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March 26. 2008
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E d it io n
H ealth MATTERS
Uninsured Die from Delayed Treatment
Living with MS
Multiple
sclerosis is not a
death sentence
by
L arry L ucas
as many women
as men, according to the Mayo
Clinic. Although African-Ameri­
cans are half as likely as Cauca­
sians to develop multiple sclero­
sis, research from the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society shows
that the disease affects African-
Americans more aggressively than
their counterparts.
While there is no cure for MS,
there are now 46 medications that
have been shown to “modify” or
slow down the underlying cause
of MS.
More good news is on the hori­
zon. There are currently 547 new
medicines in development to treat
a variety of neurological disorders,
including MS. This includes 46
treatments for multiple sclerosis,
including a potential vaccine in
development that is designed to
specifically target T-cells that con­
tain disease-specific proteins. The
cells can damage the sheath that
protects the nerve cells in the brain
and spinal cord, resulting in mul­
tiple sclerosis.
In addition to medicines, there
are certain lifestyle choices that
may help patients better manage
MS. Physical and occupational
therapy can help build strength
and teach patients how to use j
tools that can assist in everyday
tasks, all of which helps preserve
independence.
Many patients also find that
extreme heat worsens symptoms, j
so they take extra care when
using a sauna or taking a hot
bath. C ounseling is also im por­
tant for patients facing a diagno­
sis. It’s natural for patients who
suffer from any disease, includ­
ing MS, to feel sad, angry or [
c o n fu s e d . R e a c h in g o u t to
friends, family and others in the j
MS com m unity can help.
Every week, 200people learn they
have multiple sclerosis, or MS. For
many, the diagnosis brings uncer­
tainty and fear.
“W hen the neurologist said
those words, ‘You have M S,’ it hit
me like a brick. I thought the diag­
nosis was a death sentence,” said
television host Montel Williams
about his experience with MS.
As we recognize Multiple Scle­
rosis Awareness Month in March,
it's important to dispel myths and
show that multiple sclerosis pa­
tients and their families know there
is hope for living with this disease.
For example, most people with
MS have a normal or near-normal
life expectancy. W hat’s more, the
majority of people with MS do not
become severely disabled.
But first, what is multiple sclero­
sis? According to the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is a
chronic, unpredictable neurologi­
cal disease that affects the central
nervous system.
There are four phases of the dis­
ease; most common is the “relaps­
ing-rem itting” phase where pa­
tients experience flare-ups followed
by recovery periods. The National
Institutes of Health report that many
investigators believe MS to be a
disease in which the body, through
its immune system, launches a de­
fensive attack against its own nerve
tissues. Why the body attacks it­
self in this way is still unknown.
MS is difficult to diagnose be­
cause symptoms can be as unpre­
dictable as the weather. Some
people go years without noticeable
symptoms, most noticing them be­
Larry Lucas is a vice president
tween ages 20 and 40.
far Pharmaceutical Research and
Multiple sclerosis affects twice Manufacturers of America.
ABCs of Health
Careers Explored
h o p es
to
serve
underrepresented m i­
norities and diverse stu­
d en ts by increasing
th e ir aw a re n e ss o f
OHSU’s admission re­
quirements,
faculty, re­
A day-long workshop
sources
and
campus
life.
hopes to encourage a
This year’s keynote
diverse array of students
speaker is Maria Elena
to consider health ca­
Maria Elena Ruiz
Ruiz, an OHSU School
reers.
o f N ursing assistant
C o lle g e stu d e n ts
wanting to learn more about what it professorof nursing. Ruizisamem-
takes to be a dentist, a doctor, a berof the Center for Health Dispari­
pharmacist, a nurse, an engineer, a ties Research. Oregon Master Pub­
radiologist, or other health or sci­ lic Health Program and president of
ence professional can visit Oregon National Association of Hispanic
Health & Science University on Nurses, Oregon chapter.
The registration deadline is for
Friday, April 18, for the eighth-an­
nual Health. Science & Engineer­ the week of March 24. Registration
is free, but capacity is limited. For
ing C areers Conference.
The event is hosted by the OHSU more information or to register for
C e n te r for D iv e rsity and this event, contact the OHSU Cen­
Multicultural Affairs and will take ter for Diversity and Multicultural
place from 9 a.m. to4p.m . in the Old A ffa irs at 503 4 9 4 -5657 or
Library Auditorium, on the OHSU ce d m a @ o h su .e d u , or reg ister
Marquam Hill campus.
online at Ohsu.edu/academic/di-
The conference particularly versity.
Conference
aims for
diversity
Tl" JJnvtliinb (Observer Established 1970
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CALL 50.I-288-00.I.I
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Study finds one
death each day
(AP) — On average, one w ork­
ing-age Oregonian dies each day
due to lack o f health insurance,
according to a new report by the
healthcare consumer group Fami­
lies USA.
The study builds on earlier na­
tional reports done by the Insti­
tute o f M edicine and the Urban
Institute that found thousands
of people in America die each
year as a result of being unin­
sured.
Studies show people without
health insurance are more likely said in a statement.
When filling out the patient's
to delay seeking medical care, be­
Evan Saulino, a Portland fam ­ death certificate, Saulino says he
come sicker and die earlier than ily physician, said the report re­ wanted to write "lack of health
people with insurance.
flects the reality he sees regularly insurance” or “lack of financial
The state-by-state analysis es­ at some safety-net clinics.
resources" on the cause of death
timates the num ber of adults be­
One of his patients, whose fam­ line.
tween the ages o f 25 and 64 in ily requested her name be w ith­
"Every year o f inaction by
Oregon who died as a result of no held, had delayed seeking treat­ policymakers is literally a matter
health insurance was nearly 1,900 ment until her health-insurance of life and death for hundreds of
between 2000 and 2006.
coverage kicked in at a new job. O re g o n ia n s," say s M arib eth
“ Il’s important to understand Eventually the symptoms became Healey, executive director for
and document the consequences too much and she cam e to his advocacy group Oregonians for
o f lack o f health coverage; it’s office. She had kidney cancer.
Health Security.
more important that we do som e­
The treatm ent was cost-pro­
Families USA said it is rolling
thing to assure people get the hibitive. She struggled to get fi­ out the results of other states in
healthcare they need,” Dr. Bruce nancial assistance or other help the analysis and although that is
Goldberg, who heads O regon’s and w asn't able to start treatment not complete, Oregon is not ex­
Department of Human Services, until two weeks before herdeath. pected to be an anomaly.
H ealth W atch
W ellness Check-Up - Sunday, March 30, from
2 to 5 p.m., the Stone Tower Church, 3010N.E.
Holladay, will host this free health screening
that includes blood-pressure and diabetes
screening, cooking dem onstrations, food
samples and more. For more information, call
503-232-6018.
Yoga for Relaxation - Wednesdays beginning
April 2, from 5 :15 to6:30p.m„ this six-week class
teaches the ancient techniques of deep breath­
ing and stretching to improve your sense of
well-being; $49 fee. To register, call 503-574-
6595.
W elcom e to M edicare - Thursday, April 17,
from 7 to 9 p.m.. Multnomah County Aging
Disability Service will conduct the free classes
fro those new to Medicare, the class will help to
explain the fundamentals of Medicare. For more
information, call 503-491 -7572.
Wednes­
day, April 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m..expert George
Koval will discuss causes and treatments for
the common disorder IBS (irritable bowel syn­
drome,. For more information on this free ses­
sion, call 503-574-6595.
G t's Talk About It: IBS and Women
Tools for C aregivers -- Six-week educational
series are offered to help family caregivers take
care of themselves while caring for a relative or
friend with a chronic illness. The classes are
being held at several locations and dates. Call
503-413-6465 for more information.
H elping Babies to C om m unicate — Wednes­
days, April 2 thru April 23, from 9 :15 to 10:30
a.m„ Dawn Prochovnic, Creator of SmallTalk
Workshops will present the tips and tricks and
the art of teaching sign language to babies
before they even begin to talk; $70 per couple.
To register, call 503-335-3500.
Peer-to- Peer Recovery - Peer-to-peereduca-
tion recovery course is a free, nine-week course
on the topic of recovery for any person with a
serious mental illness. The courses are led by
mentors who are recovering from mental illness
and are trained to teach coping strategies to
others. For more information,call 503-228-5692.
C hildren ’s Health W ellness Fair - Wednes­
day, April 23, from 4 to 8 p.m.. the Children's
Community Clinic will sponsor the fair at the SEI
building; to promote awareness to children
about their nutrition, health issues and fitness.
W hat About Boys - Wednesday, April 23, from
7 to 9 p.m., Legacy Meridian Park Hospital,
19300 S.W. 65th Ave., will host the forum dis­
cussing the developmental perspectives of
raising young boys, and the problems they are
facing today; $5 fee at the door. To register, call
503-335-3500.
Health Inequities — The public is invited to join
in the dialogues with community members, orga­
nizations, business leaders and local elected
officials to discuss the root causes of health
inequities as well as long-term solutions in a this
seven-part series. For neighborhood locations,
dales and times, visit mchealth.org/healthcquity.
Couples W orkshop - Saturday, April 19, from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. at 19500 S.E. Stark St., couples
will learn essential relationship ski I Is, including
conflict management, and understanding com­
munication styles; $50 per couple. To register,
call 503-286-6816.
Parenting C lasses - Newborns don’t come
with instruction manuals but parents and par­
ents-to-be can learn about a variety of topics
from pain and childbirth to breastfeeding to
infant CPR and much more. For a schedule of
e v e n ts, call 503-574-6595 or visit:
providence.org/classes.
B ereavem ent Support G roups — Free, safe
confidential group meetings for those who
have experienced the death o f a loved one
offered on various nights and locations. For
information and registration, call 503-215-
4622.
C ancer Resource Center - Providence St.
Vincent Medical Center and the American Red
Cross have joined forces to create the first in-
hospital resource center providing books,
printed material, computer access and more for
individuals and families dealing with cancer.
The center is open Monday through Thursday,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free Body Basics - This physician-recom­
mended class is appropriate for all ages and
health conditions. Plan to attend this one-
session class and learn the simple guidelines
for safe exercises, including stretching. Call
503-256-4000to register.
W omen L eaders & T heir C ontribution
“Never Underestimate the Power o f a Woman ”
Reverend Renee Ward -- Founder of NICHE’
Cynthia Hamilton - CEO Girl Scouts - Columbia
Public Relations. In 2(X)6 Rep. Chip Shields
(D-43, N/NE Portland) appointed northeast
Portland activist the Rev. Renee’ Ward as
his chief of staff for the 2007 Legislature.
Her civic and social justice activities include
being a member of the Crisis Response Team
for the Northeast Precinct of the Portland
Police Bureau, as well as an advocate for
health education and prevention concerning both HIV/AIDS and
breast cancer in the African American community.
River Council Ms. Hamilton served on the Board
of Directors for ten years- three of those years
as Chair of the Board. She was appointed Chief
Executive Officer in 2006. She guides a staff of
fifty, manages a five million dollar annual budget
and advocates for 12.000 girls in Oregon and
SW Washington.
Nova Hill — Executive Administrative As­
sistant. Nova is one of the main spark plugs
for Project Clean Slate and Administrative
Assistant to Roy Jay. Today, her invaluable
dedication puts her front and center with
city, county, federal officials plus numerous
business and professionals in her day to
day scheduling of events, meetings and ac­
tivities for Project Clean Slate, African Ameri­
can Chamber or any number of other opera­
tions and community service activities of her boss.
Sherry Sheng - Retired-Deputy Director of
the Oregon Economic and Community Devel­
opment Department She retired from 25 years
of public service in January 2004. Her last po­
sition was the deputy director of the Oregon
Economic and Community Development De­
partment. In that capacity, she oversaw pro­
grams in international trade, business and in­
dustry. telecommunications, and administration. Sherry was the Di­
rector of the Oregon Zoo for nearly ten years where she engaged in
wildlife conservation internationally.
Bernadette Artharee - President and CEO
of Coast Industries, Inc., one of Oregon's
oldest minority owned firms; founded in
1957 by her father Henry D. Scott, Jr., the
firm 's contracts with Lockheed-M artin
maintaining the NASA facility in New O r­
leans Bernadette was recognized in 200fv
with the Minority Enterprise Development
Week Award lor Service Contractor of the
Year. Her community involvement includes volunteer services w ith
Donate Life Northwest, the National Kidney Foundation, and was a
co-founding member of the Family of One. a minority educational
network, focused on kidney transplant donation.
Peggy Fowler — CEO and President of Port­
land General Electric (PGE) Heart disease is the
number one killer of men and women in the
country and Peggy Fowler, is doing something
about it. A passionate advocate for health and
wellness, Fowler is channeling her energy into
raising funds and awareness about the ben­
efits of a healthy, active lifestyle by serving as
chair of the 2008 Start I Greater Portland Heart
Walk. Taskforce and board member of The
Regence G roup and Rcgence BlueCross/
BlucShield of Oregon.
Maxine Fitzpatrick -- Executive Director of Portland Community Re­
investment Initiatives, Inc. ( PCRI ). a non-profit community develop­
ment corporation specializing in the development and management
of affordable housing. Maxine has been em­
ployed by PCRI since 1993 and is the
organization's first and only director. Maxine
is actively involved in the housing industry.
She serves on the Interstate and North Mac­
adam Urban Renewal Area Committees, the
Community Development Network, and has
participated in the City of Portland s minority
homeownership initiative, Operation HOME,.
Maxine along w ith two other minority CIX’ directors recently formed
a coalition to advocate for equitable distribution of housing anil other
resources for minorities in the City of Portland.
Anita Noble — Senior Membership & Pro­
gram Manager for Girl Scouts, Columbia
River Council has been with the Council tor
4 '/j years. .Anita manages the Council’s Girl
Scouts Beyond Bars Troop 60. an innova­
tive program whose primary goal is to de­
crease the negative impact of parental sepa­
ration due to a mother's incarceration. The
girls of Troop 60 are provided w ith a net­
work of caring Girl Scout leaders, teaching
them life skills and encouraging academic
achievement.