1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cancer

Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Portland, OR
Permit No. 2901
St. Joseph Hospital
2700 Dolbeer St.
Eureka, CA 95501
Redwood Memorial Hospital
3300 Renner Drive
Fortuna, CA 94450
®
J O U R N A L
O F
W E L L N E S S
A N D
G O O D
H E A L T H
C A R E
●
S U M M E R
2 0 0 8
Rmh honoRed
foR eXcellent
patient seRvice
redWOOd MeMOriAL hOsPitAL (RMH) in
BluePrint For eXcellence uPdate
making pRogRess
C
Construction crews have finished readying
the site for our expansion project with underground support beams and are now beginning to lay the foundation for the new
three-level tower.
Scheduled for completion in November 2010, the new
facility will expand and improve patient care.
a family effoRt Currently, the St. Joseph Hospital
Foundation is gathering support from the entire St. Joseph Hospital (SJH) and Redwood Memorial Hospital
(RMH) family—its staff, physicians and volunteers—to
help fund the 118 million Expansion. Called the Family Campaign, this fundraising effort gives each person
involved at SJH and RMH the opportunity to make his
or her mark on the Expansion project and, ultimately,
the health of our community.
Every gift is essential for us to succeed in continuing
to provide quality health care to the people of Humboldt
County. We hope that you, too, will partner with us in
supporting this challenge as a community.
eXciting things to come Highlights of the new
facility include:
InSide
Lower level
● A spacious lobby and courtyard for patients and
visitors.
● Emergency department, with 20 treatment bays.
● Emergency department imaging, with a CT scanner,
radiology and ultrasound.
first floor
● New main entrance, lobby and waiting area.
● Surgical suite, with eight operating rooms and a
catheterization lab.
● 17 preparation and recovery beds.
● 10 post-anesthesia care unit beds.
● New locations for patient nutrition services and the
gift shop.
second floor
● 12 intensive care unit (ICU) beds.
● 40 patient care beds.
● ICU waiting room.
● ICU nurses’ station.
For more information, call the Foundation office
at -- or visit www.stjosepheureka.org.
There you can also watch an online tour of the
completed Expansion or track our construction
progress. To listen to a recorded update about the Expansion, call our hotline at --.
Fortuna has been recognized by Avatar International
Inc. as an Exemplary Service Overall Best Performer
2007. Avatar, a health care research and consulting firm,
recognizes hospitals around the country for their highquality health care service.
The award is based on the results of the hospital’s 2007
patient surveys. It is awarded to those hospitals with the
highest overall combined score for inpatient, outpatient,
emergency department and ambulatory surgery services.
The award is presented to the top 12 hospitals nationally
that participated in Avatar’s survey.
a step towaRd betteR caRe In 2001 RMH adopted
the Journey—a focus on holistic, patient-centered care
that forms the foundation for all programs, services and
outreach at the hospital.
The hospital’s philosophy is to minister to the whole
patient—body, mind and spirit, realizing that every relationship (among caregivers, patients and families) has
a profound effect on healing. The Journey philosophy is
rooted in keeping the patient at the center of the decisionmaking process while providing a healing environment.
“It is [an] honor to
accept Avatar’s patient
satisfaction award for
overall best performance for the second year in a row,”
says Joe Mark, CEO
of St. Joseph Health
System–Humboldt
County. “We will continue to look for opportunities to create
the most healing en- serviNg With CAre:
vironment possible for redwood Memorial hospital
staff members celebrate
our community.”
Nurses day 2008.
3 PillcaM GETTING A BETTER VIEW OF YOU 5 Breast cancer THE ROLE OF FAMILY HISTORY
6 suPPort MANY THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS 0 saFety OUR CAMPUSES ARE NOW SMOKE-FREE
Men’s Health
Learn the facts now
about prostate cancer
Out of sight, out of mind. If you’re
like most men, that pretty much sums up
your relationship with your prostate.
But ignoring your prostate isn’t a good
idea, especially if you’re 50 or older. The
reason: This small gland can cause big
problems—most notably, cancer—in men
as they get older.
Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer
found in American men. In fact, one out of
every six men will develop prostate cancer
during his lifetime, reports the American
Cancer Society (ACS).
That’s why you need to learn about
prostate cancer—and why you need to pay
attention to your prostate.
Risk factors It’s
Is it prostate cancer or BPH?
You’re having problems urinating, and you’ve noticed some blood in
your urine—both symptoms of prostate cancer. But before you get
too alarmed, check with your doctor. You may have a noncancerous
prostate condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged and
squeezes the urethra, causing bladder problems. Symptoms include:
■ A frequent and urgent need to urinate. ■ Trouble starting a urine
stream. ■ A weak stream of urine or a small amount of urine each
time you go. ■ The feeling you still have to go when you finish urinating. ■ Leaking or dribbling. ■ Small amounts of blood in your urine.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to see your doctor
right away.
If you’re diagnosed with BPH, several treatments are available.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Prostatitis
A painful
condition
You’ve probably heard of prostate cancer.
But you may not be as familiar with another prostate
condition known as prostatitis.
While not as serious as prostate cancer, prostatitis is
a common and painful disease. Up to 25 percent of all
office visits by young and middle-aged men for genital and
urinary system problems may be attributed to prostatitis,
according to the National Institutes of Health.
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland and
not known what
exactly causes prostate cancer. But there
are certain risk factors that can increase
your chances of getting the disease.
The greatest risk factor associated with
prostate cancer is age. Your chance of
getting the disease increases quickly after
you reach 50—about two out of every three
cases of prostate cancer are found in men
over 65, according to the ACS.
You also may be more likely to get prostate cancer if you: ● Have a family history
of the disease. ● Are African American.
● Have a diet high in red meat or highfat dairy products and low in fruits and
vegetables.
There is nothing you can do about some
risk factors, such as family history and
race. But you can help protect yourself
from other risk factors by practicing a
healthy lifestyle.
Screening The ACS recommends that
you talk to your doctor about the benefits
sometimes the area around it. The most common types of
prostatitis are nonbacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic
pain syndrome. Less commonly, prostatitis can be caused
by a bacterial infection.
The cause of nonbacterial prostatitis conditions is
not fully understood. But it may be related to sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, or other
bladder problems, reports the American Urological
Association (AUA).
Some men with prostatitis experience a great deal of
pain. Others may not experience any symptoms. Symptoms that can be caused by prostatitis include:
● Difficult or painful urination.
● Frequent urination.
● Fever and chills.
● Lower back pain.
● Groin or genital area pain.
su m m e r
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and risks of prostate cancer screening when you reach
the age of 50. If you have high risk factors for the disease,
you should discuss testing at 45.
If you decide to be screened for prostate cancer, there
are two tests your doctor may recommend:
● A digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor inserts
a gloved finger into your rectum to check your prostate
for hard or lumpy areas.
● A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, in which a
sample of your blood is checked to determine your PSA
level.
DRE and PSA tests can both detect problems with your
prostate. Neither test, however, can determine whether
Learn more about prostate seed
implants and other prostate cancer
treatments at www.stjosepheureka.org.
an abnormality is cancer. You may need to undergo a
biopsy to rule out cancer.
Symptoms Prostate
cancer doesn’t always cause
symptoms. When it does, they may include: ● Difficulty
urinating or having the need to urinate often, especially at
night. ● Pain or burning during urination. ● Difficulty
having an erection. ● Blood in your urine or semen.
● Frequent pain in your lower back, hips or upper
thighs.
See your doctor right away if you experience any of
these symptoms. You may not have prostate cancer—
other, more benign conditions of the prostate can cause
similar symptoms.
But if you do have cancer, you should be diagnosed as
soon as possible so that you and your doctor can consider
treatment options.
Those options include watchful waiting, surgery,
radiation therapy, hormone therapy or a combination
of treatments.
To find out more about prostate cancer and your risk
for the disease, talk to your doctor. You can also
visit the ACS website at www.cancer.org.
● Pain during or after ejaculation.
● Inability to get an erection.
Prostatitis can be easily confused with other infections
of the urinary tract. If you have symptoms of prostatitis,
see your doctor.
Feeling better How prostatitis is treated depends
on its cause. Antibiotics are used to treat prostatitis triggered by bacterial infections. Depending on the severity
of your condition, you may have to take antibiotics from
two weeks up to four months.
If your prostatitis is not caused by an infection, it can
be hard to treat. Your doctor may recommend taking antiinflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Soaking in a hot bath may also help you feel better.
For more information on prostatitis, visit the
AUA website at www.urologyhealth.org.
h e a lt h t a l k
news, views & tips
RMH named
Business of the
Year in Fortuna
CAPSULE END OSCOPY
Here’s looking
at you—from
the inside out
When it comes to new medical technology, bigger is not always better. In fact, at
St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, a new device about the size of a vitamin is making
big waves in the world of endoscopy.
The procedure is called capsule endoscopy. Whereas conventional endoscopy requires a long, flexible tube with a
camera lens attached to the end, capsule
endoscopy involves a tiny, pill-like device,
likened to a large vitamin, that, when ingested, travels down a patient’s digestive
tract. The capsule is disposable and contains a miniature video camera that takes
high-quality images of the digestive tract,
allowing physicians to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders.
a clearer view Depending on the cap-
sule, anywhere from two to 14 images per
second are transmitted, resulting in up
to 50,000 pictures during its eight-hour
journey through the patient’s system. The
photos provide physicians with direct views
of the esophagus, small intestine and colon,
which helps them diagnose and evaluate
certain digestive disorders, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, lesions,
Crohn’s disease and small bowel tumors.
To date, more than 500,000 patients
worldwide are benefiting from capsule
technology, including many Humboldt
County residents. St. Joseph Hospital introduced the technology in 2005, and so far,
physicians are pleased with the results.
“Capsule endoscopy has allowed us
to more accurately detect and diagnose
small bowel and esophageal disorders in
our patients,” says Kusum Stokes, MD. “It’s
a great alternative to conventional endoscopic and radiologic procedures and is
convenient for patients.”
better for patients Instead of undergo-
ing surgery or a traditional esophageal
endoscopy, patients simply swallow the
capsule with a glass of water and strap
a small data-recording device to their
belts.
Dr. Stokes, who specializes in endoscopic procedures, says patients can go
about their normal daily activities, including eating and exercising, while the capsule
does its job.
To learn more about endoscopy
services at St. Joseph Hospital, visit
www.stjosepheureka.org. Dr. Stokes is a
physician in Eureka and can be reached
at --.
The Fortuna Chamber of Commerce has
honored Redwood Memorial Hospital
(RMH) as its Business of the Year for 2007.
The award, presented to COO Joe Rogers at the chamber’s annual dinner on
May 5, commends the hospital for providing 50 years of patient-centered care.
RMH first opened on March 19, 1957.
More than 50 years later, it is the home of
The Journey, a patient-centered care philosophy that forms the foundation for all
programs, services and outreach provided
by the hospital.
“It is with great pride that I accept this
award for the staff, sisters, physicians, volunteers, community and St. Joseph Health
System,” Rogers says. “We are so thankful
to the Fortuna business community for
continuing to support us in our mission
to provide area residents with the highest-quality health care possible.”
Local surgeon performs
unique vascular procedures
New technology helps to remove blood clots
Clots in hearts, arms and legs can cause
pain, reduced mobility, loss of limb and
even death. Conditions such as peripheral arterial disease, stroke, heart attack
and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) usually
involve such clots.
Fortunately, our community has local
vascular surgeon Michael Palmer, MD,
FACS, of North Coast Surgical Specialists
in Eureka, specializing in general and vascular surgery, with advanced training in
endovascular treatment. Some of the more
unique procedures he performs include
stent implants and thrombolytic therapy.
The procedures may be performed in the
cardiac catheterization lab at St. Joseph
Hospital (SJH), typically while the patient
is conscious.
“St. Joseph Hospital has made the
commitment to invest in newer effective technologies so that we can do these
procedures locally,” Dr. Palmer says. “It’s
advanced work. Bluntly, you can’t get
anything better anywhere else, not at the
CONgrAtuLAtiONs: redwood
Memorial hospital COO Joe rogers
(left) and st. Joseph health system–
humboldt County Board of trustees
Chairman dennis Leonardi hold the
fortuna Chamber of Commerce 2007
Business of the Year award.
Mayo Clinic or Stanford; they don’t have
any better technology for these procedures
than we do right here.”
introducing angioJet
Thrombolytic
therapy is a treatment used to break up
dangerous clots inside your blood vessels.
The new AngioJet Ultra Thrombectomy
System, which is being used in the cardiac
cath lab at SJH on a trial basis, is one form
of thrombolytic therapy.
The AngioJet is used to restore blood flow
by removing clots as opposed to dissolving
or breaking them up, which can result in
additional blockages and other complications. This new treatment has been used on
more than 350,000 patients worldwide.
healing dvt Dr. Palmer uses thrombo-
lytic therapy to treat DVT, the formation
of a blood clot, or thrombus, in a deep
vein, usually in the legs. The clot can cause
damage to the vein so that even after the
clot is removed, the loss of the valve funcsu m m e r 2 0 0 8 3
tion can lead to chronic pain and swelling
in the legs. However, if the physician can
treat the clot early, then future ulceration
in the legs can be avoided.
In the past, DVT was treated with drugs
but this did not help preserve valve function for most people.
“Patients don’t have to travel great distances to receive expert care,” says Brian
Baker, director of surgical services at SJH.
“Many fine physicians and surgeons here
in Humboldt County are practicing some
of the latest vascular techniques, including
endovascular repair.”
To learn more, call --,
ext. . Dr. Palmer is available
at North Coast Surgical Specialists at
--.
H E A LT H
S C E N E
save the date for Rmh
10th annual eel river Valley Family
health, resource and Wellness Fair
saturday, oct. 4
rohner Park
Come out for low-cost wellness
screenings and to visit information
booths courtesy of rMh and other
private and nonprofit organizations.
in conjunction with the disaster
Preparedness fair and the Apple
harvest festival, the fair also features
apple tasting, free cider, balloons, hayrides and other kid-friendly activities.
Learn more at www.redwood
memorial.org.
Children’s Health
Take a pass on used seats
A used car seat may seem like a good deal, but it may
not be the safest seat for your child.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, secondhand
safety seats can be dangerous because they may have
damage that you can’t see. For example, a seat may
be damaged from a previous car crash or weakened by
incorrect use or storage.
Other concerns about used car seats:
■ Missing or damaged parts, instructions or labels.
Missing or damaged labels can make it difficult to tell if
a seat has been recalled or whether certain parts have
been recalled or replaced.
■ Age. A used seat may be too old for safe use. Most
manufacturers agree that you shouldn’t use a car seat
that is more than 6 years old.
To find out whether a car seat has been recalled,
contact the manufacturer or call the federal government’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-DASH-2-DOT
(888-327-4236).
have A safe ride every time
How to choose a car seat that is right for your child at any age
As a parent, there’s just about nothing more im-
portant than your child’s safety.
In the car, safety starts with buckling your child into
a car seat. Yet with so many options available, choosing
the right seat can sometimes be tricky.
The following information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) can help.
Rules of the road Because most car crashes involve
the front end of the vehicle, safety experts agree that the
back seat is the safest place for all children to ride—
regardless of their age.
Infants should ride facing the rear of the car until they
are 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds. Children who
reach 20 pounds earlier should ride in a rear-facing seat
until their first birthday.
Older children should ride in a front-facing safety
or booster seat until they are big enough to use
adult-size lap and shoulder belts. According to the
AAP, this is usually when a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches
in height (between ages 8 and 12).
When shopping for a car seat, keep in mind that the most
expensive seats are not necessarily the best or the safest. The
best seat is the one that fits your child, is correctly installed
and is used properly every time. Types of seats available:
St. Joseph and Redwood Memorial
hospitals offer car seat safety classes.
Call 707-442-5239 to learn more.
Rear-facing infant seats. These seats are portable and
come with a built-in harness system. Depending on the
model, infant seats can be used until your child weighs
20 to 30 pounds.
Convertible seats. These seats are designed to be used
in a rear-facing position for infants and then converted
to a forward-facing position once your child meets the
manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
Combination seats. These combine the features of a
forward-facing seat and a booster seat. Combination
seats come with harness straps that can be removed once
your child reaches the top height or weight limit. You can
then use the seat as a booster with your vehicle’s lap and
shoulder belts.
Booster seats. These are designed to raise your child
so the lap and shoulder belts fit correctly. In general, use
a booster seat until your child can sit against the back of
the seat with knees bent and feet touching the floor.
When installing a car seat, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as well as your vehicle owner’s manual.
To ensure that your child is buckled into the seat correctly, check the following:
● Harness straps should fit snugly without any loose
­areas. Check that the harness chest clip is at armpit level.
● For booster seats, the shoulder belt should rest snugly
across your child’s chest and the lap belt should be low
across your child’s thighs.
To check that you’ve installed the seat properly and
are using it the right way, have it inspected by a certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician. To locate a
CPS technician in your area, call the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236 or
visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Finally, don’t forget to buckle up yourself.
Seeing you buckle up shows your child that safety is
important.
Back to school
Tips for Kids with chronic illnesses
For some kids, preparing for a new school year
means more than stocking up on school supplies.
If your child has a chronic illness, such as asthma or
diabetes, you’ll need to plan ahead for any medical care
your child may require at school.
It’s important to work with your child’s health care
team and school personnel to ensure your child’s safety.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends
that before school starts you:
Meet with school staff. Talk with your child’s teacher
and the school nurse about your child’s condition. It’s
best to provide written instructions from both you and
your child’s doctor.
These should include:
● A brief medical history.
● Your child’s special needs, such as dietary requirements to avoid triggering a food allergy.
● Medication or procedures required during school
hours.
● Emergency plans and procedures, including contact
numbers for you and your child’s doctor.
● Having this information on hand can help school
personnel know what steps to take if your child develops
symptoms at school.
Gather necessary forms and supplies. You may need
to provide the school with:
● Medication and any other supplies (such as an inhaler)
needed to manage your child’s condition. Be sure to
provide an adequate supply of medication in pharmacylabeled containers.
su m m e r
2 0 0 8 H E A L T H
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● Consent-to-treat form. This authorizes medication
administration and emergency treatment.
● Release of information form. You may need to sign
this form giving permission for the school nurse to call
your child’s doctor.
Talk with your child. Some children feel embarrassed
or anxious about having a health condition that requires
medication or special equipment. Help your child feel
more at ease by talking about the condition. Offer ways
your child can respond to peers who have questions.
Most important, be sure to let the school know if there
are major changes in your child’s condition, including
changes to your child’s medication schedule.
For more information, talk to your child’s doctor
or visit the AAP website at www.aap.org.
Cancer
Breast cancer
The role
of family
history
inherited an abnormal BRCA gene.
Among them, says Dr. Saslow:
● Breast cancer in multiple people on one
side of your family, including your father’s
side. This history is of particular concern
if a woman in your family was diagnosed
with breast cancer before age 50 or had
cancer in both breasts.
● Both breast and ovarian cancers in
your family, especially in one person.
● Breast cancer in a male relative.
If you have a family history of breast
cancer, that question may haunt you. And
like so many women with such a history,
you may imagine the worst.
You may also be unnecessarily
alarmed.
“Often women with breast cancer in
their families exaggerate their own risk of
getting the disease,” says Debbie Saslow,
PhD, director of breast and gynecologic
cancer for the American Cancer Society
(ACS). “Many are convinced that if they
have a close relative with the disease, they
then have a high risk of breast cancer.”
But a family history of breast cancer is
frequently not as powerful a risk factor as
women may fear. Consider:
● Roughly 80 percent of all women with breast cancer
have no known family history of the disease, says Dr.
Saslow.
● Age—not family history—is the most significant
risk factor for breast cancer. Only one out of every 233
women in their 30s develops breast cancer, according to
the National Cancer Institute (NCI). But one out of 27
women in their 60s develops the disease.
And while it is true that breast cancer in your family
increases your chance of having the disease, that extra
risk may be a modest one.
For example, assume that you have one close relative,
such as a mother or aunt, who was diagnosed with breast
cancer at age 70.
Because your relative very likely developed cancer
simply as a result of growing older, your breast cancer
risk is only barely above that of a woman without a
family history of the disease, says Dr. Saslow.
Getting tested If your family history
Will it happen to me too?
Inherited risk Some women, of course, do have
family histories that are worrisome. In fact, some
histories are so strong that they suggest a woman may
St. Joseph Hospital has the latest
technology for cancer diagnosis and
treatment. Learn more: Call 707-269-4242.
have inherited a genetic susceptibility to breast cancer.
Two genes—named BRCA1 and BRCA2—are most
often linked to breast cancer. Normally, these genes
make proteins that help keep breast cells from becoming cancerous.
However, if you inherit a defect in either of these
genes:
● You have up to an 80 percent chance of developing
breast cancer, the ACS reports.
● You are at increased risk of developing breast cancer
before menopause.
● You also face an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
The good news: Studies show that only a small fraction of breast cancers—about 5 to 10 percent—are
inherited.
Still, the risk is real. Thus, it’s vital to be aware of any
red flags in your family history that suggest you may have
Some drugs can help prevent breast cancer
If you have an above-average risk of
breast cancer, you have options other
than simply worrying whether you’re going to get the disease.
One such option is drug therapy.
Several studies show that two
drugs—tamoxifen and raloxifene—can
help keep breast cancer from developing
in women who have an increased risk of
the disease.
These drugs aren’t for every woman
at increased risk, however. Because
the drugs have side effects, your risk of
breast cancer has to be high enough to
justify their use.
Here’s some more information to
consider about the drugs:
Tamoxifen. This drug has been used
for more than 25 years to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. Doctors now
know it can also keep breast tumors
from forming in the first place, reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer in
high-risk women by about 50 percent.
It also protects against osteoporosis in
postmenopausal women.
Still, tamoxifen has side effects. It
increases the chances of rare but serious
health problems, including endometrial
cancer and blood clots. It can also trigsu m m e r
2 0 0 8 suggests a strong risk for breast cancer, a
genetics counselor can help you determine
if being tested for BRCA1 or BRCA2 abnormalities is in your best interest.
The test, which requires a blood sample,
does have limits.
“It doesn’t give you a simple yes or no
answer about whether you’ll get cancer,”
says Sheila Prindiville, MD, MPH, speaking for the NCI.
Even if an abnormal gene is found, the
test reveals only that your risk of breast or
ovarian cancer is high. But you may never
develop either cancer.
Conversely, if an abnormality isn’t
found in either you or any of your family members, you
may still be at risk for cancer. You might, for example,
have inherited a genetic abnormality that has not been
identified yet.
Reducing risk If you do test positive for an abnormal
BRCA gene, it may help to remember that knowledge is
power.
Because you are aware of your vulnerability, you can
take steps to both reduce your risk of getting breast cancer
and find it early. These may include:
● Stepped-up screening. To find any potential cancer in
its beginning stages (when it’s most treatable), you can
be closely monitored with mammograms, ultrasounds of
the breast and ovaries, breast MRIs, and other screening
tests.
● Drug therapy. Certain prescription medications may
help keep breast cancer from developing.
● Surgery. Surgically removing healthy ovaries or
breasts, or both, significantly reduces cancer risk.
For more information on genetic testing for breast
cancer, go to the ACS website at www.cancer.org
or the NCI website at www.cancer.gov.
ger vaginal discharge and hot flashes.
Raloxifene. This widely used osteoporosis drug appears to be as effective
as tamoxifen in preventing invasive
breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
However, it may not decrease the risk
as well as tamoxifen does of a very early
form of breast cancer known as ductal
carcinoma in situ. And it is only prescribed to women past menopause.
On the plus side: It may be less likely
to cause blood clots than tamoxifen.
Is it right for me?
disease is appropriate.
You may be a candidate if you:
■ Are 60 or older. Older women are especially prone to breast cancer.
■ Have a mutation in one of the breast
cancer (BRCA) genes.
■ Have a strong family history of breast
cancer.
■ Had a breast biopsy that revealed
atypical hyperplasia (a condition that
increases breast cancer risk).
■ Had a breast biopsy that revealed lobular carcinoma in situ (a condition that
increases breast cancer risk).
Your doctor can assess your risk of
breast cancer, and the two of you can
decide if drug therapy to prevent the
Sources: American Cancer Society; Sheila Prindiville, MD, MPH,
director of coordinating center for clinical trials, National Cancer
Institute; Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of breast and gynecologic
cancer, American Cancer Society
H E A LT H
S C E N E
dOnOrs
please accept our
St. Joseph Hospital and Redwood Memorial Hospital are able to offer quality health care to our
community due to your generosity and support. Thanks to you, our faithful donors, the possibilities are endless for health care in Humboldt County. Please accept our gratitude for your
contribution, and join us in recognizing our many donors from April  through July , .
St. Joseph
Hospital
Foundation
triButes
In memory of Diamantina Aguiar
John and Shirley Arruda
In memory of Donald Albright
Thomas and Eddie Hannah
Daryl and Donna McGowan
Laurie Watson Stone and
David Stone
In memory of Gerry Ayers
Laurie Watson Stone and
David Stone
In memory of Debra Crabb
Thomas Quigley
In memory of Argyle Croan
Daryl and Donna McGowan
In memory of Sister Peggy Detert
Michael Leebolt
Ruth Rice
In memory of Mr. Daryl Dickey
Laurie Watson Stone and
David Stone
In memory of Beverly Lloyd
R. L. and Lorie Wooden
In memory of Florence Mendes
Daryl and Donna McGowan
In memory of Elaine Metzen
Thomas Quigley
In memory of Mildred Helen
Ruess
Laurie Watson Stone and
David Stone
in-kind donors
Advanced Security Systems
HealthSPORT
Sun Valley Floral Farms
Watson Law Office
cash donors
Alfred and Julie Abrahamsen
Advanced Security Systems
Alan Bongio Construction
Christine and John Albertini, MD
C. W. and Ermalee Albright
Claire Allen
Geri Allen
Gordon and Eileen Amos
Tamara Anderson
Anonymous
Anna Antonsen
John and Valerie Arminio
Irene Armstrong
Phillip and Sally Arnot
John and Shirley Arruda
Mina and John Aryanpur, MD
Don and Mary’l Atterbury
Auxilio, Inc.
Dorothy Axsmith
Lloyd and Phyllis Bailey
Brian and Laurel Baker
Edgar Baldock
Cathy Ballard
Carollyne Banner
Gary and Pam Barker
Edith Barlow
Beryl Baron
Shirley Barron
Roy and Shirley Bates
Richard and Georgia Bazard
Beacom Construction
Rod and Theresa Beard
Stephen and Ellie Beckman
Reva Behler
Tom and Carol Benninghoven
Mary Bernald
James and Isobel Berry
Francis Berta
Beth Israel Medical Center
Kurt and Sherie Bialous
Larry and Linda Biondini
Mitchell and Stephanie Boers
Terry Bollig
James Bonhote
Frederick and Linda Bott
Thomas and Dorothy Bouse
Judy Bradburn
Danny and Maureen Bradbury
Robert and Lori Brannigan
Tara Brewer
James and Maria Brinkman
Mary Brott
Lois Brown
Ruby Brown
Marianne Brumbelow
Rodger Burns
Yvonne Burns
Robert and Mary Bush
Eustacia Cadelina
Caledonia Plumbing
California Insurance Center
John and Margaret Campbell
Bob and Jennie Canevari
Arlene Capeder
Dorothea Carranco
Carriage Carwash
Francis Carrington
Tom Cartwright
Rick and JoAnne Center
Dean and Leslie Charlton
Betty Chiaroni
Ben and Mui Shi Chin
City Garbage Company of Eureka
Debra Clark
Ronald and Janice Cleave
Joy Clemens
Kevin Clougherty
Colburn Electric
Amanda Collins
Lacey Comer
Harry Conner
Kenneth and Linda Cook
Gary and Catherine Cormier
Kevin Cost and Kirk Thompson
Cathy Costa
Chris and Elaine Crawford
Jeff and Shanda Daniel
D. A. and JoAnn Davenport
David Crane, Attorney at Law
David and Charla Davis
Sara Davison
Robert and Nancy Dedekam
Cozette Denbo
Cynthia Denbo
Roy and Jeanette Denning
Derek and Rosemary DenOuden
Richard Dinning
Rose Dinsmore
Rudy Dodds and Betty CouchDodds
Nestor Domingo
Lawrence and Cassandra Doss
Sarah Dunlap
Fredo and Shannon Dwyer
Sister Jo Ann Eannareno
Wesley and Linda Edwards
Dorothy Elmgren
Elaine Elwell
Bruce and Faye Emad
Daisy Eng
Eureka Brake and Automotive
Betty Evenson
Evergreen Pulp, Inc.
James Fairbrother
Tony and Carole Farlan
Douglas and Paula Felden
Edward N. Felix
Barbara Fields
Eric Fimbres and Dave James
Cherie Fleek
Floortec, Inc.
Matthew and Melayha Fluke
Harry and Marilou Forsberg
Virginia Fox
Frank and Mercedes Shanahan
Foundation
Dawn Fredrick-Seibert
Daniel and Francis Freitas
Ralph and Shirley Fullmer
Owen and Ruth Gailar
Paul and Joan Gallegos
Alice Garabedian
Robert and Theresa Garrelts
Janette Garrison
Halby and Laurie Garrison
Garrison Tucker, DDS, and Bradford
Tucker, DDS
George Petersen Insurance Agency
Tony Ghera
James and Kimiko Gibler
Steve Gilbert
Karen Girard
Alfred Gladden
Jeff and Mary Glavich
Ann Glenn
Warren Gnecco
Willa Godfrey
Thomas and Mary Goldenberger
John and Teri Goossens
Grace Construction Company Inc.
Gregory Gratzel
Aida Green
Charlotte Greenwood
William and Grace Greenwood
Joyce Gross
Gerald and Carol Hale
Robert and Rose Hamlin
Thomas and Eddie Hannah
Margaret Hansen
Thomas Harms
Mandy Harpe
Trevor and Wendy Harper
Judi Harrigan
Mary Hartman
David and Beccy Hash
Gregory and Peggy Hawkes
George and Kathy Hayes
Roy Heider
Charles Heinisch
Raymond and Terry Heinze
Maria-Elena Heinzen
Katherine Helt
Hilfiker Pipe Company
John and Janice Hill
Lillian Hill
M. Barbara Hill
Cleo Hilton
Martha Hirsch
sJh Foundation
terrifiC teAM: Competing in the 2008 golf Classic tournament were (from
left) dal Lemmon, dale Maples, dennis Macgregor and Brian finck.
Golf Classic ’08 scores $118K for Expansion
Celebrating its fourth year in June, the
st. Joseph hospital 2008 golf Classic tournament, dinner and Auction
was a resounding success, bringing in
$118,000 for construction of the new
Northeast expansion.
supporters of this two-day event
enjoyed a delicious Mediterranean-style
dinner and a live auction at Baywood
golf and Country Club on thursday,
June 26.
Kenneth Hoard
Florence Hogarty
Margaret Hogue
Mark and Ruth Howell
Humboldt Area Foundation
Humboldt Association of Realtors
Humboldt Creamery
Humboldt Neurological Medical
Group, Inc.
Hunt Surveying & Forestry, Inc.
Hunter, Hunter & Hunt
Cecil and Loretta Hyde
Kathleen L. Imfeld
Cletus and Eileen Isbell
J. L. F. Construction, Inc.
J. L. Greenwood, DDS
M. R. James
George and Carolyn Janssen
Don and Carolyn Johnson
Kay Johnson
Carroll Johnston
Peter and Jennifer Johnston
Margaret Jonas
Mike and Mary Jordan
Robert and Irmalee Jordan
Thomas and Dawn Jorgensen
su m m e r 2 0 0 8 6 H E A LT H
S C E N E
On the following day, friends,
business partners and others had a
chance to support the hospital while
enjoying a beautiful day on the links.
the 36 teams, comprising 144 golfers,
enjoyed a variety of fun activities at
each golf hole, including competitions
for the longest drive and getting the
ball closest to the pin, as well as an
opportunity to win a car at the hole-inone hole.
Steven Justus
Dave and Ronda Keating
Mary Lou Kelly
Stephen Kennedy
James and Karen Kersey
Jacque Kesinger
William Kilgore
Mark Killops
Mary Kingston
Robert and Peggy Kirkpatrick
Gregory Kirsch
KMD Architechs
Elden and Nancy Knauf
Knights of Columbus Council
No. 1067
Spencer and Stephanie Koch
Kenneth and Frances Kottre
Zenda and Michael Kowell
Kramer Properties, Inc.
Kevin and Jenny Krause
Gary and Mary Krietsch
Kusum Stokes, MD, Medical
Corporation
Jeannette Lackett
Doris Lakey
Jeff and Sharon Lamoree
Charlene Lantelme
Law Offices of Jon H. Lyons
Maureen Lawlor
Bonnie Lawton
Austin and Hughlette Ledbetter
Michael Leebolt
Donald Le Fave
Silvia Leonardo
Les Schwab Tires
Susan Levang
Mina Lewis
Richard and Barbara Lindsay
Earl Lipscomb
Victor and Carol Lono
Regina Macfarlane
Mad River Lumber, LLC
Jennifer Mannshardt
Ray and Betty Marquardt
Robert Masino
The Masters Tax Service
J. Raven Mathews III
Marc Matteoli and Jeanette Cruz
Henry and Willa Mauro
John and Linda Maxwell
Leroy McCabe
Peggy McCaddon
Ken and Deanna McClung
Troy McCullough
Neil and Karen McDonald
Gerald and Joan McDowell
Daryl and Donna McGowan
Beth McPherson
Richard and Ann McWhorter
Ken and Lynne Meece
Jeffrey Meisner
Mercer Fraser Company
Judy Miller
Sylvia Milota
Lee Mitchell-Brown
Col. Thomas Monroe Jr.
David and Claire Moore
Elsie Moore
Michael and Linda Moreland
George Morris
Kathy Morris
James Morrison
Ronald and Victoria Morrison
Juliet Moss
Juan Munoz
William and Alisa Murison
Kenneth and Jerri Murphy
Ken and Marita Musante
Harold and Norma Neville
Jeanne Nicolds
North Coast Women’s Health
North Valley Bank
O & M Industries
Traci Ober
Jonathan O’Connell
James and Joan O’Hara
Joan O’Leary
Donna Olivieri
Otis Elevator
Clayton Overton
Gene Owens and Joan CapobiancoOwens
Pacific Heart Group
Neil Palmer
Wayne Palmrose
Rebecca and Mark Pardoe, MD
Terry Patterson
Jim Peaker
Pearson’s Grocery
Charles Pena
Craig and Beverly Perrone
Pete Belak Construction
Herbert and Shirley Peterson
Don Pidgeon
James Piehl
Clifton Pierce
Barbara Pitcher
Nadine Pleshakou
Sal Pollace
George and Patricia Ponnay
Robert and Lois Prior
Deborah Proctor
Charles Queen
Thomas Quigley
Donald and Nancy Quintrell
Joe and Stacy Randolph
Brent and Linda Rasmussen
Mary Rasmussen
James Ravano
Doris Ravelli
Redwood Capital Bank
Redwood Glass & Windows
James Reid
Javan and Katherine Reid
ReProp Investments, Inc.
Margaret Reuter
Ruth Rice
Jack and Michele Rieke
Valerie Robinson
Tony and Lucy Rocha
Claire Rombalski-Talmadge
Rory A. Hanson, Inc.—A Law
Corporation
Luciano Rose
Fredrick Roth
Marshall and Jean Rousseau
Andy and Yvette Rybolt
Robert and Barbara Sampson
Deloris Scales-Sallady
Joseph Scardina
Ann Schmalz
Mike Schneider
Jane Schwarz
Craig Scott
Roland and Donna Scribner
Chloe Secor
Mary Sells
John and Leslie Selvage
Sequoia Personnel Service
Shanghai Low
Joan Shapeero
Bertha Shaw
Brenda Shaw
Thomas and Lynette Sheldrake
Robert Shephard
Walter and Jean Shimasaki
Lisa Shirk
SHN Consulting Engineers
William and Dorothy Shreeve
Gloria Shustin
Jason Simpson
Michael and Kim Sisson
Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Harold and Pat Smith Jr.
Tina Smith
Charles and Margaret Snowden
Robert Somers
Bob and Marie Sorci
Loretta Sorensen
Ralph Sorenson
Debra Soulsburg
Nick and Sherril Spanos
St. Joseph Hospital Foundation
St. Joseph Hospital Volunteers
Francesco and Caterina Stagnoli
Marie Stamm, Charitable Trust
Patricia Stanley
Victor Starr
Gerard and Barbara Stelz
Robert Stennett
William and Marilyn Stewart
William and Irene Stidston
Douglas Stockly
Jean Stoller
Gerald and Lois Strandin
Louis Streeter
Helen Stromberg
Fred Sundquist Jr.
Savitri and M. G. Suryaraman
Tom and Sandy Sutton
Tim Talbert
Merl and Honor Tanner
Frances Taplin
Mary Tayman
James Tenney
Tetrault Tire
James and Shirley Thacker
Mary Theuerkauf
Thomas and Kim Thomas
Joseph Thorne
Boyd Tidwell
David and Josephine Tom
Nancy Tompkins
Alvin and Sarie Toste
Teresa Tovar
Virginia Turcios
Donald Tuttle
Earl Twito
United Associtation for Journeymen
and Local 290
Wendy Valdez
Ginger Vance
Scott Vance
Michael VanDevender
Fred and Dana Vanni
Moises and Marlena Vega
Joseph and Delores Vellutini
Ronald Nancy Victorine
Aaron Vleming
Jeffrey Wahlund
Patricia Waldron
Douglas and Wendy Wallace Jr.
Ann Warner
JoAnn Warzynski
Calvin and Resi Watson Jr.
Ina Watson
Laurie Watson Stone and
David Stone
Weber Dental Laboratory
Associates, Inc.
Ginger Weber
Mary Weber
Harold and Elizabeth Webster
Sheryl Westbrook
Marc Whinnem
Mark and Susan Whittaker
Roger and Caroline Wilcox
Lawrence and Helen Wilkins
Dorman and Faye Willard
Kenneth Willard
William Williams and Jane
Jennison-Williams
Wise Flooring and Home Fashions
Ken and Ronda Wittenberg
Sheldon and Emily Wolin
JoAnna Wood
R. L. and Lorie Wooden
Gary and Nancy Woods
Elena Wright
Melissa Young
Sing Young
Timothy and Brigid Young
Paula and Frank Zazueta, MD
Molly Zeumeren
Marilyn and George Zibilich, MD
Zoll Medical Corporation
Redwood
Memorial
Foundation
tributes
In honor of Redwood Surgical
Clinic
Barbara Sisson
In honor of Redwood Women’s
Health Center
Barbara Sisson
In memory of Kathryn Arthur
Anderson
James Anderson, MD
In memory of Sister Mary Alma
Bachand
Russell Morey
RM Foundation
‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ to fund technology
Every year the much-anticipated annual Benefit Ball brings together employees,
sisters, physicians and a very supportive community, all to benefit Redwood Memorial Hospital (RMH). The 27th annual ball will be Saturday, Nov. 1, at the River
Lodge in Fortuna.
Decorations and auction items will capture the theme of the evening, “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Nearly 300 guests are expected to attend and dance into the
night to live music.
The Benefit Ball committee donates the proceeds from the event to the area
of greatest need at the hospital. This year’s Benefit Ball proceeds will help purchase a new 32-slice CT scanner for RMH.
Over the years the proceeds from the Benefit Ball have helped purchase a
fetal monitoring system, 4-D ultrasound, digital mobile imaging system, operating
room video equipment and other equipment used throughout the hospital.
In memory of Jack Wenborn
Carolyn Lane
In memory of Mabel Wescott
Paul and Erla Jadro
in-kind donors
In memory of Howard
Benninghoven
Bob and Mary Pearson
Eel River Brewing Company
Jena Lopez, MD
In memory of Zelma
Benninghoven
Bob and Mary Pearson
Cash donors
In memory of Gaye Frick
Kirsten Bowns
In memory of Angelo Leonardi
Larry and Linda Biondini
In memory of Charles Ray Marks
Michele Farley
In memory of Billee Penn
Mark Feigal and Lori Ross-Feigal
In memory of Ray Terkelsen
Dave and Ronda Keating
In memory of Claribel Wenborn
Carolyn Lane
James Anderson, MD
Anonymous
Sister Marie Jeannette Ansberry
Ed and Linda Arnold
Maryalice Baker
Rod and Theresa Beard
Pamela and Jack Bellah, MD
Roxane Bessette
Larry and Linda Biondini
Mitchell and Stephanie Boers
Kirsten Bowns
Tara Brewer
Heather Burcham
Jeff and Shanda Daniel
Terry and Annie Deak
Grant Dorsey
Michele Farley
Mark Feigal and Lori Ross-Feigal
Susan Fraser
JoAnne Frick
Judy Gallagher
Halby and Laurie Garrison
M. Gately
Jeff and Mary Glavich
John and Teri Goossens
Anne Griffith
Edward J. Hill
Gerald and Patricia Ireland
Paul and Erla Jadro
Tamara Jenkinson
Dave and Ronda Keating
Spencer and Stephanie Koch
Carolyn Lane
Patrick and Nancy Lee
Donald Loudon
Carol Maddalena
Elizabeth Martin
Mary Massei
Russell Morey
David and Gwynna Morris
Rosemary Noel
Evelyn Ogle
Our 365 Share More
Bob and Mary Pearson
Michele Pergande
Deborah Proctor
Charles Queen
Joe and Stacy Randolph
Janet Rau
Kenna Reed
James Reid
Gary and Lynne Renner
Bob and Dorothy Riffenburg
Robert and Carol Rode
Joseph and Michele Rogers
Lauri Rose
Connie Ross
Daniel and Abigail Royse
Judy Scripter-Pieratt
Barbara Sisson
Bob and Marie Sorci
Ralph Sorenson
Van and Patricia Stanley
Victor Starr
Sandra Sullivan
Melvin and Shirley Thomsen
Douglas and Wendy Wallace Jr.
Janet and Victor Wallenkamph, MD
Elizabeth Wardell
JoAnn Warzynski
Laurie Watson Stone and
David Stone
Marc Whinnem
Mark and Susan Whittaker
The St. Joseph Hospital and Redwood Memorial foundations make every effort to ensure
the accuracy of our donor lists. We apologize
for any inadvertent errors. Please call 707269-4200 with any corrections.
Due to the time lapse of credit card and
gift processing, some donor names and their
donations will not appear until the next quarter. Thank you for your understanding.
su m m e r
2 0 0 8 H E A LT H
S C E N E
h e a lt h t a l k
news, views & tips
by a doctor so that it doesn’t become worse
or lead to serious complications, such as
kidney problems or rheumatic fever.
To diagnose strep throat, your doctor
simply wipes the back of your throat with
a cotton swab. The sample is tested, and
your doctor will have the results within
24 hours.
If you do have a strep infection, you
will need treatment with antibiotics. It
is important to take the antibiotics as
prescribed and finish them completely,
even if you feel better before you are done
with the medicine.
In the meantime, you can help ease the
pain of strep throat by:
● Taking over-the-counter pain relievers,
such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
● Gargling with a mixture of one-fourth
teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water.
● Drinking cool or warm drinks or sucking on a Popsicle.
Screening for
autism advised
for all children
Though there is much yet to learn about
autism spectrum disorders (ASDs),
doctors are certain about this: The sooner
a child is diagnosed, the sooner specialized therapy can begin—and often the
brighter a child’s future.
That’s why the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) now advises that every
child be routinely screened for ASDs.
According to some estimates, as many
as 1 in 150 children in the United States
has an ASD. These disorders can impair a
child’s ability to communicate and interact
with others.
There is no cure for an ASD. “It doesn’t
go away,” says Chris Plauche Johnson, MD,
a co-author of the AAP autism screening
guidelines for doctors.
Still, therapy can improve the odds that
a child will be able to function in a traditional classroom and elsewhere. “It helps
children want to learn and communicate,”
says Dr. Johnson.
To speed diagnosis, the AAP says,
children should be screened twice for ASDs
by age 2—first at 18 months and again at
24 months.
Parents should also be aware of the
red flags of ASDs and alert their child’s
doctor if they notice any of them. Some
may be fairly subtle. For instance, a child
with an ASD may make little eye contact
with people. Rather than snuggling, a
baby with an ASD may arch his or her
back when held.
Other warning signs, however, are more
obvious and require immediate evaluation by a doctor, the AAP cautions. They
include:
● No babbling or pointing by 1 year.
● No single words spoken by 16 months.
● No two-word phrases by 2 years.
● Loss of language or social skills at any
age.
Adult shots for
good health
Look for signs
of strep throat
Oh, the sting of a sore throat! Many things
can cause that ache, from allergies to the
common cold. One particularly painful
culprit is a bacterial infection called strep
throat.
Strep throat takes its name from
the Streptococcus bacteria that causes
it. Common symptoms of strep throat
include: ● A red, inflamed, painful throat.
● White patches on the tonsils or back
of the throat. ● Swollen neck glands.
● Fever. ● Headaches.
Some people can also experience
nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,
although these symptoms are more
common in children than in adults.
Children with strep throat may also
have a red rash with small spots that is
most pronounced in the underarms and
skin creases, notes the American Academy
of Family Physicians.
If you suspect you have strep, it’s important to have it diagnosed and treated
Sure, babies and children need vaccinations. But grown-ups are all done with
that, right?
Not really. In fact, immunizations can
be just as important for adults—in some
cases, maybe even more so.
Some illnesses, such as chickenpox and
mumps, are much more serious in adults
than children. Other illnesses have no cure,
making prevention vital.
Each year, on average, 40,000 adults die
from diseases or their complications that
could have been prevented by a vaccination, according to the National Foundation
for Infectious Diseases.
Some common shots for adults
include:
● influenza. An annual flu shot is especially recommended for all adults 50 and
older, for health care workers, and for
those with certain chronic illnesses, such
as asthma or heart disease.
● Pneumococcal disease. This shot is
particularly recommended for everyone
65 and older and for younger people with
diabetes or other chronic conditions. A
booster may be needed after five years.
● tetanus-diphtheria. One shot every
10 years is commonly recommended for
everyone.
● hepatitis A and B. Vaccinations against
these liver infections are recommended
for certain world travelers, immigrants,
health care workers, and other people
who are at risk or who are in contact with
at-risk people.
● Zoster vaccine. A single dose is recommended for adults 60 and older to
guard against shingles.
su m m e r 2 0 0 8 8 H E A LT H
S C E N E
Keep an eye
on kids’ safety
Vision is a precious thing. But all too
often, accidents and injuries damage a
child’s sight or even cause blindness.
Thousands of children sustain eye
injuries every year. However, 90 percent
of all eye injuries could be prevented,
according to the American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO).
You can help prevent eye injuries in kids
by learning about some common sources
of eye injuries and the steps you can take to
safeguard your child’s eyes and vision.
sports. Many sports carry the potential for serious eye injuries. The AAO
recommends appropriate protective eyewear—such as glasses or goggles with
polycarbonate lenses or helmets with face
masks or wire shields—be used for baseball, basketball, football, racket sports,
soccer, wrestling, and all types of hockey
and lacrosse.
household products. Chemicals and
sprays that could harm eyes abound in the
home. Be sure to keep hazardous items out
of your child’s reach.
fireworks. Don’t allow your child to
light fireworks or to stand near anyone
who is using fireworks.
Power equipment. Lawn and garden
equipment, such as mowers and trimmers, can fling rocks and other debris.
Keep children out of the yard when such
equipment is in use.
uv rays. The sun’s rays can damage
the eyes. Long-term exposure may lead
to problems such as cataracts later in
life. Excessive exposure to bright light
reflecting off sand, snow or pavement can
damage the cornea, much like a sunburn
on the skin. Encourage your child to wear
sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat—or
both—when outside.
toys. Make sure your child’s toys
are appropriate for your child’s age and
maturity level. Don’t let your child play
with objects such as darts, paintball or BB
guns, and other missile-firing toys.
And remember, when it comes to preventing injuries, there is no substitute for
simply keeping a close eye on your child.
Health Care
Take these steps before
you leave the hospital
You’re about to head home from the hospital—and no
doubt are eager to leave that hospital gown behind.
But before you go, make sure that you:
■ Can perform all of the activities that you’ll need to do
once you’re home.
■ Have arranged for someone to help you at home for a
while, if necessary.
■ Clearly understand what your doctor does and does
not want you to do once you are home.
■ Know the warning signs that suggest you should
contact your doctor. And be sure you know when you’re
scheduled to see your doctor next.
■ Have a complete list of the medicines you need to
take. Be especially clear about any changes to your
medications that your doctor may have made while you
were in the hospital. Also ask whether—or when—you
should restart medicines that you quit taking before or
during your hospital stay.
Source: The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
When your
loved one
is in the ICU
When someone you love is critically ill, he or she
may need care in our intensive care unit (ICU).
The ICU is a unique area of our hospital. In a sense,
it’s a hospital within a hospital. Our ICU provides the
latest medical technology to assist doctors and nurses
in providing constant care for people recovering from a
serious illness, injury or major surgery.
Visiting the ICU The ICU may have rules different
from other areas of our hospital. So before visiting your
loved one in our ICU, be sure to find out about any
restrictions there may be, such as special visiting hours.
The following tips can also be helpful:
Prepare yourself. Try to come prepared for what you
might see. For example, your loved one may have multiple tubes to help with breathing and nutrition as well as
intravenous lines and monitors in place. He or she may
appear sleepy or disoriented.
“If you prepare yourself, then coming in and actually
seeing your loved one may not be as difficult,” says I. David
Todres, MD, member of the Patient and Family Support
Committee of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Communicate with the staff. While it’s OK to ask
questions at any time, it’s best to designate one primary
contact person to talk with your loved one’s doctor or
nurse. That same person can keep other family and
friends updated.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions you may have about
your loved one’s treatment. Talking with our health care
Be sure to check with the nurse before In good hands Take comfort in knowing that your
loved one is in good hands. Our health care team will
bringing anything into the ICU.
do everything possible to make sure that your loved one
Certain items may not be allowed. stays comfortable and pain-free.
Get the most from
a doctor’s appointment
Primary care doctors
Your partners in health
The world of medicine can be complicated. It
helps to have a primary care doctor by your side.
These specialists treat the whole person—sometimes
the whole family—for most health care needs. They become advocates for, and partners with, their patients.
If you have a primary care doctor, you have a “medical home” where you can go first for help, says William
E. Golden, MD, past chairman of the board of regents of
the American College of Physicians.
Check out the “Find a Physician”
feature at www.stjosepheureka.org.
“A primary care doctor is somebody who can coordinate your care, advise you on choices, give crucial information on proper medicines and who can also be a first
stop to have your questions answered,” Dr. Golden says.
team keeps you informed of your loved one’s condition.
Communicate with your loved one. Talk with your loved
one, and hold hands if possible. Even if he or she cannot
respond, hearing your voice can be soothing and reassuring. “Your presence at the bedside is very important,”
says Dr. Todres.
You might also ask the nurse how you can help in other
ways, such as feeding your loved one.
Ask what you can bring. Photographs, slippers or
other familiar items from home may be comforting to
your loved one. If other family members or friends can’t
visit, record their well wishes or share their get-well cards
with your loved one. For children, a special toy from home
can be calming.
Just be sure to check with the nurse before bringing
anything into the ICU. Certain items, such as flowers or
plants, may not be allowed.
Primary care doctors deal with your physical, emotional and mental concerns. They diagnose and treat
diseases, help you stay healthy, and know about up-todate treatments and technology.
They will send you to see other specialists if needed and
will coordinate your care when you see other doctors.
Primary care doctors work hard developing comfortable relationships with their patients. That means you
won’t need to start from scratch every time you have a
medical appointment, Dr. Golden says.
For example: “Once I get a feeling for a patient,” he says,
“I can just walk in the room and get a sense of whether
something is wrong, without having to go through a whole
new discussion about who that person is.”
Finding the right fit between doctor and patient and
working together are keys to a successful partnership
with your primary care physician.
su m m e r
2 0 0 8 H E A LT H
S C E N E
■ Write down questions you want to ask, starting with
the most important.
■ List symptoms and problems; when they started; their
triggers, duration and location; and how often they occur.
■ List your medications, including dose and frequency.
Include vitamins and nonprescription medications too.
■ Bring your lists with you. Don’t be afraid to consult
them.
■ Keep questions to the point, and discuss your most
important ones first.
■ Answer all questions honestly, even if they’re personal
or sensitive. Your doctor needs accurate information to
help you.
■ Listen carefully. Take notes to jog your memory later.
■ Ask for a definition and explanation of anything you
don’t understand.
■ Ask how to follow up if you need more information or
have questions later.
Sources: American Medical Association; National Institute on Aging
h e a lt h t a l k
news, views & tips
Journal
Digest
QUIT TING SMOKING
You don’t have
to go it alone
You’ve decided to quit smoking.
Congratulations! Coming to that decision is, in itself, a success. Now it’s time to
figure out how you’re going to do it.
Some people quit cold turkey. Others
need help weaning themselves from nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco
products that makes quitting so hard.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved a variety of products
tAKiNg A stANd: st. Joseph and redwood Memorial hospitals have joined the
to help people stop smoking.
ranks of health care facilities nationwide that are going smoke-free.
Five of them provide nicotine replacement therapy. These deliver doses of the
drug without the carbon monoxide, tar
In response, the U.S.
and carcinogens that accompany cigarette
Food and Drug Adminsmoking. Two other products are nonistration ordered that all
nicotine medications.
enriched grain products be
fortified with folic acid, a
nicotine replacement Nicotine replacesynthetic form of folate.
ment products can both help lessen the
Since then, Americans
symptoms of withdrawal and curb your
have been getting more
urge to smoke.
folate in their diet—but
Three forms are available without a
researchers say many of us
prescription: nicotine gum, skin patches
still aren’t getting enough.
and lozenges. You’ll need a prescription
for nicotine inhalers or sprays.
the importance of folate
Each form has advantages and disadFolate helps our bodies
vantages, according to the American Lung
produce and maintain new
Association. The gum delivers nicotine to
cells, says the National
the brain quicker than the patch. The gum,
Institutes of Health.
however, comes with more instructions
That comes in espethan the patch and therefore may be more
cially handy when cells are
complicated to use.
quickly dividing and growThe spray is not recommended for
ing, as they are in a fetus in
people with asthma. And the gum can be
the womb.
difficult on dentures.
Women who increase
Studies show that nicotine replacement
their intake of folate early
works best when combined with some type
in pregnancy can sigof stop-smoking support.
nificantly lower the risk
that their children will
non-nicotine medications For more
be born with neural tube
than 10 years, bupropion hydrochloride
defects—major problems
(brand name Zyban) was the only nonin the spine or brain.
nicotine medication approved by the FDA
Folate isn’t just a pregto help quit smoking.
nancy vitamin, though:
Bupropion is an antidepressant that can
Everyone needs folate to produce normal
also help smokers through withdrawal. It’s
red blood cells and prevent anemia.
available only by prescription.
Studies suggest it also might help
The newest medication to gain FDA apprevent heart disease and some cancers.
proval is varenicline tartrate (brand name
Chantix). It also requires a prescription
where to find folate You can get folate
and helps ease withdrawal symptoms.
from foods such as spinach, broccoli,
But varenicline also blocks the effects
oranges, peas and beans.
of nicotine if smokers light up again, Some nutrients are so important to our
You can also get folic acid through
according to the FDA. That sets it apart health that they are added to common fortified rolls, cornmeal, flour, rice and
from other quitting aids.
foods.
breakfast cereals.
Both medications have side effects. And
Folate is one of these. A type of B vitaMost daily vitamins sold in the U.S.
bupropion isn’t recommended if you are min, folate is found naturally in foods like contain the minimum daily requirement
pregnant, have a seizure or eating disorder, leafy greens and citrus fruits.
of 400 micrograms.
or abuse alcohol.
In the early 1990s, researchers found
If you are breastfeeding or pregnant,
Your doctor can help you choose that increases in folate during pregnancy ask your doctor how much folate you need
which smoking cessation product is best could reduce the risk of some common but and how best to get it.
for you.
serious birth defects.
Additional source: National Women’s Health Information Center
Why you need
to be fortified
with folate
su m m e r 2 0 0 8
0
H E A LT H
S C E N E
st. Joseph and
Redwood memoRial
hospitals now both
smoke-fRee In an effort
to provide patients with the healthiest
healing environment possible, St. Joseph
Hospital (SJH) is now a smoke-free campus. Smoking is completely prohibited on
hospital property, including the General
Hospital campus and all parking lots.
In going smoke-free, the hospital joined
Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna,
which banned smoking from its campus
in 2006.
The decision for SJH to take the
steps necessary to become a smokefree campus comes at a time when
hospitals around the nation are adopting
smoke-free policies. More than 1,200
hospitals and clinics nationwide have
banned smoking in an effort to protect
all employees, visitors and patients from
secondhand smoke exposure on hospital
grounds.
As a health care facility, it is natural
that we take steps to protect the health
of everyone at SJH. Thank you for not
smoking.
secondhand smoke in caRs is
dangeRous to kids Children who ride
in cars with someone who is smoking
are exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke—even if a window is
cracked or rolled down. And now it is
illegal in California to smoke in your car
when transporting children under age 18.
In 45 driving trials, researchers attached a pollution monitor to an empty
child safety seat. Volunteers were then
asked to light up at different times
during an approximately one-hour drive.
The driving tests were conducted
using two common driving and smoking scenarios: First, all the car windows
were rolled down at least halfway; then
all the windows were closed except the
one beside the driver, which was left
open about 2 inches.
In both cases, secondhand smoke
was measured at unsafe levels.
Secondhand smoke can cause
serious health problems in children,
including a greater risk of ear infections
and lower respiratory infections.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol. 31, No. 5
h e a lt h t a l k
news, views & tips
Journal
Digest
CHOLESTEROL 101
The good
and the bad
Few words get more play than cholesterol.
But how much do you really know about
this waxy, fatlike substance?
If your answer starts and stops with,
“It’s bad for you,” you don’t know enough.
Consider: One type of cholesterol is actually beneficial, so your answer wasn’t
entirely correct.
Because of cholesterol’s strong association with heart disease—the leading
cause of death in this country—a superficial understanding of cholesterol just
isn’t enough.
The good news: What follows will bring
you up to speed.
a crucial distinction
Cholesterol is
found in every cell in your body, and
it travels through your bloodstream. It
hitches a ride with two special carriers.
One of these carriers is LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also called
bad cholesterol. That’s a well-deserved
name, because LDL clogs arteries. The
higher your LDL level, the greater your
risk of a heart attack or stroke.
In contrast, HDL (high-density lipoprotein)—the other carrier, which is sometimes called good cholesterol—protects
your health.
It helps clear excess LDL from your
arteries and transports LDL to the liver
for removal from your body. The higher
your HDL level, the lower your risk of
heart disease.
the triglyceride connection
Like LDL
and HDL, triglycerides—a form of
fat—also circulate in your bloodstream.
Increasingly, doctors view high triglyceride levels as an independent risk factor
for heart disease, meaning excess levels
are dangerous.
High levels appear to be especially risky
for women.
numbers to aim for Obviously, you want
to keep both your cholesterol and triglyceride blood levels in a healthy range. But
what’s healthy?
Generally, your LDL should be less than
100 mg/dL of blood; your HDL between
40 and 59 mg/dL (even higher is better); and your total cholesterol less than
200 mg/dL. Your triglycerides should be
less than 150 mg/dL.
Certain people—such as those who
have already had a heart attack—may
want to lower their LDL to less than
70 mg/dL. Ask your doctor what’s best
for you.
Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute
biggeR dishes lead to laRgeR
seRvings Could the size of your dishes
School bus safety lessons
Childhood is filled with firsts—first smile,
first words, first steps and eventually a
first school bus ride.
How can you make sure this ride, and
every one that follows, is a safe one?
That’s an important question. While
federal officials describe school buses as
one of the safest forms of transportation
available, serious accidents do happen.
Every year some 17,000 U.S. children
are treated in hospital emergency departments because of school bus-related
injuries.
To help protect your child, teach your
youngster to:
● Line up safely. Children should wait for
the bus in a line that starts about six feet
from the curb.
● Wait for the OK. Tell your child never
to step into the street until the bus driver
opens the door and signals that it’s OK to
board. Under no circumstances should
your child venture out into the street
sooner.
● Stay seated. If the driver has to stop
suddenly, your child is less likely to be
injured if he or she is sitting rather than
standing.
● Show respect. Loud talking or roughhousing can be dangerously distracting
for the driver.
● Be careful exiting. If children must
cross the street, they should always walk
in front of the bus, never behind it. Also,
your child should cross at least 10 feet
in front of the bus—and only when the
driver signals it’s safe to do so.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol. 31, No. 3
Source: American Medical Association
Computers help improve
reading of mammograms
When it comes to detecting breast cancer
early, regular screening is key. But you
may want to know how combining computers with mammography can further
help doctors find breast cancer at an early
stage.
Computer-aided detection and diagnosis, or CAD, is like having a second
set of eyes to scan your mammogram
for abnormal areas that may be signs of
breast cancer, says the American Cancer
Society (ACS).
Here’s how it works: Traditionally, after
a woman has a mammogram, a radiologist looks at the x-rays, examining them
closely for changes in breast tissue. These
days, however, that radiologist may get
help with this task from a computer.
The CAD software program also ana-
affect your weight? At least one study suggests it’s possible.
The study involved 85 nutrition experts
who were attending an ice-cream social.
Participants were randomly given a bowl
in one of two sizes, 17 or 34 ounces, and
either a 2- or 3-ounce ice-cream scoop.
They then served themselves.
Researchers found that those with
larger bowls took 31 percent more ice
cream compared to those with smaller
bowls. And if they also had the larger
serving scoop, they served themselves
56.8 percent more ice cream. Surprisingly,
however, they didn’t realize they had taken
more than those with a small bowl and
small scoop.
The findings suggest that people who
are overweight may benefit from using
smaller bowls and spoons. And those
needing to increase food intake may wish
to use larger dishes and utensils.
lyzes the images and marks suspicious
areas, which can be seen on a video screen.
This tells the radiologist that those areas
may need a closer look.
Early breast cancer signs can be subtle
and not easily seen. But CAD software can
help alert radiologists to findings that may
otherwise go unnoticed.
Some studies have found that CAD can
increase the number of early-stage breast
cancers found with mammography, the Radiological Society of North America says.
Finding breast cancer early can offer the
best chance for successful treatment.
However, all the technology in the
world won’t help unless women have mammograms on a regular basis. If you’re a
woman 40 or older, get screened annually,
advises the ACS.
s u m m e r 2 0 0 8 11
H E A LT H
S C E N E
look to veggies to pRotect youR
vision Eating green leafy vegetables,
corn, squash, broccoli and peas may help
some women reduce their risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is a leading cause of irreversible
vision loss in older Americans. It occurs
when the area at the back of the retina
that produces the sharpest vision—the
macula—deteriorates.
In a study, researchers looked at nearly
1,800 women between the ages of 50
and 79 to determine whether getting high
dietary levels of lutein and zeaxanthin—
two substances found in certain plants
that help give produce its color—reduced
AMD risk.
No reduction was seen in the group
overall. But risk was lowered in women
younger than 75 who had a regular intake
of the substances and no cardiovascular
disease, diabetes or hypertension.
Archives of Ophthalmology, Vol. 124, No. 8
Look us up at www.stjosepheureka.org or www.redwoodmemorial.org.
CALENDAR
of Events
HEALTH AND
WELLNESS
10th Annual
Eel River Valley Health,
Resource and Wellness Fair
Saturday, Oct. 4
Rohner Park, Fortuna
Diabetes Support
■ Eureka: First Wednesday of the month,
7 to 8:30 p.m.
General Hospital campus, Burre Room
Features a variety of information and
guest speakers to help people with diabetes. Free. Call the Eureka Community
Resource Center at 707-442-5239.
■ Rio Dell: Third Saturday of the month,
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Facilitated by Cynthia Dobereiner, a local
member of the Diabetes Consumer Action
Group. Free. Call the Rio Dell Community
Resource Center at 707-764-5239.
Mended Hearts
Second Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph Hospital, Conference room 1
Call Stan at 707-443-2529.
Stroke Support Group
Second Tuesday of month, 2 to 3 p.m.
General Hospital campus, Rehabilitation
Conference Room (second floor)
For more information, call Janette Garrison, social worker, at 707-445-8121,
ext. 5655.
Advance Directives Workshops
Call 707-445-8121, ext. 7520, for dates,
times and locations and to register.
COMMUNITY
27th Annual Redwood
Memorial Hospital Benefit Ball
Saturday, Nov. 1
River Lodge, Fortuna
Decorations and auction items will capture
the theme of the evening, “Rhinestone
Cowboy.” For more information, call the
Foundation office at 707-269-4200.
Valet Recycling Program
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 3:30 p.m.
Rio Dell School, in front of the Community
Resource Center
RESOURCE CENTERS
Blue Lake
Prescription assistance programs, Healthy
Families, Medi-Cal, AIM and Renters Rebate paperwork assistance. Get Health
care referrals, hygiene supplies, and more.
Call 707-668-5239 to learn more.
Eureka
clothes closet, hygiene supplies and more.
For more information, call 707-764-5239.
Willow Creek
Healthy Families and Medi-Cal application
assistance, pharmacy assistance, foodstamp application assistance, clothing
vouchers, emergency food, and more.
For more information, call 530-629-3141.
CHILDBIRTH
CLASSES AT SJH
To register, call 707-269-3605. For a
complete list of classes, visit our website,
www.stjosepheureka.org.
Llame al 707-269-3605 para obtener
información acerca de nuestras clases en
español.
Basic Infant CPR
Tuesdays, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, 6 to
10 p.m.
This class teaches the principles of infant
and child resuscitation.
Breastfeeding and Bagels
Prescription assistance programs, Healthy
Families, Medi-Cal, AIM and Renters Rebate application assistance. Get health
care referrals, hygiene supplies and more.
For more information, call 707-442-5239.
Saturdays, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8,
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This class will cover the how-to’s of breastfeeding, common problems, juggling a work
schedule, weaning and more.
Loleta
Hospital Orientation
Prescription assistance programs, Healthy
Families, Medi-Cal, AIM and Renters Rebate paperwork assistance. Get health
care referrals, hygiene supplies and more.
Call 707-845-0464 for more information.
Rio Dell
Business counseling, mobile medical appointments, vocational counseling, kids’
C O N TA C T U S
st. Joseph hospital. . . . . . . 707-445-8121
redwood Memorial hospital 707-725-3361
Community resource Centers
(eureka, fortuna, Willow Creek, Blue Lake,
rio dell and Loleta) . . . . . . 707-442-5239
heart institute
(information line) . . . . . . . . 707-269-3770
Cancer Program . . . . . . . . . 707-269-4242
the surgery Center. . . . . . . 707-444-3882
■ Sundays, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26,
Nov. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.
■ Tuesdays, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11,
6 to 7:30 p.m.
An in-depth look at the Birthing Rooms at
the Childbirth Center at St. Joseph Hospital.
Prenatal Yoga
Fridays, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Stretching, strengthening and relaxation to
help you prepare for labor.
Prepared Childbirth Class
■ Sundays, Sept. 7 to Oct. 12, Oct. 26 to
Nov. 30, 5 to 7 p.m.
■ Mondays, Sept. 8 to Oct. 13, Oct. 27
to Dec. 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This course is designed to prepare expectant couples for the emotional and physical
aspects of childbirth. Comfort measures
and breathing techniques are taught.
Mother-to-Mother
Breastfeeding Support Circle
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon
317 Third St., Old Town, Eureka
Come chat and socialize with other moms
and their babies. Find solutions to parenting and baby issues, share stories, and
make new friends. For more information,
call Star at 707-822-7743.
CHILDBIRTH
CLASSES AT RMH
To register, call 707-725-7325.
For a complete list of classes, visit
www.redwoodmemorial.org.
Las clases acerca del embarazo adolescente, la educación prenatal, la actualización
para el parto y el amamantamiento están
disponibles en español también.
Prenatal Education Class
Mondays, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Information about labor and delivery, relaxation, breathing techniques, medication
and anesthesia, cesarean births, breastfeeding, and the newborn.
Childbirth Refresher Class
If you have had prenatal classes within
the last five years, you may wish to take a
refresher class only. Call 707-725-7325 to
schedule an appointment.
Hospital Orientation
If you are around 37 weeks pregnant, you
can register for a pre-admission appointment and tour. Call RMH New Beginnings
at 707-725-7325.
For a complete listing of classes,
please visit our website at
www.stjosepheureka.org or
www.redwoodmemorial.org.
HEALTH SCENE is published
as a community service for the
friends and patrons of
ST. JOSEPH HEALTH SYSTEM–
HUMBOLDT COUNTY (SJHS–HC),
2700 Dolbeer St., Eureka, CA
95501-4799,
telephone 707-445-8121,
www.stjosepheureka.org,
www.redwoodmemorial.org.
Joe Mark
President and CEO, SJHS–HC
Laurie Watson stone
VP Fund Development and
Public Relations, SJHS–HC
Bob Brannigan
VP and COO, St. Joseph Hospital
Joe rogers
VP and COO, Redwood Memorial
Hospital
for more about our services, classes
and events, visit us online at www.stjoseph
eureka.org or www.redwoodmemorial.org.
for questions and comments about
Health Scene, please call 707-269-4264 or
e-mail laurie.watson-stone@stjoe.org.
Information in HEALTH SCENE
comes from a wide range of
medical experts. If you have any
concerns or questions about
specific content that may affect
your health, please contact your
health care provider.
Models may be used in photos
and illustrations.
Copyright © 2008 Coffey
Communications, Inc. HST22396h
®
suMMer
2008