Category: News

Happy August! August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). After living through a global pandemic, it is essential to remember the importance of yearly immunizations. This month highlights the importance of routine vaccination for people of all ages. Immunization currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths yearly from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.

Other notable celebrations in the month of August include…

• Back to School Month
• American Artists Appreciation Month
• Family Fun Month 
• Purple Heart Day
• The Perseid Meteor Shower

“August was first called Sextillia – the Roman word for “sixth”, as it was the sixth month of the Roman year. It was later changed to August by the Emperor Augustus, named a

Social Wellness and Why it Matters

July is Social Wellness month, and after living through a worldwide pandemic, let’s take advantage of opportunities for socializing! It is so important to recognize the need for Social Wellness, especially for Older Americans who experienced so much isolation during the Covid pandemic. Studies have found that people who stay social tend to live longer, have healthier cardiovascular systems, and respond better to stress. Ways to practice social wellness can include planting in your neighborhood garden, joining a gym or exercise group, or going out for coffee with a friend. Let us know how you practice Social Wellness!

Other notable celebrations in the month of July include…

-Independence Day, July 4

-Disability Pride Month

-Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

-Plastic Free July

“July was named in honor of Julius Caesar. Quintilis, which was his birth month, was renamed July when he died. Quintilis means “fifth month” in Latin, which represents where this month originally fell in the Roman calendar.”

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

CMS… Fix this mess!

Today we’ve have made progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s with new FDA-approved treatments, but an unprecedented and unjust decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is blocking access to these treatments! CMS is denying access to all current and future FDA-approved treatments addressing the underlying cause of the disease. This coverage determination was the first time ever that CMS chose to not have Medicare cover an FDA-approved drug. Which is why CMS must reverse its decision! These treatments are proven to slow the progression of the disease. Leading Alzheimer’s researchers and clinicians overwhelmingly agree that patients should have access to these treatments. Access to these treatments means more time for the person living with early Alzheimer’s. They allow people more time with loved ones, more time to enjoy life, and remain independent longer.

On Friday June 16th, our local Retirement Connection team came out to share our support and our voices to reverse the devastating CMS decision denying Medicare coverage for Alzheimer’s treatment. The fight to treat Alzheimers has made progress but we need your support to make Alzheimers treatment barrier free. The event was led by our fearless leader Amy Schmidt along with Director of the Portland Alzheimers Association Tracey Morgan and, local Lake Oswego student advocate Joonseo Lee whom all spoke out about their direct involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We are officially in the era of treatment, but Medicare is treating Alzheimer’s differently than any other disease! This is disease discrimination, plain and simple. Every day without access to FDA-approved drugs, more than 2,000 people transition to a more advanced stage of Alzheimer’s where they are no longer eligible for treatment. We need CMS to step up, to listen to the community, to listen to the science and to stop blocking access to these treatments! Let’s tell them why we need Access NOW! ” says Amy Schmidt.

Together, let’s fight for more time, more memories, and a brighter future. We would like to give a big PURPLE thank you to the Portland Alzheimers Association for hosting the Rally For Access. #AccessNow #Rally4access

“The Alzheimer’s Association welcomes and celebrates this action by the FDA Advisory Committee to support traditional approval of Leqembi for people with early Alzheimer’s,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO. “With this action we are one step closer to more people living with Alzheimer’s having more time with more of their capabilities intact — to do the things they want to do and love to do best.”

Read more: https://www.alz.org/news/2023/fda-traditional-approval-lecanemab-leqembi

Celebrate Pride, Without Exception

The month of June is celebrated as LGBTQ Pride Month to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, an event that became essential to the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. Initially, the last Sunday in June was celebrated as “Gay Pride Day”, but the one day quickly grew into a month-long series of celebrations including parades, festivals, concerts, workshops, and other events that attract millions from around the world. The purpose of these events are to honor the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history.

This year, the Human Rights Campaign is celebrating Pride, without exception. Together we can rise up and fight until we have freedom without exception, liberation without exception, joy without exception and pride without exception.

Other notable celebrations in the month of June include…

-Father’s Day, June 19

-Juneteenth, June 19

-The Longest Day, June 21

“June is named after the Roman goddess Juno – the god of marriage and childbirth, and the wife of Jupiter, king of the gods.“

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

Mental Health and Fighting the Stigma

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year during the month of May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. Visit nami.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Other Notable Celebrations in May include…

-Asian American Pacific Islander Month

-Memorial Day

-Cinco de Mayo

“May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants.“

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

Stress Awareness: How stress can affect your health

April is Stress Awareness Month, and we want to highlight the importance of recognizing when stress is affecting your physical and mental health. Stress can be debilitating, and can sometimes aggravate existing health problems. It is important to know when stress is taking over, and to learn what strategies work for you to help cope. Try a few of these techniques to help overcome the weight of the stress in your life. 

-Meditation: Learning how to quiet the mind can help quiet the sounds of stressors in our head. Even taking a few minutes a day to disconnect and take a few deep breaths can be beneficial in managing stress

-Exercise: Walking, biking, hiking, or lifting weights can all help to release stress in the physical body. Adding exercise and fresh air to your daily routine may reduce the amount of stress you’re currently experiencing

-See Your Doctor: If you’re experiencing stress that has become too overwhelming for daily life, make an appointment with your doctor. They can offer medical advice in order to deal with an overwhelming amount of stress

Learn more about Stress Awareness month and find more techniques to cope here.

Other notable celebrations in the month of April include…

-Easter – April 9th

-World Parkinson’s Day – April 11th

-Earth Day – April 22nd

-Celebrate Diversity Month

-Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April takes its name from the Latin word “aperire”, meaning “to open”, just like flowers do in spring.

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

March is Women’s History Month, and celebrates the vital role of women in American history. Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed a bill which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. Learn more about Women’s History Month and this year’s theme at nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org.

Other notable celebrations in the month of March include…

-Irish American Heritage Month

-National Nutrition Month

-National Kidney Month

-National Optimism Month

“March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war.”

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

OHA Announces End to Universal Masking Requirement in Health Care Settings, Effective April 3

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced today that it will end its universal masking requirement for health care settings, which includes all licensed long term care settings, on April 3. Oregon’s policy change will occur in concert with similar changes in other states, including Washington.  It is expected that masking will still be required during specified outbreaks. Detailed guidance will be determined by OHA and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and will be shared soon. Visit the Oregon Health Care Association website for all updates. OHCA has advocated on behalf of members with the Governor’s office, OHA, and ODHS to move away from universal masking policies. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction for providers, caregivers, residents, and their families as we move away from pandemic-era policies and restrictions. OHCA is continuing conversations with state regulators regarding modifications to other COVID-19 protocols. We will keep members informed of any updates. Please note, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) still expects nursing facilities to follow core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention including guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Per QSO-20-39-NH, everyone in a nursing facility should wear face coverings or masks if the nursing facility’s county COVID-19 community transmission is high. If the nursing facility’s county COVID-19 community transmission is not high and there is no outbreak, the facility’s policies on masking should be based on recommendations from the CDC, state, and local health departments as well as the individual facility’s circumstances. It is important to remember CDC’s community transmission level is the metric used by CDC to guide health care settings, not CDC’s COVID-19 community level. A facility choosing to set their own mask policies should continue to take into account the need to accommodate medical and religious exemptions. Stay up to date on all health care news and CareAvailability growth by subscribing to our monthly newsletter.

“Black Resistance” in 2023

February is African-American History Month and celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history. February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was influential in the emancipation of slaves, and Douglass, a former slave, was a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery. This year’s African American History Month theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, since the nation’s earliest days. Read more about the history of this theme and African American History month at asalh.org.

Other notable celebrations in the month of February include…

Valentine’s Day, February 14th

President’s Day, February 20th

Mardi Gras, February 21st

The name February is from the Latin word Februa, “to cleanse.” The Roman calendar month of Februarius was named for Februalia, a festival of purification and atonement that took place during this period.

Learn more about the history of previous months here.