Spanaway Lutheran Church has formed a new group called Alzheimer Caregiver’s Support Group. This group is a part of the Western and Central Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Its purpose is to give caregivers time to share concerns and gain support from fellow caregivers.  Ideas for support agencies, written materials, ongoing research and concerns are all pooled and shared.  It also provides a brief respite from their daunting task as a caregiver.

Meeting on the third Thursday of each month from 1-2:30, the group meets at Spanaway Lutheran Church located at 16001 “A” Street, Spanaway, WA 98387.  Contact Gary Kreis at 253 840-6916 for more information.

TACOMA PIERCE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT — There currently are  toxic algae blooms in Tanwax Lake and Harts Lake. A toxic algae bloom is easily identified by the unusual color or appearance to the water. Usually a bloom makes the lake surface green, looking like pea soup or green paint, but sometimes the bloom is a different color. Wind and rain can greatly change the amount and location of algae in the lake. To help you make decisions about recreational use of the lake, the health department recommends you follow these precautions:

• Keep children and pets away from areas that have a moderate or heavier amount of algae

• Do not swim, wade, waterski, or fish in areas that have a moderate or heavier amount of algae

Swallowing lake water containing algae or prolonged skin contact with the algae may result in illness, such as muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or nausea. If you know or believe someone may have swallowed water containing large amounts of algae, it is extremely important to seek immediate medical attention.

The risk to pets is much greater than the risk to people, both due to the smaller body sizes of pets and to a pet being more likely to drink water containing a heavy concentration of algae. If a pet does ingest a large amount of algae and is showing signs such as vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, or seizures, it should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Excessive nutrients from fertilizers, animal and human waste can run off into lakes and contribute to algae growth. Reducing use of fertilizers, maintaining septic systems, and properly disposing of pet waste helps improve water quality in lakes, streams, groundwater, and the Puget Sound.

For further information, please call Ray Hanowell at (253)798-2845 or Lindsay Tuttle at (253)798-3530, or visit our website at www.tpchd.org and search for “toxic algae”.

June 2013

6/6/13  Franklin Pierce School District, 315 129^th St S, Tacoma

*Blood drive will be held in the Board Room

2:30pm-6:30pm

6/21/13

Relay for Life of Central Pierce @ Franklin Pierce High School

11002 18^th Ave E, Tacoma

*Blood drive will be held on the bloodmobile

6:30pm-9:00pm

6/23/13

Rainier View Christian Church- Parkland

12305 Spanaway Loop Road South, Tacoma

*Blood drive will be held on the bloodmobile

9:00am-1:00pm

6/27/13

Safeway-Spanaway, 15805 Pacific Avenue S, Tacoma

*Blood drive will be held on the bloodmobile

1:30pm-6:30pm

Lisa Owens, Community Relations Specialist
253-383-2553 Ext. 280

CASCADE REGIONAL BLOOD SERVICES
220 SOUTH I STREET, TACOMA WA 98405
1-877-24-BLOOD
WWW.CRBS.NET

TACOMA, WA — The June 2013 Children’s Immunization Calendar is now available on Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s website at www.tpchd.org/immunizations/.

From the Tacoma-Pierce Health Department’s Children’s Monthly Immunization Sites mailing list.

PIERCE COUNTY — Are you or someone you love living with Parkinson’s Disease? Learn the latest information on research, medication, and lifestyle changes that can improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones.

Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources in collaboration with the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation will host “Taking on Parkinson’s”, a special workshop to help those impacted by Parkinson’s better understand the disease and its management. A neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s progresses over time causing symptoms, as well as its burden, to change as the disease evolves.  Education to gain a better understanding of the disease is an important tool to help Parkinson’s patients manage their illness and thrive.

Parkinson’s Disease cannot yet be cured and sufferers get worse over time as the normal bodily functions, including breathing, balance, movement, and heart function worsen. Parkinson’s most often occurs after the age of 50 and is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly.  Other related disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and ALS.

“Patients and families beginning to deal with Parkinson’s are on a very long and difficult journey,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources.  “Knowing about more the disease and the available treatments is a huge part of successfully living with the disease and providing the best care.”

“Taking on Parkinson’s” is an informal presentation by Sharon Jung of the NW Parkinson’s Foundation. She will be speaking on the basics of PD and the many treatment approaches that are currently available and the hope that patients and families can have.

The presentation will be held Tuesday, June 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Villas at Union Park, 2010 Union Avenue S. in Tacoma.  There is no cost.

For more information call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A that may be linked to Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend, a frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix.
As of May 31, 2013, there had been 30 individuals from 5 states infected with Hepatitis A.
The CDC recommends that consumers not eat this frozen food and discard any remaining product.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A occur within 15-50 days of exposure and include:

• yellow eyes or skin
• abdominal pain
• pale stools
• dark urine

If you experience such symptoms, seek medical attention. If you consumed this product within the past few weeks and have never been vaccinated for Hepatitis A, contact your health care provider to see if you should be vaccinated.

Learn more about Hepatitis A.

PIERCE COUNTY — Even the Stone Age people knew the sun brought life on Earth and that is one reason they used to worship it. But the sun can both heal and destroy. Sunlight can be the kiss of life or death.  It depends on the way we use it.

Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources is sponsoring “The Sun and Your Skin: What the Sun Can Do,” a special workshop to help lay out the truth about the consequences of exposure to the sun, potential short and long term harm, and things people can do to prevent skin damage.

The workshop will be repeated four times at four different locations:

•             June 17 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.

Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room, 2401 S 35th Street in Tacoma

•             June 17 – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Summit Branch Library, 5107 112th St E. in Tacoma

•             June 19 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.

County-City Building Rainier Conference Room, 930 Tacoma Ave S, 7th Floor in Tacoma

•             June 19 – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sound View Building, 3611 S. D Street in Tacoma

“After months of clouds and rain, people in the Northwest can’t wait to enjoy the sunshine,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources.  “But it’s easy to go overboard and, in a very short time, cause serious damage.  Knowing how to avoid harmful overexposure is important for everyone.”

“The Sun and Your Skin: What the Sun Can Do” will be presented by Cascade Eye and Skin Centers and the Pierce county Aging & Disability Resource Center. The workshop will offer the best information science can provide and show ways that people can prevent potential damage as well as what to look for as potential problem signs. Additional community resources will also be provided.

The workshop is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

TPCHD — There currently is a toxic algae bloom in Ohop Lake. A toxic algae bloom is easily identified by the unusual color or appearance to the water. Usually a bloom makes the lake surface green, looking like pea soup or green paint, but sometimes the bloom is a different color. Wind and rain can greatly change the amount and location of algae in the lake. To help you make decisions about recreational use of the lake, the health department recommends you follow these precautions:

• Keep children and pets away from areas that have a moderate or heavier amount of algae

• Do not swim, wade, waterski, or fish in areas that have a moderate or heavier amount of algae

Swallowing lake water containing algae or prolonged skin contact with the algae may result in illness, such as muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or nausea. If you know or believe someone may have swallowed water containing large amounts of algae, it is extremely important to seek immediate medical attention.

The risk to pets is much greater than the risk to people, both due to the smaller body sizes of pets and to a pet being more likely to drink water containing a heavy concentration of algae. If a pet does ingest a large amount of algae and is showing signs such as vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, or seizures, it should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Excessive nutrients from fertilizers, animal and human waste can run off into lakes and contribute to algae growth. Reducing use of fertilizers, maintaining septic systems, and properly disposing of pet waste helps improve water quality in lakes, streams, groundwater, and the Puget Sound.

For further information, please call Ray Hanowell at (253)798-2845 or Lindsay Tuttle at (253)798-3530, or visit our website at www.tpchd.org and search for “toxic algae”.

Tacoma, WA - The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Wednesday announced the selection of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to help Pierce County residents find, compare and enroll in health insurance programs. The in-person assistance effort is part of the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Program.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is one of 10 organizations, including public health agencies, coalitions, regional health networks, and other community organizations chosen statewide to build and oversee a network of community partners that will help residents enroll in a qualified health plan starting Oct. 1, 2013 for coverage that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s efforts will provide residents with impartial information to help them determine which health insurance options best fits their needs. These efforts may take place through in-person meetings, online communications and over the phone.

“We are pleased that the Washington Health Benefits Exchange has selected Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department as the lead organization to coordinate its In-Person Assister Program for Pierce County,” said Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, director of health. “We look forward to working with our partners and the community to make sure that everyone can get the health care coverage they need to be healthy.”

To   ensure statewide consistency, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange   will lead curriculum and training materials development to effectively train Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and other lead organizations. These organizations will then be responsible for training their partner networks. All organizations will need to pass a certification exam before working with consumers.

“We are excited to partner with such knowledgeable and trusted organizations that are   experts at reaching people in their communities,” said Richard Onizuka, Ph.D, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “Their work will help connect hundreds of thousands of people with quality health coverage – many for the first time.”

The Exchange has received a total of $6 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop the program in all areas of the state via lead organizations.

The kids turned out in force in purple shirts carrying balloons inscribed with the names of other children who had committed suicide after being bullied. They were all excited to participate and be a beacon of encouragement to other kids living under the stress of a bully or bullies.

Here are a few photos. Q13 Fox was also there taking photos and it has been on their news.

At 12:30 p.m. on June 10, 2013, three commanders from Joint Base Lewis McChord read statements in a press conference on the impacts of sequestration and the upcoming furloughs of 16,000 civilian and contract personnel to members of the media. The Pierce Prairie Post was present for the event.

The commanders were

Colonel Jeff Philippart, Vice Wing Commander of the 62^nd Airlift Wing

Colonel H. Charles Hodges, Jr., Joint Base Commander, Joint Base Lewis McChord

Colonel Dallas Homas, Commander, Madigan Army Medical Center

These cuts will come as 11 unpaid days off, in most cases, Fridays. The furloughs will begin on July 8 and continue to the end of the Federal budget year in September.

Col. Hodges comment that their mission is to train and prepare troops at JBLM, the 7^th largest “city” in Washington state. In the past two weeks they have sent written notifications to 10,000 civilian personnel of the upcoming furloughs. He said this will have a significant impact on their mission.

First, it reduces their ability to support the service personnel.

Second, it is a huge financial impact to the members of the civilian support staff. They have mortgages to pay, kids to feed and utility bills that will still arrive in the mail.

Third, there will be an impact to the local economy as these personnel cut back on their spending to make adjustments.

[The Colonel did not have any estimate of that local economic impact, but if you take 20% of the income from 16,000 people making, say, an average of $45,000 year for July through September, that’s $36 million dollars. Of course, there are multiple economic turns that money makes as it passes through the economy. Even at a conservative turn of three, that’s a downturn to the Pierce/Thurston County areas of $108 million to the local economy.]

Col. Dallas Homas of Madigan Army Medical Center began by saying he hopes the nation’s leaders take measures to lessen or remove the impacts of these cuts before they have to happen. He noted one of the most troubling things about the furloughs is it takes away the patient’s ability to access care. Seventy percent of the staff at Madigan is civilian. They have already been operating with less than optimum staff due to a hiring freeze. They have not been able to replace people who have left or retired. Those who have remained on staff have had to take on double the tasks. Now they are being asked to do that for 20% less income as well. He expressed his gratitude to the staff for their commitment to their mission. He also expressed concern that talents and experienced medical personnel may decide they cannot take the financial impact of the cuts and seek employment in other places.

There are a few areas of the medical facility that will not have cuts made, those are neonatal intensive care and the behavioral health providers. [There is a special focus on those personnel taking care of troops with issues such as PTSD from previous Congressional actions.] Col. Homas commented that he does not want to lose sight of the personal toll that these cuts will have on the civilians in his employ.

Col. Philippart Vice Commander of the 62^nd Military Airlift Wing spoke about the severe impact of the cuts on operations at the base. They have already cut all aerial demonstrations and the upcoming bi-annual International Rodeo that was supposed to be in July has been cancelled. He disclosed that he expects their readiness to decline over time. Of the 580 civilians in his command, 270 are key members of flight support services such as aircraft maintenance with decades of experience. He called attention to the effect this will have on the personnel’s physical, mental and spiritual well being, their morale and resiliency.

In the period of questions and answers, the commanders were asked if they were aware of any personnel that had already been lost due to the furloughs. Col. Philippart knew of one, but Col. Homas noted he had already lost several to civilian health care organizations.

When asked if there were any silver linings to this situation, the only answer came from Col. Hodges who said they first thought they would have to furlough staff for 22 days and were pleased to be able to reduce that to just 11.

When asked to cite examples of impacts, Col. Homas answered that Madigan needs to operate 24/7 with reduced staff. They have to synchronize the days they take off since the operating rooms cannot function without the pharmacy open or the anesthesiologist on duty. They also need to be sure they maximize care to those most vulnerable. If someone comes in with a cardiac arrest, there needs to be an open emergency room to care for them.

A question was asked about using returning troops to backfill some of the positions. Col. Philippart said that airmen are continuously being deployed. There is a real impact of real world missions.

Col. Homas mentioned his concern over the potential loss of experienced professionals. He said the timing was really bad due to the prolonged hiring freeze and that June, July and August are the months when the PCS cycle takes place. Permanent Change of Station, when troops get orders to a new base. This lowers the available staff even more.

Col. Hodges responded by saying you cannot just grab a returning soldier and make him a waste water treatment operator. You might be able to take someone and train then quickly to be a guard at the gate, but many of the positions the civilian personnel fill are highly skilled such as engineers and mechanics.

The commanders said they had been keeping in close contact with local Congress members regarding the impacts. Their budget cuts were in the area of sustainment, restorization and modernization (SRM). When asked about the actual budget figures, Col. Hodges said the base SRM budget had been cut from 128 million to 52 million dollars.

In speaking about the morale of the employees, Col. Philippart noted that civilian personnel haven’t had a pay raise in several years. It is tough on the morale for his entire unit.

Col. Homas said with his voice cracking, they have borne the stress of the war effort for the past 10 years. Most of our civilian employees are family of those deployed. And now we have to tell them, here’s your pay cut. He said he has already received over 100 letters from employees telling him the impact the furloughs will have on them. Single mothers, whose marriage had just ended due to the stress of the war. Professionals trying to cover down payments or student loans. “Ultimately you start fraying around the edges,” he proclaimed. And then they take another job. It has an adverse impact on morale. “It’s personal to them. After all their sacrifices, we have to look them in the eyes and say, ‘You have to sacrifice some more.’”

UW Tacoma — The ASARCO smelter in Ruston, Washington contaminated the south-central Puget Sound region with heavy metals, including arsenic and lead. This study finds that arsenic is highly mobile in these urban lakes. Current knowledge of the chemical, physical and biological factors affecting arsenic mobility in regional lakes will be discussed and initial data on biotic effects explored. The Agency Seminar Series is sponsored by the Research Translation Core of the UW-SRP to promote access to current scientific research relating to Superfund prioritized chemicals and toxicants.

The series targets professionals working on environmental health and hazardous waste site issues. Research Translation Core Director: Dr Thomas Burbacher tmb@u.washington.edu

Information Contact, Program Manager: Katie Frevert kfrevert@u.washington.edu 206-685-5379

The University of Washington Superfund Research Program (UW-SRP) sponsored Agency  Seminar  Series  at Region  10 EPA.

Please join us (remote access also available) for:

The Long-Term Impact of Metal Smelting Operations on Arsenic Availability in Urban Lakes of the South-Central Puget Sound Region by Dr. Jim Gawel, Associate Professor, University of Washington, Tacoma

DATE: June 26, 2013

TIME: 11:00 am-1:00 pm PDT (includes discussion time)

LOCATION: EPA Region 10 Office (or remote access)

1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101, On 6th Avenue between Seneca and University

Visitors sign-in at PERC on the 12th floor

Remote Access: Register at: http://clu-in.org/conf/tio/arsenic4/

USA.gov — Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Get information about this potentially deadly cancer and what you can do to identify signs of skin cancer and decrease
your risk factors.

RiskFactors — Anyone can get skin cancer, but sun exposure, family history, and certain medical conditions are among the risk factors.

Check Your Skin – Doing regular self-exams will help you identify new growths or potentially harmful changes. See your doctor if you notice anything suspicious. (Take a look at some images of melanoma and basalcell and squamous cell skin cancers.)

Types of Skin Cancer — Learn about the three most common forms of skin cancer and where on the body they tend to occur.

Protect Your Skin — If you limit your exposure to UV radiation in a variety of ways, you can decrease your risk of developing skin cancer.

Avoid Tanning — Too much exposure to UV rays through indoor or outdoor tanning can lead to skin cancer.

[Editor note: I wish I could quote my daughter's reaction now to tanning booths, but I would have to use $%^& keys. At age 26 she had to have a potentially cancerous skin formation removed. Orange isn't a normal color for everyone. And a thank you here for those who participated in the Relay for Life.]

The Alzheimer’s journey is just another story – until it hits home. When Ann Hedreen’s mother began the battle with Alzheimer’s, it was only natural for the daughter – a professional filmmaker – to pick up her camera and tell the story with a mix of scientific detachment and daughterly passion.

Emmy-nominated “Quick Brown Fox” combines their moving personal journey with an insightful look at the science and politics of Alzheimer’s, a disease that now affects more than 36 million people worldwide. The film also explores that profound question: Who are you if you lose your mind?

“This is an important film: for our parents, for ourselves and for all those who stand in the path of this terrible disease.” – Ron Reagan

“This beautiful family story truly captures the experience of the caregiver–the sadness, the fear, the determination, the hope. It is an important re-source for all who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.” – Maria Shriver

The film will have a free Tacoma showing on July 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Grand Cinema, 606 S. Fawcett Avenue. Ann Hedreen, filmmaker whose mother had Alzheimer’s, will introduce the film and participate in an audience discussion following. Complimentary respite care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia will be available nearby at Cascade Park Active Day. Please call ahead to reserve respite at (253) 627-9990.

The event is free but RSVP’s are requested by calling (253) 798-8787 in advance. The showing of “Quick Brown Fox” is co-sponsored by Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources and the Alzheimer’s Association – Western and Central Washington State Chapter.

By Marianne Lincoln

OPINION

Parkland Light and Water was the lead name on the lawsuit to prevent the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department from mandating fluoridated water across the county in 2002. When the matter was headed to the Washington State Supreme Court, they balked and signed the agreement to fluoridate the water. It cost their rate payers over $250,000 to buy the equipment and set up the system to do this. The utility even polled its members and 51% were against the fluoridation.

The agreement with the health department expired in March 2013 and the utility voted June 20 to end fluoridation. The reason? The manager, Mark Johnson, was quoted in the News Tribune saying it was not cost effective. He said they spent about $70,000 each year on fluoridation.

Mary Jennings, dental director for Parkland’s Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children was on the pro-fluoridation side before the public even knew about the health department mandate in 2002. She is quoted in the Tribune article multiple times because she is a die-hard pusher of water fluoridation.

I, on the other hand, am a die-hard opponent and unapologetic. I have a degree in chemistry. I worked for several water utilities and labs in my past. But more than that, I am one of the individuals that has health concerns with fluoride in the water. They will never convince me because I know my own personal body chemistry. People like Mary Jennings push this chemical, which is often delivered unaltered from phosphate fertilizer plants with untested contaminants, using sorrowful stories of children with bad dental care. They show ugly mouths and tell us this will all go away with this in our water. Well, it’s simply not true. Better nutrition and actual dental services will help make it go away. I am an advocate for spending that money getting kids dental treatment with hygienists and real dentists, not some additive in the water that harms other people.

I have no tinfoil hat and my helicopter was an orange Bell not black. Don’t ever try to start that Strangelove crap with me. I get sick from it in the water. I have been forced to carry water to work in Tacoma and Seattle. I have a 5 gallon water thermos for my automobile because I cannot trust the water in cities. That’s what it has done for me. And yes, I resent it. But I know I am healthier without it and very likely many others are as well. I have read many studies on the harm. I had to organize 1031 pages of them for the courts.

So how about those statistics about how great the teeth of Parkland children became in the past 10 years? The only statistics I have seen are the increases in poverty in the Parkland area over the past 10 years. I am certain there was even less dental care and an unfortunate lack of real improvement for those children.

So bravo to the Parkland Light and Water directors for stopping a non-effective and expensive program. I hope to hear you will make a regular donation to a fund to help Franklin Pierce’s poor youth to see dental hygienists. That was a program discussed with the health department and water companies after the State Supreme Court stopped their mandate. Here is a link to the brochure for the ABCD program (Access to Baby and Child Dentistry) for kids ages 0 to 6. This is an excellent resource! The health department also has this link for access to low cost dental insurance.

You see, we all care about children’s dental health, some of us just want to see it done the best way possible for the individuals that need to be served. That’s why we live in a democracy, so we can have choices.

Now go brush your teeth and do yourself a favor, each less sugar and bad carbs.

By Marianne Lincoln

It’s summer and it’s hot, so you are headed to the nearest body of water to cool off. Keep in mind, the water in the rivers, lakes and Puget Sound is cold, very cold. Hypothermia is not your worst enemy.

In water between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you have about 5 minutes before you begin to lose dexterity and maybe 1 to 2 hours to survive. That may be scary, but you can still swim for the beach, right?

Well, you have a worse enemy and it is called cold shock. It can take you down almost immediately. It is an instantaneous reaction to immersion in cold water. It can cause immediate incapacitation and even death.

Cold shock can cause uncontrolled gasping, which, if your head is below water at the time can lead to nearly instant drowning. Even if you are not underwater, it can cause havoc with your breathing, leading to hyperventilation, panic, confusion dizziness and possible loss of consciousness. All this happens well before hypothermia sets in.

In short, cold shock kills instantly. This is why you are being told to wear life preservers, not just keep them handy on the shore or in a boat.

In 2000, soon after graduation senior president and football quarterback of Spanaway Lake High School tried to swim in Alder Lake to the island at Sunny Beach. The surface temperature was misleading compared to the temperature a few feet below. Although an 18 year old athlete, Travis Olesen slipped below the surface and drowned. This was my son’s graduating class. Travis was one of those kids, athletic, smart and very personable. He was definitely going to be very successful in life. Everyone who knew him was devastated.

Please don’t be the next. Go out and stay cool, but in cold water lakes and rivers, please, wear that life preserver.

[Editor note: This Seattle Times article in 2002 blames Travis’ death on hypothermia, that was before the curse of cold shock was well known.  Love and hugs to the Olesen family.]

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) (aka-Obama Care) is moving closer to full implementation. Washington State has chosen to establish a Health Benefit Exchange, a marketplace where individuals and businesses can shop for insurance plans.

The business marketplace is called SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program). The SHOP is for companies with fewer than 50 employees and opens on October 1, 2013. Enrollment for individuals opens October 1, 2013 and ends March 31, 2014.

Take this (free) opportunity to learn about significant changes to health care delivery and what they mean for your business and your employees. Even if you have more than 50 employees, this seminar can provide information useful to your employees as they make health care choices.

Mike Jackling, Small Business/Agent Representative with the Washington Health Benefit Exchange will provide an overview of the Exchange and its role in the ACA. Mike has worked with and educated consumers, employers, brokers and consultants in his varying roles. He has represented industry leaders, including United Healthcare and Aetna. He will be available to answer questions after the presentation.

There is no charge to attend this seminar but registration (below) is required due to the limited seating capacity.

Date: Monday, August 5, 2013

Program: 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Place: Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th Street W., University Place, WA 98467

Directions: Driving Directions to the ESB GPS Coordinates: Lon: 122° 34′ 6.33” W | Lat: 47° 11′ 52.8” N

Registration: Register Online or call Hans Kueck at: 253.798.2335, hkueck@co.pierce.wa.us

This event is a collaborative effort of:

Pierce County Economic Development

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has developed a Skin Deep Cosmetics Database where you can look up your shampoo or moisturizer.

EWG developed Skin Deep to be your go-to online resource for personal care product ingredient safety information. Their researchers are constantly updating Skin Deep’s database with new products. It now rates more than 65,000 different products in a wide variety of categories.

Find the rating of your:

• Hair spray
• After sun      products
• Lip balms
• Detanglers
• Acne treatment

And check out the Skin Deep homepage to see all the product categories and search for a specific product.

Here’s to smarter personal care product shopping.

Break Free from the Sugar Blues is a free workshop being offered by Sandra Austin, health coach at Health Transformationz. The workshop will be held on Saturday, July 13 at Spanaway Fitness, 13819 Pacific Avenue S. It will begin at 10 a.m.

If you crave sweets and want to gain control of this without deprivation, please come and learn. It will help you make a difference in  your life.

Speaker contact:  Sandra Austin, sandra@healthtransformationz.com , 253-576-0008.

According to a report from the state patrol there were two accidents during the 2013 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic.

First Aid station for the STP

In the first a car brushed with a rider at 168th Street and Pacific Avenue in Spanaway. The rider was unharmed. There were emergency vehicles called to the site.

The other collision was near Roy on SR 507. THe rider suffered abrasions and a possible broken ankle.

Ten thousand riders take place in this event which winds through Summit, Spanaway, Roy and McKenna on its way to Portland. There are five rest stops on the route; one is at Spanaway Middle School in Spanaway.

The Post wishes the injured cyclist well.