Ilanka Community Health Center


508 Chase Avenue, PO Box 2290 Cordova, Alaska 99574 907-424-3622
Information for your good health
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Back on Track!

Although it has been advertised that the 2009 Cordova Health Fair has been cancelled, it has not. Sponsorship of the event, however, has shifted to an event jointly sponsored by The Ilanka Community Health Center, Native Village of Eyak, Consumer’s Medical Lab & Wellness Center, and the Prince William Sound Travelling Health and Safety Fair. The event will be held on Saturday April 18, 2009 in the Cordova High School gym from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and will be presented in conjunction with the Prince William Sound Science Center Earth Day Celebration as it has been in the past.
We are pleased to announce the addition of Consumer’s Medical Lab & Wellness Center to our health fair team. They will provide the low cost blood tests this year and will also offer Vitamin B-12 shots to people who have been diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia (Vitamin B-12 Deficiency). More information regarding prices for various blood tests and Vitamin B-12 shots will be available soon, and will be advertised well before the event.
Also, as in the past, the Cordova Community Medical Center Laboratory will offer Wellness Blood Testing the weeks of May 4th through May 15th for any community members who are unable to attend our Cordova Health Fair.
Immediately following the Health Fair, the annual 2X2 Cancer Walk fundraiser will be held at 12:00 p.m. The money received through this event helps to give additional financial support to local Cordovans whose lives have been interrupted by any type of Cancer.

 

School Walk for Diabetes

Imagine a night of walking, talking, playing games, and hanging out with your family & friends while learning how to prevent a disease that is on the rise among young people in the United States. Imagine being able to help raise money for research and to help educate others about that disease. Cordova’s youth will have an opportunity to do just that at the first annual American Diabetes Association/CHS School Walk for Diabetes - 12 Hour Relay, which will be held from March 27 at 7:00 p.m. until March 28 at 7:00 a.m.
The NVE Diabetes/Wellness Program, Cordova Family Resource Center, CHS Peer Helpers, and CHS Student Council are working together to present this unique physical activity fund-raiser, which is, in effect, a non-stop 12 hour walkathon around the perimeter of the CHS Gym. Teams of four or more members must have at least one team member walking each hour of the 12 hour event. While they are not walking, team members will have alternate physical activities such as a Nintendo Wii Bowling Tournament, Rock Band & Guitar Hero contests, and Dance, Dance Revolution available to them in the center of the gym.
This event is open to all ages and families are encouraged to participate. However, children below 7th grade must be accompanied by an adult and on a team with adult supervision.
For more information call Jackie or Jeanna at the Ilanka Community Health Center 424-3622.

 

 

Talking Can Save A Life

Suicide is something people don't like to talk about. Unfortunately, not talking about it doesn't help to save a life. Talking about it and knowing what to look for can.

Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the US in 2004. Unfortunately, Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the country and Alaska Natives have the highest rate in the state, almost 5 times the national rate. Suicide is 4 times more common in men than in women. Nationwide rates are highest in those over 80 and among those in their 40's. In Alaska, the rates are highest among those 20-29, particularly among males. Estimates on suicide attempts are hard to quantify, but range from 8 to 25 attempts per actual fatality.

Risk factors for suicide include pre-existing mental illness such as depression, substance abuse, history of physical or sexual abuse, previous suicide attempt, and recent separation or divorce. In Alaska in particular, suicide attempts, especially among Natives, are often linked to isolated rural living in areas where an individual's livelihood or cultural identity is in danger.

What might alert you than someone you know or love could be considering suicide? There are not always obvious clues, but sudden changes in behavior, settling of old debts or given away important personal effects, isolation from family or friends, new risk-taking activities, and talking of hopelessness or actual suicide can be clues.

What do I do if I'm afraid someone is suicidal? If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Ask questions. A more detailed plan means greater immediate danger. Try to get the person to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Do not act shocked or judgmental and don't swear to secrecy. Eliminate access to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including unsupervised access to medications.

Be alert. Don't be afraid to be a friend and ask questions if you are suspicious. You could be one of the best prevention measures for your friend or loved one.

Supplement of the Month - Vitamin B-12
Getting enough vitamin B-12 is very important for your brain, nerves and blood system. People with a diagnoses of Pernicious Anemia (vitamin B-12 deficiency) can develop numbness, weakness, vision problems, poor memory, confusion, tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, and anemia (large red cells). The main risk factor for vitamin B-12 deficiency is being age 60 or older, because as we age: Stomach acid decreases so vitamin B-12 can’t be digested in the stomach. The ability to absorb vitamin B-12 also decreases in the intestine. Another risk factor is eating a strict vegetarian diet. Vitamin B-12 is not found in plant foods. It is found naturally only in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy foods. Because of this, some people may need a supplement in the form of crystalline B-12 (fortified cereals), oral capsules, or B-12 injections.

Getting Your
ZZZZzzzzzzzz

Sleep deprivation is a much more serious problem in this country than most people think. It can result in illness due to a less effective immune system, tremors, trouble concentrating, slowed reaction times, and even falling asleep at work or at the wheel of a car. Obviously, these situations can be quite dangerous. Lack of sleep can also contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain, and depression.

Sleep deprivation can result from physical, mental, or emotional problems, and often is the result of a combination of these. It is impossible to list the numerous physical causes here, but they include sleep apnea or other breathing problems, thyroid disorders, and chronic pain. In such cases, treating the underlying cause is usually more beneficial than using medication to induce sleep. Indeed, some medications themselves can lead to poor sleep. Always check with your provider to see if this could be the case. Mental stressors like family or finances that keep the mind occupied when it should be resting, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are other important detractors. The elderly also have a greater tendency to have poor quality of sleep.

Many sleep problems can be improved or alleviated by making some simple lifestyle changes. Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark, using the bed only for sleeping. Try to keep a regular schedule of sleeping and waking all week long, even on the weekends. Sleeping in may feel good at the time, but it can make it harder to sleep on following days. Do not exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol or caffeine within 4 hours of going to bed. Take a hot bath or eat/drink a dairy product 60-90 minutes before bedtime. Dairy products contain tryptophan, a natural sleep inducer. Finally, if you can’t get to sleep after 20-30 minutes, get up and do something boring until you feel more sleepy.

If the above sleep hygiene measures don’t work, don’t hesitate to contact your provider regarding your sleep problems. Physical and emotional issues can be identified and treated appropriately. In the event that a prescription sleep aid is prescribed, remember, it is not a long term solution.