by Michelle | Aug 10, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Move Well, Uncategorized
August is a busy month! There are several free wellness activities coming up, some of which you can learn more about at the Tillamook County Fair.
“Treasure Your Wellness” Treasure Map: This interactive map can be found at the Tillamook Library bookmobile located near the Master Gardener’s garden by the east entrance of the fairgrounds. This fun, free, and family-friendly adventure runs From August 5th to September 30th . Explore wellness destinations like Activity Island, Be Well-Nourished Bay, Community Cove and the Isle of Inner Peace. Each location includes activity challenges —volunteer, cook a healthy meal, visit a rec center, start a savings account and more. Complete at least one activity on each island and you could win incredible wellness-themed prizes, like cornhole, pickleball, and disc golf sets or the grand prize of an ATX bike valued over $500! In addition to being available at the fair, maps can be found at local library branches, Kiawanda Community Center, Tillamook YMCA, North County Recreation District and Food Roots or on- line at This Way to Well-Being | Tillamook County Wellness.
Health Literacy Campaign: Materials from our recent health literacy campaign can also be found at the Tillamook Library booth at the fair. Bookmarks and other materials highlighting important health information like finding a primary care provider, getting vital health screenings and knowing when to visit your doctor, urgent care or emergency department, are just a few topics covered. You can also find more information here. Community Health Survey: When you visit the Library Bookmobile at the Fair, be sure to take our Community Health Needs Survey. Tell us what you and your family most need to live your best life and your areas of greatest concern impacting your health and well-being. You can also take the survey here.
Financial Wellness: Visit the Habitat for Humanity booth – located in the main pavilion building, under the stairs near the fair office – for community conversations on what financial health means to you. While you are there, learn more about first-time home buying and other ways you can work toward your financial goals. While you are at the Habitat for Humanity booth be sure to sign up for:
- FUNancial Wellness Event – Come to the Tillamook YMCA, Monday, August 19th, 2024, 5:00- 6:30 PM for food, fun and financial learning opportunities for kids 3rd -6th grade. This FREE event provides kids and families an opportunity to learn about saving, spending, growing and protecting money. Kids will take home more than just knowledge with free giveaways and prizes. Learn more and register for the event here.
- Sign Up to become a “FinLit” Financial Literacy Volunteer – This program relies on volunteers to deliver free curriculum from Financial Beginnings. Classes are held in English & Spanish at multiple community locations, including Tillamook Bay Community College, Helping Hands, and Trask High School.
Volunteers can commit to as many or as few classes as works for their schedule. To learn more or to register to become a volunteer, visit Financial Beginnings (finbeg.org). If we don’t see you at the fair, here are other ways you can get information about these and future wellness events.
AUTHOR: Michelle Jenck, Adventist Health Tillamook Director of Community Well-Being
by Guest | May 17, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Fortunately, Buzzfeed has never claimed to be able to give you any medical diagnosis. But plenty of other sources on the internet walk the fine line between “this is not medical advice” and “this sure sounds a lot like medical advice”. There’s a quiz for everything, and a “cure” for everything. A problem you didn’t know you had, and the product that can solve it (for three easy payments of $19.95, plus shipping and handling!) Anything and everything to do with your health can be found with a few taps on your phone, so it’s important to recognize how media literacy ties in with health literacy.
Let’s take a step back. About 21% of US adults experience chronic pain, or pain that lasts for three or more months. Millions suffer from conditions that have no known treatment or cure. Our doctors don’t always have the answers we are looking for. After all, they can’t prescribe a treatment that doesn’t exist, or diagnose a condition that they don’t have the evidence for. And so, we strike out on our own determined to find a solution to the pain we carry every day. A solution beyond the scientific boundaries of conventional medical practice. Collectively, these solutions are referred to as alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine has real value to many individuals and cultures. That is not up for debate. For thousands of years, alternative medicine was the only medicine. However, there is potential for significant harm as these practices have expanded from healers utilizing medicinal herbs to Dr. Charlatan on the internet trying to sell you an at-home detox regimen that may very well do more harm than good. Many treatments or devices label themselves as alternative medicine when they are little more than a scam.
Here, health literacy and media literacy collide. Having the ability to recognize what information and products are legitimate and which are deceptive (not to mention potentially harmful and a waste of money) can make a significant difference in your health and quality of life. Let’s go over some questions to ask as you evaluate the validity of medical information online:
- Does it come from a reputable webpage, such as that of a university or hospital
system? Keep in mind that anyone can post deceiving information on social
media, or even on a website of their own. The website URL can give you some
clues. Websites ending in .edu=educational institutions, .gov=government agencies, .org =an organization (often non-profit), .com=commercial, and.net=network. Be particularly wary of .com and .net websites, as they could be hosted by anyone.
- Does it conflict with other reputable sources? If so, consider getting a second (or
third) opinion.
- Does the source profit off of your choice? Are they trying to sell you anything (a
device, a course, a supplement)? If they are promoting a supplement, is it their
own brand that they are trying to sell?
- Is it sensational? Black and white? Health information should be educational, not
headline-grabbing or clickbait.
- Do they have credible sources/citations?
- Is the person or organization making statements credentialed to do so? (Some
titles sound legitimate, but require no training or certification. For example,
anyone can claim to be a “nutritionist”, but “registered dietician” is a protected
title for trained professionals.)
To encourage a safe health practices, consider these tips:
- Avoid long gaps in medical care. Establish with a primary care provider (PCP)
and maintain regular visits. Let them know if anything changes with your health.
- Avoid self-diagnosing. Seek the most accurate diagnosis possible from a trained
physician.
- If you choose to take any supplements, ask your doctor if there is any risk that
they will interfere with your prescription medications. Remember that
supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and
sometimes do not contain the product or dosage reflected on the label.
- Don’t change or stop any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
- Evaluate how much you are spending on alternative treatments, and whether you
are getting the positive outcomes you are looking for.
What medical treatments or information you choose to follow is ultimately your decision. If alternative medicine provides you with healing and comfort, that’s fantastic! But if you have any questions or concerns about your health, always go to a physician first. Keep up with Tillamook County Wellness’ health literacy campaign to continue learning about how you can play an active role in managing your health. And in the meantime, stick to the TikToks that teach you about gardening, not self-medicating. Be well, Tillamook!
written by Sarah Ermer, MPH, CHES, from Tillamook Family Counseling Center
Resources:
Rikard SM, Strahan AE, Schmit KM, Guy GP Jr.. Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2019–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:379–385. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7215a1.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, February 13). Is this legit? accessing valid and reliable health information. National Institutes of Health.
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/legit-accessing-valid-and-reliable-health-information
by Guest | May 2, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Navigating healthcare can be confusing, and knowing when and where to seek medical attention can feel like solving a complex puzzle. There are different types of medical care, including primary care, urgent care, emergency care, and online doctor visits, and each serves a specific purpose. Having a clear understanding of the differences between them is vital for maintaining your health effectively.
Primary care is your first point of contact for managing your overall health. Your primary care provider (PCP) can help with routine check-ups, preventive care, and treatment of common illnesses. Establishing a relationship with a PCP is important because they get to know your medical history and can provide personalized care and guidance. You should visit your PCP for regular screenings, vaccinations, management of chronic conditions (like diabetes or hypertension), non-emergency illnesses (like colds or infections), and general health concerns.
Urgent care centers are equipped to handle non-life-threatening medical issues that require prompt attention but are not severe enough for an emergency room visit. They offer extended hours and typically treat conditions like minor injuries, infections, and illnesses that need immediate care but are not critical. You should choose urgent care for conditions like sprains, minor burns, fever, vomiting, stitches, or other urgent but not life-threatening issues, especially when your PCP is not available.
Emergency rooms are designed to handle critical or life-threatening situations. If experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, severe burns, or major trauma, head straight to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t hesitate. Use emergency care for serious injuries (broken bones, severe cuts), severe illnesses, heart attacks, strokes, or any condition that could be life-threatening.
Telemedicine or virtual visits with doctors provide a convenient way to consult healthcare professionals remotely. This option is suitable for non-emergency issues when an in-person visit is not necessary. You should consider online visits for minor illnesses (like sinus infections, rashes), medication refills, follow-up consultations, or initial assessments of symptoms.
Health literacy is a crucial skill that empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and navigate the healthcare system effectively. Having a primary care provider is essential for several reasons, including continuity of care, preventive care, health advocacy, and chronic disease management. Your PCP manages your long-term health needs and coordinates care across specialists, ensuring holistic and personalized treatment.
When visiting a healthcare provider, whether it’s a PCP, urgent care, or online doctor, expect a comprehensive evaluation, a physical examination, diagnostic tests, and a treatment plan. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare provider, ask questions, and voice any concerns you have about your health. Your active involvement in your healthcare journey can lead to better outcomes and improved overall well-being.
Understanding the nuances of when and where to seek medical care empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. By embracing health literacy and establishing a relationship with a primary care provider, individuals can navigate the complexities of healthcare with confidence, ensuring timely access to appropriate care when needed.
To learn more about Medical Services or to find a Primary Care Provider, please visit: https://adventisthealth.org/tillamook/doctors/
https://tillamookchc.org/medical-services/
https://www.nehalembayhealth.org/
Resources:
“Primary, Urgent, Emergency Care and Online Doctor Visits – What’s the Difference?” UnityPoint Health, www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/primary-urgent–emergency-care-whats-the-difference. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
by Guest | Apr 24, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized, Why I'm In
“WHY I’M IN …” An interview with Emery Edwards, AmeriCorps, VISTA
What drew you/your organization to partner with Tillamook County Wellness?
I’ll be honest, I started working with TCW because it was something required of my position as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. I came to Tillamook, though, because I was in search of something more fulfilling, authentic, and close to nature than what I had built in Seattle. Since the first day I learned about TCW I was inspired by the community-driven initiatives to make Tillamook a better place to work, live, and be. I will continue my work with TCW because I am inspired by the passion exhibited by its members towards the never-ending work of improving this county. I have found that TCW embodies what I was searching for when I moved to Tillamook- it is authentic, innovative, fulfilling, and emphasizes genuine relationships and community action.
What, if any, changes have you seen come about as a result of this work?
I can see how TCW brings organizations and people together for initiatives to improve the county. Being behind the scenes and involved in several committees I have the unique opportunity to see so much of what TCW is doing! The collaborative nature of the committees creates buy-in throughout organizations in the county and provides a platform for the exchange of ideas all towards the betterment of our community. I specifically see how a lot of what TCW does is directly informed by data collected about the greatest needs of the county, specifically for vulnerable populations. I see access to care and access to physical activity being increased for all of Tillamook County, but particularly emphasized for historically underserved populations. This is critical work that is not being done everywhere and I’m so happy that TCW is taking that initiative.
What have you learned from being involved in this work?
Gosh, I have learned so much about what it means to bring about community action. This community has so many wonderful members who are passionate about improving the livelihoods of all county residents which has restored some of my faith in humanity. I learn so much from my work with TCW almost every day, but I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that community action like TCW is even possible!
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to you/your organization?
I hope that this work can continue to grow and expand to include more representatives of the community. I really hope to see more community members, retirees, and other people looking to use their time, energy, and skills to better their community through TCW. I hope that this will cultivate a sense of ownership for Tillamook County residents. In my experience, if you yourself work on something you feel a sense of ownership over it. And that’s really important for this program’s sustainability. The more people come together wanting to improve their community through TCW the more positive impact we’ll be able to make
What are your hopes for this work as it relates to changing community health in Tillamook County.
Moving to Tillamook County has changed my life, and I know it can change so many others. I really hope that this work will improve access to a happy and healthy life for all. It’s really hard to not have any healthy habits, nutritional knowledge, or a healthy relationship with your body. I believe that TCW is providing access to healthy choices we can make for ourselves. This is essential work to improving community health because when you feel like you’re on your own with your health, it’s really isolating and it can feel like you have to reinvent the wheel. TCW is changing Tillamook County for the better, and my biggest hope is that we continue to receive support from the community we serve.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would just like to add that moving to Tillamook County has changed my life for the better! I’ve been able to build a wonderful community of authentic, caring, amazing people who truly care about this community. Tillamook County has its flaws but it is such a special place to me and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve here. I am so looking forward to seeing what amazing things we can accomplish with community action! And, a special thank-you to Michelle Jenck, the Tillamook County Wellness Coordinator. Without her, so much of this work would not be possible!
by Guest | Feb 28, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Move Well
Greetings Everyone! My name is Stephen Mintie and I live in Tillamook with my wonderful wife. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in the area in the short time I’ve been here which is partially due to my endeavors in amateur videography. This allows me to be a visual storyteller in how I share my life. People regularly get to see a rich personal life I’m very grateful for that includes paragliding, hiking, community involvement, dining with my wife, and various adventures. What they don’t know is that I’ve had some times in my life of deep despair that has translated to some heavy anxiety and depression that still impacts me to this day and it has affected my physical health as well.
We all face different circumstances and traumas. We all process information and are motivated differently. Our tolerances vary as well. With that said, here are some things that have helped me pull out of my moments of weakness and pain though it is still very much a work in progress.
Light exercise goes a long way! A job of a physical nature or hobbies can help. There was a time I didn’t have either. I elected to do some sit ups, push ups, and a light jog a few times a week. After about a month and a half, I was improving. The biggest benefit was that physical activity led to better mental strength. Exercise does not need to be about vanity, it only takes a little work consistently for your mind and body to reap the rewards. When the chips are down, you need all the cards you can get in your deck.
What you put into your body matters. For a long time I was eating a frozen pizza for dinner late at night while washing it down with copious amounts of beer. This absolutely set me back pretty hard. I started developing what felt like an allergy to what I thought was gluten which has since subsided as I’ve changed this habit. The way I went about this was I started eating healthy foods such as greens and vegetables during the day. I felt it was easier to do during my working hours when I wasn’t chasing food for comfort. In the evening, I learned how to take healthy ingredients, but make it into something that tasted satisfying. I was able to feed the habit, and the habit didn’t know it was good for me. – Alcohol doesn’t serve anybody when things are hard. It’s a depressant and after a drink or two, it’s essentially poison. Do I still drink? Yes. Would I benefit from abstaining altogether? Absolutely. I wasn’t going to stop though, but I was thoughtful about its impacts. I stopped buying hard liquor in stores and stuck with low ABV beer. These days I have a pretty set limit of how much I’ll drink, but I wouldn’t consider it to be within healthy ranges. Remember, if your mind is hurting, alcohol is your enemy. A few hours of feeling good is only borrowing a few hours of happiness that has to be repaid back times 4.
Focus on growth rather than goals. You can fail while growing and even if you hit goals, you still will want to continue growing. Growth means that you don’t stop trying. Growth also means pursuing things that fill your personal cup and provide you with more mental stamina and relief. This varies wildly from person to person. Comparing yourself to others hinders growth.
In a world filled with people who are healthy and sick, rich and poor, only your story matters because it’s your health and mental well being on the line. We should absolutely care and empathize with others, but you can help people a lot more if you are happy and healthy. Growth also doesn’t have to be solely related towards eating right and exercising. The happiest people out there are also the most gracious. Grow in gratitude, be kind, and help others. Life is full of pain and disappointment for many. Think of ways to put a smile on somebody’s face. If you feel rudderless without direction, sometimes all you can do is your best. If you can’t find the light, be the light!
Lastly and while this applies to everyone, I’m really speaking to the men out there. Don’t be afraid to say something if you’re hurting. Some of my best pals and I talk about it all the time. It makes us human and relatable. I’ve made more friends in my life being open, honest, oftentimes self deprecating rather than bragging or making it seem like everything is in order. At the end of the day you are not alone. Life is not meant to be lived in quiet desperation and nothing changes if nothing changes. Regardless of your self esteem, say to yourself “I want to feel good, I want to be ok, and I would like to be happy too.” After that, start thinking about little things you are capable of doing every day consistently that will help you head in that direction. The time of my life where I started doing these things was a time I did not have hope whatsoever. I couldn’t see the way out, but I knew if I didn’t try the basics, I was going to sink. While I am a very lucky man now, I often think, “wow, there were so many times I just wanted to give up, and if I had, I would have had none of this.”
Don’t ever give up and remember, there’s a trick to eating an elephant, you have to take small bites.
