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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2000)
Siletz Community “Cha-may weeya” Medicine Talk Health Clinic Sorting Out Hepatitis C What is hepatitis C and who is at risk? Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. More than 80 percent of the people infected with hepatitis C develop chronic liver disease. Some may develop cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. People who are at risk of acquiring hepatitis C include anyone who has had a blood transfusion prior to 1992, IV-drug users, hemodialysis patients, those with tattoos, and those with multiple sexual partners. About 10 percent of people with hepatitis have no identifiable history of exposure to the virus. How is it transmitted? The virus is found in blood. It’s not clear whether semen or saliva can actually transmit the virus. The virus can be transmitted by using razors, needles, or toothbrushes used by an infected person. All people with hepatitis C are potentially infectious. Is there a vaccine? No. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. What are the symptoms? Most people who are infected do not have symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may be very mild and flu-like: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, headaches, and abdominal pain. How will I know if I have the disease? Infection by hepatitis C can be determined by a simple and specific blood test that detects antibody against the virus. This test is not part of a routine physical, so people must ask their doctor for a hepatitis C test. Sandra Hahn (I), Bob Scheidt, and Cathy Rasmussen Diabetes Wellness Walk by Alexis Johnson On Aug. 13, a special guest joined 60 members of the Siletz community for a two-mile Wellness Walk through the fresh Siletz morning air. Bob Scheidt, a diabetic since childhood, is currently walking along the coasts of Washington and Oregon to raise diabetes awareness. His 700-mile coastal trek is just a small part of an eight-year adventure to follow the rim of America, first on foot, then by bike, and finally by sea kayak. Last year, Scheidt completed a 3,400-mile Walk Across America for Diabetes. Scheldt’s mission is to raise public awareness of diabetes and promote an active lifestyle for diabetics. He regularly visits reservations and pow-wows to share thoughts about the high rate of diabetes among Native Americans. The Wellness Walk, sponsored by the Siletz Community Health Clinic Diabetes Program, began at the pow-wow grounds, wove through town, and ended at the clinic, where Scheidt spoke with the walkers. Clinic staff gave free blood sugar tests and everybody shared some healthy snacks. All adults who finished the walk received a free T-shirt. Congratulations to those who completed the walk and remember that every day is a good day for your own Wellness Walk.
