Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Upcoming and Past Events

This coming Saturday, October 30th, AAHI will be participating in a health fair with the Chinese American Senior Services Association (CASSA). At this even, AAHI will be conducting bone density screenings and providing health education on various topics including, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and hepatitis B. Please feel free to join us at this event.
Event: CASSA Health Fair
Time: 9am – 1pm
Location: Germantown MobileMed Clinic
Address: 19735 Germantown Road
Germantown, MD 20874





Last Saturday, AAHI successfully participated in a health fair with CCACC. We screened over 50 people for bone density and educated them accordingly. It was a great event! We would like to thank CCACC for inviting us to participate in their health fair and providing delicious snacks & dinner!











Monday, October 25, 2010

Vacant Position Announcement: Client Assistance Specialist

Dear AAHI Community,
Please read the vacant position announcement below from the Latino Health Initiative, this could be a wonderful job opportunity.

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Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Latino Health Initiative
Suburban Maryland Welcome Back Center
Vacant Position Announcement
Client Assistance Specialist
(Contractor - 24 Hours/Week)
Posted: October 2010
Background Information
The Latino Health Initiative (LHI) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services seeks to improve the health of Latino families in Montgomery County and to improve the quality of services they receive. The Suburban Maryland Welcome Back Center is a program inside the County.
The Center is an innovative model that builds on the personal and professional assets of internationally trained health professional living in Maryland to help them re-enter the health workforce. This is part of a larger effort to increase the number of culturally and linguistically competent health professionals working in Maryland. The Center serves Latino and other ethnically diverse foreign-trained health professionals.
The Center is spearheaded by the LHI and works in close collaboration with partners that include the local and State government, the academic sector, and the private sector. This multi-institutional collaboration provides a comprehensive, integrated and coordinated approach for effectively addressing the needs and decreasing the challenges and barriers foreign-trained health professionals encounter in Maryland while trying to obtain a health profession licensure. The Center service model incorporates five components: guidance and support, academic support, practical exposure to the U.S. healthcare system/mentoring, career development support, and leadership development.
For the overall description of the Center use the following link in the LHI website: http://www.lhiinfo.org/en-programs-and-activities/Welcome-Back-Center.asp
Position Description
Under the guidance and supervision of the Manager of the Center, the Client Assistance Specialist is responsible for providing on-going guidance and support to participants to facilitate the Maryland licensure process for foreign-trained health professionals. The Client Assistance Specialist acts as a focal point to provide information on the licensure process and its requirements, steps and expenses and also serves as an advocate for participants with the institutions involved in the Maryland licensure process as well as with those involved as partner organizations.
Specific duties include:

Assist participants by providing personalized case management to create an individualized plan to obtain licensure including a detailed realistic career plan to transition to the healthcare workforce, exploring paid job possibilities at a healthcare setting while preparing to obtain the license.

Position Description: Client Assistance Specialist
October 2010

- Provide assistance to navigate the system in the licensure process and to complete the required steps and forms, as well as facilitating access to financial assistance services.

- Assist to conduct regular group guidance and support meetings with participants.

- Work in collaboration with partner organizations for proper coordination of services and to advocate for the assigned participants.

- Record participants’ progress in licensure process.

- Provide general information to individuals interested in the Center services and keep reliable records to contact potential participants when recruitment is opened.

- Participate in data collection related to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Center activities and prepare required reports on a regular basis.

- Other duties as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent amount of experience in human services, workforce development or academic counseling.
• Experience in assisting clients in workforce development, academic counseling or similar areas to establish realistic goals, taking into consideration personal and professional circumstances as well as willingness and readiness to achieve goal. Familiarity with healthcare professions is desirable.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative relations with community members and with public/private entities.
• Experience facilitating group sessions.
• Experience working with diverse populations, especially Latinos and other ethnically diverse groups living in Maryland.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Bilingual in English and one of the following languages: Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• Excellent computer skills, knowledge and experience in relevant software applications, and ability to work with the Internet.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
Compensation
The contractor will be paid between $19 to $21 per hour plus benefits. Offer great working environment for mentoring and professional networking.
Interested applicants should send their resumes with a cover letter by Wednesday, November 3, 2010 to Suzanne.Mbollo@montgomerycountymd.gov

Friday, October 22, 2010

CCACC Health Fair

Dear AAHI Community,
This Saturday, October 23rd, AAHI and Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc. (CCACC) will be hosting a health fair at Tilden Middle School. The health fair will consist of bone density screenings and health education on various topics.

Event: CCACC Health Fair
Time: 3pm – 6pm
Location: Tilden Middle School
11211 Old Georgetown Road
Rockville, MD 20852

Friday, October 15, 2010

AAHI Publishes an Article in the Washington Chinese News


AAHI, in partnership with Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc. (CCACC) and Pan Asian Volunteer Health Clinic has published an article in the Washington Chinese News on breast health and the importance of screenings. The article is translated into Chinese to reach the targeted community. Below is the text in English.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Before we begin our discussion on breast cancer, we need to understand why breast cancer is an important health issue among Chinese American women. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans as a group. But among Chinese women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Research also indicates that the risk of developing breast cancer among Chinese women greatly increases after they have been living in the United States for many years and have adapted to a Western-lifestyle. Despite the risk, Chinese American women have very low breast cancer screening, about 41%, and therefore the cancer is diagnosed at a later stage. Furthermore, breast cancer is one of the top three causes of death for Chinese women. Therefore, it is especially important for Chinese women to learn about breast cancer and take proactive steps to prevent it.

Now that we understand why breast cancer is important, our next step is to understand what a breast is and what cancer is. A breast consists of ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that produce the milk). The ducts and lobules are supported by tissue that is both fatty and fibrous. Cancer is when cells begin to grow and divide abnormally under harsh or destructive conditions. This abnormal growth is called a tumor. The tumor can be either benign which means it is non-cancerous or it can be malignant which means it is cancerous.

Breast cancer is when the cancer cells are found in the tissue of the breast. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is more common among women. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts, some begin in the lobules and a small number begin in other tissues of the breast. Breast cancer usually begins with a small cancerous tumor in the breast, commonly known as a lump. If the cancerous cells remain confined in one place it is called noninvasive breast cancer. If the cancerous cells spread to other tissues or organs of the body, it is called invasive breast cancer. It is better to detect breast cancer when it is noninvasive.

Especially in the beginning stages, breast cancer does not show many signs or symptoms. As the cancer progresses, certain symptoms may be present, these include:
- A breast lump or thickening that feels different from surrounding tissue
- Bloody discharge from the nipple
- Change in the size or shape of a breast
- Changes to the skin over the breast
- Inverted nipple
- Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin,
- Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast- like an orange.

The exact cause of breast cancer is unclear. But there are certain risk factors which can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. These risk factors include:
- Being female
- Aging
- A family history of breast cancer
- Inherited genes
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
- Beginning menstruation at a younger age
- Starting menopause at an older age
- Having your first child at an older age
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Breast cancer can also develop in the absence of these risk factors, therefore it is important to stay proactive about health and take part in breast cancer prevention.

The best prevention for breast cancer is getting screenings in a timely manner. Because breast cancer may not have symptoms in the beginning states, it is very important to follow screening recommendations. Women are encouraged to do breast self-exams every month to check for lumps or any other abnormalities. Also, the American Cancer Society recommends that women receive Clinical Breast Exams (CBEs) every 3 years starting from the age of 20. When women have reached age 40, they should receive a CBE every year. Furthermore, the Office on Women’s Health supports the guidelines that women should receive mammograms every 1-2 years starting at the age of 40. A mammogram is a low dose x-ray exam that checks the breast tissue for abnormalities. The combination of these screening recommendations is the best prevention.

It is in your hands to take control of your health. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services – Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) and the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) Pan Asian Volunteer Clinic (PAVHC) encourage you to contact your primary care for a screening if you have not yet received a CBE or mammogram. If you do not have a primary care physician, please check your local hospitals and community clinics for low-cost or free screenings.

Early detection is your best protection!

It is extremely important for Chinese Americans to take action against the disease; educate your family and friends and follow the preventative screening guidelines. Screening is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer.
Screening guidelines-
o 20’s & 30’s= breast self exams monthly, clinical breast exams every 3 years
o 40’s and older= breast self exams monthly, clinical breast exam every year, and mammograms every 1-2 years

Thursday, October 14, 2010

AAHI in Action!

These past several weeks, AAHI has had a full calendar of events. AAHI participated in Holy Cross's Cancer Screening and Education Day on Saturday, October 2nd, Islamic Center of Maryland's Food Festival on Saturday, October 2nd, and a Hepatitis B Screening and Education Day on Saturday, October 9th.
AAHI was able to educate participants of these events on multiple health topics; cancer, osteoporosis, hepatitis B, and community resources, to name a few. The events were a great success within the community and yielded many participants.
We would like to thank all of our community partners for inviting and working with us on these events!
Highlights from Hepatitis B Screening & Education Day:










Thursday, October 7, 2010

Reminder: FREE Hepatitis B Screening!



Please encourage all your friends, family and loved ones to get screened! 1 in 10 Asian Americans has hepatitis B, it is important for everyone to know their status! See flier for more information.
Date: October 9th
Time: 11am & 1pm
Location: Executive Office Building
101 Monroe Street
Rockville, MD 20850

Preview AAHI's Storybook!


Dear AAHI Community,
In the months ahead, the Asian American Health Initiative will be releasing their latest e-publication, Voices Among the Silent: Stories of Struggle and Strength from Asian Americans in Montgomery County, Maryland. The storybook includes personal narratives from 16 brave County residents that shed light on the intricate relationship of everyday struggles such as cultural and linguistic barriers and the effect they have on health status. By giving the community a voice, the storybook intends to educate and raise awareness among its readers.
For a preview of the storybook, please click here.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

County Sponsors Flu Clinics

Dear AAHI Community,

Please see the message from Montgomery County below regarding FREE flu vaccines for County residents and by appointment only.


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County health officials today announced the 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccination clinic schedule and urged residents to protect themselves by getting vaccinated. Montgomery County clinics will offer FREE vaccinations by appointment only.

“Flu season is around the corner,” said County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, “and vaccination is the best way to protect against getting the flu. I urge everyone over the age of six months to get vaccinated.”

The 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 virus, along with influenza A and influenza B strains. Only one vaccination is needed this year—there will not be separate vaccinations for H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

Each year, new flu vaccines are made to protect against the types of influenza expected to cause illness that year. Because the influenza viruses change each year and the body’s immune system cannot prevent infections from the changed viruses, it is important to get vaccinated each year.

There will not be any preservative free injectable vaccine available at the County clinics this year. Injectable (shots) only will be available to adults over 18 years old. Intranasal (FluMist) vaccine will be available for children 2 to 18 years old. FluMist has no preservatives (including thimerasol) and is approved for use in children 2 to 18 years old who are healthy and not pregnant.

Saturday, October 23, 2010
9:00am – 3:30pm
Silver Spring Health Center
8630 Fenton Street, 10th floor
Silver Spring

Thursday, October 28, 2010
8:30am – 3:30pm
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor
Germantown

Monday, November 1, 2010
(Clinic for school-age children ages 2 to 18 only)
10:00am – 2:00pm
Einstein High School
11135 Newport Mill Road
Kensington

Monday, November 1, 2010
(Clinic for school-age children ages 2 to 18 only)
10:00am – 2:00pm
Gaithersburg High School
314 South Frederick Avenue
Gaithersburg

Thursday, November 4, 2010
8:30am – 3:30pm
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor
Germantown

Tuesday, November 16, 2010
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Universities at Shady Grove
9630 Gudelsky Drive, Bldg. II
Rockville

Thursday, November 18, 2010
12:30pm – 3:30pm
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor
Germantown

Thursday, December 2, 2010
8:30am – 3:30pm
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor
Germantown

Thursday, December 9, 2010
8:30am – 3:30pm
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor
Germantown

County health officials encourage everyone to help prevent the spread of flu and many other contagious diseases by practicing the following good hygiene habits:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; immediately discard used tissues.

• Sneeze and cough into the upper sleeve; not the hands.

• Wash hands frequently throughout the day.

• Wash hands by scrubbing together for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

• Stay home from school and work if symptoms develop such as a fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache and body aches.

For more information about the flu and to make an online appointment, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flu. Those without Internet access can call 311 to make an appointment.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Health Disparities Conference

The Center on Health Disparities at Adventist Healthcare in partnership with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is hosting their 4th Annual Health Disparities Conference "Social Determinants of Health: The Role of Healthcare in Leading Social Change in Local Communities". The conference will be held on November 3rd at the Universities of Shady Grove in Rockville, MD.

Adventist has provided the following description:
"The 2010 Center on Health Disparities conference will provide the opportunity for community stakeholders from different sectors to learn about health disparities and the influence of environmental, social, financial, and political factors on one's health. Conference sessions will explore how social determinants of health affect the health of people and communities and what community leaders and partners can do to address these determinants. In the end, leaders, professionals, and community members will be able to network with participants from multiple sectors and build cooperative relationships to improve quality of life and promote health equity locally"

We encourage the AAHI community to attend this event. This conference provides a wonderful platform for the discussion of health disparities and the impact on health. Registration is now open at this link:

http://www.adventisthealthcare.com/health-disparities/index.aspx

If you are not an Adventist employee, you will be registering as a guest.