Observe
October I, 2008
PageA5
H ealth MATTERS
Flu Shot Season Begins
Widespread accines recommended
(AP) - Just about
ev erybody needs a
flu vaccine — unless
you're an infant or a
healthy adult hermit
— but far too few of
the A m ericans who
need protection the
most get it.
T h a t's th e m e s ­
sage as flu-shot sea­
son officially began
Vaccinations can protect against the flu.
last week with a call
for a record num ber to be inocu­ eases.
There's ample supply: 143 mil­
lated — including 30 million more
sch o o l-ag e children than ever lion to 146 million doses, more
before targeted.
than ever before m anufactured.
Flu kills about 36,(XX) A m eri­
"G et out there and get pro­
tected and protect others and for can s a year, and h o sp ita liz e s
sure protect your children," said about 200,(XX).
Dr. Julie G erberding, director of
For the first tim e, the C D C is
the Centers for D isease Control advising that every child age 6
and Prevention.
months to 18 years be inoculated,
"P eople should start getting unless they have a serious egg
vaccinated now, yesterday actu­ allergy.
ally," added Dr. William Schaffner,
Worse, seemingly healthy chil­
president-elect o f the National dren o f any age can die from the
Foundation for Infectious Dis- flu — 86 last year.
Safeway Offers Flu Vaccines
Safew ay has started offering
flu vaccines while supplies last.
M ost stores will give vaccines on
a w alk-in basis at in-store phar­
m acies, w hile others will conduct
scheduled flu vaccine clinics.
“T he beginning o f the flu sea­
son is the best tim e to get vacci­
nated to ensure you are covered
throughout the entire season,"
said Dave Fong, Safew ay senior
vice president for pharmacy.
Information about stores of­
fering the flu vaccine can be found
at safeway.com /flu or by contact­
ing a Safeway pharm acy. M edi­
care Plan B participants not en ­
rolled in a M edicare Advantage
plan will receive the flu vaccines
at no charge.
perhaps our primary care doc-
torhasn't recommended it. And
we really don’t want to go to a
specialist who we may not know
or trust. However, by shying
away from the topic, w e’re los­
ing too many o f our loved ones
too soon.
S o w ho sh o u ld g et
screened'.’ The answer is everyone
age 50 and over. I n fact some heal th
professionals recommend that, be­
cause of a higher risk of colorectal
cancer, African Americans should
start screening tests at age 45.
D on’t be fooled by a lack of
family history. Only about 10 per­
cent of colorectal cancer cases
occur in individuals due to their
getting screened. In fact, most cases
o f colorectal cancer occur in indi­
viduals of this age group.
Since both men and women are
equally likely to develop the dis­
ease, everyone, regardless o f gen­
der. should get screened once they
reach age 50. Other risk factors
include a high fat diet, lack of physi­
by D r . N athalie J ohnson
liver and brain. Shediedof it shortly
cal activity and excessive use of
You look healthy. You feel thereafter. She was only 58 years
alcohol.
good. So why should you be con­ old.
What are the tests? There are
cerned about colorectal cancer?
But it doesn't have to be this
several different screening tests
Colorectal cancer, the second way. This is one cancer you may
for colorectal cancer and precan-
leading cancer killer among men prevent by getting screened. Yet,
cerous polyps. Together, you and
and women, doesn’t alwayscause many members of our community
your doctor can decide which test
symptoms. And sadly, African do not get screened eafly as recom­
is best for you. Screening options
Americans are more likely to be mended. This is why 3 out o f 5
include a stool test, barium enema,
diagnosed and die from it than colorectal cancer diagnoses are
sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
any other racial group in Oregon
A stool test checks for blood in the
(and in the U .S.). Over the past 10
stixil as a possible sign of colorectal
years, w e’ve lost more than 40
cancer. A barium enema includes
men and women from our commu-
an x-ray of the colon and rectum
nity to this disease. T hat’s even
that may find polyps. With both
more than for breast cancer. What made in the later stages o f the genetic make-up. Plus, we may
sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy
is most tragic about colorectal disease, when ii is more difficult to know our family history - we don t polyps can be found and removed
cancer is that it is often prevent­ treat.
often talk about our bodies and our to prevent colorectal cancer from
able!
There are also many common health. And we don’t talk easily forming.
So let’s talk about it. As an misconceptions about colorectal about cancer.
It’s important that we in the
African American surgeon prac­ cancer. It is often thought that it
For instance, someone who has African American community take
ticing in Portland, I've seen the cannot be avoided, so why get died of "natural causes" may in the step to gel screened. Ask about
heartb reak in g effects o f this screened'.’ Again, the fact is that fact have died from colorectal can­ your fam ily's health history, spe­
deadly cancer on patients, fami­ screening may actually prevent this cer. If there is a history of colon or cifically about cancer. If you are
lies and close friends in the com ­ disease. Most colon and rectal rectal cancer in your family, you age 50 and above or have a family
munity.
cancers start with the formation of might need to begin screening even history, please get screened. It is a
In addition, my cousin was polyps. These polyps are abnor­ earlier.
gift you can give to yourself and
suffering from Anemia and was mal growths that can be removed
As for risk factors, age is the yourfamily. And, ifyou know some­
past the age for having it caused before they have a chance to de­ single most important one when it one who is at risk, urge them to get
by the menstrual cycle. I asked her velop into cancer and spread to comes to colorectal cancer. There screened. It will bring peace o f
to be sure to get a colono-scopy other parts of the body.
is agreater likelihood for polyps to mind and continued health.
to assure that her colon was
We may put off getting screened form the older we get. That is why
Dr. NathalieJohnson works with
healthy. Unfortunately, she did for a lot o f reasons. It's an em bar­ health professionals recommend Legacy Cancer Services at Good
not. A little over a year later she rassing and personal subject. Or that people age 50 and older start Samaritan Hospital.
was diagnosed w ith colon cancer
~ ÎW
that had already spread to her
■ H M
h
The deadly, but
preventable cancer
Everyone, regardless o f gender, should
get screened once they reach age 50.
B ea tin g B rea st C a n cer, th e N E X T S tep - Tues-
W h at E very W om an S h ou ld K now a b ou t B reast
C a n cer - W ednesday, Oct. I, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.,
Dr. Jone Samson and Dr. Elizabeth Steiner will
discuss breast cancer risk reduction, early detec­
tion, genetic factors and more. T he lecture is free
and open to the public at OHSU, 3303 S.W. Bond
Ave, 3rd floor.
E D S o lu tio n s an d A n sw ers - Thursday, Oct. 2,
from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a w orkshop on erectile
dysfunction for men and their partners searching
for effective solutions and answers to this difficult
problem. Dr. Stanley Myers, urologist, will conduct
this free lecture. Pre-registration required by call­
ing 503-335-3500.
C h ild b irth P rep a ra tio n C la ss — Fridays, begin­
ning Oct. 3, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., four-w eek class
series helps first-tim e parents prepare for a more
com fortable labor and del i very ; $85 fee per couple,
to register call 503-574-6595.
•
L eu k em ia W alk — A Light the Night W alk for the
fight against Leukem ia will be held Friday, Oct. 3 at
the W orld Trade Center Plaza, 121 S.W. Salmon St.
Pre-walk festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with your
choice o f a 1.8 mile or 3 mile loop beginning at 7:30
p.m. Sign up for free registration with Team Regence
at team s.lightthenight.org.
B reastfeed in g P rep aration C lass -- Saturday. Oct.
4 from 9:30a.m . to 12:30 p.m ..this class is to prepare
exp ectant parents for the first few w eeks o f
breastfeeding and providing solutions to common
problems; $42 fee per couple. For more information
and to register, call 503-574-6595.
•
T ransitions to M enopause : ‘ W hat tnexpect, how to
p r e p a r e ’ — Tuesday, O ct. 7, from noon to I p.m.,
w om en’s health specialist Dr. Lydia H. Collins, will
discuss the physiologic changes, physical sym p­
tom s and healthy transitions through nutrition,
exercise and stress m anagement; $5 fee. For more
information call 503-335-3500.
day.O ct. 7, from 6:30p.m . to 8 p.m., guest speakers
will focus discussions related to food, exercise, and
non-traditional treatm ents can reduce the side e f­
fects o f cancer treatm ents; free. For more inform a­
tion, call 503-574-6595.
1
M a n a g in g J o b S tress - T uesday, Oct. 7, from 6:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m ., learn m ethods to cope with job
stress and frustration; $20 fee, to register call 503-
574-6595.
C an cer Prevention and Survival C ooking C ourses
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
--Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6:30p.m . to 8:30 p.m., learn
how to live longer by eating healthier; free. To
register, call 503-256-4000.
Paul & Geneva Knauls, Ken Adair and wife Harriet celebrate
their 43rd and 38th Wedding Anniversary Sept. 19th.
In fa n tC P R C la ss — M onday,O ct. 13, from 6 p.m.
to 8 p.m., this class will address issues specific to
infant CPR, including rescue breathing, CPR and
choking m aneuvers fro infant I to 12 months. This
is a non-certifying adult-only class; $34 fee. To
register,call 503-574-6595.
S tress and the W ork in g Parent - Tuesday. Oct. 14.
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., learn how to balance
juggling a career and family while dealing with the
special chai lenges and concerns it presents for work­
ing parents; $20 fee. To register, call 503-574-6595.
S h o u ld er S p o ilers - Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6:30
p.m. to 8 p.m.. learn about the most common cause of
shoulder pain and dysfunction including bone spurs,
labral tears and rotator cuff tears, and the latest
minimally invasive treatments presented by Dr. David
H uberty,free.Toregister,call503-692-24l I.
E x p ecta n t C o u p les, N ew P a ren ts — Legacy Gtxxl
Sam aritan Hospital offers the w orkshop Lasting
R elationships for New Parents, helping couples
keep their relationships strong and happy in the
transition to parenthood. Presented by Northwest
Family Services, upcom ing sessions are scheduled
O c t. II a n d O ct. 18. T o r e g is te r , v isit
lastingrelationshiips.org.
S tro k e A lert S creen in g — Check yourcarotid arter
ies with a painless ultrasound to assess your risk. Fee
$40. To schedule a screening, call 503-251 - 6 137.
1st Time Homebuyers
Now is a great time to buy! Why rent when you ean own??
The US Government is offering a $7,500 tax credit to
1st
Time home buyers.
1 his won’t be available forever so. act quickly to take
advantage.
I
i i
O RIGINAL HEALING M INISTER IA L TRUST PRESENTS:
TRANSFORMING THE CITY' REVIVAL
FEATURING
International Evangelist:
Dr. Oscar Lane, Jr.
COMING TO PORTLAND
SUNDAY, OCT. 19
Through SUNDAY, NOV. 2
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday, Saturday @ 7 PM
CALVARY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
126 N.E. Alberta
503-539-8994
FREE Gift
•
ALL SEATS ARE FREE! FOR ATTENDEES!
Chiropractic Auto Injury Clinic, PC
Zchon R. Jones, DC
333 NE Russell St., #200
503-284-7838
Truly making a difference in the lives of
Auto Accident victims and Injured Workers for 16 years.
Ifyou or someone you know has been in an accident,
call us so we can help you with your needs. Call 5O3-284-7K38.
We are located on the
corner ofM LK and Russell
Street, on the second floor
above the coffee shop.
IN VOI R FUTURE
John R. Pjris
W
firoket/RejItoi
P « km« Aten
•'Tra
KELLER WILLIAMS
□
MLS
( ell 5 03.890.1181
j p a r i s « k w .cum
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