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.