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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
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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.
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Parking .Area
JU N E
Russell
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Russell Si
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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.