Jay Brower, Bethel School District’s director of community connections was injured Saturday in Seattle as he was starting out on the Seatlle to Portland Bicycle Classic.

Jay’s words from Facebook: “Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. While in Seattle yesterday morning there was an abrupt slow down going down hill. I hit the brakes too hard and tumbled over the handle bars. I was the only one involved in the accident. Shawn Pyeatt and other cyclists responded quickly as did the medics. I was unconscious for several minutes but received excellent treatment at Harborview. So much for making it to Portland in one day!”

Jay is recuperating and receiving many well wishes from friends and associates. According to communications director Krista Carlson, Jay has lots of scrapes and bruises, but nothing is broken. Rumor has it his pride and sense of humor are also intact.

We all wish him a speedy recovery. Thanks to all who assisted him following the accident.

USA.GOV — Extreme heat can be very dangerous, leading to heat stroke and death. Heat stroke occurs when your temperature rises quickly and your body cannot cool down. This condition is life-threatening, but it is preventable.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

• Stay in air-conditioned space if possible. If your home      is not air-conditioned, go to a public library, heat-relief shelter, or      other cool location.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids (check with your      doctor if you are usually supposed to limit your fluids).
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
• Cut back on exercise.
• Closely watch those who are at high risk of      heat-related illness, including older adults, young children, and      individuals with physical and/or mental illnesses.
• NEVER leave anyone in an enclosed, parked vehicle.

If you believe that you or someone else may be suffering from heat stroke or another heat-related illness, get help right away. It could be a life or death emergency.

Puget Sounders Needed to Participate in CPS-3
Residents in the Puget Sound Area have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a historic national study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. Between August 20 and August 24, the American Cancer Society will be enrolling local residents in Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) in the following areas:
Pierce County South King County Bellevue/Eastside

Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the study. A diverse population of up to three hundred thousand people across the United States and Puerto Rico are needed for researchers to better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.To enroll in the study, individuals will need to schedule an appointment by August 5^th and be willing to:· Read and sign an informed consent form;· Complete a comprehensive survey that asks for information on lifestyle, behavioral, and other health-related factors;· Have height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and waist circumference measured;· Give a small blood sample.The in-person enrollment process takes approximately an hour to complete. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to participants.

For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit www.cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer.org, or call toll-free 1-888- 604-5888. To register for CPS-3, visit www.cps3pugetsound.org

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department wants you to know that there is a toxic algae bloom in Silver Lake, and this makes the lake unsafe for people and pets.

• Keep children and pets away from areas with algae
• Do not swim, wade, water ski, or fish in with algae

You can easily identify a toxic algae bloom because of its unusual color or appearance in the water. Usually a bloom makes the lake surface look 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.

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. Anyone who swallows water containing large amounts of algae should seek immediate medical attention.

The risk to pets is much greater than the risk to people. Pets have smaller body sizes and are more likely to drink water containing a heavy concentration of algae. If a pet ingests a large amount of algae and is showing signs such as vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, or seizures, take it 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, properly maintaining septic systems, and properly disposing of pet waste helps improve water quality in lakes, streams, groundwater, and Puget Sound.

For more information, please contact Ray Hanowell at (253) 798-2845 (rhanowell@tpchd.org), or Lindsay Tuttle at (253) 798-3530 (ltuttle@tpchd.org), or visit our website at www.tpchd.org/toxicalgae.

CAUTION: Toxic Algae present at Spanaway Lake, August 5, 2013

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department wants you to know that there is a toxic algae bloom in Spanaway Lake and this makes the lake unsafe for people and pets.

• Keep children and pets away from areas with visible algae
• Do not swim, wade, water ski, or fish in with visible algae

You can easily identify a toxic algae bloom because of its unusual color or appearance in the water. Usually a bloom makes the lake surface look 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.

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. Anyone who swallows water containing large amounts of algae should seek immediate medical attention.

Lots of algae material in the water

The risk to pets is much greater than the risk to people. Pets have smaller body sizes and are more likely to drink water containing a heavy concentration of algae. If a pet ingests a large amount of algae and is showing signs such as vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, or seizures, take it 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, properly maintaining septic systems, and properly disposing of pet waste helps improve water quality in lakes, streams, groundwater, and Puget Sound.

For more information, please contact Ray Hanowell at (253) 798-2845 (rhanowell@tpchd.org), or Lindsay Tuttle at (253) 798-3530 (ltuttle@tpchd.org), or visit our website at www.tpchd.org/toxicalgae.

USA.gov — Visit USA.gov’s Health Insurance page to learn about the new Health Insurance Marketplace and other types of health coverage.

Starting October 1, 2013, you can fill out an application for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You’ll be able to compare your options side-by-side and enroll in a plan that fits your budget and meets your needs. Coverage takes effect as early as January 1, 2014.

USA.gov’s Health Insurance page includes:

• A brief overview on health insurance and the Affordable Care Act.
• Key dates for enrollment and coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
• Publications to help you prepare for enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
• Information about Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and COBRA.

By Lorrie McDaniel

Come on out to JR’s Whistle Stop on August 26, for an evening of fun with friends, good food and show your support for the fight against breast cancer. There will be trivia with prizes, silent auctions, 50-50 raffle and gift basket raffles.

You can show your support in helping me, Lorrie McDaniel, raise money to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-day, 60 mile walk in Seattle, Sept 20-22. I can’t do this without your help, I am still $1000 away from the needed goal of $2300. Please come and bring your family, friends and neighbors! Please share this invite with all those you feel would like to donate to a great cause, in helping support those diagnosed with breast cancer and find a cure!

We will start at 5:00pm, trivia starts at 6:00 pm, silent auctions close at 8:00 pm, party ends at 9:00 pm. Come and check out some of the amazing gift certificates, from Deep house cleaning, Carpet cleaning, restaurant gift certificates and more! Make sure you announce at the door that you are with the IBTC, you will be given a ticket which you will present at the time of paying your tab, this will show your support for my cause.

The Washington State Department of Health has closed Commencement Bay and the Narrows south to Point Fosdic and Days Island are closed to all species of shellfish harvesting. Click here for more information.Tacoma-Pierce Health Department’s Surface Water and Shellfish Advisories,  here.

Molina Healthcare of Washington is having its 5th annual Community Champions Awards. Help us recognize those who serve our community members by nominating a Community Champion!

Nominating someone is easy, you can fill out the attached form and email it to MHWEvents@MolinaHealthcare.com, fax it to (425) 424-1168 or go directly to our online submission form.

Winners, Nominees and all those who nominated someone will be invited to a free dinner and awards ceremony on October 24th.

This is a chance to recognize those who demonstrate selfless dedication to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve.

email sent to residents around Spanaway Lake Friday afternoon:

To our Algae Watch Participants on Spanaway Lake,

We already have a toxic algae caution advisory in place for Spanaway Lake but preliminary results for an algae sample collected from the lake on August 26, 2013 show a very high concentration of toxin. Please use extra caution keeping your pets away from the lake and don’t swim, water ski, or fish in areas with visible algae. For more information on toxic algae, please visit our website at www.tpchd.org and search for “toxic algae.”

If you have questions, please call me or send me an email. I’ll be in the office Tuesday through Friday next week.

Thanks,

Ray Hanowell

Environmental Health Specialist

Environmental Health Division

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

(253) 798-2845

rhanowell@tpchd.org

Free surgery for pets and fleas treatment for anyone on Public Assistant or Low income. Information of getting an animal spayed.  Pasado’s “Spay Station #2” is currently located in the Pierce County area, but you do not have to be a Pierce County resident to qualify. This service is made possible by Pasado’s Safe Haven and the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation.

Link to PDF file with information on income qualification and schedule of locations.

September 13^th Albertson’s 11012 Canyon Rd. E., Puyallup

September 17^th Albertson’s 104 Military Rd., Spanaway

September 18^th Dog Daze 105 East Stewart Ave., Puyallup

September 19^th Roy City Hall 216 McNaught St., Roy

September 21^st  Lucky Dog 3411 6th Ave., Tacoma

September 24^th Key Penn Comm Services 17015 9th St. Ct. Lakebay

September 25^th Grocery Outlet 11011 Pacific Highway S., Lakewood

September 26^th King Feed 30510 Mountain Highway E. Eatonville

September 27^th Walmart 20307 Mountain Highway E, Spanaway

Ron Adams came on-board with Soundcare recently as the new administrator at Nisqually Valley Care Center, in McKenna.

When asked what his vision is for NVCC he said, “I want the residents and the staff to be happy and to make this building successful.”

He comes to Nisqually with both a successful and diverse career path.

Ron explained that he was raised by his grandparents and has always had a profound respect for his elders.  His career in senior living began at an early age with his first job in a nursing home where he was employed in housekeeping and laundry, then as he became a little older he began to do maintenance work at the facility.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology at Drury University, Springfield, MO. Later he went on to earn his master’s degree in Business from Webster University, in St. Louis, MO.

He thinks of the Ozarks as ‘home’ having lived in southern Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi.  However, he and his wife and 13-year-old daughter have relocated to the Olympia/Tumwater/Lacey area.

Prior to coming on board at NVCC he was with Extendicare and served as Director of Social Services.

At Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, WA Ron served as Administrator and Marketing Director.  With that background, he has some great ideas about how to market NVCC.

He had also previously lived and worked in the Okanogan at Valley Care Center.  He quipped that now he has just added “Nisqually” to the front of that name, so he feels right at home now at Nisqually Valley Care Center.

Ron worked for several years in psychology and in social services, but found his true calling in life and the best fit for him to become a Nursing Home Administrator.

Ron Adams and his staff at Nisqually Valley Care Center welcome visitors to call with any questions they may have about the skilled nursing services available.  Long-term care, short-stays or respite stays are welcome, too. Many of the staff members have been providing loving care at NVCC for many years.  Tours are welcome.  Call (360) 458-3801 or visit online at http://NisquallyValleyCare.com.  Nisqually Valley Care Center at

9414 357th Street South, McKenna, WA 98558 is one of four senior living communities owned and operated by http://SoundcareInc.com with headquarters in University Place.

SPANAWAY, WA – Was it a camel? A zebra? A moose? Yes, it was all that and, it was ABC Day at Spanaway Lake High School. There was food from Challenger’s catering program, robots, balloon art, spinning wheels for prizes, free toothbrushes and many, many other interesting things to see.

At the 723 Networking booth, a big screen TV raffle netted $741 for the high school’s LINK program and bottled water was handed out with the theme, making a splash that referred to the group’s support for the Bethel Aquatic Center.

Meanwhile over at Sprinker Recreation Center, the booths and cars out in the wind and rain were packing it in and heading inside for the awards presentation.

Take a peek:

In 2014 the Affordable Care Act (aka “ObamaCare) takes effect.  The health care landscape will change substantially.  New provisions are included that will impact individuals and families, people with jobs and people who are unemployed.

Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources will offer “Deciphering the Affordable Care Act,” a workshop that will provide a comprehensive overview of the ACA, the basic provisions that consumers will notice and how to get personal, one-on one help in choosing the best insurance plan and benefit from available subsidies to help reduce the cost.

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

•  Nov. 4 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.

Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room

2401 S 35th Street in Tacoma

•  Nov. 4 – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Sound View Building, 3602 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma

•  Nov. 5 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.

County City Building Rainier Conference Room

930 Tacoma Ave S, 7th Floor in Tacoma

•   Nov. 5 – 7 to 8 p.m.

Sound View Building, 3602 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma

“The Affordable Care Act has much to it,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources.  “Understanding the ACA and its many provisions is important if people are going to benefit from it fully.  Even if people have their own insurance – through work or Medicare – it would be important to know what is and is not part of the Act.

“Deciphering the Affordable Care Act” will be presented by the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center.  The workshop offers the opportunity for participants to ask questions about their own situation and how to connect with In-Person Assisters in Pierce County.  The workshop is free and open to the public.  No RSVP is required.  For details call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

On October 26, 5 p.m. at Emerald Downs, Rainier Therapeutic Riding will host their 2nd Annual Dinner and Auction.

The event will help provide therapeutic riding for our wounded service members. Rainier Therapeutic Riding is located in Yelm, Washington. They are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization who provide the riding as a natural treatment for military personnel and veterans with medical disabilities.

There are numerous veterans in the area with traumatic brain injuries and physical disabilities. Just like the veterans of previous conflicts, these veterans also have to work through post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Sadly, those that served in Iraq and Afghanistan are twice as likely to commit suicide as the general public.

The therapy program lasts eight weeks with the disabled veteran learning basic horsemanship skills while exercising themselves physically and mentally. This therapy improves gross and fine motor skills, helps core strengthening, improves balance and promotes cognitive activity among other health benefits.

Each of the disabled veterans is assigned a horse that is suited to that vets specific medical conditions and needs. There are 11 beautiful trained horses that are gentle and very comfortable around persons with disabilities.

Accompanying the veteran is a riding instructor as well as a volunteer who assists them with following the instructor’s direction. There is also a large selection of tack and saddles to accommodate the various sized riders during the therapy session.

This program was conceived in 2008 out of a desire to perform public service by utilizing personal talents and resources. Debbi Fisher, Program Director and Founder, has over 40 years of experience in horsemanship, 7 years in horsemanship instruction and owns 8 horses. her late husband of 30 years was a Marine pilot and COlonel in the Air Force. She has one son who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine and a daughter who service it he Air Force.

Rainier Therapeutic Riding, PO Box 2947, Yelm, Wa 98597, (360) 704-9895.

For tickets to the Heroes, Horses and Hope Dinner Auction click this link.

PIERCE COUNTY — Spanaway Lake residents, business owners and recreational users can learn about an upcoming study of the lake’s health at a community meeting on Dec. 4.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Spanaway Lake Elementary, 412 165th St. S. in Spanaway.

Pierce County will use information obtained in the study to create the Spanaway Lake Management Plan in 2014. The plan will include results from the study, the process for identifying and implementing solutions to protect the lake and improve its health, and ways the community can get involved with the planning process.

“Spanaway Lake is an important part of this community,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the lake so future generations can enjoy it.”

Public Works and Utilities’ Surface Water Management division will conduct a study of the lake’s health in 2014. Data will then be analyzed and presented to the community to identify potential solutions and how to implement them. Funding for lake protection or clean-up efforts in the future will likely be based on recommendations in the plan.

Funding for the Spanaway Lake Management Plan was included in the 2013-2015 Washington State budget at the request of State Rep. David Sawyer (29th District). That funding will be provided to Pierce County to develop the plan.

“I look forward to seeing citizens get involved in this process that will have an impact on the community for years to come,” said Executive McCarthy. “I also appreciate Representative Sawyer’s interest in the health of the lake, and his support for funding the study.”

For more information, visit the project website at http://www.piercecountywa.org/SpanawayLakePlan.

SPANAWAY, WA — Tonight, December 4, Pierce County held a kickoff meeting for the Spanaway Lake Management Plan. Executive Pat McCarthy arrived just after her State of the County speech at the council meeting in Parkland, encouraging residents of the county’s committment to the project.

Executive McCarthy addresses the Spanaway Lake residents

Diane Smolko and Windy Kruse are the key county organizers of the plan. Representative David Sawyer of the 29^th Legislative District was also present. He was the one who found funding for the project. The lake is now part of a “Lake Improvement District.” The project required the residents on the shoreline and within the drainage area into the lake self assess what is needed and help make the improvements.

At the meeting a four page document was handed out listing three steps.

1)      Develop a watershed characterization for the lake.

2)      Work with the Spanaway Lake community to identify solutions

3)      Identify solutions to water quality problems in Spanaway Lake

The lake has some water quality issues and has been rated by the state with a C+, but according to several of the long-time residents, the health of the lake is actually better than it was 25 years ago.

John Briehl asks about Tule Lake

Student at Spanaway Elementary have been involved by working with environmental educators in lessons about taking care of the lake. In September, the Health Department hosted a family fun night at the school to help families learn about the science of water quality problems in the lake.

In the near future classes will be offered to local residents on ways to help with the health of the lake. The link above should soon contain even more information as the project progresses.

USA.gov — Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is estimated to be responsible for 15,000-22,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

You can’t see, smell, or taste radon. It’s a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of the elements uranium, thorium, and radium in soil and rock.

Radon can be present in both outdoor and indoor air, but you’re likely to get most exposure in your own home.

To help protect your health, you can test your home for radon and take measures to lower radon levels if needed.

The vast majority of health care provided in the United States – 89% of it – happens at home. Nearly one in three households is involved in family caregiving – either directly or indirectly. But for most caregivers, there is little training to meet the challenges that come along with being a family caregiver.

“The Secrets of Family Caregiving” is a 90-minute exploration of successfully meeting the varied needs that come along with that role. Topics will include creating a safe environment, maintaining medical records and providing medical care, communicating with healthcare professionals, community services and resources, respite opportunities, balancing caregiving with other life needs and self-care for the caregiver. Presenters include case managers from Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources and other community professionals.

The workshop is free and will be repeated three times at different locations:

•   Feb. 7 (12:10 – 12:50 p.m.)

Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room

2401 S 35th Street in Tacoma

•  Feb. 8 (10 – 11:30 a.m.)

Sound View Building

3602 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma

•   Feb. 12 (12:10 – 12:50 p.m.)

County City Building Rainier Conference Room

930 Tacoma Ave S, 7th Floor in Tacoma

“Family caregiving is now the new normal for healthcare,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources manager. “Aging & Disability Resources is deeply involved in helping family members provide effective care by using the best resources our community can offer. We want to pass along that experience and knowledge and help anyone who is or will soon be in that caregiver role so they can provide the best care and take care of themselves too.”

“The Secrets of Family Caregiving” is a presentation of the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center. The workshop is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For workshop details call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

Cascade Regional Blood Services will be conducting the following mobile blood drives in your service area:

·         Thursday – Feb 13, 8:15am – 2:15pm at Franklin Pierce High School, 11002 18th Avenue East

·         Friday – Feb 21, 8am – 1:30pm at Bethel High School, 22215 38th Ave E

·         Monday – Feb 24, 8am – 2pm at Mount Rainier Lutheran High School, 12108 Pacific Ave S

·         Thursday – Feb 27, 1:30pm – 6:30pm at Spanaway Safeway, 15805 Pacific Ave S

I’m sorry it’s so late!  Lisa is on leave – please let me know if you have any questions.

Best regards, Rita

Rita Wells
O POS
Community Relations Specialist
253-841-4236 Ext. 212
CELL: 253-224-8980