Board of Directors
John Beitzel, PhD
President
Eric Lewis
Vice-President
Denise Brown
Secretary
Vivian Brown
Treasurer
Jennifer Burkhardt
Lili Dodd, MD
Pam Scott
Lorraine Wall
Staff
Carl Weber, MD
Medical Director
Rose Gibbs, RN
MHA/MPA
Clinic Director
Sara Nicholls
Executive Director
Kathi Gunn, ARNP
Chronic Healthcare Clinic
Marian Needham
Administrative Assistant
Pennie Robinson
Wellness Program
Coordinator
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Want to know more about Diabetes?
There are two resources in our Sequim community!
First Tuesday of each Month- "Living Healthy with Diabetes" on KSQM 91.5 (www.KSQMfm.com) from 1-2 pm PST. This informative session is created and presented by Susan Sorensen, Registered Nurse.
First Wednesday of each month-In-person Diabetes Support group at Shipley Center, 921 E. Hammond, Sequim. Free and open to the public.
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THANK YOU,
ALBERT HALLER FOUNDATION
Each year the Foundation distributes a portion of its value to 501(c)3 organizations and as scholarships to students. The priority is to fund projects that provide food, housing, clothing, medical care and other programs that may enhance and enrich the lives of those less fortunate in Clallam County.
We are excited to announce Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic received a grant from the Albert Haller Foundation in the amount of $9,500. The Albert Haller Foundation has supported the clinic’s mission since 2003.
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Donations
were given in memory of…
Teddie Hall
by Sherry Niermann
Sandra Jones
by Jim Jones
Dave Salmon
by Sandra Altman,
Denise Brown,
Mona Hester,
Russ Mellon,
Roger and April Uhden
Fred Velpel
by Myrna Juergens
And in honor of…
Donal Botkin, Jr.
by Ann and Bob Cichowski
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DAILY EXERCISE:
Key to Brain Health
by Barb Paschal
retired Physical Therapist, artist, author, veteran, tutor
More and more research has been done on the brain and building its health and capacity for memory and learning. Every study shows that moderate aerobic exercise for 30 minutes/day has a dramatic and important effect on our level of thinking, learning, awareness and memory.
The phrase “just move” is only slightly more helpful than “don’t be a couch potato”. Slumping around in poor posture wearing “sloppy slippers” to get to the kitchen or bathroom is not enough!! Wear sturdy shoes and stay in Great Core Alignment = Good Posture and move briskly enough to let your arms swing. NO hands in your pockets!
Examples of moderate aerobic exercise for continuous 30 minutes? >>Brisk walking, exercycle/bicycle, lap swims + aerobic dance. Easy enough to do inside your house, apartment, even your RV. If you walk outside NO Fair! stopping to let your dog sniff a myriad of spots and NO Fair! Stopping to talk with neighbors. Continuous exercise helps to build heart muscle …the heart is a muscle and an organ! Continuous exercise also helps to build the small muscles in the bronchiole walls of the lungs.
Three times a week is NOT ENOUGH! Do what you might learn in a class held three times a week on your own in your home the other four times a week. You will have clearer thought processing and better memory and learning capacity.
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Clinic Director’s Report
By Rose Gibbs, RN, MHA/MPA
We are coming to the end of another year of service to this wonderful community. Although we are technically post-COVID, there seems to be some variants continuing to linger in the COVID-19 shadow. Precautions are still being taken. Thank you to our clients, community members and clinic volunteers who continue to follow the guidelines for good health hygiene for respiratory care. We continue to screen anyone who comes into the clinic. The cleaning of the clinic, physical distancing, screening of all clients and volunteer staff and so forth have complied with community guidelines.
Our activity level for clients being treated has remained fairly stable. Year-to-date there has been an increase of about 10 percent on evenings and a decrease of 15 percent in our Chronic Healthcare Clinic. The expectation that there would be a flood of new clients, due to job loss and corresponding insurance loss, has not been realized. About two thirds of our clients have been seen here previously. We continue to see many with insurance coverage for a variety of reasons, as well as those waiting to obtain a Primary Care Provider. Delays are two to four months for most. Some people remain cautious about coming to clinics of any kind. We are pleased to be here as a health care safety net for our community and provide a bridge to care until acceptance by another clinic.
Demand for dental assistance remains constant. Through the continued generosity of the Olympic Medical Center and our local dentists and oral surgeons, those who live within the Sequim School District can obtain a voucher for treatment of a dental emergency. We also continue to provide vouchers for vaccines for Flu, Pneumovax and TDAP.
Even with the challenges of the last three plus years, we continue to survive and thrive. We would not be here without the outstanding community and individual support. Every effort is being made to follow guidelines and provide a safe environment for all clinic participants. Change is inevitable, but our contribution to a healthier community remains our goal. After 22 years, we continue as “a beacon of health and hope”.
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In Loving Memory of Dave Salmon
It is with heavy hearts that we pay tribute to a remarkable individual who played an invaluable role in our organization. Dave Salmon, a dedicated board member from 2012 to 2021, was not just a colleague and a friend but a shining example of selflessness and commitment.
Dave was an integral part of our community, serving on various committees that played a crucial role in the growth and success of our organization. His involvement extended to the Development, Fun Walk, Finance, and Wellness Committees. Through his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Dave left an indelible mark on our organization.
One of Dave's most remarkable contributions was his involvement in our annual Fun Walk and Health Fair. He took it upon himself to ensure the event's success, securing sponsorships and door prizes, meticulously placing signs and flags, and coordinating water stations to keep participants hydrated and energized. Dave's dedication to this event turned it into a vibrant and joyous occasion that brought our community together and generated essential support for our clinic.
However, Dave's impact transcended these specific roles and responsibilities. He was, most importantly, an extraordinary advocate for our clinic wherever he went. His passion for our organization was evident in his every interaction. Whether at board meetings, community events, or casual conversations, Dave never missed an opportunity to champion the cause of accessible healthcare and the importance of our clinic. His eloquence and conviction were unparalleled, making him an indispensable asset to our mission.
Dave Salmon's legacy will forever be intertwined with our organization. He touched our lives and the lives of those we serve in profound ways. His dedication, kindness, and unwavering support have left an indomitable imprint on our hearts and in the annals of our clinic's history.
As we bid farewell to a beloved board member, colleague, and friend, let us remember Dave Salmon for his extraordinary contributions, his commitment to our cause, and the profound impact he had on our organization. His memory will continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for the betterment of our community, just as he did throughout his years of service.
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Most Health Care isn’t Complicated … or Expensive
By Kip Tulin M.D. (emeritus)
The most important health care you can give yourself is based on the daily choices you make in your lifestyle. It’s cheap and easy although it does take conscious effort to change old patterns.
Currently about 50% of the US population has some form of chronic disease which accounts for about 85% of the total health care spending in the USA. Much of this is due to unhealthy lifestyles we’ve adopted in our culture over decades. Another problem is that our health care ‘system’ is greatly biased towards treatment rather than prevention, a pattern that has persisted since the 1940’s. Waiting until something is broken before you fix it is seldom a good strategy. If you want more details, here is a good link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC7077778/ .
So let’s look at a few lifestyle choices which have been shown to positively affect your health. I know you’ve all heard this before and the reason is that the advice has not changed: look to diet, exercise and attitude.
When it comes to diet, I still love Dr. Michael Pollan’s quote, “eat food, mostly vegetables, preferably less.” “Eat food” means eating whole and fresh food as much as possible while avoiding highly processed foods with lots of additives. “Mostly vegetables” means that you should make vegetables, fruits, and nuts the mainstay of your diet, but you do not have to go full-on vegan by any means. And “preferably less” means just that. In general we all eat too much. Your 100 trillion best friends, your microbiome, will love you for following Dr. Pollan’s advice.
When I say the word “exercise” I do not mean to conjure up spending hours in the gym or pounding out half marathons. I simply mean we should all move more. Movement is medicine. Instead of sitting down all of the time, stand up once in a while. Go out for a walk. Even a short walk is better than no walk. If you already walk, walk a bit faster. Make it a regular habit. Whatever suits you…just move!
And finally there’s attitude. Which rhymes with gratitude. Find at least one little thing each day to be thankful for. Another easy thing to do is to smile….just that small act releases endorphins which have beneficial health effects.
All of this is easy and doesn’t cost a dime. Oh, and one more thing from this retired pediatrician: For those of us of a certain age demographic who have most of our years behind us, these few suggestions will help but will not reverse decades of prior habits. However, if you have children or grandchildren, please, please get them started on healthy habits early. For them the difference will be huge.
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Save the Date: Join Us for the
2024 Clinic Fun Walk & Health Fair
We are excited to announce the kickoff of preparations for the 17th annual Clinic Fun Walk & Health Fair. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 10, 2024, because you won't want to miss this day of fitness, fun, and community engagement!
Returning to Trinity United Methodist Church and Carrie Blake Park
This year, we are thrilled to return to the hospitality of Trinity United Methodist Church, where the festivities will begin. The walk itself will take you through the scenic landscapes of Carrie Blake Park, providing a picturesque backdrop for our journey towards better health. This non-competitive walk is not just about a stroll; it's about promoting exercise as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
Volunteers: The Heart and Soul of Our Event
The Clinic Fun Walk & Health Fair wouldn't be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. These selfless individuals are involved in every facet of the walk, from planning and seeking sponsorships to coordinating door prizes, organizing walk teams, providing entertainment, staffing health fair booths, registering participants, setting up and monitoring the course, and so much more. If you have the time and passion to contribute, we urge you to join our volunteer team. Your support makes all the difference!
Team Up for a Great Cause
Although the walk itself is non-competitive, we encourage you to consider forming a team with your friends, family, or colleagues. Teams compete in two categories: the one with the most walkers and the one raising the most money. It's a friendly competition that amplifies the sense of community and teamwork, all while benefiting a noble cause.
Sponsorships: Promote Your Business and Strengthen Your Community
If you're a local business looking to make a positive impact, consider becoming a sponsor for our event. Not only will you be supporting a worthwhile cause, but you'll also have the opportunity to promote your business and connect with the community. For more information about sponsorships, volunteering or forming teams, please contact Sara at (360) 582-2976 or email her at execdir@dvhwc.org.
Supporting Our Community's Health
The Clinic Fun Walk & Health Fair serves as the Clinic's primary fundraiser, and the proceeds directly contribute to our mission of providing continued health care access to those in need within our community. By participating, volunteering, or sponsoring, you are actively working to ensure that health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Save the date and join us on August 10, 2024, for a day filled with fun, exercise, and community spirit. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who rely on our Clinic's services. Your support is invaluable to us, and we can't wait to see you there!
Let's walk
for a healthier community!
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