by Shelby | Nov 20, 2019 | Being Well
The American Cancer Society reports that 34 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. The estimated smoking related deaths every year is 480,000, or nearly 1 in 5 deaths, and over 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease. Quitting tobacco may not be easy. If you are thinking about it, or even ready to do so, setting a quit date may serve as your first step. November 21st is annual “The Great American Smokeout,” by choosing this date as your quit date, you will join thousands from all across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer and chronic disease risk.
Quitting smoking improves health immediately at any age. According to the CDC, smoking is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and makes your diabetes – any type, harder to control. In fact, the CDC further reports, smokers are 30–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers. The more you smoke; more you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
You don’t have to stop smoking in one day or do it alone. Start with day one, and know there are resources available to support you, such as counseling and medications. It can often take multiple attempts to successfully quit tobacco use. Speak with your primary care doctor or for free help, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, and visit quitnow.net/Oregon.
If you are a support person to someone who is trying to quit, you may also find some helpful “Do’s and Don’ts” at https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/helping-a-smoker-quit.html.
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Nov 7, 2019 | Being Well
November is National Diabetes Awareness month. Tillamook County Wellness is all about “Making Healthy Happen” – We are on a mission to prevent type 2 diabetes and support people in managing their disease if already diagnosed.
Annual visits to your healthcare provider are the best way to find out if you are at risk and to learn what steps you can take to improve your health. This is also the time of the year when most insurance plans are nearing annual renewal for coverage so it’s a perfect time to schedule a yearly wellness exam, a service that is covered in full by most insurance plans.
Our Wellness partners at Tillamook County Community Health Centers, Adventist Health, and the Rinehart Clinic all offer preventive health screenings throughout the county. To make healthy happen in your life, schedule a visit with your primary care provider or establish care with one of our local providers:
Adventist Health – Tillamook
Tillamook Medical Plaza
1100 Third Street, Tillamook, OR 97141
(503) 842-4444
Pacific City Medical Office
38505 Brooten Road, Pacific City, OR 97130
(503) 965-6555
Manzanita Medical Office
10445 Neahkahnie Creek Rd, Manzanita, OR 97130
(503) 368-6244
Women’s & Family
1011 Third Street, Tillamook, OR 97141
(503) 815-2100
Rinehart Clinic
230 Rowe Street, Wheeler, OR 97147
(800) 368-5182
Tillamook County Community Health Centers
Central County Health Center
801 Pacific Avenue, Tillamook, OR 97141
(503) 842-3900
North County Health Center
276 South Hwy 101, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
(503) 355-2700
Mobile Clinic – Coming Soon!
Medical, Dental and Behavioral Health Services
Annual Diabetes & You Seminar November 12th
In support of this special month, Adventist Health Tillamook and the Tillamook County Diabetes Coalition, is sponsoring their “Diabetes and You” Annual Seminar on Tuesday, November 12th from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tillamook Seventh-Day Adventist Church lower level conference room.
Adventist Health Tillamook and the Tillamook County Diabetes Coalition have gathered an informative line-up of speakers, including Jennifer Hedden, MD; Shelyna Thawer-Rice, NP; and Dusti Linnell, PhD. The speakers will discuss topics such as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, Understanding Your Gut Microbiome, and Diabetes and Kidney Health. The event includes information on how to include more movement in your life for better health and how to prepare healthy food. A delicious heart-healthy lunch is included.
In less than 30 years it is projected that 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes. The diagnosis of diabetes carries increased risk for several serious complications: heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and blindness, just to name a few. Being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean you will experience these health complications, but it does increase your risk for them significantly. Come learn about the lifestyle changes that can help prevent or even turn around this diagnosis at this fun and inspiring event. For more information or to RSVP contact Sue Phillips-Meyer at 503-815-2443 or susan.phiilips-meyer@ah.org.
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Oct 24, 2019 | Being Well
In Tillamook County, more than one in every ten people live with type 2 diabetes. Similar to other local, state, national and even global trends, type 2 diabetes rates are increasing at an alarming rate. Based on national data, one in every three people is at risk for developing prediabetes and 90% of them do not even know it. According to the Oregon Medical Association, if left unaddressed, there is a 15-30% chance an individual with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
The good news is that prediabetes CAN be reversed, and the same steps for reversing prediabetes can greatly improve disease management for people who already have type 2 diabetes. What can you do? Here are some steps you can follow to take charge of your health:
1) Take the “Do I have prediabetes” risk test at https://doihaveprediabetes.org/ and schedule an appointment with your care provider if your score is 5 or higher.
2) Attend the upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) orientation, scheduled for October 29th, noon-1 pm, at the Tillamook YMCA, 610 Stillwell Ave. 
Participants will take the prediabetes risk test and learn how they can take part in the year-long program. The Tillamook YMCA offers DPP locally free of charge, which is made possible through a partnership between the YMCA, Tillamook County Community Health Centers, Columbia Pacific CCO and the Oregon Wellness Network.
3) Schedule an annual well visit with your primary care provider and ask to find out your risk for type 2 diabetes. A simple blood test, called an A1C, can be performed that will show average blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels over the past three months. Your healthcare provider may use your A1C to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes and to monitor your blood sugars over time. Most insurance plans cover the A1C test for individuals at risk of diabetes and prediabetes. Risk factors include having had gestational diabetes while pregnant, family history of type 2 diabetes, being overweight, having high blood pressure, and/or being physically inactive. Your physician can also refer you to a Registered Dietitian or a Certified Diabetes Educator, who can help you learn ways to use nutrition and lifestyle techniques to positively impact your health and blood sugar balance.
4) Begin to track and modify lifestyle habits, such as becoming more physically active, eating healthier, getting enough sleep and cutting out tobacco. These have been shown to drastically reduce risk for type 2 diabetes as well as improve disease management in people who already have it. 
Additionally, losing 5-7% of one’s body weight has also been shown to significantly reduce risk for type 2 diabetes. For someone who weighs 200 lbs., for example, that would mean losing 10-14 lbs.
5) Share your story. Talk to others about your health and seek out ways to make health behavior changes that will work for you. Ask family members, friends and co-workers to support you (and each other!) in efforts to improve lifestyle habits. Changes are made easier when we do them with others.
6) Know where to go. Keep your eyes and ears open to community programs, classes and resources that you can take advantage of to support your health. From Wellness Walking Groups to Cooking Matters Classes, there are many free, local activities and programs that support healthier lifestyles. Visit tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for inspiration and ideas.
7) Ask for what you need. In Oregon, CCOs provide insurance coverage and more flexible healthcare funding for members on the Oregon Health Plan. If access to care or other challenges prevent you from being your healthiest self, the Columbia Pacific CCO wants to hear from you. Consider attending the Columbia Pacific CCO’s upcoming event, October 24th, 4:30-6:00 pm, at the OSU Extension/Partners for Rural Innovation Building located across from the Tillamook County Fairgrounds on Third Street. Attendees will learn about and get a chance to give input on plans for improving local services to support community health. Childcare, interpretation and transportation will be available by request. Contact knopfn@careoregon.org for more information.
by Shelby | Oct 17, 2019 | Being Well
Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes or know someone who is? In Tillamook County, there is currently 11.3% of the population that have type 2 diabetes, and approximately 30% at risk for prediabetes. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association through their research “Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes,” found that lifestyle modifications such as those taught by the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) reduced the number of people with type 2 diabetes by 58%. Fortunately, the YMCA in Tillamook offers DPP, which is a Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is sponsored by Northwest Senior and Disability (NWSDS), and is at no cost for those who qualify. The DPP class is offered weekly for the first 16 weeks and take place during the lunch hour, noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays. After the first 4 months, the group meets every other week. Program instructor Kelly Benson praises the program, emphasizing the success of the group in being able to track their progress, and notes an overall successful effort in individual attitude and perception change.
Taking a closer look at the program, DPP participants will work with a knowledgeable lifestyle coach in a small group setting who will introduce topics on healthy eating, physical activity, behavior changes, as well as weight loss and how it can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Linda Langer is an active resident of Tillamook county who has had quite a success with YMCA’s DPP. Linda reports a lifelong battle with weight management and started going to the Tillamook YMCA five years ago. After losing 12 lbs., she reports feeling “stuck” and was worried that she might be at a permanent plateau in her weight loss. Through trainers at the YMCA, Linda was connected to the DPP program. Upon starting the yearlong program in April 2019, Linda has lost an additional 28 lbs. to date, and exercises 3x per week. She reports being motivated by having more energy, and adds her mental wellbeing is affected positively. She also notes that the group setting of the program helps to build community and accountability as participants can share and connect stories of success, struggles, and encouragement. The most significant take away from the program so far that Linda reports, is that it taught her how to be more mindful of food choices and the impact those choices will have on her health. She finds being extra-focused and mindful is especially important when attending events and celebrations.
If you have already received a prediabetes diagnosis or are interested in learning if you are at risk, attend the upcoming no-cost Tillamook YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program orientation on Tuesday October 29th from noon -1 p.m., no sign-up required for the orientation! For more information, call 503-842-9622 ext. 111. You may also take a type 2 diabetes risk test online at www.doIhaveprediabetes.org or talk with your primary care physician about your risk factors and blood test options.
For more local health and wellness information follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Shelby | Oct 11, 2019 | Being Well, Work Well
Have you ever needed to get across town or even out of town for a doctor’s appointment, but were unable to find a ride? What were your choices? This challenge often results in not getting needed care or having to wait longer than advisable to get care. Forgoing or postponing care should not be an option. In a community with limited resources, access to care can be a common barrier, especially for those who may need special ride arrangements.
Jody Bell, a native to Tillamook, has faced this challenge. Jody is very active in her community. She serves on the Tillamook County Wellness Access to Healthy Food Committee, Co-Chairs the Community Advisory Council for the Columbia Pacific CCO, crochets clothes for those in need, and socializes at her favorite yarn store. Jody is physically disabled and is in a power chair. It is her chair that allows her the freedom to be independent and take part in the community, however, at times her chair can be problematic, as she is not able to ride with friends or family in a standard vehicle. Jody has battled depression and has needed specialty care that she could not obtain in Tillamook. Fortunately, there is a program here that has made it easier for her to get care. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation through NW Rides is a program that makes sure members can get to services covered by Columbia Pacific CCO with no cost to its health plan members. This includes access to specialized vehicles with drivers for folks who use power chairs, and it also reimburses gas for those who have a car or whose family member provides a ride, as well as bus tickets. The transportation chosen is based on what is most appropriate for the individual member, rather than a one size fits all approach. Jody advised that you may order a ride by calling Columbia Pacific CCO’s Customer Service, and typically provide at least 48 hours of notice for the ride to be arranged.
“Taking a ride from a stranger, such as the programs in Portland, is fearful, but here, the drivers are local; they are great drivers, and I trust them,” Jody explained while further describing the program.
With NW Rides, Jody has been able to get the necessary care she needed not only in Tillamook, but in Newport and Warrenton as well. Without this program, Jody states, “my choice would to be to go without care.” NW Rides is a bridge in closing the gap in access to care. For Advisory Council Members like Jody who are involved with advocacy work, it is important to her to get the “word out” on what Columbia Pacific CCO offers. If you are an Oregon Health Plan member you can go to Columbia Pacific CCO’s website at colpachealth.org or call their customer service at 1-855-722-8206 to learn more information about the health plan benefit.
For more local health and wellness information follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Shelby | Sep 19, 2019 | Being Well
Although her wellness journey has not been easy, Jaclyn Percy, a single mother of four children aged 7-14 years old has been navigating over barriers for the past year when she started her wellness journey to purse higher education. After being out of school for 18 years, Jaclyn was motivated to make a life change after deciding she desire more for herself and her family. She needed to be more financially independent and wanted to connect with people on an individual basis. With no family in the area, Jaclyn turned to her community for support, and was connected to Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC). “The community college here is amazing,” Jaclyn stated. “There are a lot of resources and everyone was so friendly and willing to help,” she continued.
Jaclyn had an idea of pursuing a degree in mental health services when she began, however with a strong understanding of herself, she realized she might not have the time to dedicate to pursuing a career in mental health. Describing this moment as her “road block” on her journey, Jaclyn made the conscious choice to continue in another direction rather than be stopped – “anything worth doing is hard,” she emphasized. Jaclyn goes on to share that she had to learn how to ask for help, and once she started, her pathway became more clear and “doors began to open.” Jaclyn found her niche, as she learned more about the two year Occupational Therapy Assistant program through a student resource at TBCC called “Navigators.” Jaclyn describes this as her “intellectual awakening.”
From the community support she found here in Tillamook County, by believing in herself, and from listening to daily affirmations, Jaclyn is now well on her way to complete her degree, and hopes to continue to make a difference in her life, and others; she stated, “you can make a difference in any profession by being kind, smiling, and by being your best self.”
Start or continue your own educational wellness journey at TBCC! Fall Term registration is open now through September 22nd and classes start on September 23rd.
For more local health and wellness information, visit tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
