June 22, 2011
:$3ortlanò (Observer
Page 19
Learning Life Saving Skills
For the fourth summer, hundreds
of Portland students will learn life­
saving skills, thanks to collabora­
tion between the Oregon Trail Chap­
ter of the American Red Cross and
Self Enhancement, Inc.
Starting Monday, the organiza­
tions will partner on emergency pre­
paredness and injury prevention
classes specifically designed for
grades 3 through 12. While the
classes are only open to SEI stu­
dents, they'll take place at Ockley
Green Elementary, Tubman Middle
School and Benson, Jefferson and
Grant High schools.
"At SEI, we believe it's our re­
sponsibility is to keep children safe,"
said Miki Hunnicutt, manager of
Social and Life at SEI. "The Red
Cross provides first aid, CPR and
safety training, while having fun,
teaching life skills and building
strong relationships. Both SEI and
the Red Cross believe in saving
lives and do it with honor, integrity
and respect."
Courses run through August and
include lessons in citizen or "hands-
only" CPR, emergency prepared­
ness and first aid.
Red Cross instructor Jessie White shows SEI students how to bandage an arm using first aid skills
For Your Health
Urinary tract infections are acom-
mon problem that affect up to 60
percent of women. They can be
painful and may cause serious ill­
ness, especially if the infection
spreads to the kidneys.
UTIs usually occur when bacte­
ria that live on the skin near the
rectum or in the vagina enter the
urinary tract. The urinary tract con­
sists of four parts: the kidneys which
produce urine; the ureters which
take urine from the kidneys to the
bladder; the bladder, where urine is
stored; and the urethra, which takes
urine out of the body. Sexual con­
tact or wiping back to front can
transport bacteria to the urethra.
The bacteria can then spread to the
bladder, ureters, and kidneys.
UTIs may also be caused by a
by D r . J ames N.
M artin J r .
blockage (stone)
in the kidneys, bladder, or ureters; a
narrowed tube or kink in the urinary
tract; or problems with the bladder
wall, urethra, or pelvic muscles or
nerves.
A UTI can cause a strong urge to
urinate that cannot be delayed, an
urge to urinate very frequently, or a
sharp pain or burning in the urethra
as you urinate. Your urine may look
cloudy, have a strong odor, or be
tinged with blood. Additionally, if
you have back pain, chills, fever,
nausea, or vomiting, the infection
may have spread to your kidneys.
Kidney infections must be treated
right away. Contact your doctor if
■OHI
Addressing Urinary Tract Infections
you experience any of these symp­
toms.
UTIs can be quickly diagnosed
with a urine test. Your doctor will
prescribe an antibiotic to clear up the
infection. Most symptoms go away
in a day or two, but it is important to
finish all of the prescribed medication
to lower the risk of the infection com­
ing back. Recurrent infections may
signal other problems with the uri­
nary tract, and your doctor may need
to perform more tests to make sure
there is not a more serious problem.
You may be at higher risk for UTIs
if you are obese, diabetic, have had
UTIs before, have sickle cell trait, are
postmenopausal, have diabetes, use
adiaphragm or spermicide for contra­
ception, have intercourse frequently,
or have a new partner.
Summer Meal Sites for Kids Open
Portland Public Schools, SUN through Aug. 26.
Community Schools and Portland
All children and teens from 1 to
Parks and Recreation Sites are now age 18 are welcome to eat at no
offering free summer meals for chil­ charge. No application or paper­
dren and teens ages 1 to 18 at se­ work is necessary. Some locations
lected parks, schools, pools and will offer breakfast as well as lunch.
community centers.
Sites may offer fun activities such
The Summer Food Service Pro­ as games, swimming, and arts and
gram started M onday and runs crafts along with the free meals.
The summer food program is an
important safety net for families who
are trying to stretch a limited food
budget in tough economic times.
Information on location and meal
times is available by calling Oregon
Safe Net at 1-8OO-SAFENET(723-
3638) or v isitin g the w ebsite
summerfoodoregon.org.
These tips may help prevent
UTIs:
• Always wipe front to back after
bowel movements and urination
• Avoid using douches, powder,
and deodorant sprays
• Drink plenty of fluids, including
water and cranberry juice
• Empty your bladder as soon as
you get the urge, about every 2-3
hours
• Try to empty your bladder before
and after sex
• Wear cotton underwear
For more information, the Patient
Education Pamphlet “Urinary Tract
Infections” is available in English
and Spanish at acog.org/publica-
tions/patient_education.
Dr. James N. Martin Jr. is presi­
dent o f the American Congress o f
Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
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200 NE 20th Ave., Suite 100
Portland OR 97232
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