John Muir Health

JOHN MUIR

HEALTH

Inside: Free classes and programs that promote your health John Muir Health Foundation: Your donation can make a difference

Your Local Resource for Living Well September–November 2014

Take Easy Steps When it’s time for Open Enrollment, you can count on us

pg 2 Our national honors mean peace of mind for you

pg 3 Is your child overdoing sports? pgs 3–5 Vital updates on cancer pg 8 Relief for your aching back

Did You Know?

News to Use for a Healthier You Nationally Awarded Heart and Stroke Care Right here, when your family needs it John Muir Health’s Concord and Walnut Creek medical centers recently earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” Heart Failure Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award. In addition, the Concord medical center was awarded the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Receiving Center Gold-Plus Recognition Award as a STEMI (heart attack) Receiving Center.

The upshot? You can benefit from knowing that John Muir Health has teams in place, 24/7, that offer treatment that’s based on the latest standard of care, shown by research to work best.

America’s Best Hospitals John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek and Concord hospitals have been ranked among the nation’s best by U.S.News & World Report in its annual list. They were two of just 144 hospitals—roughly 3 percent of the 5,000 ana­lyzed—to be ranked in one of 16 specialties. Combined, the hospitals had 11 specialties nationally ranked or rated as high performing. They also ranked in the San Francisco-Oakland area’s top three and the state’s top 12, meaning residents can stay close to home for the very best care. For details, visit usnews.com.

Find Us on Facebook We know that good health care requires good communication and that today’s technology can help. Search for John Muir Health on Facebook and “like” our profile to join the community conversation and get helpful health tips and up-to-date info on classes and services.

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Tool Kit

Heavy Smokers vs. Lung Cancer CT screening advised

When Child’s Play Is Risky

Overuse can be the cause of sports injuries If your child is active in sports, you might be worried about accidents like crashes on the playing field. But did you know that half of kids’ sports injuries are actually due to overuse? Overuse injuries occur when a particular sport is played so often that certain body parts don’t have a chance to fully recover. And children are especially at risk during their adolescent growth spurt.

Young soccer players who overdo it are prone to tendinitis (inflammation or irritation of one of the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone), shin splints (pain along the shinbone) and even broken bones. Little Leaguers can develop elbow and shoulder injuries over time. Even young swimmers are at risk. While swimming is generally a low-impact activity, its repetitive motions can lead to overuse injuries like swimmer’s shoulder.

“With kids’ sports getting more competitive—and some kids playing the same sport year-round without a break—we’re seeing more overuse injuries,” says Dr. Bob Kadas, a pediatrician at John Muir Health. “Playing a variety of sports can help, and offers the bonus of helping kids develop overall fitness. I also recommend that children take at least one day off per week from competitive athletics, and take at least one season off.”

Also, parents should be on the lookout for signs of overuse injuries, including unexplained pain that gets worse during activity, swelling, changes in your child’s technique or a lack of interest in practice.

Kids get plenty of benefits from sports, but it’s important not to go overboard. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

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To find a pediatrician at John Muir Health, visit johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor or call (925) 952-2887,

Important news: The National Lung Screening Trial compared results of lung cancer screening among 53,454 current or former heavy smokers who used either standard chest X-rays or CT scans. Study participants who had the CT scans had about a 15 to 20 percent lower risk of dying from lung cancer.

Among other advantages, researchers found that CT scans detected certain types of lung cancer more often at the earliest stage, when the disease is easiest to treat.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and several other leading medical groups now advise annual lowdose CT screening in adults whose age/ smoking history closely mirrors that of the study’s participants. The USPSTF targets adults ages 55 to 80 years who have a 30-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years. (You can calculate your pack-years by multiplying the average number of packs you’ve smoked a day by the number of years you’ve smoked.) The task force also says these smokers should get counseling on quitting the habit.

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For more info about whether CT screening is for you, talk

to your doctor. To learn more about CT scanning at John Muir Health, please visit johnmuirhealth.com/cancer or call (925) 947-3322.

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Tool Kit

13.4 million That’s the estimated number of U.S. adults (20 percent) who have high blood pressure (hypertension) but don’t know it, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any

warning signs, which is why many people aren’t aware they have it. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have a doctor or other health professional measure it. For info about John Muir Health’s free, drop-in blood pressure screenings throughout the community, please visit johnmuirhealth.com/classes or see page 14.

Good News About Early Detection of Breast Cancer According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates have been on the decline in this country since about 1989—with larger decreases in women younger than 50. Earlier detection through screening, improved treatment and increased awareness are believed to contribute to the decreases, says the ACS.

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John Muir Health offers state-of-the-art breast cancer screening, including digital mammogra-

phy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for high-risk patients and screening breast ultrasound for women with very dense

50% Each year in the United States, teens and young adults ages 15 to 24 years account for 50 percent of the 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)— including chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea and HPV (human papillomavirus).

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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To find a pediatrician at John Muir Health, visit johnmuirhealth.com/

findadoctor or call (925) 952-2887, option 1.

breast tissue. For more info about our breast cancer screening

Get information for teens about STDs at kids

and treatment services, visit johnmuirhealth.com/cancer.

health.org/teen/sexual_health/stds/std.html.

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Ask Our Experts

UPDATE ON OVARIAN CANCER Find out what symptoms to look for Ovarian cancer was once considered a silent killer, sneaking up without warning. It actually has symptoms, however vague, and it’s important to be aware of them. Ovarian cancer typically remains undiagnosed until it’s advanced and there‘s less chance of recovery. Here, Carolyn Berson, R.N., M.S.N., a nurse navigator at John Muir Health, describes how women who develop ovarian cancer usually have one or more of several symptoms before being diagnosed.

What are some symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Women may experience abdominal discomfort or pain.

According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, other symptoms include abdominal bloating, feeling full quickly, and unexplained weight gain or weight loss.

Additional symptoms may include frequency in urination, unusual fatigue and changes in bowel habits.

When should a woman see her doctor?

These aren’t usually isolated symptoms. Women tend to have several symptoms—not just one. The literature shows that if a woman has several symptoms that are happening frequently and occur for more than two weeks, she should definitely see her doctor.

If you feel there’s something wrong, get an appointment, be persistent with your doctor. You know your body the best, so listen to that.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed and treated?

When ovarian cancer is suspected, doctors use diagnostic imaging and tests to have as much information as possible before surgery. But these tests aren’t definitive. The only way to diagnose ovarian cancer is through surgery. John Muir Health’s program has the benefit of two board-certified gynecologic oncologists, who have specialized training and experience to make diagnoses and provide the best surgical outcome.

Research indicates that a woman’s best chance of survival and cure is by completely removing all the cancer, which is known as tumor debulking. John Muir Health’s surgical outcomes are some of the best in the nation, which means we provide the best opportunity for overall survival for women who have surgery here for ovarian cancer.

How We Can Help You For help with questions about women’s health, consult your OB-GYN. To find an OB-GYN at John Muir Health, visit johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor or call (925) 952-2887. To learn more about our gynecologic oncology program, visit johnmuirhealth.com/cancer or call (925) 947-3322.

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Make Open Enrollment Simple It’s that sometimes stressful, sometimes confusing period of the year— time to choose a health insurance plan and find quality health care for your family. John Muir Health can help.

Does your family need convenient, quality health care? If so, John Muir Health has just what you’re looking for.

There’s more good news: Many health insurance plans allow you to use the many services at John Muir Health. Count on us to provide a full range of medical services, two top-quality medical centers, the skills of more than 900 doctors and the ability for you to easily manage your health care—including simple-to-use online tools.

To get started, simply:

1

Choose a health insurance plan.

Remember, the health insurance plan you choose determines where you can get health care—which means if you don’t choose the right health insurance plan, you may not be able to go to a John Muir Health doctor or facility. John Muir Health accepts most major health insurance plans and Medicare, but not Kaiser Permanente. To make sure the health plan you’re considering can be used at John Muir Health, visit our Health Plan Enrollment Resource Center at johnmuirhealth.com/choose.

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Get set up for health care at John Muir Health.

Choose a doctor at John Muir Health that meets your family’s needs.

We’ve made it easy to find one: • Use our online Find a Doctor tool (johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor) to search for a doctor by gender, location, specialty or clinical interest. You can even watch introductory videos.

• Call the doctor’s office to confirm that he or she is accepting new patients.

• Choose the correct provider ID when enrolling in an HMO plan. (No provider ID is needed for a PPO plan.)

A HELPING HAND FOR YOU Find the Health Plan Enrollment Resource Center at johnmuirhealth.com/choose or call (925) 952-2887, option 1, to speak with one of our patient representatives.

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Open Enrollment

Care You Can Trust at John Muir Health • Expert doctors for all of your health care needs, including more than 270 primary care doctors and more than 700 specialists. FYI: Nine out of 10 patients say they would recommend their John Muir Health doctor to someone else.

• Comprehensive medical services, including primary care, urgent care, pregnancy services, imaging, behavioral health services, children’s specialty services in partnership with Stanford Children’s Health, a Level III NICU, a trauma center, drug and alchohol addiction services, and wellness services.

Our network also includes San Ramon Regional Medical Center.

• Two top medical centers, in Walnut Creek and Concord, ranked the No. 2 and No. 3 hospitals, respectively, in the San Francisco–Oakland area by U.S.News & World Report in 2014.

• Digital tools to help you manage your health care online, 24/7. With MyJohn MuirHealth, you can message your doctor, request an appointment or view test results online. Our Find a Doctor tool allows you to easily select a doctor. Many doctors have videos so you can get to know them better before you choose.

Need Health Insurance? Consider Covered California The new federal health care law now gives Californians who need health insurance access to affordable plans through Covered California. Choose one of the two plans—Blue Shield or HealthNet—that lets your family use the top-notch doctors and award-winning services at John Muir Health. For more info, visit coveredca.com.

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We’ve Got Your Back Whether you’re coping with chronic back pain, injury or pregnancy-related discomforts, our skilled doctors can help you find relief and get back to normal 8

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Back Care

Ways to Protect Your Back Your guide to better lower back health

If you’re among the majority of Americans who have experienced back pain, you may be interested to know this: Certain kinds of lower back pain and injury can be prevented. While it might not be possible to avoid all types of this discomfort, such as the wear-and-tear variety that comes with age, you can lower your risk of injury and promote a healthier back by making the following smart choices:

1

Work out. Do low-impact activities (meaning they don’t jolt or strain the back) such as walking, swimming or stationary biking for 30 minutes a day, plus strengthening and flexibility exercises targeting your back and abs (such as yoga). Don’t forget to warm up and cool down. A simple warm-up might involve doing your planned activity at a lower intensity, followed by stretching, to get your blood flowing, warm your muscles and boost your heart rate. To finish your workout, decrease the activity’s intensity until you’re breathing normally, then stretch while your muscles are still warm.

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Aim for a healthy weight, through exercise and nutrition. Carrying extra body weight—especially around your midsection—puts stress on your lower back. Build stronger bones by including plenty of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus in your diet.

3

Don’t smoke. Here’s one more reason to kick the habit or never start: Tobacco smoke and nicotine limit blood flow to your spine and can cause the disks in your spine to weaken and wear out.

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Put your legs into it.

When lifting or picking something up off the floor, don’t bend at the waist. Keep your back straight and bend your knees. If an item is too heavy or awkward to lift by yourself, ask for help.

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Check your workstation. Back pain is among the most common reasons for missing work; make sure the way you work is not contributing to your pain. Your computer workstation should promote a neutral body position, which, among other things, means your head and neck are balanced and lined up with your torso, your shoulders are relaxed, and your forearms and hands are in a straight line. For a complete checklist of tips for setting up a back-friendly workstation, visit osha.gov/SLTC/ etools/computerworkstations/.

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Choose a comfy chair with an adjustable backrest, lower back support, adjustable armrests and a five-legged swivel base. If needed, place a pillow or rolled-up towel in the small of your back to keep its normal curve.

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Don’t sit still for hours on end. Aim to change your position at least every half-hour.

When standing, place one foot on a low footstool and be sure to alternate feet. Your legs, torso, neck and head should be vertical and in line with each other.

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Sleep on your side with your knees bent—try placing a pillow between your knees—and on a firm surface.

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For more info about John Muir Health’s orthopedic

and neurology services, please visit johnmuirhealth.com/services.

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Back Care

Relief for Moms-to-Be

When to See a Doctor

With pregnancy come many body changes, and unfortunately, aches and pains might come along with them. As your uterus expands and your baby grows, you might notice pain, tingling or numbness running down your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down your legs, typically on one side. This pain, called sciatica, occurs when your growing uterus or baby or relaxed pelvic joints put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back all the way down to your feet.

Usually, sciatica is more of a nuisance than a health concern for you and your baby. Still, you should let your doctor know if you experience it, in case he or she recommends physical therapy or other care. Home remedies include:

Most of the time, back pain resolves itself within a few weeks, experts say.

If it doesn’t improve within that time frame, or you experience fever, chills or unexpected weight loss, call your doctor right away.

• Warm baths • Hot or cold packs • Changing the side of your body you sleep on • Getting up and moving frequently • Exercising—water exercise and swimming can help take pressure off the sciatic nerve; walking might also help ease back pain pain

In addition to sciatica, some pregnant women complain of lower back pain due to strain on the back muscles, weak abdominal muscles or pregnancy hormones that increase the flexibility of joints in the pelvis. As your uterus grows heavier, your posture changes too. You might lean backward, which puts more stress on your back muscles. A pain-relieving tip: Wear low-heeled (but not flat) shoes and rest one foot on a stool or box when standing.

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To find an OB-GYN at John Muir Health, please visit johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor or call (925) 952-2887,

option 1. To learn more about our many programs and services for expectant parents, visit johnmuirhealth.com/pregnancy or call (925) 941-7900.

4 in 5

Researchers estimate that 4 in 5 people in the United States— about 80 percent—experience back pain at some point during their lives. Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

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To find a primary care doctor at John Muir Health,

please visit johnmuirhealth.com/find adoctor or call (925) 952-2887, option 1.

FIND GREAT CLASSES & PROGRAMS AT JOHN MUIR HEALTH MOST ARE FREE, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED—SIGN UP TODAY! JOHN MUIR HEALTH OFFERS A VARIETY OF HEALTH-PROMOTING CLASSES, PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES. FOR MORE INFO ABOUT TOPICS AND LOCATIONS OR TO REGISTER, VISIT JOHNMUIRHEALTH.COM/CLASSES OR CALL (925) 941-7900.

Check highlighted boxes for upcoming special events.

CANCER Bowel Management for Colon and Rectal Cancer WHEN: Fifth Wednesday, 4–5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Brain Tumor Support Group WHEN: Second Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Breast Cancer Support Group WHEN: Second Thursday, 11 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Colorectal Cancer Group WHEN: Second Wednesday, 4–5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Gynecologic/Ovarian Cancer Support Group WHEN: First and third Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group WHEN: Fourth Wednesday, 4–5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group WHEN: Sept. 10, 5–7 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

Kids Circle and Teen Talk Cancer Support Group WHEN: Second Saturday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma Support Group WHEN: First Thursday, 7–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek You must call (925) 947-3322 before coming to the group.

Life After Cancer WHEN: Second and fourth Wednesdays, 6–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Living Well Beyond Cancer WHEN: Third Thursday, 10–11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Breast Health Center Please call (925) 947-3322 to register.

Lung Cancer Group

Most of These Won’t Cost a Dime Classes and programs are free of charge, unless Fee is noted.

WHEN: Second Wednesday, 4–5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

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Your John Muir Health

Lymphedema Support Group WHEN: Please call for date and time.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Please call (925) 674-2125 for more info or to register.

Metastatic Prostate Cancer Group WHEN: Fourth Thursday, 11 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Pediatric Oncology Support Group WHEN: Please call for date and time.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Call (925) 947-5272 for more information.

Prostate Cancer Screening Event WHEN: Sept. 16–17, 5–7 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord.

Must preregister. To qualify, please call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

WHEN: Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord WHEN: Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, 3–4 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor

CONTINENCE

Insulin Pump Support Group

Taking Back Control WHEN: Sept. 23, 5:30–7:00 p.m., Nov. 18, 9–10:30 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

Sign up for a free prostate cancer screening and consider participation in a clinical trial If you’re a male between 40 and 75, you can get a free prostate cancer screening at John Muir Health. No prior authorization from your doctor is needed. To schedule an appointment, just call and answer a few qualifying questions.

FYI: As part of this screening, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial based on the advice of your doctor—but only after you understand the risks and benefits of both the screening and the trial. Any participation requires your knowledge and consent.

When: Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 16 and 17, 5–7 p.m.

Where: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Cost: FREE To see if you qualify and make an appointment: Call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

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Diabetes Education for You

WHEN: Fourth Thursday, 1–2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call (925) 933-0107 to register.

Have You Had Your Prostate Checked?

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GENERAL HEALTH AND PREVENTION

WHEN: Please call (925) 941-5076.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

Is It Only Heartburn? Learn About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Class Locations

WHEN: Sept. 13, 9–11:30 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord

– 1656 N. California Blvd., Suite 100, Walnut Creek

Lung Health Fair WHEN: Oct. 18, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord

Smoking Cessation— One Day Class WHEN: Sept. 20, 9 a.m.–noon WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Fee WHEN: Nov. 5, 6–9 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek Fee

– Behavioral Health Center, John Muir Medical Center, Concord 2720 Grant St., Concord – John Muir Health Breast Health Center 133 La Casa Via, Suite 140, Walnut Creek – John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek – John Muir Medical Center, Concord 2540 East St., Concord – John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood 2400 Balfour Road, Brentwood – John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor 1220 Rossmoor Parkway, Walnut Creek – John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek 1450 Treat Blvd., Walnut Creek – Cancer Support Community 3276 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek, and various locations; for details, call (925) 933-0107 – Growers Square Parking Garage 1676 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek

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Your John Muir Health

HEART HEALTH Blood Pressure Screening

Dec. 15, 10–11 a.m.

WHERE: Danville Senior Center

WHEN: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek

WHEN: Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.–noon WHERE: First Presbyterian Church

Blood Pressure Screening (for Seniors)

WHEN: Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, 10–11 a.m.

WHERE: Golden Crane Senior Center—Alamo Women’s Club

WHEN: Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.–noon WHERE: Alcosta (San Ramon) Senior Center WHEN: Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15, 10:45–11:45 a.m.

WHERE: Ambrose Community Center WHEN: Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Nov. 18, Dec. 15, 10–11 a.m.

WHERE: Antioch Senior Center WHEN: Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 18, Dec. 19, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Concord Senior Center WHEN: Sept. 8, Sept. 15, Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1,

WHEN: Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15, 10–11:30 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor WHEN: Sept. 8, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 9–10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Martinez Senior Center WHEN: Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Pittsburg Senior Center WHEN: Sept. 8, Sept. 10, Oct. 6, Oct. 8, Nov. 3, Nov. 12, Dec. 1, Dec. 10, 9:30–11 a.m.

WHERE: Pleasant Hill Senior Center

WHEN: Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, 9:30–11 a.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek Senior Center

Heart Healthy Nutrition WHEN: Oct. 6, Dec. 1, 5–6 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord WHEN: Sept. 18, Nov. 20, 5–6 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

Mended Hearts Support Group WHEN: Second Thursday, occasionally on Saturdays, 7–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Alternates between John Muir Medical Centers in Concord and Walnut Creek Call (925) 947-5206 for more information.

Stroke Support Group WHEN: Second Monday, 7–9 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Call (925) 947-3300 for more information.

MEN’S HEALTH

Men’s Health Meet-Up

Men’s Health Seminar— Keeping You Healthy

Let our doctors help you feel your best at every age

WHEN: Sept. 9, 6–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord

Calling all men: Chances are, you’re interested in getting and staying fit— and here’s a convenient session to help you do it. At this free community seminar, John Muir Health doctors will discuss health issues that affect men. They’ll cover a variety of interesting topics, including sexual health, prostate health and more. Plan on coming by!

What: Men’s Health Seminar—Keeping You Healthy When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6–7:30 p.m.

Where: John Muir Medical Center, Concord, Concord I and II, 2540 East St., Concord Cost: FREE For more info: Call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

MIND & BODY WELLNESS

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Banishing the Blues WHEN: Dec. 15, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

The Mind-Body Connection WHEN: Nov. 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

NUTRITION AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating WHEN: Oct. 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

Natural Transitions Through Nutrition and Lifestyle WHEN: Oct. 20, 6:30–8 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

Weight Loss Surgery Seminar WHEN: Check online for seminar dates and times.

Your Metabolism and Weight Loss WHEN: Sept. 18, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

Caring for an Aging Family Member

WHEN: Sept. 10, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

WHEN: Oct. 9, 9:30–11 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Call (925) 941-7900, option 1, to register.

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Support Group WHEN: Third Saturday, 1–3 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Call (415) 904-2572, ext. 307 for more information.

Catch Yourself—Preventing Falls

Brain Boosting Nutrition WHEN: Sept. 23, 9:30–11 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek Call (925) 941-7900, option 1, to register.

Please call (925) 941-7900, option 1, to register.

WHEN: Four-session series, Fridays, Oct. 10–31, 11 a.m.–noon WHERE: Behavioral Health Center, John Muir Medical Center, Concord WHEN: Four-session series, Mondays, Nov. 3–24, noon–1 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood

OLDER ADULT Advance Health Care Directives Please call (925) 941-7900, option 1, to register.

WHEN: Dec. 9, 10 a.m.–noon WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood WHEN: Nov. 6, 9:30– 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor WHEN: Oct. 7, 9:30– 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord

SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2014

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Your John Muir Health

Eating Well: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Movement and Exercise Class— Staying Strong

WHEN: Nov. 20, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

WHEN: Wednesdays, 9:15–10:15 a.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek Drop-in Fee

Exercise Methods to Prevent Falls WHEN: Oct. 3, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor

Grief Awareness Support Group WHEN: Second and Fourth Mondays, 6:30–7:45 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Call (925) 674-2132 for more information.

Lessons on Medication Management WHEN: Nov. 21, 9:30–11 a.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek

Medicare Plan Changes for 2015 WHEN: Nov. 6, 7–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, Ballroom

Welcome to Medicare WHEN: Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 5, Dec. 10, 7–9:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

PARENTING AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH Back to School With Healthy Lunches WHEN: Sept. 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

Children’s Nutrition Services WHEN: Please call (925) 932-2402 for more information.

Fee

PREGNANCY TO NEWBORN Anesthetic Options for Labor and Delivery WHEN: Dec. 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek WHEN: Oct. 28, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

Breastfeeding Your Infant WHEN: Sept. 25, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; Oct. 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; Oct. 25, 9:30–11:30 a.m.; Nov. 1, 9:30–11:30 a.m.; Dec. 6, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee WHEN: Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Fee

Breastfeeding Support Services WHEN: Limited availability.

Please call.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek

Car Seat Checkup WHEN: Weekly on Fridays WHERE: Growers Square Parking Garage Please call or go online.

Childbirth: Convenience Class WHEN: Sept. 30, Oct. 21, Nov. 11, 6–9 p.m.; Dec. 2, 6:30–9 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

Childbirth: Low Intervention Childbirth WHEN: Four-session series, Mondays, Sept. 8–29, Oct. 27– Nov. 17, 6:30–9 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

Breathing Easier

Improve your lung health at our annual fair—and have fun while you’re at it!

Join John Muir Health as we celebrate Healthy Lung Month at our 7th Annual Lung Health Fair. Our specialists will provide up-to-date information on all areas of lung health and discuss related topics.

Don’t miss the Q&A session, free screenings, informational booths and more! A sneak preview of some of what’s in store: • Pulmonary function testing (it helps measure how well the lungs are working) • Ask the Pharmacist • Info on quitting smoking, traveling with oxygen, asthma, sleep apnea (a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts) • Update on Senior Services and lung disease support groups When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Where: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Concord I and II, 2540 East St., Concord Cost: FREE For more info or to register: Visit johnmuirhealth.com/classes or call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Childbirth: Prepared Childbirth WHEN: Two-part series, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Fee WHEN: One-day session, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

Cord Blood Banking: Is It Right for Your Family?

WHEN: Sept. 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

CPR: Infant and Child CPR and Safety WHEN: Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Oct. 6, 6:30–9:30 p.m.; Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Dec. 1, 6:30–9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

CPR: Infant and Child CPR and Safety for Grandparents WHEN: Sept. 27 and Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–noon WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

MuirMommies: Back to Work (working moms and babies 3–12 months) WHEN: Semimonthly, second and fourth Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek

MuirMommies: Best Beginnings (0–3 months) WHEN: Six-part series on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9:15–10:15 a.m., 10:30–11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m., 1–2 p.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek Please call (925) 941-7900, option 1, to register.

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Your John Muir Health

MuirMommies: Mommy and Me (3–12 months) WHEN: Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m., 1–2 p.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek Please call (925) 941-7900, option 1, to register.

Fee

Newborn Care WHEN: Sept. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, 12:30–2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee WHEN: Nov. 6, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Fee

Shopping for a Car Seat WHEN: Sept. 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek WHEN: Nov. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek

Sibling Celebration WHEN: Sept. 6, Nov. 8, 2–3 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

Surviving Your First Weeks at Home With Your Baby

WOMEN’S HEALTH The Wig Source WHEN: Second and fourth Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek Appointment is required. Please call (925) 947-5328 for information.

WHEN: Sept. 2, Nov. 4, 6–8 p.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Fee

Tours: Family Birth Center Tour WHEN: Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, 5–7 p.m.

WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

You’re Pregnant, Now What?

WHEN: Oct. 18, Nov. 15, 10:30– 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Walnut Creek—for more information, call (925) 941-7900, option 1.

Meet the Latest Addition to Our Team Dr. Rahul Rishi Nephrology 5720 Stoneridge Mall Rd. #300, Pleasanton 94588 (925) 463-1680 1133 E. Stanley Blvd. #209, Livermore 94550 (925) 463-1680 Speaks Punjabi and Hindi

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johnmuirhealth.com

Are you looking for a doctor?

Check out the latest addition to our team! You can also visit johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor to meet the rest of our team or learn more about our newest members by clicking the “recently joined” link.

John Muir Health Hospitals John Muir Medical Center Concord Walnut Creek Behavioral Health Center Concord Physician Offices Urgent Care Centers Other Outpatient Service Locations Emergency Services

For You and Your Family, From John Muir Health John Muir Health Urgent Care Centers Convenient Hours Monday through Friday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

(Walnut Creek: 8 a.m.–9 p.m., M–F) Weekends: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Holidays: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Convenient Locations Brentwood: 2400 Balfour Road, Suite 120, (925) 308-8111 Concord: 2700 Grant St., Suite 110, (925) 674-2500 San Ramon: 2305 Camino Ramon, Suite 100 at Bishop Ranch 11, (925) 866-8050 Walnut Creek: 1450 Treat Blvd., Suite 160, (925) 296-9000

Customer Service/ Physician Referral (925) 952-2887, option 1 Emergency Services Concord (925) 674-2333 Walnut Creek (925) 939-5800 Hospitals • John Muir Medical Center, Concord (925) 682-8200 • John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek (925) 939-3000 Key Centers and Services • Behavioral Health Center (925) 674-4100 or (800) 680-6555

• Breast Health Center (925) 947-3322 • Imaging (925) 952-2701 • Outpatient Center, Brentwood (925) 308-8100 • Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/ Rossmoor (925) 939-1220 • Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek (925) 952-2887 • Senior Services (925) 947-3300 • Wellness Services (925) 941-7900

We’re Just a Phone Call Away Copyright © 2014 by John Muir Health, a community-based, not-for-profit health system. John Muir Health is published four times a year as a community service and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Published by the John Muir Health Marketing Communications Department, (925) 947-5384. Produced by DCP.

SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2014

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 1400 Treat Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94597

PAID

John Muir Health

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CHILDREN’S SERVICES

“ Is there a cure for being a late bloomer?”

Our pediatricians speak fluent “kid,” and they know that even the silliest questions can lead to serious conversations about health.

That’s why we listen. We explain. And our partnership with Stanford Children’s Health brings big expertise to our littlest patients, right here in Walnut Creek. To find a pediatrician near you, visit johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor.

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