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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 8, 2012)
Page 20__________________________ H ealth Portland O bserver B la c k H is to r y M o n th a t c ii C h ron ic P ain Su pport G rou p - Meets the first Wednesday at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 503-256-4000. C ardiac-R ehab Exercises - A medically supervised exercise program for people dealing with heart conditions. For information, call 503-251 -6260. S trok e A lert S creen in g — Check your carotid arteries with a painless ultrasound to assess your risk. Fee $40. To schedule a screening, call 503- 251-6137. _____________________February 8.2012 Take Stock of Cardiac Health February is American Heart Month, and health experts at Providence are reminding people to take stock of their cardiac health. A new study confirms controlling high blood pres sure at any time reduces the risk of heart disease, but not letting it creep up in the first place is even better. The study showed that men in their 40s who re duced their high blood pressure significantly lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease in their 50s. Men who did little or nothing to control their high blood pressure in their 40s ended up with hypertension. High blood pressure is associated with thickening of the arteries, which makes the heart work harder, leading to range of ailments and even death. While some prescription medicines can help with high blood pressure, many experts recommend lifestyle changes including a healthy diet, exercise and no tobacco use. M an agin g C h ronic H epatitis C — Third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. The informative session is led by a registered nurse to help you manage side effects of medications and dosage preparations and admin istration; doctor referral required. To register, call 503-251 -6313. Shortness of Breath is No Holiday B etter B reathers -- An asthma educational support group meets on the 1 st T uesday of the month from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Adventist Medical Center. For information, call 503-251 -6830. Pow erful T ools For C aregivers - 6-week educational series designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for relatives or friends with chronic illness. Class size is limited, and registration is required. Call 503-413-8018. L eg A lert Screenin g - Check for peripheral arterial disease with this safe, simple screening using ankle and arm blood pressure. The fee is $40. To schedule an appointment, call 503-251 -6137. * S m ok e-F ree Su pport G rou p - Meets Mondays, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, call 503-256-4000. O steop orosis S creen in g — An ultrasound bone density screening with personalized education; fee $30. To schedule an appointment, call 503- 261-6611. F am ily C aregiver Su pport G roup - This topic-oriented group offers a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing care to an older relative or friend. Meets the first Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. Free Body B asics - This physician recommended 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 503-256-4000 to register. E m pow erm ent through Relaxation -- Free informal meditation classes that address breathing techniques, some gentle ancient African yoga poses and mental balancing techniques. People have left these classes joyful and with a peaceful view of their lives. Call Dr. Marceline Failla at 503-228-6140. C an cer R esource C enter — 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. : Tabe the Ä æ æ Tabe In February, our thoughts o f ten turn to V alentine’s Day, an occasion to celebrate and nurture relationships w ith loved ones. W hen y o u ’re with that special someone, even the sim plest ro mantic gesture, a box o f choco lates or a heartfelt card, may take your breath away. But when it’s not the result of love sickness, shortness of breath is no holiday. In fact, it can be devastating. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is an obstruc tion of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe. It's the third leading cause o f death in the United States. Also known by names such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, COPD develops slowly and w ors ens over time. In severe cases, the disease can eventually limit pa tients from doing even the most basic activities that most o f us take for granted, such as walking, cooking or taking care of them selves. Currently there are more than 12 million people diagnosed with COPD, and its estim ated that an other 12 million are living with the maintain muscle strength in the arms and legs. Pursuing regular exercise such as walking or biking with your companion can help you stay active and carry out every-day tasks. In addition to lifestyle changes, you and your doctor should sit down to discuss which therapies may best control your COPD symptoms. Prescription medicines can help treat complications of the disease and improve your overall health. Fortunately, a recent survey reveals that there are 54 medicines in devel opment for COPD by America’s biopharm aceutical research and manufacturing companies. Of course, this innovation is for naught if patients can’t access the medicines they need. Luckily, the Partnership for Prescription Assis tan ce (1 -8 8 8 -4 P P A -N O W ; pparx.org) helps connect patients in need to patient assistance pro grams that offer more than 2,500 medicines for free or nearly free and provides information on more than 10,000 free health care clinics in America. It takes less than 15 min utes to find out if you may qualify. This February, take care that you’re not left breathless. Unless, that is, it’s because o f a valentine. disease, but unaware. W hile COPD doesn’t dispro portionately affect the African A m erican co m m unity, studies have shown that African A m eri cans with COPD use few er health Services than their white counter parts, which may lead to racial disparities in health outcom es. It’s im portant to see your doc tor if you exhibit any o f the sym p toms of COPD, such as chronic coughing or shortness of breath, and to follow their prescribed health regimen for controlling the disease. There is no cure for COPD, but there are changes you can make to help prevent the disease, manage its effects or slow its progression. If y o u 're a sm oker, it’s no sur prise that the most important thing to do is quit smoking immediately. Not only is kicking the cigarette habit a good choice for your health, but your significant other Larry Lucas is a retired vice will likely thank you for it too. president fo r Pharmaceutical Re For patients diagnosed with search and M anufacturers o f COPD, it's important to build and America. Donors Get Tickets Every Tuesday 5:30 - 7:15 p m to Body Worlds fu ti w alk in Northeast Health Center 5329 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. 2nd Floor Bring or mention this ad to get a FREE A ANONYMOUS or CONFIDENTIAL test for HIV! Blood donors at the Portland, The Body Worlds and the Brain Salem, and Vancouver Red Cross exhibit includes more than 200 au donor centers will receive a free thentic human specimens, includ ticket to the Body Worlds and the ing entire bodies, individual organs, Brain exhibit at OMSI if their dona and transparent body slices, re tions are made on Friday and Satur serv ed th ro u g h von H a g e n s’ day during the month of February. Plastination. process. A ppointm ents for blood and This all-new presentation high platelet donors are preferred by call lights neuroscience, brain develop ing 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting ment, and performance and invites redcrossblood.org/pnw and enter profound reflection on the power, ing the sp o n so r co d e: beauty, and fragility of the amazing human body and brain. bodyworldsOMSI.
