Health 927 results

Little kids, big freebie: Dr. Bryan Brenner’s “well-baby check” day

No, Dr. Bryan Brenner, DDS (WSB sponsor), says, the American Dental Association is NOT trying to make parents feel guilty by warning them to be sure to get their little ones to the dentist for the first time “within six months of the appearance of a child’s first tooth and no later than his or her first birthday.” That’s just to make sure you know how important it is for your child to have a healthy mouth! Toward that end, Dr. Brenner is offering FREE well-baby checks for children 5 and younger on Friday, April 1st, from 8 am – 12 pm. Parents must call and schedule an appointment at 206-762-2573. (Find out more about why baby teeth matter and what is included in a well-baby check by reading what Dr. Brenner wrote here.)

Seattle city leaders backing medical-marijuana bill SB 5073

Over the weekend, we reported on the neighborhood discussion sparked by reports that West Seattle’s third medical-marijuana dispensary might be on its way to a space in the 5200 block of Delridge Way SW. Though police tell WSB that the property owner now says the dispensary probably is not happening after all, the issue remains, since dispensaries are operating in a gray area of the law. We noted in our weekend report that state legislation to change that, SB 5073, has a public hearing in Olympia today; now we’ve received a letter from Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes‘ office, also signed by Mayor McGinn and the entire City Council, voicing support for the bill, because they believe a “coherent, consistent, and rational regulatory system’ for dispensaries is needed. Here’s the letter in its entirety, including amendments they are proposing, including restoring language that would allow for-profit dispensaries as well as nonprofit.

Always Best Care Senior Services of Seattle: New WSB sponsor

Today, we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Always Best Care Senior Services of Seattle, specializing in non-medical in-home care and senior living referrals, and owned and operated by Brian and Maureen Englund. New sponsors are offered the chance to let you know more about their business: With more than 30 years of experience in senior living, care and services, the Englunds have a sincere concern for enhancing the quality of life that goes beyond doing what is required and doing more for those entrusted to their care.

Always Best Care Seattle is licensed to provide non-medical in-home care needed for seniors and adults of any age to continue living safely and comfortably at home. Care providers are directly employed, licensed, insured and bonded, and receive comprehensive orientation and ongoing training. Home care services are available 1 to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. With Always Best Care, seniors and their families have the important and empowering option of remaining at home with in-home care or receiving assistance with the selection and move to a senior living community. You will receive guidance in making a well informed and sound decision. Either way, you will receive exceptional service and peace of mind.

Always Best Care is also pleased to offer their services as certified leaders of the American Red Cross Family Caregiving program as a complimentary public service. The program consists of eight one-hour classes, and each is a self-contained module allowing you to attend any or all of the classes. The program has just begun at the Senior Center of West Seattle, every Wednesday, continuing this week (March 9). The next seven classes are:

General Caregiving Skills – March 9
Positioning and Helping Your Loved One Move – March 16
Assisting with Personal Care – March 23
Healthy Eating – March 30
Caring for the Caregiver – April 6
Legal and Financial Issues – April 13
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease – April 20

To register online, go to www.abc-seattle.com/red-cross.

We thank Always Best Care Senior Services of Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Deadly disease kills 2 West Seattle dogs; 1 owner ‘on a mission’

Peg Prideaux of West Seattle lost her dog Luis (above) this month to what she describes as a rat-borne disease – and says a neighbor’s dog died of the same thing just weeks earlier, so, she says, “I’m on a mission to warn others.”

She says the dogs had never had contact with each other, but both died of what was believed to be leptospirosis. Peg explained in a note to WSB, “Dogs usually contract the disease by coming in contact with rat urine, which can be found in still water such as a backyard rain puddle. In both cases the dogs threw up; then appeared to recover; then later became ill a second time. One of the dogs had killed a rat; the other dog is believed to have come in contact with rat urine in the yard. This disease can fool you. It first appears as a simple, 24-hour ‘doggie flu,’ after which the dog appears to be normal and well while the disease works in the background. Then the dog becomes ill a second time — in my dog’s case, about a week later. At that point he went from seemingly healthy to irrecoverable in just over a day.”

Her dog was euthanized ten days ago. “I’m on a mission to warn others, because when two healthy dogs die within 10 weeks of each other from the same rat-borne illness, it’s a cause for concern in the neighborhood. Also, leptospirosis is said to increase in spring, which is right around the corner.” Just this morning, she says, a dead rat turned up in the same area, near 38th and Graham [map], found by neighbors out walking their dogs.

She suggests pet owners “within a several-block radius of 37th and Juneau [map] to see a
veterinarian immediately if their dogs vomit a meal,” and make sure you point out that two nearby dogs have died of leptospirosis. “Earliest possible detection is essential to saving your pet. Please don’t hesitate about taking your dog in.”

She says leptospirosis can also affect humans and adds that there’s a vaccine against some strains – ask your vet about it. There’s more information about leptospirosis on the Centers for Disease Control website; here’s the page about pets, and here’s the page about humans. There’s even more information on the King County Public Health website, which notes

Relay for Life of West Seattle: Discount signup through Sunday!

February 19, 2011 9:30 pm
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 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

After Thursday night’s kickoff for this June’s cancer-fighting Relay for Life of West Seattle, Rebecca Polivy sent in a report – and an invitation if you haven’t signed up yet:

The West Seattle Relay Kickoff event held (Thursday) night, February 17th, at Coffee to a Tea with Sugar in the junction was a huge success! New and old participants gathered for a night of food, entertainment and information. Event Chair Jilyan Perry spoke to new and old relay participants and got everyone very excited for the event which will be June 10-11 at the West Seattle Stadium. Dwaine Casmey, captain of Team Avanade, entertained the crowd with his brillant tunes while everyone munched on delicious cupcakes from our hosts.

If you haven’t had a chance to participate in Relay for Life it’s not too late! Please visit our website and contact us with any questions. Team registration fees will be half price through this weekend – so sign up today!!! All are welcome.

West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center celebrates the new year

February 6, 2011 11:07 pm
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 |   Delridge | Health | West Seattle news

The weather truncated outdoor events for today’s scheduled Vietnamese New Year (Tết) celebration at the Vietnamese Cultural Center in mid-Delridge, next to the Tug Inn. But there were still festivities to celebrate the Year of the Cat – which replaces the rabbit on Vietnamese calendars. While stopping by, we asked about the new feature under construction on the center’s grounds:

With sponsors’ help, the center (originally profiled here in 2008) is building this structure to complement the large statue that pays tribute to General Tran Hung Dao, a 13th-century hero, so that more history can be shared. It’s expected to be open in July.

Relay for Life of West Seattle: Kickoff party on February 17th

February 6, 2011 7:06 pm
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 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Tabling in The Junction at noontime today were Jilyan Perry and Tamara Judy on behalf of Relay for Life of West Seattle, the all-night cancer-fighting fundraiser that draws hundreds to West Seattle Stadium every June. The relay isn’t until June 10-11, but the kickoff celebration is just a week and a half away, 6-8 pm Thursday, February 17th, at Coffee to a Tea with Sugar. Relay for Life of West Seattle, and events like it around the country, benefit the cancer-fighting work of the American Cancer Society; you’re invited to come to the Feb. 17th event to see how you can help – by planning, organizing, sponsoring, organizing, any or all of the above. (This year the WS Relay for Life also is on Facebook and on Twitter.)

Call it a 2-minute warning: Breast-cancer-fighting filmmaker’s video

Nikki Mackey hopes you will take two minutes to watch that video she and her filmmaking partner have just created. We heard from her last October, when she got her hair cut at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) to donate to Locks of Love – right before she started treatment for breast cancer. (Here’s that story.) At the time, Nikki explained, “I’m 36 years old – I have no family history of this disease – I exercise regularly and eat organically, yet here I am.” And the latest:

I am an aspiring filmmaker – part of a 2-girl filmmaking team. My “partner in crime” (Connie Finn) actually lives over in West Seattle still. She and I made a PSA that was filmed back in December between my 3rd and 4th A/C chemo treatments. We had 2 days to film – 2 days that I would feel well enough for us to get it done. We filmed this in my bathroom if you would believe it – totally indie-style! … That day also happened to be my 37th birthday – one that could have easily been my last. I hope you will consider posting the film on your site. Its run time is only 2 minutes but the message is important and clear. We aren’t seeking to make any money from this film – only to save lives. I am still in chemo – I have another 9 months to go. But I am fighting hard and I aim to win – and it is all about early detection.

As a viewer advisory, we should note there is a point in the video where some may decide to turn away. But the truth of its message is inescapable. (Here’s more information from the American Cancer Society.)

AlkiMoves: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Erik LaSeur of AlkiMoves, the only practicing Feldenkrais teacher in West Seattle. New sponsors get the chance to tell you about themselves: Erik’s wellness work at AlkiMoves is based upon the work of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, a Russian-born Israeli scientist and judo master. Erik says what differentiates the Feldenkrais method from most of the health/wellness field is that this isn’t a therapy — rather, it’s a method of learning: “We use movement as a means of learning because it’s easier to measure movement as opposed to thinking, feeling, and sensing. This is the same kind of organic learning we all did when we were infants.” From his work at the Senior Center of West Seattle, he says he’s been able to help people dealing with balance problems and neurological challenges:”I’ve had great success working with people who live with Fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis. What keeps people coming back is their curiosity about learning to be their own best healers.” He says he gets referrals from massage therapists, naturopaths, and acupuncturists: “People usually seek me out after they’ve tried everything else and are still in pain, or something physically bothers them.”

The other members of the AlkiMoves staff are Anna Oeste and Mary Morrison. Sessions are held for groups of seven at a time. Erik also works with small companies to help them lower health-care costs by teaching more-efficient, less-painful ways to work, whether it’s lifting heavy weights or sitting at a keyboard. Erik is a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and a member of the West Seattle Champions BNI group, is treasurer of the Northwest Region of the Feldenkrais Guild of North America, and is a member of Feldenkrais Teachers in Seattle.

We thank AlkiMoves for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry: New WSB sponsor

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry. New WSB sponsors get the chance to tell you about their business, and here’s what they’d like you to know: “Dr. Krieger, Dr. Pavlovich, and our staff have an unwavering passion for meeting the needs of every individual in a unique and personalized way. Patients often remark that our office is the only office they have been to where the dentistry is taken so seriously, but the patients, doctors and staff all have fun during the process. Our mission is to treat every patient with the same compassion and kindness as we would a family member or friend. There is, however, one thing that sets Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry apart from every office in Seattle. We are one of the very few utilizing the process of ‘Digital Co-Diagnosis,’ in which the patient becomes a vital part of the diagnostic process using cutting edge digital technology. Our office actually was one of the pioneers in developing this technique which is now used all over the world. We would love to show any potential patient how this process works because it is revolutionary. Anyone who is interested should simply call our office and set up a new patient exam. Because of our commitment to care, many other dentists in the area recognize us as one of the the leading dental offices in the Greater Seattle area. When 3500 dentists were polled, our office was twice voted as a ‘Top Seattle Dental Office’.”

Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry is at 4150 California SW; call 206-935-1855. They’re online at kriegerdental.com. Through their WSB ad, they’re offering a special to new patients this month – contact them for an appointment.

We thank Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle Running Club hopes to help you stay on track

January 16, 2011 7:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Running Club hopes to help you stay on track
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy Dave Howard/West Seattle Running Club)
Halfway into the first month of the new year, how’s your fitness resolution going? Need a little support? Dave Howard says he’s got just the group:

Did you make a fitness resolution for the new year? Do you want help keeping
it? Come run with the West Seattle Running Club. You may be thinking, “A running club? I might not be fast enough. These people are probably too hard core.” Not so. We are a social running group with nearly 60 members and all running levels. We welcome all paces including walk/runners. We have no rules and no expectations other than supporting each other and having fun.

Join us at the Statue of Liberty at Alki Beach on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The runs are relatively informal; we all start out together and run with whoever is at our pace, and then make sure that everyone comes in safely. We usually run three to five miles during the week and maybe a longer run on Sundays. Our members run many events each year and we support each other with group training runs and schedules that are event specific.

We have been told we are a social group with a running problem. Maybe because we do pizza one night each week after the run and have coffee together following the Sunday morning runs. We do lots of cross-training activities including cycling and skiing. We sometimes put together relay teams for the events around the Northwest.

Not associated with any businesses or other local organizations, we are just your West Seattle neighbors, together for more than 16 years, to create opportunities for runners of all levels to meet and run with others, to provide support and encouragement to members in achieving their personal goals, and to have a lot of fun.

So keep that resolution, and let us help. Come on down to the beach and run with us. Just show up and we will introduce ourselves. For more information visit us at www.westseattlerunningclub.org or contact me at wsrdave@comcast.net or 206-938-2416. We look forward to running with you soon.

Bryan Brenner DDS: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

Today we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Bryan Brenner DDS, located at 10254 16th Ave. SW (map) next to the licensing agency in Dormer Plaza. New WSB sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves; here’s what Dr. Brenner would like you to know:

A beautiful smile is taken for granted by those who already have one. Your smile can change the way you present yourself to the world and the manner in which you are perceived. About a year and a half ago, Dr. Brenner and his wife Cheryl (pictured with daughter Charlotte) moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest after falling in love with Seattle. Dr. Brenner opened his family-friendly practice with the belief that a visit to the dentist does not have to be intimidating. Patients are encouraged to ask any and every dental question they have during their visits. Dr. Brenner specializes in family and cosmetic dentistry, which includes whitening, Invisalign, veneers, dentures, porcelain crowns and bridges, root canals, Cerec one-visit crowns and the planning and restoration of implants. He also provides free well-baby checks for children of his patients (6 months – 5 years) so that the children become accustomed to visiting the dentist. Bryan Brenner DDS is offering a $150 Macy’s gift card to all new patients after the completion of their comprehensive exam, cleaning, and X-rays. Dr. Brenner would also like new patients to know that they he will gladly donate that same $150 to WestSide Baby in lieu of the gift card. Find out more information online at www.bryanbrennerdds.com or by visiting Bryan Brenner DDS on Facebook. If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please call 206-762-2573.

We thank Bryan Brenner DDS for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle Family YMCA gets new signs, with a new look

In The Triangle, the West Seattle Family YMCA (longtime WSB sponsor) has just put up new signage, with a new look for the first time in more than 40 years. The Y’s Josh Sutton tells WSB it’s about more than just a logo – and other upgrades are in the works:

Over the past few years, Ys across the country, led by YMCA of the USA, found that people love the Y, but couldn’t really name what we do beyond swim, gym & camp. So it’s time to refresh and make sure we communicate better how the Y strengthens the foundations of community.

Our look has changed a couple of times since we came to both the West Seattle Junction and the Fauntleroy communities in the early 1920s. The last time we revamped the Y look was the late 1960s. The new logo comes in five colors and focuses on what most people already call us – the Y.

More important to us than the new look and colors, we want to better communicate the impact of our Y – For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility.

When our full-time Y directors at Sealth & West Seattle High Schools help 9th graders to make a successful transition to high school, our Y is For Youth Development.

When cancer survivors get together to exercise and support each other at the Fauntleroy Y, we are For Healthy Living.

When more than 975 Y volunteers give more than 21,000 hours and 2,400 donors chip in to help West Seattle kids in need, we are For Social Responsibility.

We appreciate the enormous support and involvement our Y has in the West Seattle community, and hope that you like the new look! By the end of the month, we’ll have launched a new website that is more easily navigable and brings the new look and message online. Our staff and volunteers are thrilled to share these changes with you, and we look forward to seeing those new Y shirts around the neighborhood!

How would West Seattle survive a disaster with no hospital?

By Jack Mayne
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

West Seattle residents and civic leaders met Wednesday to discuss what would happen if an earthquake or other disaster cut off the community from the rest of Seattle and its hospitals and other emergency facilities – considering there’s been no hospital here for some 20 years.

The “Hospital Without Walls” meeting at Delridge Community Center was sponsored by Senior Services of Seattle/King County, the non-profit that runs several area senior centers and other senior services.

Read More

Your chance to be part of the Public Health Reserve Corps

You’ve heard a lot about preparedness here, thanks to the amazing group of West Seattle volunteers working on projects like West Seattle Be Prepared, but here’s another way to get involved: West Seattle resident Dave Nichols e-mailed with a call for volunteers to join the Public Health Reserve Corps for Seattle & King County. He explains, “This group of volunteers augments Public Health during a medical emergency or disaster.” And you don’t have to be a health-care professional. Read on to see what they’re looking for and how you can help with this “just in case they’re ever needed” team:Read More

Weekend scenes: Free screenings; market wagons; sports swap

November 7, 2010 8:41 pm
|    Comments Off on Weekend scenes: Free screenings; market wagons; sports swap
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

3 more weekend scenes to share: Kevin McClintic shared that photo after happening onto the mobile cancer-screening van at 35th and Henderson on Saturday – one of the periodic free-screening days for non-insured/underinsured women 40-65 offered by West Seattle Community Clinic. The next one is January 8th; Kevin says the clinic staff told him they’ll likely start taking appointments around the first of next month (937-9722). Moving ahead to this morning’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market:

The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle not only is selling tickets to its traditional December 4th pancake breakfast (details here), it’s also loaning wagons to families to help them get around the market while they shop – so next time you go, look for Kiwanis volunteers and little red wagons! Meantime, this afternoon at Lafayette Elementary:

Lafayette parent Luckie shared photos from the Sports Swap – as reported here on Saturday morning, this is part of an intensive fundraising process in Phase 2 of the school’s playground renovations, now called the Play It Forward Project. Volunteers are working to raise $100,000 to match a city grant that’ll go away in two months if they’re not successful. Regarding today’s sale, Luckie says, “I’m not sure how we did money-wise, but we sold a bunch of stuff!”

Boot camp for a cause: Jill Bruyere’s benefit session ahead

November 5, 2010 6:16 pm
|    Comments Off on Boot camp for a cause: Jill Bruyere’s benefit session ahead
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

There’s a charity boot-camp-fitness session to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank coming up at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 9-10 am Saturday, November 13. Cash and food donations will be accepted at the door. The session will be run by West Seattle’s Jill Bruyere, who currently offers boot-camp-fitness sessions at Hiawatha Community Center, as well as the Senior Center. Jill has been a resident of West Seattle for the past six years and a personal trainer for the past 11. This is one of several charity-benefiting boot camp projects she’s hoping to bring to West Seattle over the next few months, with a goal of offering fitness and fun, while embracing a sense of responsibility to the community. Jill is currently taking suggestions for nonprofits to support with her future benefit boot camps; you can reach her through her website, runwithjill.com.

‘Walk FROM School’ event for Walk to School Month @ Roxhill

October 29, 2010 11:59 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘Walk FROM School’ event for Walk to School Month @ Roxhill
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

You might say this event and a Monday morning tribute to the school librarian “bookended” this week for Roxhill Elementary School. Some students dressed up as literary characters today – like the “Go, Dog, Go!”-inspired outfit above – for a “Walk From School” event concluding Walk To School Month. Even the chicken who showed up on Monday reappeared for this event:

Students, parents and teachers were encouraged to sing Roxhill’s school song as they paraded down 30th Avenue SW. Some waved signs. King County Food and FItness Initiative reps helped put this together

. Students who couldn’t walk home got to at least walk to a school-bus staging area at Roxhill Park.

(Earlier today, we covered a Walk to School event with King County Executive Dow Constantine in White Center – see that coverage here.)

West Seattle Runner’s peninsula-wide challenge for 2011 fitness

With two months left to go in 2010, West Seattle Runner‘s Tim McConnell is looking ahead to 2011 – with an invitation for you.

Ever wanted to run or walk a 5K? A 10K? A half marathon? Or all 26.2 miles of the Seattle Marathon? Ever wondered how you would get in shape for one of these and didn’t know where to start? Maybe you have never run before or just want to get in better shape? Well, then this is the program for you! A fully supported, free training program that takes you from never running or from low mileage running to running/walking a full marathon in 48 weeks. This program will allow you to miss some weeks and still be on track to run/walk the Seattle Marathon in November of 2011. It starts very slow and builds gradually, ensuring you don’t get discouraged with your progress and trying to keep injuries down to a minimum. There will be races added along the way to keep it interesting, including a 5K (or 2, or 3), a 10K, the Rock and Roll Half Marathon (based on availability) and ending with the Seattle Marathon. (All race entry fees will be paid for by the participant).

It will also introduce you to others from the area, as there will be weekly group runs. There will also be information nights were you will learn about nutrition, injury prevention, stretching, cross training ideas, proper footwear and apparel, and others we will add along the way. So come out, enjoy yourself, get healthy and meet your neighbors! Let’s all Get Fit in 2011!

And did I mention that all of this (except race fees) is free?

Come out and see if this is something you would be interested in. Our first info night will be November 5th at 7:00 p.m. at West Seattle Runner. 3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2A. That’s on the corner of California and Charlestown, upstairs next to Anytime Fitness. Check it out on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/39zexyo. Any questions call Tim at West Seattle Runner, 938-0545. See you then!

Another round of food/alcohol training, and an apology

If you missed the food/alcohol permit training at Alki Masonic Hall on Sunday – we got one call from someone who said the place appeared locked up – Rick Dusatko has an apology for you – it was downstairs in the dining hall but they didn’t put a sign on the (locked) front door. So they’re bringing in trainers for a makeup class this Saturday:

A makeup Food Handlers Permit class will be held this Saturday, October 30, at
9:30 am, with the alcohol class at 10:30 am, at Alki Masonic Temple, 4736 40th Av. SW, IN THE DOWNSTAIRS DINING HALL ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING DOWN THE RAMP AND STAIRS. The first set of blue doors, just to your left at the bottom of the stairs A sign will be posted on the front doors to direct you downstairs. FOOD AT 9:30 AM, ALCOHOL AT 10:30 AM. My apologies to everyone who missed the food handlers permit class last Sunday at Alki Temple. I am an IDIOT! I forgot to put a sign directing you downstairs, I thought it was in the announcement. You were six steps away, Sorry.

Our next regularly scheduled Food Handlers permit class will be on Sunday, November 28, 2010, at 10:00 am, with the alcohol class at 11:00 am, same place – Alki Temple 4736 40th Ave SW, downstairs in the dining hall SE corner of the building, down the ramp and stairs, first set of blue doors left at the bottom of the stairs.

On the road and in the air: Forum tackles truck/health concerns

Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

It’s been a busy week of environmentally-related meetings for West Seattle and its neighbors. The night after Sustainable West Seattle‘s forum on the Duwamish River (WSB coverage here), a “Community Forum on the Public Health Issues of Neighborhood Trucking” was convened, primarily for the Georgetown and South Park communities, but potentially of interest to other local areas with notable truck traffic.

Held at the Georgetown campus of West Seattle-headquartered South Seattle Community College, the forum consisted of three separate panels offering information regarding diesel pollution in the Georgetown and South Park neighborhoods. Listening to the panels were Seattle City Councilmembers Mike O’Brien, Tom Rasmussen and Nick Licata as well as Port Commissioner Rob Holland, as well as an audience of approximately 40 people.

Read More

Video: Breast-cancer patient’s haircut for Locks of Love

36-year-old Nikki Mackey hopes you will watch that video of her recent haircut at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor). Five weeks ago, Nikki was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She explains why watching the video can make a difference:

Knowing that I will lose my hair to chemo, I decided to donate it to Locks of Love (my hair was very long and very pretty….)

I went last Wednesday to Illusions Salon in West Seattle and had them cut the hair for the donation – one of the stylists videotaped it for me since I have been trying to fully document this new and painful journey. I put the video up on YouTube to share with my friends and family (I’m from the East Coast so many of them are not here physically but want to share this experience with me in any way they can…)

The video generated a great many views very quickly and I received a notice from YouTube regarding ad-revenue sharing. Illusions gave their permission for me to
apply for the ad-revenue sharing and I contacted Locks of Love to let them know that I want all proceeds earned from the video to go to them. I just really want to get the video out there so we can perhaps earn some money to help this fantastic organization. Immediately following my surgery, one of the surgical attendants came to see me to make sure I was doing OK. She told me she had worked at St. Jude’s and was present when one of the Locks of Love wigs was presented to a 15 year old girl. She told me she never forgot how happy the girl was and how emotional it was to see this child get a wig which would allow her to feel like a normal 15 year old – at least as normal as she could possibly feel under the circumstances.

… I want to raise awareness for this awesome organization, as well as for breast cancer awareness. As I said, I’m 36 years old – I have no family history of this disease – I exercise regularly and eat organically, yet here I am. I just want to get the word out that body awareness is the key to survival. It certainly was for me.

Locks of Love participation is one of the ways Illusions gives back to the community – as explained toward the bottom of the “Giving Back” page on their website. You can also find out more about Locks of Love, including other ways to help the organization, by going here.

Free mammograms tomorrow in West Seattle – but call today!

If you haven’t already heard about this via Facebook or Twitter, we’re mentioning here too: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is offering free mammograms tomorrow at Roxbury Safeway, 8:30 am-7:30 pm – criteria: “Uninsured women between 40 and 64.” But you need to call for an appointment: 206.288.7800.

(P.S. If you miss out on this, West Seattle Community Clinic has its next day of free breast/cervical screening for uninsured/underinsured 40-65-year-olds on Nov. 6; call 206.937.9722.)