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What Drives Health?

What Drives Health?

by | Jun 10, 2020 | Being Well, Uncategorized

We have seen many news media reports in recent months referencing the topics of underlying health conditions and health disparities. Factors underlying these issues are varied, complex and heavily intertwined. Tillamook County Wellness uses data and best practices to influence those factors in ways that lead to improved health for all people, especially those with a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.  As a program of Tillamook County Public Health, our partners work to improve health drivers at every level so that people can live happier, healthier lives. This involves strategies from multiple approaches and an understanding of what drives health at individual, population and public levels.

Population Health vs. Individual health – They are tied together! Individual choices, attitudes, and behaviors impact both our personal health and the health of our community. Individual behaviors contribute to cultural norms and these can be “contagious.” The more we see people doing something, the more likely we are to do the same thing.

Population Health vs. Public Health – Both work to improve the health of the public itself and fall under the umbrella of the field of health systems work.

Population health is a broad focus on understanding the conditions and factors that influence the health of populations over lifetimes. Population health also measures patterns and implements policies for the overall health and wellbeing of society. Healthcare professionals work to improve the health of populations by preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing health inequities. Some outcomes that population health responds to are improving the health of the people with limited resources, implementing cost-effective strategies to address health disparities, and developing practice guidelines for practitioners. Providers use population health solutions to identify risk factors and coordinate specific care needs for patients.

Public health – According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), Public Health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. Public Health works on a more personal level than population health. It promotes wellness to the public by encouraging patients to live healthier lives. Public Health workers also educate people to help prevent unhealthy habits, like smoking and substance use, from getting out of control. For example, social workers, nurses and caseworkers work with the healthcare industry in providing government assistance and counseling to the public under the public health umbrella.
Our community Wellness work combines facets of population and public health when addressing the health of our community. We follow the CDC’s research-based guidelines based on numerous factors that drive health.

Health Is More Than Health Care!
Health is more than what happens at the doctor’s office. A wide range of factors influence how long and how well we live from education and income, to what we eat and how we move, to the quality of our housing and the safety of our neighborhoods. For some people, the essential elements for a healthy life are readily available; for others, the opportunities for healthy choices are significantly limited.
According to the CDC, health care provided in a clinic setting accounts for less than 20% of our health. Our community and environment and social determinants of health, like housing, access to healthy food, income, educational attainment, and social supports among other things, can account for more than 50% of our health outcomes. Even outpacing genetic predispositions.

Across the country there are significant differences in health outcomes, from one county to the next, from one state to the next, and among racial/ethnic groups. For example, Blacks, Native Americans and Hispanics have consistently faced barriers to opportunity and good health. Increasing opportunities for everyone can reduce gaps in health. For example, providing better access to high-quality education and enrichment opportunities boosts skills that are key to landing a good job and for upward economic mobility. Additionally, early childhood care and education, good nutrition, physical activity and social-emotional learning contribute to significantly better health later in life.

Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty and discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care.

Health disparities are differences in health or in the key determinants of health, such as education, safe and affordable housing and food security.
We are fortunate there are many dedicated and highly energized community partners working to improve community conditions for inclusive and equitable access to better health. There is more work to be done.
We want to be part of the solution to address community and population health! Tillamook County Wellness is committed to bringing people together to look at the many factors that influence health, and to pursuing strategies that can improve health for all and to make changes that will have a lasting impact. If you’d like to join us, please email us at info@tillamookcountywellness.org.

For more local health and wellness information, visit tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Tillamook County Achieves Top 10 Health Ranking Status

Tillamook County Achieves Top 10 Health Ranking Status

by | Apr 17, 2020 | Being Well

For the past decade, the County Health Rankings have taken the pulse of the nation, showing us how where we live matters to our health. Tillamook County Public Health is pleased to report that our county has seen an intriguing trend, moving from an overall ranking of 26th, out of a total of 34 Oregon counties included in 2016, to an impressive 10th place ranking out of 35 Oregon counties included in 2020. According to Marlene Putman, Public Health Administrator, “Health indicator data is just one measure we use to drive investments to improve community health and well-being. This trend shows that the hard work and collaboration of our community partners is moving us in a positive direction.”

This report compares the health of counties within states. We know that not everyone has the same opportunities to be healthy where they live. Good health allows people to fulfill their potential and thrive. Looking at these measures can help a community better understand what systems are supporting health and well-being and where there might be room for improvement.

The Health Rankings make it clear that good health is influenced by many factors beyond medical care such as access to physical activity and healthy foods, factors that Tillamook County partners can do something about. All counties can take action to improve their health, no matter where they rank. It’s not a race to the top. It is about making steady progress toward building communities where people feel connected and supported to live healthier lives.

The Health Rankings report is well worth celebrating. There are many incredible actions taken by leaders and organizations in Tillamook County in the past five years that contributed to this positive trend, and we congratulate all our community members for this success. It is also worth noting that the “Year of Wellness” was launched in 2016 and continues to build momentum as Tillamook County Wellness into 2020 and beyond. More than 46 community partner organizations, and nearly 100 individuals, have made a commitment to work collectively to reduce risk for type 2 diabetes. This collective action is changing our community and it is changing people’s lives for the better.
County Commissioner Bill Baertlein has been instrumental in many of these efforts, demonstrating true leadership. When asked about the County Health Rankings report, Commissioner Baertlein said, “I’m really pleased with everything that has happened. It has really exceeded all my expectations and I think this report will add fuel to existing efforts. I’m excited to see where we go from here.”

Areas where we continue to improve include people’s perceptions of their personal health and well-being, smoking rates have gone down, and we have a lot of access to places to be physically active, especially outdoors. Health issues needing improvement include obesity rates and sedentary behavior, as well as people not getting enough sleep. All these factors influence risk for chronic disease. Other areas we hope to see improvements include flu vaccination rates, number of children in poverty, college attainment, teen birth rates, and premature deaths, including those that are drug or alcohol related, as well as suicides. As positive as our trajectory is, there is still a lot of work to do to support individual and community health.

The expression, “It takes a village,” is true. We improve these areas together as a community. And the inverse is true too. We are always moving in a direction. Collectively, we decide what that looks like and how we can invest our energy and resources to make things better. It takes everyone working toward a common goal, supporting one another and making a commitment to do things in a new way. Together, we are Making Healthy Happen.

For more local health and wellness information,  follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wellness Partners Mobilize to Support Community in Crisis

Wellness Partners Mobilize to Support Community in Crisis

by | Apr 10, 2020 | Being Well, Work Well

Staying connected and informed is key to keeping our community strong. In the wake of COVID-19, community partners have banded together to support the health and well-being of local residents. We wanted to shine a light on some of the ways Tillamook County Wellness community partners are taking care of each other and Making Healthy Happen – even during a crisis.

Healthcare Partners are Keeping our Community Safe & Healthy:

  • Tillamook County Community Health Centers has set up a drive-up health check point using the mobile clinic van, located on Pacific & 9th Street in Tillamook. They also have a nurse’s line so people can call ahead for guidance and to schedule appointments (503) 842-3940. Visit their website for more information at https://tillamookchc.org/
  • Adventist Health has Urgent Care and ER check points where all visitors, employees and patients receive temperature checks and where the best path for care can be determined for those who need it. A virtual chat line for COVID-19 can be found on their website at https://www.adventisthealth.org/tillamook/.
  • Rinehart Clinic is also modifying the way they provide patient care during this time. Be sure to visit their website to learn more and for information on how to get signed up for the Oregon Health Plan. https://www.rinehartclinic.org/

Tillamook County COVID-19 Volunteer group, spearheaded by the Tillamook County Pioneer:

  • This group created an opportunity for volunteer efforts to be coordinated and mobilized very quickly. Through their work, individual needs are being met with a rapid response. They have also created a way for those wanting to serve to do so through intake forms found in the group’s Facebook page and on the Tillamook County Pioneer’s website. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for local food pantries and meal deliveries. Be sure to sign up for a shift if you are able and at low risk for exposure. There is also a printable, paper form people can fill out and send in for needs requests.

Helping the Helpers

  • Many community members have brought food and supplies to show their appreciation for our healthcare providers and other frontline workers, including everyone working at grocery stores and restaurants offering take-out meals. We extend our gratitude for their selfless service.
  • A special shout-out to our partners at the Tillamook County Creamery Association for delivering ice cream to our public health and hospital employees! It has been a bright spot for tired workers!

Tillamook County Family YMCA Hotline:

  • The YMCA has donated staff and resources to operate a COVID-19 Resource hotline. The hotline is available to all Tillamook County residents, YMCA membership is not needed. In addition to lending a friendly voice to those who are feeling isolated, this service is providing people with information on how to access resources in the county. The hotline is operational from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week by phone: 503-374-0750, or email: help@tillamookymca.org.

Personal Protective Equipment Donation Sites:

  • Adventist Health has placed mask donation bins in place at the Adventist Health Tillamook medical center front entrance and the urgent care/emergency department check point, as well as by entrances at the Pacific City and Manzanita medical offices.
  • The YMCA has setup a donation site for new, unopened personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves. A list of needed PPE and supplies is available on Tillamook County Wellness’s COVID-19 Resource page. Donations are to be dropped off at the front door of the YMCA (610 Stillwell Ave) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments can be scheduled through help@tillamookymca.org.

Food Pantries & Meal Deliveries

  • Northwest Senior & Disability “Meals on Wheels” deliveries continue thanks to volunteer drivers. All senior dining centers are offering a “Pick Me Up Café” at the Tillamook, Nehalem and Pacific City dining center locations. People who would normally come to the center for a meal will have the option to come and pick up a hot meal to go during the regularly scheduled time for lunches to be served.
  • For a complete list of food pantries, where you can receive or volunteer services, visit our Tillamook County Wellness website. A huge thank you goes out to the Oregon Food Bank Tillamook County branch and all their staff for ensuring access to food to people in need.
  • Tillamook School District staff volunteers are delivering meals to students along regular bus routes. Food pantries at the high school and junior high remain open for emergency food pick-up.

Childcare & Schools:

  • The Childcare Resource & Referral collaborative is working with local schools and childcare centers to set up emergency childcare for essential workers. Watch Facebook for updates or call 211 for more info.
  • Teachers are contacting families and setting up supports for home-based education. Our teachers go above and beyond every day. Our deepest gratitude for everything they do!

Support

  • CARE has an emergency Rental Assistance Fund. Applications are available for download on their website. Once complete there will be a secure drop box outside of the CARE office (2310 First St., Tillamook) or you can email them to eskaar@careinc.org. For questions, or to request an application, please call 503-842-5261. You can also donate funds to support this critical program at https://www.careinc.org/donate.
  • Tides of Change reminds us that there is often an escalation in violence during times of crisis and financial stress. They are here to support safety concerns related to intimate partner violence, sexual violence, stalking and trafficking. For more information, call (503) 842-9486 or visit their website https://www.tidesofchangenw.org/

For a list of additional community resources, visit Tillamook County Wellness COVID-19 resources page at http://tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org/covid/. Please check in regularly with neighbors and people who live alone. Don’t wait for someone to ask for help. If you can, offer assistance to get them connected to local resources. Let them know you care. We are so grateful to live in this community. Stay Connected – Together we will get through this crisis!

For more local health and wellness information,  follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Frittata – Easier Done than Said

The Frittata – Easier Done than Said

by | Jan 17, 2020 | Recipes

 By:  Michelle Jenck M.Ed., Wholly Healthy LLC

 

Prep Time:  15 minutes

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes

 

The Frittata works as a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner option.  Packed with protein, it’s also a great way to fulfill that hard-to-meet recommendation for daily vegetable intake.

 

Inspired by a “mix-and-match” frittata feature in Parade Magazine, this recipe has become a go-to for using up various leftovers.  The hardest thing about this recipe is finding a pan that can be used on both the stovetop and in the oven.  (I use a 10-inch cast iron skillet that I bought from a flea market vendor.)

 

Number of servings: 6-8

 

Ingredients:

 

8 eggs

½ t. salt

¼ t. pepper

1 T. olive oil

1 C. “mix & match” veggies – garlic, onion, spinach, pepper, mushroom, zucchini, and/or broccoli

½ C. cooked ham, chicken, sausage, or bacon (optional)

½  – 1 C. shredded cheese (I prefer Tillamook Sharp)

½ C. fresh herbs such as basil, chives, cilantro (optional)

1 T. “flavor boost” – Dijon mustard, capers, sriracha or pesto (optional)

 

Top with salsa or sliced fresh tomatoes

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a separate bowl, beat or whisk eggs.  Add salt and pepper and set aside.

Heat oil in skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.  Add chopped veggies.  Sauté for 1- 2 minutes.  Add meat (optional) and sauté with veggies for 2 minutes.  Add any additional optional ingredients.  Sprinkle with cheese and pour egg mixture over the top, covering the pan evenly.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, pulling edges back to allow uncooked egg to run underneath.  Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until just set.  Let stand 5 minutes.  Can be eaten warm or cold.  Tastes great topped with salsa or fresh sliced tomatoes.

Restaurant-Inspired Meals at Home

Restaurant-Inspired Meals at Home

by | Jan 17, 2020 | Eat Well

By: Michelle Jenck, TC Wellness Coordinator

Tillamook County Wellness is all about making healthy happen in 2020. We are encouraging people to Choose Well – a campaign series that will run throughout the year, providing support and local resources for living a healthier life.  To kick things off, we are launching our Eat Well campaign, highlighting specific ways we can improve our eating patterns. As coordinator of our wellness initiative, I am sharing some of my own experience and inspiration for making healthy, restaurant-inspired meals everyone can enjoy.

Our family celebrated the New Year with football and peanut butter, pickle and pineapple hamburgers. This tasty nugget was inspired by a visit to Killer Burger more than a year ago.  Other restaurant-inspired foods that have made their way onto our kitchen table include squash soup, roasted Brussel sprouts and kale salad; all foods we would not have considered making at home until we discovered their deliciousness at a restaurant.  Much of our inspiration has come from local restaurants like The Creamery, Blue Heron, Pacific Restaurant and Antonette’s, to name a few.  You don’t have to eat out to enjoy a good meal that’s also good for you.

Growing up, I didn’t give much thought to how or what I ate. As we began to raise a family, and as I worked toward earning a master’s degree in Health & Kinesiology, my relationship with eating and cooking changed. It was a slow process, motivated by my desire to serve healthy meals to our growing boys. When I understood the role good nutrition played in how their brains developed and how that would help them become better learners in school, it became a major priority for me to prepare and serve healthy food at home.

There was just one problem. The foods my kids liked to eat weren’t very healthy and they turned their noses at the healthy options I tried to serve.  It didn’t help that I am really not much of a cook.  I had to figure out how to make healthy food taste better.  I began to change t my cooking habits based on things our family enjoyed when we ate out.

One of the biggest changes I made was to add more vegetables and flavor to our meals.  There are three magical ingredients that worked for us . . . garlic, onion and olive oil.  There are very few nights of the week my kitchen does not smell like a combination of these ingredients.  It doesn’t matter if we are eating whole wheat spaghetti, chicken stir fry with brown rice or a veggie frittata, I always start with those three ingredients.  To this day, that is one of my favorite smells when I walk into a restaurant. And that’s when I knew our family had made the change toward better eating – when my kids came home from sports practice or work and, as they entered the kitchen, would breathe in deeply and say, “Yum, what smells so good?”

There are so many simple tips and tricks that have helped me become a better and more confident cook.  It’s taken twenty years and it is still a work in progress.  The biggest lesson I have learned is that motivation matters.  I didn’t get serious about eating better until I decided to do it for my kids.  We’d love to hear from you, whether you are an experienced cook or someone who, like me, entered the kitchen as a reluctant chef.  What simple changes have you made to your eating habits and what changes have you noticed as a result?  What has motivated you and what barriers have you had to overcome?  If you’d like to share your story, reach out to us at tillamookcountywellness@gmail.com and join us in making healthy happen in Tillamook County.

For more local health and wellness information,  follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.