Recent Posts

Eating disorder training series: free and open to all

Eating disorders affect nearly 29 million people in the United States, with 95% being ages 12-25. Yet too many myths and not enough resources make it one of the least talked about and understood mental and physical health problems out there. For example, you may not know that: OHA’s Child and Family Behavioral Health division […]

Lung cancer survivor speaks out about the dangers of radon: “I don’t want this to happen to anybody else.”

In January 2023, then 65-year-old Clare Lewis was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She’s a former physical therapist, a life-long athlete and has never been a smoker. A chest X-ray for a broken rib in 2019 showed crystal clear lungs. So why did she get so sick, and so fast? The evidence is pretty […]

Winter weather tips and resources to help keep you warm and healthy

Winter is upon us, and when weather becomes severe it’s important to understand the risks that often accompany Oregon winters. The following guide will help you understand the dangers of frigid temperatures, accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as well as how to keep your home warm, where to find food and clothing support, emergency warming […]

Resolviendo los misterios de la menopausia, una conversación a la vez

Over the past few years, Claire Irvan has struggled with strange heart palpitations, mild hot flashes and most recently an irritated scalp that “felt like it was on fire.” She manages these mysterious mid-life symptoms, muddling her way through like being blindfolded in a maze, and wonders what could be around the corner.

So when the 50-year-old Portlander received a flyer from a friend about an event inviting women to gather and talk with each other about menopause, she had one thought.

“Hell yeah!”

The menopause journey brings a menu of seemingly unrelated symptoms that range from minor annoyances such as occasional hot flashes to debilitating, life-altering physical and mental turmoil that can last years, end marriages and careers, and lead to long-term chronic disease. Most women are somewhere in the middle, yet it remains a medical mystery to almost all.

Solving the mysteries of menopause, one conversation at a time

Over the past few years, Claire Irvan has struggled with strange heart palpitations, mild hot flashes and most recently an irritated scalp that “felt like it was on fire.” She manages these mysterious mid-life symptoms, muddling her way through like being blindfolded in a maze, and wonders what could be around the corner.

So when the 50-year-old Portlander received a flyer from a friend about an event inviting women to gather and talk with each other about menopause, she had one thought.

“Hell yeah!”

The menopause journey brings a menu of seemingly unrelated symptoms that range from minor annoyances such as occasional hot flashes to debilitating, life-altering physical and mental turmoil that can last years, end marriages and careers, and lead to long-term chronic disease. Most women are somewhere in the middle, yet it remains a medical mystery to almost all.

Medicare open enrollment: what you need to know

Medicare open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, is a crucial time for people in Oregon to review and adjust their Medicare health coverage for the following calendar year. During the open enrollment period, Medicare recipients can: This year, Medicare open enrollment is even more important as many people face changes in […]

When should I get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine?

CLICK HERE to find out if you’re up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. If you’re wondering when you should get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, you’re not alone. We’ve received many questions about this and wanted to provide some guidance. As always, if you have further questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines and your personal medical situation, contact […]

Therapy animals strengthen connection and hope at Oregon State Hospital

It’s no wonder that Apple Fritter, an 8-year-old rescue-turned-therapy dog, is a bit of a celebrity on most units on the Salem campus of Oregon State Hospital (OSH). She’s as sweet as her namesake and happily welcomes hands reaching out to pat her graying head or pet her auburn coat. Apple Fritter also understands her […]

To prepare for emergencies; start a conversation today

Wildfires continue to burn in Oregon, and as we head into storm season we want to remind people across the state to be prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency, such as landslides, flooding or storm-related power outages. It may be scary to talk to loved ones about such possibilities, and we may […]