think of it like fishcamp. There are different people ranging in all ages and everyone has a job to do.”
Hospital Community Relations staff: Isabelle Oscar, John Mojin and Juanita Treat.
Volume X No. 7 • July 15, 20057
At the Bethel National Guard Armory, people from all over Alaska who help other people become free of substance misuse
listened intently to their peers, speakers and presenters. This was the 21st annual Rural Providers ̓Conference (RPC), co-
hosted this year by RurALCAP and YKHC, with grant support from the State Division of Behavioral Health. It was held June 6–10 in Bethel.
Each morning participants met in general session first and then dispersed into smaller units. “The 2005 RPC held here in Bethel was a huge success,” said Wally Richardson, one of the eventʼs main coordinators.
“It certainly couldnʼt have hap-pened without the support from the Kilbuck School, the National Guard Armory, and the Bethel Moravian Church, as well as, all the volunteers and presenters,” Richardson added.
The weeklong event was held to help substance abuse providers find support in each other and elsewhere in rural Alaska, which has some of the highest rates of alcoholism, substance abuse and other chemical misuse in the nation.
The RPC hosted five keynote speakers, one of whom was Mike Williams of Akiak. On June 7, Williams gave a testimony about his work as a Sobriety Movement advocate using his dog team as a vehicle to get across to people in Alaska.
Williams gave an encouraging message about developing strong families in rural Alaska. “Donʼt leave here feeling good and do noth-ing when you get home; reach out to your peers and families. Help them learn how to battle against alcohol,” he said toward the end of his speech.
John and Theresa Pingayak of Chevak, who carried a great deal of leadership through the week, keynoted on Tuesday with Mike Wil-liams and led general sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.
The main keynote was Edgar Blatchford, Commissioner of Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, who also served as Commissioner of the Department of Community and Regional Affairs in 1990-1994 under Gov. Walter J. Hickel.
Youths shine at RPCSpecial appearances were made by the Dragon Slayers, a group
of youths who volunteer as fire firefighters in Aniak. Other special appearances included the Blood Family, a rap music team from Scammon Bay, and the BRHS JROTC drill team, who wowed the audience with their national championship moves. The younger but energetic JROTC step team also performed magnificiently.
A surprise appearance at the RPC, at least to those in Bethel, were the 18 Cadets from the Alaska Military Youth Academy of Ft. Rich-ardson in Anchorage. They attended classes during the conference and helped out wherever a hand was needed.
“They attended last year and looked forward to coming again for the entire year, said RurALCAPʼs Marian Estelle. “They were an
amazingly helpful crew and really carried our youth track.” The cadets never once hesitated when asked to help and volun-
teered without being asked when there was work to be done, said Rose Henderson, one of the co-coordinators of the RPC. “They even learned how to Eskimo Dance and learned the song that went with the dance.”
Later, Todd Henderson, Roseʼs husband, took them out fishing, three cadets at a time, taking about eight hours to do that. In the end, they caught four kings which were brought to the Culture Camp, where Henderson taught them how to cut and barbecue the fish for
dinner. Henderson said YKHCʼs Housing
Maintenance crew headed by Greg McIntyre pitched in and helped in a huge way. “They set up the entire campground for the Culture Camp. I feel that the conference went very well. As with every conference, we had our glitches; but with the help of the Hous-ing team, it went very smoothly.”
Later, the Hendersons brought the cadets to their fish camp, to show them what one looks like. But when the cadets saw how the spring ice had torn
up the Henderson camp during break-up, they rolled up their sleeves and began to rebuild the camp. “They put up the drying racks, cut-ting table roof, and put up the mosquito net tent,” Henderson said.
Memorable moments Joe Green, a counselor at the PATC, said one of the participants
was a Jamaican who attended RPCs for three years so far, and this one in Bethel was his best one yet. “It was due to the traditional value aspect of the gathering,” Green said. “The Jamaican went drifting for salmon and took part by helping to set and pull in the net.”
Another person going drifting was presenter Pat Franks. “To him this was the highlight of the RPC,” added Green. “There were also people from up north, Fairbanks, and down south that said the drift-ing experience was their first and that theyʼll never forget it.”
Green said he and his guests caught a total of 11 king salmon that went to the fish-cutting demonstration at the Culture Camp, and the community potluck where everyone got to eat some of the salmon.
“Iʼd like to thank Joe Green, Wilson Green and the rest of the PATC Team for all their help,” said Mike Bricker, Clinical Director of YKHCʼs Substance Abuse Services. “Thanks especially to the clients from PATC and the Therapeutic Court Program who donated their time and talent to the Conference.”
Julia Kanuk, a Behavioral Health Services Coordinator, attended many of the activities during the RPC. “I liked the workshops, enter-tainment, and the guest speakers,” she said. “The committees that put this on did a very good job, especially the staff from YKHC. I commend them for their good work and awesome job they did.”
Rural Providers make themselves at home in Bethel
The weeklong event was held to help substance abuse providers find support in each other and elsewhere in rural Alaska, which has some of the highest rates of alcoholism, substance abuse and other chemical misuse in the nation.
see RPC, p. 11
8
by John Dickens
Aeromed Delta Eagles
They are always ready and proud to serve…
When I think of the vast array of unsung heroes in this great Delta of ours, there are many groups that stand out. One particular team that is very near and dear to my heart is the elite “Aeromed Delta Eagles.” This team of the YKHC Aeromed Critical Care Flight Paramedics and Grant Avia-
tion Medevac Pilots is now performing around 650 village to Bethel Medevacs a year.
Using a dedicated Capstone-equipped Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft rigged with two $40,000 Life Ports, this elite squad is pushing the envelope of fixed wing Air Ambulance operations, and setting new standards that are gain-ing notice throughout the country.
The YKHC Aeromed Critical Care Flight Paramedics are some of the best paramedics I have ever met. These people are extremely experienced lifesav-ers, who have seen action in some of the toughest EMS arenas in the world! From the battlefields of Iraq to the mean streets of the Lower 48 “knife and gun clubs” these folks are the epitome of professional experience and dedicated compassion. They could go anywhere they want to, but they choose to honor us by coming up here. One paramedic commutes all the way from Cleveland, Ohio, on his own funds just to be here!
The paramedics work five days on and 10 days off. The five days that they are on duty are very demanding; I have seen them up for days at a time! One paramedic calculated that in a five-day shift he was in the air more than he was on the ground, flying one mission after another. Delivering babies in flight, dealing with some of the hardest EMS calls I have ever heard of. On top of all this they are very nice people who deeply care for their patients and the village health aides. They enjoy teaching EMS subjects and are a big help in training the health aides.
On the flying side of this team are the Grant Aviation pilots. They are the “Best of the Best.” Only the most skilled and experienced pilots are involved in flying the Air Ambulance. The Medevac pilots are flight instructors and many are check airmen. They bring a wealth of Alaskan aviation experience and knowledge to the program. They work closely with the paramedics and often wind up lending a hand on difficult EMS calls.
The “Delta Eagles” bring Advanced Life Support to the village clinics, help-ing the village health aides and the doctors at the hospital deliver quality care to the people of the Delta. In my eight years in the Delta I have watched this team evolve into one of the best around. In my opinion, the YKHC Aeromed Delta Eagles are an excellent example of how the YKHC Board and administration is making sure that “state of the art 21st century health care” is being brought to the villages of the YK Delta Service Area. I am honored to be involved with this team and this system.
Next time you see a “Delta Eagle” paramedic or pilot walk by, please shake their hand.
They could go anywhere they want to, but they have come here to help us.
Use bug dope wisely, especially on children
Itʼs summer and itʼs mos-quito season, with no-
see-ums sure to follow. This summer, with standing water everywhere due to spring flooding, the bugs are out in force.
Many of us with fishing, fishcamp, camping and berry picking in mind have no choice but to take along the old stand-by: bug dope. And much of the dope we buy contains DEET, or diethyl-metatoluamide, in certain percentages, from a few per-cent up to 100 percent.
But we ask ourselves sometimes, why all the pre-cautions on the stuff, and why use it at all if itʼs that dangerous? So then, how safe is DEET?
Well, we are told that if we use bug dope with DEET according to the directions, it is quite harmless. Most Public Health agencies including the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) encourage the use of DEET, especially with the advent of the West Nile Virus in the lower ʻ48. But it is dangerous if we use it carelessly.Here are some facts and precautions with the use of biting insect repellents containing DEET:
DEET has been associated with seizures and several cases of toxic encephalopathy (encephalitis) in chil-dren, including three deaths, according to the Exten-sion Toxicology Network at Cornell University.
DEET can cause an array of health problems ranging from dizziness to death. After application to the skin DEET is absorbed into the bloodstream, and remains up to several months or more depending on oneʼs abil-ity to detoxify. Side effects may include rashes, skin eruptions, nausea, dermatitis, scarring, muscle cramps, irritability, lethargy, cerebral swelling cardio-respira-tory arrest, and fatal encephalopathy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that DEET is not considered safe for any child under the age of 5. Poison Control Centers reported more than 6,700 reactions to insect repellants in 1995, with 4,300 related to children 6 and under. A 26-year-old man died after using DEET twice according to ABC news. An 8-year-old boy suffered seizures after being sprayed twice with DEET. DEET is also toxic to chil-dren when it is used in the home by others.
Mosquito bites itch because the insects inject proteins and other chemicals into your body when they bite.
see DEET, p. 9
Volume X No. 7 • July 15, 20059
Alaska Salmon Nutrition • Alaska Salmon is an excellent source of high qual-
ity protein, containing all essential amino acids.
• Salmon is rich in minerals and contains vitamins, A, D, B6 and B12.
• Salmon is a good source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, which lowers the risk of heart disease.
• Salmon is easy to digest and is an excellent food for everyone, both young and old.
• Alaska Salmon contains Omega-3, oil, which decreases the risk of coronary heart disease and certain cancers.
Omega-3 Fats: Lots of Reasons to eat More Fish!What are the omega-3 fats?
These beneficial fats are in the oil naturally found in fish. The omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA, play different but equally vital roles in human health. Though research with omega-3 supplements is promising, most experts recommend eating more fish rather than taking supplements.How do they work?
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)—helps make the platelets in blood less sticky which in turn could help prevent the build-up of plaque otherwise leading to a heart attack or stroke.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)—may help stabilize heart rhythm; potentially important for people recovering from heart attacks. May help regulate cell membrane functions involved in transmitting sig-nals among brain cells.What are the potential benefits?
Heart disease control—In Chicagoʼs Western Electric Study (over 2,000 men), the risk of death from heart attack was half the usual rate among those who ate an average of about 8 ounces of fish (2 servings) a week. Other recent research suggests that just one serv-ing a week of “fattier” fish, like salmon or mackerel, could cut the chance of cardiac arrest by 50 percent in folks with weakened hearts.Rheumatoid arthritis relief
Some patients taking omega-3 supplements report less joint pain and less morning stiffness. There does not seem to be a benefit with the more common from of arthritis, osteoarthritis. The American college of Rheumatology recommends eating fish more often, but is holding judgment on supplements until more is known about long term safety.Healthy Brain function
These fats may be helpful in mood and brain disturbances. For example, recent research at Purdue University showed that boys with attention deficit disorder who had lower levels of omega-3 fats in their brains had more behavior problems. Studies are underway to see if omega-3 supplements can improve the boyʼs behavior. It clearly seems to work for some. The researchers advise adding
more fish into childrenʼs diets until more is known about the long term safety of supplements.Colitis fighter
Bowel diseases such as Chronʼs disease and ulcerative colitis lead to pain, weight loss, and tremendous suffering. Washington Univer-sity researchers in St. Louis saw dramatic improvement with fish oil supplements, including weight gain, less inflammation, and less need for medications such as prednisone.Blood triglyceride control
Fish oil supplements may be helpful in lowering blood triglycer-ide levels in patients with high blood levels.Cancer fighter
Omega-3s suppress tumor growth in animals. Japanese women have only a third as much breast cancer as American women. Heavy use of foods such as fish and soy in the Japanese diet may be responsible. A recent study of 25 women showed that supplemental fish oil could change the ratio of fats in breast tissue.Abstracted from alaska.net/~sean.karin/omega3.htm website with thanks, for further information please got to The University of Min-nesota specialist website.
Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia, a research scientist at Duke Univer-sity Medical Center, whose studies have established a link between DEET and neurological damage in animals, warns parents in a recent Environmental News Service article, “Never use insect repel-lents on infants, and be wary of using them on children in general.
“Never combine insecticides with each other or use them with other medications. Even so simple a drug as an antihistamine could interact with DEET to cause toxic side effects. Donʼt spray your yard for bugs and then take medications. Until we have more data on potential interactions in humans, safe is better than sorry.”
Meanwhile, state and federal agencies, including the Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA) and CDC, are encouraging the public to use mosquito repellents containing DEET. Although the CDC warns parents to avoid applying repellent on children less than 2 years old, the EPA and other state agencies are not giving that cau-tion.
The EPA instead advises, “Do not allow children to handle the products, and do not apply to childrenʼs hands. When using on chil-dren, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.”Source: DEET info from Leaflady.org
DEET, from p. 8
10
The thoracic spine runs from the bottom of the cervical spine (the neck) to the top of
the lumbar spine (the level of the last rib attach-ment).It provides attachment sites for the ribs (tulimat) and the diaphragm. There are 12 thoracic vertebrae (uyaqinrat), one for each set of ribs. The rib attachments decrease the mobility of the spine, and increase the stability of the spine. This is impor-tant, as the thoracic spine region houses the lungs (pugtaun), heart (ircaquq), stomach (aqsaq / anrutaq) and other important internal organs.
There is a slight forward curve in the thoracic spine. This curve is called kyphosis. It helps to increase the flex-ibility and strength of the spinal column. It is important to maintain the curve in the thoracic spine, but not let it increase too much. Any significant increase in thoracic kyphosis will limit your ability to inhale, compromise your circulation (ayagviat), can interfere with the diges-tion process, and will put you at risk for compression fractures of the vertebral body. Slumping and slouching can lead to a habitual increase in the thoracic kyphosis. Remember to sit and stand tall!
As found in the cervical spine, there are two facet joints between each pair of vertebrae in the thoracic spine. The ribs attach just lateral to (or outside) these facet joints. The addition of the rib articulation requires the presence of more ligaments. Often, these ligaments are sprained during falls or sudden movements (like swinging a bat, or a motor vehicle accident). This can result in a rib
The Thoracic Spineby Anne Kosacheff, Physical Therapist
that “pops out,” or “gets stuck.” A very painful problem, but one that can be fixed with simple exercises if treated in the early stages.
Many people have some muscle stiffness (qeluluni) in the thoracic spine, as it can be difficult and uncomfortable to stretch the connec-tive tissue in this region. It is important for the mobility of the shoul-ders (tusek) to maintain the mobility in the thoracic spine, as there are many muscles (yualuq) that connect the shoulder to the thoracic spine. The primary muscles are the rhomboids, the latisimus dorsi, the middle and lower trapezius.
Stiffness in the thoracic spine can also transmit pain (akngiagurrluni) and dysfunction into the neck. Although the thoracic spine has less mobility than the cervical spine, it is important the motion available in the thoracic spine is main-tained. Otherwise, the cervical spine has to compensate for the limitations. This can cause chronic overuse and irritation in the joints of the cervical spine, setting you up for arthritis, nerve impingement or other chronic problems.
Along each side of the thoracic spine run the paraspinals, a group of muscles up to 2.5 inches thick. These muscles run along the length of the spine, some running for 1-2 levels, others running up to 7 or 8 levels (one level is the distance from one vertebrae to the next). These muscles can get stiff and tight if they are not stretched or released regularly. This is a problem associated with computer use, heavy manual labor, and most activi-ties that require static positioning for an extended time – pekcunani (knitting, carv-
ing, etc). Be sure to read next monthʼs column to discover easy exercises
and stretches to maintain the health and mobility of your thoracic spine!
Volume X No. 7 • July 15, 200511
Drug Recalls
If you are someone who watches TV or reads magazines, you have probably seen many adver-
tisements for prescription and over-the-counter medications. These medications are used by many people for a variety of reasons. If used correctly, medications can be an added benefit to your health, but at times, they could cause health concerns. If problems do arise with medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may request a recall.
If you are like many people, you are probably wondering what a drug recall is, and most impor-tantly, what to do if a medication you are taking is recalled. The definition for a recall is an action taken by the FDA to remove a product from the market.
There are three main classes of recalls. The most serious recall is referred to as a Class I recall. Class I recalls are issued to products that could cause danger, serious health problems, or death. An exam-ple would be drugs used to treat life-threatening conditions. Class II recalls are for products that con-tain less serious health consequences and have only temporary health problems. A drug that is under-strength is an example of a potential Class II recall. Although less serious, Class III recalls violate FDA policies, and are used for products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health reactions. Labels, color, and leaks could all be causes of Class III recalls.
If you think the medication you are taking has been recalled, continue taking it until you contact your physician or pharmacist. Suddenly stopping your medication could be harmful to your health. Your physician or pharmacist will verify that the medication has indeed been recalled and be able to provide you with a suitable replacement or alterna-tive.
For further information regarding drug recalls you can access
www.recalls.gov or www.fda.gov. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your physician or
pharmacists.
Visiting aroundThe RPC hosted some 28 workshops, including one that focused on Culturally
Appropriate Approaches to Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders. Kat McElroy, a Clinical Supervisor at Nenanaʼs treatment center, shared details of a program called the “Visiting Around” concept, used to reach people in her community.
In this program, she and her staff visit people in their homes or places other than the workplace. “The walls of our offices are barriers,” she said, in reference to the fact that people come to them only when they are in trouble or referred by the courts.
McElroy said that the visiting program hopes to strengthen ties within her com-munity and create a way to have people more connected. “We also hope to estab-lish some early warning system before the residents get into trouble,” she said. “This lets us know whatʼs happening with people before itʼs too late for them.”
The beauty of the themeThroughout the RPC, many actitivities and events took place, such as the Youth
Track with Earl Keggulluk Polk, Culture Camp, where locals shared their tradi-tional knowledge, and Culture Share, where traditional activities took place, such as Eskimo Dance. There were AA meetings, talking circles, and modern dances, and participants lacked time to be everywhere.
The “beauty” of this yearʼs Rural Providers ̓Conference was that it was spon-sored and supported by so many of our local agencies in Bethel, said Liz Sunny-boy, YKHCʼs Behavioral Health Coordinator. “The theme ʻStrong Families—Yes-terday, Today and Tomorrow ̓was selected by the Bethel planning committee, and throughout the week, most of the activities, workshops and general sessions kept reflecting back to this theme.”
As one example, Sunnyboy states it was greatly appreciated by most YKHCʼs RPC planners when they were given permission to attend the funeral services of a friend and co-worker, Balassia “Balla” Andrew, who used to work at Phillips Ayag-nirvik (PATC) but recently passed away, and to have the feast combined with the RPC potluck.
Sunnyboy said she believed most participants were refreshed and gained valu-able information from the RPC to bring back to their families and communities to build and support strong families.
Not the endAs quickly as it began, the hustle and bustle of the RPC ended at noon on Friday,
June 10. Ed Peele, Earl Keggulluk Polk, Jennifer Young, and the Pingayaks con-ducted the closing with the Traditional Staking Ceremony, where participants are provided the opportunity to recommit to their sobriety and/or to other personal issues in their lives.
Over 300 people attended the RPC in Bethel, according to Richardson. “They all look forward to next year,” she said. “Thank you to Sugar Henderson for all of her invaluable assistance and to the local committee members who attended plan-ning meetings and teleconferences in the last six months. Patience and hard work always pays off.”
This yearʼs RPC sponsors included YKHC, AVCP, BNC, ONC, Eddie Hoff-man Senior Center, Calista, Calista Elders Council, First Alaskans Institute, UUI, Sea Lion Corp., GCI, and the National Guard. From the many members, YKHCʼs planners included Richardson and Henderson as co-coordinators, and Green, Mike Bricker, Sunnyboy and Ray Watson as committee members. Marian Estelle from RurALCAP served as Facilitator of the Planning Committee.
This yearʼs conference is the first of two in Bethel, following the tradition that the RPC is held for two years in a sponsoring community.
“I look forward to seeing everyone back in 2006,” said Richardson.
RPC, from p. 7
Non -Profit Org.US Postage
PAIDAnchorage, AK
Permit # 537
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health CorporationP.O. Box 528Bethel, Alaska 99559907-543-6000
Volume X No. 7 • July 15, 2005
YK Delta gets new life-saving technologyBy John Dickens, Senior EMS Instructor
Recently, YKHC was awarded a grant of eight Samaritan-brand Automated
External Defibrillators (AED), also called Public Access Defibrillators (PAD). One of these was placed in the YKHC Community Health Services Building, on the first floor across from the elevators. The other seven will be placed throughout the YK Delta in locations to be determined.
With the advent of AEDs, a growing movement for PADs has swept across the nation, born of the idea that readily acces-sible AEDs can drastically improve the sur-vival rates of persons afflicted with sudden cardiac arrests.
AEDs are becoming increasingly avail-able for responders and in public places. For instance, when you fly on an airliner with more than 30 seats, it must by law have an AED aboard and people who can use it operate it. In fact, Alaska Airlines flight
attendants now have several documented saves.
Thereʼs also a law requiring all federal buildings to have AEDs, and a new law will eventually require all schools which receive federal funding to have AEDs. Even OSHA has made it a recommendation for workplace safety, and many health corpora-tions in Alaska now have them in their rural clinics.
In an emergency, often the first responders are law enforcement. The National Sheriffs Association estimates that 10 percent of all the police vehicles in the USA now have an AED onboard. Our own Alaska State Troop-ers and VPSOs are getting them as well. Locally, the Bethel Police Department is installing them on their patrol vehicles.
Recently, the Metro-Dade (Miami, FL) Police put them in all their patrol vehicles, and in one year, they doubled the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims in their area.
The National Fire Protection Association has made it a goal that all fire trucks in the U.S. will have AEDs.
For the best chance of survival, the key issue is time. Good CPR must be done as soon as the victim collapses and an AED must be applied within three to five minutes of the sudden cardiac arrest.
YKHC EMS is offering training to use the PAD with their CPR courses. If you are currently a certified AHA – BLS provider working in the CHSB, please contact Jeff Hollabaugh at extension 6080 for training on the model of AED we have.
CPR/AED training is available for employees as needed. Please call the EMS department to reserve your space in a class.Editor s̓ Note: Tom Fazzini and Fred Watson, formerly with YKHC s̓ EMS/IC, along with John Dickens and Jeff Holla-baugh, pursued a grant that made this life-saving technology locally available. Thank you, gentlemen!
