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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 1987)
I. This Is the ESOPHAGUS , the tube through which food reaches the sto mach. 2. This part of the esophagus is called the LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER, a kind of muscular valve which opens to let food into the stomach and closes to keep stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. 3. This is the DIAPHRAM a muscular partition be tween the ab dominal cavity and the chest cavity. The opening through which the esophagus passes is called t ESOPHAGEAL HIATUS HIATAL HERNIA, this part of the stomach is normally located BELOW the diaphram. In addition, STOMACH contractions which move the digested food along may also be weak, and food is not removed from the stomach quick ly enough. This can also contri bute to heart burn and regurgitation. 5. Finnally, at he exit of the stomach there is another valve like opening called the PYLORUS, which often does not close properly, allowing bile to enter the stomach from the small' intest ine. Bile may also back up into the esophagus. causing heartburn and discomfort HIATAL HERNIA OR HEART BURN? HEALTH STAFF RECEIVE AWARDS Bette Seagren, Nurse Practioner for the Tribal Health Program, was selected as the Oregon Primary Care Association's Outstanding Provider of 1987. An award was presented to Ms. Seagren at the Rural Health Conference on October 25, 1987 in Newport, Oregon. Congratulations BETTE!!! Tribal members, Cheryle Kennedy, Grand Ronde tribal health director; and Tom Jones, executive director of the Northwest Indian Health Board; both received an award for their contributions in the health field to the Ameri can IndianAlaska Native population. The awards were presented during the National Indian Health Board Conference November 10, 1987 in Seattle, Washington. The two received a bronze diestruck paperweight mounted on a 3 by 3" solid marble base with and engraved brass plate. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CHERYLE AND TOM!!! ... -. , .,;iiv:i; COUNSELOR HIRED Tribal member, Monte Ring, has been hired as the Tribe's Outpatient Alcohol Counselor. Monte is a former counselor from Red Willow American Indian Treatment Center in Gervais, Oregon. He has also worked in Juvenile detention as a special deputy with the Sheriffs Department with emphasis in alcohol and drug abuse, and spent ten years as a Pastor, assistant Pastor and Minister of youth doing individual, group and marriage counseling. Monte would like tribal members to know that his office is always open to provide assistance. He can be reached at 879-5211. WELCOME ABOARD MONTE!!! When the hiatus allows the lower esophageal sphincter and part of the stomach to protrude upward into the chest cavity, the result is a HIATAL HERNIA. This is a condition found in up to 50 of the population over the age of 50; and if no symptoms are associated with it, treatment is usually not required. Frequently, however, people with hiatal hernia also suffer from the symptoms of heart burn. Heart burn is the result of a failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to close properly and this same symptom can also occur WITHOUT hiatal hernia. When the sphincter fails to close properly, stomach contents - which usually contain acid are pushed back up into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation of heart burn. Regurgitation of food particles may also occur. The following are some pieces of good advice on how to relieve some of the symptoms associated with hiatal hernia and heart burn. NINE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO RELIEVE HEARTBURN 1. Refrain from smoking - if you can't stop completely, CUT DOWN! 2. Consume coffee or alcohol, chocolate, or fatty foods only in moderation, and, of course, avoid any foods that you know by your own experience will cause you to have episodes of heart burn. 3. Avoid bending or stooping after eating - this can force food into the esophagus and cause heart burn. 4. Eat smaller, more frequent meals during the day. Try to avoid eating within four hours of bed time. 5. Take any medications according to your doctor's instructions. 6. Let out your belt a notch or two and wear looser, more comfortable clothing. , 7. Lose weight if your doctor feels this would be beneficial. 8. Sleep with the head of your bed raised (6) six to (8) eight inches (on blocks or books), if advised to do so by your doctor. 9) Contact your doctor if symptoms continue after following these suggestions. Remember, by following your doctors' instructions, YOU can do a lot to assist YOURSELF in preventing the occurrence of heart burn and pain.
