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About Spilyay tymoo. (Warm Springs, Or.) 1976-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 6, 1991)
Warm Springs, Oregon September 6, 1991 PAGE 5 Zunis exercise to control diabetes The old days SpilyayTymoo The following article appeared in a recent Issue of "Perspective" magazine. Floyd Gibson brought it to Spilyay for reprinting. When Bruce Leonard arrived at the Zuni Indian Reservation in Zuni, New Mexico in March 1983, he faced a formidable challenge- spreading diabetes epi demic. Leonard, a public health educator with the Indian Health Service, hoped he could help the Zuni in their battle against the dis ease, which has run rampant in a number of Native American populations since the 1950s. By the early 1980s, one third of the adults in Zuni had developed Type II non-insulin-dcpcndcnt di abetes, a rate seven times that of the non-Native American popula tion in the United States. Leonard, 44, a marathoncr with a master's degree in public health from the University of Hawaii, was luuviiiki-u wuai u; Zuni needed to bring the epidemic under control was exercise. He began his campaign by contacting a group of diabetic patients who were being treated at the Zuni Public Health Service Hospital and inviting them to an aerobics ciass mat nc was planning 10 larly alter world war u, came mc teams through the open range, conduct in a local high school widespread availability of store- drew 210 locals and visitors. A gymnasium. About a dozen of the bought, processed foods-new large Zuni crowd cheered the run patients politely agreed to attend dietary choices such as cheese- ncrs in a scene that would have the class. Not one showed up., burgers, soft drinks and ice made stick racers of previous Leonard sat alone for an hour cream. Hunting and farming were generations proud, though pcr with his tape player and a stack of largely replaced by sedentary jobs haps perplexed by all the spandcx disco tapes. Bclore his next scheduled class, Leonard called and wrote the patients. Again he received as- surances that they would come. None did. Over a period of three weeks, Leonard sat by himself through six straight classes. "As you can imagine, I felt less useful than I wanted to be," he says. But he stuck to the schedule, aware not only of the Zuni's shyness but also of their traditional belief that a robustly rounded physique was a symbol of success, a sign that one's status had risen above the necessity for physical exertion. , , But the Zuni were also cpn scious of their medical situation. Finally, for Leonard's seventh class, one overweight Zuni woman showed up. For an hour she endured his aerobics routinc-"boot-camp calisthenics to disco music," he recalls. For the next class, two days later, the woman brought a friend. Soon there were a handful of exercisers, and over the months, the word spread that the women were losing eight and feeling better Zuni men began coming to the exercise sessions. Half a year after that somewhat hesitant start, Leonard had so many students that additional classes had to be added, taught by his wife, Carol. By the summer of 1984, Leonard had organized walking and running clubs, a weight-loss program, an Aerobics Challenge (in which point stand ings were charted for exercisers), a run-bike biathlon and a sum merlong series of progressively longer road races. The umbrella title for the program was the Zuni Diabetes Project. As the partici pants worked themselves into shape, they learned new eating habits and gain control of their blood-sugar levels. Many Zuni were able to reduce or eliminate their diabetes medication. The reformed diabetics be came role models, and a cadre of Zuni have become aerobics in structors. Today, at the four-year-old tribal Wellness Center, head quartered in a wing of a high school, the gym is booked sona with exercise classes, and tne weight-training equipment is in the near constant use. The full-time staff of four health professional's monitors 12 certified Zuni instruc tors as they conduct 40 aerobics and circuit-training classes a week. Of the total population of 8,546 on the 400,000-acrc Zuni reservation, nearly 1,800 individ uals are now involved in exercise programs. Many have become dedicated runners. Phillip Viccnti, a 38-year-old computer systems ana lyst, found out he had diabetes five years ago. The 5'6" Vicenti weighed 188 at the time and had never been much of an athlete, but he had heard many Diabetes Pro ject success stories, so he enrolled and started running. At first he could only plod a few hundred yards. Today, 26 pounds lighter, Viccnti makes regular five-mile runs, and his blood sugar is back down to normal. These days you see people running in Zuni who you never thought you'd sec running," Viccnti says. This running movement takes on a particular irony because running was once an integral part of the Zuni culture, one of the tribe's most hallowed forms of self-expression. In a ceremonial event called the stick race, (Ik best athletes once tested their spirit and stamina by running barefoot 25 miles or more through the sage and chaparral surrounding the Zuni pueblo while kicking small sacred sticks along the course. The sticks represented the toys of the tribal war gods, who were often depicted as tireless runners. In previous centuries, the Zuni had always lived a vigorous, if sometimes precarious, exis tence. They hunted and farmed on the western slope of the Continental Divide in what eventually became New Mexico. They ate what they could kill and narvcsi: wna game, ocaiis anu otner vegctamcs. Because mere were periodic famines, their bodies developed the capability of storing above-average supplies of nourishment to tide them over the lean times. Whcn this century, particu- such as jewelry-making. The gc- nctic asset that had once hclrjcd c zuni survive began working against them, and obesity became a comm0n problem. It is also mcorjzcd that Native Americans ECnctics. can be traced to Diabetics Diabetes is hard on feet. People with diabetes may slowly lose feel ing in their toes, feet, and legs. Pretty soon, they can't tell when their feet get hurt or infected. With a bad infection, a person with dia betes could lose part of a foot or leg. These complications can be prevented by taking good care of your feet. The Diabetes Program is hold ing a special foot clinic for patients with diabetes on Thursday, Sep tember 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 1 :00 a.m. If you have diabetes, it is very important that you come to the clinic on that day to have your feet checked. If you have any questions regarding the foot clinic or about the Diabetes Program in general, please call Candace Reich, Dia betes Program Coordinator at the clinic at 553-1 196. Why do I need to take special care of my feet? After people have had diabetes for some time, they may have less blood flow to their feet and legs. When there is less blood flow, minor cuts or problems do not heal and can become very serious. Also, some people who have diabetes find that their feet become less able to sense heat, cold, and pain. When this happens, it is easy to hurt your feet or have a problem and not even know it. How can I take care of my feet? The most important thing you can do is to look at your feet closely every day. By carefully looking at your feet, you can notice any prob lem early and take care of it. Take your shoes and socks off each time you see your doctor, so that the doctor can look at your feet. What should I look for when I check my feet? Look at your feet after you shower or bathe. The places to look are on the bottoms, between your toes, and on the tops of your feet and toes. It you have trouble seeing your feet, try using a mirror or ask a family member to look at your leet tor you. The places on the bottom ot the big toe and the soles of your feet get the most wear and tear from walk ing. Check these places for corns, calluses, blisters, or redness. These problems may be a sign that your shoes are rubbing or don't fit well. You may need to change shoe styles or wear different shoes. Look between the toes for cracks, peeling skin, blisters, or a change in color. These breaks in the skin can lead to an infection. It is possible that you could develop an infection or other skin problems between your toes without feeling any pain at all. Next look at the top of the foot and toes for calluses, redness, a change in color or ingrown toe nails. An ingrown toenail happens when the soft skin around the nail grows over the edge of the toenail. As the nail grows, it harms the soft skin. Finally, check the entire foot for dry places, especially around the heels. Asia: as is true of other groups of Asian desccnt-thc Maori of New Zealand and the Polyncsians-thc uni arc prone to ocvciomng icam made up or runners from Type II diabetes. It was not long New Mexico State University, after the slick race had died out, in But the Pacers' Phi! Apodaca, a the late 1940s, that occurrences of former New Mexico Junior Col-adult-onsct diabetes began to be lege standout who ran the fourth noticed. five-mile lcc. closed fast on the Even if their elders adopted less strenuous iiic-styic, mc Lriacho, and gave the Pacers a young people of the Zuni conu'n- lead they never relinquished. "I ucd to run, as is attested by the held him off for about a mile, then cross-county state championship he sprinted past," said Eriacho banners hanging in the Zuni High with a smile. "He's kind of cute." School gym-thc Zuni boys' team The Pacers finished the 25 having won the title 10 of the past miles in 2:24, seven minutes 15 years, the girls' 8 of the past ahead of the Tribal Runners The 10. But Leonard says that "after spectators cheered the winners as the students left the structure of enthusiastically as they did the lo thc high school cross-country cats. Ron llamclin, then an team, there was no community assistant professor of health at reinforcement of running, let New Mexico State, ran the second alone any exercise." leg for the Pacers. He was as im- Now, with the Diabetes Pro- jeet, both arc present. In 1990, more man i ,uuu pcopic-mostiy zuni, put also memDcrs oi otner tribes and non-Indians--took part in the Zuni Fitness Scries, which runs one weekend very month from May to August. The final event of last year's scries, a 25- mile rclav run bv five-member outfits and Bart Simpson l -stuns The defending champions were the Zuni Tribal Runners, a team of past and present Zuni High cross-country stars-openly one of whom is a member of a di-abctcs-frce family. To the delight can have healthy feet How can I take care of the skin on my feet? Wash your feet with a mild soap and warm water. Test the water with your wrist or elbow first so that you don't burn your feet. Pat your feet dry.'' Be sure to dry" between your toes. If the skin of ' your feet is dry, rub on a cream or lotion. Do not put lotion between your toes as this may lead to an infection. Avoid using rubbing alcohol on your feet. This may dry the skin even more. If your feet sweat a lot, dust on a light coat of talcum or baby powder. If you have corns or calluses, rub them lightly with a pumice stone each day. You can buy a pumice stone at any drug store. Avoid corn removers or cutting corns or cal luses with a knife or razor blade. This can lead to an infection. You can pad the corn to ease the pres sure until it heals. How should I cut my toenails? Cut your toenails to follow the shape of your toes, and even with the end of your toes. Then file them carefully to get rid of rough ends. Do not cut your toenails so short that the end digs into the skin. Avoid using sharp objects to dig under the nails. If your nails are too thick, split or crack when they are cut, you may want to have your feet cared for by a foot doctor (podiatrist). Your nails will be soft and easi est to cut right after a bath. Be sure that you have good light when you mt vour toenails. If you have poor vision or you aren't able to cut your own nails, a podiatrist can care for your feet, or you can ask someone to help you. Are there special shoes or socks for people with diabetes? Usually, there is no need to buy special shoes and socks. Shoes need to support, protect, and cover your feet. Avoid going barefooted and use common sense about wear fJ,,U oWiooon UUUO aUUIl GuUUaLIUl I... Numerous classes Registration begins September 9, at the COCC office for the 1991 fall schedule. There will also I; a special Saturday registration Sep tember 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Using Lotus Create spread sheets, formulas and graphs for family, office or business budgets. For beginners. September 17 thru October 29, 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays, Old Boys Dorm. Instructor is Richard Candland. Cost is $30.00. Section 4515. Playing Guitar Learn instru ment tuning, basic open chords and songs alone or in a group. Great fun! Discover your hidden musical talents! Famous guitar great "Hot Licks Joel Munn" will take you through chording basics. September 1 7 thru October 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Senior Cen ter. Cost is $13.50. Section 4475. Office Skills II Sharpen your of the crowd, the first three Zuni runners built a 45-sccond lead over the Mcsilla Valley Pacers, a a Zuni's only woman runner, Dawn pressed with what he saw in the streets of Zuni as he was with his own team s performance, you can sec that the Zuni really care about thcmsclvcs-much more than the general population," he said. At the awards ceremony, competitors received medallions, plaques and trophies as recogni tion of their running accomplish ments and their help in promoting a healthier Zuni future. Having run his five miles for the cause, Viccnti, who had not missed a Fitness Scries race in the fcur years since his diabetes was diag nosed, shook hands with his friends and considered the way his life has changed. "I always worked with my dad, who's a rancher, and I always thought that at this age I'd be doing the same thing, just working," he said. "Now, here I am, running." ing sandals. Choose the best pair of shoes for each day's activities. Shoes and socks that fit well will protect your feet. Buy new shoes carefully. Choose them for their fit, not their size. Leather shoes that are long enough to allow the toes to wiggle are best. Try on both shoes before buying, to be sure that they both fit. Break in new shoes slowly. Wear new shoes for one or two hours a day at first. Watch for any red areas which can lead to a blister. Shake out your shoes, and then feel inside with your hand before you put them on. Be sure that nothing is inside that could hurt your foot. ' . ' Wearing socks with your shoes is another way to protect your feet. Cotton or wool socks allow your feet to breathe. Tight elastic tops on hose or tight garters can cause less blood to flow to the feet and legs. If your feet are cold, wear warm socks instead of using hot water bottles or heating pads. These can burn your feet without your knowing. What should I do if I hurt my feet? If you bump or hit your feet, ' look at them for any sign of injury. If you are hurt, stay off your feet as much as you can. Use mild soap and water to clean any cuts or scrapes. If you need a bandage, wrap sterile gauze around the cut area or use a bandaid. Be sure to take the bandaid off carefully so you don't tear your skin. Check the area each day to be sure it is heal ing. Call your doctor or foot doc tor for any major injuries, signs of infection, or if a cut does not heal in one week. Avoid wart removers, iodine or other harsh products. These can lead to burns and infections. Open ing blisters yourself can also lead to an infection. Use only prescribed medicine on your feet and legs. professional secretarial skills in fil ing, proof reading, greeting the public and more! Many activities are planned to help you become a first class secretary. September 17 thru October 29, 7 to 9 p.m., Tues days, Old Boys Dorm. Instructor is Kathy Waldon. Cost is $2 1 .00 plus approximately $12.00 for filing packet. Section 4495. Getting Your License Prepare yourself to pass the Oregon Driv er's test. Includes rules of the road and safe driving skills. Great for first time drivers, or those who want to get their license again after an absence. September 19 thru October 10. 7 to9 p.m., Thursdays, Old Boys Dorm. Instructor is Jeff Sanders. Cost is $12.50 plus book approximately $9.00. Section 4455. Beginning Word Perfect 5.1 Word processing on an IBM com Warm Springs Boarding School, Oregon. Report of Horace Q. Wilson, Supervisor March 24, 1913. Section 17. The efficiency reports Agency and Schools are enclosed herewith. Section 16. Office work: There have been two per annum and the financial clerk at $720 per annum. There has ncenth been Mowed another financial clerk Is paid from school funds. The office records are the force In certain methods accounts, which are now being records In better shape. Mr. Urban G. Robbins satisfactory. Mr. George W. Robbins hard worker and trust-worthy. years and should be promoted. promised to the position of agency paying a salary of $1400 The Superintendent here for the position of clerk which $720 per annum on account heirshio that now have to correspondence and other office Section 18. In General: Quite a number of the that part of their reservation had been taken away by an erroneous survey. They claim that the north boundary of the reservation Is not located where It should be several miles north of where It were not so that I could examine this boundary question and I recommend that the Superintendent be directed to take up this boundary matter and discuss It over the boundary lines for the iKa Irs4'mrr htted Ants nor stam Ulv uiuiaii (tare a'jr yuoi iauit The allotments on this very poorly surveyed. , The Indians they, do not know where their that their land Is In one place when in reality it Is in another. Very few allotment stakes are now matter to properly locate the allotments. I recommend that a special allotting agent be detailed to go to mis reservation for the purpose of re-establishing allotment corners. There Superintendent of Gilbert L Hall, is a very good Indian Service since September, 1912, but was formerly In the Philippine Service for about nine years. He is taking hold of the Indian Service work very readily and is making a good Superintendent. He has, in perform and should be given been holding hearings to determine the heirship of deceasea allottees and has had to do the typewriting work himself as he had no stenographer. He has also to look after the Immediate needs of the Warm Springs Boarding School. The position of clerk at $720 per annum has recently been allowed. If a competent stenographer is appointed to this position, this will help him out in his office work but he should have some one in immediate charge of the boarding school. I believe that the position of principal teacher or disciplinarian should be authorized July 1, 1913, for this school. This would give Supt. Hall more time to be out of work on the reservation looking after the welfare of the Indians. I recommend that the increased from $1600.00 per effective July 1, 1913. Dr. Charles J. Laffin, physician, is doing excellent work at the school and on the reservation; physician be increased from $1 annum. HGWP. scheduled for fall puter. Learn to enter text, save, print, retrieve files, and more. For beginners. Should have some typ ing skills. September 19 thru Octo ber 31, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Thursdays, Old Boys Dorm. Instructor is Mike Lofting. Cost $35.25. Section 4520. More Word Perfect 5.1 Inter mediate to advanced features of WordPerfect including formatting, search, replace merge, mailing lab els, etc. IBM computers used. Sep tember 18 thru October 30. 6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Old Boys Dorm. Instructor is Kathy Mar ston. Cost is $35.25. Section 4510. Golf 1 Wrap up the season with lessons to improve your all around game. Beginners welcome! Lots of practice time on the course. Taught by Kah-Nee-Ta club pro Ed Hershey. September 18 thru October 23. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wed nesdays. Kah-Nee-Ta Course. of employees at the Warm Springs clerks at this agency, one at $1,000 clerk at $720 per annum, ine being properly kepi I Instructed of filina letters, records, and followed and will put the office Is financial clerk. His work Is very Is clerk. Mr. Robbins is a very He has been In the Service several I recommend that Mr. Robbins be superintendent of some school or or $1500. very much needs a stenographer has been recently authorized at of many hearings to determine be held and also various work. Indians called on me and stated but mat the northern boundary Is Is now. The weather conditions thoroughly with the Indians and go purpose of seeing whether or not (f-f reservation appear to have been are continually complaining thatt allotments are. Many or tnem mim in evidence and it is a very hard the Warm Springs Reservation, Mr. man. He has only been in the my opinion, too many duties to assistance, for example; he has salary of the Superintendent be annum to $2,000.00 per annum, I recommend that the salary of 100.00 per annum to $1400.00 per Very respectfully, Supervisor. Some clubs and balls available. Cost is $23.50. Section 4535. CREDIT CLASS Technical Writing (WR 221) 3 credits. Fulfills general education requirements. Prepares students to write technical or professional cor respondence and reports. Prereq uisite: WR 121 or permission of instructor. September 17 thru December 3, 1:30 to 4:10 p.m., Tuesdays, Social Hall, Commun ity Center. Cost is $78.00 plus approximately $35.00 for books. ' ADULT LEARNING CENTER Stop by the Old Boys Dorm to study for your GED, or just to brush up your basic reading, writ ing or math skills. Classes are held mornings and evenings: Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.; or Tuesdays. Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9.00 to 12:00 noon. Please call the COCC office at 553-1428 for more information. i