Psoriasis is one of these non-lethal yet pervasive diseases. The National Psoriasis Foundation, based in Portland, leads the way in advocating and educating with August's Psoriasis Awareness Month.

Throughout this year, eleven walks for awareness are scheduled throughout the country. Six have already concluded, the most recent being the Portland edition held on July 12. As temperatures soared to over 90 degrees that weekend, 133 people faced the hot weather and participated in the walk, according to Portland Walk for Awareness coordinator Jessica Mulligan. The goal of the Portland walk is to raise $50,000, of which over $41,000 has already been raised. After races have concluded, donations can be made on the foundation's Web site, www.psoriasis.org.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation Web site, psoriasis is a noncontagious, lifelong skin disease. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a buildup of dead skin cells. Although psoriasis can develop at any age the most common time of onset is between the ages of 15-35.

For Psoriasis Awareness Month the foundation's goals of research, advocacy and support are key in finding a cure. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act was introduced to Congress in 2007. The act calls on the federal government to increase investment in psoriasis research and to improve patient access to treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. It is estimated by the National Psoriasis Foundation that 89,000 adults in Oregon suffer from psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.

Breathing Easy: Not with polluted air
With the Olympic Games set to open on August 8, concerns are being raised about Beijing air quality and its possible effects on athletes and spectators. China has been trying to clear the air by shutting down factories in and around the Beijing area.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, "The ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide and other pollutants in Beijing's hazy air are asthmagenic -- meaning exposure can inflame the airways of sensitive people and even cause an asthma attack."

Health officials and organizations have linked environmental pollution to an increase in chronic disease and respiratory conditions. The effects can be felt by Americans in every region of the country, not just congested cities such as Los Angeles and New York.

The Oregon Health and Sciences University Web site states: "The health effects on people because of air pollution are numerous. Air pollution levels are associated with increased respiratory health problems, including asthma."

For those who suffer from chronic ailments such as allergies and asthma, or have suffered a bout of bronchitis, pollution may have played a role.

In the Willamette Valley, air quality can be monitored by residents who visit the ODEQ Web site: www.deq.state.or.us, where they have a direct link to the air quality index which is updated frequently. The Salem area is specifically monitored, along with numerous other regions. If the air quality index falls between 0-50 the air quality is colored green which stands for good. The ODEQ issues advisories when air pollution levels are forecast at levels above the yellow or moderate category. As this is written, Salem's air quality index is 15. Out of 26 regions evaluated, this reading is the sixth lowest in the state.   

Camp for grieving children
Summer camp is a traditional getaway vacation for kids. Enjoying the outdoors, bunking with friends, indulging in junk food, and evening bonfires are just some of the traditional elements.

On the weekend of August 8-9, Willamette Valley Hospice offers children and their families an opportunity to do some of those same activities, but with a healing approach to the trip.

In this casual setting, kids and their families will have the chance to understand and cope with the loss of a loved one. Camp Mighty Oak, an overnight bereavement camp in its ninth year, is designed to give children the chance to talk and work through their grief.

Aldersgate Conference Center in Turner is the setting for the event. Camp Mighty Oak is open to children 5 or older with their families at a cost of $50 per child and $75 per adult. The cost includes all meals, lodging, activities and a T-shirt. There are limited scholarships available. For more information, call (503) 588-3600.