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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 2006)
Page 8 The INDEPENDENT, January 19, 2006 After breast cancer conference slated Issues After Breast Cancer, a conference for breast cancer survivors, their families, and those touched by breast can- cer, will take place March 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event highlights include keynote speaker Musa Mayer - breast cancer patient advocate, author, and 16-year survivor – over 30 exhibitors, and break- out sessions covering hot top- ics including: Metastatic Breast Cancer – the latest treatment options and clinical trials, Sister Study – a federally funded study of environmental and ge- netic risk factors, Intimacy and Sexuality – getting what you re- ally want, and Young Women and Breast Cancer – issues unique to women diagnosed before age 45. The conference will be held at the Oregon Convention Cen- ter, 777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd in Portland. Cost is $25 per participant and the deadline to register is March 3. For a registration form or more information call 503-553-3674, 1-800-404- 8241, or visit www.komenore- gon.org. Aletheia school offers spring workshop Wouldn’t it be nice if your Health Care Provider not only learned the fundamentals but also had opportunity for practi- cal application with scenarios posed by real people with real concerns, not just test book cases? Or, as a layperson, to be ex- posed to cutting edge alterna- tives that empower you to part- ner in your health maintenance and choices? This is what sets Aletheia apart. Aletheia was founded to fill a void. It is a school with a unique and innovative teaching format. Designed to have an atmos- phere where friends and col- leagues can come together and share knowledge that they have developed a passion for because they have personally experienced the success of these modalities, theories and philosophies. Cedar Ridge was chosen as the site because it offered a restful atmosphere. A schedule with ample ‘down’ time was set to allow opportunity for absorp- tion, practice and/or discus- sion. Now, Aletheia is a reality. It is a continuing education for- mat for professionals where laypeople are welcome, in fact encouraged to attend, as well. They play an integral part in helping to keep the classes fresh and the professionals fo- cused not just on what they are learning but how best to apply new techniques in partnership with their clients. Taught by in- structors proficient in their dis- ciplines, each course is specifi- cally developed to assist and encourage the individual on their journey towards knowl- edge, wisdom and personal ex- cellence. Presented twice a year, the three day retreat offers the op- portunity to participate in class- es from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aryuvedic Healing Remedies, Native American Drumming and Smudging, and Eastern Energy Work, to Nutri- tional Studies that focus on specific needs (i.e., cancer, menopause, diabetes), Thera- pies for Lymphedema, Fi- bromyalgia, and many other topics. For more information about the upcoming spring retreat, visit the website at <www.ale theia-hti.com> or call Heather Lewis at 503-429-4677. e v Sa Health Notes By Audeen Wagner MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE What is Meningococcal Disease? It is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningi- tidis, also called “meningococcus.” Meningococcal meningitis occurs when N. meningitidis enters the blood stream. This bacterium lives in the noses and throats of five to 10 percent of the population, but rarely causes serious disease. The disease strikes when N. Meningitidis spreads through the body via the blood stream after penetrating mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It affects young people–70% under the age of five–in the US each year. What does this mean for us? Fortunately, it is not nearly as contagious as the common cold or influenza; it is spread among people through the exchange of saliva and other respiratory se- cretions during such things as coughing, kissing, or sharing food and drink. Symptoms usually occur three to four days after expo- sure, but may range from two to 10 days. Signs and Symptoms. The common symptoms are high fever, headache and stiff neck similar to flu-like symptoms); in- creasingly high fever and a spotty, purple rash are signs that the bacteria have entered the blood stream. Other signs and symp- toms are nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sensitivity to bright lights. Be sure and contact your healthcare professional if these symptoms are present, to determine if the patient should be seen. How can we prevent the spread? – Stop smoking, and don't allow children to be in rooms where people are smoking; – Prevent upper and lower respiratory tract infections by re- ceiving flu shots, when possible and pneumococcal vaccine if rec- ommended by your doctor; – Avoid close contact with people who have coughs and colds. The above information has been provided by the Columbia County Health Department. Karen Ladd, Public Health Nurse for Columbia County, has been helpful to our community in educat- ing us about how to handle this health concern. She suggests that families with questions can contact the Public Health De- partment. Their number is 1-800-244-4870. Vernonia School District has sent a letter to the parents of Vernonia students, which gives helpful information about this health problem. If your family has not received this letter, or if you don’t have children in the public schools, call the school district of- fice at 503-429-5891 for a copy. We hope and pray that this medical problem will be over soon. “We want to assure everyone in the community that the risk of your child contacting the disease is very small. Please do not hesitate to call the clinic to report any symptoms that you are con- cerned about,” said Cathy Rozinek, manager at Providence Ver- nonia Clinic. SPORTS PHYSICALS Free sports physicals will be given this year on February 18. More information will be forthcoming in the next issue of The IN- DEPENDENT . Call Julie Farmer For your apointment Now thru February 14 & Receive 50% off Any Service 712 Bridge Street 503-429-8484 Coming Soon N For all levels and ages N Effective, gentle exercise for your body, mind, and spirit N Relieve stress, have fun Yoga studio is 5 miles from Vernonia at 20960 Scappoose Vernonia Hwy — log house with white trim. Tel: 503 429-2103 Yoga Classes Come to our FREE Introduction on Saturday, February 18 to find out more. Open enrollment starts February 1st for our first 6-week session. Free Intro—Sat. 2/18 at 10 am Sessions start Feb. 21 Ce d ar M i s t S t udi o s www.ce da rm iststudios . com
