Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts

First Aid, CPR, and AED skills certification training at Shoreline Community College this spring

Monday, February 26, 2024

Photo by Martin Splitt on unsplash.com
Get your 2 year First Aid, CPR, and AED skills certification card at Shoreline CC on campus this spring.

This course is a partnership with Shoreline CC, WestCoast CPR Training and the Health and Safety Institute. 

You will gain knowledge and skill proficiency in First Aid, CPR, and AED skills to help adult, child, and infant patients in emergency situations. 

First, complete a comprehensive 4 hour online training course at home and then participate in a fun hands-on practice class on campus. 

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will receive a certification card valid for 2 years. For 16+.

Fee: $109.00
Dates: March 20th (W) in person, prep course online can start any time after you sign up!
Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Register here


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King County physician’s license suspended

Saturday, February 24, 2024

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) indefinitely suspended the license of physician Robert G. Thompson, MD, (Lic. #00012796).

Dr. Thompson has been practicing as a cardiologist for 53 years. He is affiliated with Swedish at their First Hill location.

Dr. Thompson participated in a hearing with the WMC on October 26, 2023. The final order indefinitely suspending Dr. Thompson’s license became effective January 23, 2024. 

The final order found Dr. Thomson committed unprofessional conduct including incompetence and negligence that created unreasonable risk of and resulted in injury to patients. He is also in violation of the WMC’s opioid prescribing rules.

Legal documents in this case are available online by visiting the DOH Provider Credential Search.


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UW Med: Syphilis cases are at 74-year high in U.S.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Dr. Meena Ramchandani, infectious diseases
specialist at UW Medicine.
Syphilis cases are at 74-year high in U.S. -- An infectious-diseases specialist explains that these infections have seen a nearly 80% increase since 2018.

According to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 207,000 cases of syphilis were detected in 2022 — the highest national case count since 1950 and a nearly 80% increase in incidence since 2018.

Syphilis transmission is most prominent among men who have sex with men, but women are contracting the infection with increasing frequency, says Dr. Meena Ramchandani, an infectious-diseases specialist at UW Medicine in Seattle.

“In Seattle and King County, and at Harborview Medical Center, we are seeing a great increase in the number of syphilis cases. In the last two years, we've seen an increase in women by 90% each year in the incidence of syphilis from 2020 to 2022,” she said. 
“With that increase in syphilis that we're seeing in women and in persons who can become pregnant, we have this increase in congenital syphilis cases, and that's a huge problem.”

Congenital syphilis occurs during pregnancy when a mother with syphilis passes the infection to her fetus. Risks from congenital syphilis include miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, brain and nerve problems or deformed bones. There were over 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis in the United States in 2022, the CDC reports.

“I think that there needs to be increased awareness and increased testing, because syphilis is affecting a lot of populations,” she said. 
As for treatment, “Penicillin is the drug of choice, and thankfully syphilis is still susceptible to penicillin. And so, formulas of penicillin can be used to treat and cure syphilis,” Ramchandani said.

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Women encouraged to join Shoreline Fire for a free hands-on CPR and AED class February 25, 2024

Friday, February 16, 2024

 
Join Shoreline Fire for a women encouraged, hands only CPR class on Sunday February 25, 2024 from 12:00 – 3:00pm at Shoreline Community College

Registration - select February 25 from the drop-down menu


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Medic One Foundation announces EMT scholarship opportunity - orientation on Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Monday, February 12, 2024

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Medic One Foundation is partnering with North Seattle College to offer ten full training scholarships to future Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs.) 

There is a high demand for EMTs in King County and surrounding communities. 

EMTs are trained to provide emergency medical care and safely transport patients in various settings. 

Individuals with an EMT certification can go on to become firefighters, emergency room technicians, etc.

The scholarships are made possible through charitable donations to the Medic One Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. 

"The goal of these scholarships is to help remove financial barriers for individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine in Washington state," said Kim Martin, Executive Director for Medic One Foundation. "Thanks to the community's generosity, we can offer up to 30 scholarships this year."
Applicants can download an application here  

The deadline to apply for the scholarships is Friday, March 7, 2024. The training class will begin at North Seattle College on April 1. The scholarship covers 100% of the tuition and fees, books, supplies, and a small stipend to offset travel costs to and from campus.

Scholarship applicants are required to attend an informational seminar on Tuesday February 13, 2024.

Scholarship applicants must complete and pass the North Seattle College EMT entrance exam, which is offered on February 26 at 3:00pm and 5:00pm.

Learn more about the Medic One Foundation EMT Scholarship program here

Medic One Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. We fund extraordinary training for our region's paramedics and innovative research to develop new methods of pre-hospital emergency care that improve survival rates and patient outcomes. 

The Medic One Foundation is a major reason why Seattle and King County have a survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest that is among the highest in the world.


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2024 free health clinic at Seattle Center February 15-18 - volunteers still needed

Monday, February 5, 2024


The Seattle/King County Clinic starts in a couple weeks! 

Free medical, vision, dental care at Seattle Center, February 15-18, 2024. 

Volunteers are still needed for general support, interpretation, social work, and medical/dental/vision services. More information and sign up HERE.


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AG Ferguson: Providence must provide $157.8 million in refunds and debt relief for unlawful medical charges to low-income Washingtonians

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that Providence, one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems, must forgive more than $137 million in medical debt and refund more than $20 million to patients the company billed for services despite knowing they likely qualified for free or reduced-cost health care. 

The $157.8 million resolution will provide full refunds, plus interest, and debt forgiveness for 99,446 individuals. It is the largest resolution of its kind in the country.

State law requires hospitals to provide medical financial assistance, also known as charity care, to Washingtonians based on their income level — for both insured and uninsured patients. Hospitals are required to notify patients about this protection and check to see whether they are eligible for discounts on their out-of-pocket expenses.

Ferguson filed an enforcement action against Providence for deceiving patients into believing they had no choice but to pay their medical bill, and unlawfully shifting the burden onto patients to self-identify their eligibility for financial assistance. This created barriers to affordable care for thousands of the most vulnerable Washingtonians.

The legally enforceable agreement, filed today in King County Superior Court, resolves Ferguson’s lawsuit against all hospitals operated by Providence and its Washington affiliates, Swedish Medical Center and Kadlec Regional Medical Center.

Ferguson’s lawsuit asserted that between 2018 and 2023, Providence routinely disregarded its legal obligations. 

Instead, Providence trained staff to aggressively ask for payment from patients who were likely eligible for financial assistance, or simply billed them without determining if they qualified. 

In thousands of cases, Providence knowingly sent low-income patients — including Medicaid enrollees — to debt collectors. One of Providence’s own employees warned leadership that the health system’s practices were “sending the poor to bad debt.”

Providence health system operates hospitals across Washington. Many of its hospitals are either the largest or the only hospital in the area. Swedish First Hill and Providence Sacred Heart are among the largest hospitals in the state, with more than 600 beds. 

Together, these hospitals reported more than $18 billion in patient service revenues in 2020.

“Washingtonians concerned about the rising cost of health care should know that my team is fighting to enforce critical protections that improve affordability,” Ferguson said.

If patients have questions about whether they qualify for this resolution, they should contact Providence. The Attorney General’s Office does not have patient data. Providence can be reached at 855-229-6466.

The case against Providence is part of Ferguson’s Health Care Initiative. The resolution is the largest of four charity care cases handled by his office, resulting in more than $205 million in debt forgiveness and refunds for Washingtonians

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Nurses in Washington state can apply for a multistate license to practice in Washington and 41 other states

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Effective immediately, nurses whose primary state of residence (PSOR) is Washington state can apply for a multistate license (MSL). 

Nurses with MSLs can practice in 41 other states and territories that participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), without the need for additional licenses.

Washington was the 40th jurisdiction to enter the compact. Gov. Jay Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5499 Multistate Nurse Licensure Compact, enacting compact legislation into law. WABON used a phased approach to launch the NLC. 

In Phase 1 beginning on July 24, 2023, nurses with active RN or LPN MSLs from other states were able to begin practicing in Washington. 

Phase 2, launched today, enables nurses who reside in Washington to apply for MSLs.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Washington nurses and state residents reap the benefits from NLC participation,” stated Alison Bradywood, Executive Director of WABON.
She continued, “The NLC supports nurses in providing care for patients across state lines, gives our nurses the flexibility to practice in other states, and helps bring additional nurses to Washington state.”

The application process for an MSL is expected to take two to three weeks and includes completion of an FBI background check. The fee to upgrade existing Washington RN or LPN licenses is $65. Renewal of the Washington multistate license will be an additional $20 after the conversion. The annual fee to maintain an active single state license in Washington remains unchanged. Licensees who upgrade will retain the same license number.

Visit WABON for more information about MSLs and the NLC, including benefits of the MSL, details for employers, nurses and military spouses.


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UW Med: simultaneous publication of 10 research papers exploring relationship between chronic pain and traumatic brain injury

Friday, January 26, 2024

Dr. Jeanne Hoffman
UW Medicine’s Dr. Jeanne Hoffman and colleagues from across the nation were poised to celebrate their exceptional achievement: the simultaneous publication of 10 research papers that explore the relationship between chronic pain and traumatic brain injury.

Then came another, even rarer, reason for jubilation: They learned that their papers would fill the current issue of The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, cover to cover. 

It was the scientific equivalent of a baseball triple play, a rare and noteworthy achievement.

“We've all been a little bit bowled over,” said Hoffman, a professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. 
“Typically, topical issues are only part of a larger journal. We definitely managed to fill the whole thing.”

Hoffman co-authored the preface and nine of 10 articles in the series. The 10th, on the use of cannabis and opiates in association with TBI, was co-authored by Amy Starosta, assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine at the UW School of Medicine. 

Research has shown a high prevalence of long-term chronic pain among people who had experienced traumatic brain injury. In surveying more than 3,800 people from that population, Hoffman and her colleagues found that about 60% reported current or previous chronic pain. 

“What we saw is really high rates of chronic pain across many years post-injury,” Hoffman said. “These are  people who even 25 or 30 years out have about the same rates of chronic pain. Around 46% of our group are reporting experiencing current chronic pain, which tells us that they're probably not getting the right kind of treatment.”

Another complication for doctors: The sources of pain associated with TBI vary. Pain can stem from the brain injury itself, or from soft tissue or muscles and bones.. Neuropathic pain and cognitive difficulties are seen as significant barriers to the effective treatment of chronic pain. 

Addressing chronic pain more effectively in individuals with TBI has the potential to improve their health and quality of life. People with traumatic brain injuries who also have chronic pain tend to report more disability, worse psychological health and greater difficulty reintegrating into their communities. 

Addressing chronic pain in this patient population is especially important, given the heightened focus on opioid addiction globally. 



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State health-officials advise people not to eat Fratelli Beretta Antipasto Gran Beretta purchased from Costco

Monday, January 22, 2024

Italian-style charcuterie meats linked to Salmonella infections in Washington

OLYMPIA – As part of an ongoing outbreak investigation that includes 47 Salmonella cases in 22 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to stop eating the following charcuterie meats products and throw them out or return them to the store:
  • Fratelli Beretta Antipasto Gran Beretta sold by Costco. This product contains black pepper coated dry salami, Italian dry salami, dry coppa and prosciutto and is sold as a two-pack.
  • Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler sold at Sam’s Club. The product contains prosciutto, sweet soppressata and dry coppa. There are no Sam’s Club store locations in Washington state.
Five Washington residents were reported ill with Salmonella infections (salmonellosis) associated with this outbreak in December 2023. Four had eaten Fratelli Beretta Antipasto purchased at Costco before they got sick. None were hospitalized.

Many people with Salmonella infections don’t see a health care provider or get tested, so it's likely that more than five people in Washington have been sickened by this outbreak. People who ate either of these products, become sick, and are concerned about their health should consult their health care provider.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 days after exposure and last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover on their own without antibiotic treatment.

Approximately 700 to 1000 Salmonella infections are reported each year in Washington. More information on Salmonella and how to prevent it can be found on the DOH’s Salmonellosis (Salmonella) website.

DOH is working with the CDC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Costco to investigate this outbreak. For more information, visit the DOH foodborne outbreak page.


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Northgate acupuncturist fined by state for allowing spouse to practice without a license

Friday, January 19, 2024

In December 2023 the Acupuncturist or Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Practitioner Program and Sujin Rhi (AC60920205) entered an agreed order on her acupuncturist or acupuncture and eastern medicine practitioner license.

Rhi must pay a $2,500 fine and complete four hours of law and ethics continuing education. Between September 2022 and June 2023, Rhi’s spouse, who does not hold a Washington state acupuncturist license, treated patients under Rhi’s supervision.

Su & Jin Acupuncture and Natural Healthcare 11066 5th Ave NE Suite 106, Seattle, WA 98125, located inside the Northgate Dental Building.


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UW Med: A fall expert’s tips to avoid falls on ice

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, Medical Director of the 
Fall Prevention Clinic at UW Med
Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine and medical director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at Harborview Medical Center, says ice and snow really level the playing field: People of all ages are equally prone to fall.

Falling on an icy surface can result in a range of injuries including ligament and tendon tears, broken bones and concussions.

“Research out of Nordic countries and the UK shows that there's double to triple the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to falls from ice and snow,” Phelan said. 

This is the case even when a person has good balance so carefully consider whether it’s necessary to venture out in icy conditions.

“If people are having difficulty recovering from a fall, that is something they should speak with their healthcare providers about,” she added.

If you must walk outdoors when it’s icy, here are tips for traversing icy conditions safely:
  • Wear slip-resistant footwear that can reduce fall injuries by approximately 60%.
  • Keep your hands free and out of your pockets in case you need to balance or brace yourself.
  • Limit the number of items you’re carrying to ensure better balance.
  • Avoid looking at your phone while walking.

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Vision professionals needed for King County Health Clinic

Wednesday, January 10, 2024


The King County Health Clinic is in need of vision volunteers for the giant, free clinic at Seattle Center on 
  • Thursday February 15
  • Friday February 16
  • Sunday February 18
We want our 9th year be the best yet, however our vision volunteer numbers are not adequate at the moment. We need YOUR help to provide essential care, and we can use your fellow staff members’ and professional contacts' talents as well.
  1. For those who are already signed up, thank you! Can you do an additional day? Can you recruit others to join you?
  2. If you have been intending to sign up, please do so now and encourage others too!
  3. If you cannot attend this year, consider finding someone to fill in for you.
Spread the word, and lets get this clinic fully staffed



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UW Med: COVID-19, flu trend upward in New Year but updated COVID vaccine protects against JN 1 variant

Monday, January 8, 2024

Helen Chu, M.D. UW
infectious diseases specialist
UW Medicine hospitals this week were treating 55 inpatients with COVID-19. Infectious-diseases specialist Dr. Helen Chu says transmission of both COVID-19 and flu is trending up in Washington state and will probably peak in the next several weeks.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Washington is among the states with a high rate of respiratory illnesses.

“We have some data from last year when we saw all three viruses [including RSV] circulating, and it's looking like having two infections at the same time is worse in both children and adults,” Chu said.  
“Having COVID and flu simultaneously increases the amount of time you are on the ventilator and increases your risk of death in the hospital.”

She said the updated COVID-19 vaccine introduced in the fall provides protection against JN.1, the newly dominant variant, according to the CDC.

Unfortunately, however, only a minority of Washingtonians are current on their COVID-19 (16.1%) and flu (27.8%) vaccines as of this week.

“It's certainly not too late,” Chu said. “Now would be a good time to get both your flu and your COVID vaccines.”


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Consider volunteering for the Seattle King County Clinic Thursday, February 15 – Sunday, February 18, 2024

Friday, January 5, 2024

By Doug Cerretti

Consider volunteering for the Seattle King County Clinic Thursday, February 15 – Sunday, February 18, 2024

Seattle/King County Clinic (SKCC) brings together healthcare organizations, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers from across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center, February 15 – February 18, 2024.

February's Clinic is fast approaching, and SKCC has multiple areas that are not fully staffed. The number of patients the clinic can see are directly dependent on how many volunteers we can gather. 

Expertise in medical, dental and vision care is a plus but not required as there are many volunteer positions in General Support that only require your willingness to help or at most some computer skills or a second language. 


Can you or someone you know sign up in any of these roles? Volunteering for SKCC is a very rewarding experience. Spread the word and be one of approximately 4000 volunteers to treat over 3000 patients at: seattlecenter.org/volunteers.

Between 2014 and 2023, 27,000+ volunteers helped to provide more than $23 million in care to 27,000 patients.

The Clinic is a major function of the Seattle Center Foundation and is held at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. 

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Registration opens for the 2024 Lunar New Year 5K in Shoreline

Tuesday, January 2, 2024


The International Community Health Services Foundation has opened registration for the 2024 Lunar New Year 5K. This beloved family-friendly charity race will take place on Sunday February 25, 2024 in Shoreline, WA.

Lunar New Year 5K registration is open to all ages. All donations and race proceeds fund health services for uninsured or low-income ICHS patients who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

“By registering you’re doing more than committing to a healthy start of the Lunar New Year,” says Alice Braverman, ICHS Foundation Executive Director. 
“You’re championing the cause of health access for all. Your registration will go directly to helping families pay for essential medical and dental services.”

Participants will run along the Interurban Trail — a paved pedestrian-only course that skirts the ICHS Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic on Aurora Ave N. Participants may run or walk the course. The race will be professionally chip-timed for runners, as well as safely marked for walkers and families of all abilities.

Other than the race itself, the 2024 Lunar New Year 5k will also feature community organizations and other engagement opportunities that will be tabling at Aurora Rents throughout the event.

2023 Lunar New Year 5K participants not fazed by snow
Photo by John Pai

Since 2016, the Lunar New Year 5K has been a Seattle-region tradition involving the community through fitness, fun, and philanthropy. 

In continuation of the lessons and changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2024 Lunar New Year 5K will also have a virtual participation option for those who want to participate by running their own 5K course of their choosing.

Registration is $40 with an early bird discounted price of $35 ending January 25, 2024. 

Attendees under 10 or 65 and older can participate for free. 

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UW Med: Cord blood transplant saved woman from rare cancer

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Alexes Harris undergoes a cord-blood transplant at UW Medical Center-Montlake in September 2016. Photo by Hedwig Lee

Alexes Harris’ spin classes were starting to feel impossible. During the 20 seconds on and off sprints, she would become breathless.

“I used to always be able to do them, but in 2015 during these exercises, I’d find myself out of breath, as if I was having an asthma attack,” she said. Harris, a University of Washington sociology professor, however, was fit and had no history of asthma.

A year later, she was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer known as myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS. Aggressive chemotherapy initially pushed the cancer into remission in 2016. But the cancer came back; her team turned to a bone marrow transplant as an option.

For Harris, whose father was Black and Filipino, and whose mother was white, finding a match was a challenge.

"We are so underrepresented on the bone marrow registry. Being African American, Asian American, Native American, Latinx — and then if you have any intersections of those identities, we have a very low likelihood of finding matches, something like 20 to 30%," she said.

One clinician suggested a transplant using stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood. She received the cord-blood transfusion and about three weeks later, the transplant was deemed a success. A biopsy that December showed no sign of cancer.

“The donated cord blood from the baby girl saved my life,” Harris said. “It was an amazing experience to know that, on the first day of her life, this baby saved mine because of this donation.”

This fall, the UW Medical Center-Montlake restarted its cord blood donation program in partnership with Bloodworks Northwest. Harris hopes more mothers will consider donating their baby’s cord blood.

“What better way to start your baby’s life than saving someone else’s?”
Find out more about the importance of donating cord blood for transplant recipients fighting cancer in this news item


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Teen Health Hub offers teens answers to their health questions

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Young people want compassionate and accurate answers to their health questions. 

Teen Health Hub WA was created with and for Washington young adults so they can find the answers they are looking for. 

Credible, compassionate, and here when you need it from the Washington State Department of Health.  

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Three tai chi classes offered winter quarter at the Shoreline Senior Activity Center - registration open now

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Mary Newbill, tai chi instructor
Wikipedia explains Tai chi as "an internal Chinese martial art practiced for self-defense and health. 

"Known for its slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health."

The Shoreline Senior Activity Center offers three classes: beginning, continuing, and "playful"

Tai Chi Players 

We are excited to announce that we’re bringing back Tai Chi Players, taught by Mary Newbill. This is a playful class, where you can enjoy the movement of Tai Chi with no need to memorize a form.

This class is in addition to Mary’s Beginner Tai chi and Continuing Tai Chi classes. Mary Newbill has studied Tai Chi for 50 years, and has taught since 1980. She is a retired school teacher, and now practices therapy and energy work.

Tai Chi Players is our latest addition to over 60+ programs we are offering this winter quarter, including Clogging, Driftwood Sculpture, Beginners Fly Tying, many styles of Yoga, and more!

Day: Tuesday - Time: 1:30pm–2:30pm
Starting date: Tuesday, January 2, 2023
Member $40/Month 5 classes @ $8
Non-member $60/Month 5 classes @$12
REGISTER HERE:  Tai Chi Players

Beginner Tai Chi  - CLASS IS FULL

Join instructor Mary Newbill for Yang Style Tai Chi for health and fun! Tai Chi strengthens our Chi, or life force, building muscle, balance and health.

Slow, relaxed movement coordinated with breath becomes meditation, improves posture and flexibility, and elevates mood while reducing falls for seniors. Medical research reports improvement in joint pain, arthritis, and many diseases.

Day: Thursday - Time: 1:00pm–2:00pm
Member $32/Month 4 classes @ $8
Non-member $48/Month 4 classes @$12
Class filled up immediately - registration closed

Continuing Tai Chi - spots left as of 1/4/24

Completing and refining the form with Qi Gong, with warm ups, partner work and Water Form.

Day: Thursday - Time: 2:00pm–3:00pm
Start date: January 4, 2024
Member $32/Month 4 classes @ $8
Non-member $48/Month 4 classes @$12
REGISTER HERE:  Continuing Tai Chi

More information on these courses and the rest of our programs can be found online at ShorelineLFPseniorcenter.org/activities/classes

Registration is filling up for our January and February classes so please register as soon as possible.


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Shoreline PTA Council is proud to announce its 2023 Mental Health Grant Winners

Wednesday, December 20, 2023


The Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee has awarded $5000 in funding to school staff to support mental health initiatives for the 2023-24 school year.

This is the first year for this type of grant in the Shoreline School District which aims to promote mental health initiatives in schools by funding staff to implement things such as social-emotional curriculum, positive behavior interventions and supports and professional development for staff.

There was a large number of applicants with wonderfully creative ideas for improving student and staff outcomes. 

The selection committee awarded grants to the following individuals:

Dominic Sickich, Counselor at Ridgecrest Elementary

★ Dominic Sickich, Counselor at Ridgecrest Elementary, to implement an approved Social-Emotional Learning curriculum to all students.

Heather Toothaker-Shichkich, Counselor at Syre Elementary

★ Heather Toothaker-Shichkich, Counselor at Syre Elementary, to train all the staff on trauma informed practices and creating a safe school environment.

Erika Longley-Sundgren, Psychologist

★ Erika Longley-Sundgren, Psychologist, to train all staff at Lake Forest Park Elementary about trauma informed practices.

Teresa Osborn, Counselor at Highland Terrace Elementary

★ Teresa Osborn, Counselor at Highland Terrace Elementary, to implement an approved Social-Emotional Learning curriculum to all students.

Joanna Freeman, Librarian at Ridgecrest Elementary

★ Joanna Freeman, Librarian at Ridgecrest Elementary, to buy 20 picture books for students around mental health topics.

Bethany Ibach, Teacher at Parkwood Elementary

★ Bethany Ibach, Teacher at Parkwood Elementary, to implement an approved Social-Emotional Learning curriculum to all students.


The PTA Council is grateful to be able to support our staff and educators with this new grant program and hopes to continue it for many years to come. 

This Council supports the local unit PTAs within the Shoreline School District by providing information, training, resources and opportunities to network with each other, giving them the tools to be successful child advocacy organizations.

The Mental Health Committee started a couple years ago out of the need to support student and family mental health in the Shoreline School District. 

The committee goals are to educate, advocate and support each other for better mental health outcomes. Success will look like students, staff and families talking openly about their mental health and knowing where to find help.

The committee’s work has been recognized for its outstanding community leadership and service of education by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and as a nominee for Outstanding Human Service Program by North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA).

You can learn more about events, resources and support group meetings at shorelinepta.org/mental-health or emailing mentalhealth@shorelinepta.org


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