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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Drug Take-Back Day dropoffs
April 22, 2023 12:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

We stopped by the Southwest Precinct after the first hour of today’s Drug Take-Back Day dropoffs – one box was filled and a second well on the way. Left to right above are Betsy Cruz from the DEA, SPD Officer Taylor Vergara, and Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner. All you have to do is walk into the meeting room right off the precinct’s public parking lot (2300 SW Webster, just west of Delridge) and drop your unwanted, no-longer-needed, and/or expired medication. They have some swag too, while supplies last. As featured in our calendar and preview list, this continues until 2 pm.

P.S. If you missed it, as commenter “Auntie” notes, there are multiple West Seattle year-round dropoff spots too – you can look them up by zip code here.

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ELECTION 2023: 9 more days to vote on crisis-care levy
April 16, 2023 4:59 pm
|      70 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Less than 10 percent of King County voters have sent in their ballots so far for the April 25 special election. You’re voting on just one issue: The countywide levy to fund crisis-care centers. Here’s an info-sheet about the levy. As noted here in January, this nine-year levy would raise a total of $1.25 billion to set up five new regional crisis-care centers, among other things. According to King County, “The levy would be assessed at 14.5 cents per $1,000 in assessed value, estimated to cost approximately $119 per year in 2024 for a median-priced home of $694,000.” Tuesday,April 25th is your deadline to get your ballot postmarked and into USPS mail, or (by 8 that night) into a dropbox. We have three in West Seattle: In The Junction on the south side of SW Alaska just west of California, in High Point on the south side of SW Raymond just east of 35th SW, and on Puget Ridge in front of the South Seattle College [6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor] administration building. (The full countywide list, including dropboxes in White Center and South Park, is here.)

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‘These are all our kids’: Youth substance-abuse prevention gets spotlight at West Seattle town hall event
April 11, 2023 11:11 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Dr. Kevin Haggerty

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

West Seattle neighbors, community groups, school leaders and law enforcement trainees gathered on Wednesday night at Denny International Middle School for a town hall discussion focused on prevention of underage substance abuse.

The event’s keynote speaker was expert Dr. Kevin Haggerty, Emeritus Professor for Prevention at the University of Washington, who talked about current challenges and opportunities ahead for families and community members, particularly for vaping and fentanyl.

Read More

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HEALTH: West Seattle therapist starting new group for neurodiverse people
March 28, 2023 9:00 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Starting tonight, West Seattle therapist Laura Bruco is offering a pay-what-you-can therapy group for neurodiverse people – here’s what it’s about:

I’m starting a new therapy group called Mindscapes, specifically designed for neurodiverse / neuroqueer adults.

For those who may not be familiar with the terms, “neurodiverse” and “neuroqueer” refer to individuals with different neurological patterns, which can include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other ways of thinking and processing information that diverge from the neurological norm.

Mindscapes is all about creating a warm, inclusive environment where neurodivergent adults can come together to discuss their challenges, successes, and perspectives. The group is inspired by the wisdom of nature and seeks to build a sustainable, creative, and reciprocal community that celebrates the uniqueness of each participant.

By participating in Mindscapes, members may gain a deeper understanding of their own neurological patterns, commune with others who get the experience of being neuroqueer in a neurotypical world, and gain strategies and support for navigating life.

The group will kick off on March 28th and will meet every Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm. Before joining, I’d like to have a quick 20-minute chat with each person to make sure it’s the right fit for them (book at thecenterofyou.net/booking/). The group will be hosted on Zoom, and the link will be provided after our initial conversation. The group is open so people can come and go according to their resources and needs.

The cost is “pay what you can,” with a suggested contribution of $20/session. This way, everyone has access to the group, regardless of their Financial situation.

The group will remain open to people joining even after tonight’s first meeting, so even if you don’t see this in time, if you’re interested, you can contact Laura at Laura@TheCenterOfYou.net.

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West Seattle town hall set to discuss youth substance use
March 26, 2023 8:43 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Safety | West Seattle news

You’ve probably heard the warning “one pill can kill.” Here in the fentanyl era, teenage substance use is riskier than ever. What’s a parent/guardian to do? How do you talk about it with the youngest members of your household? Westside HEY (Healthy Empowered Youth) and the Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance have announced a town-hall discussion for which you might want to set your calendar: 6 pm Wednesday, April 5th, in the galleria at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon). Speakers include UW prevention expert Dr. Kevin Haggerty. Youth Alliance coordinator Lensy Cordova says Mayor Bruce Harrell is expected too. No need to RSVP – just show up. Here’s the flyer in English, Spanish, and Somali.

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Blood-donation pop-ups in West Seattle, with an extra purpose
March 14, 2023 2:50 pm
|    Comments Off on Blood-donation pop-ups in West Seattle, with an extra purpose
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Bloodworks Northwest has a long list of springtime pop-up donation dates in West Seattle – and says there is a special reason those donations will matter more than ever: The blood bank is part of BERC (Blood Emergency Readiness Corps), 30 blood centers representing 37 states. BNW explaind. “BERC was formed to better prepare for mass transfusion needs when mass-injury emergencies strike. As part of the BERC partnership, Bloodworks commits to collecting extra units on a rotating ‘on call’ schedule to create an available supply for nationwide emergency needs.” It just wrapped up a week “on call” and is up again March 27 through April 2. Your donation “could be used to help patients locally or be sent anywhere in the US if there is a catastrophe in another part of our country.” So if you can donate blood, pick a date, time, and location by going here.

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CORONAVIRUS: State to end 3 mask requirements, including health care and long-term care
March 3, 2023 8:49 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Just received from the state Health Department:

Effective April 3, the Washington State Department of Health will end the Secretary of Health Mask Order, which currently requires universal masking in health care, long-term care, and adult correctional facilities for people age 5 and older.

In Washington, COVID-19, RSV, and influenza disease rates and hospitalizations have continued to decline since the end of last year. The end of Washington’s universal masking requirements aligns with similar announcement made today by the state of Oregon.

“Masks have been – and will continue to be – an important tool, along with vaccinations, to keep people healthy and safe,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “We are thankful for our health and long-term care providers, staff members, patients, and all Washingtonians, for following the important public health measures put in place during the pandemic to protect one another.”

DOH infection prevention and control guidance continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings. Licensed healthcare facilities are required to have infection prevention policies and programs consistent with CDC guidance.

Several worker protection requirements enforced by the state’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) remain in effect, including that employees and contractors may choose to use face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job without employer retaliation. Additionally, under the state Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) rules, several key worker protections remain in place until the federal pandemic response declaration ends May 11.

The current Secretary of Health Mask Order will remain in place until 11:59 pm on April 2. Local or tribal governments, facilities, and providers may choose to continue to require masks in these or other settings.

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VACCINATION: Flu, COVID shot clinic in West Seattle on Sunday
January 31, 2023 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on VACCINATION: Flu, COVID shot clinic in West Seattle on Sunday
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

The Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) is hosting another community vaccination clinic this Sunday – here’s the announcement:

COVID/Flu Vaccine Clinic
Community School of West Seattle
Feb 5, 2023
11 AM-4 PM

All approved COVID vaccines for 6-months+ olds! Pediatric (starting at 6 months) and adult flu vaccines, but no high-dose geriatric flu vaccines available.

Preregistration encouraged: tinyurl.com/2p8yz32m

We just checked at that link and plenty of appointments are available. If you prefer QR codes, there’s one on this event flyer. They say walk-ins will be welcome, too.

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ELECTION 2023: County Council might decide Tuesday on whether to send $1.25 billion behavioral-health levy to voters (update: they will)
January 30, 2023 10:07 pm
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

ORIGINAL MONDAY REPORT: Another special election will be ahead in April if the King County Council votes Tuesday – or shortly thereafter – to send a $1.25 billion behavioral-health levy to voters. The meeting preview says the measure would create a nine-year property tax levy to fund “four key goals,” listed as follows:

*Create five new regional crisis care centers: Distributed geographically across the county, the centers would provide walk-in access and the potential for short-term stays to help people stabilize, depending on needs, with one center specifically serving youth.

*Preserve and restore the dramatic loss of residential treatment beds: In 2018, 355 beds providing community-based residential care for people with mental health residential needs existed in King County. Today, only 244 of these beds are available.

*Grow the behavioral health workforce pipeline: The proposal would create career pathways through apprenticeship programming and access to higher education, credentialing, training, and wrap-around supports. It would also invest in equitable wages for the workforce at crisis care centers.

*Provide immediate services while centers are being constructed: The proposal would also use initial proceeds to quickly create mobile or site-based crisis behavioral health services that can operate until the first crisis care centers open. This bridge strategy would complement recent state and federally-funded-mobile crisis teams.

The need for these services has expanded greatly in recent years, according to sponsors. They elaborate in the full text of the proposal going before county councilmembers at 1 pm Tuesday, which you can read here (page 50). If passed as written, the levy would cost the owner of a median-priced King County home – $694,000 in 2021 valuations – $10 a month in 2024. You can comment to the council before or during the hybrid (online and in-person downtown) meeting; the agenda explains how.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Per a statement from the County Executive’s Office, the county council did indeed approve sending the levy to voters in April.

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ALSO TODAY: Pop-up blood drive in Highland Park
January 12, 2023 11:48 am
|    Comments Off on ALSO TODAY: Pop-up blood drive in Highland Park
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Thanks to the reader who just sent word of this – the American Red Cross has a pop-up blood drive at Bethany Community Church in Highland Park this afternoon/evening, 1-6:30 pm. Appointments required (type 98106 in the search box on that page); when we checked, openings were listed between 1:30 and 4:30 pm. The church is at 8600 9th SW; \\

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Uninsured? Underinsured? Health help in Highland Park on Saturday
January 12, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Uninsured? Underinsured? Health help in Highland Park on Saturday
 |   Health | Highland Park | West Seattle news

A health-insurance enrollment event at Highland Park Elementary 10 am-2 pm this Saturday (January 14th) is open to everyone and offering some services – health and otherwise – for people in need:

HEALTH INSURANCE
-Get enrolled into health insurance.
-Find our health insurance options.
-Apple Health Insurance (Children, Pregnant Women, & Adults).

MAMMOGRAMS
 Women 40 & older & You must live in King County
 Uninsured or Underinsured
 Immigration status is not a factor
 Call for an appointment 800-756-5437

ADULT DENTAL SERVICES
Treatment for URGENT dental needs: Extractions – Filings – X-Rays – Exams – Pain/Swelling
 Must be a King County resident.
 Immigration status is not a factor.
 Not eligible for Apple Health (Medicaid) due to citizenship status.
 Meet income guidelines
 Call for an appointment: 800-756-5437

ALSO
-ORCA Lift Enrollment with preloaded cards. If you’re on TANF or SSI you get free fare for one year.
-City of Seattle Utility assistance Applications.
-COVID Vaccines (with gift card)
-Free lunch provided by Soul Fusion Food Truck!
-Cell phones & more

HPES is at 1012 SW Trenton.

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You might be invited to participate in national health survey
January 2, 2023 12:10 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Public Health – Seattle & King County says some West Seattle participants are being sought for an invitation-only, voluntary national health survey starting soon. Here’s their announcement explaining the survey:

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the most comprehensive survey of the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, is coming to King County beginning on January 4, 2023.

All counties and cities in the United States have a chance to be selected for the NHANES and, this year, King County is one of 15 counties selected to be part of this initiative. Each year, only 5,000 residents nationwide are chosen to participate in NHANES, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

NHANES provides important national data on critical public health issues. “NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up’ by going into communities throughout the country to collect health information,” said Brian C. Moyer, PhD, Director of the NCHS. “The survey provides a wealth of important data about many of the major health and nutritional issues affecting the country.”

“I’m so pleased that our community was selected to participate in this year’s study,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health — Seattle & King County. “I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate to do so. The information provided by our residents will help us to better inform our policy makers and provide us with important information as we make decisions on how to best use our public health resources to meet the needs of our community.”

Since 1960, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. NHANES data address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop evidence-based health policies, direct and design health programs and services, and expand the health knowledge of the nation. NHANES data also help produce national references and standardized growth charts used by pediatricians across the country.

NHANES collects a broad range of data that affect the lives of everyone in the country, regardless of age, addressing everything from air quality to the low-fat and “light” foods found in grocery stores.

Study participant selection and study involvement

An NHANES team of health professionals, nutritionists, and health technicians is heading to King County and urges everyone who has been selected for the survey to participate.

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the county. By selecting participants this way, when combining data from all counties visited this year, NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.

Randomly selected households will be sent one or more letters inviting them to be part of NHANES by completing a brief online questionnaire to see if anyone in their home is eligible to take part. Those eligible will be contacted by an NHANES representative to set up a telephone health interview at a convenient time, followed by a health examination that takes place in the NHANES mobile examination center. While no medical care is provided directly in the mobile examination center, a report on physical findings is given to each participant, along with an explanation of those findings from survey medical staff.

Benefits of participating in NHANES, if selected:

-Participants receive a free and comprehensive health and nutrition evaluation.
-Participants help develop and evolve national health programs and policies.
-Participants receive a token of appreciation for their time.

All information collected in the survey is kept confidential and individual privacy is protected by law. NHANES is taking all precautions needed, as recommended by the CDC, to keep survey participants and staff safe by following guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, handwashing, and sanitation of the mobile examination center and all equipment.

You can find out more about the survey, including data spanning decades, here.

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Ready for a running start to 2023? Get Fit West Seattle Info Night on Wednesday
January 1, 2023 8:44 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If you’re among the many resolved to boost your fitness level in the new year, here’s an option: Wednesday night, West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts the next Info Night for its Get Fit West Seattle program. This is training that will get you from “couch to half-marathon” within just a few months, starting with a one-mile run next Saturday morning. But first, show up at the shop at 7 pm Wednesday (January 4th) for an explanation of the program and a chance to ask questions. (If you have any in advance, you can email lori@westseattlerunner.com.)

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HEALTH: New therapy program ‘for anyone looking to improve their lives’
December 22, 2022 12:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

If your plans for the new year include getting help to improve your life, Laura Bruco, MSW, LSWAIC (WSB sponsor) is offering a program that starts in January. Here’s the announcement:

I’m excited to announce that Registration is OPEN for the next 12-week intensive therapy program!

I specialize in working with adult clients who need more intensive therapy than 2-4 hours per month, and who benefit from a program that is fully online in the evenings.

The program is appropriate for anyone looking to improve their lives. This includes folks previously diagnosed with complex trauma / PTSD, personality disorders, emotion regulation disorders, dissociative disorders, substance use disorders and psychotic disorders. I welcome folks who have experienced oppression based on race, nation, gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, and more.

Program Dates: The first group session will be held on 1/23/2023 and the final group session will be on 4/13/2023.

Schedule: Groups will be held via Telehealth on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 pm.

Program Structure: Small closed group cohort of adults. Process-oriented so that clients know how to continue the process well after the program ends.

Discovery Group focused on exploration/development of the self and skills for managing life and relationships;
Experience Group focused on practicing and playing with new ways of relating to others; and
Individual Psychotherapy to support you with your individual needs as you move through the program. (Option to use existing therapist for this via the Partial Package.)

Visit the Program Details page for detailed information about the program.

Early bird registrations by December 31, 2022 are eligible for 20% off the total program fee! If you are interested but finances are an obstacle, please reach out about a sliding scale option (limited availability).

First Step: The first step to register is to schedule a 20-minute consultation with me to make sure it’s a good fit. There will be a $150 deposit upon registration.

Please reach out if you have any questions! Laura@TheCenterOfYou.net

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VIDEO: State, federal health officials come to West Seattle with a message: Protect your older relatives and friends.
December 19, 2022 9:14 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

West Seattle’s Providence Mount St. Vincent was the venue today for a simple, urgent message delivered by federal Health and Human Services regional director Ingrid Ulrey and state Department of Health director Dr. Umair Shah: Before you spend time with senior friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure you’re not bringing them something unwanted as you bring gifts and good cheer – disease.

Briefing media after a private roundtable, they spotlighted the “tripledemic” that’s a factor right now – flu, COVID, and RSV – stressing that COVID in particular is not a thing of the past. It’s “not the disruptive force it used to be,” said Ulrey, but it’s still killing more than 300 people in the U.S. each day, and 90 percent of them are seniors. So, she urged, “show your love for your loved ones” – before gatherings, be up to date on vaccines and boosters, and take a COVID test. Here’s our video of the full briefing:

The other speakers were The Mount’s administrator Charlene Boyd, state AARP director Marguerite Ro, King County’s long-term-care ombudsman Pamela Williams, Mount residents’ son Chris Robert, and Public Health -Seattle & King County‘s adult-vaccine program manager Caren Goldenberg. In addition to urging everyone to get current on vaccines, the officials said that’s something long-term-care facilities nationwide have to work on, too, with only 47 percent of residents and 22 percent of staff up to date. Between the two sides of the effort, Williams said, it’s important to remember that care-facility residents have rights including “the right to be free of communicable diseases.” Indoor masking – as recently recommended by health officials – and good ventilation are important too.

The health officials also pointed out that federal and state programs offering free home COVID tests are still active. But some COVID-related resources have ended; we asked about their status. Dr. Shah called it a “complex issue”; Ulrey explained that Congress has failed so far to pass the White House request for resources including preparing for future pandemics. But in the short run, the bottom line of the briefing was that it’s time for you to do what you can and protect the people you love.

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BIZNOTE: Mama Bear Midwife Care opens in north Morgan Junction
December 16, 2022 12:06 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

One of West Seattle’s newest businesses has opened in north Morgan Junction: Aneke Roach has launched Mama Bear Midwife Care Sanctuary at 6021 California SW. Roach, who’s been a certified midwife for more than 20 years, says, “The idea for this sanctuary was conceived from my seeing and feeling the difficulties that many pregnant people experience in their process of searching for loving care, exploring medical assistance alternatives, discovering a place to grow into parenthood, and enjoying this new chapter of their lives deeply.” She and her team plan to offer:

-holistic midwife care
-in-person childbirth education classes (CBE classes) during pregnancy
-midwife/monitrice and doula support during birth
-postpartum packages for lactation support and newborn care advice
-belly binding/ massage, bone closure ceremony, baby massage courses, lactation tea meetups, dads meetups
-fun events for all stages of becoming parents and early parenthood

You can find out more about Mama Bear Midwife Care via their website, here.

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King County’s public-health officer, others recommend indoor mask-wearing, for three reasons
December 9, 2022 11:31 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Those three reasons are RSV, flu, and COVID-19. From today’s announcement:

Public Health – Seattle & King Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin joins other local health officers and health care leaders in recommending masking in indoor public spaces and other prevention measures given the high level of respiratory viruses circulating and stress on hospitals.

Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. As health officers and health-care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.

We also urge everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on your vaccinations. Vaccinations are the most important way to protect against severe influenza and COVID-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against these diseases and those who are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster should get it now.

Other necessary strategies include:

-Staying home from work and school and testing for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms.
-Having a plan for rapid treatment for COVID-19 and influenza for people who are at increased risk for severe infections.
-Improving indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and UV technology where appropriate.

We expect the flu to circulate for months, so now is the time to get your flu shot!

You can see the full announcement – including the list of local health officers and health-care-organization leaders who have signed on to the recommendation – by going here.

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VACCINATION: Another monkeypox clinic in West Seattle on Saturday
December 9, 2022 9:04 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Just got word of another monkeypox vaccination event in West Seattle this weekend, for those who meet current eligibility criteria. Like the one in October, this is happening at Arthur’s (2311 California SW). First and second shots of the vaccine will be available 5-8 pm Saturday (December 10). No appointment needed – just show up. If you can’t get to this, watch here for other vaccination opportunities.

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BIZNOTE: Changes for SoundYoga
December 1, 2022 12:37 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Longtime WSB sponsor SoundYoga wants you to know, “We’re still here!” despite one big change. Here’s the announcement, and a request:

On February 2, 1998, Chris Dormaier, Yoga instructor and author, founded and began operating the SoundYoga studio at 5639 California Avenue SW.

For nearly 25 years at this location, Chris and her fellow teachers have provided various levels of Yoga classes and Yoga teacher training to many of our West Seattle and broader Seattle-area residents. This past summer, Chris was notified by her landlord that the SoundYoga lease would not be renewed. Well, the time has come to close the beautiful SoundYoga studio space. However, like many businesses, SoundYoga had pivoted to providing online classes during COVID and we will continue to offer online classes after the studio space is gone. We will also offer a limited number of in-person classes near our former studio. If you have studio space to share, please contact us at info@soundyoga.com.

Our last day in the studio was November 30, 2022, and we look forward to continuing to serve the West Seattle community and beyond via our online classes found at SoundYoga.com.

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CORONAVIRUS: Another West Seattle COVID-testing site shuts down
November 28, 2022 10:00 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Two months shy of two years after its opening, the Curative COVID-testing trailer at Don Armeni Boat Ramp has closed. We asked about its status after noticing it was no longer listed on the company’s webmap, though the trailer was still on site when we checked this morning. Curative spokesperson Pasquale Gianni tells WSB the company expects to close all its COVID-testing sites by the end of the year, unless “an unexpected demand for testing services” arises. (Gianni adds that the company is pivoting to another health-care venture, involving “a new approach to employer-based health insurance” that it’s launching in Austin, Texas.) For a while, Curative also had a testing van on the Summit Atlas campus in Arbor Heights, but closed that one in May.

With the Don Armeni Curative closure, one major testing site remains in West Seattle, in the parking lot of Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). UW Medicine operates that one in partnership with the city. We checked on its status; UW Medicine spokesperson Leila Gray tells WSB, “The site is likely to close when the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration expires. This is the official declaration of the COVID pandemic’s status as a national public health emergency. This Federal Emergency Declaration was last renewed October 13, 2022, as announced by U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and it would expire in about 3 months unless renewed.” So for now, that site remains in operation until further notice.

Also of note: The state Health Department is still offering free home-testing kits through at least the end of the year; this reminder last week explains how to get them.

ADDED TUESDAY: A commenter pointed out last night that the free-tests website says they’ve run out. We checked with the Health Department this morning; a spokesperson replied that they’re indeed out right now but: “We are working with our vendor to get a new supply, possibly as early as this week.”

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WEST SEATTLE THANKSGIVING: 4 pre-turkey exercise options
November 22, 2022 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE THANKSGIVING: 4 pre-turkey exercise options
 |   Health | Holidays | West Seattle news

Before the cooking and feasting, you have a few ways to get moving on Thursday. The sun is supposed to be back just in time for the outdoor options, too. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

(West Seattle Runner photo from 2018 Gobble Gobble Group Run)

GOBBLE GOBBLE GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) is bringing back its holiday-morning run, 8 am from Alki. If you can, bring a nonperishable-food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. Meetup location and other details are in our calendar listing.

THANKSGIVING NATURE WALK: West Seattle naturalist Ann is organizing this – meet at 8:45 am at the “Luna Girls on Alki” sculpture north of Salty’s – details in our calendar listing.

THANKSGIVING DONATION CLASS: 9 am Power Flow class at Dragonfly (3270 California SW), benefiting West Seattle Food Bank – info in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE YMCA: If you want to work out at the Y, the Triangle HQ (but not Fauntleroy) will be open 7 am-11 am on Thanksgiving. (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor)

Anything to add to the list? Email us! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BIZNOTE: New services from Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, including delivery
November 11, 2022 3:37 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: New services from Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, including delivery
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

You can get almost anything delivered to your house/apartment – now, add physical therapy to the list. It’s one of two new services that Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) wants you to know about. Mark Bouma of LWPT West Seattle says, “We are now offering Delivered Physical Therapy visits to residents in West Seattle and medically based Personal Training.” Delivered PT might be your best option if, for example, you’re a post-operative patient, you don’t have transportation to the clinic or can’t currently drive, you have kids you don’t want to bring along, etc. Read more about it here; meet the physical therapists in this video. Medically based personal training is being offered by Lorilei “Ilei” Tinia, NASM-CPT (here’s her bio). Mark says, “She is seeing clients in our clinic space during the week and on weekends. Ilei works closely with our physical therapists to make sure the appropriate modifications are made to make your training program safe and effective. A Doctor of Physical Therapy is always nearby to help triage any aches or pains to keep you on track with your fitness goals.” Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle is at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW; contact info is here.

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BIZNOTE: New ownership for Fitness Together West Seattle
November 8, 2022 11:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: FTWS founder Bonnie Katz Sailors and new owner Bryan Habas)

Another successful West Seattle Junction business has just changed ownership.

But that’s the only thing changing about Fitness Together West Seattle (4546 California SW; WSB sponsor), say founder Bonnie Katz Sailors and new owner Bryan Habas.

Bonnie founded the personal-training fitness studio 16 years ago. “It’s been amazing, crazy, wonderful,” she told us during a chat in the studio. She even met her husband Duncan Sailors through FT – after hiring him as her second employee. And Fitness Together West Seattle not only survived the pandemic, but thrived – Bonnie says the past two years have been her best two years, “so we’re ending on a high note.”

Fitness Together started offering online training during the height of the pandemic, but even once in-person training resumed, one other crisis proved something of a boon: The West Seattle Bridge closure increased interest in fitness options close to home. And this family-owned business was ready to respond. Now, Bonnie’s ready for her next chapter, and that’s where Bryan comes in.

He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, still active in the Air National Guard, as well as an experienced management consultant with 15 years in the corporate world. But about a year and a half ago, he started looking for his own business to run. He found this one specializing in “something I love – fitness. … I fell in love with the idea of helping people.” After meeting Bonnie, he was impressed by Fitness Together West Seattle’s “great trainers, and great community.” Those trainers are all staying, Bonnie adds. The studio overall will continue “as similar as possible” to the way it’s been operating, Bryan says – “what Bonnie has built is so special.”

What’s next for her? She plans to concentrate full time on her art, examples of which are hanging in the studio – painting and photography.

And Bryan is now the leader of Fitness Together’s one-on-one training team. They’re always accepting new clients, and the studio is open six days a week (weekday evenings too). The model works, Bonnie says, because “everyone needs a coach!”

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