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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (April 2, 2009)
Page 8 The INDEPENDENT, April 2, 2009 How do you cope with a job loss? CHD receives grant to fight obesity by the American Counseling Association The Columbia Health District is one of 43 health agencies in 21 states to receive a grant to promote leadership programs to prevent chronic diseases and other risk factors through local collaboration. The award was announced by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, the National Recreation and Park Associa- tion, and the YMCA of the USA. Columbia Health District will become part of Action Commu- nities for Health, Innovation, and EnVironmental ChangE (ACHIEVE), which is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Healthy Communities Program. The program will be countywide. Columbia Health District was selected after a competi- tive review process. The pro- gram coaches are CHD Public Health employees Ashley Swanson and Sherrie Ford, and Leeann Grasseth of Co- lumbia Community Mental Health. “It is exciting to see CCHAC’s work recognized at a Every day we read of more companies laying off workers. While job loss may have been a fear for many last year, to- day’s troubled economic cli- mate has made it a reality for millions. While losing a job may bring financial problems for most people, it’s important to under- stand that it can also bring sig- nificant mental and emotional stress. For many people, losing a job brings reactions similar to the pattern experienced in the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship. A first reaction is usually one of shock and de- nial, of being unable to believe this has really happened. That’s often followed by anger. And while the source of that anger may be those who took away your job, most times the anger is taken out on those close to you. You may find yourself tense, more easily up- set and quicker to react to fam- ily and friends. You may also go through a stage of “bargaining,” a preoc- cupation with trying to get that old job back, no matter how un- realistic or even undesirable that might be. At the same time you may experience sadness and depression as you ques- tion your worth and abilities. It’s important to recognize that these are all normal reac- tions. Understanding that can help you get through those stages quicker, accept the loss and start creating a new work life. You can help yourself by try- ing to avoid adding extra stress to your life. Tell family and friends what’s happened and what you’re feeling, so they can help. Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of rest and keep socially involved, rather than withdraw- ing from those close to you. Avoid sudden, rash major life decisions and changes. Instead, carefully evaluate and set future goals. Do you need more education, to look to a new career field or to sharp- en up your job skills? Evaluate what will make you feel reward- ed and fulfilled in a new job. Are you using your network of family, friends and other con- tacts to help in your job search? Rather than dwelling on the lost job, focus on a pos- itive future. Losing a job, especially one you’ve held for a long time, can bring real trauma and stress to anyone. If you find you’re being overwhelmed by the experi- ence, seek professional help. A counseling professional can provide stress management, career guidance and other services to help you handle this loss and move on to a more positive future. Healthy weight for kids program Healthy Weight for Children will be the topic of a free 90- minute presentation on Thurs- day, April 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Tuality Health Education Cen- ter, 334 SE 8th Ave., Hillsboro. Previously known as Bits & PCs … lace look! p e Sam le new o a wh W Colo e make r Cop ies aga s r new t! Und n e agemen ma •Computer Servicing • Upgrades & Repairs • Office Supplies • Media Transfers • Ink and Toner Refills 503.429.TECH COMPUTER & INTERNET SERVICES • New & Used Computers in stock • Cell Phone Service & Accessories • IPOD accessories • Internet Services • Notary Services 866 Bridge Street, Vernonia Pediatrician Dr. Christopher Morris will discuss the impor- tance of maintaining a healthy weight during childhood. There will be information on the fac- tors that contribute to obesity, and tips for intervention and prevention. Those who plan to attend are asked to call 503-681-1700 to register. national level and this grant provides a valuable opportunity to improve the impact on our community’s health,” said Ford. “The team-based approach allows communities to provide a cohesive response to the lifestyle challenges facing our nation,” said Swanson. “By connecting the leaders who can make change, communi- ties are helping to make healthy behaviors an easier choice, not just the healthier choice.” Ford, Swanson and Gras- seth will immediately begin to expand CCHAC to include elected officials, state and local directors of public health organ- izations, business leaders, leaders of local schools, parks and recreation departments, and other community organiza- tions. These teams will con- vene at an Action Institute in July 2009. At the conference, attendees learn about evi- dence-based approaches to ef- fecting change in their commu- nities from nationally known ex- perts. The purpose of ACHIEVE is to bring together local leaders and stakeholders to build healthier communities by pro- moting policy, systems, and en- vironmental change strategies that focus on physical activity, nutrition, tobacco cessation, obesity, diabetes and cardio- vascular disease. The 2009 ACHIEVE communities will build on the successes of the 2008 ACHIEVE pilot communi- ties. The 43 communities select- ed to join the initiative will be- come part of an aggressive so- cial movement that is mobiliz- ing local communities to re- spond to the public health chal- lenge of obesity, physical inac- tivity and poor nutrition. For a complete list of the communi- ties, go to: www.achievecom munities.org or: www.cdc.gov/ healthycommunitiesprogram. Learn about mold and indoor air quality at upcoming workshop OSU Extension Service will be offering “Mold and other in- door air quality issues,” a workshop with information for professionals who work with homes and buildings, such as building managers, mainte- nance, inspectors, contractors, health and building department officials, architects, HVAC, and homeowners who do their own repairs. Mold can be dangerous to health and destructive to pos- sessions and the structural in- tegrity of buildings. Carbon monoxide, radon, asbestos, VOCs and dust mites can fur- ther contribute to reduced in- door air quality. With all the me- dia attention, it is challenging to separate fact from fiction and to locate reliable information. The workshop will be held April 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; there is a $35.00 fee. It will include the health ef- fects of exposure to mold and other indoor air contaminants, what mold is, why and where it grows. Participants will learn to inspect for adverse conditions and how to remedy them. A certificate of attendance for 3- hours of continuing education will be provided. Presenters include Harriet Amman, Ph.D., and George Tsongas, Ph.D. Professor Em- eritus in Mechanical Engineer- ing from Portland State. Dr. Amman is a board certified tox- icologist and served as Wash- ington Department of Health’s Senior Toxicologist in the Office of Environmental Health As- sessment and Department of Ecology’s Air Quality Program for many years. Dr. Tsongas is a building scientist who spe- cializes in mold and moisture problems in buildings, as well as construction defects and water intrusion. He has in- spected over 10,000 dwelling units as a researcher, consult- ant, and expert witness. The workshop will be at the Portland Community College Event Center, Building 9, Rock Creek Campus, 17705 NW Springville Rd., Portland. Fur- ther information on the pro- grams, the speakers and regis- tration can be found at http://ex tension.oregonstate.edu/wash ington/ or by contacting the OSU Extension Service Wash- ington County, 18640 NW Walker Road #1400, Beaver- ton, OR 97006-8927. Call 503- 821-1150 for more information.