Siletz news /, August 01, 2009, Page 9, Image 9

Screenings, Food and Fun All Part
of Men’s Night Out
Photos by Scott Macraev
Men who passed away in the last year were honored (above) at Men's Night Out.
Tony Blomstrom (below) gets a bone density test from Dr. Lindy Taylor. Dr. Hank
Taylor (below right) tests his passing arm during the event.
By Scott Macrae
"The event was very successful,” said
Blood sample check, blood pressure
Rasar. "We had 35 on a weekend with a
check, urine sample check, height, weight
softball tournament, muddy racing, re­
check, blow in a funny little tube and the
unions, plus the Elders picnic! We were
most awkward part of the evening was
able to screen eight new people for prostate
having Dr. Taylor’s wife. Lindy, also a
cancer and four for bladder cancer. Having
doctor, put gel on my foot for the bone
skin screening, which encompassed basi­
density scan. 1 m telling you, guys, this
cally everyone, was great. Everyone got a
was painless!
little education on skin cancer prevention.
The food was excellent, we had many
Dr. Hank Taylor and I both challenged
compliments on the great meal and the
ourselves to visit every station and take ev­
men didn’t even know until the end how
ery test at the Men’s Night Out event held
healthy it was for them.”
June 27 at the new gymnasium in Siletz.
Already at work planning next year’s
Within half an hour I had completed
event, Rasar plans to go back to a weekday
the circuit and was handed a plate of health­
evening schedule and is looking for a male
ily prepared food that included buffalo
dermatologist for the event.
burgers, baked beans, coleslaw, along with
Dr. Taylor truly inspires. After just a
fresh fruit and veggies - all delicious.
few minutes of speaking with him, you’re
Of the 35 men who came to the annual
ready to run through all the stations and
event, 10 went through every station, held
make healthy living a priority in your life.
still for all the tests and were entered into
And if he can’t inspire you, he’ll pay you!
the grand prize drawing - two deep sea
As an added incentive to everyone
fishing trips and two golf packages.
at the event, Dr. Taylor offered, from his
Organizer Lin Rasar reported that out
own pocket, $50 to everyone older than 50
of the 35 attendees, at least 30 of the men
who completed every test and scheduled a
had their skin checked for melanoma/
colonoscopy, and $25 for everyone under
skin cancer.
age 50 without the colonoscopy.
Key to Prevention - Lessons Unlocked
As I leave to follow a new path, I
have been reflecting on some key ideas
thought of and lessons learned as the
coordinator for Tobacco Prevention and
A&D Prevention.
There are so many people I have come
to love and trust. There are so many brave
people seeking a healthier path and 1 have
been humbled by their request for help.
My honor is to celebrate with them what­
ever extent of success they obtain.
During my time with Tobacco Pre­
vention, more than 250 people sought
support for cessation, with a 40 percent
success rate. As the A&D Prevention
coordinator, I have worked with youth
and adults to create safe and healthy
programming by supporting ATOD-free
activities: 167 programs and events from
July 2008 through June 2009. I trust this
will continue and have faith in the abilities
of the people who continue here.
Below are some lessons I have learned
and for you to keep in mind:
If they show up, that is half the
battle.
A true measure of success is not a
number, but a hug from a child or a
smile from an elder.
if Hold steadfast in your convictions —
people will commend you for it even
if they don't agree at first.
J Treat every child, youth and adult as
a gift to be treasured and they will in
turn welcome you into their hearts.
A pat on the head or a touch at the shoul­
der can do wonders for a kid’s day.
Wait for the miracle, it will happen in
the blink of an eye.
Raise the bar of expectations for kids,
but always help them find the skills with
J
/ Muscnamp and Brenda Bremner wrap DeAnna Pearl and her daughter.
Coral Donne, in a Tribal treaty blanket during the good-bye potluck
for De Anna and Coral on July 10.
------------ Oui.
which they can reach or raise above.
Look for the hope in a hopeless situ­
ation because it is there.
Kids will drink water and eat healthy
food if offered.
J Keep your lips shut - eventually they
will come to the same conclusion.
Take a moment to thank the individu­
als who support you.
Most kids want to be successful. Ev­
ery parent wants the best for their child.
Every community wants to have a safe and
healthy environment. But change is hard.
If I have heard it once or a million times,
“That is the way it is here.” I say, “Why?”
Who do we hold accountable? Who is
responsible for this change? First and fore­
most we must hold ourselves accountable.
It’s not easy and sometime being steadfast
g in your beliefs is ridiculed, but someone
g" has to take a stand and the time is now.
|
On behalf of my family, thank you
। for your kindness and generosity. My
2 daughter and I have been given a sense of
o' community, an opportunity to give back.
Like the Oregon motto, “Alas Volat
£ Propriis,” She Flies on Her Own Wings.
We will miss you as we begin our new
journey of flight.
Hvm'-Chi’
August 2009
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Siletz News
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