Director's Message

Jan. 5, 2007

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, Director

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves." ~ Bill Vaughn

As the new year gets under way, this is the time our thoughts turn to resolutions. We think about what we can do better, where we can improve, what we can accomplish. In keeping with that, I want to talk again about one of the goals I mentioned last week -- taking care of ourselves and our families.

At DHS we work hard to make it possible for Oregonians to lead lives that are independent, healthy and safe. Let's resolve this year to do the same for ourselves.

The three areas where we can have the most impact on our health with the least effort (really!) are diet, exercise and eliminating unhealthy habits such as smoking. Just a few minor changes can have a huge impact and help us set the kind of example we are encouraging Oregonians to follow.

It actually can be quite easy (at least some of the time), and I challenge you to join me in building a healthier life for yourselves and your loved ones.

Eat better. And no, that doesn't mean giving up chocolate cake the rest of your life. It just means taking one small step each day or even just a few times each week toward a better diet. Instead of buying a 1,000-calorie muffin for breakfast, grab a small bagel or a bowl of cereal. Exchange one sugared soft drink during the day for a diet soda or, even better, some water. Start doing these things just once a week and work up to once a day. It will make a difference.

Exercise. Remember those elevators I vowed to quit taking? Though I have strayed a couple of times, I'm still taking the stairs most of the time. Don't want to climb a lot of flights right away? Start by walking down the stairs one flight at a time. Park in the farthest space instead of the nearest space when you go shopping. Get up and walk around for a few minutes during the lunch hour. If walking is not possible, find ways to increase your upper body strength -- use a manual stapler instead of a power stapler, and the same with can openers. Every little bit helps a lot.

And if you are a smoker there are a variety of methods you can use to reduce or quit smoking. Both our own Tobacco and Prevention Education Program and PEBB offer a variety of support systems to help you kick the habit. Or, you can do what one friend of mine did and just increase the time between each cigarette until, as she says, she hasn't quit smoking, but she's just not due for her next cigarette for another 12 years. Whatever works, whatever helps you reduce or eliminate tobacco use, make this the year you do it.

There are a lot of resources you can call on for help. PEBB and our PEBB medical plans provide a variety of ways to support your efforts to stay well and be healthy. Check out what's at http://pebb.das.state.or.us/. For smokers who want to quit you can call the Tobacco Quit Line at 1-877-270-STOP (7867), Free and Clear at 1-800-292-2336, or get additional assistance by checking our own Tobacco Prevention and Education Program at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/tobacco/oregonquit.shtml as well as http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/freeandclear.shtml at PEBB.

As a physician, I care about the quality of life people lead. I have chosen public health as a career because it allows me the opportunity to make a difference for the greatest number of people. I believe everyone deserves to lead a full, long and healthy life, including you. It's up to you to make that happen, and I very much hope you will resolve to do so.

This is the start of a new year. Let's all make it the start of a healthy year as well.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.