2013 Summer Live Younger Longer

LIVEyounger LONGER

more insidesummer 2013

Brought to you by

ADVENTIST HEALTH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NETWORK,FRANK R. HOWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Get back in action: Joint replacement surgery can help

A new kind of care: Our outpatient surgical services are unlike anything in Mendocino County

A NEW WAY TO EAT

FEEL-GOOD FOODS!

| In this issue |Your heart: Numbers matter ................... p3

What a plant-based diet has to offer . ...... p4

The thyroid, explained ............................ p6

Joint replacement: Get your life back ...... p8

Taking the scare out of surgery ............. p10

Stop sneezing ....................................... p12

Is sinus surgery right for you? ............... p12

Circle of Friends works for the future .... p14

Community events ............................... p15

Dish up a healthy dinner ....................... p15

The St. Helena Region of Hospitals, which includes St. Helena Hospital Napa Valley, St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake and St. Helena Hospital Center for Behavioral Health, has combined with Ukiah Valley Medical Center and Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits to form the Northern California Network of Adventist Health.

Live Younger Longer is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, 1 Madrone St., Willits, CA 94574, telephone 707.459.6801, website www.howardhospital.org, and Ukiah Valley Medical Center, 275 Hospital Drive, Ukiah, CA 95482, telephone 707.462.3111, website www.uvmc.org.

Gwen Matthews, CEO, Ukiah Valley Medical Center • Rick Bockmann, CEO, Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital • Joshua Cowan, Vice President, Corporate Development • Nicole Britain, Digital and Interactive Media Manager

Information in Live Younger Longer comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider.

Models may be used in photos and illustrations.

©Coffey Communications, Inc. CUM29223

Welcome to the latest issue of Live Younger Longer.

A s always, our focus is on giving you information to help you live younger longer. So inside you’ll find the latest on our Know Your Numbers personal health campaign, tips for dealing with seasonal allergies, and a healthy recipe to try. You’ll also read

about the contributions of chef Kyle Evans, executive chef at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, whose focus on a plant-based diet helps give our patients healthy and delicious options during their hospital stay.

What we’re especially excited to share with you is this month’s featured topic: our surgical programs. Read about how the Orthopedic Joint Center at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital helps members of our community live more active lives. You’ll also discover how Ukiah Valley Medical Center’s Pavilion Surgical Services’ patient-centered approach speeds your recovery. We’ll also look at how top-quality anesthesiologists make your surgery safe and comfortable, and what you need to know to make informed choices.

We hope you will find this information as useful and informative as we have, as you move forward to live younger longer.

Gwen Matthews Rick Bockmann Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Ukiah Valley Medical Center Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital

NEW SERVICES TO INVIGORATE

LIVEyounger LONGER

more insidesummer 2013

Brought to you by

ADVENTIST HEALTH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NETWORK,FRANK R. HOWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Get back in action: Joint replacement surgery can help

A new kind of care: Our outpatient surgical services are unlike anything in Mendocino County

A NEW WAY TO EAT

FEEL-GOOD FOODS!

p2

Know the figures that affect heart health

Maybe numbers aren’t your thing. But when it comes to having a healthy heart, some numbers are worth

knowing: your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels and your blood sugar. Knowing these numbers—which all relate to your risk for heart disease—can help you understand your risk and stay on the right track.

Numbers

HEART

Blood pressure. A reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. Anything above that may be considered high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure is serious and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. So have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. You can even use the blood pressure cuff at your local drug store or grocery store for a quick reading.

Cholesterol. Knowing this number does require a trip to the doctor, but it’s well worth it. Your doctor will run a lipoprotein profile, which can reveal your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The bad kind of cholesterol—low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—is the gunk that clogs arteries. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is the good type of cholesterol. Think of the “H” in “HDL” as “high”—as in, you want this number to be high, not low. Triglycerides are a kind of fat that can increase heart disease risk.

HERE ARE SOME NUMBERS TO STRIVE FOR ♥ A total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL of blood.

♥ An LDL of less than 100 mg/dL is optimal. The higher your LDL, the greater your risk of developing heart disease.

♥ An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or above. HDL helps clear the bad cholesterol from arteries. An HDL level lower than 50 in women and lower than 40 in men actually increases the risk of heart disease.

♥ Triglycerides of less than 150 mg/dL. When this number climbs higher than that, your heart disease risk rises. Blood sugar. If your blood sugar is too high, it could signal diabetes, a major risk for heart disease and a serious health concern. A healthy fasting glucose should be less than 100 mg/dL of blood. Starting at age 45, have this test done at least every three years. If you have diabetes risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes, get tested earlier and more often.

PROTECT YOUR HEART In addition to knowing your numbers, you can help keep your heart healthy by:

♥ Limiting salt, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol in your diet.

♥ Eating plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains and foods made with whole grains.

♥ Getting regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise.

♥ Maintaining a healthy weight.

♥ Not smoking.

♥ Taking any prescribed medications (such as those to control blood pressure or cholesterol) as directed.

Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health

by

To make an appointment with our Adventist Heart Institute, call 888.529.9018.

www.UVMC.ORG | www.HOWARDHOSPITAL.ORG p3

LIVE younger LONGER SUMMER 13

When I decided to focus my attention on a plant-based approach to the culinary world, it was difficult to

swallow after my French-cuisine influence,” says Evans. “From a culinary standpoint, the creative aspect of cooking a plant-based diet is fun and very rewarding. There are so many more amazing flavors, colors and textures that come from the plant-based foods.”

Stuart echoes Evans’ point of view. “When you learn the scientific benefits of a plant-based diet, you really begin to realize the impact of what a person eats over time and what it can do for your health,” he says.

Both Evans and Stuart bring a world of culinary experience. Evans has been a chef at

Learning to t hrive on a plant-based diet

Following a plant-based diet can be fun and delicious—and lead to healthy rewards. Just ask Kyle Evans, executive chef for the Adventist Health Northern California Network and executive chef at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital (HMH), and Chef Jim Stuart, executive chef of Ukiah Valley Medical Center.

some of the finest restaurants in Mendocino County and Napa Valley, as well as at the Michelin Star rated L’Essentiel in Chambéry, France. Stuart has more than 25 years of experience cooking, with 15 years as a chef, and was recently trained with Harvard Public Health at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, Calif.

“EAT HEALTHY, PLAY HARD AND LIVE WELL”Evans’ passion for plant-based and whole foods isn’t just about the culinary experience. You see, he’s committed to supporting health and wellness. He knows that our bodies thrive—and we reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes and cancer—when we eat whole, plant-based foods. According

to a study conducted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, for every three additional servings of fruits and vegetables you eat per day, you can reduce your risk of stroke by 22 percent. Eating a plant-based diet can also help reduce your risk of developing cancer, as it increases your intake of phytochemicals and antioxidants. And following a plant-based, low-fat diet improves insulin function and may reduce diabetes risk, prevent insulin resistance and even reverse type 2 diabetes.

SMALL CHANGES CAN REFOCUS YOUR EATING HABITS Making the change to eat plant-based, whole-grain foods can be done through small changes. Stuart points out that you don’t just change your diet at once—it requires taking steps. Evans recommends choosing brown or wild rice instead of white rice. Add quinoa to oatmeal, and garnish it with flaxseed and brown sugar. You can even revamp your typical spaghetti dinner by incorporating more vegetables into your marinara sauce. Try making it from scratch and adding carrots and a

A PLANT-BASED DIET CAN HELP YOU LIVE YOUNGER LONGER

Jim Stuart, executive chef, Ukiah Valley Medical Center

Kyle Evans, executive chef, Adventist Health Northern California Network, Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital

p4

bunch of kale. Then blend the sauce in a food processor. Enjoy your nutrient-packed sauce over whole-grain pasta instead of white pasta. And rather than topping it off with Parmesan cheese, dust your pasta with nutritional yeast mixed with ground walnuts.

“Challenge yourself to take a healthier approach to your diet,” Evans says. “Create as many meals as possible that incorporate plant-based ingredients. You may be surprised by how much more energy you have, experience quicker recovery times after workouts, enjoy overall health improvements and rediscover how much fun cooking can be!”

Evans encourages experimenting with different foods. He suggests revving up your basic Italian pasta salad with Asian flavors by using sesame oil, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro and fresh ginger.

ENJOY LOCAL PRODUCEEvans’ and Stuart’s lives and cooking experiences have inspired them to focus on sustainable practices, local organic farming and a commitment to making a positive contribution to local communities. Accordingly, the kitchen at HMH is supplied with fresh, local vegetables from the Howard Foundation Commonwealth Garden. Ukiah Valley Medical Center is supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables from Mendocino Organics and their community-supported agriculture initiative.

“It’s powerful when you know the hands that cultivate and harvest the foods, to know the time it was harvested and where it came from—even the row,” Evans says. “To be able to see the end result of the produce nourishing the mouths and community we are trying to provide for is a spiritual connection to say the least.”

Even if you don’t have space for a garden at your home, you can visit a local farmers market with your family and shop for a meal.

“Find the right balance for your lifestyle, and eat lots of plants!” Evans says. “Eat healthy, play hard and live well.”

Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital

Moving into the Future

Construction is well underway for the new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital. Our current 25-bed, critical access facility was originally built in 1928 by a generous donation from Charles Howard. The new, two-story building will more than double our current size and is expected to be completed in 2014. After breaking ground, the steel structure was completed in only 13 working days, and the unmistakable signs of progress and the rumble of machines can continue to be observed on the 33-acre parcel south of East Hill Road.

Visit howardhospital.org or facebook.com/howardmemorialhospital to learn more and watch the progress.



The thyroid, located next to the Adam’s apple in the lower part of the neck, produces hormones that influence

almost all of the metabolic processes in your body, including your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the rate at which food is converted to energy.

One in eight people in the United States lives with some form of thyroid problem. Women are significantly more likely to experience problems than men.

The good news is thyroid disease is fairly easy to diagnose once you look for it and fairly easy to treat once you find it. The thyroid is the master gland that is one of the primary regulators of metabolism, activating

cells in every part of the body. Often called the masquerader, symptoms of problems with the thyroid can mimic perimenopause and menopause.

Let’s look at the two types of thyroid disorders: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is caused by the thyroid producing more thyroid hormones than the body needs. Because the symptoms begin slowly and are similar to stress or menstrual cycles, you may not even notice hyperthyroidism at first. Symptoms include weight loss without trying, trouble sleeping, rapid or irregular heartbeat, trembling in the hands and fingers, diarrhea, increased

sensitivity to heat, less frequent menstrual periods, irritability and anxiety. Treatment is important, because the disorder can result in significant heart problems.

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid does not make enough hormones. This is commonly referred to as an underactive thyroid. Symptoms include weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, depression, fatigue, irregular menstrual bleeding, skin changes (especially dry skin), swelling (particularly in the leg and ankle), joint or muscle pain and constipation. People with hypothyroidism often have high levels of LDL cholesterol—the “bad” cholesterol, which can increase the risk for heart disease.

A notable symptom of thyroid problems is the loss of hair on the eyebrows, especially from the outside in.

DIAGNOSING AND TESTING FOR THYROID DISORDERS At what age should you check for thyroid problems? At any age that you have

It’s tiny. It’s butterfly-shaped. That doesn’t sound like something to be concerned about, does it? But the thyroid gland is hugely important to your general well-being—especially if you are a woman. That’s because it influences almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Diagnosing and treating this disease is essential to living younger longer.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE UKIAH VALLEY WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER, PLEASE CALL 707.462.2945. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR WOMEN’S SERVICES IN WILLITS, PLEASE CALL 707.459.6801.

about the thyroid?

fussWhat’s all the

p6

1 2 3 4

Unless it’s causing trouble, you probably don’t give your thyroid much thought. But this small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat controls some of your body’s most important functions, including your heart rate and metabolism. And it needs your attention—attention in the form of a neck check. A neck check can help you spot a nodule—or lump—in the thyroid. Almost 10 percent of adults develop nodules at some point, and they’re more common in women than men. Most nodules don’t cause problems. Still, some can secrete extra amounts of thyroid hormones and trigger thyroid disease—causing symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat, nervousness and rapid weight loss—and some can be cancerous. That’s why all nodules need a doctor’s attention.

Locate your thyroid by holding the mirror in your hand and focusing on the lower front of your neck while holding your head back. Your thyroid is located above your collarbones and below your voice box.

Take a drink of water and swallow while still holding the mirror with your head tilted back.

Look at your neck as you swallow, checking for any bulges. (Don’t mistake your Adam’s apple for your thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland is located further down on your neck than your Adam’s apple and closer to your collarbones.)

Tell your doctor if you notice any bulges. You may have a nodule or an enlarged thyroid gland. A doctor should evaluate the bulge to rule out cancer or to determine if you need treatment for thyroid disease.

CHECK YOUR NECK FOR THYROID PROBLEMSSTEPS FOR A CHECK

To do a neck check, you need a glass of water and a handheld mirror. Here are the steps:

4

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; American Endocrine Society

Thyroid area

symptoms. The most common age is 45 to 50. The older a person gets, the greater the risk. Next time when you go for your Pap smear, ask for a thyroid test.

A simple blood test is all it takes to gauge thyroid levels.

THYROID PROBLEMS AND DEPRESSION OFTEN COEXIST Thyroid patients—especially women—have a higher incidence of depression and anxiety disorders than the general public. Why the correlation?

If you don’t have enough thyroid hormones, it seems to affect the brain and the brain’s function. If you have too little, you may have too little serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is found naturally in the human brain,

and also the digestive tract. If you treat the thyroid disease, it may not be enough. You may require additional serotonin replacement. Therapy and thyroid disease go hand-in-hand.

THYROID DISORDERS CAN LEAD TO COMPLICATIONS DURING PREGNANCYBecause thyroid symptoms can be similar to those of pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, pregnant women can think they’re just experiencing normal symptoms.

What are some of the common side effects of both pregnancy and thyroid disease? Fatigue, weight gain and sometimes hair loss are just a few of the side effects one would experience if one were pregnant and had thyroid disease.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant and have symptoms of a thyroid disorder, getting tested is incredibly important.

If thyroid disease is present during pregnancy, not only do you suffer, but the baby may also suffer, sometimes permanently. Significant mental retardation and other complications can occur, such as early labor, premature birth, pre-eclampsia and small babies.

PREVENTING THYROID DISORDERS When you don’t have enough iodine, your thyroid struggles to perform. A simple iodine supplement may be part of the solution. Salt supplemented with iodine or sea salt (which already contains it) can help prevent thyroid problems. Eating dark greens, such as kale and Chinese greens, is another preventive measure.



The Orthopedic Joint Center at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital can help you return to the life you love

When your body experiences chronic joint pain or limited mobility, your quality of life is also affected.

According to AARP: “One in four of all U.S. adults experience frequent joint pain, most often caused by osteoarthritis, that limits daily activities. While lifestyle changes and medications can provide relief, a growing number of people are turning to joint replacement surgery. As many baby boomers seek to stay active as they age, demand for

this surgery is expected to increase by over 600 percent by 2020.”

Osteoarthritis (OA) and old age have some pretty awful implications for the weight-bearing joints of the knees and hips. Osteoarthritis is one of those irreversible degenerative afflictions which are all too common as the soft tissue in the load-bearing joints wears away, often accompanied by the bone of the joints distorting. It is usually accompanied by pain and discomfort.

TAKE STEPS TODAY TO AVOID OSTEOARTHRITISIt is not known whether one can completely avoid OA. However, certain possible

contributing factors are known, and the most controllable of these is one’s body mass. Being overweight adds stress to the joints. Every 10 pounds of excess weight is like a 10-pound hammer hitting your joints with every step. Other factors, such as genetics, advanced age and injury, can’t really be controlled. There is evidence to support the prolonged use of some over-the-counter medicines in easing the symptoms, but they do nothing to stop the actual affliction, which is debilitating and can make one feel crippled.

The Orthopedic Joint Center of Northern California (OJC) at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital (HMH) understands that treating these issues means more than

Get back in action

with joint

p8

To make an appointment at the Orthopedic Joint Center, please call 707.456.3180.

just making a part of you feel good again; it restores your ability to regain your active lifestyle and helps you to live the life you love. For many patients, that means joint replacement surgery.

“This sounds like a cliché, but I really feel like I got about 10 years of my life back,” says Sheryl Green, who had her right hip replaced at HMH. “I feel childlike again. My freedom of movement and the ability to move through life without pain is a measure of freedom I had not expected.”

A UNIQUE APPROACHThe OJC at HMH offers the technical excellence you’d expect from any modern hospital with state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained staff. What sets us apart

is our approach, which reduces patient anxiety and improves outcomes. Patients wear their own clothes rather than hospital gowns. They support each other as they go through group rehabilitation, and enjoy massages, aroma- and pet therapy and other spalike treatments to aid the healing process. The OJC approach includes comprehensive education, clear preoperative instructions, state-of-the-art surgical techniques and coordinated aftercare.

Preparation is the key to success. “Our goal is to involve patients in their treatment through each step of the program, because we believe our patients play a key role in promoting a successful recovery,” says Patti Nichols, RN, Joint Care Coordinator. Some features of our program are group therapy,

group lunches with coaches—family and friends who are educated to participate—and staff. We also provide daily newsletters during patients’ stay and a “singing hairdresser.”

Annie Morris had her right hip replaced, and she felt that the program at HMH exceeded expectations. “It was great!” she says. “They thought of everything. There were no surprises. The guidebook explained everything that was going to happen to me from start to finish.”

THE PERSONAL TOUCHAt the OJC, it’s personal. Our patients become friends who visit us months—and even years—after their surgeries, just to bring us flowers and thank us again for returning them to the life they love. They refer friends and relatives as patients because they want their loved ones to receive the same amazing care.

With a new hospital on the way, the OJC will have a brand-new facility to offer this care. The new facility will include more surgery suites and private rooms for every patient. To learn more about the OJC at HMH, visit www.orthojointcenter.com or call Patti Nichols, RN, Joint Care Coordinator, at 707.456.3180.

replacement

Sheryl Green Annie MorrisDolly Gugliuzza, CNA; Gloria Leon, LVN; and Patti Nichols, RN, Joint Care team members at Howard Hospital

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A CLICHÉ, BUT I REALLY

FEEL LIKE I GOT ABOUT 10 YEARS OF MY LIFE BACK.”

—SHERYL GREEN



“I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.” AND THAT IS

SOMETHING

PATIENTS CAN

COUNT ON.

Transforming the outpatient surgery experience with advanced technology and extraordinary service at Ukiah’s Pavilion Surgical Services

Advances in technology and medicine are constantly improving the accuracy

of procedures, reducing recovery time, and making patients more comfortable about the prospect of surgery. These advances alone are exciting. But the Ukiah Valley Medical Center’s Outpatient Pavilion Surgical Services goes beyond this.

This state-of-the-art, 8,000-square-foot facility in Mendocino County is transforming outpatient procedure experiences by offering the latest techniques

and by providing extra care—from a dedicated patient navigator to complimentary massage and aromatherapy for patients and their support teams.

EXTRA CARE AND AMENITIESFrom the moment patients walk in, they are greeted by welcoming staff dedicated to ensuring comfort and providing the best experience possible. Patient navigators work with patients and their support teams to guide them

Compassionate pain management throughout the surgery experience“You need to have surgery.” It’s certainly not what you hope to hear from your doctor. And, if you’re like most people, pain is one of your primary concerns. So it’s comforting to know that you have an anesthesiologist to rely on—someone who can alleviate the pain associated

with surgical procedures and who will be there throughout your surgery experience.

As a medical doctor, your anesthesiologist is responsible for providing you with compassionate and safe care before, during and after surgery.

“An anesthesiologist is responsible for helping you maintain a constant comfort level. Before surgery, an anesthesiologist reviews the

through the surgical process and answer their questions. Patients and their friends and family can even access complimentary massage and aromatherapy.

ADVANCED PROCEDURES Gastrointestinal (GI) testing. New gastrointestinal testing equipment more accurately diagnoses and treats a host of digestive problems, including GERD and acid reflux disease. Esophageal manometry is the only service of its kind offered in Lake and Mendocino counties.

patient’s medical history, performs an examination on the patient and then creates a personalized plan for safe and adequate anesthesia,” says Ukiah Valley Medical Center’s chief of anesthesia, David P. DeBooy, MD.

During surgery, effective anesthesia allows the surgeon to get his or her job done efficiently and safely.

“During the surgery, I administer the anesthesia and monitor

one

above the rest

David P. DeBooy, MD

p10

Transforming the outpatient surgery experience with advanced technology and extraordinary service at Ukiah’s Pavilion Surgical Services

For more information on the Pavilion Surgical Services, call 707.463.7497.

to recognize risks before they really develop, and you have that ability to make the quick decisions. It increases the ability to provide personalized care for every patient.

“We have an incredibly talented team with a lot of continuity, and we’re very proud of our department,” Dr. DeBooy says. “I’d let any one of them take care of me or my family, and you can’t get a higher recommendation than that.”

Anesthesia basicsIf you need surgery, you’ll likely have an anesthesiologist administer anesthesia—medications that keep you from feeling pain or sensation.

There are three categories of anesthesia:

1General, under which you’re unconscious and have no awareness

or sensation.

2 Regional, which numbs the body region being treated. You won’t feel

or see the surgery, but you may remain awake.

3 Local, which is used to numb only the spot being treated during a minor

surgery, such as on the hand or foot.

The type you’ll receive may vary according to your health and the procedure you’re having.

Along with administering anesthesia, an anesthesiologist will monitor your vital functions during surgery, including breathing, heart rhythm and rate, and blood pressure. Your anesthesiologist can also manage and treat any anesthesia-related problems that may occur during surgery or the recovery period.

Want to know more about what an anesthesiologist does? Watch David P. DeBooy, MD, in “Anesthesia and Me” at http://bit.ly/DrDeBooy.

During all of these procedures, patients work with an anesthesiologist dedicated to their needs.

Living younger longer should be simpler. With the unique combination of care and advanced services offered at Ukiah Valley Outpatient Pavilion Surgical Services, it can be. The Pavilion stands alone as a destination of choice for anyone who wants extraordinary care and attention to detail that can’t be experienced anywhere else.

of five anesthesiologists at Ukiah Valley Medical Center offers an exceptional depth of knowledge and experience that helps ease patients’ fear.

“For a small hospital, we do some very complex surgery, including difficult vascular surgeries and joint replacement,” Dr. DeBooy says. “Once you deal with really complex and sick patients, it improves your decision making across the board. You learn

the patient to help him or her maintain balanced vitals,” says Dr. DeBooy. “After surgery, I deliver the patient to the postoperative care unit and immediately begin a patient-specific plan for pain relief during the recovery period. I will be here for you every step of the way.” And that is something patients can count on.

With more than 83 years of collective experience, the team

procedures and certified in using state-of-the-art equipment.

In addition to the advanced procedures, experienced physicians can perform other common procedures, such as hand, wrist, shoulder and knee arthroscopies; cataract surgery; and women’s health procedures such as hysterectomies, tubal ligation, endometrial hydrothermal ablation, IUD birth control placement and removal, colposcopy and bladder repair surgery.

In addition, an endoscopy suite allows physicians to look inside the body for better diagnosis.

Progressive treatment for pain management. Clinical trials for permanent placement of spinal stimulators are now underway, enhancing current pain management procedures. These trials include epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation and pain pump placements.

All expert clinical staff are trained in performing advanced complex



Sneezing, stuffiness and a runny nose are common enough—nearly everyone has had these symptoms when their immune

system is fighting a cold virus. But add itchy eyes, nose and throat, and you have allergy symptoms, reports the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). In this case, your body has mistaken harmless substances—like molds and pollens—as invaders. These substances are called allergens. Your body fights them by releasing chemicals such as histamine.

According to the AAAAI, allergy symptoms usually start in the early spring, when tree pollen is spread by wind. In late spring and early summer, most pollen comes from grasses. In late summer and autumn, pollen springs from weeds.

Mold spores travel in the air like pollen. They increase with warm spring weather, and in some areas—the sunny South and the West Coast—they can circulate year-round.

DEFENSIVE ACTION Allergy symptoms are frustrating—often keeping you from enjoying the outdoors.

Sinuses: When do you need surgery?

You’ve tried everything: nose drops, saline washes, steroid sprays, antibiotics and other medications. These treatments often reduce swelling and knock down sinus infections. But sometimes, even those aren’t enough and chronic sinus problems emerge. Chronic sinus problems can cause months—even years—of headaches, pain and misery. Worse still, uncontrolled infections can travel to sensitive areas near the sinuses, including the eyes and brain.

When you’ve tried every medicine, and aggressive treatment fails, your doctor may suggest sinus surgery.

SURGERY HELPS IMPROVE DRAINAGE AND REDUCE BLOCKAGES

If sinuses don’t drain properly, pus and other secretions can build up and become infected. Air also needs to move freely through the sinuses, or it can become trapped or cause a vacuum. Any of these conditions can lead to pressure and pain.

Surgery helps improve drainage and reduce blockages so that the complex pathways between the sinuses and the nose work better. Surgery also helps to enlarge the natural openings of the sinuses; correct anatomical problems; and remove growths, called polyps.

Although surgery doesn’t eliminate sinusitis, most people have fewer symptoms and a better quality of life after surgery, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

AN EASIER SURGERY Today, sinus surgery is usually done entirely through the nose, with no external scars. Minimally invasive techniques typically let patients return to their regular activity within a few days after sinus surgery, reports the American Rhinologic Society.

There are risks involved with sinus surgery. Your doctor will consider many factors before recommending surgery, including your medical history and nasal anatomy.

At their worst, seasonal allergies can trigger asthma—a serious lung disease that causes wheezing and shortness of breath.

To get relief from seasonal allergies, and minimize their effects, the AAAAI recommends the following steps:

■ Use air conditioning—it cleans, cools, and dries the air.

■ Keep your windows closed at night. ■ Stay indoors when the National Allergy

Bureau (NAB) reports high pollen or mold levels. The NAB tracks pollen and mold levels throughout the U.S. You can check mold and pollen levels at www.aaaai.org/nab.

■ Wash bedding in hot water every week, but don’t hang it outside to dry.

■ Wear a filter mask if you mow your lawn or rake leaves; these activities stir up allergens.You can also try an over-the-counter antihistamine or a prescription nasal steroid spray. If those don’t help, talk with your doctor about trying immunotherapy—a course of shots that can help prevent allergic reactions.

Summer beckons us outside with warm weather, blossoming flowers and outdoor sports. There’s just something special about this season. Unless you have allergies. For you, summer means sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throats—all due to pesky molds and pollens. And for those of us on the West Coast with seasonal allergies, the sniffling doesn’t always end with summer: Mold spores can circulate year-round in milder weather.

How to be

Solutions for seasonal allergies

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Does the thought of stopping to smell the flowers make your nose itch? If you’re one of the 35 million-plus Americans with seasonal allergies, it might.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis—or hay fever—is the body’s immune system gone a bit awry. It’s an overreaction to an allergen, which is just a term for a substance to which you could be allergic. And most people who have allergies are allergic to things that can come and go with the seasons.

WHY SEASONS BRING ON SNEEZING Your immune system is like a bodyguard. It defends your body against foreign invaders. But sometimes it goes on the defensive against things that are harmless, and that’s the essence of an allergic reaction: You come into contact with a substance, and your immune system overreacts. It starts releasing chemicals, such as histamines, to battle the invader. And those chemicals lead to an allergic reaction.

Typical symptoms include: ■ Sneezing. ■ A stuffed-up or drippy nose. ■ Itchy eyes, throat or ears.

Two of the most common allergens are pollen and mold spores. Plants send pollen into the air with the hope of fertilizing other plants. Each plant has a period of pollination around the same time every year, generally starting in early spring and lasting through late fall. It’s much the same with mold, which begins releasing fertilizing spores as weather warms from spring through summer and fall.

Other factors that can affect allergies include where you live and the weather on any given day.

Don’t let allergies take the bloom off any season

ARE YOU A GARDENER?ON YOUR NEXT TRIP TO THE NURSERY, ASK ABOUT PLANTS

THAT ARE LESS LIKELY TO PRODUCE IRRITATING POLLEN.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ALLEVIATE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

A good first step is to see your doctor. He or she can help figure out your specific allergens—and how to avoid them. Then you can work together on a treatment plan, which may include medications, such as antihistamines, and possibly allergy shots to calm your immune system’s response.

You can lessen symptoms by adjusting your activities. For example, spend less time outdoors when pollen and mold counts are high.

Check the local news reports or visit the National Allergy Bureau at http://pollen.aaaai.org/nab.

Solutions for seasonal allergies



In memory of Patricia Beltrami

Working together t o BUILD A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Anonymous donor funds Ukiah Valley Medical Center expansion

An anonymous bequest of $100,000 will help during our planned expansion.

“With our plans to expand moving ahead, this is perfect timing,” says Allyne Brown, director of philanthropy. “The donor, who wants to remain anonymous, is providing these funds to help fund a medication room, a physician dictation room and two garden areas that will be located around the hospital campus.” Within the next year, UVMC also plans to expand the emergency department and intensive care unit.

The reason for the gift? The donor wholeheartedly believes that Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC) is improving and helping to sustain the future of health care in Mendocino County.

This gift was rendered as a bequest, which usually occurs “after the passing of the donor and can be used for a specific purpose or in memory of that person,” adds Brown.

If you would like to learn more about UVMC’s emergency department and intensive care unit expansion plans, call Brown at 707.463.7623.

Eleanor Morris (not pictured):

“Pat was a caring, compassionate person who was

always considerate of others’ well-being.”

Patricia Beltrami’s friends remember her as a kind, loving and generous woman who cared deeply for children, her family and community. She believed in sharing her time and talents to make Ukiah Valley a better place for all.

It was her commitment to the community that inspired her husband, Albert, to designate a gift in her memory to the lobby of the new emergency department at Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC).

“We are so grateful for Al’s generosity,” says UVMC CEO Gwen Matthews. “His loving tribute is a blessing to the entire community and will be for generations to come.”

The current emergency department waiting room is approximately 250 square feet. “When it was built, there were two other hospitals in Ukiah, and UVMC was expected to care for 8,000 patients per year,” Matthews says.

But the need for emergency care in Ukiah has grown. “With the closure of both hospitals, we currently see 25,000 patients a year and expect to see more in the future as our community continues to age,” Matthews says.

The Albert & Patricia Beltrami Lobby will be more than three times the size of the current facility and will provide patients and their families with the privacy and

comfort they need to deal with complex medical issues.

“Pat had a gracious and generous spirit,” says Dede Ledford, a dear friend of Beltrami. “She loved making her family, friends and neighbors comfortable and cared for.”

In addition to a new emergency department, the UVMC campus expansion project will include a new intensive care unit and a service corridor that will better position the medical center for future growth.

To learn more about UVMC’s expansion project, contact Director of Philanthropy Allyne Brown at 707.463.7623.

Dede Ledford: “Pat had a generous spirit

and a love for her family and community.”

Donna Frassinello: “Pat will be remembered for making her community a better place through her commitment to

share her time and resources.”

Bev Sanders: “Pat was a ‘true lady’ and always focused on

others, helping in any way she could.”

CIRCLE FRIENDSof

Al and Patricia Beltrami

Kay Hill: “Pat was an intelligent and thoughtful

leader who believed in giving of her time and talents to

worthwhile organizations in her community.”

p14

Freedom From Smoking Classes

• For classes in Willits on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m., please RSVP to Jennifer at 707.540.4208. • For classes in Ukiah on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., please RSVP to Susan at 707.463.7391.

Diabetes Support Groups• For the support group in Willits, please RSVP to Annie at 707.456.3132. • For the support group in Ukiah, please RSVP to Linda or Brenda at 707.463.7527.

UkiahChildbirth ClassesPresented by the Family Birth Center nurses. Call 707.463.7550.

Breastfeeding Support GroupEvery Wednesday, 5 to 6 p.m. Please RSVP to 707.463.7550.

Hope for Grieving Parents and Friends Grief Support GroupFourth Wednesday of each month, 7 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP to 707.463.7419.

Dessert With a Doc Seminar Series• Aug. 8—Kids’ Health with Brynn Sitling, MD, pediatrician • Sept. 12—Pain Management with Michael Young, DO, interventional pain specialist • Oct. 10—Foot and Ankle Pain with Jonathan Kreger, DPM, podiatrist • Nov. 14—To be determined • Dec. 12—Ear, Nose and Throat with Donald Coursey, MD, otolaryngologist Please RSVP to 707.463.7524. (These events are subject to change.)

Live Younger Longer Community Calendar

WillitsSports Physicals

Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to noon 11 Oaks Conference Room, 1040 S. Main St., Willits For children and teens of all ages enrolling in a sports program. To schedule an appointment, please contact Kristen at [email protected] or 707.456.3127.

Race to the FutureSunday, Sept. 22, 3 to 7 p.m. Haehl Creek Drive Hospital-bed races and barbecue brought to you by the Frank R. Howard Foundation to benefit the Phoenix Hospice and the Commonwealth Garden. Join us for friendly competition, live music and great food. For team sign-up, sponsorship and more information, call Ananda Johnson 707.459.2777.

Orthopedic Educational Seminar

Thursday, Oct. 10, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Willits Community Center, 111 E. Commercial St., Willits Learn about arthritis, the causes of joint pain and the treatment options available. To RSVP or for more information, call Kristen McCallum at 707.456.3127.

Pink PartyWednesday, Oct. 16, 4 to 6:30 p.m. (tentative time) Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital Outpatient Imaging Center on the corner of Hazel and Poplar streets, Willits Bring your girlfriends, moms and sisters for some pampering and a mammogram. Early detection can save your life! For more information and to RSVP, call Kristen McCallum at 707.456.3127.

Stir-frying is an easy way to cook healthy foods without a lot of fat. And it’s quick.

First, chop some vegetables. Good choices: onions, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini and mushrooms.

Then thinly slice some lean meat, chicken or fish. Or cut up firm tofu.

Next, heat a heavy skillet or wok and coat the bottom with a little bit of oil. Use no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons.

Now it’s time to add the food, stirring constantly. Start with meat, chicken, fish or tofu. Cook until done.

Add the vegetables and cook until they are tender but still crisp and bright in color.

Season with soy sauce or spices, and serve over rice.

Try a stir-fry

Community Calendar

Summer 2013

Harvest Pumpkin Patch FestivalSunday, Oct. 20, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Howard Foundation Commonwealth Garden 90 Haehl Creek Drive, Willits For more information, call Ananda Johnson at 707.459.2777.



Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDMerced, CA

Permit No. 1186

FRANK R. HOWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1 Madrone Street Willits, CA 95422 www.howardhospital.org

UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER 275 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 www.UVMC.org

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A CAREER AT UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER PLEASE VISIT WWW.UVMC.ORG. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A CAREER AT HOWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, PLEASE VISIT WWW.HOWARDHOSPITAL.ORG.

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St. Helena Hospital Napa Valley10 Woodland RoadSt. Helena, CA 94574707.963.3611

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2013 Summer Live Younger Longer