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Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina

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Raising Awareness

April 13, 2016

Dena’ina Wellness Center hosts health fair to promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Wilma Omnik looks at educational materials at the Dena'ina Wellness Center's health fair

Wilma Omnik looks at educational materials during a stop at the Dena’ina Wellness Center’s health fair. She said she already saw the benefit of physical activity. “I know that if I don’t exercise I’ll be in a whole world of hurt. And we have such a beautiful facility here, why wouldn’t I?” she asked.

As Wilma Omnik stood beside a row of health displays, she thought of her family.

“I don’t think there’s been a death in my family, on my mom’s side, from anything but cancer,” Omnik said.

Omnik was among those who attended a health fair at the Dena’ina Wellness Center in March, which was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Alaska. Southcentral Foundation and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium representatives joined tribal staff during the event, providing information about colorectal cancer and emphasizing the importance of screening and early detection. The fair also included an appearance by “Nolan the Colon,” a large, inflatable replica of a colon, along with informational booths about nicotine use, sugar consumption, heart health and more.

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of new cancer cases among Alaska Native people, according to the Alaska Colorectal Cancer Partnership, meaning it’s important to get screened. Representatives at the health fair said Alaska Native people, or those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should begin screening at age 40. For others, screening typically begins at age 50.

For Omnik, who is from Point Hope but currently lives in Soldotna, the event reminded her of her family’s struggles with cancer. It also reminded her of the things she can do to boost her own health.

Although she admits to smoking cigarettes, Omnik said she exercises at the wellness center a few times a week and is working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“I think this is an excellent opportunity to help people,” Omnik said. “I think this is awesome. It’s nice to see everything here.”

Part of what makes colorectal cancer dangerous, staff said during the event, is oftentimes there are no symptoms. However, the disease is highly treatable if discovered early. That’s why it’s crucial to be screened – which means receiving a colonoscopy – at an appropriate age.

Bessie Phillip dressed as a colon polyp

Wellness Assistant Bessie Phillip, dressed as a colon polyp, works on a beading project during the fair.

Wellness Director Deb Nyquist said the thought of receiving a colonoscopy makes many people uncomfortable despite the fact that the pre-procedure process is more taxing than the procedure itself.

“The preparation is the hardest part,” Nyquist said.

Charlene Bortz, a Southcentral Foundation employee who attended the fair and works with patients, also said screening is critical – and can be life-changing.

“We get feedback from people saying that if they hadn’t gotten screened they wouldn’t be here,” Bortz said. “We get some amazing stories.”

Tanya Kashevarof, also of the Southcentral Foundation, attended to educate people about the harmful effects of nicotine. She said nicotine effects not just one but many parts of the body, including the colon.

A former smoker, Kashevarof understands it’s difficult to quit and that it can take multiple attempts. But it’s worth the effort.

“Once you put that cigarette out, the healing begins,” Kashevarof said.

To help support Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the wellness center also hosted two nutrition workshops in March. Additionally, it offers tobacco cessation services and a range of fitness activities – all of which can help people avoid colorectal and other forms of cancer.

Said Omnik of the selection of services: “It’s great. This is like our own little mini Taj Mahal.”


 

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of new cancer cases among Alaska Native people
  • Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among Alaska Native people
  • Colorectal cancer is twice as common among those with a first-degree relative (sibling, parent or child) who has had colorectal cancer.
  • Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms

*Source: Alaska Colorectal Cancer Partnership


 

DO YOUR PART

  • Participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day
  • Avoid using tobacco
  • Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Limit your alcohol intake
  • Have recommended screening exams

*Source: Alaska Colorectal Cancer Partnership

Filed Under: Stories

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Locations

Kenaitze Administration • (907) 335-7200
Dena'ina Wellness Center • (907) 335-7500
Early Childhood Center • (907) 335-7260
Yaghanen Youth Programs • (907) 335-7290
Tyotkas Elder Services • (907) 335-7280
Na’ini Family and Social Services • (907) 335-7600
Kenaitze Tribal Court • (907) 335-7219

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Heidi King, NCAC II, CDCS

Recovery Support Manager/Counselor
Heidi has eight years of experience in the chemical dependency field. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s Studies, from the University of Alaska. She is a nationally accredited Chemical Dependency Clinician, and a state accredited Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor.

Heidi has a background in providing residential chemical dependency counseling. She is certified as a Conflict Resolution and Relapse Prevention Trainer with the National Association of Addiction Counselors. She is also a certified Peer Supports Trainer and Supervisor through the Alaska Commission of Behavioral Health Certification.

When she’s not serving un’ina, Heidi teaches yoga as a certified and registered instructor. She also enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with her child, spouse, and numerous pets, camping all over Alaska.

Heidi provides chemical dependency counseling services in group settings and individual sessions.

Heidi can personally relate to chemical dependency and is passionate about helping those seeking recovery supports. For Heidi, healing is community, and community is an important part of connection with one’s self. She sees the positive ripple effect that healing can provide throughout the community.

Fridrik Rafn Gudmundsson, MSW, LCSW

Recovery Support Manager
Fridrik has earned his master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He studied massage therapy in Iceland, and became fascinated with the mind-body connection. He completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy with a psychology minor.

Fridrik has had the opportunity to live in four countries and to travel to many others. He counts finding and marrying the love of his life and adopting his son among his greatest accomplishments. He is grateful to be able to live in this beautiful and sacred part of the world and to serve the Tribe and un’ina, “those who come to us.”

When he’s not serving un’ina, Fridrik loves spending time with his family, hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, traveling, and having fun. He enjoys learning, listening to music, and taking time for spiritual practice.

Fridrik provides assessments and individual, family and group psychotherapy at Chuq’eya Qenq’a, Birch Tree House.

For Fridrik, coming to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe felt like coming home. The more he learned about the Tribe and its history, as well as the history of the Alaska Native people, the more he knew he had found a place to be of service.

Teresa A. Ford, MSW, LMSW

Behavioral Health Clinician
Teresa earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Limestone University in South Carolina, and her master’s degree in Social Work from Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Teresa’s experience includes serving homeless and other disadvantaged populations, as well as work in outpatient rehabilitation, hospice, chemical dependency, adult and adolescent counseling, and prevention.

Teresa appreciates the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s traditional values. She sees them as a driving force in how we treat ourselves and others, and how we serve those in need of help.

When not serving un’ina, “those who come to us,” Teresa spends her time bonding with her family, creating and traveling. She also enjoys learning about Alaska Native culture, exploring new hobbies, and gardening.

Teresa provides individual, family, and group therapy services. Teresa takes a variety of approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Teresa has always been a helper at heart. Being able to overcome the things she experienced growing up in South Carolina empowered and inspired her to help others navigate through their life journeys.