JOHN MUIR
HEALTH Your Local Resource for Living Well March–May 2014
The Beat Goes On Learn ways to boost your heart health— and how we can help
Inside: Free classes and programs that promote your health John Muir Health Foundation: Your donation can make a difference
pg 3 Pregnancy FAQs: Fact vs. fiction pg 5 Mammograms: When are these exams not enough?
pg 9 For your family’s emergencies: Pediatric specialists are here
Did You Know?
News to Use for a Healthier You
Dental Health to Go The Mobile Dental Health Clinic is bringing smiles to our community, one child at a time. It provides low-income youngsters up to age 19 with free dental care—for many, it’s their first experience receiving such care. Since first taking the road in 2004, the mobile clinic has served more than 5,000 children at local schools and other community sites, according to Chris Grazzini, R.N., B.S.N., program manager. Free services are made possible through the Dental Collaborative of Contra Costa: Ronald McDonald House provided the fully equipped clinic; John Muir Health Community Health Alliance coordinates the mobile unit’s ongoing operations/maintenance, provides the driver and helps identify school sites; La Clinica de la Raza and LifeLong Brookside Dental Care provide dental treatment, assist with insurance enrollment and help patients find a “dental home” for ongoing care. Want to support this valuable service or get more info? Just call (925) 363-7588.
Our Physician Network Wins Top Honors It’s good to know you’re getting the best possible care John Muir Physician Network has been named as “Top Performer” and “Most Improved” by the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA). These honors place John Muir Health’s medical group among the top medical groups in California for quality of care, patient satisfaction and meaningful use of health information technology, says Dr. Mike Kern, Physician Network senior vice president and medical director. “Ultimately, it is our patients who benefit most from our efforts, as we partner with them to maintain or improve their health.”
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We’ll Help You Navigate Surgery If you’re planning or considering elective surgery at John Muir Health, you should know about our new services for care given before, during and after surgery (perioperative care). As part of the process, a health care team—including doctors and other providers—checks a patient’s risk factors for surgery, based on his or her current health and medical history, and then draws up a personalized plan to address those risks before and after surgery. (A pilot program at John Muir Health involving total hip and total knee replacement patients has already shown significantly fewer complications—which translates into a better recovery and less time in the hospital.) “We’re the home base for patients, and we make sure there’s good communication among all involved,” says Dr. Alicia Kalamas, perioperative medical director. “Our team coordinates care during a patient’s entire hospital stay. We’re one of the few communitybased hospitals in the nation to make this investment for patient care.” To find out more about these new services, check with your surgeon.
Tool Kit
Pregnancy FAQs Distinguishing fact from fiction for moms-to-be If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably gotten plenty of info and advice from well-meaning friends. But how can you separate truth from myth? Following are some common puzzlers for moms-to-be—and some honest, fact-based answers. WHY IS THERE A DARK LINE ON MY BELLY? Hormonal changes cause that line of skin pigment, called the linea nigra, to appear. It’s perfectly normal and will likely fade several months after you have your baby. CAN SPICY FOOD MAKE LABOR START? CAN SEX? There’s a common belief that spicy food stimulates the intestines, causing the uterus to contract, but that simply isn’t backed up by science. So if you have a hankering for spicy pizza or Indian food, enjoy. But don’t expect your meal to induce labor. And while it seems plausible that sex might kick off uterine contractions, research shows that it doesn’t. WHEN I SNEEZE, I WET MY PANTS. IS THIS NORMAL? Yes, you’re not alone. Many pregnant women experience stress incontinence—urine leaks caused by sneezing, coughing or other “stresses” that put pressure on the bladder. Our Continence Services experts can help you regain control through techniques like bladder training— lengthening the intervals between bathroom visits.
IS IT TRUE THAT I SHOULDN’T SCOOP CAT LITTER? Yes, pregnant women should avoid the kitty litter box. Cat feces may carry a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis, a condition that can harm your baby. So ask someone else to handle this chore or, if you must do it, wear rubber gloves and wash your hands with soap afterward. WHAT ARE ICE DIAPERS? Ice diapers are becoming a favorite item for new moms— but they aren’t for your baby. Also called perineal or postpartum ice packs, they can help relieve postpartum pain and swelling.
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To find an OB at John Muir Health, visit johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor or call
(925) 952-2887.
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Tool Kit
CONCUSSION CAN STRIKE HOME Weekend warriors, be aware of the symptoms There’s been a lot in the news lately about the devastating health problems among professional football players who suffered repeated concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). But you don’t have to be a pro athlete to get a concussion or be at risk. A concussion can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head—or even a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. “ Regardless, all concussions should be taken very seriously,” says Dr. Susan Colligan, clinical director of neuropsychology, brain injury and research at John Muir Health. “What seems like a minor blow to the head can cause brain swelling, blood vessel damage or, in worst circumstances, death,” adds Dr. Terence Chen, medical director of neurosurgical services at John Muir Health. Contact your doctor or emergency department right away if you have any of the following danger signs after a bump, blow or jolt to your head or body: • Headache that doesn’t go away or gets worse • Numbness, weakness or decreased coordination • Nausea or repeated vomiting • Slurred speech While there are no specific drugs or therapies to cure a concussion, rest is very important. The brain must be given time to heal. This process can take up to several months, during which time the brain is very sensitive and at risk of second injuries. Only after symptoms get much better, in consultation with a doctor, should there be a return to daily activities, including work.
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John Muir Health offers one of Northern California’s most comprehensive programs for the care of brain
injury and other neurological disorders. For more info, visit johnmuirhealth.com/braininjury. For info about concussions in kids, visit cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html.
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5% to 10% Losing that amount of weight can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors (including high blood pressure, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol) for overweight or obese people with type 2 diabetes. If you don’t have diabetes, a modest weight loss can also help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Sources: American Heart Association, Diabetes Care; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
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Weight loss surgery at John Muir Health can be a healthy option
for some individuals with a BMI (body mass index) over 30. For more info, please visit johnmuirhealth.com/weightlosssurgery or call (800) 710-6111.
Find Your Future Doctor Online Looking for a doctor? Visit johnmuirhealth.com/ findadoctor to use our powerful search tool. You can search for a doctor by specialty, gender, and languages spoken and find the office that’s most convenient to you. While you’re there, check our doctor videos to get to know them before making an appointment. The easy-to-watch interviews are a great introduction to our doctors, highlighting their philosophy of care, bedside manner and expertise.
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To find a doctor at John Muir Health, visit johnmuirhealth.com/
findadoctor or call (925) 952-2887, option 1.
Talk With Your Doctor
When Mammograms Aren’t Enough JOHN MUIR HEALTH EXPERTS—
What’s up with new laws about breast cancer screening?
DR. VIVIAN WING, MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Wing: Federal law already requires that patients get a written report about mammogram results. A new California law, which went into effect in April 2013, goes an important step further. Now, mammography providers must also let a woman know if her mammogram shows that her breast tissue is dense. In addition, they must tell her that her dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate her exam’s results and that dense breast tissue may carry a higher risk of breast cancer.
OF BREAST IMAGING SERVICES, AND DR. DEBORAH KERLIN, MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF BREAST HEALTH SERVICES—GIVE AN UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN BREAST CANCER SCREENING FOR WOMEN WITH DENSE BREAST TISSUE
Kerlin: The aim of the new law is to make women more aware of their risks and to encourage them to discuss mammography results with their doctor so that, together, they can decide which screening options are best. This won’t be a rare situation, by the way. Dense breast tissue is a common condition and isn’t abnormal. An estimated 40 percent of women have it.
What are other screening options for these women? Wing: At John Muir Health, we consider other options for women who have dense breasts and other factors that put them at increased risk—like having had prior radiation to the chest or having a greater than 20 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer. In addition to digital mammography, we offer breast MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] and an ultrasound technology called Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound [AWBU]. AWBU is a stateof-the-art, computer-guided exam that may find small cancers that mammography alone may miss. John Muir Health is the only health system in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to offer the latest SonoCiné AWBU technology.
No matter the type of technology used, how important is early detection of breast cancer? Kerlin: It’s vital. We urge all women to take steps to protect their breast health and to do everything they can when it comes to getting recommended screening. The thinking behind all this is simple and convincing: Finding cancer early saves lives.
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For info about AWBU or scheduling a mammogram at John Muir Health, please visit johnmuirhealth.com/
breastscreen or call (925) 952-2701.
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Cardiac Rhythm Center A vital resource if you or a loved one has or suspects heart rhythm problems John Muir Health’s Cardiac Rhythm Center has one main goal: offering the most advanced and effective care of heart rhythm disorders. The center’s staff includes leading heart surgeons and cardiologists with advanced training in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders (cardiac electrophysiologists). Along with other skilled specialists on the medical team, they work together to find treatments that best match our patients’ needs. The Cardiac Rhythm Center features leading-edge technology and procedures, which, in the past, were available only at prominent academic medical centers. Among these are treatments for abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, using heat or cold (ablation), and procedures using pacemakers and defibrillators— surgically implanted devices that regulate heart rhythm. For more information, visit johnmuirhealth.com/ cardiovascular or call (925) 674-2076.
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Heart Health
Test Your Heart Smarts Here’s a fun way to find out more about risks of heart disease, how to keep your heart healthy and state-of-the-art resources at John Muir Health Focus on Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) T F 140/90 mm Hg measures blood pressure in the arteries and the number of heartbeats per minute. (FYI: The common way to say this reading is: “140 over 90”; “mm Hg” stands for “millimeters of mercury” and is a unit of pressure.) False. The first number records the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The second number tracks the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats (diastolic pressure). The higher the numbers, the higher your blood pressure. T
F My blood pressure reading of 125/85 is perfectly fine.
False. These levels are in what’s called the pre-hypertension range (120– 139/80–89). At this stage, experts say, medication isn’t needed yet but you should make lifestyle changes to lower the counts. Know this, too: Ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure diagnosis begins at 140/90. Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attacks and stroke and more.
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John Muir Health conducts free blood pressure screenings at locations throughout Contra Costa County. For info on dates, times
Beat the Odds Which of the following is the leading cause of death in the United States? A. Cancer B. Accidents (unintentional injuries) C. Heart disease D. Stroke C. Heart disease—it’s our nation’s leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Find out if you’re at risk of heart
disease. Take our online assessment at johnmuirhealth. com/cardiovascular.
and sites, visit johnmuirhealth.com/classes or see page 12.
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Heart Health
Are You in Love or at Risk? When poets write about their hearts going aflutter, they probably weren’t thinking about heart disease. Which of the following are signs of atrial fibrillation—irregular and often rapid heart rate? A. Decreased blood pressure B. Weakness C. Confusion or light-headedness D. Shortness of breath E. Chest pain F. All of the above G. None of the above F. All of the above. FYI: A-fib, as it’s sometimes called, can also have no symptoms at all or it can make you feel like your heartbeat is racing, irregular or uncomfortable or that you have a flopping sensation in your chest. Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Get emergency medical assistance right away if you have chest pain—it could signal a heart attack.
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John Muir Health’s Cardiac Rhythm Center offers state-of-the-art care for atrial fibrillation. This
includes treatments of abnormal tissue with heat (radiofrequency ablation) or with cold (cryoablation), and the use of electronic devices that regulate heart rhythm. For more info, visit johnmuirhealth.com/cardiovascular.
Local Breakthroughs? T F Clinical studies to improve diagnosis and treatment of heart disease are conducted only at academic research centers in large, urban areas. False. In fact, doctors at John Muir Health are involved in a wide variety of clinical research studies across different fields of medicine. This includes current studies of bioreabsorbable stents—tiny, mesh tubes that are designed to open up clogged arteries and then slowly dissolve over time after they’ve done their job. For more info about these and other studies at John Muir Health, visit johnmuirhealth.com/ health-education or call (925) 674-2580. Sources: cdc.gov, heart.org, mayoclinic.com, clevelandclinic.com
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You Are What You Eat To help prevent heart attack and stroke, which of the following foods should you go easy on? A. Saturated fat B. Trans fat C. Cholesterol D. Sodium
E. Added sugars F. All of the above G. None of the above
F. All of the above. Here’s why: Eating lots of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol may cause the buildup of cholesterol (plaque) inside the walls of your arteries. You may develop high blood pressure if you eat lots of sodium. Loading up on added sugars may cause you to develop type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and high blood pressure raise your odds of having heart disease or a stroke.
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Our free cardiac nutrition classes are open to anyone who wants the
latest info on beating heart disease with proper diet—including those with heart disease. For details, call John Muir Health Nutrition Services at (925) 947-5313.
A Closer Look
KIDS’ MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Now, you and your family have access to pediatric specialists Parents can never anticipate whether a medical emergency or serious illness will strike their child, but it’s reassuring to be prepared and know resources are available if you ever need them. Thanks to a new partnership, families can have peace of mind knowing they can get top-notch emergency care for their children, right in Walnut Creek. Last year, John Muir Health joined forces with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford to offer children’s specialty services in the East Bay. “We now have pediatric specialists here in Walnut Creek, in areas such as pediatric surgery, cardiology and neurology that, previously, required families to travel long distances to access,” says Beth Lannon, John Muir Health’s executive director of Children’s Specialty Services. “These experts support our emergency staff in person or by phone whenever we have a child who needs specialized services. “Later this year, we’ll be opening a state-of-the-art pediatric intensive care unit with services and equip-
ment dedicated exclusively to children’s needs—a hospital within a hospital,” Lannon adds. “Our goal is to allow kids to stay close to home, even when faced with chronic or serious medical needs, and to make the hospital experience better for children.” John Muir Health also recently hired a child life specialist, Shana Hammers, to develop child and familyfriendly services in the ER and throughout the hospital. “I’m trained to work with kids and families going through a stressful experience, such as an injury or illness,” says Hammers. “I provide age-appropriate emotional support, self-expression activities, play opportunities and education to help families prepare for medical procedures.”
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For more information about Children’s Specialty Services at John Muir Health, visit
johnmuirhhealth.com/kids.
How You Can Prepare for Family Emergencies Need practical tips to help your family be ready for emergencies? Child Life Specialist Shana Hammers has a few. “Have your child’s vital information in one place in your wallet so you don’t need to scramble in an
emergency,” she advises. The Child Life Council has a helpful, free tool that collects that data in a walletsized card (go to childlife.org/files/ HospitalWalletCard.pdf). Also, bring your child’s favorite items from home. “Maybe it’s a
pacifier or blanket and a favorite toy for a younger child, or an iPod and a magazine for an older child,” says Hammers. “This will help your child feel more comfortable and provide some welcome distraction.”
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Your John Muir Health
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 Brain Tumor Support Group WHEN: Second and fourth Wednesdays, 7–8:30 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call to register.
Breast Cancer Support Group WHEN: Second and fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call to register.
Colorectal Cancer Group WHEN: Second Wednesday, 4–5:30 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call 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 to register.
Kids Circle and Teen Talk Cancer Support Group WHEN: Second Saturday, 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call 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
Most of These Won’t Cost a Dime Classes and programs are free of charge, unless Fee is noted. 10
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Wednesdays, 6–7:30 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call 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 WHEN: Second Wednesday, 4–5:30 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call to register.
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 Breast Cancer Group WHEN: Third Wednesday, 4:30–6 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call to register.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer Group WHEN: Fourth Thursday, 11 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call 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 Support Group WHEN: Fourth Thursday, 1–2:30 p.m. WHERE: Cancer Support Community Please call to register.
CONTINENCE Taking Back Control WHEN: March 25, 9–10:30 a.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek WHEN: May 20, 5:30–7 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
GENERAL HEALTH AND PREVENTION Better Bones Forever: Osteoporosis Update 2014 WHEN: May 7, 6:30–8 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
Diabetes Education for You WHEN: Fridays, March 14–28, April 11–25, May 9–23, June 13–27, 3:30–4:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Check online for class details.
Fighting Inflammation With Nutrition WHEN: April 17, 6:30–8 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
Insulin Pump Support Group WHEN: Please call (925) 941-5076. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek
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Your John Muir Health
Smoking Cessation— One-Day Class WHEN: April 16, 9 a.m.–noon WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek Fee WHEN: May 17, 9 a.m.–noon WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord Fee
HEART HEALTH Blood Pressure Screening WHEN: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
Blood Pressure Screening (for Seniors) WHEN: March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, 11 a.m.–noon WHERE: Alcosta (San Ramon) Senior Center WHEN: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, 10:45–11:45 a.m.
WHERE: Ambrose Community Center WHEN: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, 10–11 a.m. WHERE: Antioch Senior Center WHEN: March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, 9:30–10:30 a.m. WHERE: Concord Senior Center WHEN: March 3, March 17, April 7, April 21, May 5, May 19, June 2, June 16, 10–11 a.m. WHERE: Danville Senior Center WHEN: March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, 10 a.m.–noon WHERE: First Presbyterian Church WHEN: March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, 10–11 a.m. WHERE: Golden Crane Senior Center– Alamo Women’s Club WHEN: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, 10–11:30 a.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor
We’ll Help You Beat the Pack
Take the first step and sign up for our one-day smoking cessation class Ready to quit smoking or know someone else who wants to? Our smoking cessation class offers the tools needed to take that important first step to stop smoking and start on the path to better health. Get aid in reaching your goal with group support and techniques that can help you change your habits. Aftercare support meetings will be available to all participants who complete the class. When/Where: April 16, 9 a.m.–noon, John Muir Health Outpatient Center, 1450 Treat Blvd., Walnut Creek; May 17, 9 a.m.–noon, John Muir Medical Center, Concord, 2540 East St., Concord Cost: $40 For more info or to register: Go to johnmuirhealth.com/classes.
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WHEN: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, 9–10:30 a.m. WHERE: Martinez Senior Center WHEN: March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, 10:30–11:30 a.m. WHERE: Pittsburg Senior Center WHEN: March 3, March 12, April 7, April 9, May 5, May 14, June 2, June 11, 9:30–11 a.m. WHERE: Pleasant Hill Senior Center WHEN: March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, 9:30–11 a.m. WHERE: Walnut Creek Senior Center
Cardiac Nutrition Class WHEN: March 20, May 18, 5–6 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek WHEN: April 7, 5–6 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord
Mended Hearts Support Group WHEN: Second Thursday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m.; occasionally on Saturdays WHERE: Alternates between John Muir Medical Centers in Concord and Walnut Creek For more info, call (925) 947-5206.
Stroke Support Group WHEN: Second Monday of the month, 7–9 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Call (925) 947-3300 for more information.
Class Locations – John Muir Health Women’s Health Center 1656 N. California Blvd., Suite 100, Walnut Creek – 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 – John Muir Health Senior Services 3480 Buskirk Ave., Suite 100, Pleasant Hill – 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
MIND AND BODY WELLNESS The Mind-Body Connection WHEN: March 17, 6:30–8 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
The Wonders of Guided Imagery and Self-Hypnosis WHEN: April 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
NUTRITION AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating WHEN: June 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
Weight Loss Surgery Seminar WHEN and WHERE: Check online for dates and times.
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Your John Muir Health
OLDER ADULT ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Support Group WHEN: Third Saturday of the month, 1–3 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Please call (415) 904-2572, ext. 307 for more information.
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.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program WHEN and WHERE: Please call (925) 602-4163 for more info or to register.
Movement and Exercise Class— Staying Strong WHEN: Drop-in, Wednesdays, 9:15– 10:15 a.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
Osteoporosis—How Strong Are Your Bones? WHEN: April 4, 9:30–11 a.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Tice Valley/Rossmoor
Your Medications: Maximizing Safety and Effectiveness WHEN: April 24, 9:30–11 a.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Concord
PARENTING AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH Children’s Nutrition Services WHEN: Please call (925) 941-4027. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Fee
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CPR: Infant and Child CPR and Safety WHEN: March 8, 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.; March 31, 6:30–9:30 p.m.; May 10, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; June 2, 6:30–9:30 p.m.; June 21, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee WHEN: April 19, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Fee
CPR: Infant and Child CPR and Safety for Grandparents WHEN: March 1, May 3, 9 a.m.–noon WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
Know Your Numbers
We offer free blood pressure screenings at more than a dozen convenient locations High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms and can leave you unaware that it’s damaging your arteries, heart and other organs. What you don’t know can be fatal: Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for two of this nation’s leading causes of death— heart attacks and strokes. Take advantage of the free blood pressure screenings offered by John Muir Health on a drop-in basis at various sites, including our Women’s Health Center and several community locations served by John Muir Health Senior Services. For information about locations, dates and times, see page 12, visit johnmuirhealth.com/classes or call (925) 941-7900.
Healthy Eating Habits for Your Toddler and Preschooler WHEN: April 10, 6:30–8 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
Loving Solutions® WHEN: Seven-session series, Tuesdays, April 8–May 20, 4–6 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Registration required. Fee WHEN: Seven-session series, Wednesdays, April 9–May 21, 4–6 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Registration required. Fee
Parent Project® Sr. WHEN: 10-session series, Tuesdays, April 8–June 10, 6:30–9 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Registration required. Fee
WHEN: 10-session series, Wednesdays, April 9–June 11, 6:30– 9 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Registration required. Fee
Car Seat Checkup
PREGNANCY TO NEWBORN
WHEN: Two-session series, April 7 and April 14, 6:30–9:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Fee
Breastfeeding Support Services WHEN: Please call. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
Breastfeeding Your Infant WHEN: March 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; April 5, 9:30–11:30 a.m.; May 22, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; June 7, 9:30– 11:30 a.m.; June 19, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee WHEN: April 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Fee
WHEN: Fridays WHERE: Growers Square Parking Garage Please call or go online.
Childbirth: Prepared Childbirth
Childbirth: Prepared Childbirth WHEN: March 15, April 12, May 17, June 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
Childbirth: Convenience Class WHEN: March 11, April 29, May 15, June 3, 6–9 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
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Your John Muir Health
Childbirth: Low Intervention Childbirth
MuirMommies: Best Beginnings (0–3 months)
WHEN: Four-session series, Mondays, March 31–April 21, May 5–19, 6:30– 9 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
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: Women’s Health Center Please call for more info and to register.
Childbirth: Online Preparation WHERE: Online Fee
Cord Blood Banking: Is It Right for Your Family? WHEN: April 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
MuirMommies: Back to Work (working moms and babies 3–12 months) WHEN: Semimonthly, second and fourth Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
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: Women’s Health Center Please call or go online to register. Fee
Newborn Care WHEN: March 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; April 5, 12:30–2:30 p.m.; May 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; June 7, 12:30– 2:30 p.m.; June 26, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
Menopause—Getting Your Sexy Back! A John Muir Health GYN offers advice for improving your love life
Between one-third and one-half of U.S. women experience sexual problems during the various stages of menopause, experts say. Join Dr. Sondra Altman, a John Muir Health gynecologist, for an evening of candid discussion on the topic of menopause and sexuality. Get tips and explore options for improving your libido and your love life. When: March 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Where: Women’s Health Center For more info: Visit johnmuirhealth.com/classes or call (925) 941-7900.
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WHEN: April 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Brentwood Fee
Pain Relief Options for Labor and Delivery WHEN: March 1, 10:30–11:30 a.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
Pregnancy Nutrition WHEN: April 29, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
Shopping for a Car Seat
Tours: Family Birth Center
WHEN: March 25, May 13, 6:30– 7:30 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek
WHEN: March 8, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; March 25, 5–7 p.m.; April 12, 9 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.; April 22, 5–7 p.m.; May 10, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; May 15, 5–5:30 p.m.; May 27, 5–7 p.m.; June 14, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; June 24, 5–7 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek
Sibling Celebration WHEN: May 17, 2–3 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee
Surviving Your First Weeks at Home With Your Baby WHEN: March 11, 6–8 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Fee WHEN: April 8, 6–8 p.m. WHERE: John Muir Health Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek Fee
You’re Pregnant, Now What? WHEN: April 19, June 21, 10:30– 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
WOMEN’S HEALTH Building Stronger Bones Through Nutrition WHEN: May 21, 6:30–8 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
Menopause: Getting Your Sexy Back! WHEN: March 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center
The Wig Source WHEN: Second and fourth Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. WHERE: Women’s Health Center Appointment is required. Please call (925) 947-5328.
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Your John Muir Health
Meet the Latest Additions to Our Team
Dr. Diane Chandler Family Medicine 5161 Clayton Rd. #F Concord 94521 (925) 609-8282 Speaks Spanish and Czech
Dr. Lindsay Chong Endocrinology 2700 Grant St. #200 Concord 94520 (925) 296-9730
Dr. Marcy Haas Family Medicine 401 Gregory Lane #104 Pleasant Hill 94523 (925) 682-2401
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johnmuirhealth.com/findadoctor
Are you looking for a doctor? Check out the latest additions 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.
Dr. Meena Rijhwani Internal Medicine 1450 Treat Blvd. Suite 220 Walnut Creek 94598 (925) 296-9730 Speaks Hindi
Dr. Sundeep Singh Gastroenterology 675 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #B-215 Walnut Creek 94596 (925) 776-7600 Speaks Punjabi
Dr. Usha Vallamdas Pediatrics 2400 Balfour Rd. #302 Brentwood 94513 (925) 684-7443 Speaks Telugu
Dr. Yvette Wild Pediatric Gastroenterology 1455 Montego Way #101 Walnut Creek 94598 (925) 932-2402 Speaks Spanish
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, Tice Valley/ Rossmoor (925) 939-1220 • Outpatient Center, Brentwood (925) 308-8100 • Outpatient Center, Walnut Creek (925) 952-2887 • Senior Services (925) 947-3300 • Women’s Health Center (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.
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 1400 Treat Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94597
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John Muir Health
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URGENT CARE
“ I’ve got poison oak everywhere. Really, everywhere.” Our Urgent Care doctors know that healthy conversations often include messy details. That’s why we listen. We explain. And we’re impossible to shock. We’re open nights, weekends and holidays to treat scrapes, bugs and injured dignities. To find a location near you, visit johnmuirhealth.com/urgentcare. Brentwood, Concord, San Ramon, Walnut Creek 9am–9pm M–F (Walnut Creek 8am–9pm M–F) 9am–5pm weekends 9am–3pm holidays
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