August - Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Employee
Appreciation BBQ
Employees enjoy the
picnic under the big tent
in front of the hospital
August 6. Story and
photos, pages 6-7.
INSIDE: YK visitors, p. 3-4 • Slush, p. 5 • Hooper SRC, p. 8 • Wireless, p. 10
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
YKHC Board of Directors
James C. Landlord
P.O. Box 32168
Mt. Village, AK 99632
907-591-2531
Unit 3
Wayne Morgan
P.O. Box 234
Aniak, Alaska 99557
907-675-4264
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Gloria Simeon
P.O. Box 308
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-5676
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Unit 8
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Joseph C. Bavilla
P.O. Box 6011
Napaskiak, Alaska 99559
907-737-7665
Unit 6
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Henry Hunter, Sr.
P.O. Box 632
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-7963
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P.O. Box 5
Alakanuk, Alaska 99554
907-238-3212
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Paula Ayunerak
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P.O. Box 1037
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-4151/2212
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Bill Kristovich
P.O. Box 46
Emmonak, Alaska 99581
907-949-1514
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Raymond F. Waska, Sr.
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Esai Twitchell, Jr.
P.O. Box 121
Kasigluk, Alaska 99609
907-477-6309
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Unit 7
Unit 9
Unit 11
George S. Morgan
David O. David
Elmer G. Simon
Kathy W. Chase
Unit 4
Unit 8
James Hoelscher
Honorary Board Member
James Nicori
James R. Charlie, Sr.
Moses Peter
James Sipary
P.O. Box 54
Upper Kalskag, Alaska 99607
907-471-2490
P.O. Box 41
Kwethluk, Alaska 99621
907-757-6837
P.O. Box 57
Tuluksak, Alaska 99679
907- 695-6426
PO Box 78
Kwigillingok, Alaska 99622
907-588-8484
P.O. Box 64
Hooper Bay, Alaska 99604
907-758-4109
P.O. Box 189
Hooper Bay, Alaska 99604
907-758-4616
P.O. Box 37012
Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637
907-427-7114
Unit 10
P.O. Box 41
Holy Cross, Alaska 99602
907-476-7162
Paul John
P.O. Box 37067
Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637
907-427-74l4
Sam W. Alexie
P.O. Box 37134
Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637
907- 427-7816
P.O. Box 57
Eek, Alaska 99578
907-536-5428
Numbers to Call
YKHC Main Operator...................................................543-6000
Toll Free.......................................................... 1-800-478-3321
Public Relations.............................................................543-6038
Media Services..............................................................543-6030
Office of Environmental Health & Engineering..............543-6420
Technology Help Desk...................................................543-6070
Human Resources.........................................................543-6060
Administration................................................................543-6020
Hospital.........................................................................543-6300
Emergency Room..........................................................543-6395
Hospital Community Relations......................................543-6350
Social Services..............................................................543-6225
Family Medicine Clinic Appointments............................543-6442
1-800-478-3321
Dental Appointments.....................................................543-6229
Optometry Appointments...............................................543-6336
Audiology Appointments................................................543-6466
Subregional Clinic Appointments
Aniak..........................................................................675-4556
Emmonak...................................................................949-3500
St. Mary’s...................................................................438-3500
Toksook Bay..............................................................427-3500
Public Health Nursing....................................................543-2110
Pharmacy......................................................................543-6382
Travel Management Center...........................................543-6360
WIC Program.................................................................543-6459
Health Services............................................................543-6024
Village Operations.........................................................543-6160
CHAP.........................................................................543-6160
ICEMS........................................................................543-6080
Community Health & Wellness..................................543-6190
Behavioral Health Services...........................................543-6100
Phillips Ayagnirvik......................................................543-6700
Village Services.........................................................543-6740
Home Care Services.....................................................543-6170
2
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
YKHC hosts representatives from the Kellogg Foundation
YKHC Public Relations Staff
R
epresentatives from the Kellogg Foundation, a program sponsor of the Alaskan-based Dental Health Aide
Therapy (DHAT) program, toured the Toksook Bay
Subregional Clinic and YKHC Dental Clinic during a
visit to western Alaska Friday, July 11.
Dr. Al Yee, Program Director, and Dr. Allen Formicola, the former
Dean of the School of Dentistry at Columbia University, traveled
to Toksook Bay where they met with Dental Therapist Lillian
McGilton at the Subregional Clinic.
McGilton gave an overview of her practice and explained the difficulty of access to oral health care in rural Alaska.
Following their time in the coastal community, Doctors Yee and
Formicola returned to Bethel for a luncheon in the YKHC Boardroom, a tour of the local dental clinic, and a visit to the secondyear clinical site for the DHAT program.
From Left: Gene Peltola, YKHC President/CEO; Jerry Drake,
Business Manager for Bethel Community Services Foundation;
Dr. Al Yee and Dr. Allen Formicola of the Kellogg Foundation;
and LaMont Albertson, Executive Director of Yuut Elitnaurviat,
meet to discuss the progress of the DHAT program in the
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Below: Dental Therapist Lillian McGilton checks the teeth of
Dr. Yee during his visit to Toksook Bay.
“It is great that the Kellogg Foundation can see their money at
work and visit a successful Dental Therapist on the job,” said
Gene Peltola, President/CEO of YKHC.
YKHC Board
& Committee Meetings
2008
August 26
Finance Committee
August 27
Executive Board
September 23
Finance Committee
For more information about the Dental
Health Aide Therapy program, log on to
the DENTEX Alaska website at: http://
depts.washington.edu/dentexak/.
September 23–24
Hospital Governing Body
October TBA (@AFN)
Finance Committee & Executive Board
November 18
The Messenger is produced by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s
Public Relations Department as a report to Tribal Members. It is published monthly on-line
at www.ykhc.org/messenger and printed quarterly.
For questions, comments, submission of articles, or subscription information, write to Public Relations Senior Editor, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, P.O. Box 528, Bethel,
Alaska 99559; or call 907-543-6035. E-mail: messenger@ykhc.org. Deadline is the last
day of the month preceding publication. Publication is on the 15th of every month.
Anchorage Office: 4700 Business Park Blvd. Suite E25, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. 907677-2232. Please ask permission to reprint articles or pictures. © 2008, Yukon-Kuskokwim
Health Corporation.
Finance Committee
November 19–21
Full Board of Directors
December 16
Finance Committee
3
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
HSS Secretary impressed
with YK healthcare
by Tiffany Zulkosky, Public Relations Staff
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt visited western Alaska July 23, touring YKHC’s McCann
Treatment Center (MTC) in Bethel and the
Betty Guy Memorial Clinic in Kwethluk.
Secretary Leavitt meets (from left) Dr. Ellen Hodges, Chief of
Staff, and Martha Olick, Kwethluk’s lead Health Aide at the
Betty Guy Memorial Clinic.
MTC Program Director Jamie Kassman described McCann’s programs,
highlighting the subsistence activities available to clients through a programoperated fish camp.
Leavitt learned about the YK Delta region and YKHC’s history of health care
service as well as current developments surrounding a long-term care facility
for local elders, Behavioral Health Telemedicine/Telepsychiatry, and the progress of the Prematernal Home project.
In Kwethluk, Secretary Leavitt got an up-close look at how heatlh care is delivered in the villages at the new Betty Guy Memorial Clinic with Village Operations Administrator Jane Russell, Chief of Staff Dr. Ellen Hodges, and lead
Health Aide Practitioner Martha Olick.
“I’d like to thank YKHC for their commitment to the health of residents within this
region,” said Secretary Leavitt. “You do a great deal of work to ensure health
care is accessible for all residents.”
President/CEO Gene Peltola accepts
a Certificate of Ap­preciation from Sec.
Leavitt on behalf of YKHC for pro­
viding “health and safety” to Alaska’s
Native people.
Leavitt has been Health and Human Services Secretary since January, 2005.
He manages more than 67,000 federal employees to ensure health and human
services are available to those in need. Leavitt formerly served three terms as
the Governor of Utah.
Watch
for...
in your box September 15
4
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Meet Slush: Kusko the
Immunization Dog’s Sidekick
c/o Office of the Regional Health Administrator – Region V, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1300, Chicago, Illinois 60601
By Tiffany Zulkosky, YKHC Public Relations
Kusko has a new friend to help bring awareness about the importance of immunizations.
Slush, a one year-old pup, was introduced by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta ImmuHEALTH
nizationPATHWAYS
Coalition atINTO
this year’s
4th CONFERENCE
of July parade and festivities at Pinky’s Park.
September
2008 of vaccines and immunizations, Slush will learn
A little afraid,
timid,8-11,
and unsure
from his
older
friend
Kusko,
and share
with new friends in the YK Delta, the sigAlyeska Resort, Girdwood,
Alaska
nificance of staying immunized.
The purpose of this conference is to bring together a
“Slush is
willing
andofable
to travel
to villages
for events such as immunization
diverse
group
individuals
to contribute
to the
clinics,development
health fairs,of head
starts,
and
schools,
as well as other events for appearappropriate and effective educational
ances and for the promotion of immunizations,” said Kathleen Stanton, EPSDT/
methodologies for primarily distance-based AI/AN
Immunization Nurse with the Community Health Aide Program. “Also, we’d like
health professions education. Three core concepts that
to thank the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program for their help in bringing
will be illuminated to advance this process include:
Slush on board.”
1 Cultural
Attunement
Learn more
about
the adventures of the two immunization mascots—log on to
2 Interprofessional Education
www.ykhc.org/messenger
for YKHC Messenger updates.
3 Distance Learning/Telehealth technologies
Slush, left, is teaming up with Kusko
the Immunization Dog to help raise
immunization awareness in the Delta.
To book Kusko and/or Slush for an event call Kathleen Stanton at 1-800-478-3321 ext. 6186 or in Bethel
at 543-6186. Or email the YK Delta Immunization Coalition: ykdeltaimmunize@gmail.com
Achieving Excellence, Harmony, and Balance
Transforming health professions education in
American Indian and Alaska Native communities
September 8-10, 2008
Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska
Post-Conference Women's Health Symposium to be held on September 11, 2008
5
Conference
REGISTRATION FEE
$150 per person
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
September 1, 2008
REGISTER ONLINE
www.pathwaysintohealth-
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Employees
honored at
annual BBQ
by YKHC Public Relations Staff
Support Services Vice President Greg McIntyre shows how fish is grilled on the
Kuskokwim.
There was plenty of food to go around at the annual
Employee Appreciation Barbecue Wednesday, Aug.
6—600 burgers, more than 500 hot dogs and a couple
hundred pounds of fresh Kuskokwim salmon were served.
The hospital kitchen crew also brought out the potato salad, macaroni salad, fry
bread and bean soup. An estimated 1,000 employees and guests went through
the serving line.
The highlight of the day was an appearence by Alaska’s senior senator Ted Stevens and his good friend Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. Stevens’ wife Catherine
and Sen. Inouye’s new bride Irene were also there.
The food was cooked and served by YKHC’s Senior Leadership team with assistance from volunteers
from OEHE, Public
Relations, Administration, Technology,
Materials Management, Dietary, and
many others.
Remarks by President/CEO Gene Peltola as well as both
senators and other
Kelsey Hustedt, Environmental
guests congratulated
Health Officer with YKHC’s Office of
Environmental Health & Engineering,
and thanked YKHC
dishes out dogs.
employees for their
dedication to the
YKHC mission and the healthcare of the people of the Delta.
See BBQ p. 7
Lots of employees, lots of food. The crowd chowed
down under the big tent at the hospital.
6
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Employee BBQ...
from p. 6
S
pecial thanks to the Bethel VFW for loaning the PA
system, food warmer, and additional serving items.
Thanks also to the Lion’s Club for loaning the big grill
trailer. We also want to thank all the local businesses and YKHC
departments for donating door prizes:
AC Co. ������������������������������� Two $25 Gift Certificates
Anica River Store ������������� Vacuum Cleaner
Crowley Marine����������������� 20 Gallons of Fuel—Unleaded
or Heating Fuel
NAPA Auto Parts �������������� Toolset, Hats and Gloves
Swanson’s ������������������������ Two $50 Gift Certificates
VFW ����������������������������������� Three Gas BBQ Grills
Corina’s Caselot���������������� Two $50 Gift Certificates
YKHC Admin ��������������������� Jim Barker Book “Always Getting Ready”
YKHC Dental ��������������������� Sonicare Toothbrush with Whitening Toothpaste
YKHC Diabetes ����������������� Water Bottles
YKHC Gift Shop ��������������� Jackets, Shirts, Hats
YKHC Human Resources Two 6-month Employee Wellness Center Coupons
YKHC Injury Prevention �� Life Vest and Floatcoat
YKHC Technology ������������ 2 Memory Sticks
YKHC Healthy Hearts������� T-shirts, Berry Buckets, Recipe
Books
YKHC Optometry�������������� 2 Sunglasses
Nicholson’s Auto��������������� Hats
Senator Ted Stevens��������� School Supplies
President/CEO Gene Peltola thanks the employees for their
hard work and introduces Senators Dan Inouye (background,
with his wife Irene) and Ted Stevens.
Sen. Inouye greets Bethel
Traditional Chief Peter Jacobs.
Chief Financial Officer Joe
DeMeo brings fish from the
grill.
Employees gathered for a group photo with the event’s distinguished guests. Photos by Michael Faubion.
7
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
SRC rises in Hooper Bay
by Greg McIntyre, Support Services VP
I
t has been just a year since the first piling went into the ground
in Hooper Bay for the Subregional Clinic. The new SRC is a little
over 14,000 square feet and is accompanied by a 6,000 square
foot 6-plex to house the SRC staff. Completion of both buildings
is anticipated in early 2009.
Although the groundbreaking ceremonies took place in May of 2007,
this official start of the project was preceded by several years of
planning and applications. This was accomplished through efforts of
the YKHC Capital Projects and Grants departments. This predevelopment work includes site acquisition and evaluations, building concepts and design, and cost estimations and applications for funding.
The SRC funding came together topped off by a Denali Commission
award for more than $6 million dollars in early 2007. Other funding
was secured through Indian Health Service (IHS) medical equipment
funding, legislative funding and a Small Ambulatory Program (SAP)
grant through IHS for a total of $8,405,700. The 6-plex housing unit
for staff was funded primarily through an AHFC grant for health care
and matched by a legislative appropriation for a total of $1,718,517.
Site work began in July of 2007 followed by piling. By September
of 2007 most of the foundation was complete, including the major
structural beams. The remainder of the building packages pulled into
Hooper Bay on the last barge of the season and the frames of the
buildings began to rise into the Hooper Bay skyline.
There was a slight setback at the end of October as winds that were
believed to be in excess of 80 miles per hour blew down some of
the SRC wall panels. Replacements were flown in and the building
was back on track by mid December. From January of 2008 until
the present, work has continued steadily despite temperatures of
30 below zero at times. Both the SRC and the 6-plex are now near
completion on the exterior with a variety of interior plumbing, electrical and sheetrock work in progress.
Nick Anelon from the YKHC Construction Department, originally from
New Halen and currently from Bethel, supervised the entire project.
A local work force of up to 20 people was employed during different
phases of the project. The remainder of supplies for the two buildings
is currently on the high seas destined for an August arrival in Hooper
Bay.
Starting from top: Groundbreaking May 14, 2007: YKHC
President/CEO Gene Peltola, Sea Lion Corp. President
William Naneng, Hooper Bay Tribal Administrator Elmer
Simon, and Denali Commission Co-chair George Cannelos.
Pilings and foundation beams: September, 2007. Framing:
December, 2007. Nearing Completion: August, 2008.
Left: 6-plex for staff housing nearing completion, Spring,
2008.
8
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
SRC lab
assistant earns
certification
TOKSOOK SRC QUARTERLY CHAMPS
by Leslie Boelens, Lab
Assistant Program Manager
Elsie Chanar, Toksook Bay
Subregional Clinic Lab
Assistant, successfully
passed the ASCP (American Society of Clinical
Pathology) Board of Registry Exam for Phlebotomy
Technician.
Elsie Chanar
This is a national certification for collecting and processing
blood for laboratory testing.
Elsie has been taking distance education classes through the
UAA Medical Laboratory Technician program. She completed
six college credit hours and one year of on-the-job training to
become eligible to take the exam.
We congratulate her on her success!
........?
Toksook Bay Subregional Clinic won the Quarterly Champion
award for having the highest Press Ganey “Very Good” score of
59.5 percent. That earned them custody of the trophy birch bowl
for the coming quarter, shown here at the celebration held Aug. 7.
Who do I call
YKHC presents
the “Reeding
Room”
Public Relations Staff
911
The arrival of the
Siemens 16-slice
CT scanner was
celebrated during a
Gene Peltola, CEO, and Ronnie Fitzgrand opening on
patrick (right), Director of Diagnostic
Imaging, celebrate the CT Scanner’s
Wednesday, June
arrival with Reed (center).
18. During the event,
Louise Reed, a longtime advocate of bringing CT technology to the YK Delta, was
presented with a plaque commemorating the room as the “Reeding Room.”
State Trooper
1-800-764-5525
or Village VPSO
543-6300
or 1-800-478-2642
YKHC Emergency
Services for Behavioral
Health on-call Clinician
1-866-465-8930
“Louise was often seen walking through the halls with blueprints
rolled up under her left arm and a tape measure in her right
hand,” said Ronnie Fitzpatrick, Director of Diagnostic Imaging.
ComPsych Employee
Assistance Program
Reed, currently the Director of Outpatient Clinics, was the Director of Diagnostic Imaging for 13 years, leading the planning and
development for a CT Scanner that was requested by the Board
of Directors in 1995. Her accomplishments include updating the
department’s technology, seeking funding sources and presenting information to Tribal leaders for many years.
1-800-478-3321
or 543-6100 in Bethel
Behavioral Health
Critical Incident
Stress Management
Program pager #3203
“I am so honored and thankful for the support of my co-workers,
administrators and the Board of Directors,” Reed said. “Providing
care is all about working together and moving forward.”
9
Life-threatening emergency...
Active suicide attempt, overdose,
incident involving weapons, possible
serious harm to somebody, person
threatening to kill or seriously hurt
themselves or somebody else
Mental health situation...
Somebody might need to be committed
to psychiatric hospital in Bethel or
Anchorage—acting bizarre, out of touch
with reality, maybe seeing/hearing
things that are not there, “talking crazy,”
maybe talking about suicide
Personal or family problems...
A YKHC employee or family member
needs help dealing with an alcohol or
drug problem, depression, job stress,
marriage or financial problems, grief
issues, domestic abuse, or similar
problems.
After a disaster or tragedy
There’s been a terrible event in my
village—a suicide, bad accident with
injuries, multiple deaths, etc. and we
need help coping with all of this
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Universal Wireless
Service on the way!
EMPLOYEE YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION
YKHC Technology Services
GCI plans to launch wireless
phone and internet service in
approximately 200 rural villages
statewide over the next three
years. The first locations are to
have service by October of this
year.
YKHC President/CEO Gene Peltola and
Chief Information Officer David Hodges have
been pushing for this service in order to
supply YKHC patients and providers better
communications in the region.
Hodges says the service upgrade will give
YKHC and other village customers statewide
cell phone access. GCI will also have roaming agreements in place for calling in the
Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. This
means that your cell phone in Bethel will
finally work in Anchorage or while you are on
vacation in Honolulu.
Once wireless service is launched, customers in rural locations will have access to GCI
wireless voice, text messaging and data
services. Customers will be able choose from
a wide range of mobile handsets—from basic
and inexpensive to higher end handsets—as
well as more weather resistant rugged handsets. They can also choose a fixed desktop
device or a fixed terminal device, which can
be hooked up to their existing landline phone.
Blackberry devices and other smartphones
will be available as well.
Hodges says there’s no specific information
available just yet on the packages and plans
that will be offered, but customers will be
able to choose from plans which offer the following: unlimited calling within a customer’s
home village – including all calls to and from
other wireless and/or wireline customers,
Alaska statewide calling plans and nationwide calling plans. Customers will also be
able to add additional lines at reduced rates.
“This will have a far-reaching effect for
see WIRELESS, p. 11
Employees reaching years of service milestones were recognized at a
luncheon in the CHSB Board Room July 30. From left: Hubert Angaiak, Clinical
Systems Analyst, 15 years; Atalaya Jimenez, Patient Financial Services
Manager, 5 years; Carrie Enoch, Nicotine Control and Research, 15 years; Jean
Tunuchuk, Village Clinic Lease Coordinator, 5 years; Debra Samson, Registered
Nurse, 15 years; Diane Wasuli-Dock, IT Operations Manager, 5 years; Olga
Evan, Russian Mission Health Aide, 5 years.
Fundraiser benefits
Sudan project
by Katrina Baldwin
Bethel community members gathered at the
Cultural Center August 8 to raise money for
a medical project in Old Fangak, Sudan, run
by YKHC’s Dr. Jill Seaman.
Throughout the course of the evening, a
typical Sudanese meal of lentil soup and
rice was served. Desserts were sold and a
myriad of donated items were auctioned off
to raise a total of $11,000.
Dr. Jill Seaman with Gatmai, a
Nuer tribe child in Sudan.
Dr. Seaman presented a slideshow on the region of Sudan which is home to the
Nuer, a predominately nomadic tribe of cattle herders who maintain a traditional
lifestyle on an island in the middle of the largest swamp in the world. Dr. Seaman’s images depict a region of the world plagued by disease, many of which are
preventable and curable.
Along with an alarming view of the poverty and famine in Old Fangak, Dr. Seaman’s images present a hopeful glimpse at those cured by the medical care she
brings to the region.
Dr. Seaman first came to the YK-Delta in 1989. She now splits her time between
Bethel and Old Fangak, Sudan where she has dedicated much of the last
19-years to improving the health and saving the lives of the people there.
The money raised will go directly to the project in the form of medicine, I.V.’s,
latex gloves, mosquito netting and other medical supplies.
10
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Nunam Iqua Health Aide Savanna Strongheart has
been named Health Aide of the Month for July.
Savanna has been working for YKHC since November 19, 2006, when
she started as a health aide trainee—the same year she graduated
from High School.
She progressed quickly through all her session trainings, which were
held in Bethel. She is now a Community Health Practitioner (CHP).
Savanna’s PEFs are all well organized and complete according to the
CHAM book. She is a great teammate to her co-worker, Francine Afcan,
who is also a CHP. Both are calm during emergency situations.
Thank you, Savanna! You are one super Health Aide.
Savanna Strongheart, July Health Aide of the Month.
Photo by Katrina Baldwin.
WIRELESS, from p. 10
#OMMUNITY(EALTH!IDE0ROGRAM
healthcare in our region,” Hodges said. “This technology will allow
patients and providers an inexpensive method to stay connected to
healthcare services and personnel. This brings us the capability to
assist and respond to medical services in a more efficient and expedient manner—something other areas of the world have been doing for
decades.”
Timeline for Wireless Rollout
October 1, 2008
Bethel
Kotlik
Quinhagak
Akiachak
Kwethluk
Russian Mission
Akiak
Kwigillingok
Saint Marys/Pitkas
Point
Alakanuk
Marshall
Scammon Bay
Atmautluak
Mekoryuk
Toksook Bay
Chefornak
Mountain Village
Tuluksak
Chevak
Napakiak
Tuntutliak
Eek
Napaskiak/Oscarville
Tununak
Emmonak
Newtok
Hooper Bay
Nightmute
Kipnuk
Kasigluk
Nunam Iqua Point
Nunapitchuk
Kongiganak
Pilot Station
August 1, 2009
Aniak
Chuathbaluk
Well Child
Wednesdays
For your children
ages birth to 20
Start your child on the road to a healthier future!
Call your village clinic today
to schedule an appointment for a
Well Child Wednesday Exam
Sept. 1, 2010
Anvik
Crooked Creek
Grayling
Holy Cross
Kalskag
Red Devil
Shageluk
Sleetmute
11
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Prevention is the key to wellness
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Steps To a Healthier You Series
MyPyramid Plan can help you choose the foods and amounts
that are right for you. Let’s walk inside the Pyramid and find
out helpful tips on how we can make smart choices, uses and
healthy changes from each food group.
MyPyramid.gov
One size doesn't fit all. MyPyramid offers personalized
eating plans, interactive tools to help you plan and
assess your food choices, and advice to help you:
From the MEAT & BEANS Group
General Tips
• Start with a lean choice.
►Make smart choices from every food group.
Beef: Round eye, top round, bottom round, round tip, top loin,
top sirloin, chuck shoulder and arm roasts.
►Find your balance between food and physical activity.
Pork: Pork loin, tenderloin, center loin, ham.
►Get the most nutrition out of your calories.
Ground Beef: The label should say at least 90 percent lean.
Sometimes you may be able to find 93 percent or even 95 percent lean.
►Stay within your daily calorie needs.
MyPyramid food plans are designed for the general
public ages 2 and over; they are not therapeutic diets.
Those with a specific health condition should consult
with a health care provider for a dietary plan that is
right for them.
Poultry: Skinless chicken parts or take off the skin before
cooking; skinless chicken breast and turkey cutlets are the
leanest poultry choices.
• Choose lean turkey, roast beef, ham, or low-fat luncheon
meats for sandwiches instead of luncheon meats with more
fat, such as regular bologna or salami.
Visit www.mypyramid.gov on the web
• Chill (refrigerate) perishable food promptly. Refrigerate or
freeze perishables, prepared food and left-overs within two
hours.
• Broil, grill, roast, poach, or boil meat, poultry, or fish instead of
frying.
• Drain off any fat that appears during cooking.
• Never defrost food on the kitchen counter at room temperature. Thaw food by placing it in the refrigerator, submerging
air-tight packaged food in cold tap water, or defrosting on a
plate in the microwave.
• Skip or limit the breading on meat, poultry or fish. Breading
adds fat and calories and it also causes the food to soak up
more fat during frying.
• Avoid eating raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing
raw eggs and raw or undercooked meat and poultry.
• Prepare dry beans and peas without added fats.
• Choose fish more often for lunch or dinner. Look for fish rich in
omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, trout, and herring.
• Avoid some types of fish that contain a high amount of mercury.
• Choose dry beans or peas as a main dish or part of a meal
often.
Don’t let smoking make a
monkey out of you.
• Choose nuts as a snack, on salads, or in main dishes. Use
nuts to replace meat or poultry, not in addition to them.
Keep it safe to eat
• Separate raw, cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
Call YKHC’s Nicotine Control & Research and get help quitting
1-800-478-3321 or 543-6312
• Wash cutting boards, knives, utensils and counter tops in hot
soapy water after preparing each food item and before going
on to the next one.
• Store raw meat, poultry and seafood on the bottom shelf of the
refrigerator so juices don’t drip onto other foods.
• Cook foods to a safe temperature to kill microorganisms. Use
a meat thermometer to make sure that the meat is cooked all
the way through.
12
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Appropriate Use
of Antibiotics
What are antibiotics?
acute bronchitis and most sore throats) resolve on their own
but symptoms can last several days or as long as a couple
weeks.
• Antibiotics are powerful medicines that are mainly used to
treat infections caused by bacteria.
Are antibiotics safe?
Yes.
• These are known as anti-bacterial drugs.
• These drugs cannot fight viruses; there is a special class of
medicines called antivirals that specifically fight infections
caused by viruses.
• Antibiotics taken as prescribed are generally safe and effective at treating bacterial infections.
• There are many classes of antibiotics; each designed to be
effective against specific types of bacteria.
• When an antibiotic is needed to fight a bacterial infection, the
correct antibiotic is needed to kill the disease-producing bacteria.
How can I tell if an illness is caused by a virus or a
bacteria?
• The symptoms of viral infections are often the same as those
caused by bacterial infections.
• But it is important that your doctor or health care provider
decide if a virus or bacteria is causing the infection.
• Sometimes diagnostic tests are needed.
If an infection is caused by a virus, what can be
done to relieve the symptoms?
• An antibiotic will not work.
• You need lots of extra rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) and eat healthy foods.
• Some over-the-counter medications may help while your body
is fighting the virus:
• Acetaminophen* may help for muscle aches or fever.
• Decongestants* may help if you have a stuffy nose.
• Cough syrup* may relieve cough symptoms.
• Throat lozenges (for older children and adults only) can
ease a sore throat.
• Ask your doctor about topical analgesic eardrops for ear
pain.
* Follow package directions for age & dose or your health
care providers’ instructions.
• Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics, but can usually take other antibiotics if needed.
• All medications can have side effects, so be sure to ask
about potential side effects and how to manage them.
When are antibiotics needed?
• You should take antibiotics—the complete prescription—
when your healthcare provider prescribes them for a bacterial
infection.
• Anti-bacterial drugs are needed when you have an infection
caused by bacteria.
• These drugs cannot fight infections caused by viruses.
When I feel better can I stop taking the
medication?
No.
• Not before you complete all the medication prescribed.
• The prescription is written to cover the time needed to for
your body to completely kill the bacteria.
• If you stop taking the antibiotic early, the bacteria that are
still alive are more likely to be resistant and could restart the
infection – or pass it on to others.
Can I save the antibiotics for the next time I am
sick?
No.
• Taking incomplete doses of antibiotics will not make you
better and will increase your risk for developing resistant bacteria in the future.
• Also, your next illness may be caused by a virus instead of
bacteria – and antibiotics won’t help.
• A cool mist vaporizer may help too.
Please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or
healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Keep your home smoke-free. Viral infections (like chest colds,
13
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Threat Planning: Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery
7th International Bird Flu Summit
Las Vegas, Nevada 13-14 November 2008
Know How To Respond
How to Plan
Recognize problems earlier. Make the right decision faster.
Make everyone a stakeholder. Spell out roles and responsibilities.
Plan To Continue
Protect Your Community
Maintain cash flow and work flow. Keep the learning process alive.
Know your resources. Test them against your toughest scenarios.
You are invited to join us in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 13-14, 2008
at the 7th International Bird Flu Summit, the independent netowrking event
for public-private partnership. Data provided for this summit include
information about the outcomes and proceedings of academic and
governmental summits worldwide. Evaluate latest objectives, resources,
opportunities and strategies in real-world conditions.Take advantage of this
unique opportunity to discuss your role in addressing the threat of bird flu
with renowned scientists, researchers, healthcare leaders, corporate heads
and independent consultants.
US Policy and National Strategy for
Pandemic Influenza
Previous Speakers
International Organizations
Alex Thiermann
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
Dr. Wenqing Zhang
WHO Epidemic and Pandemic
Switzerland
Koos van der Velden
European Influenza Surveillance Scheme
Netherlands
Perspectives and Updates on
Pandemic Influenza from Across the Globe
Global Influenza Surveillance Networks and
Pandemic Preparedness
Dr. Robert Andraghetti
WHO
Switzerland
Dr. David Nabarro
UN Coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza
International Early Warning Signs
Prevention & Reduction of Transmission
Interoperability between Asian regions, Europe, Africa, US
Current Scientific Advances of H5N1 Virus
Analysis of Viral Strains & Molecular Biology
Virulence & Pathogenicity
Mysteries of Influenza revealed thru different approaches
Emerging Infectious Diseases-H5N1Pandemic Potential
Virology: The key to successful Curtailment
and Limitation of Spread
Administering Live Vaccines for
Influenza Viruses
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14
Nicotine Control
& Research
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Smoke Fish
Not Tobacco
If you’re ready to take the cigarette out of your
mouth and let the fish do the smoking, call
YKHC Nicotine Control & Research
1-800-478-3321 or 543-6312
Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health
15
Volume XIII No. 8 • August 15, 2008
Getting on a Boat? Be sure to Float! Wear your PFD!
Personal Flotation Device
Summer in the YK Delta means
fishing, boating, swimming, travel,
and recreation. This year, beat the
odds; get a PFD and wear it.
Today’s PFD’s fit better, look better,
and are easy to move around in.
Some PFD’s are made to protect you
from cold water. A PFD with bright
colors is easier to see and may
increase your chances of rescue.
A PFD must fit comfortably and snug. Make sure your PFD is made for
your weight and size.
But, no matter which PFD you choose, the best PFD is the one you wear.
Remember, spending a little time now can save you a lifetime later.
In Bethel?
Stop by and see what we have!
We are located at the “New YK” Building
2nd Floor, Suite 223
Hours: M–F, 8 a.m.—5 p.m.
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
P.O. Box 528
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-6000
Float Coats & PFDs
Injury Control & EMS Sales
Safety Equipment Sales Shop
YKHC’s Injury Control & EMS, Sales Shop offers a variety of
safety equipment such as: PFD’s, ice cleats, off-road helmets,
snowmachine helmets, goggles, and first aid kits.
The products we purchase are directly from the manufacturer.
Which means we purchase the items at wholesale cost and
consumers buy them for less than what the stores charge!
Call us today for product availability!
1-800-478-6599 ext. 6085
or 907-543-6085
Non -Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Anchorage, AK
Permit # 537