Blog Author
Joe Goldeen
Joe Goldeen has been with The Record since 1990. In 2002, he began covering the health-care beat. From time to time, he also writes about gasoline prices and other issues. He is a Northern California native, and his ties to Stockton go back to 1972 ... Read FullCategories
Archives
We reserve the right to remove any content at any time from this Community, including without limitation if it violates the Community Rules. We ask that you report content that you in good faith believe violates the above rules by clicking the Flag link next to the offending comment.
Joe’s Health Calendar for March 3
Check this column regularly for health events of interest to San Joaquin County residents. New events are being added all the time. You never know what you could read here.
Have a health-oriented event the public in San Joaquin County should know about? Let me know at jgoldeen@recordnet.com and I’ll get it into my Health Calendar. I’m not interested in promoting commercial enterprises here, but I am interested in helping out nonprofit and/or community groups, hospitals, clinics, physicians and other health-care providers. Look for four categories: Community Events, Hospitals, Public Health and Schools.
TO THE PUBLIC: I won’t list an item here from a source that I don’t know or trust. So I believe you can count on what you read here. If there is a problem, please don’t hesitate to let me know at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Thanks, Joe
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Olympian Peggy Fleming to Speak at Ironstone Vineyards
March 3 (today) noon: Gold Medalist Peggy Fleming will be the guest speaker at the first “Let’s Talk Health” series luncheon at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys.Over the course of her illustrious skating career, Peggy won five U.S. figure skating titles, three world titles and an Olympic gold medal. In 1998, on the 30th anniversary of her gold medal victory, Peggy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Faced with what she’s called “another Olympics, a life Olympics,” she underwent surgery and subsequent treatment and today she is cancer free. She has since become an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. “We are so pleased to bring Ms. Fleming to our Let’s Talk Health series as a community benefit of the Mark Twain Health Care District,” board member Robert Campana said. “She has also had to contend with a family history of heart disease and knows from her own personal experience the impact of what complications from cancer and heart disease can have on a family. Her presentation will be very motivating to those in attendance.” This is the first in the series of Let’s Talk Health presentations. Cost: $25 includes lunch and all presentations. Reservations: (209) 754-2604.
Free Kidney Evaluation
March 6 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Adults age 18 and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease are invited to receive a free kidney screening at the Kidney Early Evaluation Program, or KEEP. The event will be presented by Memorial Medical Center and the National Kidney Foundation at St. Stanislaus Church Hall in Modesto. KEEP was designed to raise awareness about kidney disease among high-risk individuals. It includes free testing and educational information, which can prevent or delay the complications of kidney disease. People who have a high risk of kidney disease are invited to register for a comprehensive health-risk appraisal, blood-pressure measurement, blood and urine testing, and the opportunity to discuss their health and review results with on-site clinicians. For information or to make an appointment, contact Memorial’s Health Center at (209) 572-7262.
Pacific Family Health Fair
March 7 (Sunday) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: St. Luke’s Catholic Church Gym, 3847 N. Sutter St., Stockton. Free and open to the public. The annual health fair is organized by the Academy of Student Pharmacists, a student organization in University of the Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The event will include a range of free health services, including cholesterol, blood sugar and bone density screenings and medication consultations, as well as eye, ear and dental exams. Information: (209) 553-8368orpacificfamilyhealthfair@gmail.com.
Autism: What Do We Know?
March 10 (Wednesday) noon: Dr. Ryan Thompson will discuss the search for causes, treatment and prevention of autism during a luncheon meeting at Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys. We are witnessing an autism epidemic. One child in 150 is now diagnosed with autism. Thompson’s dedication to treatment and prevention led him to found a multidisciplinary clinic in Murphys specializing in learning disorders, autism and ADHD. Thompson is a board-certified family practice physician with extensive training and 20 years of experience in evaluating and treating individuals with ADHD, autism and related disorders. Discussion is part of the Let’s Talk Health! Series of Community Health Care Conversations sponsored by Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. Cost: $25, includes lunch; $1,000 of proceeds will be donated to Mind Matters so that young patients can be diagnosed and treated who would not otherwise be able to receive these potentially life-changing services. Reservations: (209) 754-2604.
Maintenance Partners For Life
Through March 14 (Sunday): For the third consecutive year, local Jiffy Lube service centers will promote heart health and vehicle health awareness with its Maintenance Partners For Life Campaign. Jiffy Lube customers who make a $3 donation to Go Red For Women will receive the Maintenance Partners for Life book containing $100 worth of vehicle preventive-maintenance savings, as well as contribute to Jiffy Lube’s goal of raising $1.5 million for the American Heart Association’s fight against heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 3 killers in America. These and other cardiovascular diseases kill approximately 450,000 women each year — that’s about one woman every minute. The Go Red For Women movement aims to educate, encourage and empower women to take action to fight heart disease and stroke and live a longer, stronger, healthier life.
Childhood Diabetes and Our Family
March 17 (Wednesday) noon: In October 2006, Dan Savage’s oldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Since his diagnosis at age 13, Sean has taken complete control of managing his disease. Along the way, Dan, his wife Sue and youngest son Colin have learned a great deal about diabetes and incorporated Sean’s condition into the family lifestyle. Dan now chairs the American Diabetes Association’s “Father of the Year” fund-raising dinner, and also sits on the board of directors (Community Leadership Board) for the Sacramento Chapter of the American Diabetes Association. Dan is currently the chief of staff to state Sen. Gilbert Cedillo, where he supervises both the Capitol office and the district office. He also advises the senator on labor, immigration and health-care issues. Dan has been the chief of staff to now-Sen. Cedillo since he was first elected to the California Assembly in 1998. He has a BA in geography from UC Berkeley and an masters in urban planning from UCLA. His discussion at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys is part of the Let’s Talk Health series sponsored by Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. Cost: $25, includes lunch. Reservations: (209) 754-2604.
Weight Management
March 23 (Tuesday) 6 to 7 p.m.: Lose weight and gain the health. Learn the basics of behavior changes to improve your eating and exercise habits to achieve better health. Speakers include Dr. Niki Jalisi and registered dietitian Astrin Damayanti. You can bring your favorite recipes and the experts can help you revitalize your recipe for better health. Sutter Tracy Community Hospital, West Community Room, 1320 N. Tracy Boulevard, Tracy. Information: (209) 521-6097, ext. 6523 or www.suttergould.org/learning.
Cervical Cancer is Preventable
March 24 (Wednesday) noon: Join Dr. Rhoda Nussbaum, gynecologist and women’s health expert, for a compelling discussion of cervical cancer prevention at Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys. Hear about efforts to attack this disease in India and Africa and join in a discussion about what can be done in Calaveras County to end this disease that robs women of their fertility and their lives. Nussbaum practiced obstetrics and gynecology at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco for 26 years. She also founded Women’s Health-Kaiser Permanente, a regionwide effort to improve women’s health and health care in Northern California. Since retiring and moving to Calaveras County, she has been active in cervical cancer prevention in India and Africa. She is now medical director of PINCC-India (Prevention International: No Cervical Cancer). Discussion is part of Let’s Talk Health series sponsored by Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. Cost: $25, includes lunch. Reservations: (209) 754-2604.
5K Fun Run/Walk for Lupus Awareness and Bike Safety Rodeo
March 27 (Saturday) 7:30 a.m. prepaid race registration, 8:30 a.m. race begins: In memory of Linda Jean Mundy, race starts in parking lot at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys and runs along historic Six Mile Road. $10 entry fee, $2 Lupus Foundation of America wristband; proceeds benefit foundation. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Child Safety Seat and Bike Safety Rodeo conducted by California Highway Patrol. Information and entry forms: Kathryn Tipton, (209) 754-2604; Lupus Foundation, www.lupus.org.
Community Health and Vision Fair
April 10 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: The San Joaquin Lions Club in partnership with Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is putting on its annual health and vision fair at CCBVI, 130 W. Flora St., Stockton. Event is open to the public and will feature a variety of free medical testings as well as free vision screenings by eye-care professionals. Service agencies and vendors will host informational tables to raise community awareness. Information: (209) 466-3836.
Latina Luncheon Featuring Artist and Journalist
April 16 (Friday) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: El Concilio’s Annual Latina Luncheon at the Lexington Waterfront Hotel, 110 W. Fremont St., Stockton, will feature two guest speakers, award-winning artist Laura Lopez Cano and journalist Sonia Nazario, author of “Enrique’s Journey.” Tickets: $35. Contact Annette Sanchez at (209) 644-2627 or mail a check to El Concilio, 308 N. California St., Stockton, CA 95202.
Go Red For Women Luncheon
April 29 (Friday): Learn more about the American Heart Association and support its efforts, particularly its fight against heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. Luncheon will be held at The Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd., Stockton. For sponsorship information or to attend the luncheon, contact Janelle Wilkinson at (209) 477-2683 or janelle.wilkinson@heart.org.
Memory Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Oct. 2 (Saturday) 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. walk begins: California State Capitol South Steps, 10th and L streets, Sacramento. 3 mile route and 1.5 mile shortcut. Call or email Erin Stone at (916) 930-9080 or erin.stone@alznorcal.org. We’re on the move to end Alzheimer’s. If you’re the kind of person who’s not going to sit on the sidelines when there’s a chance to change the future, then you’re the person we need. With more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 10 million more serving as caregivers, the time to act is now! When you register for the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, you’re joining a nationwide community of thousands of people who are standing up and participating in the fight against this devastating disease.
Kids’ Health Calendar Bay Area
Check out KidsCal for a calendar of children’s health events (click here) sponsored by nonprofit organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, posted by Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.
Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous
Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Are you underweight or overweight? Obsessed with weight or dieting? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous groups meet weekly and charge no dues, no fees and have no weigh-ins. Tracy Community Church, 1790 Sequoia Blvd (at 11th Street and Corral Hollow), Tracy. Also meeting in Brentwood at John Muir/Mt. Diablo Medical Center, Second Floor Conference Room, 2400 Balfour Road, from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Thursdays and in Modesto at Unity Church of Modesto, 2467 Veneman Ave., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The organization is interested in starting a weekly meeting in Stockton. Information: (408) 491-9824 or (800) 600-6028or fa@foodaddicts.orgor www.foodaddicts.org.
26 Days to Health Reform Campaign
Today: Health Care for America Now says the private health-insurance industry and its Republican lackeys are publicly gloating because they think that the recent change in the makeup of the Senate has supposedly “killed” Health Care for America Now’s determined efforts to bring about monumental change to our country’s broken health-care system. There’s no denying that we’ve experienced our fair share of setbacks in this momentous campaign. And now without the 60th vote in the Senate to break the Republican filibusters, the only path to comprehensive health reform is through reconciliation. And while the Senate bill is definitely a step above the status quo, it’s still seriously flawed and needs to be fixed before it can pass in the House. In order to rectify this, the Senate needs to agree to a corrections bill with the House and then pass it under reconciliation rules. And that’s precisely why they’re making one last big push to make sure that health reform is finished right this year! The goal is to finish health-care reform by the Easter holiday using the two-step process involving the Senate’s version of the health reform bill in “Reconciliation.” Click here if you want to do more for health reform.
HOSPITALS
DAMERON HOSPITAL Events
Click here for Dameron Hospital’s Event Calendar.
ST. JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER Classes and Events
Click here for St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s Classes and Events.
DOCTORS HOSPITAL OF MANTECA Events
Click here for Doctors Hospital of Manteca Events finder.
LODI MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Educational Opportunities
The following classes are at the hospital at 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, unless indicated. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, phone (209) 339-7520 or visit www.lodihealth.org.
Breast-feeding
March 4 (Thursday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers a breast-feeding course, covering the advantages of breast-feeding, basic anatomy, the breast-feeding process, common problems and solutions. Call (209) 339-7520 to register.
Better Breathers
First Tuesday of every month 10 to 11 a.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital and The American Lung Association of California Valley Lode offer a free “Better Breathers’” respiratory-support group for people and their family members with breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Participants will learn how to cope with chronic lung disease, understand lungs and how they work and use medications and oxygen properly. Pre-registration is recommended. Call (209) 478-1888 or (209) 339-7515 for information.
Adult Children with Aging Relatives Support Group
Second Wednesday of every month 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers an Adult Children with Aging Relatives support group at the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center. For more information, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.
Brain Builders
Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital and the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center offer “Brain Builders,” a weekly program for people in the early stages of memory loss. There is a weekly fee of $25. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.
SUTTER TRACY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Community Education and Support Groups
All classes are at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital , 1420 N. Tracy Blvd. , Tracy , unless indicated. Preregistration is required for the following classes. Call (209) 833-2321 or email rinaldd@sutterhealth.org. Register online at www.suttertracy.org.
Childbirth Education
Today and March 10, 17, 24 or May 5, 12, 19, 26 (Wednesdays) 7 to 9 p.m.: Four-week series. $50 fee waived for those delivering at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital .
Diabetes Education Class
March 4, 11, 18, 25 (Thursday) 6 p.m.: This free four-week series is offered once every quarter. Nursing, dietary, rehabilitation and pharmacy staff cover a variety of different topics. To register call (209) 833-2405.
Childbirth Education
March 6 or May 1 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: One-day class. $50 fee waived for those delivering at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital .
Childbirth Review
March 31 or June 2 (Wednesday) 7 to 9 p.m.: This free one-day class is for couples that have already had a child.
Sibling Preparation
April 12 (Monday): This class helps big brothers- and sisters-to-be welcome a new baby to the family. Call for time.
Breastfeeding
April 12 (Monday) 7 to 9 p.m.: This free class is led by a lactation consultant.
Annual Children’s Health & Safety Fair
May 8 (Saturday): Free. Sutter Tracy Community Hospital, 1420 N. Tracy Blvd., Tracy. Information: (209) 835-1500.
Chronic Pain Support Group—New!
Every 1st and 3rd Monday 6 p.m.: The American Chronic Pain Association is providing help and hope for people and their families living with pain. Call Cheryl at (209) 833-3330.
Bereavement and Grief Support Group
Tuesday 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday 10:30 a.m. to noon: For more on this informal support group, call Rev. Becky Cameron at (209) 833-2475.
Down Syndrome Support Group
Every 2nd Tuesday 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Relatives, caregivers and teachers of those with Down syndrome are invited to join this informal group at the Healthy Connections Resource Center. Call Raquel O’Keefe at (209) 830-1712.
Diabetes Support Group—New!
Every 2nd Tuesday 9 to 10:30 a.m. or every 3rd Thursday 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Support for anyone newly diagnosed, with a history, and/or family members needing support and information. Call Pam at (209) 832-3432.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Every 2nd Wednesday 10 a.m.: Call (800) 540-3340 for more information.
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday: informal support group. Call Juanita McHugh at (209) 321-9396.
Stroke Support Group
Every 3rd Thursday 3 to 5 p.m.: Call (209) 830-2137 to learn more.
Tracy Area Cancer Support Group
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 6:30 p.m.: Call (209) 833-2338 for more information about this group and other services offered through Tracy Cancer Support Services.
Mental Illness Recovery Support Group
Monday 7 p.m. and Wednesday 10:30 a.m.: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Recovery Support Group offers support for people with mental illness and their family members at Healthy Connections. Call Karen at (209) 834-2313.
Mommy and Me
Call for times: This free group provides a place for mothers of children from birth to 2 to talk, share ideas and ask questions. It meets at Healthy Connections and is led by a lactation educator and social worker. Call (209) 833-2420.
Parent and Me Playgroups
Call for times: Sutter Healthy Connections offers two free playgroups for parents and their children 5 and younger. These interactive, parent-involved groups offer a fun learning environment that both children and parents enjoy. Call (209) 833-2420.
P.R.I.C.E. Parenting Class
Call for times: This free class series is for parents with children 12 and younger and meets at Healthy Connections. Learn strategies to help you become a more effective parent. These strategies include encouraging children to do their best, changing behaviors through appropriate consequences, focusing on having positive attitudes, and more. To register, call (209) 833-2420.
Teen Classes
Call for times: Free teen support group for ages 13 to 18 to learn important life strategies, build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, gain confidence, and manage stress. Space is limited. Call (209) 833-2420.
Al-Anon
Monday 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m.: Call (209) 547-3086.
Al-Anon En Espanol
Call for times: Para mas informaccion llame, Silvia (209) 834-8539 o Lety (209) 346-5866.
Look Good…Feel Better!
Every 3rd Tuesday 6 to 8 p.m.: This class helps cancer patients realize that looking good can help you feel better. Meet specially trained cosmetologists to learn more about skin care, wigs, scarves and make-up techniques. Call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.
Break Free From Smoking!
Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m.: Trained facilitators use behavior-modification tools to help smokers quit for good during a free seven-week course. A strong student support network helps everyone become tobacco-free. To register, call (209) 832-6009.
Asthma Management
Call for times: Learn how to effectively manage asthma so that you can enjoy an active lifestyle. You’ll receive a free peak-flow meter and personalized asthma action plan. Free class. Call (209) 832-6516 to register.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health Services’ HN1 Influenza Vaccination Efforts Expanding Their Reach
Public Health Services (PHS) has been providing and promoting H1N1 Influenza Vaccinations during the past few months and will continue vaccination efforts in San Joaquin County during the month of February. County health officials are pleased with the response of residents to the Special H1N1 Vaccination Clinics conducted in January throughout the county where over 4500 H1N1 flu vaccinations were provided free of charge. Health officials remind us that while H1N1 influenza illness cases have dropped, a third wave of H1N1 influenza is possible this year, reinforcing the need for residents to get vaccinated if they have not already done so. Parents are also reminded that children under 10 years of age should get a second or booster vaccination approximately three to four weeks after the first one.
Ongoing resources for updated H1N1 vaccination and clinic information are:
Health officials continue to recommend these precautionary measures to help protect against acquiring influenza viruses: 1) Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitizers; 2) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, when you cough or sneeze; and 3) Stay home if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours; and 4) Get vaccinated.
Public Health Services Immunization Clinic Schedules (Adults and Children)
H1N1 vaccine is available at these clinics. Immunization clinic hours are subject to chance depending on volume of patients or staffing. Check the Public Health Services website for additional evening clinics or special clinics at www.sjcphs.org
SCHOOLS
Health Certificate Courses at CSU Stanislaus – Stockton Center
Classes starting soon: University Extended Education at California State Univeristy, Stanislaus-Stockton Center offers certificate courses for the following: medical administrative assistant; medical billing & coding professional; pharmacy technician; and electrocardiogram (EKG) technician. Learn more by visiting www.extendeded.com or calling (209) 667-3111.