October 7, 2015
Page 5
H ealth
Conference Focus on Traditional Childbearing
Group meets
to improve
birth outcomes,
recruit midwives
of color
Four-time Grammy Award-
winning singer/songwriter and
holistic healer Erykah Badu
joins midwives and healers from
across the globe this weekend
to open a three day Black Mid-
wives and Healers Conference in
Portland.
The International Center for
Traditional Childbearing is host-
ing its 9th International Black
Midwives and Healers Con-
ference, “Honoring Our Past,
Embracing Our Future” at the
University Place Hotel and Con-
who enter the midwifery field.
Currently there is a severe short-
age of midwives and doulas of
color, to service pregnant wom-
en and new mothers, and who
are needed to positively impact
maternal and infant health in the
black community.
According to the center’s
studies, African Americans ba-
bies still have the highest infant
mortality rate of any race in the
country; the national average
for white America is five infant
deaths per 1,000 babies and 14
infant deaths per 1,000 for Afri-
can-American babies. The con-
ference will support and foster
Erykah Badu, a four-time Grammy award winner (left), will lend her support to a black midwives
the resurgence of black mid-
and healers conference in Portland this week, joining Shafia Monroe (right), founder the
wives who are needed to meet
conference.
the growing demand of these
ference Center right outside Port-
The goal of the conference is profession and increase civic en- new children and mothers.
To register or learn more, visit
land State University on Friday, to improve birth outcomes, di- gagement of students to increase
Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11.
versify the midwifery and doula the number of people of color conference.ictcmidwives.org.
H ealth W atch
Empowerment 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. Marcelitte Failla
at 503-228-6140.
Tenderfoot Care -- 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.
Cancer Resource Center -- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and
the American Red Cross have joined forces to create the first in-hospi-
tal 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.
Managing Chronic Hepatitis 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 ad-
ministration; doctor referral required. To register, call 503-251-6313.
Better Breathers -- An asthma educational support group meets on the
1st Tuesday of the month from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Adventist
Medical Center. For information, call 503-251-6830.
Powerful Tools For Caregivers -- 6-week educational series designed
to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for rela-
tives or friends with chronic illness. Class size is limited, and registra-
tion is required. Call 503-413-8018.
Leg Alert Screening -- 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.
Heart Talk Support Group -- Meets on the second Monday of each
month; from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 503-251-6260.
Chronic Pain Support Parenting Classes -- Newborns don’t come with
instruction manuals but parents and parents-to-be can learn about a va-
riety of topics from pain and childbirth to breastfeeding to infant CPR
and much more. For a schedule of events, call 503-574-6595 or visit:
providence.org/classes.
Cardiac-Rehab Exercises -- A medically supervised exercise program
for people with heart conditions. For information, call 503-251-6260.