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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2006)
Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, December 21, 2006 Any Oregonian without prescription coverage can now sign-up December 7 was the first day that any Oregonian without prescription drug coverage was eligible to enroll in the Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP), which is the state’s bulk-purchasing pool for pre- scription medications and of- fers savings up to 60 percent for uninsured citizens. Measure 44 was enacted by the voters last month, removing previous age and income eligibility re- strictions for OPDP. Information is available on- line at www.opdp.org or the toll- free number 1-888-411-OPDP (6737). “The increasing costs of health care and prescription medications are placing a real hardship on Oregonians who do not have health insurance with drug coverage,” Governor Ted Kulongoski said. “An over- whelming majority of Oregoni- ans agreed with the passage of Measure 44 that it is time to do our part to make sure our citi- zens have access to affordable prescription drugs – and this marks an important new step in that direction.” Changes under Measure 44 officially take effect December 1 and will offer relief on pre- scription drug costs for the more than 600,000 uninsured adults and children who are currently without prescription drug coverage. Also because of a waiver that the Governor se- cured from the Federal Govern- ment, older Oregonians en- rolled in the Federal Medicare Part D prescription drug pro- gram may be eligible to partici- pate in OPDP. The Governor also applaud- ed the work of the AARP, Ore- gonians for Health Security and other critical partners, including State Senator Bill Morrisette, for championing this program and leading the charge to victo- ry for Measure 44 and unin- sured Oregonians. “The Oregon Prescription Drug Program is a proven ap- proach that will now be even better at allowing our state to tackle the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs and bringing more affordable, accessible medicines to Oregonians of all ages,” said Jerry Cohen, state director of AARP Oregon, who along with Sen. Bill Morrisette served as one of Measure 44’a co-petitioners. “This is a solid and critical first step in lowering health care costs for everyone and creating a healthy Ore- gon.” “This is a great day for Ore- gonians through the state,” said Senator Bill Morrisette, chief co-petitioner for Measure 44. “Oregon is once again a trail- blazer and sets an example for the federal government to fol- low.” “This not only helps Oregoni- ans without prescription drug coverage, but it helps all Ore- gonians by lowering drug costs,” said Mary-Beth Healy, Executive Director of Oregoni- ans for Health Security. The Governor also an- nounced that the Northwest Prescription Drug Consortium, a partnership between OPDP and a similar purchasing pool in the state of Washington, signed a contract with The ODS Com- panies for Pharmacy Benefit Administration services. The contract, which takes effect February 1, 2007, promises to increase savings for OPDP members, to improve the ad- ministrative efficiency of the program, and to make drug purchasing through the pro- gram even more transparent. For more information about the program contact Missy Dolan, Administrator of the Oregon Prescription Drug Pro- gram at 503-373-1595. Serving oysters for the holidays? Cook them first to prevent illness Eating raw oysters has led to foodborne illness in recent months. The illness was caused by Vibrio bacteria that occur naturally, especially dur- ing the summer when the ocean is warmer. Symptoms in- clude diarrhea, cramps, nau- sea, vomiting, fever and chills and usually occur within 12 to 24 hours of having eaten and last no more than three days. The illness can be prevented by cooking oysters thoroughly. After the shell opens, boil an additional three to five minutes. When steaming, heat for an- other 4 to 9 minutes after the shell opens. Boil or steam smaller quantities so that oys- ters are fully cooked. To cook shucked oysters, boil or steam for three minutes or until the edges curl. Other methods include frying at 375 degrees or broiling three inch- es from the heat, both for three minutes, or baking at 450 de- grees for 10 minutes. It’s especially important for people with weakened immune systems to avoid raw oysters. This includes pregnant women and young children, older adults, and those with serious illnesses such as HIV, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. Source: Carolyn Raab, Exten- sion Food and Nutrition Specialist, Oregon State University. “Fill up on water” and other weight control myths We’ve all heard those quick little tips, like fill up on water be- fore you go to a party or use sugar-free foods to save calo- ries. Do these promoted tips re- ally work or are they simply myths? • “Fill up on water before a big party.” Water satisfies thirst, not hunger. While water may fill the stomach, you’ll still feel hungry. Instead of water, try drinking a thicker drink, like a vegetable cocktail (V-8 juice) or milk-based beverage to help fill you up quicker. Another tip is to eat a broth-based soup before starting other foods. • “Using fat-free and sugar- free foods lets me eat all I want.” Fat-free and sugar-free doesn’t mean calorie-free, check nutrition labels carefully – these products don’t give you a license to eat more! Remem- ber that you’re trying to save calories, so over-eating re- duced calorie products can cre- ate pounds of weight also. • “I’ll skip breakfast and lunch so I can eat at the party.” Skipping meals slows the me- tabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Also, skipping meals may make you so hun- gry that you over-eat at the par- ty! • “Don’t eat after 8:00 at night.” While it’s normal that the metabolism slows during the early morning hours while you sleep, when you eat is not as critical as the quality and amount of food you choose. Eating later at night is not al- ways a good idea because we tend to choose munchies that are high calorie and lead to mindless nibbling. It’s also very easy to get into the night snack- ing habit. • “I’m addicted to chocolate!” While chocolate may contain a psychoactive ingredient, there is an extremely low level – cer- tainly not enough to create an addiction. What we do crave is the sensory experience we get with chocolate. We desire the flavor and smell of chocolate. Eating any good-tasting food can create a desire to repeat the experience. • “I eat less at parties be- cause I have lots of people to visit with.” Adults do what they see at holiday parties…eat! We tend to eat 50 percent more food when eating with friends! Focus on how much you’ve eaten and have those lively conversations in a room that doesn’t have food. • “Exercise makes me hun- gry.” Physical activity actually regulates your feeling of full- ness and hunger. Exercise should suppress appetite and retain muscle mass; and mus- cle burns calories. So during the holiday season, make sure you keep walking and strength training. Source: Susan Mills-Gray, Nu- trition Specialist, University of Mis- souri Outreach and Extension.
