Washington state gets a ‘B’ on national dental exam
March 16, 2010
Thinkstock The Pew Center on the States graded Washington state’s pediatric oral health with a ‘B.’
A national study has given the state of Washington a “B” grade for its pediatric oral dental care.
The Pew Center on the States recently released its report, “The Cost of Delay: State Dental Policies Fail One in Five Children.” It graded all 50 states in eight categories on whether and how well they are employing what the Pew Center deems as “cost-effective policy solutions to ensure dental health and access to care for children.”
The Pew Center graded each state on the following criteria:
-Share of high-risk schools with sealant programs
-Hygienists can place sealants without dentist’s prior exam
-Share of residents on fluoridated community water supplies
-Share of Medicaid-enrolled children getting dental care
-Share of dentists’ median retail fees reimbursed by Medicaid
-Pays medical providers for early preventive dental health care
-Authorizes new primary care dental providers
-Tracks data on children’s dental heath.
Washington met or exceeded six of the eight, qualifying it for a B grade, tying it with eight other states, including Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Main, New Hampshire, Ohio and Texas. Read more
Health Support Groups
March 16, 2010
Eastside Alcoholics Anonymous hosts the following meetings, for more information, go to www.eastsideintergroup.org or call 454-9192: Read more
All about health
March 16, 2010
David Lingenbrink (left) provides a ‘fine specimen’ with a pinprick of blood for a free blood sugar check administered by Timi Harvey, a registered nurse care manager from Virginia Mason Issaquah during the Health and Safety Fair held March 13 at Pickering Farm. Health care professionals from 40 companies, hospitals and public agencies provided information, screenings and complimentary services during the free event.
Sakura Dean, 3, rolls her eyes while trying out a new toothbrush from a gift bag provided by Dr. Thomas R. Quickstad as mom Chieko looks on.
Oleg Lozovskyy, a medical assistant at Overlake Medical Center Issaquah, administers free blood pressure, pulse and respiration checks. Photos by Greg Farrar
24 Hour Fitness opens Issaquah health club
February 19, 2010
NEW — 8:15 a.m. Feb. 19, 2010
The new 24 Hour Fitness in Overlake Center opened today.
The health club is the first 24 Hour Fitness in Issaquah. The 46,638-square-foot facility features a full-size basketball court, indoor lap pool and a personal training area. Find free seven-day passes to the club here.
David Watson, a six-year veteran of 24 Hour Fitness, manages the club. Find the facility at 5712 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E., 200. About 75 people work there.
The facility also features a pro-shop, sauna, whirlpool and Kids’ Club, where children ages 6 months to 12 years can participate in activities while their parents work out.
Personal trainers are also on hand to help members achieve their fitness goals.
Senior center focuses on a healthier lifestyle
February 16, 2010
Fitness instructor Barbara Scott leads a Stay Active and Independent for Life class at the Issaquah Valley Senior Center. By Chantelle Lusebrink
High stepping, ball bouncing and throwing a few upper cuts may sound like child’s play, but this is Issaquah seniors getting fit.
With more information and resources than ever, seniors are taking charge of their health through a variety of education and fitness opportunities at the Issaquah Valley Senior Center.
“I like the ball squeezing with the legs,” said Stephen Saunders, who celebrated his 87th birthday Feb. 1. “It’s just good for you. I missed a week and I’m still making up for it.”
“It’s great. I have so many that have kept coming since we started more than two years ago,” said fitness instructor Barbara Scott. “They have a contagious spirit and that’s what makes things fun.”
The Centers for Disease Control recommends two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, every week and overall muscle strength training two or more days a week for adults 65 years or older who are generally fit. Read more
Health & Safety Fair comes to Issaquah on March 13
February 16, 2010
Attendees at last year’s Health & Safety Fair ask questions about eye care and prescription lenses. File
The sixth annual Issaquah/Sammamish Health & Safety Fair will be from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. March 13 at Pickering Barn. Vendor space for health care professionals is still available.
Free health screenings will be offered for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, blood typing, posture and intra-oral cancer. Free chair massages and Chinese pulse diagnosis will also be available. Read more
State fire fatalities up 31 percent in 2009
February 16, 2010
In 2009, fire agencies reported 59 fire fatalities to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, representing an increase of 31 percent compared to the previous year.
The fire death rate is estimated at 8.8 per million population in Washington state. According to the latest available national statistics (2006 figures), the United States rate is 13.2 fire deaths per million population — Washington ranked 20th lowest in the nation.
December 2009 was the deadliest month since fire fatality reporting became a requirement in 1999, with 19 fire deaths being reported.
The leading known preventable fire causes in 2009 were smoking, representing approximately 17 percent, and electrical appliances or distribution, accounting for nearly 14 percent.
State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick encourages Washington state residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from the devastation of fire by taking steps to eliminate hazards.
If you smoke Read more
Overlake, Swedish offer local health classes
February 16, 2010
Overlake
Overlake Hospital offers the following classes at its Issaquah campus, 5708 East Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E. Go to www.overlakehospital.org/class1.aspx to sign up or call 688-5259. Read more
Mammogram recommendations don’t sit well with doctors, women
January 19, 2010
When the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force made new recommendations for breast cancer screening in November, Susan Woerdehoff said she was shocked.
“I thought it was ridiculous,” said Woerdehoff, 43, who was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at age 38. “I didn’t necessarily understand it. But it was concerning. It didn’t seem to benefit the greater good.”
What the Bellevue resident said she didn’t understand was the recommendation to move away from years of standard practice.
The federally appointed task force recommended that women at average risk should wait to get routine screening mammograms until they’re age 50, instead of the current standard of 40.
It also advised that women ages 50 – 74 get them every two years and discourages doctors from advising women to examine their own breasts regularly.
The guidelines seek to reduce overtreatment. Downsides to screening include false-positives, radiation exposure and psychological harm, according to the task force report. Read more
Compare infection rates at hospitals statewide
January 19, 2010
State residents can now compare and research infection rates at hospitals across Washington with a new tool from the state Department of Health. Read more
