Cancer & Diabetes Prevention and Support Forum with the Mayo Clinic
A question that often arises is how we can better prevent and detect serious illness, such as cancer or diabetes. Some of the actions people can take to lower their risk of cancer are well known – eliminate tobacco use, maintain a healthy diet and stay active – key lifestyle habits which have a wide range of benefits and also eliminate risks for other illnesses. Many people with cancer or diabetes may not have any symptoms at all. It is estimated that one-third of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition. Prevention and support are key components in maintaining your wellness, for yourself and those around you.
KANA is proud to partner with the Mayo Clinic to offer a special Cancer & Diabetes Prevention and Support Forum, this Wednesday at 6pm at Afognak Native Corporation on Near Island. All are invited to attend this educational discussion and story sharing event about the importance of screening, prevention, treatment strategies, and support led by Dr. David Baines and special guest Dr. Judith Kaur from the Mayo Clinic. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Siene Allen at (907) 486-9827.
Summer Youth Adventures with Explore the Rock 2016 Come to a Close
KANA’s Meth and Suicide Prevention Initiative and Healthy Tomorrows partnered again in 2016 to promote physical activity and teach valuable skills to our youth, a popular and meaningful summer program. The program is open to all Kodiak students entering grades 6-12 with a primary focus of engaging youth in weekly outdoor activities to build resiliency while hiking and learning new skills. Each week, students explore trails around the road system while discussing a range of topics with special guest presenters. [xyz-ihs snippet=”adsense-body-ad”]
The 2016 season was well attended, with numbers of students and fun had increasing with each week. Students learned valuable skills from program leaders and guest presenters on a range of topics, such as: fishing, navigation, map reading, invasive species and aquatics, mentorship, and communications skills. CPR and First Aid has been taught by KANA’s Itinerant Health Aide Wayne Sargent, bear safety by AKF&G Biologist Nate Svoboda, traditional plant use from Gayla Pedersen. Hike locations included Boy Scout Lake, Abercrombie, Near Island, Termination Point, and Pillar Mountain trails.
Explore the Rock is more than simply an opportunity for teens to go hiking, it facilitates friendships and builds social skills in our youth through being physically active and present in a natural environment. This program provides an opportunity for health and wellness for youth living in Kodiak alongside staff and volunteers who care.
Supplemental Youth Employment Training Program Development
The Supplemental Youth Employment Training Program (SYETP) provides practical work experience in order to introduce youth to the workforce and creating opportunities for future employment. Youth in the program are placed with employers according to their interests and work site availability and added to KANA’s payroll, also making them eligible for a half work co-op credit at Kodiak High School. Just this last pay period, 25 students working throughout the region have contributed 1734 hours of service to our communities.
Positions currently occupied by SYETP youth interns include:
- Alutiiq Museum Assistant
- Assistant Bike Technician
- Kodiak College Maintenance Assistant
- Adult Day Aide at HOPE
- KIHA Youth Activities Aide
- Tribal Assistant
- Kennel Technician at Kodiak Animal Shelter
- Youth in Action Interns in Ouzinkie
Although finding SYETP placements in each of our villages can be challenging, SYETP Case Managers
collaborated with Ouzinkie staff to meet the needs of Ouzinkie youth who had a desire to get involved with the program. Ouzinkie’s Tobacco Prevention Advocate volunteered to supervise and support the youth to enable a program extension in the village. Ouzinkie Youth in Action Interns are working on a variety of tasks to elevate the quality of life for our village communities, such as beach and trail clean up efforts, assisting with agriculture and gardening projects, manual labor, assisting with school cleanup, and helping younger children with the Ouzinkie Alutiiq Summer Challenge.
Source: KANA
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