Showing posts with label Peer Provider. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peer Provider. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2012

Make a Rainbow Donation this February! (And get matched!)

Breast, ovarian and cervical cancers affects hundreds of thousands of women every year. Many of whom are our sisters, mothers, nieces, aunts, grandmothers, friends or loved ones. Unfortunately, most of you know someone who has been affected by these cancers, or who is being affected as we speak. Fortunately, there is a way you can give back to this cause, right now.

YWCA Women’s Health Outreach is a program that provides peer outreach, culturally-sensitive breast health education, no-cost mammograms, and information on additional health services for our diverse community. The program offers no-cost mammograms, pap tests and breast exams for income eligible individuals 40 and over. We serve those with limited incomes who are medically underserved, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. We also focus our outreach efforts on women from African American, Latina, and LBTQ communities.

Every year to coincide with the Pride festivities, YWCA Women’s Health Outreach organizes a Rainbow Health Fair for members of the LBTQ community. At these health fairs, we make free health resources and education available to a population and community that is all too often overlooked by our healthcare system. This year, we are hoping to make it the biggest and best health fair thus far. But, in order to do that, we need your help!

If this is a cause that interests you, please visit our YWCA Donations webpage: http://www.ywcaworks.org/netcommunity/, and click the “donate” button on the right hand side of the webpage. Once on the donation page, select the designation to be the Health Access Department, and in the comments section of additional information, specify LBTQ Health: Rainbow Health Fair. Note that 100% of your money goes directly to YWCA Women's Health Outreach.

And, in the month of February, donations will be matched dollar for dollar - up to $1,000! Consider a tax deductible gift of $10, $25, $50 or more to support the health of women in the Seattle area!

Thank you and be well.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Massage practice to aid with carpal tunnel and tendonitis

We welcome Amy Wolf as a guest contributor to our blog!  Those of you that attended this years health fair may have already met Amy.  She is passionate about the use of massage to improve overall health and treat specific problems.  This month Amy shares how massage can help with tendonitis and carpal tunnel.  Thank you Amy! 
Tendonitis and carpal tunnel are two overuse syndromes common here in Seattle where many people are on computers all day. They also occur frequently in any job which involves repetitive stress of the same muscles. Frequently, massage is not even mentioned as a possible treatment for these problems. Which is unfortunate, because therapeutic massage can reverse both of them, without surgery or cortisone injections, if they are caught early enough.
Tendonitis is a condition many think is irreversible because it hurts so much-it is not; there is a specific treatment protocol for it which works. Ditto for carpal tunnel syndrome. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need surgery without first exploring the more conservative option of treatment massage. The sooner these things are addressed
the higher the rate of recovery.
I feel strongly that many women end up on disability or pain meds or having surgery which is completely unnecessary because the medical community and the general public are not aware that a skilled massage therapist can reverse these syndromes.
Let me know if you want to know more… I am happy to explain the mechanics of carpal tunnel and why massage is the ideal treatment for it….too long to put here, but extremely
simple.

Amy Wolf, LMP Lic MA00005860
westwoodhealingarts@gmail.com
206-349-9198

Friday, June 24, 2011

Laughter is the best medicine according to Ingrid Berkhout

When was the last time you had a good belly laugh or laughed until you cried?  You may be surprised to learn that laughter has many more benefits than you may think.  It has been shown in some studies to strengthen your immune system, increase intellectual performance and be a natural stress releaser.  Even a small amount of laughing can add benefits for hours.  Laughing can trigger endorphines, balance blood pressure and ease pain.  It may even create a more positive attitude and improve sleep.  

If you have not laughed with Ingrid Berkhout, Program Manager of the Women's Health Outreach - you are in for a treat!  Ingrid will be leading a fabulous Laughter Session during our 13th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair.  She believes that laughing is no joke when it comes to the overall benefits one can receive from laughter. 

Join Ingrid at 10:30am - 11:00am on Saturday, June 25th for jaw aching, side splitting and knee slapping laughing. 
 

SugarPill is a sweet addition to the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair

We are very excited to have SugarPill join us for the first time this year.  SugarPill is a modern twist on a traditional apothecary. They offer both medicinal and culinary herbs and spices, including an extensive collection of gourmet salts, house-made exotic spice blends and medicinal tea formulations.

Herbalist and proprietor Karyn Schwartz will be available to answer questions and assist you on your path to more vibrant health. They also feature a wide variety of cocktail bitters, local honey and preserves, fair trade teas, exquisite chocolates, caramels and luscious, natural skin and body care products to delight all of your senses.  Make sure you take a moment to check out all SugarPill has to offer.

Karyn Schwartz, Proprietor SugarPill
Apothecary * Culinary * Mercantile
206.322.7455 (PILL)
900 E. Pine St.
Seattle WA, 98122
well@sugarpillseattle.com
http://www.sugarpillseattle.com/

Babeland supports 13th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair

They are many great things about Babeland including providing a comfortable, sleaze-free place to shop for sex toys and other adult items.  They have a knowledgeable staff, quality products, and a multitude of sexy workshops. Babeland's mission is as follows:  to promote and celebrate sexual vitality by providing an honest, open and fun environment. Encouraging personal empowerment, community education, and support for a more passionate world are key. Babeland has received numerous accolades for our unparalleled customer service in addition to being rated the best place to buy sex toys by numerous publications.

The Babeland staffer at the 13th annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair has a background in post-cancer sexuality and has presented to many local organizations about the importance of providing sexuality information during life changing events.  This is a great fit with our other Peer Providers to create a well rounded experience on Saturday.

 http://www.babeland.com/

Schedule of events at 13th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair

We are very excited about tomorrow's Health Fair and have scheduled events as well as the ability to talk with providers one-on-one! 
10:00am - 3:00pm  Music performance by Marla Nonkin on keyboards
10:30am -11:00am Laughter Session with Ingrid Berkhout
11:15am -11:45pm Chi Cong with Davida
12:00am -1:00pm Theatre of the Oppressed with Lupita Patterson
1:15pm - 1:45pm Chi Cong with Davida
2:00pm - 3:00pm Reading followed by Yoga/breathing with Autumn Needles
 Ongoing Opportunities to enhance your health with:
Naturopathy
Acupuncture
 Massage
Mammograms
 Breast Health Education
 Herbalist/Homeopathy
 Personal Trainer/movement
 Heart Health/Cholesterol Check
 Babeland
 Seattle Counseling Services
 Energy Balancing (B.E.S.T)
Tarot readings
Heart Point Healing
 Amethyst Bio-Mat
 Laughter Session
 Susan G. Komen
Young Survival Coalition Seattle

Saving Lives By Increasing Early Detection - LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair

The Koreans Women's Association partners with Franciscan Health System to create the Breast Cancer Navigator Program. The Breast Cancer Navigator Program has served nearly 15,000 women since it began in 2005. The Navigator helps save lives by going out into the community; educating women about breast cancer and the need for screening. Offering free, culturally sensitive, language appropriate assistance to women from under served populations and helping them get mammograms, increasing early detection of breast cancer.
This program is funded through the generous donation of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.  Doris Harris will be on hand at our 13th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair.

Doris L. Harris
Breast Cancer Navigator
Serving African American women and the LGBTQ community
206-261-0132
dlharris02@netzero.net
http://www.kwacares.org/
http://www.fhshealth.org/
 

Certified Personal Trainer adds meal planning to the workout

Tracey D Watkins is the owner of Your Place Of Fitness.  She has been a Certified Personal Trainer since 1998 and specializes in Post Rehab, General Conditioning, Weight loss and Meal Planning. She makes her home in Seattle and is part of Trancend Fitness (located on Capital Hill).  Check her out Saturday, June 25th at the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair and maybe get motivated to start a new regime.

Chi-Cong with Davida Wolf

1:15-1:45 Chi-Cong

Davida Wolf is a new Peer Provider and we are pleased to have Chi-Cong as part of our eclectic and wonderful line up.  In the simplest of terms Chi-Cong is a breathing exercise that originates from China.  There are many different ways to practice Ch-Cong and we are looking forward to Davida Wolf showing us her style and technique to better our health.  

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Hope Heart Institute provides Heart Healthy Services

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. but in most cases, it is preventable!  We are so honored to have The Hope Heart Institute provide practical, hands-on, easy-to-understand information on maintaining a healthy heart at the 13th Annual LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair.  Additionally, The Hope is sponsoring cholesterol screenings through Screenpointe from 11:00-2:00.  Stop by their table and meet Kristen McHenry and get answers to your heart health questions. 

Kristen McHenry, CVA
Outreach & Volunteer Services Manager
The Hope Heart Institute
1380 112th Ave NE Suite 200
Bellevue, WA 98004
Office:  425.456.8751
Fax: 425.456.8701
http://www.hopeheart.org/

Lois Thetford, a gifted Physician's Assistant shares her time on Saturday

I would encourage you to talk with Lois Thetford's, Physician's Assistant-Certified (PA-C) on Saturday during 12:30 to 2pm.  Lois has vast experience gleaned from over 35 years being a tireless advocate for the most needy in our community.  As a beloved founder of the 45th St. Clinic she has spent her career in Community Health.  Lois is currently passing on her knowledge by teaching Physician Assistants at the UW.  She continues to work in healthcare and particularly enjoys working with homeless youth providing necessary healthcare and co-ordination of health services.  Thank you Lois!


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Stretching techniques taught by Tamara the Trapeze Lady

Who better to learn stretching techniques from but Tamara the Trapeze Lady?  If you have ever seen any of the fabulous Tamara's shows you know that she is flexible, strong and an amazing preformer.  She is joining us for the first time at the Health Fair although she has held fundraisers for Women's Health Outreach in the past.  We can all benefit from techniques she learned in her years of preforming experience that require she be in the most vigorous shape.
Tamara started her aerial education in 1989 with famed Seattle choreographer and inventor Robert Davidson. She has participated in classes and workshops at the San Francisco Circus Center, the Aerial Dance Festival in Boulder, Colorado and Seattle's own U.M.O. Ensemble and continues to explore aerial techniques featuring two point static and single point trapeze, tissu, sling and harness work on rope and bungee. Her movement background includes Ballet, modern and Jazz with a high emphasis on improv.
Tamara the Trapeze Lady
206-605-9920
http://www.trapezelady.com/

Autumn Needles returns to LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair

Rainbow Health Fair is delighted to have local author and yoga instructor Autumn Needles join us again this year to read from her book, Yogic Bliss and Sexual Healing!  She will read an excerpt and lead a FREE workshop from 2pm - 3pm on basic yoga breathing practices, or pranayama.  Last year Autumn's reading was a hot hit!
2pm - 3pm Basic Yoga Breathing Practices - Pranayama

Autumn will offer a reading from her book as well as instruction in basic yoga breathing practices, or pranayama, which require no special props or clothing and can be done anywhere by anyone.  Pranayama is an easy to learn but profoundly effective practice which can help support and sustain the body during everyday life, as well as during periods of stress or ill health.

Autumn Needles, RYT, owner of HomeBodyYoga, began practicing yoga at age 12 for its physical healing properties and was hooked by its calming and centering effects as well as for its integrative life philosophy.  She received her yoga instructor certification from the Nosara Yoga Institute in 2006 and has been teaching ever since.  She offers private yoga sessions tailored to your needs and specializes in adapting traditional yoga practices to the requirements of each person.

Regular classes are currently only available at LAFitness, but she periodically offers specialized workshops focusing on particular aspects of yoga practice and philosophy.  She recently authored a book, Yogic Bliss and Sexual Healing, available now through Fanny Press and on Amazon.com, which draws on her background in yoga philosophy, her perspective on sex and sexuality and her own life experiences.

Professional contact info:

HomeBodyYoga

Autumn Needles
http://www.homebodyyoga.com/

autumn@homebodyyoga.com

206.697.6943

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Seattle Counseling Services is a community mainstay

Seattle Counseling Service (SCS) is beginning its fourth decade of service in our community.  Cathy Speelmon from SCS will be on hand at the LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair to answer any questions you may have about their services.  Cathy will be available for the entire Health Fair which we greatly appreciate! 
Seattle Counseling Service is a unique resource for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. We have experienced counselors to help you navigate the path to recovery and wellness. When you, your partner/family member, or other loved one are facing a life crisis or significant transition, suffering from depression or anxiety, want to build better relationships, are dealing with the affects of abuse or trauma or struggling with addiction, we can help.
We are committed to providing the highest quality care in an atmosphere free from judgment, fear and discrimination. And because we believe that a person's ability to pay should not determine his or her access to services, we have a sliding fee scale, accept Medicaid and many insurance plans and have procured grants and donations to increase access to services.
Telephone/TTY: (206) 323-1768
FAX: (206) 323-2184
Email: info@seattlecounseling.org
Address: 1216 Pine Street, Suite 300
                      Seattle, WA 98101
Office Hours:
Monday thru Thursday open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. (some sessions run later). Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.