CVH Foundation News: Bones and phones--both important to Foundation
Checking Your Bones
In April a state-of-the-art bone densitometer arrived in the imaging department of Cascade Valley Hospital, Arlington. Purchased by Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation, this new equipment will not only help determine and assess your bone loss, but also how you respond to treatment.
"This is the first unit of its kind in our market area," explains Dr. Ross Hartling, radiologist at Cascade Valley Hospital. "Previously, if you needed this type of testing you had to be referred out of town, fighting the traffic and other headaches that entails. The procedure itself is so simple; we felt that by making the location more convenient, more women would take advantage of the service and physicians would be able to give them a local referral."
Bone density testing is fast and painless. It requires no injections or invasive procedures. During a test a woman lies fully clothed on a padded treatment table while the machine scans one or more specific bone sites (mainly the hip and spine). These are the areas most susceptible to fracture due to osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases. The entire test normally takes only minutes to complete.
"All women over age 50 or past menopause should talk to their doctor about their risk of developing osteoporosis," encourages Dr. Hartling. "It's much higher than most women realize."
"The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that one out of every two women past menopause will develop the disease and one out of three will suffer from a bone fracture. It seems tragic for a woman to lose her independent lifestyle because of a hip or spine fracture that could have been prevented."
The prevalence of bone disease, especially in post-menopausal women, makes bone density testing a necessary part of a complete health program.
Donate Your Used Cell Phones and Raise $$
The Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation (CVHF) wants cell phone users to answer the call and turn in their used cell phones. There are more than 30 million used wireless phones lying idle in American homes and businesses. If you have one, and turn it in to the Foundation, you will help raise funds to benefit Cascade Valley Hospital, wellness and educational programs, and other health-related services.
"The primary goal of the phone drive fundraiser is to collect wireless phones that you aren't using anymore," states Joan Miles, Foundation Director. "When you sign up with a new wireless company, you usually need a new phone. When you turn your old phone in to the Foundation, CVHF will receive $1.00 for each phone collected from the Donate a Phone program (DAP) made possible by CTIA Wireless Foundation and ReCellular, Inc. They refurbish and recycle donated phones and distribute them to shelters and other domestic violence programs.
Any portable cellular phone will be accepted, excluding bag phones or vehicle-installed models. CVHF will also take the phone's battery or charger, if available. You should deactivate the wireless service of any donated phones before turning them in.
"We're very excited about this fundraising opportunity," said Joan Miles. "Not only will it benefit our organization, but donated phones that are properly recycled benefit the environment as well."
This is an ongoing project for the hospital Foundation. Drop off your unused phones at Cascade Valley Hospital front desk or Foundation/Volunteer office.
For more information contact: Joan Miles, (360) 435-2133 ext. 4705 or email
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.