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Health & Wellness

Learn to Develop Healthy Habits With Columbia City Meditation Class

January 9, 2012

in Health & Wellness

COLUMBIA CITY – The Kadampa Meditation Center helps brings peace to the valley in its latest South Seattle meditation class, “Developing Healthy Habits” with facilitator Kath Sylverson:

It is said that we are creatures of habit. Are our habits always beneficial to ourselves, and to others? The essence of spiritual practice is to learn how to develop healthy new patterns that lead to happiness. This course is designed to put our New Year resolutions into practice and learn how to make a realistic plan for inner change.

The classes are scheduled for 7:30 to 9 pm on Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30, at Bodyworks (4860 Rainier Ave. S.) in Columbia City. It will include guided meditations, teachings and discussion. Drop-ins are always welcome. Suggested donation is $10 per class, $5 students, seniors and unemployed. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Photo/Kadampa Meditation Center

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SPU to 1,300 Rainier Valley Residents: Don’t Drink Tap Water Until Further Notice

January 4, 2012

in Health & Wellness,News

RAINIER VALLEY – Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has advised some Rainier Valley residents not to use tap water for drinking or cooking purposes — unless it is boiled — until further notice.

Crews are working to restore water to portions of southeast Seattle after a 20-inch water main broke on South Juneau Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr.Way, early this morning.

SPU says as many as 1,300 homes may be affected by the outage.

Water service is expected to be restored this afternoon, but residents and businesses in the affected areas (see map above and list below) are being asked to take the following precautionary measures until further notice:

  • If you must use water from the tap — for food preparation, brushing teeth, rinsing contacts and making ice — boil it first. Bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute; then let it cool and pour into a clean container.
  • Dishwashers can be used if run with the sanitizing/heat cycle and commercial dishwashing detergent. Dishes can be hand washed if rinsed in a diluted bleach solution — one teaspoon household bleach to one gallon of water — and then allowed to air dry.
  • Tap water can be used for bathing, but do not drink any of the water and do not allow babies to put water or washcloths in their mouths.

SPU said it will take at least 24 hours before tests have been concluded to ensure the water is safe to drink.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available. Customers with questions can call SPU Customer Service, at: 206-684-3000.

The cause of the main break is not known at this time.

Affected Areas:

  • An area bounded by 55th Ave. South to the east, and 44th Ave. South to the west; and Ferdinand Street to the north, and South Brandon Street to the south.
  • An area bounded by South Brandon Street to the north, and South Brighton Street to the south, and Wilson Ave. South to the east, and 48th Ave. South to the west.

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New 3-Mile “Link to Lake” Walking Trail in the Works

November 15, 2011

in Health & Wellness,Transportation

COLUMBIA CITY – A new walking route is being developed to make it safer and easier to access Rainier Community Center and the surrounding park lands on foot.

Sound Steps – a free community-based walking program for adults age 50+ – is spearheading the project after conducting a pedestrian audit in September 2010.

“The goal of the audit was to investigate the area around Rainier Community Center with pedestrians in mind – seeing what positive things are in place, and what improvements could be made to make it safer and easier to access Rainier Community Center and the surrounding park lands on foot,” said Sound Steps spokesperson Marigrace Becker.

The audit included representatives from community members, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Police Department, Parks and Recreation, Public Health, the Rainier Chamber, Neighborcare Health and Hawthorne Elementary School.

The result of the audit was a report detailing highlights of the area as well as necessary improvements, as well as the decision to develop a “conceptual walking trail” that makes use of the various paved walking paths that are already in place in Columbia and Genesee Parks, plus a network of sidewalks that will ultimately promote health/walking and encourage greater use of area parks and Columbia City Business District.

Sound Steps will be hosting a preview of the “Link to Lake” trail walk on Wed., Nov 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. The group will meet at Columbia City Station on the east side of MLK Jr. Way S., at S. Edmunds St. and walk to Lake Washington, returning to Columbia City to enjoy snacks at Tutta Bella.

The three-mile round trip walk will be co-led by Rainier Chamber Executive Director Susan Davis.

“As our urban landscape changes, we learn to navigate new paths and experiences and by doing so we grow in how we understand our community,” said Davis. “On Wednesday, I will share my stories of what’s happening in our community, as well as hear new stories from this engaged and concerned neighborhood group.”

RSVP to Mari Becker (684-4664 or mari.becker@seattle.gov).

Photo/Rainier Valley Post

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Pumpkin Push Fundraiser to Help Provide Health Care for Homeless Patients

October 10, 2011

in Arts/Living,Health & Wellness

SEWARD PARK – More than 1,500 participants are expected to come together for a ghoulishly good time raising money to provide health care for homeless patients at the 16th Annual Pumpkin Push 5K on Sat., Oct. 29, from 8 am to 12 pm.

The event is organized by Neighborcare Health, which serves more than 48,000 patients annually – including 7,000 homeless patients – at 16 medical, dental and school-based clinic sites throughout Seattle.

The event will feature a 5K run and 2-mile walk, prizes for top-finishers, top-costumes and top-fundraisers, goodies, give-aways, Pumpkin Push t-shirts and more.

All Pumpkin Push proceeds will fund comprehensive primary health care for homeless patients.

For more information or to register, go here.

Local Group Training Walking Ambassadors to Lead Rainier Valley Tours

October 8, 2011

in Arts/Living,Business,Health & Wellness

Feet First – a local pedestrian advocacy organization – is looking for Rainier Valley residents interested in becoming Neighborhood Walking Ambassadors.

The group is offering a training session later this month to teach volunteers how to lead themed, interpretive events that seek to “bring neighbors together to share the experience of walking in their own community.”

To date, Feet First has trained 20 ambassadors with a unique curriculum that includes hands on training that assist with the development of themed walks that inspire and motivate people to explore places by foot. Past walks by Neighborhood Walking Ambassadors include an architecture walk, a fitness walk, or a nature walk.

“The walks allow community members to connect with each other and their surroundings while encouraging healthy living habits and pedestrian safety,” said Darcy Edmunds, Neighborhood Walking Ambassador Coordinator with Feet First. “[We] train and supports the Ambassadors through the whole process to make sure the walks are successful.”

The Neighborhood Walking Ambassador Training will be held on Sat., Oct. 29, from 10:15 to 11:30 am at the Rainier Beach Public Library meeting room (9125 Rainier Ave. S.). Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information or to register, contact Darcy Edmunds at Darcy@feetfirst.info or 652-2310.

Photo/Feet First

Southeast Seattle Group Says Women Need Better Access to Healthy Food, Green Economy

September 22, 2011

in Business,Health & Wellness

This Sat., Sept. 24, a southeast Seattle group concerned about the role of low-income women of color in the green economy will release recent survey findings and recommendations to the public at a community event at South Lake High School (8601 Rainier Ave. S.) in Rainier Beach.

Got Green’s “Women in the Green Economy Project” advocates access to green jobs, money to buy healthy food, healthy energy-efficient homes that free of toxins, and affordable public transportation.

“We started the Women in the Green Economy Project to create a place for women like me – low-income women, women of color, and women from immigrant backgrounds – to raise our voices, front and center, so that we could be a part of this new green economy.  If we’re not on the front end of this green movement, it will be another opportunity that leaves us behind,” says Tammy Nguyen, a New Holly resident and founder of the project.

The group says its survey findings indicate that cost is the number one barrier to good nutrition and the overall health of their families, mirroring a 2011 University of Washington study that found it costs a family thousands of dollars a year to follow the federal guidelines of a healthy diet; and that grocery bills drop significantly when consumers switch to foods high in saturated fats and sugars.

Saturday’s event – scheduled for 12 to 2 pm – will also feature speakers and table discussions, a free lunch, childcare and interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese. For more information or to register, visit www.gotgreenseattle-eorg.eventbrite.com.

Photo/Got Green

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Save the Date: 3-Day Olmsted Park Walk Starting at Seward Park

July 24, 2011

in Arts/Living,Health & Wellness

Hearty walkers should mark their calendars for an adventurous three-day park-to-park walk Thur., Aug. 4 through Sat., Aug. 6, highlighting the historic Olmsted park plan and some improvements made possible by the voter-approved 2000 Pro Parks Levy and the 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy.

The total distance planned for each day is 12 to 13 miles. Each day will begin with coffee at 8:30 am, and will include stops for lunch, afternoon cold drinks and an early dinner. The walk is free, but guests will need to pay for their own food and beverages. Although many rest stops are included, the walk pace is moderately brisk.

Parks included in Olmsted park-to-park walk:

8/4: Seward Park, Genesee Park, Jefferson Park, Cheasty Blvd, Mount Baker Park and the many other parks along Lake Washington Blvd.

8/5: Volunteer Park, Interlaken Blvd., the Washington Park Arboretum, the University of Washington campus, Ravenna Park, Green Lake Park and Woodland Park.

8/6: Discovery Park, Magnolia Blvd, Kinnear Park and Queen Anne Blvd.

Go here for more information, including full walk schedule and meeting locations. RSVP by Tues., Aug. 2, to Mari Becker at sound.steps@seattle.gov or 206-684-4664.

Photo/do communications

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THURSDAY: Last Chance to Register for Sunday’s Seafair Triathlon at Seward Park

July 20, 2011

in Arts/Living,Health & Wellness

This Thur., July 21, at 12 noon is the deadline to register for this Sunday’s Seafair Triathlon at Seward Park and ensure an Olympic Distance Race Slot. There will be no on-site registration the day of the race. From the Seafair Machine:

This year Seafair is proud to host Seattle’s best sprint course and Seattle’s FIRST Olympic distance triathlon! Spend this beautiful day in the scenic Seward Park racing your way to fitness. Our route will invigorate you and give you energy to go that extra stretch. The race kicks off at 6:30 am. More.

More than 2,000 participants are expected to descend on the Rainier Valley for Sunday’s event when Lake Washington Boulevard South from Seward Park to I-90 will be closed from 6 to 11 am, and the I-90 express lanes between Lake Washington Boulevard South and Mercer Island Closed from about 6:30 to 10 am.

Photo/Will Austin Photography

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Food Bank Benefit Raises More Than $156,000 for Needy Families

June 29, 2011

in Health & Wellness,News,Volunteering

Last Saturday, 600 people braved the rain and cold weather to join Asian Counseling and Referral Service’s (ACRS) 21st Annual Walk for Rice at Seward Park. They also raised more than $156,000 for the ACRS Food Bank to purchase rice and other Asian staples.

“For many of our clients, the ACRS Food Bank is the one constant resource they have for nutritious, culturally appropriate foods,” said ACRS spokesperson Gary Tang. “We set an ambitious goal so that we could provide our continued level of support to our clients. We’re so grateful to the community for supporting Walk for Rice so that we can purchase rice, tofu, ramen and fresh Asian produce for our clients.  We wouldn’t be able to serve the number of people we do without their help.”

The ACRS Food Bank feeds nearly 5,000 individuals who collectively make more than 112,000 visits to the food bank each year, and is the only food bank in Washington State that distributes Asian Pacific American (APA) staples every week.

The food bank, located in the International District, distributes foods to low-income APAs and other marginalized populations on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Last year, it distributed 1.4 million pounds of food and more than 70,000 3-pound bags of rice, to individuals and families in need.

Runners starting the 2.5 mile loop at Seward Park. Photo/Luke June

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Today Is National HIV Testing Day + Where to Get Tested in Southeast Seattle

June 27, 2011

in Health & Wellness,News

From Public Health – Seattle & King County:

As part of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, Public Health Seattle & King County is reminding all King County residents between the ages of 13 and 64 to get an HIV test at least once as part of their routine primary care.

While your provider checks your blood for high cholesterol and high blood sugar (or anything else, for that matter), tell them you want an HIV test. It’s just as easy and just as important. Even if you don’t have a primary care provider, you can ask any doctor to do an HIV test. And every provider in Washington State has just been notified that they should offer routine testing to all of their patients. So don’t be surprised if you are asked to test next time you see your provider. Women should test each time they are pregnant. And people at higher risk should get an HIV test at least once a year.

The CDC has recently recommended that all people between 13 and 64 years old get a routine HIV test. But many people still do not test because they think they are not at risk. In fact, more than half of Americans aged 18–64 have never been tested for HIV. And an estimated 15% of people with HIV in King County do not know they have it. Routine testing has the potential to reduce the spread of the epidemic, and help get people who have HIV into care.

The first cases of the infection that would later be known as HIV and AIDS were diagnosed 30 years ago this month. Treatments have come a long way since 1987, when AZT was the first medicine approved to work against HIV. We now have drugs that work very well against the virus. They work even better the sooner you start them. Early care with effective treatment reduces the risk of people with HIV getting sicker and infecting partners. And there are programs in Washington State that help people without health insurance pay for HIV medication.

So, this National HIV Testing Day, remember the recommendation: If you are between the ages of 13 and 64, get an HIV test at least once. If you are at higher risk, test more often. Ask your doctor how often you should get tested. Take the test. Take control.

Where to get HIV testing in Southeast Seattle:

  • Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave. S./206-296-4650) Genesee
  • Seattle Indian Health Board (611 12th Ave. S./206-324-9360) Beacon Hill

Photo/CDC

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SATURDAY: Rock and Roll Marathon to Run Through Rainier Valley

June 24, 2011

in Arts/Living,Health & Wellness,News

This Saturday, more than 28,000 people are expected to run along Lake Washington through the Rainier Valley in the 3rd annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & Half-Marathon. The race starts in Tukwila and ends at Qwest Field and benefits the American Cancer Society.

Along each mile of the 26.2 and 13.1 mile courses, live bands will entertain the crowd while motivating runners as they push through the distance. See the map below for race route, and find details on road closures here.

Photo/Will Austin Photography

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People in Your N’hood: Rainier Valley Chiropractor Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

June 2, 2011

in Health & Wellness,News,People In Your Neighborhood

Dr. David Butters, a Rainier Valley chiropractor, was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Washington State Chiropractic Association (WSCA). He is the first recipient to ever receive this award by the WSCA.

Dr. Butters has been in practice for 37 years and owns Rainier Valley Chiropractic, P.S., located at 4236 36th Avenue South in Seattle. He is a 1973 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

According to WSCA, “Dr. Butters has dedicated his professional career to the advancement of chiropractic and has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, leadership and dedication to the profession.”

He serves as chair of the Washington Chiropractic Trust, the political action committee for the chiropractic profession in Washington State, which works closely with the WSCA; the WSCA Board of Directors, representing the 7th Congressional District; and as chair of the WSCA Government Relations Committee. He served two five-year, governor-appointed terms on the Chiropractic Disciplinary Board and when it restructured to form the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission he was appointed and served for more than a year. He is a past chairperson of both organizations.

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Butters commented. “There are many who   continue to work hard on behalf of the chiropractic profession and the patients we serve. Participating in the organizational activities and affairs of chiropractic provides an opportunity to give back to the profession that has blessed me and my family with so much.”

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Save the Dates: Bicycle Sundays Are Back

05.27.2011 Arts/Living

Bicycle or walk along Lake Washington Boulevard south of Mount Baker Beach to Seward Parks entrance. Lake Washington Boulevard will be closed to motorized traffic from 10 am – 6 pm.

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South-End Scenes: Huge Turnout at Kidney Health Fest for African American Families

05.21.2011 Arts/Living

Health screening was an important part of Northwest Kidney Centers’ 9th annual Kidney Health Fest for African American Families, held May 7, at Van Asselt Elementary on Beacon Hill. Of the 725 people who attended the event, 157 got screened for kidney disease, the most ever. Chef Theo Martin from Island Soul Restaurant (RVP sponsor) [...]

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Save the Date: Kidney Health Fest on Beacon Hill for African American Families

04.27.2011 Health & Wellness

Northwest Kidney Centers will hold its 9th annual Kidney Health Fest for African American Families on Sat., May 7, at Van Asselt Elementary (8311 Beacon Ave. S.) on Beacon Hill (formerly the African American Academy). The free event is scheduled for 9 am to 2 pm, and will feature free health screenings, entertainment and healthy [...]

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Urban Impact to Host Weekly Pediatric Care Clinic in Rainier Beach

04.25.2011 Health & Wellness

Beginning this Sat., April 30, Rainier Health and Fitness (RHF) will host a weekly pediatric acute care clinic, where doctors can treat basic respiratory and gastro-intestinal issues for kids 1-18 years old. Physicians and behavioral health consultants will also be available for general consultation. From Dave Kwok, Clinic Manager: The Kids Clinic at RHF is [...]

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OP-ED: The Affordable Care Act One Year Later

03.23.2011 Health & Wellness

by Rebecca Kavoussi Happy Anniversary Affordable Care Act: Today marks the one year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, and I’m celebrating not only the health reform achievements to date and still to come, but also a welcome shift in our public dialogue from debating whether all Americans should have affordable insurance coverage to how [...]

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People in Your N’hood: National Kidney Month Finds Rosie Maalona Thankful & Hopeful

03.07.2011 Health & Wellness

by Gestin Suttle Last fall, Rosie Maalona’s world came to a screeching, sickening halt. Maalona’s 22-month-old niece was struck and killed by a car when she walked onto Benson Road in Kent. Maalona was also hit by a car while trying to run toward the toddler. Both were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, [...]

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New Medical & Dental Clinic in Rainier Beach Seeks to Reduce Radical Disparities in Health

02.21.2011 Development

Last week, Neighborcare Health opened its new Rainier Beach Medical & Dental Clinic at 9245 Rainier Avenue South. The new clinic combines the services and staff of Neighborcare Health’s former Rainier Beach Medical Clinic and the Southeast Dental Clinic, which have both closed. Clinic staff says that the neighborhoods around the clinic, as well as [...]

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South-End Charity Helps a Single Mom ‘Figure Out How to Make Things Work’

12.21.2010 Arts/Living

Seattle Times (RVP news partner): She tried to keep it together, but just couldn’t. When the father of her kids went to prison in 2008, Elizabeth Anderson (right) overnight became a single mom. She was alone with a young son and twins not yet 2 years old. She made ends meet waiting tables at a [...]

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WEDNESDAY: Free Workouts With Southside Booty Camp

10.19.2010 Health & Wellness

This Wed., Oct. 20, Southside Booty Camp is offering free workouts in both the Mt. Baker and Lakewood Seward Park neighborhoods: Created to help woman feel confident and strong in their bodies, Southside Booty Camp is a holistic fitness program that mixes functional resistance and cardiovascular training. Monday through Thursday mornings for one hour we [...]

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