Page B2
December5, 2007
œ*!l ^Jnrtlanò (©bscruer
H ealth MATTERS
Kids Lose
Coverage
with Parents
W hen parents lose their health
eare coverage, their children can
also becom e uninsured, a state­
w ide survey o f O regon families
has found
Researchers at Oregon Health
& Science U niversity and the
O ffice for Oregon Health Policy
and R esearch con d u cted the
survey to see w hat happened to
children after the 2003 cutbacks
in the O regon Health Plan.
T he study, published recently
in the online edition o f Health
Services Research, found that in
2003, O regon cut coverage for
adults in its M edicaid program,
called the Oregon Health Plan.
Shortly after the cutbacks, more
than 50,000 low -incom e adults
lost their coverage.
High Blood Pressure, Alzheimer’s Linked
Pittsburgh, who led the study.
About 50 million Americans
have hypertension, in which the
blood circulates through the ar­
teries with too much force, ac­
cording to the National Heart,
Lung and Blood Institute. The
condition increases the risk for
heart attack, stroke and aneu­
rysm.
“This study demonstrates that
good vascular health is also good
for the brain,” said Oscar Lopez
of the University of Pittsburgh,
who also worked on the study.
(AP) — Having high blood
pressure reduces blood flow in
the brains of Alzheimer’s pa­
tients, making them more vul­
nerable to the effects of the
disease, according to a new
study.
Researchers used a magnetic
resonance imaging technique to
measure blood flow in the brains
of 68 older adults. They found
cerebral blood flow was sub­
stantially decreased in all pa­
tients with high blood pressure
and was the low est in
Alzheimer’s patients with high
blood pressure.
“What we think may be hap­
pening is hypertension reflects
an extra hit to the brain," said
Cyrus Raji of the University of
H ealth W atch
A doctor checks the
blood pressure o f a
patient at a Los Ange­
les clinic.
C a rd ia c-R eh a b E x ercise C la sses - A m edically
M a m m o g ra p h y S creen in g — Early detection is a
key factor in the prevention o f breast cancer. Call
503-251-6137 to schedule your high-tech, soft-
touch mammogram.
supervised exercise program for people dealing
with heart conditions. For more infonnation, call
5O3-25I-626O.
T reatm en t O p tio n s for J oin t an d A rth ritis P ain -
O steo p o ro sis S creen in g - An ultrasound bone
density screening with personalized education;
fee $30. T o schedule an appointm ent, call 5 0 3 -2 6 1-
6611.
- Thursday, Dec. 20, from 6:30-8 p.m., learn about
treatm ent options for degenerative joint disease,
including total hip- or knee-replacem ent surgery,
exercise and medication regimes. Call 503-692-2411
to register for this free class.
L eg A lert S creen in g -- Cheek for peripheral arte­
rial disease with this safe, sim ple screening using
ankle and arm blood pressure. The fee is $40. To
schedule an appointm ent, call 503-251 -6137.
M atern ity W ater W o rk o u t - Helping new moms
regain muscle tone, strength and flexibility, all in
the support and freedom of the water. Call 503-256-
40(X) for more i nform ation.
S tro k e A lert S creen in g - Cheek your carotid
C P R -In itia l C o u rse fo r H ea lth ca re P ro v id ers --
P a ren tin g C la sses - N ew borns d o n ’t com e with
W ednesday, Dee. 12, from 6 to 11 p.m., this course
is for participants com pleting the course will re­
ceive acertification card for healthcare profession­
als: $60 fee. To register, call 503-335-3500.
instruction m anuals but parents and parents-to-be
can learn about a variety o f topics from pain and
childbirth to breastfeeding to infant CPR and much
more. Foraschedule of events, call 503-574-6595 or
visit: providenee.org/classes.
arteries with a painless ultrasound to assess your
risk; fee $40. To schedule a screening, call 503-251 -
6137.
N ew b orn C are - Tuesday, Dee. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m.,
learn what to expect and how to care for your new
baby; $45 fee percouple. To register,call 503-256-
4000.
T en d erfo o t C a r e — Treat your feet with a soak, nai I
trim , buffing and m assage from a licensed nurse at
one o f six clinics or at your home. Call 503-251 -6303
for more information.
A ctiv e L ivin g E very D ay -- Beginning Tuesday,
Jan. 15, the “evidence-based" national 20-week
program changing A m erica's outlook on physical
activity (not an exercise class) will spark a new way
o f thinking. To register, call 503-241-0359.
N u tritio n a l S em in a rs — New Seasons M arket is
presenting a series o f nutritional sem inars at vari­
ous store locations along with a nutritional help
lin e .
For
m o re
in f o rm a tio n ,
e m a il
aksthenutritionist@ new seasonsm arket.com .
M a tern ity O rien ta tio n -- Thursdays, D ec. 6, and
Dec. 20, this free class will hclpto familiari zecxpect-
ant parents with the M aternity Unit and answ er
any question they may have. For more inform ation,
call 503-574-6595.
C a n cer R esource C en ter -- Providence St. Vincent
M edical Center and the A m erican Red Cross have
joined forces to create the first in-hospital resource
center providing books, printed material, com puter
access and more for individuals and fam ilies deal­
ing with cancer. The center isopcn M onday through
Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eree B ody B a sics -- This physician-recom m ended
class is appropriate for all ages and health condi­
tions. Plan to attend this one-session class and
learn the sim ple guidelines for safe exercises, in­
cluding stretching. Call 503-256-4000 to register.
B erea v em en t S u p p o rt - A bereavem ent support
group m eets each second and fourth Tuesday,
from lO to 11:30a m .T o le a m m o re ,c a ll503-251-
6192, extension 5670.
B etter B rea th ers - An asthm a educational sup­
port group m eets on the first Tuesday o f the month
from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. at Adventist M edical Center.
For more information, call 503-251 -6830.
C h ro n ic Pain S u p p o rt G r o u p - meets the first
S en io r A ero b ics — A low -im pact w orkout geared
W ednesday at 4 to 5:30 p.m. and the third W ednes­
day o f each month, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more
infonnation, call 503-256-4000.
specifically tow ard seniors. Call 503-449-0783 for
current schedule.
H eart T a lk S u p p o rt G ro u p - meets on the second
V eg eta ria n S ta rter K it - H ealthy vegetarian eat­
M onday o f each month; from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For
more information,call 503-251 -6260.
ing m ade easier with inform ational resources,
sam ples, coupons and delicious recipes. Kits are
$7.50 each (includes shipping). T o order, call 503-
2564000.
S m o k e-F ree S u p p o rt G ro u p - meets every M on­
d ay ,7 to8p.m . For more information, call 503-256-
4000.
THE
Health Officials Promote Vaccines
Children need
flu defense too
Oregon public-health officials
this week are renewing their
push to get both adults and chil­
dren vaccinated against influ­
enza.
“A flu shot or nasal spray is
an easy way to protect your­
self and your loved ones from
the misery of flu,” said Lorraine
Duncan, immun zation m an­
ager in the Oregon Depart­
ment of Human Services. “ It
prevents you from infecting
others, which is important if
you have close contact with
people for whom the flu might
be especially dangerous such
as the elderly, people with a
chronic illness, and infants or
young children.”
Oregon received a record
number of 1.25 million doses of
flu vaccine this fall.
“There is plenty of vaccine
available, and influenza season
typically doesn't peak until Feb­
ruary,” Duncan said. “Getting
vaccinated in Novem ber or
December and even beyond will
offer protection from the flu.”
Duncan stressed that it’s im­
portant for children and those
Sexual Diseases Set Record
(AP) — More than 1 million
cases of chlam ydia were re­
ported in the United States
last year — the most ever
reported for a sexually trans­
mitted disease, federal health
officials said Tuesday.
Officials at the Centers for
Disease Control and Preven­
tion said they think better and
more intensive screening ac­
counts for much of the in­
crease, but added that chlam y­
dia was not the only sexually
transmitted disease on the rise.
G onorrhea rates are jum p­
ing again after hitting a record
low, and an increasing num ­
ber o f cases are caused by a
“ su perbug” version that is
much more resistant to com ­
mon antibiotics.
Syphilis is rising, too. The
rate of congenital syphilis —
which can deform or kill ba­
bies — rose for the first time
in 15 years.
“ Hopefully we will not see
Staff and volunteers from the
M ultnom ah C ounty Senior
Health Insurance Benefits As­
sistance program will conduct
neighborhoodenrollment events
to help individuals compare
Medicare Part D prescription
drug plans.
The annual enrollment period
began Nov. 15 and continues
through Dec. 31.
People with Medicare are
encouraged to find a plan that
fits their needs, but it takes re­
search to sort through the op­
tions.
“ It's wise to assume your
plan has changed, and read it
carefully to compare costs,”
says Janet Bowman, Multnomah
County SHIBA coordinator.
“ Before choosing a different
plan, find out: will my doctor
accept it? Will it cover what 1
need? Get the answers before
you sign up."
People who have questions
may call their plan or 1-800-
Dentures Worth
Smiling About!
SPINACOLUW
An ongoing senes of questions and answers about Amenca's natural healing profession
Dr. Billy R. Flowers
: C ould my golf swing hurt
my back?
QA
: People who exercise regu
larly and p erform stre tc h ­
ing and stren g th en in g exercise
are less likely to injure their
backs.
T h e ir
s u p p o r tin g
m uscles, such as their stom ach,
h a m strin g s, and g lu te a ls are
stro n g e ra n d m ore flexible from
reg u la r cond itio n in g .
However, people who play golf
or racquet sports are more prone to
injuries because o f the frequent
twisting and bending m otions. And
casual athletes could be more at
risk for injuries as well; depending
on their level o f fitness. Most inju­
ries o f these types respond well to
conservative chiropractic treat­
ments. A chiropractor can show
you how to prevent these injuries
with proper conditioning and tech­
nique.
this turn into a trend,” said Dr.
Khalil Ghanem, an infectious
diseases specialist at Johns
Hopkins U niversity’s School
of medicine.
The CDC releases a report
each year on chlam ydia, gon­
orrhea and syphilis, three dis­
e a se s c a u se d by se x u ally
transm itted bacteria.
C hlam ydiaisthe most com ­
mon. Nearly 1,031,000 cases
were reported last year, up
from 976,000 the year before.
Medicare Drug Part D Explained
i
Part 34. Osteoperosis and Bone Loss Reversal
who have close contact with
them to get vaccinated. Each
year, more than 20,0(X) children
under age 5 nationally are hos­
pitalized as a result of influenza.
The nasal-sp ray vaccine
FluMist is a good alternative to
the injectable vaccine for any­
one who is healthy and between
ages of 2 and 49.
Influenza is characterized by
abrupt onset of high fever, head­
ache, sore throat, cough and
muscle aches. Unlikeothercom-
mon respiratory illnesses, it is
associated with extreme fatigue
and loss of appetite lasting sev­
eral days.
• Professional Services • Affordable Prices
• Payment Plans: O A C
• Over 20 years experience
• Full & Partial Dentures • Natural Appearance
• Full Service Lab • Accepting Oregon Health Plan
MEDICARE.
To make an appointment at
one of the following enrollment
invents, contact Multnomah
County Aging and Disability
Services Helpline at 503-988-
3648: Thursday, Nov. 29 at the
Midland Library, Friday, Nov.
30 at the Hollywood Library,
Dec. 6 at the St. Johns Library,
Dec. 13 at the Midland Library,
Dec. 14 at the Hollywood Li­
brary and Dec. 17 at the
Gresham Library.
L eg a l N o tic e s
I
D cnturisi
Need to publish a court
document or notice? Need an
affidavit of publication quickly
and efficiently? Please fax or
e-mail your notice for a free
price quote!
Flowers' Chiropractic Office
503-230-0207
Fax: 5 0 3 -2 8 8 -0 0 1 5
2124 N.E. Hancock Street, Portland Oregon 97212
1020 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 205
O ff M L K on NE Multnomah
Phone: (503) 287-5504
Melanie Block, L.D.
Free parking
I
e-mall:
classlfieds@portlandobserver.com
The Portland Observer