Session I Becoming a health aide is a big committment, involving

Volume XVI No. 11 • November 15, 2011

INSIDE: YK on PBS, p. 3 • Help for Quitting, p. 4 • Dr. Bill, p. 5 • New: BH Corner, p. 8

Session I Health Aide Training

Standing: Crystal Triplett, Kongiganak; Jaylene Pequeno, Chevak; John Nicori, Jr. , Quinhagak; Kikiefer Myers, Pilot Station; Katrina Crane, Kwethluk; Myra Tuday, Emmonak. Seated: Carmen Brown, Aniak; Theresa Joe, Pitka’s Point; Alexandra Kerr, Chuathbaluk; April Mattson, Aniak; Janell Johnson, St Mary’s’ Annie John, Newtok. Photo by Donna Bach.

Becoming a health aide is a big committment, involving long training sessions in Bethel, away from home and family. During the four-week-long Session I, these new health aides have been focuing on basic history-taking and physical exam skills, filling out the Patient Encounter Form, learning how to use the Community Health Aide Manual, performing lab procedures, drawing blood, and mixing and dispensing the correct dosage of medicines—among many other things. Health aides are an invaluable part of the health care team in the Delta. Health Aides take care of the sick, the injured, the frail. Thank your health aide today!


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YKHC Board of DirectorsUnit 1Mary AyunerakP.O. Box 61Alakanuk, Alaska 99554907-238-3358Paula AyunerakP.O. Box 5Alakanuk, Alaska 99554907-238-3212

Unit 2Ray AlstromP.O. Box 8Marshall, Alaska 99585907-679-6320James C. LandlordP.O. Box 32168Mt. Village, AK 99632907-591-2531

Unit 3Billy Jean StewartP.O. Box 88Kalskag, Alaska 99607907-471-2271 George S. MorganP.O. Box 54Upper Kalskag, Alaska 99607907-471-2490

Unit 4James NicoriP.O. Box 41Kwethluk, Alaska 99621907-757-6837Moses PeterP.O. Box 57Tuluksak, Alaska 99679907- 695-6426

Unit 5Bill KristovichP.O. Box 1037Bethel, Alaska 99559907-543-4151/2212Glen Watson, Sr.P.O. Box 1874Bethel, Alaska 99559907-543-4625Gloria SimeonP.O. Box 308Bethel, Alaska 99559907-543-5676Chris LarsonP.O. Box 6051Napaskiak, Alaska 99559907-737-7910

Unit 6Esai Twitchell, Jr.P.O. Box 121Kasigluk, Alaska 99609907-477-6309

Unit 7David O. DavidP.O. Box 78Kwigillingok, Alaska 99622907-588-8484

Unit 8James R. Charlie, Sr.P.O. Box 37012Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637907-427-7114James SiparyP.O. Box 37134 Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637907- 427-7816

Unit 9Patrick TallP.O. Box 196Chevak, Alaska 99563907-858-7613Eric Olson, Sr.P.O. Box 163Hooper Bay, Alaska 99604907-758-4068

Unit 10Sam W. AlexieP.O. Box 57Eek, Alaska 99578907-536-5428

Unit 11Marvin DeaconP.O. Box 45Grayling, Alaska 99590907-453-5195

Honorary Board MemberPaul JohnP.O. Box 37067Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637907-427-74l4

Numbers to CallYKHC Main Operator ..................................................543-6000 Toll Free ......................................................... 1-800-478-3321Public Relations ............................................................543-6037Media Services .............................................................543-6038Office of Environmental Health & Engineering .............543-6420Technology Help Desk ..................................................543-6070Human Resources ........................................................543-6060Administration ...............................................................543-6020Hospital.........................................................................543-6300Emergency Room .........................................................543-6395Hospital Community Relations .....................................543-6350Social Services .............................................................543-6225Family Medicine Clinic Appointments ...........................543-6442 1-800-478-3321Dental Appointments ....................................................543-6229Optometry Appointments ..............................................543-6336Audiology Appointments ...............................................543-6466

Subregional Clinic Appointments Aniak .........................................................................675-4556 Emmonak ..................................................................949-3500 St. Mary’s ..................................................................438-3500 Toksook Bay..............................................................427-3500Public Health Nursing ...................................................543-2110Pharmacy .....................................................................543-6382Travel Management Center ..........................................543-6360WIC Program ................................................................543-6459Health Services ............................................................543-6024Village Operations ........................................................543-6160 CHAP ........................................................................543-6160 ICEMS .......................................................................543-6080 Community Health & Wellness .................................543-6190Behavioral Health Services ..........................................543-6100 Phillips Ayagnirvik .....................................................543-6700 Village Services ........................................................543-6740Home Care Services ....................................................543-6170

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FY 2012 Corporate GoalsPatient Centered ExcellenceIncrease screening rates for colorectal, breast and cervical cancers to meet or exceed Healthy People 2020 goals

Employee FocusIncrease employee satisfaction with change management by 5%

Alaska Native Workforce DevelopmentIncrease Native managers by 5%

Community & Partner Satisfaction5,000 employee community volunteer hours completed

Financial ViabilityCollect $58 million from 3rd Party Payers

The Messenger is produced by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s Public Relations Department as a report to Tribal Members. It is published monthly on-line at www.ykhc.org/messenger and printed quarterly. For questions, comments, submission of articles, or subscription information, write to Public Relations Senior Editor, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, P.O. Box 528, Bethel, Alaska 99559; or call 907-543-6038. E-mail: [email protected]. Deadline is the last day of the month pre-ceding publication. Publication is on the 15th of every month. Anchorage Office: 4700 Business Park Blvd. Suite E25, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. 907-677-2232. Please ask permission to reprint articles or pictures. © 2011, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.

PBS visits Toksook Bay for Newshour dental series

PBS Newshour Correspondent Betty Ann Bowser was in the YK Delta recently with a Newshour film crew to do research for a series on inadequate dental care in America.

The series aired on the PBS Newshour November 15 & 16. The series can be viewed on the PBS Newshour website here: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/july-dec11/dentalcare_11-15.html

The second part of the series focuses on the use of dental health aide therapists (DHAT) in Toksook Bay and the debate over that model of dental care.

In addition to the broadcast, PBS has many elements created spe-cifically for their online health page (http://newshour.pbs.org/health).

The online exclusives include:A video dispatch from the Appalachian town of Grundy, Va., where uninsured residents stand outside in the cold and rain one weekend each fall to receive free dental care. There are only three dentists in this southwest corner of Virginia for a population of 24,000. Grundy resident Bobby Horn had every tooth in his mouth extracted that weekend. His town represents just one of the 4,600 spots in the nation suffering from an acute lack of dental care. http://to.pbs.org/snb6Uu

Photo Essay: An intimate look at a day in Toksook Bay, a small Yup’ik Eskimo village of about 550 on the edge of the Bering Sea. http://to.pbs.org/tSSUGd

Video: A conversation with DHAT Jana Schuerch, a second-year student at the Yuut Elitnaurviat Dental Training Clinic in Bethel. Many hope the program will alleviate Alaska’s longtime dental shortage by allowing dental therapists like Jana to perform simple surgical procedures. Others—including members of the pow-erful American Dental Association—say only certified dentists are qualified to cut tissue and conduct other types of irreversible dental work. http://to.pbs.org/rRft8i

A PBS Newshour videographer captures a view of Toksook Bay. Photo by Sarah Clune, courtesy of PBS.

More to come: (URLs unavailable at press time—search the PBS site)A video conversation with Eva Malvich, a 42-year-old mother of three from Bethel who was forced to quit her job and cash out her retirement to pay for dental care.

Spencer Michels reports on MediCal’s cuts to dental coverage in California, and how that might affect those who need dental care.

On Friday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. ET, Betty Ann Bowser will lead a live chat about the dental crisis in America on the NewsHour website (www.pbs.org/newshour <http://www.pbs.org/newshour> ). Check back soon for further details.


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Why am I so hungry now that I’ve quit smoking / chewing?Low Blood SugarDuring the first several days after quitting tobacco, blood sugar levels drop. This can result in the same symptoms that are experienced when the brain is deprived of oxygen. You may feel irritated, dizzy or foggy. While tobacco doesn’t deliver sugar into the bloodstream, it does create a chemical reac-tion where the body produces sugar. When a tobacco user quits, this chemi-cal reaction stops and blood sugar levels drop.

Weight GainGaining weight is linked to lowered blood sugar levels after quitting to-bacco. Long-time smokers have relied upon cigarettes to deliver sugar into the bloodstream within a few seconds. When quitting tobacco, they must rely on food consumption to release sugar. Unfortunately, it takes about 20 minutes for sugar to be released after food has been consumed. When a person has recently quit tobacco, [s]he still feels hungry after eating. This increased appetite leads to overeating. In the 20 minutes it takes for sugar levels to rise, you are able to eat several times more than what is needed. Eventually, weight gain will occur.

Gaining weight is not uncommon and is one of the main reasons why people do not stay quit. Starting an exercise program while quitting tobacco, can double the benefits you receive. You will get healthier as you get fit, and substantial weight gain is less likely to occur. Take comfort in knowing that these symptoms will not last forever. Plan ahead and make sure to stock up on healthy snacks for when hunger attacks!

Call YKHC Nicotine Control for more information on quitting tobacco today. Toll Free 1-800-478-3321 ext.

6312

Quitting Tobacco? There is help!Many people who use tobacco want to quit, but it can be a confusing process. You want to quit, yet you don’t want to quit—even though you know it’s hurting your body slowly. Here are some resources to get more information and to get support to help you.

Local optionsTalk to your healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider can discuss your quitting options with you and prescribe medications to assist you. They can also refer you to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corpo-ration Nicotine Control and Research Program.

Call or stop by YKHC’s Nicotine Control and Research depart-ment

The YKHC Nicotine Control and Research program is dedicated to providing services for tobacco cessation and prevention to those in the YK Delta region. Trained nicotine dependence treatment counselors are available to provide guidance, support, and facts on quitting tobacco.

We are located in the YKHC hospital building right next to the pharmacy window. Our regular business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. / 1–5 p.m. Our phone number is 543-6312. If you are outside of Bethel, we can be reached toll-free at 1-800-478-3321, ext. 6312.

Other optionsCall the free 1-800-QUIT-NOW free phone counseling

Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is available for Alaskans who need support and assistance. The free service can be accessed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Smokers and chewers can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to speak with a quit coach and create an individualized, effec-tive plan to guide them through the quitting process.

This program offers self help materials, telephone coach-ing, and an optional call-back program for callers to receive a series of four proactive, individual coaching and support calls, eight weeks of free nicotine replacement product for all eligible participants, information for those concerned about a tobacco user, expanded services for pregnant women.

Check out one of the quitting support websites:

www.becomeanex.orghttp://www.ucanquit2.org/http://www.quittobacco.com/www.killthecan.orgwww.mylastdip.com

NICOTINE CONTROL & RESEARCH

QUIT IT!November 17 is the National

Great American Smokeout Day

Could This Be the First Day of a Life Without Tobacco?

For more information, contact YKHC’s Nicotine Control and Research Dept. at 907-543-6312

or toll free at 1-800-478-3321, ext. 6312


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Meet Dr. Billby Donna Bach, YKHC Public RelationsThis month’s featured health care provider is Dr. William

“Bill” Eggimann. In an effort to get to know this long-stand-ing physician better, I asked several of his colleagues to describe him in one word. Originally I hoped to follow him around the hospital to gain more insight into his workplace demeanor and interaction with patients, but for sake of time and making deadline (and the fact that he is a VERY busy guy) I had to rely mostly on his colleagues. For many, it was difficult to come up with just one word to describe Dr. Eggimann, but here are some of the responses: Focused. Driven. Mentor. Adventuresome. Intense. Gruff. Genuine.

Rarely did the one word limit stop his colleagues from elaborating further. Many couldn’t help, after a pause, continuing to share additional praise and respect for Dr. Bill with comments such as: matter-of-fact, hard working, dedicated, know-his-stuff, great physician, cares deeply, and highly regarded. I wasn’t expecting the outpouring of information, but I did get an earful from the doctor himself when I literally “tricked” him into an interview on Hallow-een about an hour prior to his and his wife Jane McClure’s

exit on the evening jet to Hawaii for two weeks.

“Under the Radar”Almost everyone I spoke with had much more to say and the timing of this assignment leaves perhaps a bit more mystery and I have a feeling Eggimann and McClure would appreciate this. You see, Dr. Bill Eggimann is pretty much all-of-the-above and disclosed to me in our brief interview that he wasn’t too sure about “being featured” as he truly appreciates having a bit of a low-profile, and staying “under-the-radar” so to speak. After inviting myself in and indulging in a few Halloween treats,

I learned so much more about the man behind the scrubs and surgery clothes.

Upon entering the McClure/Eggimann house, I was immediately impressed by the structure and simplic-ity of their Bethel home in a small subdivision, with a beautiful view of the tundra and a variety of family photos and artwork on the walls (including a James

Barker original of Bill, Jane, and their two sons James and Michael taken in the early 90s.) Their fridge was beautifully decorated with photos of Bill and Jane’s summer adventures as well as several grown children Bill has delivered. He remarked that in his time with YKHC he is approaching the “Third Generation,” meaning

he has delivered babies who are now grown adults and having children of their own—he said that it comforts him to be able to witness the remarkable connections across the YK Delta and the generations.

I understood his remark about maintaining a low-profile after see-ing photographs of him on high-speed motorcycles in competition when he was much younger. Eggimann’s low-profile attitude also speaks to the core of why he does his work. Born and raised in New Jersey along with a brother and two sisters, he grew up in a fairly structured environment (his father was an Army Colenel). He quit his job and left the East Coast when he was in his early 20s and set off to California, where he pursued his medical career. In Bill’s words, “it’s hard to know how things will work out,” describ-ing his move to California being “just as much of an adventure” as moving to Alaska.

In last month’s issue you learned about Dr. Eggimann’s wife, Dr. K. Jane McClure, one of YKHC’s pediatricians. I think for anyone who knows either Bill or Jane, you would agree with Jane that they are very much a Ying-and-Yang. Bill, from the home of a military type,

Dr. Eggimann is an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, pulling in the pike (large and small) with his fly gear.

Dr. Eggimann is married to YKHC Pediatrician K. Jane McClure. Here they are with the other joy of their life, Katie, their Maltese.

see DR BILL, p. 10


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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)by Layne M. Wander, 2012 Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Thomas Jefferson University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?Fetal Alcohol Syndrome represents the severe end of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders scale. Children with fetal alcohol syn-drome may have the following: abnormal facial features, growth problems, and central nervous system problems, difficulties with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hear-ing. Children may also have a mix of these problems which can cause the child to have a hard time in school and trouble getting along with others. These issues are not only troublesome to the child, but also the parent.

How can you tell if a child is suffering from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be difficult because there is no medical test, such as a blood test, for it. Also, other disor-ders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Williams syndrome have symptoms that can mimic Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. To diagnose Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, doctors look for the following:

• Abnormal facial features (i.e., a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip)

• Below average height or weight

• Central nervous system prob-lems (i.e., small head size, problems with attention and hyperactivity, poor coor-dination)

• Prenatal alcohol exposure; although confirmation is not required to make a diagnosis.

How can Fetal Alcohol Syndrome be prevented?There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant. Also, there is not a safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy or a specific type of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant (this includes but is not limited to products such as: beer, wine, hard liquor, malt liquor, homebrew, mouth wash, Lysol®, and vanilla extract.)

In the United States nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned. As a result, women should refrain from consuming alcohol while attempting to become pregnant and throughout her entire preg-nancy.

Raising children can be hard enough without the added stress of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. If you or someone you know is having trouble abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy please make an appointment with your healthcare provider!

Turkey Talk!

It’s nearly Thanksgiving and time to talk turkey — turkey safety, that is!

For your meal to bring only compliments, keep turkey flavorful and safe.

• Keep clean. Before and after handling raw turkey and its parts, always wash your hands in warm, soapy water. Keep your utensils and work surfaces clean, too.

• Thaw safely — in the fridge, on a clean tray, for 24 hours per 5 pounds of whole turkey, or in cold water that’s changed every 30 minutes.

• Stuff with care. Cooking dressing separately is safest; fill the turkey cavity with onion or apples and herbs instead. If you prefer to stuff, fill the bird loosely just before roasting: ¾ cup stuffing per pound of turkey.

• Cook thoroughly in no less than a 325°F oven. (No partial precooking!) Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh muscle, not touching

bone, and 165°F for the stuffing.

• Serve hot, and finish serving within two hours of roasting. Guests late? Keep cooked turkey hot in a 200°F oven, with the internal temperature at least 140°F.

• Store leftovers safely. First remove the stuffing and debone. Refrigerate shallow containers within two hours of cooking. Eat refrigerated leftover stuffing within two days and turkey within four days

Source: American Dietetic Association


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If you would like to recognize a particular Health Aide, contact the Field Supervision Instructor for your village by calling 543-6160.

August: Alice Evan, Tuntutuliak

September: Pilot Station StaffCongratulations to the Pilot Station Health Aide team for being selected for September 2011 Health Aides of the Month!

Judy Fancyboy, Bobby Heckman, Isaiah Rivers and Nikeifer Myers.

Recently there was an incident in the village in which the staff was up all night with a patient. They used alternative strategies to keep the patient alive and stabilized enough to transport. Bobby Heckman and Judy Fancyboy have been working as a team for several months while the new trainees are in the training process to start seeing patients.

Nikeifer Myers was at Session I training in Bethel when the picture at right was taken.

Supervisor Instructor Agnes Tinker, left, and Dr. Cynthia Mondesir, right, congratulate the Pilot Station September Health Aides of the month: Bobby Heckman, rear; Isiah Rivers, front left; Judy Fan-cyboy, front right, The group was nominated by Dr. Mondesir for their exceptional work during a pediatric patient medevac.

Alice was nominated by Marie Inman for her willingness and eagerness to float to villages, even when asked to leave at the last minute. Alice jumps at the opportunity. Alice started floating as a Session I Health Aide to assist villages with a large backlog of patients and has already almost tripled her floating requirements just since March 2011! She floated for five weeks from March – July.

Alice recently completed Session III training in Nome and did an excel-lent job. The Nome Training Coordinator said Alice is a fast learner and motivated.

The Community Health Aide Program is proud to have a Health Aide like

Alice who is always willing to help out other communities and gain the needed experience it takes to strive towards achieving excellent health. Congratulations Alice Evan!

Health Aide of the Month Alice Evan and Supervisor Instruc-tor Marie Inman.

SUBSCRIBE to the Messenger! Online Messenger: Published monthly on our website: www.ykhc.org. Enter your email address in the “Messenger by Email” link.Messenger Quarterly: Published in March, June, September and December and mailed to all YK Delta village boxholders. Bethel residents and others: Subscribe by sending your name and mailing address to [email protected] or call Public Relations at 907-543-6038


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NEW CLINIC OPENING Behavioral Health CornerBy Donna Bach, YKHC Public RelationsThere is so much to know about YKHC’s Behav-ioral Health (BH) department! We hope to share more information in this and future issues high-lighting all of the programs, facilities, and counsel-ing services which are offered in Bethel, at our subregional clinics, and our village clinics.

In this issue we begin a “Behavioral Health Corner” to highlight programs and services the Behavioral Health department offers and share in-formation on how to access assessment services, treatment, and programs that may benefit you, a loved one, or your community. Information may include eligibility requirements, diagnostic indica-tions, warning signs of behavior or mental health issues and more.

Behavioral Health AidesIn this article we’ll to share with you the BH de-partment’s focus on the role of Behavioral Health Aides. Behavioral Health Aides are village-based staff whose skills allow them to recognize and respond to a wide variety of human needs, includ-ing crisis intervention, substance abuse assess-ments, outpatient rehabilitative and case manage-ment services, outpatient substance abuse group education and aftercare.

BHAs are trained and know the limits and scope of their practice. They are extremely effective in networking to connect their patients with the ap-propriate resources. They seek additional supervi-sion or support from clinicians and counselors with more credentials and experience when indi-cated, and play an important role in acquiring the technical assistance needed to obtain the best care and services their clients and patients may need. Under close clinical supervision provided by YKHC’s Village Clinical Supervisors, Behavioral Health Aides collaborate with BH staff of all levels on a routine basis.

For more information about Behavioral Health Aides in your village or training opportunities

to become a BHA, please contact Behavioral Health Director of

Village Services, Adrienne Gregory, LMFT, at 543-6109.

Mtn. Village celebrates the grand opening of the Georgiana Waskey Memorial Clinic on November 18, 2011. It is our largest village clinic to date with seven exam rooms, a convertible dental/exam room, and a trauma room that can serve two patients at a time. It has our most recent innovations with videoteleconferencing in the trauma room. It is designed with more energy efficient walls. All construction employees ex-cept for the specialty construction items were from Mountain Village.

........?Who do I call911State Trooper 1-800-764-5525or Village VPSO

Life-threatening emergency...Active suicide attempt, overdose, incident involving weapons, possible serious harm to somebody, person threatening to kill or seriously hurt themselves or somebody else

543-6300or 1-800-478-2642YKHC Emergency Services for Behavioral Health on-call Clinician

Mental health situation...Somebody might need to be committed to psychiatric hospital in Bethel or Anchorage—acting bizarre, out of touch with reality, maybe seeing/hearing things that are not there, “talking crazy,” maybe talking about suicide

1-866-465-8930ComPsych Employee Assistance Program

Personal or family problems...A YKHC employee or family member needs help dealing with an alcohol or drug problem, depression, job stress, marriage or financial problems, grief issues, domestic abuse, or similar problems.

1-800-478-3321or 543-6093 in BethelBehavioral Health Critical Incident Stress Management Program

After a disaster or tragedyThere’s been a terrible event in my village—a suicide, bad accident with injuries, multiple deaths, etc. and we need help coping with all of this

Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health


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I made time to call...

I made an appointment and got screened.Get a women’s health exam. Do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones.

For screening information, call at 1-800-478-3321 x6990.

This health campaign is sponsored by the Alaska Breast & Cervical Health Partnership with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Over 300 Flu Vaccines GivenYKHC partnered with UAA’s Nursing Program, Public Health Nursing, and the Cultural Center to provide free flu shots on Saturday, October 15th at the Cultural Center.

More than 315 people were vaccinated to help protect themselves from the flu. Canned food and winter clothing was also collected during this time.

We would like to give special thanks to YKHC em-ployees who volunteered their time to help. These include Evie Achee, Grace Haas, Pam Moulton, Donna Bach, Leslie Boardman, Sue Miller, Arnold Dull, Marisha Dieters, Phillip Alexie, Tristian Strait, Kathy Stanton, and Lori Chikoyak; thank you all for your help.

The flu is a serious disease and has already been confirmed in Alaska this season. If you have not done so, please get your flu shot!

People line up for flu shots at the Bethel Cultural Center last month.

Servet Pellumbi gets his flu shot.

A little reassurance from Mom. It may hurt, but just a little, and just for a little while...


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Ready for Social Security?January retirees should apply now

If you are looking to retire in January 2012, now is the time to apply. The best place to apply is online at www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s so easy!

In most cases, as soon as an application is submitted electronically, that’s it. There are no forms to sign or paperwork to complete. In rare cases when we need additional information, Social Security will contact you. You’re always first in line when you go online at www.socialsecurity.gov

Learn the Signs – Act Early campaign hits mailboxes statewideNew families to receive materials aimed at helping identify developmental delays Alaska DHSS Press ReleaseANCHORAGE — Beginning this week, the State of Alaska Section of Women’s, Children’s, and Family Health is mailing 22,000 packets to families statewide. The packets contain materials to help families identify developmental milestones in children up to age 5. The sec-tion’s program for children with special needs has worked closely with the Office of Children’s Services’ Infant Learning Program to develop this outreach.

“Parents can use the materials to track their child’s developmental progress,” said campaign coordinator Jimael Johnson. The materials identify early childhood development that is not only physical, but social and emotional as well. “If their child seems to be falling be-

hind schedule in areas such as making eye contact, playing, feeding, or language development, parents should contact their family health care provider or the Infant Learning Program.”

Any parent who would like a copy of the packet is encouraged to contact Jimael Johnson at 269-3400, or (800) 799-7570 if calling from outside Anchorage.

More information on the Infant Learning Program is available at: http://www.earlyintervention.alaska.gov/, or on their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/alaskailp?v=wall.

Open Season for Medicare Drug ProgramThe next open season for enrollment in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program will run from October 15 to December 7. Newly eligible Medicare benefi-ciaries, and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan, should mark their calendars for October 15.

The Medicare Part D prescription drug program is avail-able to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage.

While all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the prescription drug program, some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for Extra Help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. The Extra Help is worth about $4,000 per year. Learn how to apply online for the Extra Help at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10525.html.

Learn more about Medicare at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/medicare.htm.

DR BILL, from p. 5and Jane, the daughter of a beatnik poet and hippie, actually make a dynamic pair.

Dr. Eggimann plays an instrumental role in moving the mark for preventative colon cancer screenings for the YK Delta by working diligently in the outpa-tient surgery clinic conducting routine colonoscopy screenings. An astute professional, Dr. Eggimann also “tells it like it is,” explaining the procedure and the reasons for it. Dr. Bill is extremely keen on informing patients when they should get screened, why they should get screened, and how often they should get screened, based on family medical history, diet, and other known risk-factors. . .and I imagine he has a following of physicians, and a team of nurses and other health staff who support his drive to “move the mark” in colo-rectal cancer detection and prevention.

“Screening for colo-rectal cancer is important,” he says, “The incidence of the disease is much higher for our population and finding it early and before any obvious symptoms makes it curable and that is what screening does. YKHC is committed to screening and I am very much a part of that by conducting the colonoscopy procedures.”

How to improve the health of our region? Dr. Bill says, “tobacco is such a nega-tive force in our region’s health. And it is not just a ‘bad habit’ but a terrible and difficult addiction with multiple negative outcomes such as heart disease and, of course, lung disease.” Pun intended (and a quirky reflection of Eggimann’s sense of humor) he says “(tobacco) is a real drag on the spirit.”

I must mention that both Eggimann and McClure embrace the lifestyle of the YK Delta and appreciate the remoteness. They both claim they have never felt “trapped” or “isolated” and are able to exercise the vitality of providing routine care to patients who have so much to teach them. They each find it incredibly rewarding to apply their expertise in a region that is “underserved,” but are only able to do their jobs as a direct result of “everyone doing their jobs extremely well.” Dr. Bill says, “I can’t do my job well unless the custodian, nursing staff, and everyone else does their job well.” YKHC is proud to employ such an extremely motivated team that cares about the service they provide in a selfless manner that is ultimately conducted in a way to benefit the patient. YKHC thanks both Dr. Bill Eggimann and his wife Dr. K. Jane McClure and the numerous staff who are instrumental in elevating the health status of the YK Delta region.

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Session I Becoming a health aide is a big committment, involving