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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (June 28, 2017)
Polk County News Polk County Itemizer-Observer • June 28, 2017 5A Pollen: Ways to limit allergies Merritt: Encouraged with how Polk County’s system works Typical allergy timeline Continued from Page 1A She said the clinic saw a decrease in the number of patients coming in feeling miserable, which is the staff’s informal way of noting how bad the season is going. That doesn’t mean breathing has been easy all the time. Last weekend the grass pollen counts were in the “very high” category, as measured by the station at Oregon Allergy Associates in Eugene that provides data to the National Allergy Bu- reau’s database. On Friday, the count was 358. On that scale, 200 is considered “very high.” This year, the highest count was 757, recorded on June 5-6. Monday, the count had fallen to 79, still classified as “high.” The tree pollen count was 23, in the moder- ate range. Pollen.com’s levels for the Salem area increased dra- matically starting on June 17 and have stayed in the “high” to “medium-high” range through. According to the site, most allergy suffer- ers begin to have symptoms when levels reach “medi- um.” Even if pollen counts are down, windy days and har- vest season create problems for allergy sufferers, when Trees: • Cedar and pine can pollinate as early as December. • Hazelnut, juniper, cypress and spruce begin in January. • Alder, birch and elm start in February. • The last group, pollinating in March and April, including oak, sweet gum, sycamore, cottonwood, maple, ash, hickory- pecan, beech locust and walnut. Grass: • Usually the grass season is at its peak from Memorial Day to Fourth of July, but depending on the climate, it can shift a little earlier or a little later. The Willamette Valley has very high grass pollen due to nearly 500,000 acres of land used for com- mercial production of grass seed. Weeds: • Typically, weeds pollinate toward the end of summer and into fall until first frost. Perennial allergens: • People who have allergies to feathers, animal dander, dust mites or mold may have symptoms year-round. Those symp- toms may be worse during colder weather with increased in- door exposure. — Source: Oregon Allergy Associates. tree pollen gets whipped around and work in fields kicks up extra pollen, Bren- ner said. Beyond taking medica- tion, those with allergies can alleviate some of their symp- toms by following practical advice. Brenner said to pay atten- tion to pollen counts and al- lergy forecasts, such as those provided by Pollen.com. Daily pollen counts are available at www.oregonal- lergyassociates.com/pollen- counts.html. Extra precautions are needed during harvest sea- son. “We usually suggest peo- ple keep their windows closed, especially if they live next to a hay field,” she said. She said people should take a shower before going to bed at night so they are not spreading the source of their suffering to their pillow — and keep their windows closed. “It might be cooler (to have the window open), but you might not be able to sleep because you are sneez- ing all night,” she said. Continued from Page 1A She applied and inter- viewed for the job. She got a second interview and eventually a job offer. “It just seemed so seam- less,” she said. “It was something that was a huge step out of the box for me because I was born and raised in Jackson County.” Merritt said she’s still unsure how she will feel about the rain in the Willamette Valley, but is impressed with what she’s seen of the department that will be hers starting next week. “Here, everybody just works together. It’s not about our own agency, it’s about the client, which is how it should be,” she said. Merritt worked for Jack- son County, first in the ju- venile program before moving to a program su- pervising adults. From there, she took a job with the county’s pa- role and probation pro- gram. In her last post, she was a manager working on grant writing and with the agency’s community part- ners. Merritt started in Polk County at the beginning of June and is still learning how the system works. She’s encouraged by programs like the county’s new mental health court, which she believes is a good response to a grow- ing issue in law enforce- ment. “I don’t know what it is, maybe we’ve ignored it previously, but it just seems more prominent,” she said. “We are kind be- hind the curve, but with the mental health court and the programs that are in place here and the way things are designed, I think that they are staying on top of the curve.” Merritt believes the job is about holding people accountable, but also fol- lowing that up with help- ing clients make better choices in the future or helping them navigate the challenges life throws at them. She believes probation officers sometimes act as law enforcement officers and other times as social workers. “Sometimes you have someone sitting across from you who’s made a mistake, or they’ve used. They don’t always need to go to jail,” she said. “I think our job is important to not only protect the community and try and support the criminal jus- tice system, but to support them.” She said she will take some time to figure how best to do that here. “Really, I think that my plans are to work with the staff here and the adminis- tration to see what their vision is for the depart- ment,” she said. “I’m used to the Jackson County way; I need to learn the Polk County way.” Itemizer-Observer Your source for local news and sports. HEALTH DIRECTORY AUDIOLOGY GENERAL DENTISTRY MASSAGE Trust your hearing to those that specialize in hearing and hearing related disorders. Evan L. Evans, Ph. D, and Julie B. Evans, AuD are both doctoral level Audi- ologists who have the knowledge, experience and compassion to provide you with the best care for your hearing health. We offer free hearing screenings; by our hearing aid specialist. We offer full & complete di- agnostic evaluations, counseling and recommenda- tions by our clinical Audiologists. Other Audiological services include testing, management and treatment options for Tinnitus. We have the knowledge and ex- perience to assist your physician with the diagnosis of diseases and disorders pertaining to hearing and the hearing mechanism. We offer wax removal or ceru- men management, Tinnitus testing and Tinnitus man- agement techniques. An Audiologist, having the Audiology credentials of the American Academy of Au- diology (F-AAA) and the The American Speech Hear- ing and Language Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) is the professional of choice for anything related to hearing and or hearing related is- sues. Serving our hearing impaired since 1980, with two locations to serve you. Audiology Associates 1343-A Monmouth St., Independence • 503-838-3001 2296 NW Kings Blvd, Corvallis • 541-757-2500 • DALLAS FAMILY DENTAL - Benjamin James DDS, Tom Davis DMD, Les Wheeler DDS. 289 E Ellendale Ave Ste. 204, Dallas. Dallas Family Dental provides general and cosmetic dentistry for children and adults. We are happy to serve as your dental providers, and are accepting new patients. www.dallasfamilyden- taloregon.com • OUT OF GRAVITY MASSAGE - Julianne Klingberg DeForest, LMT - 503.510.2256 - NOW IN INDEPEND- ENCE Enter Stressed, Leave Blessed - Out of Gravity Massage offers massage sessions to suit a variety of needs and health concerns. Intuitive and holistic bodywork are blended with extensive and varied edu- cation, creating a caring and knowledgeable environ- ment of healing. Also, with a prescription and a claim number, up to a year's therapeutic massage sessions will help in your rehabilitation from a motor vehicle accident. Relaxation, well care, geriatric and pediatric massage is available, as well as motor vehicle accident rehabilitation. Infant massage instructional sessions available. Call today for an appointment. 503-510- 2256 OR # 7627/ National #295187-00 CHIROPRACTIC • JOYNT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC - Dr. Brian Joynt, DC - 629 Clay Street East, Monmouth, OR 97361 Family-oriented chiropractic clinic, dedicated to cre- ating an unparalleled experience of service, quality and care by teaching the true principles of chiroprac- tic. We look forward to empowering each of you to help your family participate more fully in life. New pa- tients welcome. Accept most insurance. Auto/per- sonal injury and work comp. Massage therapist on site. Complimentary consultations. Call us today to make your appointment (503) 837-0550. • THORNTON CHIROPRACTIC - Drs. Sharon and Marty Thornton - Palmer Graduates - We care, God cures. 1650 Monmouth St., Independence, OR 97351 • 503-838-3346. Office hours: Mon, Tues & Thurs 8- noon & 2-6 pm; Wed 2-6 pm. & Fri 8-noon. Proudly serving Polk County for over 17 years. Offering Thompson Drop and other hands-on techniques, as well as Advanced Activator Methods and Functional Neurology. We provide gentle and effective full-spine and extremity adjusting for all ages in a loving and car- ing environment. We are accepting new patients for Family Wellness Care, Medicare, Auto or personal in- jury & Workers Comp. Licensed Massage Therapy available on site. COUNSELING • CROSS AND CROWN COUNSELING ~ KATE KOENS, NCCA Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor and Certified Temperament Therapist. Cross and Crown Counseling offers counseling services to indi- viduals, couples and families as well as identity semi- nars and grief recovery workshops. Our office is located at 1156 SE Holman Ave. Dallas. Some specific areas of counsel are adolescent, premarital, marriage, trauma, crisis, grief, depression, anxiety, anger, di- vorce, and identity crisis. We help our clients find healing, learn communication skills, and appropriate responses to individual and family needs and how to obtain overall health, mentally, emotionally, and spir- itually. We provide a safe and caring environment to face life situations, address interpersonal and intrap- ersonal conflict and help individuals realize their full potential in order to live decisively with truth, rele- vance, perspective, and purpose. For more informa- tion or to schedule an appointment please call (503) 917-1625 or visit our website at www.crossandcrown- counseling.com • RANDALL C. JONES, DMD - 1004 Monmouth St., In- dependence, OR 503-838-0434. Offering a broad range of dental services in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. New patients and emergencies welcome. • WESTON K. MORRILL, DMD - 289 E. Ellendale Suite #201, Dallas. 503-623-6616. Family, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry. Complete dentistry for the entire family. Se habla español. • DR. MICHELLE HASBROOK, DMD - 120 N. Atwater, Monmouth, OR 503-838-2998. Providing all phases of dental care for children and adults. We welcome new patients! • KENNETH WINOKUR, DMD - 329 South Main Street Independence, OR 97351. 503-838-1633. High quality service with your comfort in mind. Nitrous oxide gas sedation available. www.independencedental.org GYNECOLOGY SERVICES Gynecological care is available in Dallas at the Salem Health West Valley Specialty Clinic. Gynecologist Keita Sakon, MD, specializes in gynecology exams and procedures, including hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, as well as family planning, abnormal Pap evaluation, treatment of pelvic pain, symptom control for menopause and abnormal periods. Dr. Sakon works in Dallas on Friday afternoons from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. seeing patients at the clinic and performing gynecol- ogical procedures in the Salem Health West Valley surgical suites. New patients are welcome! Salem Health West Valley Specialty Clinic is located at 591 SE Clay St., Dallas. Call 503-831-0784 for an appointment. Visit salemhealth.org/westvalley. HEARING HEALTH • JOYFUL SOUND HEARING SERVICES, INC. Mark Sturtevant, 312 Main Street, Dallas OR, 503-623-0290. Providing Polk County with hearing solutions for 30 years. Services include: Hearing evaluations, Diagnos- ing hearing loss; Impedance; Fitting all types of hear- ing devices, Servicing all makes and models of hearing aids; Ear inspections; Wax removal; Hearing protec- tion. Hours: Monday - Thursday 9-4pm. (Fridays by appointment only) IMAGING SERVICES • SALEM HEALTH WEST VALLEY offers state-of-the- art all-digital diagnostic imaging services. With your physician's referral, we provide bone densitometry, CT scan, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, X- ray and MRI services. Check out our comfortable and spacious mammography suite. We are located at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-623-7302. LABORATORY SERVICES • SALEM HEALTH WEST VALLEY provides lab serv- ices at two convenient locations in Dallas and Mon- mouth. Both labs are fully accredited, providing collections and testing with healthcare provider refer- ral. Employment and self-referral drug testing is of- fered. The West Valley Hospital lab in Dallas is open 24 hours, seven days a week, at 525 SE Washington St., 503-623-7303. The Monmouth lab is located in the Monmouth Medical Center, 512 Main St., Suite 300, 503-838-1388. It is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., closed between noon and 1 p.m. Appoint- ments are not required. ORTHODONTICS • YENNE & SCHOFIELD - SPECIALISTS IN ORTHO- DONTICS - 580 Main Street, Suite E, Dallas, 503-623- 5002. Providing Polk County with orthodontic care for children and adults for functions and cosmetics. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays. PHYSICAL THERAPY/ REHABILITATION SERVICES • PINNACLE PHYSICAL THERAPY is an orthopedic physical therapy facility committed to getting great re- sults for each patient. We focus on advanced spine care, women's health issues, sport rehab, vehicle ac- cidents, and work injuries. We offer highly specialized care including manual therapy, aquatic therapy, spe- cific deep tissue mobilization techniques, Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) techniques and therapeutic exercise. We have a warm, caring and friendly staff and accept most private health insurance, auto insur- ance, and workers' compensation insurance. We offer both male and female physical therapists. Often no physician referral is needed to start care. Call us today and ask how to get therapy for your condition or talk to your physician to see if physical therapy is right for you. Call us: 503-623-2433. We are conveniently lo- cated at 210 W. Ellendale Avenue Dallas, Oregon 97338; (next to Taco Bell) Check us out on the web: www.pinnacle-physicaltherapy.com • SALEM HEALTH WEST VALLEY offers a wide range of rehabilitation services. Our hospital in Dallas, lo- cated at 525 SE Washington St. in Dallas, offers phys- ical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and aquatic therapy (at Dallas Aquatic Center). 503- 623-7305. Our clinic in Monmouth offers physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Located at 512 Main St. 503-838-1388. Visit www.salemhealth.org/westvalley. PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS • DR. CHARLES ESSEX, family medicine, is accepting new patients at Salem Health West Valley Medical Clinic, located at 512 Main St., Suite 300, Monmouth, 503-838-1182. With a proactive healthcare approach, Dr. Essex provides care for the entire family and will work with you to build a healthy lifestyle with annual exams, immunizations, lifestyle counseling, sports physicals, skin care, cancer screenings and more. New patients are welcome. • DR. JOHN HADLEY, family medicine, is accepting new patients at the Salem Health West Valley Medical Clinic at 555 SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-623-7301. With a proactive healthcare approach, Dr. Hadley pro- vides offers family medicine for your entire family from newborns to adults with annual exams, immunizations, lifestyle counseling, sports physicals, skin care, cancer screenings and more. New patients are welcome. Call the Itemizer-Observer at 503-623-2373 to have your business listed in this directory.
