INSIDE: Gathering, p. 3 • DHAT Update, p. 8 • Kasigluk Clinic, p. 10

Transcription

Volume XVI No. 2 • February 15, 2011
State Representative Bob Herron and YKHC Honorary
Board Member Paul John officially open the Bethel
Sobering Center on January 11. The new facility, a
multi-agency partnership, provides a safe place for
inebriates to sober up, and alleviates stress at the
Hospital Emergency Room. See story on page 5.
Photo by Rhonda Vanover
INSIDE: Gathering, p. 3 • DHAT Update, p. 8 • Kasigluk Clinic, p. 10
YKHC Board of Directors
James C. Landlord
P.O. Box 32168
Mt. Village, AK 99632
907-591-2531
Unit 3
Billy Jean Stewart
P.O. Box 88
Kalskag, Alaska 99607
907-471-2271
Chris Larson
Unit 8

P.O. Box 6051
Napaskiak, Alaska 99559
907-737-7910
Unit 6
Unit 7

Unit 4
Unit 5

Unit 10
Unit 3
P.O. Box 8
Marshall, Alaska 99585
907-679-6320
Gloria Simeon
P.O. Box 308
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-5676
Unit 2
Unit 9

Ray Alstrom

Unit 2

Unit 11
Unit 1

Glen Watson, Sr.
P.O. Box 1874
907-543-4625

P.O. Box 5
Alakanuk, Alaska 99554
907-238-3212

Paula Ayunerak
P.O. Box 1037
907-543-4151/2212
Bill Kristovich
P.O. Box 61
Alakanuk, Alaska 99554
907-238-3358

Mary Ayunerak

Unit 5

Unit 1
Unit 6

Esai Twitchell, Jr.
P.O. Box 121
Kasigluk, Alaska 99609
907-477-6309

Unit 7
Unit 9
Unit 11
George S. Morgan
David O. David
Patrick Tall
Marvin Deacon
Unit 4
Unit 8
Eric Olson, Sr.
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
P.O. Box 78
Kwigillingok, Alaska 99622
907-588-8484
P.O. Box 196
Chevak, Alaska 99563
907-858-7613
P.O. Box 163
Hooper Bay, Alaska 99604
907-758-4068
P.O. Box 37012
Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637
907-427-7114
Unit 10
P.O. Box 45
Grayling, Alaska 99590
907-453-5195
Paul John
P.O. Box 37067
907-427-74l4
Sam W. Alexie
P.O. Box 37134
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.............................................................543-6037
Media Services..............................................................543-6038
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
2011 Board of
Director Meetings
Tribal Unity
Gathering
Finance
XVIII
Jan. 18
Honoring Our Health Aides:
The YK Delta’s First Line of Care
O
ver the last seventeen years we have met at the annual Tribal Unity Gathering to
address the health care issues that are important to our people, with the goal
of improving services and access to care for families and communities in the YK
Delta. Because of directions mapped out at our Tribal Gathering conferences over
the years, YKHC’s services have improved and will continue to improve.
The theme of the 18th Tribal Gathering is Honoring our Health Aides: The YK Delta’s First
Line of Care. We will highlight and reflect upon the importance of the Health Aide model
of care. We will examine its origin as a response to the unique challenges of health care
delivery in southwest Alaska and how our Health Aides positively impact the health of our
communities and the expansion of the community health aide model into behavioral and
dental health.
YKHC depends on the participation of its Tribal representatives and customer/owners
at these Gatherings to better understand our rural health care delivery system as
our employees report out on how we strive to make improvements. During the twoday conference, we will address key health care issues and explore solutions through
collaborative work group sessions. We will finish our conference by establishing health care
priorities for 2011.
We are proud of the Health Aide model of care in providing opportunities for employment
and the health of our rural communities in general, yet rely on you, our patients, customers,
and owners to prioritize where we could improve.
YKHC will arrange
for two members
from each regional
tribal council to fly
into Bethel April 5
and fly home April 8.
Please contact your
local tribal council
office or contact
our team at 907543-6036 if you
have any questions
about registration or
attendance for this
important gathering.
We look forward to
hosting you. Quyana!
Executive Board
Jan. 18 – 19
Finance
Feb. 23
Governing Body
Feb. 23 – 24
Finance
Mar 29
Executive Board
March 29 – 30
April 6 – 7
Tribal Gathering
Cultural Center, Bethel
Finance
April 19
Semi-Annual Full Board
April 19 – 21
Finance
May 25
Governing Body
May 25 – 26
Finance
June 22
Executive Board
June 22 – 23
Finance
July 19
Governing Body
July 19 – 20
The late Betty Guy, long-time Kwethluk Health Aide, sets out on her
rounds in this 1973 photo by James H. Barker.
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 907-543-6038. 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. 907-677-2232. Please ask permission to reprint articles
or pictures. © 2011, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.
3
School teacher (background) Randy Gillett and a few of
Napakiak’s second and third grade students are not letting the cold weather hold them indoors. They are grooming
Napakiak with their new skis provided by YK’s Diabetes Program 2010 Physical Activity Awards!
Diabetes Prevention & Control
Direct line 907-543-6133
www.ykhc.org/diabetes
Pneumo study wraps up with licensing of Prevnar vaccine
By Pneumo staff
Investigators and to Bill Schreiner and Dr. Joe Klejka for your
expertise and support.
Pneumo-13 Study completed enrollment March 25, 2010 when
licensed Prevnar13 vaccine became available to YK Children. We
completed the 6 month follow-up of study children on September
10, 2010. We’re in the final phases and study closeout is
scheduled for Thursday, January 27th. Over 3,000 YK children
have received Prevnar 13 vaccine and no cases of invasive
pneumococcal infections have occurred in YK
children since May 2010.
Rosalyn Singleton, Principal Investigator, presented at
grand rounds on January 27—Impact of PCV13 vaccine on
Pneumococcal Disease in the Delta and What’s New in Vaccines
2011—to officially close the study.
We would like to recognize the following employees
that were integral to the success of this study: Chris
Desnoyers, Bessie Francis, Allison Samuelson, Robin
Gosney, Kerrie Cobbledick, Christine Wiscombe,
Sarah Welch, Kathy Stanton, Melanie Boyer, and
Martina Lauterbach. We’d also like thank Henry
& Nicotine Control for hosting us for a year, for
support from Technology, Medical Records, Study
Health Aides, Village Operations Support Staff, YK
Providers, SRC staff… too many to departments and
people to include here!
Thank you all for your work and dedication. We
appreciate all the efforts that made this a successful
study. A special thanks to Ellen Hodges, Jane
McClure, and Jane Russell for serving as Sub
Staff members Chris Desnoyers, Addie Schonberg, Bessie Francis, and Christine
Wiscombe worked with 60 Healths Aides and 20 Hospital Staff on the Pneumo-13
Vaccine Study.
4
Sobering Center opens
Ellengcarvik • Xiq’udilanhoi Yix is the
culmination of years of joint effort
by Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services and YKHC
Public Relations
The Bethel Sobering Center is set to began operations this
month, providing a safe shelter for intoxicated people who
currently pass through the jail and hospital emergency room.
The center will also free up space and staff time in those
community resources.
The Sobering Center is the result of years of work by partners
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, the Alaska Department
of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority, Bethel Community Services Foundation
and the City of Bethel.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners and
committed to our joint effort to protect those who need a
place to sober up safely and with dignity, and connect those
who may have alcohol addiction concerns with possible
interventions,” said Gene Peltola, YKHC president and CEO.
“The center also reduces the demand on our emergency
room.”
Sobering Center Manager Rusty Tews, (left) stand with former YKHC
employee Alexie Berlin, (center) and Sobering Center EMT Mike Cameron.
Approximately 70 percent of people who need shelter to sober
up are one-time users of the service, said center manager
Rusty Tews. The 3,100-square-foot center, built by local
workers and operated by YKHC, can accommodate 18 people.
The capacity is based on demand in recent years.
The center initially will be open 24-hours Thursday through
Monday and holidays. Staff members have an emergency
medical certification and training on caring for intoxicated
individuals safely and with respect.
Clients will receive a basic medical screening and be
monitored while intoxicated. Once sober, clients will be
offered a brief assessment of their alcohol use, drinking riskreduction suggestions and referrals to treatment services.
Sobering Center Manager Rusty Tews addresses community members
during the grand opening ceremony, held in January.
The City of Bethel will transport inebriated people to the
facility in Community Service Patrol vans. The DHSS Division
of Behavioral Health supports the Sobering Center through
grants to the City for its Community Service Patrol program
and to YKHC.
“We’re delighted to help in this joint effort, which supports
several department goals,” said William Streur, DHSS
commissioner: “Local partnerships, protecting Alaskans’
safety, and linking clients with resources to prevent accidents
and reduce alcohol abuse.”
The center has English, Yupik and Athabascan names,
reflecting the people who live in the center’s lower YukonKuskokwim service area and might need services if they come
into Bethel and binge drink. Ellengcarvik means “The Place to
Become Aware” in Yupik. Xiq’udilanhoi Yix means “A Healing
House” in Holikachuk Athabascan.
Support Services Vice President Greg McIntyre stands in the main
area where inebriated patrons may “sleep off” intoxication after being
admitted into the Sobering Center.
5
Skip the sugary beverages
How Sweet Is It?
Sugary soda pop and fruit drinks
may be a major factor behind
the current childhood obesity
epidemic in Alaska.
In 2009, 65% of adults were overweight or
obese and the state has high rates of childhood
and youth obesity, according to the Alaska
Department of Health and Social Services.
Overweight and obesity are alarming because
both conditions increase the risk for a number
of health problems, including chronic diseases,
which can lead to reduced quality of life,
premature death, and significant healthcarerelated costs.
Our goal for YKHC WIC clinic this year is to
decrease the rate of childhood obesity by
reducing intake of sugary drinks among children.
The bottom line—water is the best to quench children’s thirst.
Skip the sugary drinks, and go easy on the milk and juice. Limit
100% fruit juice to one small glass (6 - 8 oz) and 2–3 cups of
milk (16–24 oz) a day.
According to Harvard School of Public Health, over the short
term, switching from sugar-sweetened soft drinks to “diet”
drinks cuts calories and leads to weight loss. Long term use,
though, may be a different story. “Diet” drinks with artificial
sweeteners may condition our taste buds to crave super-sweet
foods, according to some researchers.
Mobile mammography brings cancer screening closer to home
Breast cancer is one of the top three cancers affecting
American Indians and Alaska Natives. For instance, Alaska
Natives have rates of breast, lung, and colon cancer five times
or more higher than those of Southwestern Indians. That is
an alarming statistic, but it’s just that, a statistic. The most
important concern is when cancer strikes home. When the
disease strikes our mothers, our sisters, out aunties, and our
daughters, statistics mean nothing. Not when it’s family.
During FY2010, the Subregional Clinics have been providing
mobile mammogram screenings on a rotating basis. With the
help of SOPHIE (our mobile mammogram unit) and Cynthia
Flores, (YKHC’s equally mobile traveling mammographer),
more than 215 mammograms have been completed in the
various SRC sites. Each screening brings us closer to our
vision of being the healthiest people.
Ms. Flores commented, “Having a mobile unit makes it much
easier and more convenient for women in remote areas to get
the screenings. It feels great to be able to bring a service out
to where it is needed.”
but it is also a substantial
money saver. An estimated
$90,000 was saved in travel
alone by providing the service
in the Subregional locations.
“I cannot emphasize enough
the importance of getting a
mammogram,” said Flores, “I
want to urge every woman to
get their screening when it’s
due.”
The staff of the various
SRCs will be scheduling
appointments this spring for
those women that are due
for their mammograms. Don’t
miss the opportunity to get
your mammogram.
Not only does the mobile unit provide a much needed service,
The mobile mammography machine.
6
Check out our successes!
NICOTINE CONTROL & RESEARCH
•62% of people in the YKHC Nicotine Control and Research
Tobacco Cessation Program are still tobacco-free after 6
weeks!
A Story of Success!
Quitting Tobacco for Good
•45% of the YK-Delta population is tobacco free!
•63% of pregnant women in the YK-Delta don’t use tobacco!
by Laura Ellsworth
•You can be tobacco-free too!
The YKHC Nicotine Control and Research department would
like to share our successes and hopefully you will too! If you
have a success story on quitting tobacco and you would like to
share, please contact us. Your story may help someone going
through a difficult time or encourage another to quit.
We first met Sylvia in the summer of 2005.
At the time she had been using blackbull
everyday for more than 10 years.
After becoming pregnant, she was motivated to quit tobacco.
“I used nicotine patches and chewing gum, but nothing seemed
to work.”
Our services include cessation and prevention. We have trained
dependence treatment counselors available to help. Quitting
tobacco and that addiction to nicotine can be a very difficult
and personal journey and it is your choice.
Eventually she just gave up. Sylvia went back to using tobacco
and continued to use throughout her pregnancy. She had high
blood pressure because of the tobacco use. This was risky for
the baby so her doctors decided to induce labor.
The Nicotine Control and Research department is available to
help when you make your decision to quit. To see a Nicotine
Dependence Treatment Counselor, please see your local
healthcare provider and get a referral for counseling.
The next time we met Sylvia was three years later, in January of
2008. This time her mind was made up. She got rid of all her
tobacco products, and started using nicotine patches every day
and this time things fell into place. Reaching for sugar-free gum
instead of going back to iqmik worked well. “It really helped with
the cravings. Quitting is easier when you stay busy to keep your
mind off cravings.”
If you would like more information, have questions, or for any
other tobacco related requests for yourself, family members,
and/or friends, please feel free to contact the Nicotine Control
On and off for the next year she tried unsuccessfully to quit.
and Research department at 543-6312 or toll-free at 1-8005478-3321, ext. 6312.
Sewing, doing chores, and going for walks
were also good distractions from her desire to
use tobacco. After the first few days she could
smell and taste everything much better than
before.
At the Bethel Health Fair
“I had so much more energy,” she said.
In just 10 weeks Sylvia became tobacco free
and no longer needed any patches.
“It takes a lot of effort and determination, but
you can do it. Just keep trying. Look at me, I
was able to quit.”
Sylvia was tobacco free for her next
pregnancy and noticed some changes. Her
blood pressure was normal, and this time her
baby was bigger at birth. Being tobacco free
throughout her second pregnancy allowed her
baby to get all the nutrients and oxygen that it
needed to grow.
Sylvia wanted to share this story to encourage
others who are thinking about quitting.
“I’m glad I’m tobacco free now. I grew up
watching my parents use tobacco and that
is probably how I started. Now my kids won’t
see me using tobacco and maybe that will
help them to never start.”
Nicotine Control’s Rahnia Parker, Laura Ellsworth, and Marcelo Hanza were on hand
at the Bethel Health Fair Feb. 5 with good information about how quitting tobacco can
make you happier, as well as add years to your life.
The community health fair was Sponsored by University of Alaska-KuC, Public Health
Nursing, and University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing in partnership with
Alaska Health Fairs, Inc. Other YKHC departments participating were Family Infant
Toddler Program, YKHC Dental Dept., Well Child/Immunization, and WIC.
7
DHAT students in Delta preceptorships
by DezBaa A. Damon, DMD, YKHC Dental Deputy Director
This is YKHC’s third group of Dental Health
Aide Therapists (DHATs) and we are excited
about increasing the access to dental care
for the YK Delta. The DHATs are dedicated to
their community and are highly motivated to
provide services and share their knowledge.
Their names are: Alison Kaganak, Phylicia
Wilde, and Bonnie Johnson.
Prior to going out to the field, the DHATs
must complete a clinical preceptorship here
Alison Kaganak
in Bethel. In their preceptorship they are
required to complete three months or 400
hours of clinical work under the direct supervision of a dentist.
In this time we ensure they are competent in: (a) medical
evaluation, (b) dental evaluation, (c) periodontic techniques, (d)
clinic management and supervision, (e) restorative dentistry,
(f) oral surgery and local anesthesia, (g) infection control,
(h) equipment maintenance and repair, (i) community and
preventative dentistry, before going out to work full-time in the
village.
Phylicia Wilde
Bonnie Johnson
education with the senior community and with continued support
we hope to develop her goals into another outreach program that
YKHC Dental can help carry out.
Phylicia has also taken time to visit the headstart classes in
Bethel, providing demonstrations on how to brush and floss. She
has also been familiarizing the students with fluoride varnish,
with regular visits from the Dental Dept. the children will not be
afraid to visit the dentist or DHAT and we can start methods of
decay prevention early.
Since the DHATs started their preceptorship in January, we have
been learning a lot about their projects to improve education and
prevention for the YK Delta communities.
Bonnie Johnson, of Unalakleet, has produced an educational
video for the operating room, which is where children are sedated
and all decayed teeth are restored. Treatment in the operating
room is completed by our pediatric dentist, Dr. Olivia Hougen.
Alison Kaganak, of Scammon Bay, is continuing her project with
Health Aides and fluoride education. In her project she developed
a PowerPoint presentation that educated health aides on the
importance of fluoride varnish in the community, especially for
the children.
Cases that go to the operating room are mostly cases in which
the child has rampant decay. Bonnie is helping parents/
guardians understand that they have a role in preventing decay
from the start with diet, behavior, and regular dental checkups.
Once a child receives full mouth care, we really need parents/
guardians to help prevent such a condition from happening
again.
Fluoride remineralizes teeth and makes them stronger and if
there is a cavity already in the tooth, the scheduled applications
of fluoride varnish can possibly stop the progression of that
cavity.
Bonnie’s video targets the caretaker and teaches them why it
is important to take care of baby teeth and how to take care
of them. Future plans are to develop the video to be viewed in
YKHC Dental’s waiting room, to make brochures for families to
take home, and provide oral hygiene kits to the parents that are
waiting for their child in the operating room.
Overall, application of fluoride varnish is the key in preventing
decay in a child with no decay and it helps stabilize the decay
in a child who is already affected by decay. The presentation
continues on to show the health aides how to apply fluoride
varnish. Future plans are to make the presentation accessible
to all health aides in the villages and incorporate into the health
aide training.
The impact that the DHATs will have in their communities is
promising. YKHC Dental is very happy that the DHATs are here
and we continue to look forward to developing these outreach
programs to benefit the YK Delta Communities.
Phylicia Wilde, of Mountain Village, was looking to focus on
the senior citizen community of the YK Delta. During her second
year of the DHAT program, she had made visits to the Senior
Center in Bethel. She hopes to make progress in oral hygiene
SUBSCRIBE to the Messenger!
Online Messenger: Published monthly on our website: www.ykhc.org. Enter your email address in the “Messenger by
Email” link.
Messenger Quarterly: Published in March, June, September and December and mailed to all YK Delta village boxholders.
Bethel residents and others: Subscribe by sending your name and mailing address to messenger@ykhc.org
or call Public Relations at 907-543-6038
8
Fear not the Root Canal
Endodontist visits YKHC Dental
by Dr. DezBaa Damon, DMD, Deputy Director
There are several combinations
of words that could cause dread
in patients, but when visiting the
dental clinic two such words can
be “root canal.”
The truth is root canal treatment can save a tooth
from extraction and the technology has improved
so that root canal treatment can be completely
painless. For general dentists it is important to
learn which cases can be easily treated and which
cases need to be referred to a root canal specialist.
Endodontist Richard Mounce of South Dakota examines Alice Andrews of Bethel while her husband Dental Assistant Noah Andrews and YKHC Dental Director
Dr. Brian Hollander look on.
YKHC dentists often feel comfortable treating teeth that have
one or two canals that do not have complicated anatomy, but for
others our clinic may refer patients to the experts for root canal
finishes in Anchorage or Fairbanks. This past month Dr. Richard
Mounce, an endodontist with a practice
in South Dakota, visited the YKHC
Dental Clinic to provide his expertise
and recommendations on choosing the
appropriate cases and techniques to
efficiently complete them.
Our teeth are very important in our overall health. They help us
in our everyday functions of speaking clearly and eating. It is
commonly advised by health experts to eat a variety of
foods, mostly vegetables and lean meats, and the various
shapes of teeth help to cut, grind, and process these types
of foods. The longer a person can preserve their own teeth
the better their overall well being.
Generally, people do know that teeth have nerves, but
each tooth houses those nerves in one, two, or even four
canals. When a tooth has a cavity that infringes upon the
nerve, then the bacteria from the cavity infect the nerve
and that nerve has to be removed. If there is no removal,
then an infection can start and this can eventually lead
to an abscess. Treatment options for such a condition are
a root canal or extraction—either attempting to keep the
tooth or pull it out.
The procedure save the tooth and remove the infected
nerve with special instruments is called a root canal. The
empty canals are thoroughly cleaned, then filled. If the
canals are not filled then the tooth can be very weak and
susceptible to fracture, which may lead to extraction.
When a tooth
has a cavity that
infringes upon
the nerve, then
the bacteria
from the cavity
infect the
nerve and that
nerve has to be
removed.
During Dr. Mounce’s visit, we scheduled
appointments for many patients who
were in need of root canal completion,
and we worked side-by-side with him.
He was also able to complete the much
more complicated cases and dentists
were able to observe how he approached
some of these complications.
As with artistic or athletic skill, dentistry
takes practice, practice, practice, and
with a great coach you soon become a
better player. Dr. Mounce was a great
endodontic coach for our clinic and many
of us are developing into “great players.”
We have one more visit from Dr. Mounce, February 28 to March
4, 2011, and we are all excited to have him return.
The principles of a root canal can seem simple, but it can quickly
become challenging when the roots of the tooth are curvy,
bent, very long, or even hooked. As dentists, we want to make
sure we are able to clean out the entire root, but there can be
complications to adequately cleaning the roots, and we may call
on experts in the field: endodontists.
As always, our most important goal is to provide high-quality care
for the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and Dr. Mounce is
helping us in our endeavor.
9
Kasigluk celebrates
new clinic opening
Kasigluk’s Teddy Brink Memorial Clinic held their grand opening ceremony on Friday, January 14, 2011. The clinic is fully operational and
has already started seeing patients. Ribbon cutting ceremony participants, (left to right): Nick Kalia Jr., Balasia Tinker, Elsie Nicholas, Bernice Keene, Olinka Nicholas, and Sharon Slim.
YKHC Dental is off to the races, and the Health Fair
YKHC Dental Prevention Program had another successful Mushing for Brushing Event.
As a major sponsor of the Bogus Creek 150 race, Dentists, Dental Assistants,
Hygienists, Dental Health Aide Therapists, and Mr. Tooth were on hand.
All encouraged the community to brush, floss, and enjoy sugar-free snacks such as
the sugar-free hot chocolate! Many people were surprised the sugar-free hot chocolate
tasted so good!
A couple weeks later it was Health Fair time, with a display offering plenty of good
information about dental hygiene.
Mark your calendars and keep a lookout for the dental department’s Smile Alaska Style
in the Spring at Camai Dance Festival!
—Dr. DezBaa Damon, Dental Department
YKHC Dental Hygienist Pema Sherpa (left) and DHAT student Bonnie Johnson at the 2011 Health Fair in Bethel.
10
Field Environmental Health Officer Brian
Berube makes his way to the finish line in the
Bogus Creek 150. Berube finished in 6th place!
Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATs),Bonnie
Johnson (left) and Phylicia Wilde as Mr. Tooth offer up some free hot cocoa the Bogus Creek 150.
December 2010:
Inez Pingayak and Marsha Smith
We’re happy to announce the Health Aides of the
month for December 2010, Inez Pingayak and
Marsha Smith of Chevak Clinic.
It is important to mention again that Health Aides are a vital part of
the health care system in rural Alaska. They are the first to respond to
emergencies, they help the terminally ill, and also do preventative health
care such as important immunizations and Well Child exams.
Health Aides constantly sacrifice time away from home and their families
for all kinds of reasons ranging from attending training in Bethel, floating
to other villages to provide care and countless nights and weekends during
emergencies.
They leave their families at
any hour to help you and yours…
Sometimes
certain
Health Aides
rise above
even these
continual
stressors
to provide
extraordinary
care.
Greg McIntyre, VP of Support Services (left) congratulates December Health Aides of the Month Marsha
Smith (center) and Inez Pingayak at the Chevak clinic.
PHoto by Matt Scott.
Inez and
Marsha do all of these tasks whole-heartedly to give quality health care
to every patient they see.
Marsha was hired as a Scammon Bay Health Aide and transferred to
Chevak Clinic. She has been a Health Aide for the last two years. Inez
has been working as a Health Aide for almost three years and has
recently been promoted as a Supervisor/Instructor.
Martha Yohak,CHP, Chefornak, examines young patient. Photo by Janet Erik, CHP.
Health Aides – There for You
Show you care.
Thank your Health Aide today
for the work they do.
Working Together to
Achieve Excellent Health
Do you know an outstanding health aide? Contact the YKHC Field Supervision
Coordinator at 543-6357 to nominate your health aide for an award!
Recently, they were both nominated for Health Aide of the Month
for their outstanding teamwork and focus during a recent tragic
emergency, as well as for providing exceptional everyday care that we
can all be proud of. Congratulations Marsha and Inez for your hard
work and dedication and for December 2010’s Health Aides of the
Month!
Each month, YKHC awards special recognition to
an outstanding Health Aide. If you would like to
recognize a particular Health Aide, contact the Field
Supervision Instructor at 543-6160.
11
Not too late to fight the flu
Kathleen Stanton, RN, YKHC Immunization Program
sneezing, or nasal secretions. You may also get it from touching
things with the flu germ on them. In addition to the vaccine,
washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 15
seconds will help prevent spreading the flu. When you cough,
cough into a tissue or into your elbow. Stay away from other
people if you are sick. Also, if you are coughing and must go see
your provider, wearing a mask can also prevent spreading the flu.
If you have not gotten a flu vaccine this
year, there is still time to get it. Remember
the flu ends in U!
Compared to the general U.S. population, American Indians and
Alaska Natives are more likely than others to catch the flu, get
sicker, be hospitalized and even die from flu-related illness. Last
season, American Indians and Alaskan Natives were four times
more likely to die from 2009 H1N1 flu than other groups.
There are lots of places to get the flu vaccine. In Bethel, you can
get your flu vaccine at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
(543-6000), Bethel Public Health Nursing (543-2110) or Bethel
Family Clinic (543-3773).
In the villages, contact your local village clinic and schedule
an appointment with your village Community Health Aide. For
more information about getting the flu vaccine or if you have any
questions, contact the YKHC Immunization Program 543-6955 or
one of the above locations.
Even though Spring is approaching, influenza is still going
around. Protect yourself, your family, and your community by
getting your flu vaccine now.
The flu vaccine is safe, and recommended for everyone 6 months
of age and older. Getting the flu vaccine each year can keep you
from getting sick and keep you from spreading the flu to children,
elders, and those with certain medical conditions—these groups
can get very sick from flu.
Protecting your community against the flu is a shared
responsibility. Start a new tradition as you gather together this
season. Get vaccinated!
Although flu can make anyone sick, it causes more problems for
babies, pregnant women, elders, and people with certain medical
conditions, like diabetes, asthma or heart problems.
This information was obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information call the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 1-800-CDCINFO (4636), or visit CDC on the web at www.cdc.gov/flu.
The flu is spread from person to person through coughing,
I made time to call...
I made an appointment and got screened.
Get a women’s health exam. Do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones.
For screening information, call
at 1-800-478-3321 x6990.
12
This health campaign is sponsored by the
Alaska Breast & Cervical Health Partnership
with support from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
NEW
FOR BETHEL RESIDENTS
Pharmacy
Medication Delivery
DIRECT
TO YOU!
Bethel residents can now request
pharmacy refills and choose to have
medications sent directly to their
P.O. Box or picked up at the
YKHC pharmacy.
How to get your medications delivered DIRECT TO YOU—



CALL US at the Pharmacy 5 to7 days before
you run out of medicine : 543-6988
TELL US...
•Yourfullname(Pleasespellit)
•Yourdateofbirthormedicalrecord#
•Yourphonenumber
•Nameofthemedication
•Prescriptionnumber
•Prescriptionexpirationdate
•Youwouldlikeyourmedication
refillsmailed.
PICK UP your medication at YOURPostOfficeBoxin1–3days
*medications will automatically be delivered if not picked up within 7 days of order placement*
Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health
13
Pharmacy refill line:
907-543-6988
Hand Washing: A Simple Way To Prevent Infection
The most important thing that you can do
to keep from getting sick is to wash your
hands.
This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer—a cleanser that doesn’t require
water. By frequently washing your hands you wash away germs
that you have picked up from other people, or from contaminated
surfaces, or from animals.
Do you know the benefits of hand washing and how to wash your
hands properly?
Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people
don’t practice this habit as often as they should—even after using
the bathroom. Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your
hands from a variety of sources, such as contact with people,
contaminated surfaces, foods, and even animals. If you do not
wash your hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with
these germs by rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth. And you can
spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching
surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs.
•Rinse and dry well
with a clean towel.
Alcohol-based
sanitizers—which don’t
require water—are an
excellent alternative
to hand washing,
particularly when soap
and water are not available. Some sanitizers contain moisturizers
that help to prevent skin dryness and irritation. However, not all
sanitizers contain alcohol. It is important to use only the alcoholbased products to prevent the spread of germs. If your hands are
visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water rather than a
sanitizer.
To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent
hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
•before eating and cooking (before and after preparing food,
especially before and immediately after handling raw meat,
poultry, or fish
•after using the bathroom
•after changing a diaper-wash the diaper wearer’s hands, too
The First Line of Defense Against Germs
•after cleaning around the house (after handling garbage)
Germs—such as bacteria and viruses—can be transmitted several
different ways. Some ways germs are spread include:
•after touching animals, including family pets
•after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
•through contaminated water and food
•after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
•through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
•after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
•through contaminated surfaces
•through a sick person’s body fluids
One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing
their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated
with the cold virus. You can also spread germs directly to others
or onto surfaces that other people touch. And before you know it,
everybody around you is getting sick.
The important thing to remember is that good hand washing is
your first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses—
not just the common cold or the flu, but more serious illnesses
that could be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands.
How to wash your hands correctly
Here are some simple steps for scrubbing those germs away.
Demonstrate this routine to your child—or better yet, wash your
hands together with your child several times a day so he or she
learns how important this good habit is.
•Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn’t too
hot for little hands.
•Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn’t necessary - any soap will do). Make sure you get
in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited
germs like to hang out. And don’t forget the wrists!
•before or after treating wounds or cuts
•before putting on or taking off contact lenses
Kids Need Clean Hands, too
You can help your children avoid getting sick by insisting that they
wash their hands properly and frequently. To get kids into the
habit, teach by example. Wash your hands with your children and
supervise hand washing. Tell your children to wash their hands
as long as it takes them to sing their ABCs, “Row, Row, Row Your
Boat “ or the “Happy Birthday” song. This works well with younger
children, who may rush when washing their hands.
Older children can use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Younger
children can use them, too—with an adult’s help. Just make sure
the sanitizer has completely dried before your child touches
anything else to avoid alcohol contact from hand-to-mouth. Store
the container safely away after use.
To protect your child’s health, be sure your daycare provider
promotes frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer. Ask whether the child is required to wash their
hands several times a day—not just at meals or snack time.
Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing! The few
seconds you spend at the sink with your child could save you trips
to the see the doctor.
14