Leader For Your Health Focus 10/05/2016 by Port Townsend Leader

SECTION

Wednesday October 5, 2016

LE ADER SPECIAL FOCUS

Making connections to combat loneliness

Small steps help avoid the tipping point that could lead to mental breakdowns

PATRICK J. SULLIVAN PSULLIVAN@PTLEADER.COM

oneliness is a popular subject for songs and poems; you could probably name one sad love song that means something to you. The reality of loneliness is more sinister. It has been described as an “invisible epidemic” that, when left unchecked, is believed to cause detrimental changes in one’s mental and physical health. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, from small towns to big cities. There is a difference to being lonely for a few days while your family is out of town, and chronic loneliness where a person feels alone against the world. It often starts with an individual’s ability, or lack thereof, to recognize the difference. “The underlying element is self esteem, the lack of feeling good enough or strong enough, and that you should be able to do it on your own, and then you realize that nobody is around you,” said Julie Canterbury of Quilcene, a licensed psychotherapist since 2012, now in private practice. Her first professional experience was in the Jefferson Healthcare hospital emergency room in Port Townsend. “I saw a lot of the suicidal people in the emergency room and it had a lot to do with loneliness,” said Canterbury, a therapist now through Kitsap Mental Health. She noted that half the patients she saw through the ER had no previous mental health history.

WHEN TO ENGAGE Loneliness is known to hit people of all age groups. It could be a childhood feeling that manifests itself later in life, or something caused by external factors. Psychosis is complicated and there is no blanket diagnosis, and no simple treatment or perfect prescription. The change can be small and over an extended period of time that it doesn’t get noticed right away, said Craig Isenberg, a licensed therapist since 2011. Port Townsend Family Therapy is his private practice; he also provides therapy for Juvenile and Family Court Services as well as the state Department of Children and Family Services. Not everyone is an extrovert, and some people simply prefer not to participate in large gatherings. Connections are important, however, and Isenberg would ask: Are you able to engage in activities that you need to in order to be successful in your life like attend school, hang out with friends, go to work, enjoy pleasurable activities, and periodically connect with friends and

You are not alone in feeling lonely; the key is, to recognize reality and make small changes that could lead to a big improvement, say therapists. Artwork by Katie Kowalski

“There is always a tipping point. If they don’t get help before that tipping point, they may end up in a psychiatric hospital.” Julie Canterbury THERAPIST

family? “It’s not a small thing if we are no longer able to attend to those functions,” Isenberg said. “Before these big obvious signs though, we might first feel the emotional impact of being disconnected with increased symp-

tends to be withdrawn may be more susceptible to a disconnect because, Canterbury suggested, “There is no one to help reality check with them.” Without a connection, someone to “bounce ideas or daily thoughts off of,” a person could be drawn into depression, anxiety, paranoia or become suicidal. Each person has a limit; not everyone sees it coming. “It’s a perfect storm that can happen to an individual and they go past a certain point where they could have reached out but didn’t or didn’t think they had access to TIPPING POINT support,” Canterbury said. “They A person can be years headed try everything they can to cope toward a major disconnect that and it creates a darker hole and could become a mental break- they get lost.” down, or it could appear to deIndications of nearing a tipvelop suddenly. A person who ping point include not eating,

toms of anxiety or depression or perhaps more anger and irritability. Identifying those negative emotions for what they are is an important first step; are there actions that can be taken to promote more positive emotions, or do you need help?” Isenberg said a helpful tool is to imagine all your problems solved, and how would that make you feel? What would you do? He suggested that professional therapy could help a client fill in the steps to achieve this preferred picture.

not sleeping and self-medicating with alcohol and/or drugs. These behaviors may add to a person feeling disconnected and being withdrawn, and displaying a lack of trust. “There is always a tipping point. If they don’t get help before that tipping point, they may end up in a psychiatric hospital,” Canterbury said. How could someone be lonely in a place like Port Townsend, or Quilcene or Port Ludlow, where there are so many friendly people, and opportunities to become involved with a club or project or volunteer effort? Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to be disconnected. “There is a sense of knowing everybody but there is still a See LONELINESS, page 5▼

Call us for your referral needs! There’s a story behind every smile . . . We’d like to be a part of yours!

DR. DALE FOUNTAIN

Photo by Morning Star Photography

• Comprehensive & Cosmetic • Emergencies • Oral Sedation • Dentures & Partials

• Implants • Endodontics (Root Canals) • Velscope Cancer Detection • Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Admiralty Dental Center Dr. Edward Savidge, D.D.S.

www.admiraltydental.com • 600 Cliff St., Port, PT

360-385-7003

DR. DEAN BROCK

CAROL GREENE LMP, LAC

Integrating a full body approach to heal and maintain wellness. Providing: Chiropractic, Clinical Nutrition, Cold Laser, Massage, Acupuncture.

379-9284

2014 E. Sims Way • fountainchiropractic.info

C 2 • Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader

DASH raising money for bench Memorial seat would be dedicated to Lynn Gressley ALLISON ARTHUR AARTHUR@PTLEADER.COM Lynn Gressley was well known in the community as a blind man who, in an effort to improve access to public places, would lead blindfolded officials on walks around Port Townsend to show them what it’s like to have a disability. So it’s fitting, said Marion Huxtable, a member of Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH), that a simple bench in front of the new Jefferson Healthcare Emergency Services and Specialty Building (ESSB) is planned in Gressley’s memory. “Simple improvements

such as a bench can make life better for all of us,” said Huxtable. Huxtable said DASH members are hoping to raise about $2,000 to buy a permanent bench to be placed in front of the new building, providing patients with a comfortable place to wait for their ride. “DASH has supplied specifications for a bench that will be comfortable and ergonomic for people of all abilities,” she said. Gressley served as president of DASH until his death in 2013. His photo is still on the DASH website, dashproject.org. Gressley is seen leading a blindfolded Sarah Bowman of

the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute on a walk around Jefferson Healthcare hospital. For years, streets around the hospital had been considered some of the most difficult for people with disabilities to navigate because there were no defined sidewalks and there were curbs – barriers, essentially – where there shouldn’t be. Gressley and other members of DASH repeatedly pointed out the access problems. Huxtable said DASH is working with hospital CFO Hilary Whittington, who also is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coor-

Ludlow Bay

Massage & Wellness Spa Serving Port Ludlow since 1998

We offer a spectrum of treatments to suit each person. Massage Therapy, Waxing, Skin Care, Nail Care. Open Mon.-Sun. by appointment.

360.437.3798

Mention this ad for 10 percent off any one service. Excludes gift certificates exp 11.30.16

PortLudlowSpa.com

Thank you! To volunteers for providing nourishment and inspiration through Summer Meals and Literacy; to area school districts, Quilcene Community Center and Jefferson County Library for providing partnership and facilities; to the Jefferson County Farmers Market, WSU Gleaners, Keep Port Townsend Fed, UGN, Y USA and WA State Meals for Kids for food donations and grant funding. We couldn’t have done it without you! Contact us for information and details: OLYMPIC PENINSULA YMCA - YMCA of Jefferson County 1925 Blaine Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-385-5811 olympicpeninsulaymca.org

NOW HIRING! $200 SIGN ON BONUS

No experience necessary, free training, $12+/hr., benefits Helpful ERRANDS & SHOPPING Flexible MEAL PREPARATION Reliable TRANSPORTATION Accommodating HOUSE CLEANING Friendly PERSONAL CARE Professional STAFF Dependable MEDICAL REMINDERS Available 24 HOURS / Day HCA Certification, Continuing Education Nurse delegation & Focus on diabetes

Port Angeles (360) 457-1644 Sequim (360) 683-7377 Port Townsend (360) 379-6659

Locally Owned & Operated, Rhonda Carrel, RN Over 42 years experience, available 24 hours/day

How to donate To support the purchase of a bench in memory of Lynn Gressley, send donations to DASH (Disabilities Awareness Starts Here), P.O. Box 603, Port Hadlock, WA 98339-0603.

dinator for the hospital, on the bench, which has not yet been built. “We expect that it will be a wood and metal bench, likely 6 feet in length, with a plaque honoring Lynn,” Whittington wrote. ABOUT GRESSLE Y Gressley had worked with youths with disabilities before retiring to Port Townsend, where he was a member of DASH, served on the Council for the Blind, was on the Jefferson Transit Advisory Board and worked with other county and city departments on access issues. “Once a year for about eight years, we sponsored Disability for a Day events until we ran out of people to invite,” Huxtable said of efforts to make public of-

Lynn Gressley (far right) led a blindfolded Rev. Bruce Bode down the Jefferson County Courthouse steps in April 2008 during an event to teach people what it’s like to have a disability. Gressley, who served as president of DASH (Disability Awareness Starts Here), died of cancer in 2013. A bench in his memory is planned for the entrance of the new Jefferson Healthcare Emergency Services and Specialty Building. File photo by Allison Arthur

ficials keenly aware of the issues. Since DASH was started in 1999, members have been instrumental in improving access to streets, sidewalks, trails, paths, buildings and restrooms. DASH has consulted for the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County, the Port of Port Townsend, Port Townsend Police Depart-

ment and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Healthcare, Fort Worden State Park, school districts and churches. DASH also produced a map of Port Townsend that shows areas accessible to people who require mobility aides, such as wheelchairs. DASH also offers a “disability friendly” guide to restaurants.

Girls’ Night Out on the town Oct. 6 The annual Port Townsend Main Street Girls’ Night Out is set for Thursday, Oct. 6. This year’s theme is “Connect the Dots,” with attendees encouraged to dress in polka dots. The day kicks off with the free Polka Dot Tiara Trot, a run/walk. Sign up at 7 a.m. at the Cotton Building, 607 Water St. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 34 downtown businesses are offering special promotions and selling $10 goodie bags. New this year, the PTeRider is circulating customers downtown for free from 4 to 8 p.m. The evening ends at 8 p.m. at the Belmont, 925 Water St., for the popular wrap party. Entrance is by a $10 suggested donation. Girls’ Night Out is a beneﬁt for Jefferson Healthcare Foundation. “Jefferson Health-

care is happy to continue its tradition of being the lead sponsor of Port Townsend Main Street’s annual ‘Girls’ Night Out’ on Oct. 6 beneﬁting the Jefferson Healthcare Foundation,” said Kate Burke, marketing manager and foundation director. These funds make it possible for local women with low incomes and little or no health insurance to receive preventive health exams, mammograms and Pap smear tests. These life-saving screenings are critical to improve the health and wellness of the women in Jefferson County. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and women are urged to have a mammogram scheduled.

Class explores expressing grief with collage Oct. 8 Using creativity to cope with loss Jefferson Healthcare and The Hospice Foundation have partnered to offer a daylong class in using collage and journals as healing tools to express death-related grief. No artistic skills are needed, just a willingness to use mindfulness and creativity as a path to explore the grief, loss and transition that come in the wake

of death. The class is taught by Carolyn Cristina Manzoni, who currently is a chaplain intern at the Seattle Veterans Administration hospital, and has served as a hospice and bereavement volunteer and grief group facilitator for 10 years. The class is 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8 at the CoLab, 237 Taylor St. in Port Townsend. Preregistration by Thursday, Oct. 6 is required; class size is limited. To register, call 379-3661. Cost is $10; participants should bring lunch.

New, Unique Pico Laser Technology InHealth Image is the only practice on the West Sound offering laser skin rejuvenation and dark spot removal using the most advanced technology in the world – the Enlighten™ laser. For InHealth Image’s skin rejuvenation and dark spot removal patients, the Enlighten™ laser offers better clearance of pigment cells plus improved collagen production and it accomplishes this much faster than existing laser systems. And better technology translates to fewer treatments and lower total cost. Call us today at 360/394-6466 to find out more!

Skin Rejuvenation l Brown Spot Removal

360.394.6466 Affordable pricing in a medical setting 20700 Bond Road NE, Poulsbo www.inhealthimage.com

Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 • C 3

Memories set to music at San Juan Villa Concerts bring people together, are continual at dementia care center ALLISON ARTHUR AARTHUR@PTLEADER.COM

Music.” People start humming when they hear “My Favorite Things.” Cathi Jackson starts singBill Hansen sits in the back ing as Nan Toby Tyrrell plays initially, but is happy to move the piano at San Juan Villa in to be closer to the piano. Port Townsend. A handful of Tyrrell introduces herself others join in. to Hansen. It’s clear Hansen As life enrichment coordina- knows the words to the songs tor at the dementia care center, she’s playing. Jackson welcomes musicians Jackson makes a point of like Tyrrell and she puts on inviting the Port Ludlow Sing“free concerts,” as she calls ers as often as she can because them, as often as possible, be- Hansen once sang with that cause music helps with memo- organization. ry and gives residents a way to “Now I’m going to do my connect with one another. Rodgers and Hammerstein,” says Tyrrell. One woman comes up to Jackson and wants to know how much the concert costs today. She doesn’t have any money. “Well, lucky for you the concert is free,” says Jackson. “Free food, free friendship and free music.” The woman is thrilled and sits down. “Have a snack,” invites Jackson as Tyrrell plays “Some Enchanted Evening.” In front of Tyrrell sits Bruno L., who apGordie Redding listens as Nan Toby Tyrrell plays the piano at a recent concert at San pears to be slouching and not listening. Juan Villa. Photo by Allison Arthur “It looks like he’s asleep, but he’s listen“Everyone engages in ing,” Jackson says. these,” says Jackson of the conSure enough, a few mincerts, which feature performers utes later, Bruno perks up and ranging from pianists like Tyrshoots an appreciative smile at rell to ﬁddlers to harpists and Jackson. guitarists and even a clogger. Ralph Stark, 99, smiles a lot On a warm September day, and is interested in the music, Tyrrell has come to play piano, but scoots up to Jackson and as she does regularly. Jackson asks when his sister, Ethel, is introduces Tyrrell as if she coming to the concert. were about to give a concert on “Ethel was a good singer,” stage. Stark tells Jackson. “We’ll ﬁnd Tyrrell announces some of her,” says Jackson. the songs she’s about to play, A few songs later, Stark including several from “Fiddler asks Jackson again when his on the Roof” and “The Sound of

sister is coming. Jackson tells him she rode the bus today and will be a little late. So he goes back to listening to the music. By now, Tyrrell is talking about “Edelweiss,” reminding listeners that the popular song is also the name of a ﬂower. Jackson asks if Stark has a favorite song, and Tyrrell starts playing it. Others softly join in to the tune “Day by Day,” from the musical “Godspell,” then the song “Kumbaya.” Jackson attends to the needs of about a dozen dementia residents, answering questions, engaging in conversation, sitting next to someone who is lonely, and often singing while she does it. She points to a book, “Lifesaving Songs and Poems,” a resource guide for caregivers, which she uses regularly. “Music and rhythm are the ‘bottom line’ when all other forms of communication cease, because they touch basic human makeup as elemental as the heartbeat and our oldest, longest memories, which have the deepest imprint,” the book says. Jackson says she especially likes it when those performing, like Tyrrell, remember to use the names of the residents in the songs and engage them personally while performing. YOUTUBE, BOOM BOX It’s not just people coming in to share their talents in concerts these days, Jackson said. “YouTube has opened up a whole new world. Now I have this big-screen TV, and they can sing along,” she said. “If people get grumpy and don’t want to do what we had planned, it’s ‘Let’s sing.’ You never get anyone who doesn’t want to sing.” “They like ‘Home on the Range.’ And did you know there were words to ‘Taps’? I didn’t. They’ll sing them to me.” The “Lifesaving Songs” resource guide has all kinds of songs in it, many that the 52-year-old enrichment coordinator had never heard before. “We just recently discov-

ered ‘Polly-wolly-doodle all the day,’” she said. It’s a song Shirley Temple sang in 1935. And if she wants people to come to her, Jackson says, “I just plant myself in the hallway with a boom box and they’ll come to me.” Lately, she says, music has been used to motivate people to come to lunch and dinner. “It’s a way to get them to meals. I do a fake tap dance and they start gravitating toward dinner.” “The beautiful thing about dementia is that you can sing all these songs today and tomorrow; it’s not like ‘Nah, we already did this.’” “I think they came from a time when they didn’t have TV and people did play music in their homes. If you had a family with eight kids and everyone played an instrument, you had a band,” Jackson says. Jackson notes that people move to the care center from all walks of life and all have dif-

Ralph Stark, 99, listens to Nan Toby Tyrrell singing and playing the piano at a recent concert at San Juan Villa, a dementia care center in Port Townsend. Tyrrell performs regularly at the center, where music is considered important for the well-being of residents. Photo by Allison Arthur

ferent backgrounds, some even and everyone knows that song, speaking different languages. and it brings us together. “You start putting on a song

9034 Beaver Valley Road

(In the blue farmhouse next to Chevron)

206-817-1459

www.chimacumcannabis.com Open Everyday 8AM-10PM (21+)

C 4 • Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader

Smoothies ‘Chace’ away cancer Nutritionist publishes new recipes STEPHANIE DAVEY REPORTER@PTLEADER.COM Daniella Chace believes she’s found a way to kill breast cancer, naturally. Her new book, “Breast Cancer Smoothies,” has 100 smoothie recipes to help prevent and heal breast cancer. The book was released Sept. 20. Chace is a nutritionist who is living and practicing in Port Townsend, and has written about 20 books. Throughout her career, Chace has researched what causes breast cancer and natural remedies to cure it. For example, people with high blood levels of carotenoids, which are antioxidants found in greens, tomatoes and herbs, can completely eradicate speciﬁc types of cancer

cells in about three months, according to Chace. “Food nutrients have the ability to protect against the initiation of cancer cells, reduce angiogenesis, prevent proliferation and even trigger apoptosis, which is programmed cell destruction,” Chace said. “It’s amazing, and it’s really what we should be focusing on instead of drugs and chemotherapy and radiation,” Chace said. “Those are all such invasive, expensive and damaging treatments.” Chace recommends drinking smoothies before, during and after medical treatment. Chace’s work as a nutritionist began when she enrolled to Bastyr University, now located in Kenmore, Washington. Before that,

she had been studying architecture at the University of Washington in Seattle. “All at the same time, my mother became hypoglycemic, my grandfather had a heart attack, my sister became diabetic, and I was just kind of outraged as I was in my early 20s,” Chace said. “I just started realizing how much nutrition played a role in all of these things.” During that time, Chace learned about Bastyr University and decided to apply. She changed her future career

IMPORTANT ENROLLMENT PERIODS Medicare Annual Enrollment Period • October 15 - December 7

Nutritionist Daniella Chace lives and practices in Port Townsend. She released her new book, “Breast Cancer Smoothies,” on Sept. 20, and hosts the National Public Radio (NPR) podcast “Nutrition Matters.” Photo by Nicholas Johnson

within a month. As soon as Chace graduated from college, she said, she worked with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, introducing nutrition into

Try it yourself This is one of Daniella’s favorite recipes from “Breast Cancer Smoothies.” Strawberry Carrot Basil 1/2 cup carrot juice 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup green tea ice cubes 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Kristin Manwaring Licensed Agent

Jim Manwaring Licensed Agent

Sandra Bird Licensed Agent

Jennifer Jenkins Licensed Agent

Linda Lopeman Licensed Agent

Individual & Family Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period • November 1 - January 31 Please remember: This is generally the one time each year when you can make changes to your plan. 360-385-4400 www.kristinmanwaring.com

MOUNTAIN VIEW POOL

“Second Sunday” FREE SWIM October 9

Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Drink immediately. Serves 2 Nutrition facts, per serving Calories 110; fat 6; protein 4; carbs 15; fiber 8; net carbs 7

programs for speciﬁc cancer types. This is where she began making smoothies. Many of her clients couldn’t eat heated food, because the intestinal damage caused by the chemotherapy and the smell of the food would make them nauseous. Yet if Chace told them to buy fruit and vegetables to make salads, they

Happy & healthy Rosh Hashanah to the Jewish Community.

Adult Swim • 1-2 PM • laps • water walking • exercise

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

usually wouldn’t comply. “I realized that my patients who were making smoothies were doing it daily, and really enjoying it, and so then it just kind of became my thing,” Chace said. Making the smoothies is easy and fairly inexpensive, Chace said. Most ingredients can be found at any grocery store. The main foods used in Chace’s smoothies are berries, citrus, greens and herbs, and only need to be drunk once or twice a day. Chace recommends the smoothies for everyone, because there are many cancercausing chemicals people come in contact with daily. These include well-studied breast cell toxins, such as heavy metals, phthalates (plastics) and parabens, she said. “We’re exposed to heavy metals, like aluminum, through our personal care products like deodorant, and from our kitchen tools like aluminum pie tins, aluminum foil and pans that are lined with aluminum,” she said. “We’re exposed to phthalates mainly via plastic food storage containers and water bottles.” Parabens are in some beauty products such as shampoos and lotions, and heavy metals.

50% off all PW Minor shoes in stock!

sponsored by

Steven Reiner, DPM • Board-certified in foot surgery Merida Reiner, CPed • Certified Pedorthist

Questions? Call Mountain View Pool, (360) 385-7665. Free Swim co-sponsored by these local organizations

Arch & Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis), Diabetic Footcare & Wound Care, Ingrown Toenails, Plantar Warts, Bunions & Hammer Toes, Sports Injuries, Sprains & Strains

Port Townsend Foot & Ankle

204 Gaines Street • Port Townsend • (360) 385-6486

We are dedicated to excellent care for your loved one.

ur commitment to loving, thoughtful care and our reputation of excellence is implemented daily in our specialized memory care community. Our small, 32-resident community provides our residents with a home-like setting and the freedom of movement and choice, receiving individual attention in a warm and caring atmosphere. Our success is measured by the smiles and appreciation of our residents and their families.

Drop in for a tour and a meal, and we’ll answer all the questions you have. We know that choosing the right memory care community is an important and sometimes difficult decision and we’re here to help in any way we can.

Providing Life Enrichment for Those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Memory Loss

112 Castellano Way, Port Townsend

360 344-3114 • www.acaringplace.net

need a ride?

“Just in the last few years we’ve learned how much of this stuff is absorbed through our skin,” Chace said. “You can be tested after putting ➤ www.rideshareonline.com something on your skin and

Daniella Chace’s book “Breast Cancer Smoothies” was released on Sept. 20. Chace is a nutritionist who lives in Port Townsend; she has written about 20 other health and nutrition books.

see the substances in the blood.” Carcinogens are also in the air and can come from burning substances, such as cigarettes, smoke from fires and charred food. Something found in most women diagnosed with breast cancer is a vitamin D deficiency, Chace said. One of Chace’s latest books, “Turning Off Breast Cancer,” helps people identify the cause of their cancer. In it, she recommended tests for toxins and nutrient deficiencies, and then explained how nutrients and specific supplements help in the remediation of toxins and the reversal of deficiencies. “My clients were excited about finding the cause of their cancer, but they needed something easy, so I started to work on the breast cancer smoothies book, thinking, ‘OK, this will help a larger group of women, immediately.” Chace’s clients who drink the smoothies have frequently reported keeping their hair during chemotherapy, although some have taken other measures to reduce the side effect, she said. People also report high levels of energy and the ability to maintain their daily routines during treatment, she said. Chace is the host of the “Nutrition Matters” podcast on National Public Radio (NPR), which she hopes to premiere on NPR stations in October. Chace is scheduled to speak at the Port Townsend Public Library at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25. For more information about Chace, visit daniellachace.com.

Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 • C 5

Schroeder wins Eleanor Stopps award The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has awarded Dr. Pete Schroeder of the National Marine Mammal Foundation with the 12th annual Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award. “Pete embodies the spirit of the Eleanor Stopps award,” Dr. Pete said former Marine Science Schroeder Center executive director Anne Murphy. “He is passionate about conserving the Salish Sea and gives his time, effort, knowledge, support and enthusiasm to this cause. What he does makes a difference.

Most importantly, he gives so many of us the confidence, connections, contributions and understanding we need to work as a community and conserve the Salish Sea ecosystem.” The Stopps award recognizes significant contributions in the protection and stewardship of our North Olympic Peninsula natural environment, paying tribute to Eleanor Stopps of Port Ludlow, whose vision, advocacy and determination exemplified the power and importance of citizen leadership. Throughout his 50-year career of studying marine mammals, Schroeder has applied his learning to improve the lives of these animals, through direct veterinary care, advo-

cacy and education. He has worked as a veterinarian for the U.S. Navy, as the lead veterinarian for the 2003 rehabilitation of Springer the orca calf — the only successful capture, translocation and reintroduction of an orca calf ever achieved — and worked as a consultant and contributor to NOAA Fisheries’ Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Plan. He was nominated for the Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award by Murphy and Chrissy McLean. In Clallam County, Schroeder has supported restoration and conservation work through involvement with Valley Creek Es-

tuary Project, North Olympic Salmon Coalition, Friends of the Field and North Olympic Land Trust. He has been instrumental in establishing conservation easements on farm and timberlands, and understands and promotes the concept that a healthy Salish Sea starts in its adjoining watershed, according to a press release. Schroeder’s community service with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center has been instrumental in three key projects: the Orca Project, the center’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the recent Gray Whale Project in May.

Loneliness: Make connections, make a difference ▼Continued from page 1

disconnect because everybody has their own lives,” Canterbury said. “A person may not know if they should say anything about how they really feel, because that person doesn’t want to seem like a burden accurate picture of how they feel in the moment.” to someone else.” Canterbury also observes that social media SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can help can help, and hurt. “On people form connections, Facebook we show the glam but also add to one’s per- of our lives, the best parts sonal despair. For someone of our lives and we start with low self-esteem, rating to compare and that can your 65 Facebook “friends” reinforce feelings that we while someone you know are alone, and really don’t has 465 can be disarm- have a lot going on, or that ing. It may not be healthy we’re not good enough to to compare your situation hang out.” In terms of relationwith that of someone who posts photos from trips to ships, Isenberg has noted Mexico and Las Vegas or another downside of social seems to always be posing media. “A particularly relevant on a mountaintop. struggle I see with social “Facebook can be a media is the challenge of great tool or a devastating moving on handicap,” Isafter a breakenberg said. up,” Isenberg “Facebook said. “Often allows us to “Volunteering eieffortlessly can be a match couples ther remain join social in touch on clubs, connect for both the social media with distant extrovert and or are still in friends and touch with introvert.” relatives, and friends who even get to are friends know people Craig Isenberg with the ex. that we othTHERAPIST Getting conerwise may stant updates have never on your ex met. It can partner can help bridge make it really difficult to some of those typical more socially awkward barri- process the grief and move ers and bring community on.” closer. “On the destructive side, it can create a false sense that everyone is so much happier than you are. Many people present on social media how they want to come across to others but not necessarily an

MAKING CONNECTIONS If someone you know – either as a friend or just someone you see around – seem like they could use some help, give them a phone call – don’t text or email, personal contact is

Crisis hotlines: Help is available 24/7, locally, statewide OLYMPIC PENINSULA

STATEWIDE RECOVERY

Jefferson County: 360-385-0321

Washington Recovery Help Line, 24-hour help for substance abuse, problem gambling and mental health: 866-789-1511, or online at warecoveryhelpline.org

Clallam County: 360-452-4500 Kitsap County: 360-479-3033 or 800-843-4793

NATIONAL SERVICES

CHILDREN In Jefferson County, mental health resources are available for children ages 2-12 at Jumping Mouse Children’s Center in Port Townsend and can be reached at 360-379-5109. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Dove House Advocacy Services, based in Port Townsend, provides confidential crisis intervention and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and general crime. 360-385-5291

Jefferson Healthcare and Discovery Behavioral Healthcare (formerly Jefferson Mental Health Services) have teamed up provide mental health care. Jefferson Healthcare Primary Clinic: 360-385-4848 Discovery Behavioral Healthcare: 360-385-0321, toll free 877-410-4803 (Crisis services are available on a walk-in basis, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., from Monday through Friday.)

a perfect excuse to make small talk with strangers.” Likewise, if you feel a need to make a connection to combat loneliness, reaching out to a friend or relative does not mean you need to bare your soul. “When you need help, you don’t always need to say what’s going on, you just need to say that you’d like to hang out and have some fun,” Canterbury suggested. FINDING HELP Recognizing a need to offset loneliness is a great ﬁrst step. In Port Townsend and Jefferson County, it’s easy to ﬁnd a volunteer opportunity. “Volunteering can be a match for both the extrovert and introvert,” Isenberg noted. A multitude of clubs,

Public hearing to address revisions to sewage system fees Oct. 20 The Jefferson County Board of Health has called for a public hearing on adoption of revisions to the Jefferson County Environmental Health fee schedule. The hearing takes place during the board’s monthly

meeting at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Jefferson County Public Health offices, 615 Sheridan St., Port Townsend. This fee schedule, if adopted, would address on-site sewage (OSS) system fees. The revisions to

the fee schedule reflect adjustments based on increased costs to identify all OSS systems; develop and maintain inventories of all known OSS operations; facilitate homeowner education; enforce OSS owner permits; identify unknown,

800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433), hopeline.com 800-273-TALK (8255) suicidepreventionlifeline.org GLBTQ YOUTH Suicide Prevention and Support of GLBTQ Youth

MENTAL HEALTH

what’s needed. If there is no answer, leave a message, but call again. It does not mean a call to ask prying questions. If you are the neighbor or acquaintance or a friend of someone you detect may be lonely, making a basic connection is OK. It can be as simple as saying, “Hi,” and offering a smile. “A small step may be engaging that person in an activity of common interest,” Isenberg said. “For someone wanting to engage more but not knowing how to take that next step might benefit from small changes. A walk on the beach with a friend is very different from joining a group of friends at a bar. Walking alone on the beach with a friendly dog can be

National suicide prevention phone numbers funded by the United State Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.

undocumented or failing OSS systems; maintain a database system for the records of septic system permitting, installation, operation, maintenance and communications; and provide data-entry services for clients.

Rejection and peer pressure can often lead to thoughts of suicide. The Trevor Project offers a 24-hour helpline for gay and questioning teens: (toll free) 866-488-7386. VETERANS U.S. military veterans can call 800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 to reach the VA Hotline, or go online to mentalhealth.va.gov.

groups, churches and nonproﬁts welcome newcomers. “Even a shut-in can feel connected to community by not leaving their home,” Isenberg noted. “Making a donation to a favorite nonproﬁt like Jumping Mouse or Dove House contributes to a sense of meaning and involvement even of your physical presence is limited.” A therapy pet could be an answer for some, Canterbury said, or volunteer-

ing with an animal shelter. Just like the sad songs that talk about taking things one step at a time, that’s good advice for confronting loneliness. “An individual can make little tiny steps to connect” Canterbury said. “We think we have to make this giant step and share everything that is going on, but it’s really a series of little steps. It can be done.”

Nourishing Life

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

The weather is changing—are your joints... Stiff? Achy? Painful? Swollen? We can help! nourishinglifeacupuncture.com 1334 Lawrence St. 360.379.6798

2016 HEALTH & BEAUTY Home Care

Faithfully serving Jefferson County since 1889

Massage Therapy

Meg Olson

LMP

........

Access Consciousness Breath Mind Relaxation Body Facial Meridian Points Hologenetic Life Readings

PORT TOWNSEND MASSAGE & WELLNESS ONLINE BOOKING: www.porttownsendmassage.com

360-643-0962 Lic. #MA60291677 Massage Therapy

Massage Kelly Barlow

Licensed Massage Therapist

360-385-0393

Energy Therapy

Psychic Medium Medical Intuitive

Insurance accepted Gift Certificates Available labelladayspa.net 2139 Landes, Port Townsend

Nancy Grace Rosen, M.C., M.Ed.

Pure Energy Integration Counselor - Educator - Therapist 360-383-5623 www.PureEnergyIntegration.com

Complementary Health Wellness Education & Individual Sessions Janet Goldbogen-Self, RN

360-379-8134

Jenny Jo Allen

#MA00007427

subscriptions: www.ptleader.com

Energy Therapy

JennyClairvoyant.com

(360) 643-1712

janetegself@gmail.com

Holistic Therapies

, INC.

Visit our website for full service & class information: holistictherapiespt.com

C 6 • Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader

Thinking of surgery? Focus on communication to avoid mistakes MyChart connects patients, doctors; ombudsman urges checking out facilities before needing them ALLISON ARTHUR AARTHUR@PTLEADER.COM In the event you need surgery, take note: Miscommunication while being passed from caregiver to caregiver is a problem, and a new electronic medical records system is aimed at ensuring you have access to your information. And if you expect to recover in a long-term care facility after surgery, visit the site before you arrive as a patient, and don’t assume the facility you like best would take you in. Those were two take-aways from Port Ludlow health forum during which Joshua Brocklesby, a registered nurse and the director of informatics at Jefferson Healthcare, and Dana Gargus, a long-termcare ombudsman for Kitsap County, made presentations focused on informing seniors about how to navigate new technology that improves communication, and about old laws designed to protect patient rights. MYCHART RECORDS Brocklesby’s talk focused on MyChart, an electronic medical records system available at Jefferson Healthcare through Providence Health Services of Seattle. MyChart is part of an electronic records system called Epic, which Brocklesby said is being used more and more around the country by providers. One of the ﬁrst things he noted is that one study estimated that 80 percent of serious medical errors involve miscommunication during the hand-off of a patient between medical providers – for example, from a primary care physician to a surgeon, from the surgeon to the after-surgery care team and from the aftersurgery care team to the home caregiver. There’s a new movement called “transitions of care,” which is focused on improving the hand-off between providers. MyChart comes into play because patients can take a more active role in their care and get information from, and ask questions of, their care team. MyChart allows patients to schedule an appoint-

ment at their convenience and even pose a question to the doctor. The questions go through the doctors’ assistants, but doctors also respond. Signing up for MyChart is a bit of a rigamarole. To do it, you need to have email and you need to have visited your provider recently to get a pass code to sign up – or call 1-877596-7768 for help. The communication goes both ways. So the doctor’s ofﬁce also will send patients on MyChart reminders of ap-

“The majority of people enter long-term care in chaos or in an emergency and make decisions without much time. Have your records all together.” Dana Gargus LONG-TERM-CARE OMBUDSMAN KITSAP COUNTY

pointments as well as messages about the need to get a ﬂu shot, for example. Brocklesby urged people who are contemplating surgery to use the proxy option. Essentially, with a proxy, you can have access to your loved one’s medical records. However, that, too, requires some assistance and a recent visit to Jefferson Healthcare. Brocklesby showed how he can access the records of his children. Because he has proxy rights to access their charts, he can review test results, send a message to the doctor and even ask for a reﬁll on a medication. MyChart also offers detailed information about medications and current health issues. And you can review who accessed your information, if that’s a concern. An advantage to those traveling snowbirds in Port Ludlow is that they can download their records onto a thumb drive to take those

JAMES, CAN YOU FIX MY SHOULDER? Experience therapy without removing your clothes.

#MA 60262912

360-643-1169

NEW LOCATION IN PORT HADLOCK 219 W.Patison St. (Salmon Business Park)

CARS • TRUCKS VANS • SUVs

run it ’til it sells $49

gets your ad and photo in print & online UNTIL IT SELLS 50 words or less

records with them on vacation. Florida popped up as a place someone in the audience was going to visit soon, and it was noted that it’s possible the hospital there isn’t on the Epic system. It also was noted that if the patient is conscious, that person could give the provider access to her MyChart. One woman said she had taken the time to physically print out her information and had taken it with her on her travels, in the event that she needed to get a refill for an important prescription. TWO CHARTS Which brings up a bit of a surprise about MyChart. If your loved one is going across the water to Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, you need to have two MyChart accounts – one for Jefferson Healthcare and one for Swedish, Brocklesby said. Although Jefferson Healthcare is an affiliate of Swedish, a separate MyChart account still is needed for patients who go there. Note that doctors still communicate and put information into the system and have access to the information, but you still need two accounts to see your own records. Another point to be made about communication and what MyChart will and won’t do: It will give you access to your last visit summary, and list your medications and directions for taking them, but it won’t give you the notes your doctor makes about you. You can request those notes. PATIENT RIGHTS Gargus, Kitsap County’s regional long-term-care ombudsman, reminded the audience that it was Ralph Nader who first brought to light concerns about nursing homes after two disasters in the 1970s: one in which a nursing home caught on fire and 32 people died, and another in which people got sick from food service. It was under President Richard Nixon that the ombudsman program started, and later regulations were enacted giving rights to carecenter residents. Because nursing homes receive the vast majority of their funding from the federal government through Medicare and Medicaid, those laws apply. And Kitsap and Jefferson counties both have ombudsmen who can help people resolve disputes between facilities and residents, she noted.

Dana Gargus, long-term-care ombudsman for Kitsap County, listens to a participant at a Port Ludlow Health Forum that focused on communication between health care providers. Photo by Allison Arthur

For more information For questions about MyChart or help setting up an account, call 1-877-569-7768 or email MyChartCustomerSupport@providence. org. To check out a long-term facility for a short-term stay after surgery, go to medicare.gov and search for nursing home comparisons. For information about the ombudsman program, contact Jane Meyer at the Olympic Area Agency on Aging at 360-417-8556. Both web links are listed with this story on ptleader.com.

Short-term stays can turn into long-term stays without warning, she said, encouraging people who know they are going in for surgery to check out beforehand the long-range facilities where they expect to recuperate.

“A word to the wise: Know what’s in your chart. Don’t assume that everything is hunky-dory. I’ve certainly seen people blackballed out of the system.” Dana Gargus LONG-TERM-CARE OMBUDSMAN KITSAP COUNTY

doctors who practice at the long-term facility. You can ask if you can bring your family pet in for a visit to help you recover, or if your wife, who works days, can visit you late at night. But be forewarned, she said. “If you think you are going to get the same level of medical care that you got in the hospital, it’s time to re-evaluate your expectations. The doctors are not going to be making rounds and coming to see you every day. In fact, you might not ever see a doctor. There’s a doctor giving oversight, and they’re probably talking to the nurse about you,” Gargus said. “You have to have a big mouth; if you are not getting what you need, you need to tell them,” she said.

FACILITIES NEAR YOU While Kitsap and Clallam counties have a number of care facilities, Jefferson has Gargus noted that Medi- only one, Life Care Center of care only pays for care in America in Port Townsend. a long-range facility if the Jefferson Healthcare has a patient spent three nights swing bed program as well, in the hospital beforehand, which takes in people recovand then it only pays for 20 ering from surgeries such as days of follow-up services in hip replacement. a nursing home. Just because you may “The majority of people like a facility doesn’t mean enter long-term care in it will take you in, Gargus chaos or in an emergency advised. and make decisions without “The caveat is that where much time,” she said. “Have you want to go, they might your records all together.” not be available for you to You can ask about the go there. There’s no guarantee of an open bed, and it’s their choice if they want to take you on as a resident,” she said. If the facility looks at a patient’s chart and decides it would be difﬁcult for it to

meet that patient’s needs, the facility may chose not to take you on, she said. “A word to the wise: Know what’s in your chart. Don’t assume that everything is hunky-dory. I’ve certainly seen people blackballed out of the system,” she said. Gargus also urged people to have a durable power of attorney for a substitute decision maker. People can go into surgery thinking all is ﬁne, but there could be complications that could change that. “If you do have a durable power of attorney and you want it respected, make sure you have lots of copies of it,” she said. SURVEYS OF FACILITIES Perhaps one of the best tips from Gargus: Every long-range care facility that accepts Medicare and Medicaid patients has been through an unannounced survey (inspection), and that survey is supposed to be available to the public in the facility’s lobby. But if you don’t want to go to a facility personally to read the survey, you can compare facilities online by going to medicare.gov/nursinghomecare. By entering your ZIP code, you can pull up a list of facilities within a 50-mile range of where you live. There are 65 facilities listed within 50 miles of Port Townsend, and you can compare three at a time. Note that facilities in Sequim, Oak Harbor and Everett as well as Marysville, Friday Harbor and Seattle are options for comparison. The comparisons provide an overall star rating, health inspection information, staffing and quality measures. Ultimately, both Brocklesby and Gargus said, communication is important, and they both impressed upon the audience that the more you set yourself up to communicate with your health care providers and health facility providers, and the more you know about your own medical records, the better off you’ll be.

Children thrive on positive attention. If they aren’t given enough, they’ll act out to settle for negative attention. Couples and adults will do the same. Need help to jumpstart the positives? Call now.

360-379-0911

Kirk Gresham, R.N., LMFT

Individual and Family Counseling Call 360-385-2900 or visit us at: ptleader.com

On the Esplanade behind Elevated Ice Cream, Port Townsend

Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 • C 7

Hospital board OKs $1.1 million to complete building’s second floor Grand opening of new wing set Oct. 23 ALLISON ARTHUR AARTHUR@PTLEADER.COM Now that a new $21 million Jefferson Healthcare Emergency and Specialty Services Building (ESSB) is almost finished, hospital commissioners have approved going out to bid for what they hope will be a $1.1 million project to build out the second floor. A grand opening for the 46,000-square-foot hospital-grade wing is planned for 2:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 with patients being seen in the new facility the next day. The main floor is to house the emergency department on the north side and a new main entrance and lobby on the south (Manresa Castle) side, nearest to Seventh Street. The former emergency department is being remodeled to house respiratory therapy. The new structure’s second floor won’t be done when the building opens. CEO Mike Glenn told commissioners recently that the build-out allows for improved service for a sleep lab where each of four rooms will have a bathroom. There also would be 10 exam rooms, a control room, provider offices, utility rooms and patient waiting rooms, as well as restrooms. Commissioners unanimously approved the estimated $1.1 million project.

A grand opening date of Oct. 23 has been set for the 46,000-square-foot wing (distinctly white roof) added during the last year at the Jefferson Healthcare campus in Port Townsend. The main ﬂoor is to house the emergency department on the north side and a new main entrance and lobby on the south (Manresa Castle) side, nearest to Seventh Street. Photo by Patrick Sullivan, ﬂight by Tailspin Tommy’s

Bids were due Tuesday, Oct. 4, with the winning “There are lots of moving parts bidder to proceed Oct. 24. right now. Some areas are below Glenn said auditors and others advised him that budget while others are above, but the public hospital district I think the total project budget will could not hand over the build-out to the current reconcile at the end of the project,” contractor, Aldrich and Associates, and had to go to Mike Glenn bid. It was not part of the CEO JEFFERSON HEALTHCARE overall ESSB project when it started. Glenn also said bid to do the build-out. on time.” A month of conit’s likely that the company Overall, Glenn said the struction work was lost a would submit a competitive ESSB continues to be “near year ago but things have

been on time since then, Glenn said. He added that the project also is still on budget. “There are lots of moving parts right now. Some areas are below budget while others are above, but I think the total project budget will reconcile at the end of the project,” Glenn said. A year ago, hospital officials said the project would be completed in July 2016

and be ready for occupancy in October 2016. The hospital is expected to hire another 28 full-time equivalent employees, raising the total number of full-time employees, not including physicians, to 463. That projected total is almost 100 more employees than were on the payroll five years ago. Jefferson Healthcare is the largest public employer in Jefferson County.

Joint Commission accredited

360.385.3555

751 Kearney St. LifeCareCenterOfPortTownsend.com 79802

Providing premier skilled nursing & short-term therapy services with the quality and compassion you deserve.

C 8 â&#x20AC;¢ Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader