The return of some favorite providers

 

B.E.S.T. Energy Healing

 

Linda Rasmussen, an Elite Master of B.E.S.T.  Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique), will be doing a demonstration and providing B.E.S.T. treatment.  B.E.S.T. is a gentle, light touch, energy balancing treatment that promotes relaxation and improves whole body functioning. Linda has a private practice and conducts workshops to train individuals and parents to provide basic energy balancing support to their family members and friends.

Acupuncture

Andrew Ball is a volunteer with The Alternative Health Access Campaign. Andrew runs acupuncture clinics for both Tent City 3 and ROOTS, providing medical care to the homeless population of Seattle and surrounding suburbs. His style of healthcare is focused on empowering patients to be able to better take care of themselves physically, mentally, and energetically.

Nutrition Information

Barbara Hoppe will be tabling at the Rainbow giving folks information about nutrition. Barbara is a nutritionist, health educator, and lactation consultant. She has a great deal of experience teaching about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. This time she will have you taste the different  healthy smoothies you can create! Come visit her table to learn more!

 

Ovarian Cancer Information 

Joan Elvin, a sixteen-year survivor of ovarian and breast cancer, will be providing education and awareness materials. Joan works with the Ovarian and Breast Cancer Alliance to replace fear with fact and to empower women to know the early warning signs of ovarian and breast cancers!

 

Eat Your Way to a Strong Immune System

Research suggests that women who identify as LBTQ are more than twice as likely to be overweight as their heterosexual counterparts. We have all heard that diet and exercise are the key components to maintaining a healthy weight. But good nutrition is not just about preventing obesity; there are many benefits to a balanced, healthful diet. The following foods, for example, are great immunity boosters. Replace other, less healthy items in your diet with these vitamin-rich goodies and your immune system will reap the benefits and keep you from getting sick. And who doesn't want that?

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Yogurt
Yogurt contains live bacteria, called cultures, that act as pro-biotics in the body. This means that they help your digestive system do its job, thereby keeping you regular and helping to prevent digestive illnesses. Try putting individual yogurt packets in the freezer as a replacement for ice cream, or have yogurt with your cereal in the morning instead of milk. If at all possible eat organic-- it's good for you and the planet!

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Garlic
Garlic is a natural antiseptic. Eating garlic when you feel a cold coming on significantly reduces your chances of the cold taking over your body. Add chopped garlic cloves to almost any sauce, pizza, or stir-fry dish. And try to refrain from buying pre-chopped garlic; the fresher cut the garlic is the more germ-fighting properties it has.

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Carrots
Beta carotene, the compound that is a precursor for Vitamin A, boosts your body’s production of T cells, which are a key component of your immune system. Chomp on carrots, raw or cooked, to get the benefits of beta carotene. Carrots have also been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month-- folks over 50, remember to get the highly preventive colonoscopy screening once ever ten years!

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Fish
The omega-3s in fish are powerful in reducing inflammation, which in turn reduces symptoms of various illnesses. Plus, fish has vitamins that help your T cells produce virus-fighting agents. Whether you eat canned tuna or cook an elaborate grilled salmon, your immune system will be stronger.

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Tea
Black tea --decaf or caffeinated-- contains an amino acid that fights viruses in the body. If you’re a frequent coffee drinker, try replacing at least a few of your usual cups of jo with tea instead. As a bonus health benefit, a cup of black tea has less caffeine than a cup of coffee, which means that a cup of tea will dehydrate you less than coffee will.

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Ginger
Not only does ginger naturally reduce anxiety, it has chemicals that help break down the type of virus that causes common colds, and it relieves pain and reduces fevers. Ginger teas are a great way to get your dose of ginger. Make your own ginger tea by shaving some ginger into boiling water and adding a little honey and lemon. Some stores also sell candied ginger—while these products can be high in sugar, they are delicious and easy to eat! Just be careful that when you are buying an item labeled as “ginger” that is has ginger listed as one of the first ingredients. Most ginger ale, for example, actually contains very little of the spicy root and is loaded with high fructose corn syrup* instead.
*http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fructose-corn-syrup/AN01588
Taking a hot bath with shaved ginger helps when you feel a cold coming up.

For recipes and tips on healthy eating, visit http://www.myrecipes.com/healthy-recipes/

Keep your immune system healthy and you will be happy!

Wild Rose Screening Event

To close 2012 with a bang, Women's Health Outreach had a wildly successful mobile screening event at the Wild Rose on December 8th. Sixteen women received free mammograms and Pap tests, twelve of whom were uninsured.

The Swedish mobile van

 

 

 

One of our wonderful mammogram recipients

 

 

 

Our fabulous volunteers

Here's what some of the attendees said about why they came to the screening:

“I think this is a great idea...I love this program.”

“I only have a catastrophic insurance plan. My friend and I were both nervous about getting mammograms. But this is at the Wild Rose, and feels really queer-friendly.”

“I don’t have medical insurance. The quotes I get are $800 a month. This is a wonderful program.”

 

“Health services should be available to everyone, regardless of finances.”

“I’m 40. Mammograms are expensive. But I have a family history of breast cancer, and I thought, ‘I should do this.’”

 

There are many great reasons to get a mammogram, especially considering 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, and the numbers in LBTQ women are even higher.

The next Wild Rose screening will take place in November of 2013. Look for updates and information on how to sign up in the coming months!

Special thanks to Erika Langley for taking pictures and gathering quotes for us!



Rainbow Health Fair: The More, the Merrier!

Over the past couple of weeks, we have partnered with a few more health and wellness providers. The more, the merrier!

In addition to the services and activities we've already posted, expect to see these services at the 14th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair this Saturday.

Naturopathy & Acupuncture

Kira Baum, ND, LaC is a Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist in Seattle. She provides comprehensive holistic health care for most medical concerns. She is dedicated to assisting people in achieving their health goals with the use of safe and effective natural modalities, like nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.

Naturopathy

Les Witherspoon, ND, is a Naturopathic Physician. He will answer questions and provide information for clients about transgender health and gender variant health issues.

Nutrition

Join Beve Kindblade, Nutritionist, for a lively workshop and discussion about nutrition, health, and wellness. She integrates the best of traditional medicine with a natural health approach. Her workshop will be from 3:30pm-4:20pm. Learn about nutritional essentials to take control of your health, renew your energy, and look your best - naturally.

Relationship Skills

NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse works to end violence and abuse by building loving and equitable relationships in our community and across the country. Join DeAnn Alcantara-Thompson in a relationship skills class from 12:30pm-1:20pm or 1:30pm-2:20pm.

Safer Sex

Health care professional Candace Cantrell, President of Seattle Girls of Leather, will be answering questions about safer sex. Candace has many years of professional and personal experiences in alternative sexuality communities, making her a dynamic educator. Seattle Girls of Leather will also be providing snacks for health fair participants! Thanks, SGOL!!!

Reiki

Diana Balgaard is a Reiki Master and has practiced Reiki since 1990. Reiki is a divinely guided energy. Your body has its own intelligence. Clients can feel balanced, energized, relaxed, and lighter after a treatment. Diana will provide 10 minute treatments at the health fair.

Susan G. Komen, Puget Sound Affiliate

Elisa Del Rosario and her colleagues from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Puget Sound Affiliate are once again joining the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair. Komen has awarded YWCA Women's Health Outreach with a grant that has provided critical funding for the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair every year for 14 years. Our local affiliate has always supported the LBTQ community. Representatives from Komen will be available to share information about the local affiliate and the work they do in our communities.

Tarot Reading

Returning is our very popular Beverly Bryant who has read Tarot professionally for over 15 years. Tarot readings can help give guidance and be used for decision making and direction in finances, relationships, or careers.

Music

Also returning is Marla S. Nonken. Marla is a songwriter and performer, who has played at a wide array of venues - from grassroots to political rallies to yoga classes. She plays many genres and styles that focus on healing, emotions, and lightness. She believes that music and sound soothe the soul and offer nourishment.

Self Defense & Kung Fu

Michelle McVadon has been teaching self defense and Kung Fu (from Seven Star Women's Kung Fu) for 25 years. She holds the rank of Chief Instructor, has 5th degree black belt in Kajukenbo Kung Fu and 3rd degree black belt in Aikido. Her class will be from 2:30pm-3:10pm.

Join us at the Rainbow Health Fair on Sat., June 23rd!

Statement from Patricia Allen-Lehman, our Rainbow Health Fair poster woman.

One of my personal goals in life was to be able to help all women empower their lives in every way. Without good health we cannot achieve our dreams. I was so pleased when Liz Latham (Documentary Film Producer and Rainbow Committee member) asked me to participate in this project.

As a side note… I am wearing my mother’s cap and uniform. She was the first African American R.N. in the city of Seattle. She passed away July 26^th, 2011.

Discover the many health and wellness providers at Rainbow.

Try out different health services at the 14th Annual Rainbow Health Fair! Services will be provided by a wide array of alternative and traditional health care providers. We are excited to bring these experiential services to the community, empowering YOU to regularly and actively take care of your health and well-being!

Acupuncture

Regular Rainbow participants Renee Benedict and Lorrie Wallace of Emerald Gate Acupuncture will give treatments for rest and relaxation, especially good for those with stress-filled lives.

Kathryn Tooker, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, will provide acupuncture and information about Chinese medicine.

Chiropractic Care

Dr. Connie Amundson will provide chiropractic screenings to regain and maintain health through gentle state-of-the-art chiropractic wellness care.

Counseling

Donna Dover, who is with Seattle Counseling Services, will talk with you about mental health and chemical dependency. She will provide referrals, resources, and self-care information.

Energy Healing

Linda Rasmussen is a certified Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T.) Elite Master. She will provide short healing sessions, helping people learn non-force energy balancing procedures, using the power of the mind.

DaKara Kies returns with Heart Point Healing, which taps into the deepest wisdom of your heart and set your body and mind free.  Maria Vallianatos brings back her Amethyst Bio Mat. Come and feel the energy of this wonderful healing tool.

Health Exams

Lois Thetford, Physical Assistant at NeighborCare, and Dr. Kim Van der Zee from Swedish Medical Center, will be providing health exams. Exams will include blood pressure checks and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments.

Heart Health

Hope Heart Institute will provide 20 people with cholesterol and glucose health. Through education and medical advances, Hope Heart Institute makes the number one cause of death more treatable and preventable.

Hepatitis Testing

Millions of people have hepatitis and don't know it. Find out your status by getting tested. Testing will be provided by Hepatitis Education Project.

HIV Testing

Amber Tejada is a HIV/STD Prevention Counselor at Gay City Health Project, promoting wellness in the LBTQ community. She will provide HIV testing, information, and resources.

Hypnotherapy

Kristin Rivas, C.Ht., is a certified and licensed Hypnotherapist. Her passion for hypnosis was born from a life-saving experience. Learn about the benefits of hypnosis.

Massage

Try out the benefits of massage with one of our returning licensed massage therapists. Karen Naguma focuses on digestive and reproductive issues, E. Houston LeBrun focuses on pain relief and restoring well-being, and Zoe Abigail Bermet helps your body and mind achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Karen, Houston, and Zoe will be joined by Everest College massage therapy students.

Mammography

 YWCA Women's Health Outreach conducts a mobile mammogram screening for income eligible people 40 and over, who are un- or under insured, under the WBCCHP . The mobile mammogram coach from Swedish Hospital will be on site, with Allison Novins, ND, as the medical provider on board, providing breast exams and pap tests.

Naturopathy

Dr. Letitia Colston's practice includes a special interest in health care for sexual minorities, women's health, digestive and mental health. She will provide health exams.

Physical Therapy

Jutta Schneider, PT, emphasizes health and wellness through a strong exercise and manual therapy-based approach. She will provide screening and assessments.

Get Active at the Rainbow Health Fair!

Never before has the Rainbow Health Fair hosted exercise activities! This is the year!

The health fair will be held at Seattle Central Community College on Saturday, June 23rd, and so we have much more space available to help you get in touch with new and fun activities and exercises. We will provide a diverse selection of activities to choose from, including:

Zumba!

Zumba is a Latin dance-inspired fitness program. Instructor Jennifer Cepeda http://www.hellosparkfit.com/about/ leads classes at Youngstown Cultural Art Center in West Seattle.

Contra dancing!

Contra dancing refers to several partnered folk dance styles in which couples dance in two facing lines. Lots of fun! Dancing will be led by Seattle Rainbow Contra Dance. They also lead regular dances - be sure to check their website.

Stretching!

Tamara the Trapeze Lady will lead us in stretching exercises. Get ready to twist and turn! She was one of the first trapeze artists in Seattle - leading to a local revival. She has also developed her own style of stretching, gives trapeze classes, and regularly performs.

Nia!

Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. These classes will be led by a group of Nia teachers, including Deborah Davis, Sarah Love, Jena Hennessey, Randee Fox, and Allison Wright.


Booty Camp!
Booty Camp is a community oriented, holistic, outdoor women's fitness program. Designed for every ability level, Booty Camp helps women feel confident and strong in their bodies.

We hope you find something new to help you de-stress - something to support the overall health of your body, mind, and spirit. Try out free classes at the Rainbow Health Fair to see what these activities are all about!