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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 21, 2006)
Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, September 21, 2006 West Nile Virus has now reached Washington County Free self-defense class Saturday A dead crow found in Wash- ington County has tested posi- tive for West Nile Virus, accord- ing to county and state public health officials. The bird was found in Beaverton and was tested at Oregon State Univer- sity’s Veterinarian Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis. West Nile Virus has been moving slowly across the Unit- ed States since 1999 and first came to Oregon in 2004. The risk of infection and serious ill- ness is low; humans can get the virus only from mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. Most people infected with West Nile virus will have no The Columbia County Sher- iff’s Office (CCSO) is offering a self-defense class to the public on Saturday, September 23, at the CCSO training/conference room at 901 Port Avenue, St. Helens. Class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m. The class will be offered free of charge to Columbia County residents. The course will be taught by two Certified Defensive Tactics Instructors. The course is de- signed to teach participants skills to protect themselves in situations that could result in symptoms or a mild, flu-like ill- ness. Fewer than one percent of infected individuals will de- velop brain or nervous system illness, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Anyone can con- tract the virus, but people over the age of 50, and people with suppressed immune systems, are most susceptible to devel- oping serious symptoms. The following preventive ac- tions are recommended: • Use mosquito repellent, preferably one containing DEET, Picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label carefully. When applying repellent to chil- dren, first rub it on your hands then on each child. • Eliminate all sources of standing water, including clogged gutters, birdbaths and old tires. • Avoid playing and working outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most ac- tive. • Wear long pants and long- sleeved shirts when outdoors. • Fit screen doors and win- dows tightly to avoid flying mosquitoes from entering homes. • Discuss the risk of West Nile infection with your veteri- narian and consider vaccinat- ing any horses you may own. Banks Pharmacy New Ownership Come meet M ar k S argeant, RP H Full-service pharmacy with hometown service! 10 am to 6 pm Monday - Friday 10 am to 2 pm Saturday Most major insurance plans accepted Located at Oak Village Center in Jim’s Thriftway Some bird species, including crows, ravens, jays and star- lings, are especially suscepti- ble to West Nile Virus. Although there is no evidence that a per- son can get West Nile Virus from picking up a dead bird, public health authorities recom- mend avoiding handling dead birds with bare hands. To report finding birds that have no obvi- ous signs of trauma and have been dead less than 24 hours, call the following number for your county: – Washington County Envi- ronmental Health Office, (503) 846-8722. – Columbia County Public Health, 503-397-4651 – Clatsop County Public Health, 503-325-8500 Washington County resi- dents who own ponds may ob- tain free “Mosquito Fish,” called gambusia, which eat mosquito larvae, by calling Christine Buhl at 503-846-8722.. Additional in- formation is available from the Washington County West Nile Prevention Information Line at (503) 846-8890 or the Wash- ington County Web site at <www.co.washington.or.us/mo squito>. Whole grains get bad rap, try some Whole grains often get a bad rap from adults and children used to eating highly processed grain foods such as white breads, sugary cereals, cakes and pastries. Whole grain products are sometimes called “sawdust,” “straw,” “hay,” “horse food,” “weeds,” and the ubiquitous “yucky.” It isn’t so. Whole grain foods are deli- cious, rich in taste and textures and loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals, naturally. The USDA recommends that one third of all grains consumed bankspharmacy@yahoo.com 040506 should be whole grains be- cause of their higher nutrient value. If you or your family aren’t enthusiastic about cooking with and eating whole grains be- cause of their taste and texture you can slowly ease into a diet rich in whole grains by making small changes first: • Serve popcorn for snacks in place of sugary sweets. • Add whole-grain flour or oatmeal to your favorite cookie recipe. You can replace half of Please see page 23 Join the Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s on Sept. 30 The Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s disease, spon- sored by the Alzheimer’s Asso- ciation, will be held September 30, at Olde Towne Plaza Park in St. Helens. More than 150 people are expected to partici- pate in this year’s event to raise funds and promote progress surrounding Alzheimer’s. The Memory Walk is the largest national fundraising event for Alzheimer disease support programs and is held in Community Health Education Classes Sponsored by: Cedar Mist Studios and Aletheia Holistic Teaching Institute Upcoming Classes Optimal Breathing III October 2nd at 6pm Mindful Eating I November 6th at 6pm Classes $10 ea. includes all course materials Call 503-429-2103 to register For More Information www.cedarmiststudios.com or www.aletheia-hti.com 503-324-5780 503-324-5410 (fax) serious assault or death. This course will be taught in “hands on” format. All participants are asked to bring a bottle of water and to wear comfortable clothing, socks and tennis shoes. Partic- ipants under the age of 18 are required to have a parent pres- ent and sign a release form in order to participate in the class. Class space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. Registration forms are available from Cassy Miller, Victim Specialist/Program Co- ordinator, at 503-366-4649. Look for the 2007 Schedule coming soon over 600 communities across the country. Participants have raised more than $200 million for programs and services to support people with Alzheimer’s disease. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. To register in advance or make a donation, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at http://mw06.kintera.org/StHe lensOR or call 1-800-733-0402.
