“Cha-may weeya
Siletz
Communi
Health
Medicine Talk
Tribal Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
by Danelle Zosel-Sanderson
Tobacco Prevention and Education Coordinator
We are very pleased with the
response we received from youth for the
Tribal YRBS. Siletz tribal youth in the 11 -
county service area returned 76 surveys.
I would like to thank each and every one
of you who chose to participate in the
Tribal YRBS.
The youth were asked to answer
a 133-question survey that we modeled
after the 1999 Oregon Youth Risk
Behavior Survey that is given in a school
setting. The survey assessed bicycle and
car safety, drug (ATOD) usage and
knowledge, nutrition, exercise, and
cultural questions.
I would like to thank the area
offices; Cathy Rasmussen, RN,
community health director; and Miranda
Williams, Lesia Warner, and Rose
Kunkel, community health advocates.
Your support and help was and is very
much appreciated. Thank you.
Stop Smoking
Smoking Cessation classes now
are available at the Siletz Community
Health Clinic. For information, please
contact either Danelle Zosel-Sanderson
or Kathryn Dick.
Why Keeping Kids Tobacco-Free
Is Important
Tobacco is related to many
deaths and illnesses. Tobacco use is the
most preventable cause of death and
disease in Oregon and the U.S.
Researchers have identified more than
4,000 chemical compounds in tobacco
smoke, at least 43 of which cause cancer
in humans and animals. A 1998 study
found that 40 percent to 60 percent of all
early childhood cases of asthma,
bronchitis, and wheezing are attributable
to exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco use by youth is related
to many other problems. Nicotine is
generally the first drug used by young
people who use alcohol, marijuana, and
harder drugs. Youth who use tobacco are
significantly more likely to use other
drugs. Adolescent tobacco use is also
associated with fighting, carrying
weapons, and engaging in higher-risk
sexual behavior.
Tobacco use usually begins in
early adolescence, typically by age 16.
Almost all first use occurs before young
people graduate from high school. If
adoj^scents can be kept tobacco-free,
most will remain tobacco-free for the rest
of their lives.
Tooth Talk
by Linda Kreutzer, RDH
The World’s Five Biggest Dental Myths
1.
2.
Myth: The harder you brush, the
cleaner your teeth.
Fact: It’s important to use a very
light touch when you
brush. Pushing your
—
toothbrush against your
teeth and gums does not
increase
cleaning
effectiveness.
Myth: The stiffer your brush,
the better.
Fact: Studies show that soft
bristles are the most
effective. Always buy soft
bristles and replace your
toothbrush every few
3.
4.
months. One way to keep
soft bristles soft is to run
hot water over them before
you brush.
Myth: You should keep your
toothbrush away from
your gums.
Fact: If you use a gentle touch
and a soft-bristled brush,
it’s actually good to
massage your gums as
you brush.
Myth: It’s normal for gums to
bleed a little when you
brush or floss.
Fact: Bleeding gums are not
Barbara Danna
Welcome, Barbara!
Barbara Danna has worked at
the Siletz Clinic for the past two years.
While a single mother, Barbara put
herself through school and earned her
Bachelor of Science and Nursing degree
from OHSU.
Barbara has lived in the Siletz
area with her six children for the past 10
years. She did her perceptorship at our
Siletz Clinic with Sandra Hahn, who at
that time was a clinic nurse. After the
completion of her perceptorship two
years ago, Barbara worked as an
on-call nurse.
Last May, she was hired as one
of the clinic’s full-time nurses. Last
summer, Barbara married Billy, who is a
fisherman. When she’s not working,
Barbara likes to spend time with her
family. They enjoy water skiing and snow
skiing. She enjoys gardening and
recently has been learning to do
beadwork.
5.
normal. Bleeding gums
are a sign of periodontal
disease. See your dentist.
Myth: Dental X-rays are risky.
Fact: The typical set of dental
X-rays gives you about
the same amount of
radiation as a single
airplane flight. And this is
without the lead apron.
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