Asian Health & Service Center

On June 15, 2026, AHSC staff, volunteers, and community members were invited to participate in the Know Your River, Know Your Food environmental health education event on the Willamette River. During the educational jet boat tour, a group of 41 participants learned about ongoing environmental restoration efforts, including areas that have been cleaned up and restored for public use. We also explored popular recreation areas where Portland residents enjoy swimming, fishing, and spending time along the river.

During the tour, experts shared valuable information about fish consumption safety, including which fish are safer to eat and the recommended consumption guidelines for fish caught in the Willamette River. We learned that some species, particularly resident fish such as carp, should be consumed only in limited amounts due to environmental contaminants. The presenters also explained the difference between resident fish, which spend their lives in the river and may accumulate contaminants over time, and migratory fish, which generally have lower levels of contamination and are safer for consumption. Despite existing health advisories, some people continue to exceed the recommended consumption limits.

We also learned about future environmental cleanup and restoration efforts planned for sections of the Willamette River. These projects aim to improve water quality, restore habitats, and create healthier riverbanks for both wildlife and the community. It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the importance of protecting and caring for our rivers. By working together to keep our waterways clean, we can help ensure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy river ecosystem and all the benefits it provides to our beautiful Portland community.

A special thank you to Beth Appert from Multnomah County Environmental Health for coordinating this opportunity with AHSC and for providing the educational tools, resources, and expertise that made this experience possible. We greatly appreciate her commitment to environmental education and her efforts to share important information that empowers community members to make informed decisions about the health of our rivers, local fish consumption, and environmental stewardship.

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Useful link. Oregon Health Authority : https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/recreation/fishconsumption/pages/fishadvisories.aspx

安慰剂效应
什么是安慰剂效应？
安慰剂效应就是一种“相信产生力量”的神奇现象。当我们的内心深处认定某种方式有效时，身体真的会随之产生积极的变化。这种现象在健康和医学领域非常常见的现象。
对很多人来说，有时候甚至还没等药效发挥作用，仅仅是“准备吃药”这个念头，就能让他们感觉好多了。
《科学·转化医学》期刊曾发表过一项有趣的实验。研究人员观察了偏头痛患者对药物的反应。第一组被试吃了真正的止痛药，第二组被试吃没有药效的安慰剂，第三组什么都不吃。结果令人惊讶：安慰剂在缓解疼痛方面的效果竟然达到了真实药效的一半！
研究者认为，这种反应背后的动力其实是源于一种“仪式感”。在我们的潜意识里，服药这个动作往往代表着“我正在好转”。所以，即便吃下的并不是真正的药物，大脑也会在“服药”这一动作的刺激下，释放出“身体正在康复”的信号。
在日常生活中，善用这种力量
除了治疗身体疾病，安慰剂效应也能温柔地呵护我们的心理健康。您可以尝试通过以下方式，给生活加一点“正向暗示”：
● 多给自己一些肯定和鼓励，建立起内在的信任与自信
● 让自己置身于积极、支持您的社交圈中，这种正能量的环绕能显著提振精神
● 认真吃好每一餐，坚持运动，尝试冥想。当你用心照顾身体时，你的精神跟心理也会感受到被滋养
● 在生活中放一些温馨的小提醒或者励志语录，时刻提醒自己保持积极的心态。
安慰剂效应告诉我们：我们的内心比想象中的更强大。虽然它不能取代正式的医疗手段，但我们的思维方式和生活习惯，确实能深刻地改变我们的感受。通过有意识地培养积极的信念和日常习惯，我们每个人都可以成为自己健康生活的“主导者”。
想要了解更多关于华人服务中心心理健康部门或与身心平衡相关的资讯，欢迎联络本中心之心理健康部门语言专线，我们的双语心理咨询师于周一至周五早上八点半至下午五点竭诚为您服务。
英语 503-772-5893
普通话503-772-5894
广东话 503-772-5895
韩语 503-772-5896
越南语 503-772-5897

Your Experience is Valid
Acculturation is not always a linear journey. At different points in life, we may revisit feelings of stress, uncertainty, loneliness, or disconnection.
Cultural identity stress, intergenerational conflict, language barriers, and the pressure to assimilate can quietly affect our mental health and emotional well-being.
Recognizing where we are in our journey is the first step toward caring for ourselves with compassion.
Please remember:
Your story matters.
Your feelings are valid.
You do not have to go through this alone.

AHSC’s Mission is To be the Bridge between Asian and American Culture and Build a Harmonious Community. We welcome and support you throughout your journey of acculturation, and we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.

For more information on promoting well-being and caring for our mental health needs, please feel free to contact our behavioral health language line. Our bilingual therapists are available to help Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
English 503-772-5893
Mandarin 503-772-5894
Cantonese 503-772-5895
Korean 503-772-5896
Vietnamese 503-772-5897