by Guest | Aug 4, 2021 | Move Well
It’s no secret. Tillamook County is on the map for outdoor recreation – literally. If you are wanting to get outside for some summertime fun, the Tillamook County Trails & Recreation Map is for you!
The beauty of our natural surroundings isn’t just for visitors. It’s for the people who live here to enjoy year-round. Looking for seashells, wading in rivers and streams or walking through forest paths are all great ways to spend quality family time or for personal relaxation. Any of these activities can have the healing effects of lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and boosting happy hormones. Best of all, it costs very little to reap the restorative benefits from being out in nature.
It might surprise people to learn that many families living in Tillamook County have never been to the beach or on a local hiking trail. The reasons for this can be lack of time, transportation, or interest but often it comes down to lack of information. When we don’t have all the information we need to try something new, it can keep us from taking that first step. We may know it’s there and want to explore it but little things make the difference of actually making that happen. Is there going to be a place to park? Is the trail steep and rocky or smooth and flat? Are there bathrooms? Can I take my dog? My kids? If the answer to those questions is “I don’t know,” then we often just won’t go.
To address this need, Tillamook County Wellness worked closely with partners to create a comprehensive trails & recreation map that answers those questions. With this map, people can plan their outings in advance and feel more confident about exploring new places and activities. In addition to providing good information, the map can also help disperse activity by introducing people to new locations and recreational opportunities.
A goal of the map is to also be able to share information about areas getting too much love and attention so we can protect them from overuse. Another goal is to equip local residents with the tools to effectively communicate to visitors about safety and stewardship so everyone can enjoy their experiences safely and with the least possible impact on the natural environment. Links to resources with those messages can be found at Tillamook Coast Pledge and Visit Responsibly – Oregon Coast .
Donating and volunteering are other great ways to support protection of our natural environment. Many organizations offer work parties and giving opportunities. For more information, visit Get Involved – Trailkeepers of Oregon, Take Action – Oregon Coast Trail or Volunteer Opportunities – Oregon Coast . Tillamook County Parks also has a 501c3 foundation that accepts donations at PO Box 453, Tillamook, OR 97141.
To learn more about the map and how to use it, check out this review from the Tillamook County Pioneer’s own Outback with Backman series writer, Don Backman, who found the map to be easy to use and very informative. OUTBACK WITH BACKMAN: Tillamook County Trails & Recreation Map Winner, Handy Resource – Tillamook County Pioneer
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Jul 28, 2021 | Move Well
Tillamook County is known for its emergency preparedness – for storms, winds and floods. Last year’s wildfire in Bay City was a different kind of emergency. With the early onset of wildfire season in 2021, the Tillamook County board of commissioners gathered local fire departments, state forestry, and county agencies to review the Pike Road fire response and make plans to do better. One of the most important keys for residents is being prepared for ANY emergency and knowing where to go to get accurate information. “One of the most important things people can do is signup for alerts,” said Tillamook County Emergency Manager Gordon McCraw. “If you don’t have a landline anymore, our Everbridge Alert Notification System – when we call you to evacuate – works for the numbers you register, but you gotta signup.” Here is the link to https://oralert.gov/ and it’s easy to signup. Nixle alerts is another system that Tillamook County uses as well at www.nixle.com.
The extreme wildfires in southern and northeastern Oregon and elsewhere in the region have fire-fighting resources stretched thin according to Kate Skinner, Tillamook District Forester. That’s why it’s even more important that people are prepared and aware of the extremely dry conditions. Most areas of Oregon are under full fire closures. If you are travelling, it’s always a good idea to carry a shovel and several gallons of water. There have been numerous reports of “spot” fires along highways that have been extinguished or stopped from spreading by aware, prepared travelers.
“We know folks are experiencing some stress over the Tillamook State Forest Game Hog Creek Fire, which is now in the mop up stages, so this is an excellent opportunity to set up your emergency preparedness game,” said McCraw. “When you’re prepared for an emergency, any type of emergency, it gives you and your family peace of mind knowing – hey – we’ve got a plan, we have our go-bags, we know what to do.”
Understanding what to do to increase your safety can help address that fear, and if or when you need to evacuate, you can do so safely and be sure to bring:
- An emergency food and water supply.
- An emergency medicine supply. Make a plan to keep medications that need refrigeration cold.
- Emergency power sources for medical devices and flashlights (don’t forget extra batteries).
- Safety and personal items, including a face covering and hand sanitizer to protect against COVID. Remember: face coverings do not protect against wildfire smoke.
- Important documents, including medical documents, proof of vaccination, wills, passports and personal identification.
During an emergency is NOT when you should be assembling your go kit or go bag. Now’s the time to do that. Here is a helpful resource with a list of what to include: https://www.ready.gov/kit. And this website is a great resource for up-to-date information about wildfires across the region: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/
Be Prepared – Not Scared. Tillamook County is ready for an emergency if all of our residents are prepared as well. Sign-up for Nixle alerts, make a plan, have your go-bag ready.
AUTHOR: Laura Swanson, Tillamook County Pioneer Editor
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Jul 21, 2021 | Move Well
It’s amazing how a little sunshine can brighten our mood – and when living on the Oregon coast, we know not to take those beautiful summer days for granted. Tillamook County is well-known for its beaches and hiking trails, but if you’re looking to mix up your weekend activities or try a new hobby, it’s worth stopping by the Bohannon Disc Golf Course (and bringing a few friends or family members as well!)
For those who have never played, disc golf is similar to golf except instead of balls and clubs, it involves throwing a flying disc (like a Frisbee) into a raised metal basket. The goal is to complete each hole in as few throws as possible, which makes it a great a family-friendly activity where all ages can enjoy participating. Take for example, local community member Tonya Brown, who was recently diagnosed with arthritis in her knee and was told that she needed to walk more often. “I hate being told to do something,” she commented, “but this course is fun and you’re not ‘walking’, you’re playing and having fun with family and friends.” She initially got involved in disc golf when her son-in-law challenged her husband to a match (and who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?) It also serves as an opportunity to do something fun and engaging with her grandchildren who often play with them as well.
Tonya has tracked the 18-hole Bohannon Disc Golf course on her walking app and found that it’s about 5,000 steps long. This is half of the 10,000 steps that are often recommended as a daily goal, which makes disc golf a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors while also checking physical activity off your list.
So how can you get started?
- Find a few discs: These usually cost between 10 and 20 dollars and can be found at Fred Meyer, Tillamook Sporting Goods, and the Tillamook Family YMCA.
- Gather some basic supplies: If you plan to spend an afternoon out on the course, bring some snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
- Round up a few friends:This one is optional! Disc golf can be enjoyed solo or with others.
- Make your way to the Bohannon Disc Golf Course: The course can be found at 3960 Alder Lane in Tillamook and it has a sign at the first station, or tee box, outlining the rules of play. The course was built around Bud’s Community Fitness Trail at Tillamook Junior High School, just behind Tillamook Bowling Lanes.
And that’s all there is to it! Please remember to respect neighboring property lines and school use of the course.
If you want to check out other disc golf courses, visit https://oregondiscgolf.com/ for an interactive map and descriptions of courses across Oregon.
For any upcoming local events or tournaments, follow Bud’s Community Fitness Trail and Bohannon Disc Golf Course on Facebook.
As Tonya noted, “We are so lucky to have this course here and hope that more people will enjoy it as well.”
AUTHOR: Ariel Slifka, AmeriCorps VISTA at Tillamook County Community Health Center
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Jul 14, 2021 | Move Well
We all know that physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but who has time for workouts during the summer when there is so much work to do in the yard and garden? Well, you will be happy to hear that many of those tasks around the yard qualify as bona fide exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), general gardening counts as moderate exercise, and activities like hoeing or digging count as vigorous exercise. If you are a gardener, you already know gardening is a good workout!
Not only do yardwork and gardening burn calories, these activities often involve stretching, bending, pulling, lifting, and digging, which can tone muscles, increase strength and flexibility, and build endurance. It can also help lower your blood pressure. The National Institutes of Health says common chores like gardening or raking leaves for 30+ minutes several times a week as activities that can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Yardwork and gardening come with other benefits, too. Spending time outside in nature reduces stress, and the repetitive nature of yardwork can help focus the mind in a way similar to meditation. Exposure to sunlight is good for your bones as it boosts Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. (Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, though, if you are going to spend more than a few minutes in the sunshine.) Time spent outdoors and the physical exertion of gardening can also help you sleep better.
When working in the yard, it is a good idea to vary your activities so you use a variety of muscles but not overdo any particular set of muscles. For instance: prune for a while, weed-eat for a while, rake for a while, mow for a while, and so on. Listen to your body – it will tell you when it’s time to take a break and switch to a new activity. It can also be helpful to switch sides every few minutes – dig, rake, or weed with your right arm, then your left, to work all the muscles. And of course, we probably don’t need to tell you that manual tools offer a better workout than electric or gas-powered. Using manual clippers, shears, and push mowers works more muscles and burns more calories than electric or gas-powered tools.
The CDC recommends (and so does Tillamook County Wellness) that you make sure to stay safe when gardening or working in the yard: drink plenty of water and take shade breaks as needed; make sure to apply sunscreen; wear gloves, goggles, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, especially when using sharp tools; make sure you have a current tetanus vaccination; and pay attention to your body – it’s easy to overdo when you are digging or carrying heavy loads.
We hope you are inspired to count your gardening as a good workout – good for your body, good for your mood, and good for your yard! Not to mention the sense of accomplishment you feel when you look at that freshly-mowed lawn, or that weed-free flower bed, or a section of your yard finally freed from the ever-encroaching blackberry brambles. But don’t worry – your exercise routine can continue across the seasons because the grass will keep growing, as will the weeds and the blackberries; there is always something to do in the yard or garden!
AUTHOR: TCW Health Promotions Team
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Jul 7, 2021 | Move Well
Tillamook County offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly in the water. Stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and other paddle sports are a great way to enjoy the local scenery while getting some fresh air and a good workout. From complete beginners to those with extensive experience, Tillamook County has waterways that will appeal to every skill level and the resources to help make it a fun and safe experience.
Stand up paddleboarding (or SUP) has recently gained popularity, and for good reason. Besides being a relatively easy activity to pick up, it offers a fun and effective whole-body workout. It provides good aerobic exercise, and you will build core, arm, and leg strength while balancing and paddling. SUP is also low impact, making it ideal for people of all fitness levels, and you get to enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery while you do it. An added benefit – you can grab a refresher by jumping into the water whenever you want!
However, before you run out to buy a paddleboard and hop in the water, it is important to have the proper equipment and training. You’ll find a brief overview below, but be sure to check out the Oregon State Marine Board’s Boater Info for more extensive safety information: https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/non-motorized-boating-and-paddling.aspx.
Being prepared starts with having the right equipment. The Oregon State Marine Board requires that all boats (including SUPs) have an appropriately sized life jacket for each person on board, a sound-producing device (like a whistle), and a Waterway Access Permit (which can be purchased through the Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store: https://apps3.oregon.gov/). Also be sure to use an appropriate leash or tether to ensure you do not get separated from your SUP and always wear your life jacket. Be sure to dress in non-cotton clothes that are appropriate for the weather and water temperature.
Also make sure you are prepared with the correct training and information before you get out on the water. Do some research on your route ahead of time so you know what to expect in terms of water conditions and weather. Create a float plan and give it to a friend or family member before you leave, so they know when to expect you to return. Always go out with a group, and be aware of other boaters around you. Consider taking a paddle sports safety course before your first time out; the Oregon State Marine Board has a free introductory course, as well as plenty of other resources and safety tips on their website.
Not sure where to start with your aquatic adventures? Tillamook County offers some great resources to help you get started. If you’re just looking to rent a paddleboard and get yourself out there, Wheeler Marina and Oceanside Surf and SUP both offer affordable rental options. If you need a good spot to float, the new Tillamook County Trails and Recreation Map includes information about water trails, boat launches, and beach and water access that you can use to plan your trip. The Tillamook County Water Trail Committee has established the Tillamook County Water Trail, approximately 200 miles of interconnected waterways. Free printable guidebooks for this trail, including information about public access points and typical water conditions, can be found on the TEP website, or you can obtain a printed waterproof guidebook at the TEP office or by mail for a suggested donation of $10.
If you are interested in lessons or guided SUP tours, SUP Manzanita offers lessons taught by local expert Janice Gaines-Ehlen. These lessons can accommodate all skill and fitness levels. Janice, an outdoor enthusiast, has been surfing since the age of 8 and has a passion for nature, adventure, fitness, and health. You can find more information about her lessons and guided adventures here: https://www.supmanzanita.com/. If kayaking is more your speed, you can find information about local kayaking spots and services here: https://tillamookcoast.com/what-to-do/kayaking/.
However you choose to do it, Tillamook County is a great place to enjoy the water. Take these tips to get out there, enjoy the warm summer weather, have some fun, and find a new adventure. For more ideas, and inspiration, visit our website: https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/
AUTHOR: Amy McVeety, AmeriCorps VISTA at Tillamook County Community Health Center
Photo Credit: Tillamook County Water Trails
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | Jun 30, 2021 | Move Well
Photo Credit: Visit Tillamook Coast
Tillamook County offers beautiful, sandy beaches for all to enjoy. The Pacific Ocean, rocky bluffs and sandy dunes provide stunning views. But for wheelchair users or anyone with a mobility aid (cane, crutches, walkers and scooters), the shifting sands can be treacherous and often impossible to navigate. Fortunately, you can still enjoy a day at the beach with a specially designed beach wheelchair, available for loan at three popular towns on the Tillamook Coast: Manzanita, Pacific City and Rockaway Beach.
Unlike standard or motorized wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs feature oversized wheels that easily glide over sand and won’t get stuck. Most of these wheelchairs do require someone who can push the chair for the occupant. For the wheelchairs user’s comfort and safety, consider bringing a cushion from home. Also, some wheelchair users may find transferring from their personal chair to a low-slung beach chair difficult and should plan accordingly.
The beach wheelchairs are free to use, but we strongly recommend reserving a beach wheelchair in advance. In Tillamook County, you can borrow a beach wheelchair at the following locations:
More wheelchairs and mobility equipment will be added as they get funded, we are expecting another wheelchair in Garibaldi soon to help people navigate docks and marinas, and a kayak launcher in both Garibaldi and Wheeler. That will allow more people enjoy our stunning beaches and outdoor venues. Visit Tillamook Coast offers up-to-date resources at https://tillamookcoast.com/mobility/.
AUTHOR: Patti Atkins, APR, Communications Consultant for Tillamook County Community Health Center
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
