King County Public Health on Wednesday (Dec. 9th) announced that starting this Saturday, Dec. 12th, the H1N1 influenza vaccine will be provided to everybody six months of age and older in King County, with the nearest available at SeaTac HealthPoint, which is located at 4040 South 188th Street.

However, depending on the demand, supplies may be limited for a time at some locations.

The county is taking this next step in widening H1N1 vaccine eligibility because many health care providers in King County are now reporting that they are able to meet the demand for their highest risk patients and vaccine supplies are increasing and expected to continue to rise steadily.

“We’re pleased that many of our highest risk residents have been vaccinated and that we have enough vaccine now to open eligibility to anyone who wants it,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Even though flu has peaked, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in our community. Getting vaccinated is still a very good idea.”

As of Dec. 4, an estimated 380,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza, and an additional 58,000 doses of vaccine are on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county.

Vaccination continues to be particularly important for people at highest risk for H1N1, including pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, people between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, and healthcare and emergency workers.

New clinics and vaccine availability 
H1N1 vaccine is available from local health care providers and pharmacies; see availability at pharmacies. 
Additionally, some health centers are offering free H1N1 vaccination to people who cannot afford to pay.

Clinics will be held from 9am – 3pm on:

• Saturday, Dec. 12th
• Wednesday, Dec. 16th
• Saturday, Dec. 19th

At these HealthPoint clinics:

• SeaTac HealthPoint: 4040 S. 188th Street, Suite 201;Phone: (206) 277-7200
• Kent HealthPoint: 403 E. Meeker
• Auburn HealthPoint: 126 Auburn Avenue, Suite 400
• Redmond HealthPoint: 16315 NE 87th Street, Suite B6

Public Health will also hold five free H1N1 clinics this Saturday and next Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These same sites, except for Eastgate Public Health Center, will also have clinics on Wednesday, December 16 from noon to 7 p.m. at:

• Renton Public Health Center, 3001 NE 4th Street
• Federal Way Public Health Center, 33431 13th Place South
• Seattle: Columbia Public Health Center, 4400 37th Ave South
• Seattle: North Public Health Center, 10501 Meridian Ave North
• Bellevue: Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way

Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a designated time later that day to return and receive their vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be informed as soon as they arrive.

For more information on future clinics and other H1N1 updates, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.

You can also call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions about H1N1 influenza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a special 24-hour nurse line service extended over the weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

King County Public Health announced Monday (Nov. 30th) that it is opening up four free H1N1 vaccine clinics beginning this Saturday, Dec. 5th, then again on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, as a way to provide access to people at highest risk for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) who cannot afford to pay.

The nearest clinics will be in Renton or Federal Way, with 4,000 doses total (distributed to all 4 sites) available on Saturday, Dec. 5th, from 9am to 5pm and 1,000 doses total on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, from Noon to 7pm; here’s the list:

• Renton Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St., Renton)
• Federal Way Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S., Federal Way)
• Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S., Seattle)
• North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N., Seattle)

Future clinic dates will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available.

According to a press release:

More H1N1 influenza vaccine continues to arrive every week, and most vaccine is still going to local health care providers for at risk patients. Local pharmacies are also receiving limited ongoing allocations.

“As more vaccine comes into the community, we’re continuing to allocate limited amounts to people without insurance or who can’t afford to pay,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We encourage people to seek H1N1 vaccine through their health care providers or through pharmacies if they can afford the administrative cost or if insurance covers it.”

An estimated 280,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have already been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza and an additional 90,000 doses of vaccine is on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county. Though flu illness seems to have peaked locally, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in the community, and vaccination is the best wait to protect against H1N1 influenza.

On December 5, there will be a total of 4,000 doses of vaccine available across the four sites, and on December 9, there will be 1,000 doses of vaccine. Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a time later that day to return for a guaranteed vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be told as soon as they arrive.

The ability to pay will be determined on the honor system, and it will be assumed that people getting vaccinated at one of the four clinics cannot afford the administrative cost of H1N1 vaccination.

Most of the vaccine arriving to King County continues to be allocated to health care providers so that they can vaccinate patients who are most at risk, including:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
• Healthcare and emergency workers

People who are recommended to receive H1N1 vaccine should continue to seek it. Vaccine supply is gradually improving each week, and it is expected that eventually there will be enough vaccine in King County for anyone who wants it.

Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. Hours of operation with operators are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

It’s not quite as controversial as drive-thru “sexpresso” stands with bikin-clad baristas, but members of Group Health can now get flu shots in their vehicles as their Burien Medical Center is providing drive-thru flu shots!

The Burien Group Health Center is located at 140 SW 146th Street, just north of the Safeway shopping complex.

Please note that these shots are just for seasonal influenza, not H1N1. While the drive-thru clinic is meant for G.H. members, they will not turn residents away; however, there is a fee for non-members.

Here’s the schedule for the remaining drive-thru shots:

• Monday, Oct. 26
• Tuesday, Oct. 27
• Saturday, Nov. 7
• Wednesday, Nov. 11
• Saturday, Nov. 14

For more information, visit their website here, or call 206-901-2400.

It’s “Binational Health Week” and the Sea-Mar Community Health Center is holding a FREE Health Fair at the Burien Library Saturday, Oct. 10th from 11am to 4pm.

There will be clinical screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, weight, asthma, vision, HIV, dental and cholesterol, as well as a presentation by Mayor Joan McGilton, fire truck (and photo ops), kids activities, a raffle with prizes and much more…all FREE.

Here are the details:

As you may know, October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month, and Burien’s own Highline Medical Center is partnering with local businesses to help encourage women to get their mammogram. Early detection is still the best protection and they want to do all they can to help women in the fight against breast cancer.

So if you’re a local/area business, here’s a chance to get some good, local exposure.

Here’s a blurb from HMC:

To help encourage local women to get their mammograms we are partenering with local businesses to help the women in our community to have an enjoyable experience during their visit. All women who come into Highline Medical Center for their mammogram during the month of October will receive free mini-spa sessions donated by local salons and schools. In addition every woman who comes in will receive a raffle ticket to win great prizes donated by local businesses and artists.

Highline Medical Center would like to invite you to partner with us to help encourage the women in our community to get their mammograms. We would encourage you to consider donating a gift card, certificate, or basket to raffle off during the month of October, or to donated services to participate in our mini-spa session event. All businesses or individuals who donate will receive a free 8.5 X 11 ad space in our local businesses book which is viewed by 30-40 local women a day while they wait for their appointments.

Highline Medical Center is proud to be a partner in health with our community and we encourage you to join us.

Please contact Janinne Walker, 206-293-6784 or email jwalker@highlinemedical.org, if you would like more information or if you are interested in donating.

The saga continues…last January, Dr. Clark replaced my left shoulder. It was such a success and such a blessing to be pain free on the left side that I, once again, entrusted myself into his brilliant hands and the wonderful surgical nurses of Highline Hospital. They did their magic while I slept, and I am now the proud, PAIN FREE, owner of two bionic shoulders.

After they finished, they passed me off to the ICU staff, and then I was taken to my lovely room on the 4th floor. It was like old home week; I was re-acquainted w/ the great nurses and the CNA’s that help me last time and, I made some new friends. Their professionalism, sense of humor, and willingness to see to my comfort was superlative! I especially appreciated the night shift staff that tippy toed in and took my vitals without turning on that horrible bright light and barely waking me up – Thanks guys.

My favorite Reiki person came by and treated me; sadly, the young lady from Highline High School, who serenaded us with her lovely violin music last time, seems to be on summer vacation.

Our community is so blessed to have such a fantastic hospital, staffed with such professionals in our community! Thank you all for making my stay, not only safe, and healing, but fun as well.

P. S. Keep the candle burning in the window, the chicken stroganoff looked so good on the room service menu I may have to come back. Now if you could just get down pillows and beds a wee bit more comfy…

(Kathy Keene moved to the Burien area in 1987 and worked for Boeing for 17 years. Kathy opted for an early retirement in 2005 to pursue her new love of designing and selling jewelry as well as becoming more involved with the community.)

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We welcome guest columns from all area residents – do YOU have a story you'd like to tell? Email us!]

This Saturday, June 27th, at 2:30pm a PBS Frontline documentary called “Sick Around the World” will be shown at the new Burien Library’s multipurpose room on the first floor.

A discussion on health care in the US will follow.

There is no charge, and the screening is open to the public.

Here’s a trailer of the video:

Here’s some info on the film from the PBS website:

Four in five Americans say the healthcare system needs fundamental change. Can the U.S. learn anything from the rest of the world about how to run a healthcare system, or are these nations so culturally different that their solutions would not be acceptable? FRONTLINE correspondent T.R. Reid examines the healthcare systems of other advanced capitalist democracies to see what ideas might help the U.S. reform its broken healthcare system.

In Sick Around the World, FRONTLINE teams up with veteran Washington Post foreign correspondent T.R. Reid to find out how five other capitalist democracies — the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Taiwan and Switzerland — deliver health care, and what the United States might learn from their successes and their failures.

The B-Town Blog is proud welcome our newest Advertiser: Reiki By Anita!  She’s located right here in Burien.

“It is my community and I want to practice in my community. Reiki is my calling and my passion, and has been for 22 years,” owner Anita Graham explained to us last week.

Anita started her study and practice of Reiki in 1987 and became a Reiki Master in 2006. She learned in the tradition of the Usui System of Reiki Healing (called Usui Shiki Ryoho in Japanese).

Now she can not only work on her partner, Monty, her cat, her friends, her family, her clients, but also lead Reiki classes for those looking for a way to offer hands on healing for family, friends, pets and themselves. She is pleased to announce her summer classes:

• FIRST DEGREE REIKI CLASSES:
  • June 13 & June 14, 2009
  • July 18 & July 19, 2009
  • August 22 & August 23,2009

All classes will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm both days.

The class is an accessible way for massage therapists, body workers, nurses and other health care professionals to enhance their practice with this gentle, non-invasive modality, as well. For more information and to register contact Anita at (206) 242-2052 or click here. The classes are held in Burien, and space is limited so you’d better act now.

Anita Graham is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education (approved Provider Number 450604-08).

Anita started her journey towards Reiki while working in the health and human services world. She’s been a social worker, therapist, college counselor and her favorite– working with seniors in the field of Geriatric mental health. She still works with elders in her job and volunteer work in and around the south sound.

MultiCare-Good Samaratin Hospital in Pierce Co. and our own Highline Medical Center employ Anita in their Home Health and Hospice “Comfort Therapies Program.” As an adjunct position to the staff Anita visits hospice patients in their home where she uses Reiki to help them relax, reduce anxiety and relieve pain.

She also volunteers at Highline Medical Center where she works with surgery patients in post-op. Reiki helps ease anxiety, stress and pain with post-op patients. A major report about Reiki treatments for surgery patients at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth New Hampshire indicated that they often leave the hospital earlier, in less pain and with less pain medication (see Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self-Healing Newsletter, April, 2006).

“I feel that I’m one of the luckiest people in the world. I am so fortunate that I can give comfort to people. Reiki has given me a way to be of service in the world, said Anita.

I felt like one of the luckiest people in the world last week when Anita suggested a complimentary 30-minute Reiki session in her home Reiki Studio*. Talk about your soft touch. I wanted to totally relax and float away, but I was on the job—interviewing and talking.

*Reiki By Anita offers a series of four treatment sessions of 1-1/2 hours EACH at $70 each. She recommends that all four treatments take place in seven-10 days when starting a treatment for chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia. The National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding a study on Reiki’s ability to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms, such as fatigue.

Anita believes the best way to learn what Reiki is about is to experience it. And the best way to experience it in Burien and surrounding area is with Anita, at Reiki By Anita.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story like this for your Business, along with an Ad on every page seen by over 15,000 interested Local Readers per month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

by Scott Schaefer

Monday afternoon (4/27), the King County Council held a special session on the swine flu with public health experts, who reassured councilmembers that despite heightened monitoring, the swine flu that recently originated in Mexico has not yet spread to the area.

No cases of swine flu have yet to be reported in Burien, let alone King County or the entire state of Washington, according to Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. He said the 40 cases confirmed in the U.S. have been mild, with no serious illnesses or deaths.

“At Public Health we are actively preparing with our partners for the real possibility of swine flu here in our region,” said Dr. Fleming. “Whether or not swine flu arrives in King County, now is the time to get prepared. The more we are all prepared at home, the better we’ll be able to respond and recover.”

He said Public Health has asked local health care providers to notify them of suspected swine flu cases and has made arrangements with the state Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the submittal of suspect lab specimens.

Dr. Jeff Duchin, Disease Control Officer for Communicable Disease at Public Health – Seattle & King County, said the CDC has asked to receive all suspect lab specimens to ensure that cases that may appear as seasonal flu are not in fact the new strain of swine flu. He also said local providers are being advised on how to screen patients who present flu-like symptoms and that Public Health will investigate any cases of severe unexplained respiratory illness. Dr. Duchin said Public Health is recommending that the public not seek health care that they would not otherwise seek.

“Today I was pleased to hear that King County is as prepared as any jurisdiction in the event of a pandemic flu,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the King County Board of Health. “However, I am concerned that given the cuts proposed in the state budget and impending cuts to the County budget, our health department will have reduced capacity to respond to emergencies in the future.”

“The Council’s work in recent years calling for a pandemic flu response plan and stockpiling of Tamiflu means we are mobilized and ready to respond if swine flu strikes King County,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, sponsor of legislation to create a Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan for King County.

Dr. Fleming said the framework already laid out by the King County Council for the County’s comprehensive planning for pandemic flu will provide effective guidance and that the current response will provide useful lessons for updating the plan. The Council in 2007 adopted the Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan that recognizes:

• the County’s role in regional public health and emergency management response.
• the County’s duty as both a regional service provider and a local service provider for continued provision of police and paramedics, bus service, wastewater treatment and other public services in the event of a pandemic flu, and
• the County’s duty as a large employer to ensure that its own workplaces help prevent the spread of pandemic flu.

At Sea-Tac Airport, there’s no unusual alert or extra screenings of passengers yet, according to Port of Seattle spokesman Perry Cooper.

However, the airport does have a quarantine zone at the south satellite that has room for several hundred people. Apparently it’s only been used once before during a screening for avian flu.

Alaska Airlines flies daily to and from Mexico, and the next plane from Mexico City is due to arrive Wednesday.

More information about emergency health preparedness can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu.aspx.

For more information on Swine Flu, visit this website.

Here’s a “Swine Flu” map that shows that the nearest cases were up in Vancouver, B.C. and involved two men who had recently traveled to Mexico:

View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map

by Mark Neuman

It’s tough being a kid, as the saying goes.

It’s even tougher being a kid who isn’t feeling well, maybe suffering from a sore throat or stomach flu or other issues.

And it’s tougher still if the young person’s family has limited – or no – health insurance.

That’s where the Youth Health Center comes in. The Center serves adolescents, ages 13-19.

The priority there is medical care, and in many cases, even if a patient’s family has limited financial means or is not insured.

Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to privately when, emotionally, things don’t feel right. The Center has two counselors – one female, one male – available for private sessions. Call the number below for their hours.

Through no fault of its own the Youth Health Center has been “bounced around” town over the last year or so.

Well, it has a fine new home. The Center is located in the northwest portion of Highline Medical Center’s Main Campus, between Sylvester Road SW and 8th Avenue SW, just south of SW 160th Street.

Many families may qualify for programs funded by the state of Washington. The Health Center’s office manager, Bonnie Arroyo, will be happy to help patients research and apply for assistance programs.

The medical staff is led by Patricia Burke, PA-C.

The main transit Routes to the Center are #123 and #139.

The Center also has a clinic in Renton, with limited hours. The phone number there is 425-254-2710

Youth Health Center (Burien)
16110 8th Avenue SW Suite B-1
Burien, WA  98166
phone: 206-439-9300
fax: 206-439-4695
www.HighlineMedicalGroup.org

Youth Health Center (Burien) Clinic Hours:

• Walk-Ins First Come, First Served Until Full
• Monday – Thursday   9:30am – 5:45pm
• Friday  9:30am – 2:00pm
• Closed for Lunch 12:45pm – 1:30pm

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by Gina Bourdage

The 25th annual American Cancer Society’s 2009 “Relay For Life” kick-off happened last Wednesday (Jan. 21st) at Highline Medical Center.

The evening began with hors d’oeuvres from Sal’s Deli and music from the group “Critical Mass,” a local jazz band comprised of some very talented members from the Burien community, including doctors from Highline Medical Center.

Entering its fourth year in Burien, “Relay For Life” gathered together team leaders, board members and local businesses to go over the goals for the June 13th – 14th event at Highline Stadium. Involvement in the “Relay For Life” provides lifesaving support for the American Cancer Society and programs.

Contributions and fundraising allow much-needed programs and efforts to be funded in the advancement for a cure, while sustaining ongoing efforts for survivors and families of cancer. Each team spends one day and one night celebrating and remembering those whose lives have been affected by cancer and provides them a way to fight back.

Margie Rodriguez, a two-time cancer survivor, was on hand to speak about what having cancer has done to change her perspective on life:

“It has taught me how to live. To enjoy the moment.”

Each year 3.5 million people in more than 4,900 communities participate. This year Burien has 11 teams signed up to participate and are looking for more. Last year the Highline Community had more than 515 register participants and raised more than $85,000. Four year participant and team captain of team Fam Damily, Patty Murray was present this year for the kick off 2009. Last year Murray’s team raised more than $10,000 through efforts from handmade painted pots sold for $5 each and garage sales.

Other teams include:

• The City of Burien
• City of Sea Tac
• Aviation High School
• Mt Rainer High School
• Many more

The event coordinators are hoping to have competitions between each city and high school team, however they are not all represented yet… (clearing throat voice Evergreen High School among others).

The event will start with a survivor’s lap and the evening will continue with music, entertainment and refreshments. Each team will take turns having at least one member on the track for the relay up to 24 hours. As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called luminaria, each of which has a special meaning. Some celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Many remember the lives of those who have been lost to this disease. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.

This year the overall fundraising goal is $95,000.

Will you be part of helping the fight for a cure? To participate, become a team captain or make a volunteer or monetary contribution please contact:

Gary McNeil
Event Co-Chair
Email: gmcnsoccer@comcast.net
Phone 206.390.3184

or

Kelly Cochran
American Cancer Society
Email: Kelly.cochran@cancer.org

For more information on Relay For Life visit www.highlinerelay.org.

Here’s a video with some more information:

The official kickoff celebration for the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) “Relay For Life” of Highline is Wednesday, Jan. 21st, from 7pm-8:30pm at Somers Auditorium in Highline Medical Center, located at 16251 Sylvester Road SW (see map below).

The event will provide information about Relay For Life and how volunteers can get involved in the fight against cancer. Attendees will enjoy food from Sal’s Deli, music by Critical Mass, and coffee provided by Starbucks as they visit with volunteers, sharing stories of hope.

Founded 25 years ago by Tacoma physician Dr. Gordy Klatt, Relay For Life has grown to be the most recognized fundraising event for cancer nationwide, held in more than 5,000 communities and raising more than $3 billion toward cancer research, advocacy, education and patient services.

In 2008, the Relay For Life of Highline saw over 500 people from the cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park and Seatac participating on 38 teams, and raising over $87,000.

Relay For Life is a family-oriented event in which teams will walk or run in shifts around the track for 17 hours. Participants traditionally camp out on the field, and, when they are not taking their turn walking, enjoy a variety of entertainment activities.

The Relay For Life of Highline will be held on June 13 & 14th at Highline Stadium in Burien. For more information, please call Kelly Cochran at 206.6744103, or visit http://www.relayforlife.org/highlinewa.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

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The B-Town Blog is more than happy to offer a grinning Welcome Aboard! to our latest Advertiser, Burien Children’s Dentistry!

If you’re all grown up now, but still act like a baby when it comes to seeing the dentist, sorry, this practice really is just for kids, little ones to teens.

Dr. Shahram Ghafghazi opened his Kids Only practice just a couple of months ago (early September) on the west side of Ambaum, just north of the Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant.

He’s been practicing general dentistry for a number of years.

Dr. Ghafghazi attended Tufts University to complete his three-year post graduate training in Pediatric Dentistry. He is a certified Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

When should your child first visit a dentist? Well, the AAPD says your young one should see a dentist by his or her first birthday.

“It’s very important to maintain the health of primary teeth,” also known as baby teeth, Dr. Ghafghazi says.

“The health, or lack of health, of primary teeth can affect developing permanent teeth.”

Feel free to park on the Ambaum side of the building; then just walk up the stairs to the office’s front door on the west side of the building.

When there, you’ll also get know to Christi, the Office Manager, and Myichell, Dental Assistant.

The atmosphere at Burien Children’s Dentistry is one designed to make things as relaxed and fun for the youngsters as reasonably possible.

“Instead of using the technical term for slow speed cleaning, known as ‘prophylaxis,’” Christi says, “we tell the kids ‘We’re going to tickle your teeth now!’”

Why did Dr. Ghafghazi, also known as “Dr. G,” choose Burien?

“There really was no Kids Only practice in town,” he says.

And why did Dr. G pick pediatric dentistry as the focus of his practice?

“Because I love kids,” Dr. G says. “And besides, I’m a big kid myself!”

So, click on their Ad on the lower right sidebar, check out their website, and be sure to give Burien Children’s Dentistry a bright shiny, smiling welcome to the B-Town Blog!

Burien Children’s Dentistry
14257 Ambaum Blvd. SW Suite #201
Burien, WA   98166

Phone: 206-246-4559
Fax:     206-246-5810

www.burienchildrensdentistry.com

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by Janet Grella

Earlier this week, I went in for my annual mammogram at Highline Diagnostics on SW 160th.

Like most “women of a certain age” (over 40 according to the American Cancer Society), this is something we don’t look forward to.  The squishing, the pain and discomfort of the unnatural-like positions and finally the waiting in a cold room while the Mammography Techs check each film to make sure one was readable.  Of course we are always delighted when we learn after a week or so that we’ve got an “all clear” for another year. Further I can recall some time ago when I had a “suspicious” mammogram and had to go back for more x-rays.  Waiting for the next appointment was nerve wracking for my family and me.

But what a difference a year makes – NO MORE FILMS! Late last year the Highline Cancer Center at Highline Medical Center (HMC) invested in new equipment – the Digital Mammography from GE Healthcare – for Highline Diagnostics.  According the GE’s website, ”digital mammography represents a breakthrough in the advancement of women’s health care. Digitally enhanced breast images have outstanding clarity and contrast, leading to a quick diagnosis and quality patient care”.

At Highline Diagnostics I could tell that Jill, my Mammography Tech, and Kris, “Tech In Training” were really excited about this new mammography device they now get to work with. According to them, the amount of unnecessary recalls are reduced by more than 20%; patient anxiety is minimized and the exam time is reduced.

Further, I didn’t get squished like before, the equipment was built to make the digital imaging less uncomfortable, and the only standing around I did was to look at my ‘digital breasts’ on a computer monitor screen.

According to Janinne Walker, Community Outreach Manager of HMC, my images were sent directly to the radiologists, and they will be read twice by radiologists, and then further by ‘CAD” (a computer reader).  At the same time the radiologists receive my digital mammography, they were also made viewable by other HMC specialists through a system called PACs, which allows providers to access the images through a password protected system.

But this story is not about me or my wonderful mammogram experience at Highline Diagnostics. It’s about all you women who put off your annual mammogram because it’s too painful, too awful, humiliating….whatever your excuse, in my opinion, you’ve run out of them.  As National Breast Awareness Month draws to a close, I want to remind you to make that mammogram appointment.

The American Cancer Society Guidelines for Screening Mammography are:

• Annual breast examination by a physician or other health practitioner
• Annual mammography beginning at age 40
• Monthly breast self-examination

Janinne at HMC tells BTB that they recommend starting mammograms at 35 years old (although most guidelines say 40), and that women can obtain a mammogram at any younger age with a doctor’s referral.

You can make your appointment at (206) 248-8900 and visit Highline Diagnostics at 160th, 275 SW 160th Street in Burien (right behind Sylvester Middle School).

The good thing for me was that it didn’t take long to get an appointment, and there was no waiting once I got there.

The King County Public Health Department announced that the new flu vaccine has arrived, which means it’s time to start planning on when to “get poked.”

Unlike a few years ago, this year there’s plenty of flu vaccine to go around.

Vaccination is recommended to protect people at high-risk for complications from the flu, including:

• Children aged six months until their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People, 6 months or older, with certain chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), kidney disease or diabetes
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

People who live with or care for those at high risk for health complications from flu should be vaccinated as well, including:

• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
• Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age, who are too young to be vaccinated
• Healthcare workers

King County Health has created a website to help you find nearby flu shots (click here and enter your zip code on the right), but we’ve taken it one step further and created our own customized, interactive and regional “Places to Get Poked Map” – just click on a nearby pushpin, or use the zoom in (+) and out (-) controls on the left and you’ll see a listing of the store or pharmacy where you can get a flu shot:

View Larger Map

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a regular on The Oprah Winfrey Show and one of the world’s most influential people according to Time magazine, will be the featured speaker at Highline Medical Center’s Women’s Wellness Event called “Live Healthy. Stay Young.”

The event takes place Saturday, October 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center in SeaTac.

“We wanted to create an event that would give the women of our community an opportunity to learn strategies for staying healthy,” said Mara Burke, director of community relations for Highline Medical Center. “Our goal is for every woman who attends this event to come away with valuable information that is meaningful in her life. We couldn’t think of a better way to do that than to bring Dr. Oz to Seattle and pair him with a dozen other medical experts.”

Event guests will enjoy their choice thought-provoking health workshops, the keynote by Dr. Oz, continental breakfast and lunch, and their own copy of Dr. Oz’s latest book YOU: Staying Young for an all-inclusive $90 registration fee. Workshops cover a wide and relevant range of topics for women at every age and life stage. From the power of positive nutrition to strategies for restful sleep to coping with menopause gracefully, this event promises to answer women’s pressing health and aging questions in candid, compelling, and useful ways.

Visit www.LiveHealthyStayYoung.com to download a brochure with class descriptions. Seats for this event are limited. Advance purchase is required. Call 206-695-5544 to claim your place at your workshops of choice and register.

Burke said that this event is part of the 50th anniversary activities in motion to honor Highline’s half-century of growth and commitment to healthy living and compassionate care. Highline opened its doors as Burien Community Hospital 50 years ago and has since grown into an award-winning, comprehensive medical center. The presenting sponsor for the event is KeyBank. Other sponsors include Puget Sound Health Partners, BECU, Burien Toyota/Burien Chevrolet, Albertsons/Supervalu, Powell Brothers and Alaska Airlines.

About Highline Medical Center
Highline Medical Center includes two healthcare campuses and more than 20 clinics across Southwest King County. From orthopedic surgery to obstetrics, from heart care to home health, you’ll find it at Highline. We offer access to leading medical experts supported by sophisticated technology. And through our progressive Planetree model of care, we are committed to caring for each patient and his or her family with genuine respect, understanding and compassion. Learn more at www.highlinemedicalcenter.org