Learn where to get your free flu shot in Multnomah County

Still higher number of flu victims than in usual flu season

2010-02-18

The Skanner News

The H1N1 vaccine is trickling into Oregon more slowly than expected. Public health officials anticipate a cumulative amount of 528,155 doses by Nov. 20. Until more vaccine arrives, health officials are urging local heath departments and tribes to target vaccine outreach to the people who are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death... Healthy people ages 5 to 24 years old are being asked to wait for their vaccine until more is available... Read the complete article

Avoid Getting Flu or Giving Flu to Others When You Travel

Try these tips from Dr. Mel Kohn, MD, MPH, director of Oregon Public Health

2009-11-23

The Skanner News

As the holiday travel season begins, avoiding the flu in crowded terminals, stuffy planes and trains can be a challenge. "Airplanes, trains and cars are close quarters but you can make travel safer with a few simple steps,” says Dr. Mel Kohn. “There are ways to protect yourself."

Influenza virus is spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes. Studies have shown that flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces and can infect a person from two and eight hours after being left on items like cafeteria tables, door handles and airplane trays. Try these tips to stay safe and healthy while you travel throughout the busy season....

Creating a New Culture of Good Health

Creating a healthy environment for everyone in our community

2009-11-12

Oregonians speak out – a series of conversations about creating a healthy environment for everyone in our community of Human Services. Join the conversation: Community Health Priorities, a Northwest Health Foundation Project .... Read the complete article

Why Olive Oil?

2009-11-04

Some fats help reduce our risks of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer; they feed our brain and our nails, hair and skin so we look good too. Extra virgin olive oil is one of the best and most useful of these fats. Good for cooking and salad dressings, olive oil is in a class of its own ... Read the complete article

The Amazing Olive

2009-11-04

Olives are amazing. First cultivated in the countries we now call Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Jordan, they spread throughout the Mediterranean, becoming a symbol of wealth, plenty and peace. The poet Homer called olive oil “liquid gold.” In the Bible, it is the olive branch that the dove brings to Noah to symbolize the end of the flood. And since pre-Christian times, olives have been used in sacred ceremonies – the oil was used to anoint believers, for example. It was used by athletes too before sporting events ... Read the complete article

When it Comes to Olive Oil ‘Buyer Beware.’

2009-11-03

Before May 2009, olive oil sold in Oregon could be labeled extra-virgin– even when it wasn’t. That’s because labeling standards in the United States do not conform to grading standards set by the International Olive Council. The difference matters. Not just because extra virgin olive oil is higher quality, low in acid and tastes best, but also because it contains an abundance of health promoting nutrients. It is the first press of the olive pulp, produced without using heat or chemical extraction.

Andalucian Girl

2009-11-02

Even a 100-year-old business has to branch out every now and again. The Soria family has been cultivating olives in Spain for even longer than that. But, when Wayne Branche married Marie Soria, they decided to launch a new brand to export their extra virgin olive oil to the United States and the Caribbean: Andalucian Girl .... Read the complete article

Mediterranean Life

2009-11-01

Bernie Foster, Publisher of The Skanner

In my youth I was a boxer. So this year, after a couple of rounds with cancer, I knew one thing for sure. As any boxer will tell you, when you’re knocked down, you have to take that full eight count and then get back up and carry on fighting. Fighting to get your health back, however, doesn’t have to hurt. It’s all about having a good time. Eating good food, exercising as much as you are able, relaxing and laughing at the funny side of life, are all part of the prescription. How painful is that? ...

What I Brought Home From My Spanish Vacation

2009-10-30

I hope you enjoyed looking at my vacation photos and finding out more about the Mediterranean lifestyle. The wonderful friends I made, the sights I saw and the things I learned on my trip will stay with me for life ... Read the complete article

The Skanner News Favorite Dishes

2009-10-30

The Mediterranean region has given us many popular dishes including: Ratatouille  -- a medley of tomatoes, eggplant, onion, zukini and tomato, sometimes topped with cheese; Paella  – rice, simmered with onions, green beans and seafood or lentils or chicken; Greek salad -- tomato, cucumber, green pepper, black olives, red onion, flat leaf parsley and cubes of feta cheese with an olive oil and vinegar dressing flavored with oregano ...
Read the complete article