by Michelle | Sep 20, 2018 | Why I'm In
The Tillamook County Wellness “Why I’m In” interview series highlights our community partners and what has inspired and motivated them to work toward the common goal of improving community health.
“WHY I’M IN” Marlene Putman, Administrator, Tillamook County Health & Human Services Department
What drew you/your organization to Tillamook County Wellness?
Putman: For me, Tillamook County Wellness is both a professional and personal calling. This has allowed some of my own personal beliefs to take root within our organization as well as for me as an individual. Overall, I’ve always been very healthy. However, my experience of having Polycystic Kidney Disease and a kidney transplant has impacted my health. The effects of medication and work stress have had a huge impact on me both mentally and physically.
Working in healthcare has actually been very unhealthy for me. As healthcare providers, we tend to think about everyone else’s health and not our own. This work has helped me think more about how I can become more healthful.
Before becoming a County Commissioner, I asked Bill Baertlein, “If you could have an impact in health services, what would you do?” That’s when we talked about doing a “Year of Wellness.” It was an opportunity for us to work together to influence community health in a positive way.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
Putman: Community awareness has been raised around the importance of your own health. I believe people are thinking more about their health and what they can do to improve it. They are more aware of what they are eating and of becoming more active, as well as drinking more water and striving to get enough sleep.
In my work place, we have talked about our internal policies. Do we have a healthy meeting policy? Are we thinking about the need for people to stand and move while they work? Are breaks long enough for people to go for a walk? Do people feel supported? I know that we have purchased a lot of standing desks in the last several years! And, we have learned that having an internal champion pushing these changes from within is important.
Personally, it has reminded me to build in time to just move more. I try to walk to meetings, get up and talk to people. I have revisited my work schedule and am learning how to scale back where I can.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
Putman: I have learned that people need time to process and think about the health behavior changes they can make before they can or will make those changes. This is true for organizations as well as individuals. In theory, we know what we need to do but we have to consider how we will actually act on that knowledge.
I’ve realized that we all have perceptions about what we think it takes to be healthy. It is easy to judge ourselves and feel like we are falling short. The question is, does this make me feel better? That’s the important thing.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
Putman: I hope we really do succeed in changing attitudes about what it means to be healthy. And not just attitudes, but actions.
My hope is that, organizationally, and maybe even within the County, we support and encourage employees to exercise, provide time to exercise throughout the day, and/or offer a Y membership to employees, like other businesses.
I also hope to see more youth involvement. We need youth involvement as they will be impacted by health behaviors that are being established today. Youth voices in policy development are critical to future changes in the schools and community.
I am hopeful that organizations will continue to work together and support each other, like having fun walking challenges.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing population health in Tillamook County.
Putman: My hope is that we reach our goal of reducing risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes and that we can measure our impact. It feels good to be hopeful and look at the possibilities, rather than the impossibilities. Everyone has hopes and dreams. This is about giving people hope, regardless of what their circumstances are. Having a positive attitude is half the battle.
by Michelle | Sep 14, 2018 | Recipes
Recipe Source: Recipe and photo from www.FoodHero.org
Number of servings: 4
Time for preparation (including preparation and cooking): 35 min
Ingredients:
4 bunches of radishes (30 to 36 radishes)
1⁄2 cup water
2 Tablespoons sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Wash radishes and remove stems and roots. Cut in half or quarters.
- In a medium saucepan or skillet, bring water, sugar and salt to a boil.
- Add radishes and reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until radishes are tender and can be pierced with a fork, about 5-7 minutes.
- Uncover and cook until liquid reduces to make a shiny glaze. Serve warm.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- Radishes are also tasty in a stir-fry or green salad.
by Michelle | Sep 14, 2018 | Why I'm In
The Tillamook County Wellness “Why I’m In” interview series highlights our community partners and what has inspired and motivated them to work toward the common goal of improving community health.
“WHY I’M IN” – An Interview with David Butler, President, Adventist Health Tillamook Regional Medical Center
What drew you into the Year of Wellness, now Tillamook County Wellness?
Butler: Wellness is a movement I personally believe in. I like feeling good. This is a personal commitment that my wife and I have made to each other and to our children. We want to have a fruitful life and enjoy each other and our family and friends for as long as we can.
From a faith-based perspective, I believe God created these amazing bodies, this machinery, that can take care of itself if we are putting the right things into it. I think it’s to our advantage to understand what works for each of us. What may work for one person, may not work for others. In general, though, there are best practices we can follow and that’s what we are doing here.
As an organization, I have always been in favor of “well care” rather than “sick care.” That’s why I love Tillamook County Wellness. It’s focusing more on long term health. We know we can prevent Type 2 Diabetes. There is so much evidence out there. We are almost negligent if we don’t do this.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
Butler: I am seeing more education, more marketing. I think a lot of this is just about education – people understanding that they can have hope and that there is a way out. Demonstrating how they can feel better and how they can eliminate some of the ailments they’ve had.
Our CHIP program is a great example of how we are changing health. We have had 500 residents go through the program since it started. That’s 10% of the city’s population! People lose weight, their health improves and they feel better. The results we have seen have been amazing.
On the healthcare side, I am seeing excitement on the part of some of our providers. I like that this is about more than one organization. We are seeing prejudices, walls and barriers coming down by educating, communicating and partnering.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
Butler: I’ve learned that you need to have thick skin and be persistent; that, if you stay the course and don’t give up, you can achieve quite a bit. People will get on the bandwagon and provide resources and help. I’ve learned that, when you get a lot of people changing, you get everyone’s attention and then even more people want to become part of the movement.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
Butler: My hopes are that we see more businesses and organizations support this. By that I don’t just mean going to meetings but contributing resources and money. I’d also like to see civic organizations and mom and pop businesses supporting this within their organizations. We are not talking about expensive changes in lifestyle habits. We aren’t talking about running a marathon here. We are talking about tweaking things. It’s about getting outside for fresh air and sunshine. My family bought a trampoline and we are all using it. It’s great for our health and it’s fun.
Another hope is that the food and restaurant industry in our county jumps on the bandwagon and starts offering more healthy options. Maybe even offering special “approved” menu items that align with our wellness efforts. We are stepping up in our own hospital cafeteria, intentionally offering healthier options in the ingredients we serve.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing population health in Tillamook County.
Butler: If I think about taking that “big swing” it would be to see Tillamook County meet the criteria of a Blue Zone, places where people are living longer, healthier lives as whole population. We know there is a link between lifestyle and chronic disease and mental health but what are we doing about it? Wellness means reversing a chain reaction. If we can change our lifestyles, we can reduce disease, depression and even suicide rates.
by Michelle | Sep 6, 2018 | Lunch & Snack Recipes, Recipes
Recipe Source: Recipe and photo from www.FoodHero.org
Number of servings: 12
Time for preparation (including preparation and cooking): 35 min
Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1⁄3 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1⁄2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom of 12 muffin cups with oil or baking spray.
- Mix the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, blend vegetable oil, egg, milk and applesauce until smooth. Stir the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture until just moistened. Lightly stir in the blueberries.
- Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake about 20 minutes, or until the muffin tops are golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out moist but without batter.
Notes
- To avoid rancid whole wheat flour, store it in a container or bag that keeps the air sealed out. Keep in a cool dark area for up to 3 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Buy amounts that you can use within those lengths of time.
- To use sweetened applesauce, remove about 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar from the measured amount.
by Michelle | Aug 24, 2018 | Archive
Magic in the Air at SOS Tillamook Fair Booth – Tillamook Residents Talk about the Future
By Laura Swanson, for SOS Tillamook, Tillamook Family Counseling Center Prevention Program
There was “magic in the air” at the SOS Tillamook fair booth – with a fortune-telling flair. Tillamook County Prevention program manager, DeAnna Pearl, utilizes the SOS Tillamook fair booth to engage the community in conversations. The free fortune cookies were a big hit with messaging about problem gambling, buzzed drinking, suicide and helpline resource numbers which were put into many fair-goers pockets. “We overheard many thoughtful conversations among families,” said Pearl. Fortune Cookie comments and conversations included:
- “I see drinking in my future.” After you’re 21 right? “Maybe…. “If you don’t, I will kick your butt!”
- “Setting limits will limit losses.” Yeah grandma!!
- 11 yr boy: “Suicide? I won’t suicide!” [Adult] “Maybe save this for someone who might.” [Puts fortune in pocket]
- “They all can lead to this, [suicide] if we don’t work on all of them.”
- Do you know how to talk to a vet about suicide? Boy (7): “What is this for [holding up fortune]? Mom: “This is when somebody needs help when they are really sad.” [Walking and bending down while walking down hallway]
- “I need a fortune!” [Opens cookie] “Oh, that is cool. Good to know!”
- ”Nice booth!”
- Parents talking to their kids about the messages in the fortune cookie.
- Teens pocketing the fortune, saving on their phone
- Asked clean-up crew about fortune papers on ground/floor, reports that they haven’t seen any!
There were many requests for “fortune telling” but the table was turned, and the idea was for Tillamook County residents to tell us the fortune (or future) for the place they call home. “What would you like to see in Tillamook County’s future?” Hundreds provided their predictions of what might be in Tillamook County’s future. The suggestions included: a motocross track, a waterpark at the Y, more trails and finishing the sidewalks, as well as indoor spaces for kids, more help for kids dealing with bullies, keeping the feeling of Tillamook “Tillamook”, and conversations about housing, traffic and roads. Many thoughtful ideas were placed on the sticky wall in the SOS Tillamook booth. The ideas for the future of Tillamook County came from all ages – from 10 to 85+ … “Wow, how do I pick one? They all impact each other and can lead to….[points to Suicide].”
Then there are the stories – from the veterans, a combat medic and police officer, from those in recovery, that had experienced homelessness, the trauma of addiction, and many “thank yous” for all you do. “Holding space for the community to talk about these important topics is our mission,” said Pearl. “There is a great desire and need to talk about these subjects, and to learn about how we as a community can deal with the impacts of drugs, alcohol, mental health issues, suicide and more. No one is immune to the impacts.” The magic of prevention empowers people with knowledge and information about the negative impacts, and “Prevention” is about negating these problems (the Magic) later.
SOS Tillamook’s Community Conversations are held on the third Thursday of most months. On September 20th, during Suicide Awareness month, there will be a movie showing of “The Ripple Effect” at the Tillamook County Main Library at 5:30 pm. Sponsored by Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization. The film highlights the journey of Kevin Hines, who at age 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Today Kevin is a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading a message of hope, recovery and wellness. The film chronicles Kevin’s personal journey and the ripple effect it has on those who have been impacted by his suicide attempt and his life’s work since. In addition, the film highlights the stories of individuals and families who are utilizing their personal tragedy to bring hope and healing to others.
Registration for this event opens August 27th, please RSVP https://ripple-effect-tillamook.eventbrite.com. Watch for more information about more showings of “The Ripple Effect” throughout Tillamook County in the coming months, as well as a QPR Suicide Prevention training.
SOS Tillamook’s mission is to Support, Overcome, and Strengthen Tillamook County:
Support: Support Tillamook County residents in finding ways to engage the community into finding health and wellness.
Overcome: Work with partners to help address and overcome barriers in finding health and wellness.
Strengthen: Strengthen resiliency in Tillamook County residents by supporting continued living in health and wellness.
For more information, go to www.sostillamook.org, the SOS Tillamook Facebook page, or contact DeAnna Pearl at 503-842-8201.
