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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 15, 2024)
sNok signflz NOVEMBER 15, 2024 Inclement weather alert! Please be sure to call the Health & Wellness Center before traveling in to appointments at the clinic during inclement weather. Health & Wellness Center staff will make every attempt to call patients during closures. Also, sign up for emergency notifications about Tribal campus closures on the Tribal website at www.grandronde.org or follow the Tribe’s primary page on Facebook. n Clinic employee spotlight We welcomed Priscilla Nelson to our dental team in October. Priscilla is a Grand Ronde Tribal member and is excited to be working with her Tribal community. She has many fond memories of growing up in the area, and all of the powwows and family gatherings she attended. She says, “work- ing for my Tribe feels like home.” Priscilla fills the position of front desk den- tal assistant and brings a lot of experience and certifications in the field of dentistry to the department. Stop by and say hello the next time you are at the Health & Wellness Center. World COPD Awareness Day set for Nov. 15 This November, COPD Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection, management and prevention of a disease that is often silent in its early stages but can have severe, life-altering consequences. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive lung condi- tion that affects millions worldwide, yet many remain unaware of its symp- toms and risk factors. COPD refers to a group of diseases, including chronic bronchitis and em- physema that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. Over time, the disease leads to irreversible damage to the lungs, making it difficult for patients to breathe. This often results in chronic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and frequent respiratory infections. The World Health Organization ranks COPD as the third leading cause of death globally, and it is particularly prevalent among smokers and people exposed to air pollutants. Who is at risk? The primary risk factor for COPD is tobacco smoking, which accounts for about 85% of cases in developed countries. However, non-smokers can also develop COPD, especially those exposed to long-term irritants such as air pollution, workplace dust and chemicals. The importance of early detection Early diagnosis is critical in managing COPD effectively. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undiagnosed until it has significantly progressed. Many people attribute early symptoms, like a persistent cough or mild shortness of breath, to aging or lack of fitness, delaying a visit to the doctor. The good news is that once diagnosed, COPD can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications and therapies. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs that include exercise, nutritional advice and education are highly beneficial. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or surgery may be required. Prevention and lifestyle changes While COPD is a chronic condition with no known cure, its progression can be slowed and symptoms managed effectively. The most important step in preventing COPD is avoiding tobacco smoke. Quitting smoking not only reduces the risk of developing the disease but also slows the decline in lung function for those already diagnosed. While COPD is a chronic condition, individuals diagnosed with the dis- ease can still live fulfilling lives by managing their symptoms and adhering to treatment plans. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet and staying engaged with support groups or educational programs help patients stay proactive in their care. n 19 Attention Tribal members: This is an update on ID cards, past due bills and how to contact FCP. Great news! We were informed that ALL cards are in the mail, so you should be seeing yours soon. For those of our members who may be receiving past due bills, or have bills with dates of service prior to the TPA switch on July 1, 2024, contact FCPID at the information provided below: Forest County Potawatomi Insurance Department (FCPID) FCPID Customer Service: 715-478-4610 Fax number: 715-478-4799 Email address: fcpinsurance@fcp-nsn.gov OR log into their portal: https://services.hi-techhealth.com/FP1/pages/signon.shtml If you haven’t logged into the FCP Portal before, your username is GRC0100XXXX (if you live in the seven county service area) and GRT0100XXXX if you live outside of the service area. The XXXX will be your Tribal ID number, just like it was with Shasta. Password is the Tribal members DOB: (mmddyyyy) no dashes or slashes. You will be asked to reset your password. It should be 11 characters: GRC(or T)0100XXXX (X = Tribal ID) If you don’t see your claims in the portal, use the email above or call FCP to talk with Customer Service. We know frustration is high. We are in it with you and we thank everyone for their patience. Our hope is that things smooth out quickly. hayu masi, Your skookum Team
