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In this issue: |
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The “holiday blues” happen when someone experiences symptoms of depression during holiday periods, and at this time of year it usually resolves after the start of the new year. It can happen when someone reflects upon the loss of a loved one, for example, or they are lonely or feeling social pressures. The holiday blues are not related to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is linked to lack of daylight, but those prone to SAD may be more likely to experience the holiday blues.
“This is a tough time of year for a lot of people,” said Dr. Ruth Zúñiga, OHA senior health advisor and a licensed psychologist. “Feelings can range from mild sadness to severe suffering. Regardless of what is causing the ‘holiday blues,’ or the longer period of SAD, it’s always a good idea to talk to a health care provider about it or seek out support. And if you know someone who appears to be struggling, reach out and talk to them about it. There’s a good chance they will be grateful for your concern.”
If you’re feeling low or lonely because of the holidays or SAD, the following OHA blogs may help:
If you’re in crisis or feeling depressed, call 988 to speak with a trained counselor at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.
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It’s never too late to give yourself the gift of vaccination. Or think of it as a gift for those around you. Or make it a New Year’s resolution!
Vaccination is the best way to protect against severe illness from respiratory viruses on the rise across Oregon.
“While some resolutions require making healthy changes for the rest of your life, we’re asking you to resolve to make an appointment for a vaccination,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “We’re not asking you to change your behavior for the year. We’re asking you to change your risk of getting sick.”
According to a report published last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on fall 2023 respiratory virus vaccination coverage through Dec. 9, among eligible Oregonians 18 and older:
- 25% have received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine.
- 8% have received a flu shot.
- 3% have received the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine.
People can get the vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or a federally qualified health center (FQHC), or by calling 211. They can also search for flu and COVID-19 vaccines at Vaccines.gov.
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Did you know that Oregon State Hospital (OSH) has 11 music therapists who help patients talk about their emotions and work on their recovery goals?
“It’s a way to speak from the inside out,” said OSH patient Cass. “It’s a good way to get out of a funk and get out of hard times and have fun. I don’t think I would be as far along as I am if I didn’t have a way to express myself like this.”
Hospital staff also understand how important it is for patients to feel good about their clothes and how they fit.
“Clothes are such an important part of personal expression, from color to fabric choice,” said Elizabeth Flick, an OSH seamster who supports patients through clothing alterations. “The same way you and I choose clothes with intention, the patients get to choose their clothes with intention. It’s helping them feel good because they’re expressing their individuality, and that can help with their mental wellness.”
For more stories like these, check out Recovery Times, the quarterly OSH newsletter.
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Health notes |
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More than 20 beaches along Oregon’s coast will be monitored in 2024 and 2025 for harmful bacteria.
Click to watch video about Oregon's beach monitoring program.
In partnership with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), OHA has finalized the list of beaches to monitor, based on recreational use, nearby pollution hazards, previous high bacteria levels, and public input. When state officials detect unsafe levels of fecal bacteria at a beach, OHA issues an advisory and posts warning signs on site.
New state legislation will allow all non-married couples, regardless of sex, to register as domestic partners and receive the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as married couples.
Eligibility requirements to file for Oregon Registered Domestic Partnership include:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- At least one partner must be a resident of Oregon.
- Neither partner can presently be in a marriage or a legally recognized registered domestic partnership.
- Until Dec. 31, 2023: Both partners must be of the same sex.
- Jan. 1, 2024, and later: Partners may be of any sex.
Learn more about Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships here.
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OHA answers your questions |
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Questions are answered by experts at OHA and other state agencies or community partners.
Q: I’m a senior and used to have Medicaid (OHP), and I was also collecting social security disability benefits. But two years after being approved for disability, I got on Medicare and my disability benefits became social security retirement income, plus it seems I no longer have access to OHP. I understand that if I need to go into a retirement home, OHP would cover all the costs. Could this be true? And am I still eligible for OHP? – Keith, Washington County
A: It would be difficult for to say with certainty whether you qualify for OHP without going through the application process. But people can carry Medicare and OHP simultaneously. We recommend people call and discuss it with an OHP representative. (Oregon may also be able to help pay your Medicare costs.) You can talk with them about your situation, and they can determine your eligibility and enroll you over the phone. That number is 800-699-9075, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., though you might be on hold for a bit. Wait times are shortest between 7-8 a.m., and later in the week.
You can also visit a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office. After searching for offices in Washington County, we found Aging People with Disabilities offices, and Self Sufficiency offices, in Beaverton, Hillsboro and Tigard. Any of these can help with your questions.
You can also search HERE for a community partner office near you for similar, in-person service. Calling may answer some questions, but for enrollment and the ultimate answer about whether you qualify for OHP, you may need to schedule an appointment.
It is possible that OHP benefits could help cover the cost of a retirement home if you need help with activities of daily living, but it depends on your OHP eligibility and individual care needs. When you speak with someone about OHP eligibility, tell them you’re interested in learning about “long-term services and supports.” They will be able to give you information and help you apply.
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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If you need mental health support for any reason, help is out there.
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