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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 18, 2012)
îl?' Fortiani» (Obstruer Basic Steps to Improve Your Health For Your Health Recently, w e’ve heard a lot of good news about job growth and the pace of economic recovery in the U.S. And while w e’re certainly headed in the right direction, there are still many Americans who are living under tighter budgets. For some, this may mean fewer vaca tions or less dining out. Unfortu nately, others are left unable to af ford vital medical services. This is especially true for seniors and retirees who are on fixed in comes. According to a recent study by a Washington-based think tank, by I L arry L ucas more than 27 percent of Americans over the age of 50 reported difficulty in paying monthly bills. W hat’s worse, of those surveyed, about 20 percent reported sw itching to cheaper medications, failing to take current prescriptions or skipping doctor visits to save money. Within our community, African Americans were among those most likely to report prescription drug Tabe the changes (25.9 percent) and missed or postponed doctor appointments (27.3 percent). But this research doesn’t mean that living healthier isn’t a priority for seniors and their families. In fact, the opposite is true. Now more than ever, people are looking for simple changes and decisions they can make to feel and live healthier. This month. National Public Health Week - A Healthier America Begins To day - focuses on the little steps we can take to improve our overall health, including chronic disease prevention. Every Tuesday 5:30 - 7:15 pm Tabe Just w alk in Northeast Health Center 5329 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. 2nd Floor ; He Mth OraorTmeot April 18, 2012 Bring or mention this ad to get a FREE & ANONYMOUS or CONFIDENTIAL test for HIV! Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States, and unfortunately, African Ameri cans are more likely to contract many of the most common fatal chronic diseases than their white counter parts. However, there are steps you can take to have a meaningful im pact on reducing your risk of chronic disease. For example, diabetes, a chronic disease that is particularly preva lent in the African American com munity, may be prevented if you make healthy food choices and pur sue an active lifestyle. You can also reduce the risk of other chronic dis eases by making simple changes to your lifestyle, such as quitting smok ing, which can cause lung cancer. And just as critical in the prevention of these diseases is early detection. Education and regular screen ings promise the greatest chance of successful treatment. This year’s World Health Day theme, “Good health adds years to life,” encour ages older men and women to take charge of their well-being and to champion health in their families and communities. In cases when developing a H ealth chronic disease or other illness is beyond our control, medications are available to help reduce the nega tive effects these diseases have on patients’ lives. In order for a treat ment to be successful, patients need to take prescribed medications as recommended by their doctor. But in today’s economic times, not ev eryone can afford the medicines they need. Fortunately, there are pro grams available to help. This month marks the seventh anniversary of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a program from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American that has helped connect nearly 7 million patients to patient assistance pro grams that provide free or nearly free prescriptions. PPA connects patients to more than 475 assistance programs pro vided by pharmaceutical research companies and offers more than 2,500 brand-name medicines. For more information, you can visit pparx.org or call 1-888-4PPA-NOW. Larry Lucas is a retired vice president for Pharmaceutical Re search and M anufacturers o f America. A If O steop orosis S creen in g — An ultrasound bone density screening with Public* Health personalized education; fee $30. To schedule an appointment, call 503- 261-6611. Fam ily C aregiver Su pport G rou p — This topic-oriented group offers a Chiropractic Auto Injury Clinic, PC Zchon R. Jones, DC 333 NE Russell St., #200, Portland, OR. 97212 Free Body Basics - 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. (503) 284-7838 Truly making a difference in the lives of Auto Accident victims and Injured Workers for nearly 20 years. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, call us so we can help you with your needs. (503) 284-7838 E m pow erm ent through R elaxation -- 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. Marcelitte Failla at 503-228- 6140. We are located on the comer o f MLK and Russell Street, on the second floor above the coffee shop. - Parking .Area JU N E Russell «00 H I R O P R A C T I Russell Si s 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. C low T en derfoot C are - Treat your feet with a soak, nail trim, buffing and massage from a licensed nurse at one of six clinics or at your home. Call 503-251 -6303 for more information. C ancer Resource C en ter - 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. Lead Poisoning Prevention — Learn how to protect your family from lead poisoning. Ideal for folks in live in older homes with children or pregnant women. Qualified participants receive a free kit of safety and testing supplies. Call 503-284-6827. Families with M ental Illness ~ A free, 12-week course for people whose family members live with mental illness is offered at Emanuel Hospital, Mt. Hood Medical Center and Providence Medical Center. The course has been described as “life-changing” by former participants. Registration is required by calling 503-203-3326.
