Thanksgiving is one of the most patriotic holidays we celebrate as Americans.

Pain is more than physical sensation resulting from tissue damage. It is a complex process of perception that includes the interaction of sensory information, cognition, and emotion. Because some patients do not improve with interventions targeting peripheral structural impairment alone, treatment strategies that address all factors influencing a patient’s pain experience are needed, such as mindfulness training.

The South Fork Snake River in eastern Idaho supports the largest river population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Idaho as well as other popular game fish including Rainbow trout and Brown trout. Idaho anglers have repeatedly asked Fish and Game managers to focus management efforts on protecting native trout species when possible. This public sentiment is reflected in our state fish management plan where the goals for the South Fork Snake River include: protecting the genetic integrity and population viability of cutthroat, and reducing rainbow trout abundance to less than 10% of the trout in the upper river near Conant, as was the case in the mid-1980’s. These goals are also reflected by the Yellowstone cutthroat trout management plan. Each fall, IDFG employees use boat electrofishing techniques to estimate trout numbers in order to gauge management efforts relative to goals stated in the management plan. Results from 2020 surveys suggest two things; trout numbers are at a record high and Rainbow trout still comprise more of the population in the upper South Fork than called for in the management plan.

We here at the Disability Inclusion Network (DIN) want to wish everyone a safe and happy holidays. We know that it can be extremely difficult for many not being able to see loved ones in person. We support you and recognize your efforts in keeping yourself and others safe. Studies have shown that there are higher rates of mental health crisis during the holiday season. Please make sure that you are practicing self-care and wellness actives. Listed below are some resources and virtual events that you can attend:

Walla Walla, Wash. – From Nov. 11 to 15, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District, at the request of the State of Idaho, deployed a four person Advance Measures Technical Assistance Team to the site of two wildfires to assist in post-burn analysis.

Olympia – With fewer people gathering this holiday weekend, there may be more homes across the state filled with the smell of turkey dinner than ever before. The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds residents to keep kitchen fire safety a priority when preparing this year’s Thanksgiving meal.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s action against Aliera Healthcare, Inc. (Aliera) ordering the company to stop selling health insurance illegally was upheld on Nov. 13 after the company appealed.  Today, Aliera was ordered to pay a $1 million fine. It has 90 days to appeal. 

Due to the rise in COVID19 cases i n our community, the Lewiston City Library will move to offering library users materials through curbside delivery only, as well as computer and meeting room access by appointment beginning Monday, November 30, 2020. Library card holders may request materials to be picked up at the 5th Street entrance Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6:30 pm and Friday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Materials to be picked up must be placed on hold through the library card holder’s account at w ww.valnet.org, by calling the library to place a request at 208-798-2525 or by email at l ibrary@cityoflewiston.org. Library card holders will be notified through text, email or by phone when their items are ready for pick up.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) and his order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically-necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19 are both extended until Dec. 24. 

Neck pain is a common condition that affects 22% to 70% of people at some point in their lifetime. Fortunately, in most individuals neck pain will spontaneously resolve, but in about 30% of individuals, pain may persist for longer than 6 months. In most cases of neck pain the exact cause is unknown. Nevertheless, patients with neck pain may be given a variety of diagnoses including cervical disc herniation, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, and/or whiplash.

Eight insurance companies used Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures recommendations in annual climate survey conducted by states of Washington, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Mexico and New York

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is proposing to update quarantine rules involving the movement of all grape planting stock into or within Washington to further protect the state’s thriving grape industry from harmful pests and disease.

RIGGINS—Long-term repairs to the US-95 slide south of Riggins are complete. The failing slope above milepost 188 has disrupted traffic on the state’s primary north-south route since it first fell July 3 and then again on July 10.