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In this issue: |
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If you live with chronic pain, as nearly 21% of adults in the United States do, one of the best ways to feel better is to move more, if possible. Walking can help reduce pain, stress and tension, support cardiovascular health, and strengthen the immune system.
Additionally, adults with arthritis are often prescribed opioids in the U.S., and research shows that “physical activity can reduce pain and improve physical function by approximately 40%.”
During Pain Awareness Month, we want to remind you about movement classes sponsored by Oregon State University’s (OSU) Extension Service. For people who can walk or roll safely, the free self-directed Walk With Ease program is a great addition to any health-maintenance plan. This version is free to all Oregonians and can be started any time. Just visit the OSU website and click “register online.”
Or, you can sign up for group Walk With Ease classes held online or in-person throughout Oregon, which may charge a fee. Search here to see if there is a group class near you.
Both the individual and group formats are six- or nine-week programs designed to teach:
- The basics about arthritis and its relationship to exercise and pain.
- How to exercise safely and comfortably, and to make walking and movement fun.
- Realistic goals for improved fitness.
- Tips, strategies and resources to help overcome barriers and continue to be physically active.
- About other programs and resources to help maintain walking and other physical activity to reduce and manage pain.
For people with disabilities, classes are modified to include movements such as wheelchair rolling, as well as stretches and strengthening activities for people with limited mobility.
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The 2024-2025 non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine made by Novavax has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people ages 12 and older. The 2024-2025 mRNA vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer were approved last month. All three updated brands more closely target the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus.
Learn about the difference between mRNA and non-mRNA vaccines here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against COVID-19 for the upcoming fall/winter, as well as their annual flu vaccine. It is safe and convenient to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines during the same visit.
If you had COVID-19 this summer, you might want to wait before getting the vaccine because the infection gives you similar protection as the vaccine for about 90 days. But if it’s been more than 90 days since you last had a COVID-19 infection, we recommend getting a dose of the new vaccine as soon as you can.
We also suggest calling your local pharmacy in advance to confirm they have the vaccine you want in stock, and to make an appointment if necessary.
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Health notes |
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Happy anniversary to Oregon’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, bringing nutrition security to Oregon families for the past five decades!
Initially supporting 2,500 women, infants and children in five pilot programs in 1974, Oregon WIC served more than 114,000 people in 36 Oregon counties last year. The program does so through local health departments, nonprofits, Native American Tribal organizations, migrant health centers and a Head Start Program.
Over the past 50 years, Oregon WIC has evolved to:
- Provide breastfeeding and lactation support, health screenings and connections to community resources.
- Enhance the shopping experience by offering an eWIC card to buy food and a phone app.
- Increase access to local produce and support hundreds of farmers through the Farm Direct Nutrition Program.
- Expand healthy food options that include whole grains, vegan alternatives such as tofu, dairy alternatives, and fruits and vegetables.
“Spending my career with a program that benefits so many is an amazing gift,” said Oregon WIC Director Tiare Sanna, RDN, who has been with the program for 24 years. “I have seen thousands of families receive support, I've worked with hundreds of people passionate about the work they do every day, and I've seen a program always working to be better for those it serves.”
WIC is for pregnant people and children under 5, and also supports dads, grandparents, foster parents, or legal guardians that have kids younger than 5, offering state-of-the-art health and nutrition support through personal counseling and group education. If you qualify for SNAP or Oregon Health Plan, you may qualify for WIC. Search for a WIC clinic by Oregon county 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: Are free COVID tests, or affordable COVID tests, that are not expired available anywhere? – Debi, Banks
A: You will be able to order four more free at-home COVID tests from the federal government starting at the end of September. The tests will detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. For any unused COVID-19 tests, check the expiration date on the box and search this webpage, maintained by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has extended the expiration dates of many at-home COVID-19 tests. If your test has expired, you can throw it away in the regular trash.
Many community health centers across Oregon offer free at-home tests or no-cost testing at the health center. Check here to find a health center near you in Oregon.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) members can get up to eight free at-home test kits per month at pharmacies that bill OHP. Most pharmacies have the at-home tests on the shelf for the public, but OHP members must take it to the pharmacy counter for the transaction and confirm that they bill OHP.
Another option is the federal program “Increasing Community Access to Testing” (ICATT), which offers no-cost COVID-19 testing to uninsured or underinsured people at a variety of pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites and retail locations. The ICATT program is for people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19. Use this search tool to find an ICATT location near you.
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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