by Michelle | Nov 14, 2019 | Move Well
It’s been a busy Fall for the Tillamook County Wellness leadership team. Invited to present at three state-wide forums during the first two weeks of October, it’s safe to say that Tillamook and its Wellness initiative are “on the map” in Oregon.
On October 4th our team led a panel discussion at the 36th annual Oregon Rural Health Association (ORHA) conference in Bend on the topic, “Building Health from the Ground Up.” Team members, Commissioner Bill Baertlein; Marlene Putman, Public Health Administrator and Director of the Tillamook County Community Health Centers; Eric Swanson, President of Adventist Health; Dusti Linnell, OSU Ext; Steven Blakesley, OHSU; and Michelle Jenck, contracted coordinator, shared the history of Tillamook County Wellness with public health, hospital, clinical and community health professionals from across the state. In addition, healthcare payors and policy makers were in attendance.
Key takeaways from the session included the fact that changing community culture around health and well-being starts with the people. The ideas and inspiration for change must be authentic to the local population rather than being imposed from above or outside. Additionally, it was noted that “Change happens at the speed of trust.” Without trusting relationships, working collectively doesn’t work. The fact that competing healthcare providers are working together to improve population health is just one example of this. The team’s presentation also featured the recently produced “Trails Day” video showcasing the innovative collaboration between multiple community partners which brought students from Nestucca Valley Jr./Sr. High School to Camp Meriwether for a fun day of outdoor education. Volunteers from the U.S. Forest Service, a local mountain biking group, TORTA, Trailkeepers of Oregon and many others worked together to share their love of the outdoors with nearly 200 students and staff.
Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with one respondent stating, “Thank you for your motivation! It has inspired me to go back to our small, rural community to work for better collective impact. We have been stuck too long pursuing familiar options.”
Within hours of the ORHA Conference presentation, two members of the team, Steven Blakesley and Michelle Jenck, headed off to Roseburg to speak at the Oregon Trails Summit, presented by Oregon State Parks and the Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation. Topics there included how a partnership between a private timber company and trails advocates led to the development of new mountain biking trails in Clatsop County, as well as how private landowner and land use issues must be considered when developing community trails.
Then, on October 15th, Dusti Linnell, Oregon State University Assistant Professor, Family & Community Health and Steven Blakesley, OHSU North Coast Community Research Liaison, gave a presentation at the Oregon Public Health Association Conference on “Partnering with non-health organizations to reduce type 2 diabetes risk in rural Oregon.” The presentation highlighted how the participation of non-traditional partners in this health initiative has led to the development of innovative approaches to engage community members in risk-reducing behaviors. To illustrate this, they highlighted two Tillamook County Wellness partners and their perspective on why they are part of Tillamook County Wellness.
One example was Justin Aufdermauer, President of the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce who said, “Tillamook County Wellness is a cross sector of community organizations that the Chamber has had very little opportunity to engage with. We feel that this new opportunity to engage has strengthened relationships for the Chamber with both wellness team members and our Chamber members; ultimately furthering our mission to build a strong community where businesses can thrive.”
A second example was from Deborah Wilkins, District Ranger, U.S. Forest Service, Hebo Ranger District, who said, “The U.S. Forest Service’s involvement in the Tillamook County Wellness Trails Day is part of being a leader in our community and a partner in our community. Helping kids understand why they want to have positive interactions with the forest service, positive interactions with trails. And to let them know that this could be part of their lifestyle and their way of being healthy and fit and happy, and it is right out their back door.” Through their presentation, they conveyed why it is critical that to support community health, everyone needs to be part of it. They shared with public health professionals how Tillamook County Wellness has been successful in creating space for organizations outside of the health sector to help our communities thrive.
Tillamook County Wellness partners along with the residents who are joining this movement, are not only shaping the health of our local communities but they are inspiring others throughout the state to do the same. Together, we really do make a difference.
For more local health and wellness information follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
by Guest | Sep 13, 2019 | Move Well
Article & Photo Sources by Holly Rudman, NWSDS and Kelly Benson, Tillamook County Family YMCA
At her 7th week of being on the program, she began to cry when the Personal Trainer was working with her. He asked why she was tearful. She said because she “never was able to get out of her chair without help until now.”
Many of us take for granted the basic activities of daily life. Getting up out of a chair, walking to the mailbox or getting out of the house to meet friends for lunch or exercise. As we age, many of these daily tasks become difficult. This can result in isolation, depression and injuries.
Otago is a local program that can help!
- Improve your balance and leg strength
- Maintain your confidence and independence
- Carry out daily exercises without fear of falling
- Engage in daily activities without fear of falling
- Reduce the number of falls and the number of injuries from falls
What is Otago?
Otago is an individually customized, home-exercise program designed to improve strength and balance and to prevent falls. It is delivered in your home, where a trained instructor visits you and provides a set of individually prescribed exercises. The program includes a home-safety check and a medication review. You can participate in this program for up to a year at no cost to you!
Who qualifies for the Otago program? If you are . . .
- 80 years or older
- 65 years or older with two or more chronic conditions
- Having falls
- Having problems with balance and/or strength
- Living at home, in assisted living, or in an adult foster home
If you answered “yes” to some or all of these questions and are able to walk with or without an assistive device, you may be eligible for the Otago Exercise Program. Contact ADRC Aging and Disability Resource Connections to start the process: 1-866-206-4799 or stop by the Tillamook NWSDS office or the Tillamook YMCA for more information.
Otago is an evidence-based home exercise program developed in New Zealand
Studies show that the Otago Exercise Program reduced risks of falls and related injuries by 35%.
Galena Flores Certified Personal Trainer from the YMCA with an Otago client
In Tillamook County a licensed Physical Therapist and a Personal Trainer will instruct you on an individualized strength and balance program as well as a walking program.
The Otago program in Oregon started in 2015 in Marion and Polk Counties under NWSDS. The program has received over 1,000 referrals and served over 600 people with 70% of those served graduated from needing the program. We have been honored to serve Otago clients in Tillamook County for over a year with great success. Most have reported fewer falls, greater confidence in transferring and walking, greater strength, improved balance and greater community involvement.
As well as referrals from individuals we welcome referrals from family members, friends, doctors, adult foster care homes, assisted living facilities or any community member concerned about fall prevention.
Stop by the Tillamook NWSDS office for more information or ask your medical provider about getting a referral to the Otago program!
For more local health and wellness information, visit tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Sep 10, 2019 | Move Well
Tillamook County Wellness partners brought Nestucca Valley Junior Senior High School students to Camp Meriwether on May 29th 2019 to launch the first ever “Trails Day.” The event showcased activities such as hydrology, wilderness walks and a mountain bike demonstration, all aiming to connect youth to their local environment in a totally new way!
Watch video
by Michelle | Aug 29, 2019 | Move Well
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 Kaylan Sisco, CEO & Executive Director, Tillamook County Family YMCA
What drew you/your organization into the Year of Wellness, now Tillamook County Wellness?
The fact that this effort is community-wide and shares the same mission as the Tillamook YMCA is what attracted me to the effort. The impacts we seek in improving community health are the same for the Y as they are for Tillamook County Wellness. It just seemed like a very symbiotic relationship.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
The overall attitude people seem to have around community health has changed. People are demonstrating greater self-efficacy, taking their own wellness into their own hands. I feel like more people are seeking out options and voicing their expectations about what they think should exist. I think that’s great.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
I’ve learned first and foremost that you cannot stop people in Tillamook County from doing what they are passionate about. The best thing you can do is to tell someone from Tillamook, “no,” because they’ll set about to prove you wrong. The boldness, empowerment and pride the people in this community have for themselves and their fellow community members is impressive.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
As it relates to the Y, I hope that people have a better understanding of how deeply involved and interwoven the Y is in this community. Not just within the walls of our facility but outside of it as well. Tillamook County Wellness is just one of many partnerships we are engaged in. I hope that people see how supportive the Y is of many valuable efforts. We are really trying to be a true community center and support for what matters to people.
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing population health in Tillamook County.
I want people to be happy! I truly believe that when someone finds something that makes them happy, they will work harder to duplicate that behavior. If we can make being healthy something that makes people happy, they are more likely to adopt it into their lifestyle. If we, as a movement, as friends, families, co-workers, and fellow community members can make what we do easy, accessible, and fun, then that will determine what our health looks like going forward.
If you’re happy and you’re social and you move, you’ll live a longer, happier life. Even with an extreme health diagnosis, if you engage in those three things, you are likely to live a longer, higher-quality life. If we can get to that point, I think we could see a huge shift in healthcare.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about the Y’s involvement in Tillamook County Wellness?
I am pleased and honored that the Y was asked to be part of Tillamook County Wellness and I appreciate that people view the Y as an asset and a driver for community health and livability. Something a lot of people don’t realize is the fact that we sacrifice a lot of our budget to offer free programs for populations that need it. I am especially grateful for the partners and advocates we have out in the community who help us tell our story and connect people to us as a resource.
For more local health and wellness information, visit tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Guest | Aug 10, 2019 | Move Well
By Craig Cleary, TORTA Team Member
TORTA, Tillamook Off Road Trail Alliance, was formed March 22, 2018, and gained non-profit status (501c3) soon after by merging with Pacific City Pathways. TORTA is a small group of passionate community members who see a very bright future for mountain biking in Tillamook County.
As avid recreationalists, we have come together to design and create a mountain bike trail system directly north of Pacific City in the Hebo District of the Siuslaw National Forest. Working directly with local land managers and foresters, TORTA is currently flagging over ten miles of trail corridors within the Sand Lake Restoration Project. As a group, we have been awarded a Travel Oregon grant to finance a master plan for this incredible opportunity of building a world class mountain bike trail network along this beautiful western slope of coastal forest.
TORTA team members and US Forest Service staff review trail plan.
We are currently working on Phase One of this plan, which will see the building of new trail and repurposing of retired forest service roads, totaling over 20 miles of non-motorized mountain bike purposed trails. During this period, we are working intently with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to gain all needed approvals, including conducting environmental, anthropological and habitat surveys. We look forward to a successful first phase and to expanding this trail system to not only this U.S. Forest district, but also with adjacent land managers and stakeholders, to create a multi-community trail system. Our goal is to work with the Forest Service and other land managers to allow access for people of all ages to enjoy this majestic forest on bicycles with sustainability, health and education being of primary concern.
TORTA has recently completed the construction of The Pacific City Pathway in Pacific City. This new trail serves as a great, family friendly hiking trail that provides an outstanding view of Haystack Rock at its summit and allows easy access to our local forest on BLM lands. While we prioritize mountain biking as our primary goal, we were all very excited to work on and finalize this brand new hiking trail to serve the residents and many visitors to Pacific City.
Pro mountain biker, Jill Kitner, performing at Camp Meriwether’s pumptrack and skills park for Nestucca Valley students.
TORTA envisions a bright future for mountain biking in Tillamook County. We are surrounded by amazing topography, dense forests, incredible soils and awe-inspiring views. TORTA believes that mountain biking is the perfect piece of this puzzle to bring sustainable mountain bike recreation into this area. We see an underserved user group that will blossom with the addition of this recreation resource to our county. Both residents and visitors alike will be able to healthfully recreate year-round and help build community through this activity.
In the near future, mountain biking will allow visitors to disperse from existing destinations in Tillamook and allow them access into this beautiful forest which will in turn build relationships with full and part time residents and our natural world. TORTA sees an amazing future of off-road bicycling with phase one of this project being just the start to provide a world class trails system. We hope to work with many different land managers, including private, county, state and federal, to interconnect our local communities with the splendor of outdoor recreation, health, fitness and year-round Mountain Biking Stoke!
TORTA is a member of the Tillamook County Wellness coalition, serving on the Access to Physical Activity Committee.
For more information about TORTA and local mountain biking trails, follow Tillamook Off-Road Trails Alliance on Facebook.
by Guest | Jun 14, 2019 | Move Well
By Laura Swanson
Trails Day for Nestucca Junior Senior High School students on May 29th at Camp Meriwether brought together Tillamook County Wellness partners to launch community engagement with a focus on youth and trails. Throughout the sunny, warm day, over 150 students from grades 7th through 12th, along with additional staff and volunteers, engaged in a variety of activities that showcased Camp Meriwether’s natural attributes, combined with lessons in trail building and stewardship, topped off with an Olympic medalist BMX riding demo. “Watching the kids (and adults) experience the outdoors. This was a great partnership of stewards of the land and it was fun for me to see these partnerships growing closer,” said one participant, when asked what they enjoyed most about the experience.
Trails Day was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Tillamook County Wellness Access to Physical Activity committee, participation by Nestucca Valley School District , and these key partners: US Forest Service, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Tillamook Off-Road Trails Association (TORTA), Tillamook County Creamery Assoc., Camp Meriwether/Boys Scouts of America Cascade Pacific Council, Oregon Dairy & Nutrition Council and OSU Extension/SNAP Ed.
Students arrived at 9 am for the day-long event, rotating through six interactive learning stations that included trail building demonstrations, a wellness hike, mountain biking and pump track demo and a healthy lunch. The US Forest Service, Trailkeepers of
Oregon and TORTA provided the expertise at each station, including:
1- Hydrology: The wonders of water
2 – Wildlife
3 – Logout: demonstrate how rigging and crosscut saws are used to clear logs from trails
4 – Trail basics: teach trail terms and how to clear vegetation and maintain the trail surface safely
5 – Walk for wellness to a cool new trail bridge. USFS botanist hiked with the group to talk plants and trees along the trail.
6 – TORTA hosted a mountain bike demonstration on a pumptrack and skills park performed by Jill Kintner, former professional Bicycle Motocross (BMX) and downhill mountain biker and current Professional Enduro racer
Students were especially impressed with Kintner, who won a bronze medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Women’s
BMX, holds three consecutive UCI 4X World titles, Downhill World Cup podiums, 5 Crankworx World titles, and an outstanding 20 USA National Championships across 5 disciplines. According to a participant, “Jill is a talented athlete, modest person, but most of all loves riding bikes! Her list of skills and accomplishments give her the perfect combination for inspiring people on 2 wheels. During Jill’s pumptrack and skills park demo she not only shared info about what it is and how to use it, but continually reinforced they are a community that welcomes all riders at every level, the culture is inclusive and a place for supportive camaraderie and skill building.” The pumptrack and skills park are now among the abundant camp amenities enjoyed by Scouts and other groups using Camp Meriwhether.
Tillamook County Wellness Access to Healthy Food partners teamed up to provide healthy snacks and beverages for participants. OSU Extension’s Food Hero, Oregon Dairy & Nutrition Council and Tillamook County Creamery Association supplied “Popeye” green spinach smoothies – with a “people-powered” bike blender and make-your-own trail mix to keep everyone powered up. The US Forest Service had Smokey the Bear on hand for “hellos” and hugs!
“Trails Day” was created by a grassroots collaboration of community members who are part of Tillamook County Wellness and whose work is geared toward a common goal of decreasing the percentage of people at risk for Type 2 Diabetes by 2027. There are five Wellness action committees – Access to Physical Activity, Health Promotion, Workplace Wellness, Access to Healthy Foods, and Health Screening – all working together to help Tillamook County be a happier and healthier place to live, work, play and learn.
The Access to Physical Activity committee “Trails Day” was a result of these focused efforts, with the goals to:
- Engage Community Youth
- Create Stewardship Education
- Encourage Outdoor Recreation
- Build Interest in Local Trails
- Embrace Outdoor Work Opportunities
- Learn Trail Maintenance Skills
- Provide Opportunities for All
Trails Day was deemed a great success by all who participated, provided the opportunity to get 200 people physically active in our natural coastal outdoor environment, and experience the fun of wellness.
For more information about this event or how you can get involved in building and maintaining local trails visit trailkeepersoforegon.org or find TORTA on Facebook at Tillamook Off-Road Trails Alliance.
Visit tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org and follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook for more local health and wellness news.
