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.