|
+ |
Hillyard Health Update |
+ |
Spokane Regional Health District News
Release: 2-1-07
“Health Detectives” Hit the
Streets for New Project in N.E. Neighborhood
SPOKANE, WA – Students
of Eastern Washington University’s Exercise Science Program and
Community Health Program are canvassing the streets and stores of
Northeast Spokane. The students are collecting information about
factors that influence nutrition and physical activity choices to
help determine strengths and needs of the area. The assessments,
which run through March, include: grocery stores and markets,
convenience stores, restaurants, schools, community gardens and
walkability.
The assessments are
part of a Healthy Communities Project: City Council District 1 by
the Spokane Regional Health District to help support the development
of community gardens, increase safety for pedestrians, and encourage
active transportation like biking and walking. The goal of the
Healthy Communities grant is to build and support environments and
policies that make it easier for the residents of Council District 1
to be physically active and to choose healthy food as steps in
combating the rising rate of obesity in our community.
The collected
information provides baseline data on how “walkable” the community
is and whether or not residents have adequate access to
health-promoting foods. The results will be used to help determine
future Healthy Communities activities, assist with policy
development and make positive environmental changes. Having current
data on community health will help measure the long-term impact of
the Healthy Communities’ work.
Working with citizens
of City Council District 1 and community partners, the project seeks
to improve conditions for walking and biking, create a playground
that is accessible to children of all abilities, increase the number
community gardens, and increase access to farmers markets.
For more information on the Healthy Communities Project,
contact the Spokane Regional Health District’s Physical Activity and
Nutrition Program at 324-1555.
A representative from
the Spokane Regional Health District will be presenting at the next
Hillyard Neighborhood Council, 2-21-2007, 6:30pm at the Northeast
Community Center, 4001 N Cook St. All are welcome to
attend to discuss this issue and more.
Spokane Regional Health
District News Release:
2-2-07
Study Shows Spokane-area Children
Have More Cavities
Events in February will help kids get
dental services
SPOKANE, WA – A
recent dental survey shows that Spokane’s children have had more
cavities than the state average. However, Spokane kids have less
untreated decay and more preventive dental sealants than the state
average. During February, which is National Children’s Dental Health
Month, there are two local events to help kids who need dental care.
“This is a good-news,
bad-news situation,” said Ida Ovnicek, manager of the Oral Health
Programs for the Spokane Regional Health District. “The study shows
that we need to work hard to prevent tooth decay from happening.”
Feb. 16-Eagle Kid’s
Day (Sponsored by the EWU Dental Hygiene Clinic)
Cleaning, exam,
x-rays - By appointment only, cost $67-$97 - or free with
medical coupons.
If additional treatment is recommended, the
kids will be scheduled for the Give Kids a Smile event on
February 24th. Fun activities include a visit from the Tooth Fairy.
Please call 368- 6512 for appointments.
February 24th,
Spokane District Dental Society
Volunteer dentists and
hygienists will be providing services for children who are
identified during Eagle Kid’s Day as being in need of further
treatment.
The Spokane Regional
Health District’s Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program
works with Medicaid-eligible children to match them with
participating dentists. The ABCD(E) Program works with Spokane’s
area physicians who offer children an oral health assessment,
education and paint-on fluoride.
After serving over 33,000 children,
Spokane Regional Health District’s ABCD Program is celebrating their
12th anniversary this month. Parents and
caregivers interested in more information and enrollment in the ABCD
Program are encouraged to call (509) 324-1478.
|
