NOVEMBER 15, 2016
Health & Wellness Center closures
• Tuesday, Nov. 22 – Restoration Day
• Wednesday, Nov. 23 – Tribal offices closed
• Thursday, Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving
• Friday, Nov. 25 – Tribal offices closed
The Health & Wellness Center will have additional
urgent care providers available on
Monday, Nov. 21, to meet patient needs.
Allergies or flu?
Is it allergies or the flu?
Fall is here! Cooler temperatures fill the air. What once were green
leaves are now in different shades of red, orange and yellow. The change in
season also brings illnesses that cause the eyes to water, itch and become
puffy. Soon sniffles, sneezes and sore throats develop. Are these allergies
or is this the flu? Knowing the key differences will help in deciding the
best treatment.
What causes allergies and flu?
Allergies are the body's response to allergens such as dust, pollen, pet
dander, cigarette smoke or food. Allergies are not contagious and are not
caused by a virus. The flu is contagious and is caused by a virus.
What are the symptoms of allergies and flu?
Allergies occur commonly during the spring through the fall seasons.
Symptoms last as long as there is an exposure to the allergen. These
symptoms include sneezing, sore throat, coughing, runny nose and conges-
tion. Allergies may cause mucus that is clear and thin. Other symptoms
are itchy, watery and puffy eyes. In some cases, a rash or hives develop.
Allergies do not cause a fever.
The flu causes fever with temperatures of 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Symptoms of the flu include chills, cough, sore throat, runny and stuffy
nose, headaches, severe muscle or body aches and pains, and fatigue. Other
symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children.
Flu symptoms occur during the flu season, which is from October through
May. On average, flu symptoms last one to four days.
What are the treatments for allergies and flu?
To treat allergies, avoid allergens. The doctor may prescribe antihista-
mines, steroids or decongestants. To treat the flu, get plenty of rest and
stay hydrated by drinking fluids. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral
medication.
What are the ways to prevent allergies and flu?
Allergies can be prevented by avoiding allergens such as dust, pollen, pet
dander, cigarette smoke and food. The most effective way to prevent the
flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. A flu vaccine is needed this often
because flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu
viruses to appear each year. The flu vaccine is formulated to keep up with
the flu viruses as they change.
Washing hands often, avoiding close contact with someone who has the
flu and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing are other ways to
prevent the flu.
IMPORTANT SKOOKUM HEALTH
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION
If you feel like you are not receiving services you have requested
through Skookum Health Assistance Program, please contact
one of our SHAP Team members immediately.
We understand that coordinating services with alternate re-
sources and navigating health care can be difficult. Please call:
• Barbara Steere, 503-879-2487;
• Melody Baker, 503-879-2011;
• Tauni McCammon, 503-879-1406;
• Erica Mercier, 503-879-2080;
• Tresa Mercier, 503-879-2008;
• Or 800-775-0095.
A healthy Tribal membership is our goal and we want everyone
to feel like they are receiving quality, comprehensive health care
services. In the coming months, we will be working on a process
for Tribal members to share issues, concerns, needs and wins.
Yes, that’s right, wins. We want to hear about the good things,
too!
S moke S ignals
17
Diabetes Basics
What is diabetes?
Diabetes means your blood sugar is too high. Your blood always has
some sugar in it. Your body needs sugar for energy to keep you going,
but too much sugar in the blood is not good for your health.
What is pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal,
but not high enough for diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at higher
risk for getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. You can reduce your
risk of getting diabetes. You may even be able to have normal blood
sugar levels again. This may happen if you lose a small amount of
weight by eating healthy and being more physically active.
What is type 2 diabetes?
People get type 2 diabetes because the cells in their muscles, liver
and fat do not use insulin properly. Over time, the body also cannot
make enough insulin. This leads to high blood sugar. Having high
blood sugar for some time can lead to serious problems with your eyes,
heart, kidney and nerves. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type
in American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. This type of diabetes
can happen at any age, even in children.
What factors increase my risk for getting pre-diabetes and
type 2 diabetes?
• Being physically inactive;
• Having a parent, brother or sister with diabetes;
• Having had the kind of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy;
• Being overweight.
What are the signs of type 2 diabetes?
Signs can be severe, very mild or none at all. This depends on how
high blood sugars have become, but look for the signs of increased
thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, increased urination, unexplained
weight loss and blurred vision. A blood test to check your blood sugar
will show if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes.
Can type 2 diabetes be managed?
Yes. Taking care of your diabetes daily will keep your blood sugar in
a healthy range. It will help you prevent health problems that diabetes
can cause over the years.
Where can I get help with pre-diabetes and diabetes?
Your health care team (doctor, nurse, diabetes educator, dietitian,
psychologist, fitness coach, social worker, etc.) can help you. Talk with
them about diabetes. They can help you make a physical activity and
healthy eating plan that will work for you. Many people also need
medication to treat diabetes. Get help from others. Talk with your
family and friends, and ask for support.
SOURCE: Indian Health Service Division
of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention.
Pharmacy in transition
The Grand Ronde Health & Wellness Pharmacy is currently in a staff
and process improvement transition. We are working hard to improve
service delivery to our patients.
Please have patience if wait times are slightly longer than usual.
Medication reminders for
November
It will be very important to plan ahead for your medication refills during
the week of Nov. 21-25 since the Pharmacy will be
closed four of the five days.
The Pharmacy staff is interested in helping you obtain your refills with-
out interruption and would like to encourage you to request any refills
you may need during this time through calling
503-879-2342 as soon as possible.
Please contact your prescribing provider if you are concerned
about getting an early refill on your medication and ask them to
contact the Pharmacy and authorize an early
refill to prevent any delays.
Please call if you have any questions to
the Refill Line at 503-879-2342.
Dental walk-in appointments
all day on Monday, Nov. 21 — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.