Donor Newsletter - Asian Health Services

STAY WELL DURING THE
HOLIDAY SEASONS
BY ELIZA CHAN, RD
Holiday gatherings mean special
people, special foods, and lots of
temptation to indulge. But you can
keep everything under control with a
plan.
• Start your day with a small meal
that includes whole grains, fruit,
dairy foods and protein like eggs,
ham or peanut butter
• Have smaller snacks throughout
the day, saving most of your calories for the main meal
• Don't starve yourself beforehand.
The longer you go without eating,
the more you eat when you sit down
Asian Health Services
818 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94607
• Select carefully: foods you definitely
will eat, those you will sample and those
you will skip
• Include vegetables and fruits on your
plate
• Be smart on beverage choices. Limit
alcohol, soda, and juice
• Enjoy yourself. Pace your eating and
spend more time visiting with family
and friends
SPECIAL THANKS
Patient Newsletter Committee
Philomena Au
Julia Liou
Clayton Chan
Kim Dung Nguyen
Wendy Chang
Linda Okahara
Phuong An Doan-Billings Vanessa Quach
Pui Fong Fan
Linh Tran
Judy Gong
Clarence Wong
Jen Lee
Kimberly Woo
Clayton Chan
Eliza Chan
Ricky Choi
Judy Gong
Jen Lee
Ben Lui
Linh Tran
Cliff Yee
H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS
1) What is the H1N1 influenza virus?
H1N1 or “Swine Flu” is one type of flu virus. Right now, it
is the most common flu in the US.
2) What are the symptoms of H1N1?
Usually fever greater than 100F and cough. Other symptoms
can include runny nose, sore throat, headache, body aches,
nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
3) How can you prevent the flu?
Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand
sanitizers frequently. Cover your mouth when you cough.
Avoid sick people.
Editor
Clarence Wong
Wendy Chang
Asian Health Services
818 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510 986 6830
www.asianhealthservices.org
NON-PROFIT ORG
U S POSTAGE
PAID
OAKLAND, CA 946
PERMIT#3630
Winter Issue, 2009
BY CLAYTON CHAN, MD AND BEN LUI, MD, MPH
Writers
Design
• Take a 30-minute walk after a meal with
family and friends
EALTH SERVICES
AN SIAN
H
E W S L E T T E R
4) Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?
Ideally everyone should get the vaccine. When vaccine
supply is limited, people at high risk of complications from
H1N1 should get the vaccine. The high risk groups include:
· Pregnant women
· Children ages 6 months to 4 years old
· Children 5 to 18 years old with medical conditions that put
them at increased risk for complications of flu (asthma,
diabetes, etc.)
· People who live with or provide care for infants under 6
months old
· Health care personnel
FOR SAFETY, ADULT REQUIRED
TO ATTEND CHILD VISITS
BY RICKY CHOI, MD
Children often forget their homework or instructions given to
them by their teacher. In much
the same way, when coming to
the doctor, children may not be
able to explain symptoms they
have been experiencing or may not be aware of medical
problems in the family. The history of a medical problem is very important to diagnosing the problem and thus
prescribing the right treatment. In order for us to make
the most accurate health assessments, we require an adult
presence for any visit with a child under 18 years old.
5) What should I do if I get sick from H1N1?
If you have a mild case with symptoms like other colds you
have had in the past, then stay home until you have not had a
fever for more than 24 hours without the use of medications.
6) How do I know if I need urgent medical care?
Signs of serious illness include:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Symptoms go away and return with worse fever and
cough
· Bluish or gray skin color in children
If you have these symptoms, call 911 or go to the Emergency
Room.
7) Do I need medications?
Most cases of H1N1 get better just by your own body’s immune system and do not require treatment. If you are having
symptoms that are more severe than the usual cold or flu,
then a medical provider can determine if you need medication.
Revised 11.19.2009
Patients under 18 years old who come without an adult
will be refused a health visit. Ideally, the adult who takes
care of the child most often should accompany them on
the visit. If the adult is not a parent, but a family member
who lives in the same home, then a special consent form
can be completed. If you are sending your child with an
adult who does not live in your home with your child (e.g.
family friend, an auntie who does not live with you and
your child, neighbor), then please send a note stating that
you are authorizing the adult to accompany
your child and to give consent for treatment
for the child at AHS on your behalf. Our
greatest priority is the safety and health of
your child. If you have any questions about
this policy, please do not hesitate to ask our
staff. Thank you for your cooperation.
HEALTH CARE REFORM IS OUR PRIORITY
BY JEN LEE, MPH
One out of every six Asian Americans
do not have health insurance. Health
TODAY ,
care reform is needed because people are
46.3
sick and not getting the care they need.
THERE ARE
MILLION PEOPLE IN With health care costs rising so fast,
THE UNITED STATES more people are becoming uninsured.
WHO ARE UNINSURED
On September 16th, 2009 Asian Health Services hosted a community forum to advocate for the health needs of Asian communities in health care reform. Speakers from
national organizations and our local elected
officials talked about the urgent need to
reform health care now. Our patients spoke
out about the problems they face and their
concerns for improving our health care
system. Our health care system is broken
and now is our chance to change it. AHS
believes that:
MEMBER
• No one should be denied coverage
because of age, income, health
condition, or citizenship status.
• Coverage must be affordable for
individuals and small businesses.
• Everyone should have health
coverage.
We will continue to advocate for health
care reform to ensure that we can
continue to provide quality, affordable,
access to everyone in our community.
SERVICES
INSURANCE ENROLLMENT
Asian Health Services accepts many contracted private and State/County
health plans. The Member Services staff assists our members with enrollment and redetermination for Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, and CMSP/ACE
coverage.
Here are tips to remember how to enroll, use, and keep your health
coverage:
1. If you have new insurance or change insurance coverage, please tell
Member Services at least one week before your doctor appointment.
Always bring your insurance card and photo ID to each appointment.
2. Pay attention to the enrollment period coverage date. Do not let your
health coverage expire. This includes paying your health insurance
premium on time.
3. If you have Healthy Families, you can consider the prepayment option
or setup an automatic payment through your bank; this will save you
25% of your premium.
4. Bring the required documents for the entire family to each enrollment/
redetermination interview appointment. This includes: proof of ID, proof
of residency, and proof of current income.
AHS DENTAL EXPANDS
BY LINH TRAN
BY CLIFF YEE, MSW
In the face of the state budget cuts and the elimination of the adult Denti-Cal program, the AHS Dental Clinic continues to strive to expand our services to
MAINTAIN Y OUR HEALTH COVERAGE
IMPORTANT
DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT AT
OAKLAND HIGH SCHOOL?
UPDATE!
our patients. In April 2009, the AHS Dental Clinic
was fully accredited for the AEGD Residency program
by the Lutheran Medical Center. We are proud to announce that we will be hosting two AEGD residents
THEY CAN RECEIVE REGULAR
MEDICAL CARE AT
OAKLAND HIGH SCHOOL?
instead of one. Peter Chen and Stephen Chan will be
Starting this school year, AHS is offering a full range
completing their residency with us for the 2009-2010
of medical care services at the Shop 55 Clinic. The
year. We expect the expansion of the residency pro-
Shop 55 Clinic offers immunizations, physical exams,
gram to help us cope with the budget cuts while still
sports physicals, first aid, and urgent care. We also of-
providing the highest level of care to our patients.
fer chronic care management (asthma, diabetes). In order to access these services, parents will need to contact
We understand that many of our Medi-Cal patients were
their medical insurance (whether Alameda Alliance or
also directly affected by the budget cuts. There has been
Blue Cross) to request changing your child’s primary
much confusion about what benefits are still covered by
care provider to Asian Health Services. This will al-
Medi-Cal. Only emergency care such as extractions,
low your child to receive medical services at Oakland
relief of pain, and infection are still covered.
High School and Asian Health Services. The clinic also
The
MEDI-CAL STATUS REPORT
scope of services for pregnant patients and patients un-
IS DUE EVERY
der 21 years old are still covered. However, all adult
THREE OR SIX MONTHS
patients who have active Medi-cal will be eligible for
All Medi-Cal beneficiaries are required
DID YOU KNOW THAT IF YOUR
OAKLAND HIGH STUDENT IS
A REGISTERED AHS PATIENT,
continues to provide free, comprehensive reproductive
health services to all students.
services at a special discounted rate. If you have any
The hours of the Shop 55 Clinic are Tuesdays and
questions please call our office at (510) 986-6888.
Thursdays from 8:30am-4:30pm. For more information
to go through a “Medi-Cal Annual
regarding the Shop 55 Wellness Center, please contact
Redetermination” in order to qualify
Clifford Yee at (510) 986-1024.
for Medi-Cal. There is also a “MediCal Status Report” that you have to
complete every three or six months depending on which Medi-Cal program
you have. Please complete and return
all paper work to Social Services before the deadline so that you don’t lose
your Medi-Cal coverage.
PLEASE CALL (510) 986-6880 OR VISIT MEMBER SERVICES IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
OUR HOURS OF OPERATION ARE MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM, AND SATURDAY 9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM.
MUSIC CD RAISES FUNDS FOR AHS
Using her singing abilities, Grace Wong, AHS’ Purchasing Coordinator, produced and sold a
music CD entitled, Gracie & The Sunshine Band, featuring over 30 minutes of Chinese and
American hit songs. Proceeds from CD sales were donated to AHS. Thank you, Grace!
AFUNDRAISING
SIAN HEALTH SERVICES
NEWS
AHS FOUNDATION
BOX LUNCH FUNDRAISER
Members of the volunteer Patient Leadership Councils (PLC) and
Community Liaison Unit (CLU) staff wanted to get involved and raise
funds in support of AHS’ 35th Anniversary Celebration. Led by the
Vietnamese and Cambodian PLC members, the team cooked dozens of
homemade Vietnamese dishes and Cambodian desserts. Proceeds from
box lunch sale were donated to AHS. Thank you!
At the AHS 35th Anniversary dinner
“The Foundation will support AHS in ad-
on September 19, Foundation Board
vocating for the elimination of all barriers
members Donn Ginoza and Kathy Lim
to health care,” said Kathy. In addition to
Ko announced the establishment of the
Donn and Kathy, the Foundation’s Board of
AHS Foundation. “As the philanthropic
Directors include Susan Muranishi (Alameda
arm of AHS,” said Donn, “the mission
County Administrator) and Rosaline Kiang
of the Foundation is to raise funds from
DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT AHS
IN MEMORY GIFTS
MATCHING GIFTS
PLANNED GIVING
Many families honor the
memory of their loved ones by
asking family and friends to
make donations to AHS in lieu
of flowers. For AHS donation
envelopes and other information about In Memory Gifts,
please contact Wendy Chang,
510.986.6830 x 268, wchang@
ahschc.org.
Did you know that your employer may have a charitable
matching gift program? Under
such a program, your employer
will match your gift to AHS,
sometimes up to 2 or 3 times the
dollar amount of your gift!
Make a legacy gift by including
AHS in your will, living trust,
life insurance policy, or other
estate planning options. A legacy
gift may offer you significant tax
benefits.
Contact your employer’s Human
Resource department for more
information.
To make a legacy gift to AHS,
please contact Clarence Wong,
510.986.6830 x 363, cwong@
ahschc.org.
individuals, corporations, and charitable
(Board Chair of Metropolitan Bank).
Kathy Lim Ko and Donn Ginoza
foundations.”
STRIKE A POSE ‘09
YOGATHON
On October 3rd, a beautiful Saturday morn-
STOCK GIFTS
ing at Madison Street Park, Asian Health
Services held its first ever Strike a Pose Yogathon in support of HIV/AIDS services.
To make a stock gift to AHS, please contact Clarence Wong,
510.986.6830 x 363, [email protected].
In addition, we recommend you
seek the advice of qualified estate
planning professionals to best
achieve your charitable giving
goals as well as to fully realize
potential tax benefits.
HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator
Koji Sakakibara and AHS Provider
Sophy Wong
volunteered their time, yogathon participants, who raised funds from family and
friends, stretched and twisted themselves
through 108 yoga poses. Kudos to Patty
Hirota-Cohen, creator of the event, the Yogathon planning committee members, the
yoga instructors, volunteers, and staff for a
Photos
Contributors
Asian Health Services
Participants on a Virasana Parvatasana (hero’s pose with
arms in mountain) pose led by yoga instructor, Buddy
Macuha
Led by established Yoga instructors who
Make a gift of stocks or securities to AHS. You may be able to
enjoy tax benefits through a gift of stock. To the extent permitted by
law, you will be able to deduct the current fair market value of your
stock gift, regardless of your cost basis.
Sherry Hirota
Chief Executive Officer
Winter 2009
Clarence Wong
Director of Development, Individual Giving
Wendy Chang
Darren Yee
Jim Dennis
Rick Rocamora
wonderful first-time event!
Yogathon instructors Toni Mar and Patty
Hirota-Cohen smile for the camera
Participant streches on a half locust pose
35th
Anniversary
Celebration
T H A N K Y O U!
35th
Fundraiser Co-Chairs Eileen
Tong & Rosaline Kiang
T H A N K Y O U!
Eligio White (NACHC) and AHS CEO
Sherry Hirota
On September 19, Asian Health Services celebrated 35
years of service to the community. It was a magical night
of delicious food and riveting entertainment. With over
600 guests in attendance, it was a memorable evening.
Many thanks to the hard work of Dinner Committee
members, especially Co-Chairs Eileen Tong & Rosaline
Kiang, and the volunteers and staff who helped make the
event a big success!
Honoring Our Heroes
Special guest appearance by U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Frank Chong, Yui Hay Lee, Kelly & Stan Kiang
Maya Cascarino, Priscilla Ng, and Nicole
Taylor
The Kiang family Stan, Rosaline & Henry, joins us in
paying tribute to Frank Kiang (1943-2007)
Anne Tominaga, Steve Terusaki, Steve & Glenna Yamada, and Gary
Tominaga
AHS Board of Directors
Suzanne Ah-Tye, Don Tamaki, Shuan Tai, and
Linda Poeng
Steve Yee, Carl Chan, Gavin Funabiki, Tochau Nguyen, Connie Chang, Vance Yoshida, Anh Tran, Donn Ginoza,
Rosaline Kiang (AHS Foundation Board), Victor Uno
Sponsors
Kaiser Permanente
Bristol-Myers Squibb
California HealthCare Foundation
Safeway Foundation
Asian Network
Oakland City Council members: Jean Quan, Ignacio De La Fuente, Pat
Kernighan (and Pat’s husband Paul Gordon)
Honoring AHS’ long time advocates Alan, Steve and Larry
Yee
35th
Anniversary
Celebration
Anniversary Celebration
Honorary Hosts &
Table Captains
Councilmember Jane Brunner
Jeff Caballero
Supervisor Keith Carson
Connie Chang
Kimberly Chang, MD
Sharon Cornu
Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente
Mayor Ron Dellums
Jane Garcia
Sandra R. Hernández, MD
Councilmember Pat Kernighan
Rosaline Kiang
Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker
Ingrid Lamirault
Yui Hay Lee
Rolland Lowe, MD
Dale Minami
Susan Muranishi
Linda Okahara
Arnold Perkins
Peggy Saika
Young Shin
Carol Sung
Steve Terusaki
Manith Thaing
Phil Ting
Eileen Tong
Anh Tran
Dr. Ho Tran
Victor Uno
Alan Yee
Steve Yee, MD
Willie Yee
Vance Yoshida
Thank you for celebrating 35 years of community health and
advocacy services with AHS!
Ray Baxter, Frank Brown, Kathy Lim Ko, Linda Okahara, and
Sherry Hirota
New Oakland Pharmacy
Cardiovascular Consultants
Minami Tamaki LLP
Alameda Health Consortium
Alliance Health Care Solutions
Asian Community Mental Health Services
Bank of the Orient
California Bank & Trust
The California Endowment
Center for Elders Independence
City National Bank
East Bay Community Foundation
Family Bridges, Inc.
Koreana Plaza Market
The Lake Pharmacy
Metropolitan Bank
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
Emcee & Entertainment
Co-Emcees Doris Grover and ChinChin
Music by Alice and the Wave
The Magic of Chin-Chin
Arnold & Karen Perkins, Susan Muranishi, Sharron Sue,
and Eugene Tomine
Lawrence Ng, Eddie Cheung, Ray Cahambing, Gene
Agress, Albert Wong, and Sue Chan
Photography by Jim Dennis
PhRMA
SEIU 1021
Sunrise Medical Supplies
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Transbay Holdings
United Commercial Bank
Wells Fargo