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Your CMA(AAMA) Newsletter August 2015
21
STATLINE “Spreading The Word” About WSSMA ” Summer is over and the air is fresh again. Sep- tember was a busy month with our 31 st wedding anniversary, our oldest daughter’s 30 th birthday and, of course, the AAMA Annual Conference in our sister state. We had an amazing number of Washingtonians in attendance. In looking at the WSSMA group photo I realized I don’t even know everyone’s name! I wish I’d had more time to visit. Duties as the WSSMA President included attending the Pre-Conference BOT meeting, the State Leader’s meeting, both sessions of the HOD and the HOD Reference Committees. I managed to earn some CEUs and share some laughs with CMA friends from North and South Carolina and Wisconsin, as well as Oregon. OSMA did an excellent job as hosts. Our Fall BOT meeting is approaching soon. We will meet at 10:00 on Sat- urday, November 7, at North Seattle College. The directions and room number will be sent out with the agenda. Remember to submit your reports to Claire Houghton, Doreen Hoch, Francie Mooney, Sheri Greimes and myself no later than October 28. See you soon. Shelley Gingrich CMA (AAMA) Your CMA(AAMA) Newsletter August 2015 Presidents Message For the sake of space the creden- tial initials of CMA (AAMA) will not be printed in the Stat- line articles. Forms Available on WSSMA website for : Nominations Leadership Retreat WSSMA Conference Awards W E WON! An Excel Award at the recent AAMA conference in Portland, Oregon Congrats To All of Our Members!!
Transcript of Your CMA(AAMA) Newsletter August 2015
STATLINE “Spreading
The
Word”
About
WSSMA
”
Summer is over and the air is fresh again. Sep-
tember was a busy month with our 31st wedding
anniversary, our oldest daughter’s 30th birthday
and, of course, the AAMA Annual Conference in
our sister state. We had an amazing number of
Washingtonians in attendance. In looking at the
WSSMA group photo I realized I don’t even know
everyone’s name! I wish I’d had more time to visit.
Duties as the WSSMA President included attending the Pre-Conference
BOT meeting, the State Leader’s meeting, both sessions of the HOD and the
HOD Reference Committees. I managed to earn some CEUs and share some
laughs with CMA friends from North and South Carolina and Wisconsin, as
well as Oregon. OSMA did an excellent job as hosts.
Our Fall BOT meeting is approaching soon. We will meet at 10:00 on Sat-
urday, November 7, at North Seattle College. The directions and room number
will be sent out with the agenda. Remember to submit your reports to Claire
Houghton, Doreen Hoch, Francie Mooney, Sheri Greimes and myself no later
than October 28.
See you soon. Shelley Gingrich CMA (AAMA)
Your CMA(AAMA) Newsletter August 2015
Presidents Message
For the sake of
space the creden-
tial initials of CMA
(AAMA) will not be
printed in the Stat-
line articles.
Forms
Available on
WSSMA website for :
Nominations
Leadership Retreat
WSSMA Conference
Awards
W E WON! An Excel Award at the recent AAMA
conference in Portland,
Oregon
Congrats To All of Our Members!!
Editors com-ment:
By pat hightower
I attended the 2015 AAMA conference in Portland. Our sister state and the AAMA put on a great confer-ence. As I was there as a trustee I didn’t get to attend but a few ed-ucations session but those I did attend were top notch.
Everyone appeared to have a great time meeting people from all over the country , re-kindling old friendships and making new.
It was really impressive to see how many Washington State medical assistants were present.
Looking forward to 2016 in Reston, VA.
AMMA NEWS CORNER
Check out the AAMA website for
policy changes, downloads for
help with your chapter, and state.
The PDF file of the Key Note
speaker for conference is availa-
ble to all on the AAMA website.
Don’t forget to celebrate Medical
assistant week Oct 19-23 in your
chapter and at your workplace.
Update your address and email
when renewing your membership.
2015-2016 WSSMA Officers
President : Shelley Gingrich
Vice President: Claire Houghton
Secretary: Francie Mooney
Treasurer: Doreen Hoch
Speaker of the House: Tom Wolf
Vice Speaker: Justin Henderson
Parliamentarian: Nancy Marshall Young
Trustees 2015-2017: Brandy Rohaly
Janice Sappingfield
Sharon Stutsman
Trustees 2014-2016: Dallas McDaneld
Rhonda Nelson
Laura Brett
Nominating Committee: Pat Hightower
Sue Rodenberger
Doreen Hock
Delegates to National : Diane Goracke
Rhonda Nelson
Janice Sappingfield
Sharon Stutsman
Alternate: Francie Mooney
Mary Kilmer-Tice
Don Balasa JD MBA has many questions in his Legal Eye On Medical Assisting
Blog - http://aamalegaleye.wordpress.com/ . You and your employer can subscribe
to this blog and get this information in a timely
manner via email as it is presented.
Don Balasa , the AAMA Board of Trustees and
our state organization are always vigilante in
watching things and looking out to protect our
scope of practice. Individual members can bring concerns to anyone at all these
levels.
Need CEUs check out the e-
learning on the AAMA website
https://learning.aama-ntl.org/ dis-
counts for AAMA members.
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Recertify on line. CMA(AAMA) who have accumulated all 60 recertification
points in the required content areas through AAMA CEUs (and are within 30
days of their certification expiration date or after their recertification date) may
apply for recertification online.
The WSSMA legislative committee continues to
monitor the scope of practice issues in our state.
The committee co-chairs Tom Wolf of Snohomish
County Chapter and Justin Henderson of Skagit
County Chapter are available to contact via email
for any of your concerns - see the WSSMA web-
site for their contract information.
Justin Henderson has been working with the DOH
directed Drug Retrieval taskforce. They had felt they
had gotten close to a conclusion but ran into a snag
when the nurses union put up some objections to
some of the verbiage. So things need to be put
back into rewrites. Frustrating to all parties that one entity can derail the work of many.
The AAMA is assisting us in this vigilance also as they have hired a company that watches all state legisla-
tive processes and brings the info to the attention of the AAMA who then passes it on to the state . MORE
EYES on the process allows us to get involved ASAP in speaking up in the legislative arena.
This committee keeps in close contact with the DOH member who is charged with the registration of medical
assistants. We have had phone and email communications with him frequently during the year.
We may be needing to present a revision to our bill in the 2016 session and will notify our members if it
comes to fruitation.
Committee Co-
Chairs available
for your con-
cerns - contact
information on
the WSSMA
website
LEGISLATIVE NEWS:
Parliamentarian Corner : Nancy Marshall
-Young, King County Chapter, is our 2015-16 parlia-
mentarian .She is a WSSMA past parliamentarian , past
WSSMA president and a WSSMA Life Member.
Welcome Nancy back to the role of parliamentarian and
encourage all to tap into her vast knowledge of our
society.
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Book of Common Sense and
Parliamentary Procedures
Rules of Order True or False (test yourself)
If corrections are made to minutes of a meeting,
the minutes are noted to be “minutes are accepted
as corrected.”
Minutes cannot be used for identification at banks
due to confidentiality.
Point of Order may be made by anyone attending
the meeting, if that person has been given permis-
sion to speak.
A quorum is the same as a majority.
Point of Information cannot be brought up if there is
a motion that has been seconded on the floor.
A Motion needs a second before any discussion
can take place.
The main motion that’s has been seconded is voted
on before any amendments to that motion.
Agenda can be called an outline of an upcoming
meeting.
If there is problem with the heat, cooling or ventila-
tion you can Raise a Question of Privilege.
4
WSSMA CHAPTER DIRECTORY:
Listed are the Chapter Presidents and their contact infor- mation. Please review the Chapter Meeting locations, dates and times. To see what the featured CEU topic is at the next Chapter meeting, go to the WSSMA website and click on the Chapters icon to open the Chapters’
web pages.
***************************************************************
Greater Spokane Chapter: President Claire Houghton CMA (AAMA) Email: [email protected] MEETINGS:
Meetings are held once a month, usually on Wednesdays of each month starting at 6:00 or 6:30 pm. (depending on the speaker) at Sacred Heart Children‟s Hospital, 101 W. 8th Ave., Spokane on the fourth floor in class- room #2. Check web-
site for particulars. wssma.org
King County Chapter: President Nancy Marshall-Young, CMA (AAMA) MEETINGS: contact Nancy Marhall for meet-
ing information [email protected]
Kitsap County Chapter: President Dawn Salo CMA (AAMA) Email: MEETINGS: Meet at Olympic College Health Occu-
pation Bldg 102, alternate meetings 3rd Wednesday and 3rd Thursday, September through June. 6:00 pm social time and
6:30 pm education.
North Central WA Chapter: President Ruth Flanigan, CMA (AAMA) Email: [email protected] MEETINGS: Loca-
tion, date and times to be announced on the NCW chapter webpage at www.wssma.org (except June, July, & August)
Pierce County Chapter: President Dallas McDaneld, CMA (AAMA) Email: [email protected] MEET-
INGS: Second Wednesday of each month (except July & August) @ 6:30pm at Allenmore Hospital Board Room, S.19th
Street and Union in Tacoma.
Sea-Tac Chapter: President Monalisa Bauman, CMA (AAMA) Email: [email protected] MEETINGS: Sec-
ond Tuesday of every month except July, August . starting at 6:30pm at Everest College Renton
Skagit/Island Counties Chapter: President Justin Henderson CMA(AAMA) Email: [email protected] MEET-
INGS: monthly meetings at Skagit Community College Angst Bldg Rm A-139 see website for more details.
Snohomish County Chapter: President Barb Fallstrom CMA (AAMA) – Email [email protected] MEETINGS: Third
Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm @ Everett Clinic Conference Center/ 3830 Hoyt Ave (Except June, July, August and Decem-
ber) For more information, go to the SCMA Webpage at www.wssma.org
Thurston County Chapter: President Brandy Rohaly, CMA (AAMA) [email protected] MEETINGS: Quarterly in
September, October, February and April See website for times and locations
Whatcom County Chapter: President: Dave Weinstein, CMA (AAMA) Email: [email protected] MEETINGS: Third
Tuesday of each month at 6pm at St. Luke’s Health Education Center located at 3333 Squalicum Parkway in Bellingham
Yakima Chapter: President Sandy Erlewine, CMA (AAMA) CPC [email protected] MEETINGS: Meets on a quar-
terly basis. Meets the 3rd Thursday of February, April, September and October at YakimaValley Community College. Busi-
ness meeting at 5:30 pm and Continuing Education at 6:00 pm..
Members-at Large: Contact: WSSMA Membership Chair: Lori VanLith CMA(AAMA) [email protected] or Dave Wein-
stein CMA(AAMA) [email protected]
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OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast
turn into cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, like the ducts or the lobes.
Common Kinds of Breast Cancer
Common kinds of breast cancer are—
Ductal carcinoma. The most common kind of
breast cancer. It begins in the cells that line the
milk ducts in the breast, also called the lining of
the breast ducts.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The abnor-
mal cancer cells are only in the lining of the milk
ducts, and have not spread to other tissues in the
breast.
Invasive ductal carcinoma. The abnormal
cancer cells break through the ducts and spread
into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive can-
cer cells can also spread to other parts of the
body.
Lobular carcinoma. In this kind of breast can-
cer, the cancer cells begin in the lobes, or lobules,
of the breast. Lobules are the glands that make milk.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). The cancer cells are found only in the breast lobules. Lobu-
lar carcinoma in situ, or LCIS, does not spread to other tissues.
Invasive lobular carcinoma. Cancer cells spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are
close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
Uncommon Kinds of Breast Cancer
There are several other less common kinds of breast cancer, such as Paget’s disease and inflammatory breast cancer
6
What are the Signs of Breast Cancer ?
Different people have different warning signs for breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. A person may find out they have breast cancer after a routine mammogram.
Some warning signs of breast cancer are—
New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
Pain in any area of the breast.
Keep in mind that some of these warning signs can happen with
other conditions that are not cancer.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed
Breast ultrasound. A machine uses sound waves to make detailed pictures, called sonograms,
of areas inside the breast.
Diagnostic mammogram. If you have a problem in your breast, such as lumps, or if an area of
the breast looks abnormal on a screening mammogram, doctors may have you get a diagnostic mam-
mogram. This is a more detailed X-ray of the breast.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A kind of body scan that uses a magnet linked to a com-
puter. The MRI scan will make detailed pictures of areas inside the breast.
Biopsy. This is a test that removes tissue or fluid from the breast to be looked at under a micro-scope and do more testing. There are different kinds of biopsies (for example, fine-needle aspiration, core biopsy, or open biopsy).
Staging
If breast cancer is diagnosed, other tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the breast
or to other parts of the body. This process is called staging. Whether the cancer is only in the breast, is
found in lymph nodes under your arm, or has spread outside the breast determines your stage of breast
cancer. The type and stage of breast cancer tells doctors what kind of treatment you need.
7
-
How is Breast Cancer Treated?
Breast cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of breast cancer and how far it has
spread. People with breast cancer often get more than one kind of treatment.
Surgery. An operation where doctors cut out
cancer tissue.
Chemotherapy. Using special medicines to
shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you
take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes
both.
Hormonal therapy. Blocks cancer cells from get-
ting the hormones they need to grow.
Biological therapy. Works with your body's im-
mune system to help it fight cancer or to control
side effects from other cancer treatments. Side ef-
fects are how your body reacts to drugs or other
treatments.
Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays
(similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.
Doctors from different specialties often work together to
treat breast cancer. Surgeons are doctors who perform operations. Medical oncologists are doctors
who treat cancer with medicine. Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiation.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the state of Washington you don’t have to have a physician order to get a mammogram. Every
woman/man can just make an appointment with a mammogram facility. Your results are either called
or mailed to you from the radiologist.
CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/
nbccedp/index.htm) provides quality breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to
low-income, uninsured, and underserved women. These services can help find breast and cervical
cancer at the earliest stages.
Above breast cancer information obtained from the CDC website.
8
Committee updates/announcements:
Chapter Presidents and
Committee Chairs please
submit announcements for
this page to the Statline
editor.
Get the word out
about your events !
Yakima Chapter:
CHAPTER EXTENSION COMMITEE: If you live in East King County (Kirkland/Bellevue) and are inter-ested in starting a second chap-ter in King County, please contact Sue Rodenberger, CMA (AAMA)at [email protected] or 360-733-8408. Informational meetings have been held; at the next meeting Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules will be discussed. If you live in the Vancouver/Southwest Washington area and are interested in starting a chap-ter, please contact Sandy Er-lewine, CMA (AAMA) at [email protected] or 509-966-9570. The first informational meeting on forming a chapter is tentatively scheduled for the end of February or in March. We encourage members who are interested in learning more about chapter duties and WSSMA to attend the WSSMA Leadership Retreat that will be held on March 12-13, 2016 at Sambica Retreat
Center in Bellevue. Watch for registration forms. Remember if you live in the zip code area of an established chapter you are automatically, by the AAMA, a member of that chapter unless you notify AAMA differently, You cannot elect to be a member at large if you live with-in a chapters boundaries, but may elect to be a member of an-other chapter within the state. This happens frequently when people live in one county but work in another. They may chose a chapter closer
WEBSITE:
Our website launched a new look on July 1, 2015. Check it out!
We are looking more modern and user friendly.
For access to the members only section just request it through the “sign up box” on the home page. You must submit your current AAMA member number to gain access.
We are asking members with a current WSSMA Website Account to log in and reset your pass-word. There was a glitch in the switch and we need to get you online!
Each chapter has a webmaster for their chapter. Please contact the state webmaster for help keeping your website up to date.
Communication to our members is the KEY!!
BUDGET & FINANCE Commit-
tee: Needs feed back from com-
mittee chairs for planning of the
2016-2017 WSSMA budget.
Please notify the committee chair
if you feel changes need made to
your committees budget.
Did you know?? WSSMA owns two projectors that can be borrowed for your chapter use.
Contact the audio-visual chair Tom Wolf of Snohomish County for info on signing one out.
SeaTac Chapter: Will meet on Tuesday OCT 20th instead of
the usual second Tuesday of the month, at 6:30 pm, New home
at Everest College Campus in Renton. Come help us celebrate
Medical Assistant Week
No October meeting due to
scheduling conflict. The next
meeting of Yakima County Chap-
ter of Medical Assistants will be
held on Thursday, February 18 at
5:30 pm business meeting and
speaker from 6-8 pm at Yakima
Valley Community College; Allied
Health Building. Questions
please contact Chapter President,
Sandy Erlewine, CMA (AAMA) at
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WSSMA CONFERENCE 2015
by Mary Lou Mason, CMA, (AAMA)
Kitsap County was pleased to host the 48th annual WSSMA Conference this past May in Silverdale.
It was an opportunity to hear varied speakers and topics, earning those important CEU’s. Network-
ing with fellow medical assistants allowed for reconnecting with established friends, and developing
new friendships as well.
Our Friday luncheon speaker, Kristen Peterson, did an
amazing job sharing her journey of living with the diagno-
sis of MRKH Syndrome. Recently her story was written
in an article in the local Bremerton paper, and she is get-
ting the word out about MRKH.
The Niffy 50’s themed Friday Fun Night showed many
undiscovered talents in our WSSMA family. Watching
the chapters perform to their assigned songs was quite a
hoot, and the competition with bubble gum and hula
hoops brought smiles. Aaron Marshall did a fantastic job
as our DJ playing great “oldies” and singing Elvis. He
was great!
WSSMA thanked our outgoing State President Sheri
Greimes, CMA(AAMA) ,RPT, RMA, for her diligent work
for the organization. A job well done Sheri, you are ap-
preciated. Shelley Gingrich, CMA(AAMA), was installed
Saturday evening as the new WSSMA President, and we
extend best wishes for your time at the helm. You will
do a terrific job Shelley.
We once again loved shopping at “Karen’s Karat’s Gold”
jewelry. Karen and Joe are strong supporters of our or-
ganization, and donate a percentage of their sales to our
treasury. We appreciate their monies, but even more so
the fun and personality they bring along with their lovely
jewelry and accessories.
Those attending conference received two maroon colored ribbons, one to keep and one to give
away. The ribbon stated “Who I am Makes A Difference, Have A Care”. That is where we derived
our conference theme. Educator Marti Lewis, CMA(AAMA), RN, was the originator of the saying
on these ribbons. She was the director of the Medical Assisting Program at Olympic College in
Bremerton for many years, and a great mentor to those who attended the program and continued
on after graduation as well. The ribbons are given to the graduates as a reminder of the impact we
may have on one another. Thinking of this motto should make us aware of how a kind word of en-
couragement, big smile, or gentle touch, can make such an impact with our patients. Let’s not for-
get to include our co-workers and providers as well! So, look for those opportunities where YOU
CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
10
This is no longer the AAMA policy !
CMA (AAMA) Exam Candidacy limits initial candidates for the CMA (AAMA) Exam. Medical Assistants who graduate on or after January 1, 2010 have 60 months from the date of graduation to sit for and pass the exam. The candidate is allowed three exam attempts. If the candidate does not pass within the 60- month time frame, the candidate is no longer eligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential.
This would mean that a student who graduated prior to January 1, 2010, who did not attempt the CMA
(AAMA) Exam would still be eligible.
NEW POLICY : The 5 year candidacy limit for graduates after 2010 has been dropped by the Certify-
ing Board (CB) . All candidates applying for the CMA (AAMA) Exam are granted three opportunities to
take and pass the examination after January 1, 2010. If the candidate does not pass the exam after three
attempts, the candidate is no longer eligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential.
Proudly earn the gold standard credential!
Employers require your MA-C registration with the state but many still consider the CMA(AAMA)
applicant their first choice when hiring.
Co-Hosted by OSMA and WSSMA
April 28th-April 30
th
Red Lion Inn on the River Jantzen Beach
909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, OR 97217
Need CEU’s?? Make plans now to attend the 2016 joint confer-
ence of the Washington State Society of Medical Assistant and the
Oregon Society of Medical Assistants. Great education planned
along with some fun and networking with the members of our neigh-
boring states.
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WSSMA COMMITTEE Chairs :
(See WSSMA website for contact information)
Audio-Visual Tom Wolf
Audit Nancy Marshall-Young
Budget & Finance Sharon Stutsman
Bylaws and Standing Rules Claire Houghton
Certification and Recert Francie Mooney
Barbara Fallstrom
Leadership Conference Rhonda Nelson
Stacie Ramey
Legislative Justin Henderson
Tom Wolf
Long Range Plan Sheri Greimes
Membership Lori VanLith
Dave Weinstein
Membership Roster Doreen Hoch
Nancy Fortin Scholarship Ruth Flanigan
Nominating Pat Hightower
Professional Acheivement/
MA of the Year Janice Sappingfield
Public Relations Mary Kilmer-Tice
Publications Pat Hightower
Website Doreen Hoch
Dave Weinstein
WSSMA has gone green.
Newsletter and reports are
posted on wssma.org website.
WSSMA NEEDS YOU
WSSMA Nominating committee is
looking for people to fill positions for
2016-2017
Open positions
are :
Vice President
Secretary
Trustee
Delegates to National
MAL Delegates to WSSMA BOT
Please consider one of the above po-
sitions - Forms available on website.
Not sure you qualify—contact the
nominating chair and discuss what is
required of the position.
Contact: Pat Hightower
206 265 2873
Did you miss signing up for a com-
mittee ?
Want to help our organization ?
Contact our State President or a
committee chair -
We welcome all members to participate.
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October 19th is the beginning
of medical assistant week.
Chapters please reach out to
your members, students and
fellow medical assistant work
mates to recognize them this
week. Invite a workmate who
isn’t a member to a chapter
meeting.
Notify local employers who may not know there is a week dedicated to medical assistants. They may be
looking for a way to recognize their employees.
Invite local program students to your chapter meeting. Plan an interactive event. Introductions all around,
discussions about the benefits of AAMA membership, raffles. Wear name badges if you’re a large group.
Feed them and they’ll come !
Your excitement for the profession can be contagious at meetings.
Remember to greet people and make them feel important. Make them feel you’re glad they took time out to
come to a chapter meetings- you never know this months meeting may just be the beginning of a future
leader in your chapter, in WSSMA and in AAMA.. All because an attendee left feeling welcome and that
they were important at their first meeting.
Congratulations to Joyce Garibay from
Oregon!! She was nominated by her state and won an
Excel award for Leadership and Mentoring .
WSSMA has members who qualify for these awards.
Let’s put our members in the lime light in the future.
2016 AAMA DUES invoices have been mailed. Please remember if
you are a WSSMA officer , delegate to the state or AAMA or chapter
officers your dues must paid before Dec 31, 2015.
Pay them early and avoid having to juggle holiday/end of year
expenses.
13
AAMA CONFERENCE 2016
“Building Bridges”
Portland Oregon
AAMA conference in Portland Oregon was 4 days
of constant learning, networking and playing,
The first day, Friday, started out at 8 AM with ed-
ucation offered in 2 rooms , first timers and stu-
dent reception - where members could meet the
Board of Trustee members (BOT) and get to
know them. Education sessions for the most part
went on all day in 1-2 hour segments with a broad
range of topics to select: from hearing loss to
medical marijuana. Educators had sessions
planned all day for just them.
The first day ended with an excellent Keynote
speaker who spoke on “How We Can Transform
the Workforce to Meet the Needs of the Trans-
formed Health System?” by Erin Fraher, PHD
who kept us all attentive even though it was late
in the day. Great finger foods and small sweets.
Just enough that you didn’t feel over indulgent on
your first day. Following the speaker was the
presentation of the Excel awards. WSSMA won
in the category of Greatest Percentage Increase
of Member CMAs (AAMA) in D level of members.
Day two, Saturday, of conference brought
more great educations sessions, and for those
who were there representing their states in the
business of the organization a session to orient
them for the House of Delegates (HOD) to be
held on Sunday. Saturday’s education ses-
sions ended at 8pm. The educator sessions
ended at 8:30 pm.
The picture to the right is our WSSMA delega-
tion to the HOD. Thank you ladies.
Sunday AM brought us to the HOD itself with a
full day of listening to the business of the
AAMA, meeting the candidates for positions to
elect. Attending afternoon reference commit-
tees after the publisher show case. At the noon
publishers show case you can talk to the vendors
from many text book publishers. This was of im-
portance to the educators among us and interest-
ing to practitioners. Desert was sponsored by the
publishers.
The voting of the house took place again this
year electronically—which was quick and able to
do while in the HOD. The one bylaws change
presented did not pass. The resolutions was not
adopted.
For those who didn’t attend the HOD they could
explore Portland or shop as we were directly
across from a large mall. Also within walking
distance of Voodoo Donuts which are reported
be better than any others.
Monday brought more morning education fol-
lowed by a luncheon for the incoming President,
newly elected officers and trustees. Our sister
state member Paula Purdy was installed as the
2015-2016 AAMA President.
WAY TO GO PAULA !!!
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Laugh, Cry and Celebrate with our Members
STATLINE
Send us photos! ! Social page is for all of us to let each other know what’s
going on in our lives.
Someone sick? Had surgery? Let us know we’ll pass the word and wish
them well!!
We asked them to gather and they came! Washingtonians who attended the AAMA con-
ference in Portland gathered for a group picture. There are 37 here but likely there were
over 50 who attended the conference. Great Representation of our state!!
Trustee Hightower’s last official duty on the
AAMA board.
Washington knows how to have fun.
15
WSSMA delegates enjoying being in Portland..
Reconnecting with SeaTac friends
Shelley - at the end of the long walk at the Parade of
State Presidents - she claimed to be wearing an invisible crown.
Welcome Gail
16
The AAMA Board of Trustees for 2015 –2016
President: Paula Purdy, CMA(AAMA)
Vice President : Julie Flatten, CMA(AAMA) RN, EMT
Secretary-Treasurer: Freda Miller, CMA(AAMA)
Trustees: Patricia Licurs, CMA(AAMA)
Virginia Thomas, CMA(AAMA)
Karen Minchella, CMA(AAMA) PhD
Susan Hawes, CMA(AAMA) MBA, CMPE
Deborah Novak, CMA(AAMA)
Michael Pheil, CMA(AAMA), LVN
Knowledge Bowl Cheer Leaders - Great Job!! North and South Carolina
AAMA Staff Always ready !
Don’t wait for someone to bring
you flowers
Plant your own garden and decorate
your own soul.
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Adult Obesity in the US
Adult obesity remains high across the U.S. Learn what you can do to get to a healthy weight.
Obesity is a common, serious, and costly health issue that affects people in every state in the nation. New data show that at least 1 of 5 adults in every state has obesity. This condition is linked to some of the lead-ing causes of death, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Obesity and the health problems it causes cost the U.S. health care system as much as $147 billion per year.
States differ in their levels of obesity.
The percentage of people with obesity varies from state to state, and the problem is worse in some parts of
the country than in others. The percentage of people with obesity also varies by other factors, such as race
and ethnicity. These differences may be partly due to difference in people's access to healthy foods and
safe places to be physically active. Some Americans have less access to stores and markets that sell
healthy, affordable food such as fruits and vegetables. Safe routes for walking or biking do not exist in
some neighborhoods. Some communities do not have parks and recreation centers that people can get to
easily.
All Americans can take actions to get to and stay at a healthy
weight.
Everyone can:
Eat more fruits and vegetables during meals and as
snacks.
Eat fewer foods high in fats and added sugars.
Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Help children develop healthy eating habits by being a good adult role model .
Limit TV watching and other non-homework screen time for children to less than 2 hours a day.
Support and encourage breastfeeding among moms.
Be more physically active. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, like brisk walk-ing,[2.61 MB] each week.
National, state, and local governments can:
Make sure that our schools, worksites, and communities offer healthy, affordable food choices.
Create safe and convenient places in our communities where residents can be physically active. Design local streets that are safe for walkers and other street users.
Allow community residents to use local school tracks or gyms after classes have finished.
Information from the CDC
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Going trick-or-treating?
words, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
void trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
asten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
xamine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
old a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
lways test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
ook both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
ower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
nly walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
ear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
at only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
nter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
ever walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
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Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests? Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:
Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.
Submitted by Lori V.
Article taken from the CDC
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccines have a
very good safety track record.
The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray
Get your flu or spray as soon as the vaccine is available in your area
Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches and fever are common side effects of the flu
vaccine
HAVE YOU HAD YOURS??? Protect yourself , your family and your patients.
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Take these simple steps to help your children have a fun – and safe – Halloween Children shouldn’t snack while they’re out trick-or-treating. Urge your children to wait until they get home and you have had a chance to inspect the contents of their “goody bags.” To help prevent children from snacking, give them a light meal or snack before they head out – don’t send them out on an empty stomach. Tell children not to accept – and especially not to eat – anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrap-pers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
Follow these tips for Halloween parties at home If juice or cider is served to children at Halloween parties, make sure it is pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy harmful bacteria. Juice or cider that has not been treated will say so on the label. No matter how tempting, don't taste raw cookie dough or cake batter. Before going "bobbing for apples," an all-time favorite Halloween game, reduce the number of bac-teria that might be present on apples and other raw fruits and vegetables by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. As an added precaution, use a produce brush to remove surface dirt. "Scare" bacteria away by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time. These include, for example, finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit or tossed salads, cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry, or seafood, and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings. Cold temperatures help keep most harmful bacteria from multiplying. And don't leave the food at room temperature for more than two-hours.
Taken from the FDA Website
If someone tells you that
you have enough jewelry
and you don’t need any-
more, stop talking to them.
You don’t need that kind of
negativity in your life.
Pat Hightower
STATLINE Chair
9205 S 2OO St
Kent, WA 98031
PLACE STAMP HERE
STATLINE Editor: Pat Hightower
Reporters : Lori VanLith \\
CALENDAR OF EVENT
Medical Assistant Week Oct.19-23, 2015
Fall BOT Nov. 7, 2015 @ 10:00
AAMA Dues Due Dec 31,2015
Nancy Fortin Scholarship deadline TBA
Annual Officer and Chapter reports due TBA
Leadership Retreat TBA
Winter BOT TBA
Prof Achievement/MA Year deadline TBA
