Page 6 - June 2012

Wellness news continued.....  Is HIV a White Man’s Disease? In spite of the belief that HIV and diseases indicate high-risk behavior disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, quarterly to share wisdom, data, other related sexually transmitted and vulnerability to HIV. People and infertility. Up to 40% of females and resources, identify and address diseases are a “White Man’s infected with an STD are 2 to with untreated Chlamydia infections common priorities, and develop disease,” the evidence points to 5 times more likely to become develop PID, and 20% of those may strategies to eliminate STD-related this being a disease of people of infected with HIV. become infertile. disparities in addition to the color including the American Indian prevention of suicide, drug, and tribes. Women are more likely than men As a tribal member, am I at risk alcohol use. to contract genital herpes, HIV, for HIV? Because of factors such Sexually transmitted diseases Chlamydia, or gonorrhea. Women as rural geography, early sexual Visit Project Red Talon for more (STD’s) occur in epidemic are biologically more susceptible debut, close-knit sexual networks, information and to obtain STD/HIV proportions in the United States, than men to becoming infected if and high rates of hepatitis C, rates and trends among AI/AN’s and the burden of disease is exposed to an STD, and STD’s are substance use, and STD’s, many in the Pacifc Northwest. Sexually disproportionately high among more likely to remain undetected experts now believe that HIV/ Transmitted Diseases Surveillance minority race groups. In 2009, in women, resulting in delayed AIDS is a “time bomb” that may 2009 has been published and is American Indians were just over diagnosis and treatment. reach epidemic proportions among available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/ four times more likely than Whites Native communities. The number stats09/default.htm. to get Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. The impact of STD’s on teens is of American Indians and Alaska These infections compromise not particularly notable. About two- Natives diagnosed with AIDS has Knowledge is power, and can be only individual well being, but the thirds of new cases occur among grown more rapidly than in any a means to strengthen the lives well being of the community as a 15-24-year-olds. By age 24, at least other ethnic group, increasing and well being of the tribal family whole. Testing and treatment are the one in three sexually active people almost 800% from 1990 to 1999. members keys to reducing disease and long have had an STD. Teenage girls In response, Tribes in Oregon, term consequences of undiagnosed are especially vulnerable to STD’s, Washington, and Idaho have “Give me Knowledge so I may have STD’s. Increased STD screening which can more easily infect the joined together to address this Kindness for All” and targeted awareness efforts are immature cervix. common concern by forming the Plains Indian Proverb essential to build on current progress Red Talon STD/HIV Coalition. and reduce disparities. Untreated STD’s can cause severe The Coalition merged to create the Be Well . . .Willie O. Hunt ARNP health consequences for women, Native Adolescent Health Alliance High rates of sexually transmitted including pelvic infammatory in late 2009. The Alliance meets  Early Screening in the Prevention of Cancer The Chehalis Indian Tribe recently Women are encouraged to get This may prompt the provider to health program led by two members held their ffth annual cancer walk annual pap smears at 21 years of age start screening you at an earlier of the Wellness Center team. The on May 27. Each participant who or one year after becoming sexually age. Healthy behaviors (proper diet, community outreach staff can also walked wrote down the names of active. Women also need to start exercise, etc.) will help to prevent help to provide educational material, those who have been affected by screening for mammograms at age not only cancer but also other answer your questions, guide you cancer and hung these names around 40. Men, starting at age 50, are chronic diseases. with proper nutrition advice, and their neck. While I was waiting encouraged to get a colonoscopy lead you in community ftness to walk, I couldn’t help but notice annually. Everyone needs to see The medical providers at the classes. that there were a few cards that their physician once a year for a Wellness Center are here to assist had many names written on them. wellness check (physical). A full you. This includes a medical The staff at the Wellness Center It goes without saying that if you wellness check typically includes provider who is present each encourages you to take control of have lived for an extended period of checking the prostate in men. It Thursday that works exclusively your medical well-being. Cancer time, chances are high that you have is recommended that men should with women’s health. These screening is the best way to combat witnessed a friend or loved one lose have their prostate gland checked medical providers will work with this cruel disease. We look forward their battle with cancer. The staff at at age 45. This wellness check you directly or guide you in the to seeing you here at the clinic! the Wellness Center does not have a could prevent the start of cancer proper direction, if needed, to obtain On behalf of the Wellness Center cure but, we can help with education and help the medical provider in the necessary services. Community team: Doug Wangen, Wellness and prevention. diagnosing other medical problems. outreach staff who work here are Center Director If you have a relative who has been passionate in making a positive Thank you to Dr. Eugene Sine, Screening for cancer is an diagnosed with cancer, you are difference in the health outcomes of Julianne Westlake, Pat Odiorne, opportunity for you to take some encouraged to talk to your medical the tribal community. Included in and Christina Hicks for their control in preventing this disease. provider about your family history. this community outreach is a colon contributions to this article. Page 6 chehalistribe.org  greatwolfodge.com  luckyeagle.com  eagleslandinghotel.net