What hospitals do not tell you can make you sick; even kill you.  Enter if you must, but do not be naïve.  You have a one-in-twenty chance of contracting an infectious disease. That translates to two million infected patients per year, 90,000 of whom die; a death toll greater than automobile accidents and homicides combined.   And when a person dies from an infection, it may simply be charted as death “resulting from the complications of ... [full story]

St. Charles Medical Center of Bend is offering a free Community Health Forum next week, "Strategies for Improving Your Diabetes Management."  The forum will allow community members to learn about the latest treatments, topics and technology in diabetes management. It will be held Thursday, November 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the hospital’s Center for Health and Learning. Mary Caroll, MD, of Bend Memorial Clinic, and Patrick McCarthy, MD, of Advanced Specialty Care, local endocrinologists, will ... [full story]

Oregon's effort to protect communities from a radiation incident is featured in a new national report as an example of how states are using federal preparedness dollars to strengthen their defenses against public health threats. The report describes an Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) project that is distributing radiation monitoring equipment throughout the state, said Terry Lindsey, radiation protection manager in the DHS Public Health Division. "Rural areas will be better protected and better ... [full story]

A small state program aimed at helping keep Medicaid-eligible Oregonians with severe psychiatric disabilities from needing expensive institutional care has passed the 600 mark. The program, begun in 1999, provides a personal-care assistant for up to 20 hours a month to help with chores such as doing laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, planning meals, arranging medical appointments and managing medications. It reached 604 Oregonians in the most recent reporting period. Oregon is believed to be ... [full story]

Oregon's success at reducing tobacco use is saving many lives and dollars, but there are still thousands of smokers ready to quit who need help. The Nov. 16 Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is an opportunity to remind Oregonians that the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line provides free assistance. "Most smokers want to quit," said Mel Kohn, M.D., state epidemiologist for the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division. "The Smokeout ... [full story]

With the 2007 Medicare enrollment period beginning in less than one week, seniors across America will be faced with a steep challenge and little time. In order to receive Medicare prescription drug coverage in 2007, Medicare beneficiaries must choose from a significantly wider field of Medicare choices and have only six weeks to make a selection. This is a far shorter time then the six-month enrollment period available in 2006. If seniors do not choose ... [full story]

AHCA Points to Smith's Efforts to Stabilize Funding to Sustain Quality Improvements, Co-Sponsor Legislation to Ensure Quality CareWashington, DC- The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), the nation's largest long term health care association, alongside the Oregon Health Care Association (OHCA), today recognized Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) for his legislative advocacy on behalf of the millions of the nation's frail, elderly, and disabled, and the men and women ... [full story]

New State and National Data Released Despite a 39% decline in the state teen birth rate between 1991 and 2004, teen childbearing in Oregon cost taxpayers (federal, state, and local) at least $91 million in 2004, according to a new analysis released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.  Of these costs, 32% were federal costs and 68% were state and local costs. The national public sector costs of teen childbearing total $9.1 billion. ... [full story]

Beginning next month, cystic fibrosis will be added to the panel of diseases that every Oregon baby is tested for under the state's newborn screening program. "Until now, 80 to 85 percent of children with cystic fibrosis have gone undiagnosed for months or years in Oregon," said Michael Skeels, Ph.D., director of the State Public Health Laboratory in the Oregon Department of Human Services. "Starting next month, that's changing -- and it offers a brighter ... [full story]

Oregon and the nation expect to have more vaccine available this year than ever, although as much as 50 percent of this year's supply may not arrive in Oregon until November and December. "Supplies are arriving in Oregon daily but we encourage patience and persistence in seeking vaccinations this year," said Lorraine Duncan, immunization manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division.  Duncan said public health officials are encouraging communities, providers and ... [full story]

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Scientists in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University have discovered a new technique to let them watch, visualize and precisely measure a key oxidant in animal cells, an important breakthrough that could dramatically speed research on everything from Lou Gehrig’s Disease to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and aging. The findings are being published online this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a professional journal. They could open the ... [full story]

Dr. Stephen Archer of Advanced Specialty Care recently performed the first surgery of its kind in Central Oregon to treat Barrett’s Esophagus, a precancerous condition affecting the lining of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. According to liteandhope.com, Dr. Archer graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical Center in 1991, completed general surgery training at the University of Cincinnati in 1998 and completed a ... [full story]

Just because summer is over doesn't mean fun has to fade away with the departing warmth. Many people find enjoyment in the winter months participating in such activities as ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. If you are one of these thrill-seekers, it is important to prepare for physical activities to avoid injury.   "It is just as important to keep fit and healthy during the winter months as it is in the warmer weather. Exercise and ... [full story]