Minot YMCA gets new training equipment
The Minot Family YMCA received $2,500 from the Wells Fargo Foundation for the purchase of five new CPR training manikins, according to a news release.
"Wells Fargo is proud to support the Minot Y with this contribution," said Grant Wentz, business banking manager and market president for Wells Fargo in Minot. "We know there's increased demand for CPR administration and certification. The new manikins will ensure that the Y can continue providing essential life safety programs in Minot and the surrounding communities."
The Minot Family YMCA requires CPR certification of all staff and Triangle Y Camp staff. The Y also provides CPR training and certification for many organizations and neighboring towns that have outdoor swimming pools, such as Stanley, Bottineau, Harvey, Velva and Garrison. More than 150 individuals are certified or recertified annually at the Minot Family YMCA building.
Jill Hambek
September is suicide prevention month
BISMARCK The North Dakota Department of Health is educating people about the importance of suicide awareness during Suicide Prevention Month, according to a news release. According to the department, 114 North Dakotans died as a result of suicide, making suicide the ninth-leading cause of death in 2011.
"It's very difficult to talk about suicide because most people don't want to believe that someone would want to die," said Micki Savelkoul, suicide prevention program director for the department. "However, being willing to talk about suicide or listen to someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, may save a person's life."
In addition to partnering with many government and private agencies across the state to further suicide prevention efforts, the department has worked closely with the North Dakota National Guard over the last year and formed a close partnership in suicide prevention efforts.
While not everyone will state, "I want to die," many people will indicate their intent in some manner. It's important to note most people expressing suicidal thoughts don't want to die, they want the psychological pain they are feeling to end. Often one caring person can make a difference. Savelkoul said anyone can help save a life by intervening and asking about suicidal thoughts. You don't have to be a professional; however, extended care should be provided by a doctor or mental health provider.
Equally important is to know that if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts there are people who want to help. It can be difficult asking for help, but talking to a trusted individual can lessen the burden. If there is no one you can talk to, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a live answer call service where someone is available to take your call 24 hours a day. The lifeline can be reached by calling 1-800-273-8255.
For information about developing local prevention programs or for more information about suicide prevention, contact Savelkoul at 328-4580.
Jill Hambek
N.D. disabilities council on to meet Sept. 19
BISMARCK The North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities will meet Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at the State Capitol. The public is welcome to attend.
The council recommends policy changes that promote choice, independence, productivity, and inclusion for North Dakotans with developmental disabilities, and supports projects and activities that maximize opportunities in these areas for consumers and families.
Meeting agenda items include a report from the executive director Cheryl Hess on the council's budget, membership mentors and membership recruitment. Council members will also review 15 grant applications and hear nine presentations from agencies who work with people with disabilities. Other business may be discussed.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations can contact Bonnie Roth at 328-1980, at broth@nd.gov, or through Relay N.D. TTY at 1-800-366-6888.
The council consists of 20 members appointed by the governor including people with disabilities, parents, guardians, or immediate relatives of an individual with a disability, and various state agencies and other providers involved in the delivery of services and supports to people with disabilities.
Jill Hambek
Adults encouraged to get vaccinated
According to a news release, back to school season means shopping for school supplies and ensuring your child's immunizations are up-to-date. It is also important to know that vaccines are not just for kids. Adults need to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations to help keep themselves healthy and to help prevent them from spreading disease to others.
An important adult booster vaccine is Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis), which helps protect adults from contracting pertussis and spreading it to others, especially vulnerable babies who are not fully immunized.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious and vaccine-preventable disease that has made a startling comeback in recent years. Immunity from childhood pertussis vaccinations wanes over time. The pertussis immunizations that adults may have received as children may no longer fully protect them.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that pertussis may become the worst epidemic seen in 50 years. Since the beginning of 2012, there have been 25,000 cases of pertussis and 13 pertussis-related deaths reported to CDC through Aug. 24. The majority of deaths continue to occur among infants younger than 3 months of age. The CDC is recommending that all adults aged 19 years and older who have not yet received a dose of Tdap should receive a single dose to help stop the spread of the disease.
"Getting an adult Tdap booster can help protect parents from contracting pertussis, and reduce their risk of spreading the disease to their babies," said Dr. Siobhan Dolan, an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical adviser to March of Dimes. "As a parent myself, I want to tell other parents how important it is for them to get their own pertussis booster and encourage their child's grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, caregivers, really anyone who is in their babies' lives to do the same. Together, we can stop the spread of pertussis."
The Sounds of Pertussis campaign is a joint initiative from Sanofi Pasteur and March of Dimes. To learn more about pertussis and the campaign, visit (SoundsofPertussis.com). People can also help spread the word by pledging to get an adult pertussis booster vaccine through the "Take Pertussis Out of the Picture" initiative on the Sounds of Pertussis Facebook page. People can make their pledges by submitting a photo online and for every photo posted, Pasteur will donate $1 to March of Dimes.
Jill Hambek
Program to focus on chronic lung disease
Dr. Jeffrey Verhey will present the topic, "Breathing for a Better Tomorrow: Living with Chronic Lung Disease," Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Education Center of Trinity Health-Riverside, 1900-8th Ave. SE.
Verhey, a pulmonary and critical care specialist with Trinity Health, said in a news release he hopes the meeting will serve a twofold purpose of providing information about chronic lung illness and also gauging interest in forming a support group for chronic lung sufferers.
"Living with a chronic lung disease is a challenge," Verhey said. "We see patients who are looking for information beyond the office visit - to talk to people facing similar challenges, share coping strategies and exchange information about new treatment."
Dr. Verhey said the support group could meet on a quarterly basis and invite professionals to speak on topics such as pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle changes.
Chronic lung disease, often called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a condition characterized by obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs. It's usually diagnosed as chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma or emphysema.
Jill Hambek