Providence
FALL 2009
A guide to healthy living and quality care providencehealthonline.org
Immediate Response Providence caregivers get people with neurological conditions back on their feet
Little Miracles
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit offers high-touch, quality care
Top 5 Percent How our Magnet hospital designation benefits you
Tremor relief Deep brain stimulation can help those with Parkinson's
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Mission Hills
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Burbank
Providence Tarzana Medical Center Tarzana
Thoughts From Your Chief Executives
Wishing You Good Health
in this issue
6 Little Miracles
Sometimes babies require emergency care. This was the case with tiny Shai West, whose life was saved by the team at Providence Tarzana’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
mmediate 8 IResponse
Every day, we have the good fortune of seeing miracles—a stroke patient chatting on the phone within days, a man with debilitating Parkinson’s disease tying his shoe, or the tiniest of babies fighting for life—and winning. Providence Saint Joseph, Providence Tarzana and Providence Holy Cross Medical Centers are proud to offer comprehensive health care, the kind of treatment that is measured in great results. Within our network of quality hospitals is the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Joseph in Burbank, a medical facility emerging as one of the finest in the area and offering treatment such as deep brain stimulation not often seen outside academic settings. In the second edition of our Providence Health magazine, you’ll read about what’s new in neurosciences at Providence medical centers. What’s exciting about our network of quality, compassionate health care is that we provide leading-edge diagnostics and treatment for all stages of life and we work together to make sure we find what is best for you and your family. This summer, all three of our Valley medical centers were named among the top hospitals in the nation for maternity care. For a second opinion, you can ask the parents of the more than 7,000 babies born last year at your local Providence hospitals. Providence Tarzana and Providence Saint Joseph are home to renowned neonatal intensive care programs for newborns in need of special help, and a state-of-the-art NICU is under construction at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. Hold onto your copy of Providence Health because it’s filled with still more information on lectures, meetings and support groups sponsored by Providence and covering a range of topics from fitness and memory retention to baby care and rehabilitation from illness. And, from our families to yours, have a safe and wonderful fall and holiday season.
Stroke and other neurological emergencies require expertise, specific technology and fast action. The staff at Providence Saint Joseph handles these situations regularly and deals with a wide range of neurological conditions.
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Community Connections 12 Senior Health 13 Foundation Focus 14 Calendar of Maternity Programs 17 Calendar of Classes, Events and Lectures 2 | Providence Health
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Dale Surowitz Chief Executive Providence Tarzana
Larry Bowe Chief Executive Providence Holy Cross
Barry Wolfman Chief Executive Providence Saint Joseph
PROVIDENCE health Produced by Marketing & Communications at Providence Health & Services’ Valley Service Area Providence Health Editor in Chief: Nancy Franklin Providence Health Managing Editors: Patricia Aidem Jennifer Fagnani Natasha Shows Contributor: Tiffany DeVall
Senior Editor: Kari Redfield Art Director: Maggie Conners Prep Specialist: Sonia Washington Imaging Specialist: Dane Nordine Production Manager: Nicole Dean
Providence Health is published four times annually by McMurry, 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Volume 1, Number 2 © 2009 McMurry.
following—give us a new address, let us know that you are receiving more than one copy, or tell us you prefer not to receive Providence Health—please call 1-888-626-8779.
The material in Providence Health is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, or to do one of the Printed on recycled paper.
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SAVING Young Lives from Cancer Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group (CHLAMG) and Providence Health & Services recently announced the joint development of an Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program (AYA Program) for ages 18-39. This population is historically underdiagnosed and underserved with cancer killing more young adults, ages 20-30, than any other disease in America. The program will be located at the new Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, which is scheduled to open in early 2010 on the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center campus in Burbank. The AYA Program at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is believed to be the first such program in the United States developed as a partnership between a pediatric academic medical center and a community-based hospital. It will join a limited number of distinguished AYA Programs, including those at Oregon Health & Science University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. LET US HELP For more information about the AYA Program, visit our website at providence.org/ saintjoseph or call 818-847-3214.
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Community Connections Excellence in Education
Tomorrow’s Leaders The Providence ministry includes Providence High School, one of the top private high schools in Los Angeles County. The educational facility was founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Providence, the same group of women who established the medical centers. The goal is to develop students to their full potential while providing them with an excellent college preparatory education. Catholic tradition is an integral component. Providence High inspires faith-filled leaders through opportunities for intellectual growth, personal reflection, prayer and service to the neighbor in need. In addition to the curriculum, the school offers unique focus programs for students pursuing careers in the media Enrollment info and medical fields. Graduates of these For more information or to enroll programs have been at Providence High School, accepted to top film please call 818-846-8141 or and medical schools. visit providencehigh.org. Providence High School also offers advanced placement courses, a successful athletics program, an excellent visual and performing arts department and cocurricular activities.
A Tasty Mission: Cookbook Supports Homebuilding
Taste for Yourself Go to providencehealthonline.org for more about the Esperanza Cookbook. You can buy a copy at Providence medical centers’ gift shops.
For many years, volunteers from the Providence Health & Services ministry leadership program have gone to Tijuana, Mexico, to build houses as part of the Providence mission of helping the poor and vulnerable. While working alongside the community, Providence volunteers received lunch from the local women. “They showed us so much appreciation; it was humbling to all of us,” says Michael Minnick, regional director of supply chain management, who went on last year’s trip. “It’s overwhelming how much they do with so little.” Upon return to the United States, the team put together the women’s recipes for main dishes, sides, salsas, beverages and desserts in a bilingual Esperanza Cookbook. Proceeds support Esperanza International in promoting self-help housing development in low-income communities. fall 2009 Providence Health | 3
Community Connections
An Ambulance Designed Just for Children No parents like to think about their child being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. But when emergency care is necessary, Providence Tarzana Medical Center makes the experience less traumatic. Our Pediatric Transport Service includes an ambulance that features kid-sized equipment and medical technicians trained in pediatric care. To make the ride more comfortable, mom or dad can ride along in the ambulance. A television plays familiar cartoons and movies. “These things help a child who is in that very stressful circumstance get his or her mind off the medical problem,” says Cesar Chavarria, M.D., a pediatric intensivist and pulmonologist, and medical director for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Providence Tarzana Medical Center. The Pediatric Transport service is used to bring in children at the request of their pediatricians or from another hospital. Providence Tarzana has been designated Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics by the Los Angeles County Health Department. “In the area, we are unique in having a pediatric critical care specialist here at all times,” Dr. Chavarria says. “And the Pediatric Transport service is an important part of our ongoing effort to continually improve our already excellent quality of pediatric care.”
TOP HONORS
No. 1 in Southern California for Excellence Patients will be pleased to know that the California Hospital Assessment and Reporting Taskforce has ranked Providence Holy Cross Medical Center first in Southern California and second statewide for performance on core measures related to quality. Providence Holy Cross Medical Center was the only hospital in the top 10 to be rated “above average” to “superior” in seven of eight core measures. The measures reflect each medical center’s quality, outcomes and preventative efforts. The criteria are: • Cardiac care • Maternity care • Pneumonia treatment • Intensive care unit • Pressure-ulcer (bedsore) rates • Patient safety • Surgical infection prevention • Patient experience “We expected to do well because we track these measures diligently, but to rank so high when compared to hospitals throughout the state is a great affirmation of the hard work and dedication of our physicians, our nurses and everyone in the hospital,” says Bernard Klein, M.D., chief medical officer of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. More than 240 California hospitals participate in the voluntary reporting effort, which is funded by health plans and hospitals. The quarterly public report card is available at calhospitalcompare.org.
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Open Enrollment Decisions Choosing the right doctor can be challenging. Even if you know the difference between medical specialists (an oncologist cares for cancer patients, a neurologist treats the brain and nervous system, and a gastroenterologist is a digestive disease specialist, for example), you need to be familiar with your doctor’s experience and credentials, as well as the quality, convenience and scope of services of the hospitals in which your doctor practices. Your company’s open enrollment period is the time to check to be sure you have access to the best physicians and hospitals for your family’s needs. Providence hospitals are affiliated with most of the major medical groups in the Valley, including:
Facey Medical Group HealthCare Partners Lakeside Community Healthcare Providence Medical Institute How to Evaluate Care: For tips on evaluating physicians and hospitals, as well as links to health care quality information, visit us online at providencehealthonline.org or call our Health Resource Center at 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).
providencehealthonline.org
Community Connections
Nurses Make the Difference Retaining top staff means you win For four consecutive years, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center has been named among the top 5 percent of hospitals in the nation for clinical excellence. The Mission Hills hospital is routinely recognized for excellence in cardiology, maternity, pulmonary care and its signature emergency and trauma departments. The key reason for these accolades is the nursing team, which ranks among the best in the nation. Two years ago, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center earned the Magnet status, which means the team is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence. Maintaining that status means a constant look at ways to improve patient care through efficient practices that allow for more one-on-one time. “Each of our nurses contributes to our success,” says Betty Newsom, chief nursing officer. “They are encouraged to offer suggestions, and many of their ideas have resulted in positive changes in improved care, communication and patient safety.” Magnet nurse programs help draw top physicians to hospitals because doctors want to work with the best of the best. And it attracts exemplary nurses while helping retain those already on board. As the nation faces a critical nursing shortage, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center has a jobs vacancy rate of less than 2 percent; California’s is 14 percent. Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, with 254 beds and a 142-bed expansion under construction, was the first community hospital in Los Angeles County to achieve Magnet status. Sister hospitals Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Tarzana Medical Centers are beginning the rigorous application process.
Low-Cost Mammograms In honor of Breast Health Awareness Month, the Breast Health Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is offering low-cost digital screening mammograms for $100. Call the Breast Health Center at 818-847-4999 to schedule your appointment. Evening and weekend appointments are available for your convenience. Women can access this special discounted rate between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009. Breast cancer affects an average of one in every eight women. Because breast cancer is most curable when it’s caught in the early stages, early detection, including mammography, is the best defense against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms for all women ages 40 and older. Mammography is especially valuable because it can identify cancer at an early stage before physical symptoms develop. The Breast Health Center at Providence Saint Joseph has an excellent reputation and is ranked among the nation’s best for breast preservation and cancer survival.
providencehealthonline.org
The Gift of Life Consider giving your loved ones or friends a Gift Certificate for a Digital Screening Mammogram. Simply call 818-847-3434. Certificates may be purchased over the phone or in person. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Certificates are valid through Dec. 31, 2010.
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Small Wonders
Providence provides advanced expertise for babies in need of special care
A
riana West was having a perfectly normal pregnancy, and she and her husband, Kevin, had just started birthing classes to prepare for the delivery of their first child at Providence Tarzana Medical Center. But 31 weeks into her pregnancy, Ariana knew something was wrong when she couldn’t feel the baby kicking. The doctors at Providence Tarzana Medical Center examined Ariana and decided the Wests’ baby needed to be delivered right away. “They thought it would be better to treat him outside of Ariana’s body, so our son, Shai, was born weighing 2 pounds, 1 ounce,” Kevin says. “They had given Ariana two shots of steroids, which was very helpful because Shai came out breathing on his own, which is pretty big for a baby that small.” Shai was immediately placed in Providence Tarzana’s 21-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He stayed there for 55 days, while the staff worked around the clock to take care of all of his needs—and those of his parents. Today, Shai is a happy, healthy baby, who is growing and developing nicely. The Wests are so grateful for the care their child 6 | Providence Health
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received that they are working with the Providence Tarzana Foundation to establish a nonprofit organization to provide support for parents with infants in the NICU.
Loving Care “We’re very family-centered,” says Brenda James, R.N., clinical nurse manager of the Providence Tarzana’s NICU. Parents can spend up to 22 hours a day with their baby, and are
it can provide life support for any size newborn at any degree of prematurity, other than those requiring complex surgery. “A lot of high-risk situations can’t be predicted in advance,” says Paul Hinkes, M.D., a neonatologist and medical director of the NICU at Providence Saint Joseph. “Parents should choose a hospital that is capable of an immediate response to any highrisk situation that might evolve.”
“Providence Tarzana NICU staff became like part of our family,” says Ariana West. encouraged to hold the child skin-toskin, a practice known as Kangaroo care. Ariana says Shai’s doctors told her that Kangaroo care is just as beneficial to an infant’s growth and development as is medicine. “They showed us the softer side of medical care,” she explains. “They really took care of our baby, not just from the medical side, but also from the very basic human level of loving and caring for him, until he was ready to go home.” The California Children’s Servicescertified NICU at Providence Tarzana can provide specialized care and surgery for critically ill infants regardless of birth weight or gestational age. “Right here in the Valley we can provide many of the surgeries done at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles,” says Jim Banks, M.D., medical director of the NICU at Providence Tarzana. Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center also is equipped to provide intensive support. Its 20-bed NICU is certified Level III, which means
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center is in the process of building a NICU, but currently has a Special Care Nursery to attend to infants with urgent needs (see sidebar).
Growing Up and Returning Healthy babies are born every day at the three Providence medical centers. Many of those who were born at Providence are now returning, years later, to deliver babies of their own. But it’s also reassuring to know that there’s specialized care available if something unexpected should happen, just as it did with the Wests. “The nonprofit organization that the Wests are establishing will be an excellent resource for parents because they can connect with families that already have gone through the experience,” James says. And, from the Wests’ perspective, creating the organization is truly a labor of love. “Providence Tarzana NICU staff became like part of our family, and we’re always going to have a connection with them,” Ariana says.
A New NICU By this time next year, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center will have a 12-bed NICU that will offer the same kind of family-centered, state-of-the-art care already available at Providence Tarzana and Providence Saint Joseph. Current Quality Care Providence Holy Cross Medical Center provides treatment for newborns in need in its Special Care Nursery. “We’re able to take care of babies with mild to moderate illnesses who are older than 32 weeks and weigh just over 3 pounds,” says Tricia Burkholder, R.N., director of maternal child health at Providence Holy Cross. “We also provide optimal support for moms of sick babies who want to breastfeed them.” Coming Soon The NICU that’s in development will allow Providence Holy Cross to care for babies born weighing as little as 1 pound— without having to transfer them. “We’re acquiring the equipment and enhancing the skills of our team to become a fullservice NICU,” says David Solarte, M.D., medical director for the Special Care Nursery at Providence Holy Cross. “It’s going to be very exciting to watch this unit grow and flourish into a highly skilled, highly trained NICU.”
Baby On Board—And Online If you’re getting ready to have a baby, see pages 14 to 16 of this magazine for a list of upcoming childbirth preparation classes and to sign up for a maternity tour. Go to providencehealthonline.org to learn more about the NICU or birthing units, or call Providence Tarzana at 818-881-0800, or Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Holy Cross at 1-888-HEALING (888-432-5464).
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Senior Health
At Ease
Deep brain stimulation offered one nurse the relief she needed to care for others College classes are designed to teach you a lot. But what if in one of your classes you learned you had Parkinson’s disease? That’s exactly what happened to Marilyn Siegel, 67, of Burbank, a retired nurse. “In 1994, I went back to nursing school, and I knew from my classes that I had Parkinson’s,” she says. “But it wasn’t until four years later that I was diagnosed by my doctor.” And it was another four years before Siegel had any relief. “I refused all medications for about four years,” she says. “Then, I started taking six to eight different kinds, but none worked.”
Finally, Relief Siegel’s symptoms—slowness, stiffness and tremors on the right side of her body—worsened to the point of not being able to work. So in 2002, she decided to undergo deep brain stimulation, or DBS. “DBS is an implanted surgical device much like a pacemaker,” says Roberta Greenberg, R.N., CNOR, RNFA, manager of Clinical Neurology at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. “It provides electrical stimulation to the brain, normalizing the motor impulses.” “The tremors stopped immediately,” Siegel says. “And I was able to keep working for a while.”
Tried and True Siegel says she is extremely pleased with the results that neurosurgeon Ronald F. Young, M.D., was able to provide through surgery. Ongoing care is also important, as the DBS device must be programmed and fine-tuned occasionally. “It has 7,000 or 8,000 settings,” Siegel says, “so it’s important to have someone like Roberta to adjust it for you.” Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is the first and only hospital in the San Fernando Valley to offer deep brain stimulation. Nationally recognized physicians, a full-time nurse navigator/DBS programmer and fully equipped neuroscience and rehabilitation services ensure that patients get the best care possible. Siegel is planning to undergo a second surgery this fall for more relief. “Now, I get tremors on the left side,” she says. But she’s confident that DBS will help her get back to her regular activities. “I can’t run or skip anymore, but I think that’s due to age more than Parkinson’s,” Siegel says with a laugh.
How Stimulating Deep brain stimulation is used to treat the following movement disorders when medications fail or when side effects are unbearable. arkinson’s disease—symptoms include P slow movements (bradykinesia), tremor, rigidity and parkinsonian gait. ssential tremor—characterized by E shaking of the hands, legs or head. Patients are often unable to perform simple activities like putting a key in a lock. It affects as many as one in five people older than 65. ystonia—characterized by involuntary D muscle contractions that are painful and prolonged, and twist the body into abnormal positions and contorted postures.
Marilyn Siegel (left) was successfully treated for Parkinson’s disease.
Tame the Tremors For more information about deep brain stimulation, contact Roberta Greenberg, R.N., at the Providence Movement Disorders Center: 818-847-DBS1. Need a neurologist? Visit providencehealthonline.org to search for a neurologist at a Providence medical center.
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Foundation Focus
The Spirit of Generosity Your support funds critical health services
Some Providence Projects The Providence Tarzana Foundation is seeking donations to enhance the pediatrics program. The hospital provides essential services such as Los Angeles County-certified pediatric emergency department care, along with pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.
“This is the kind of good a culture of philanthropy can do,” says Patricia E. Modrzejewski.
Providence Health & Services does much more than provide quality care. It’s an organization dedicated to fostering a culture of philanthropy. “There’s a love of humankind at Providence,” explains Patricia E. Modrzejewski, president, Providence Health & Services Foundation, Valley Service Area. “Philanthropy is giving of oneself and it’s fundamental to Providence’s mission.”
Driven by a Vision This mission includes caring for those who need it most. “Although we do not turn away anyone because they are unable to pay for care, being poor and vulnerable is not only defined by economics,” Modrzejewski says. “There’s no one more needy than a patient facing an illness.” To help support its mission, which includes remaining on the leading edge of medical care and providing outreach services, Providence depends on the community’s philanthropy. Each Providence medical center in the Valley Service Area has its own foundation that raises funds to support vitally important projects. providencehealthonline.org
Fundraising efforts at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center include the creation of the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute (see page 8). This center offers advanced procedures and technologies for the treatment of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, epilepsy and brain and spinal cord injuries. In addition, it will enhance the stroke treatment capabilities at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, which is the first certified Primary Stroke Center in the San Fernando Valley. The Providence Holy Cross Foundation is raising funds to support a vitally needed expansion that will add 142 patient beds in a community where the number of beds has dropped to a dangerously low level. The new four-story patient tower will also enhance Providence Holy Cross Medical Center’s surgical, cardiac catheterization, obstetrics and neonatal capabilities, among other improvements. “This is the kind of good a culture of philanthropy can do,” Modrzejewski says, “and we’re grateful to everyone who supports us in our mission.”
Care For Your Community For more information on Providence’s culture of philanthropy and how you can offer your support, visit providencehealthonline.org, click on “Foundations” and look for the location of your choice, or call 1-888-HEALING (888-432-5464).
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Calendar of Maternity Programs
Childbirth and Parent Education at Providence Medical Along with all the excitement of finding out you’re pregnant come a million questions. The maternity and women’s programs at Providence Holy Cross, Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Tarzana Medical Centers offer you answers with a full schedule of classes that help prepare you for pregnancy, birth and parenting.
1. Prepare for birth
PROVIDENCE TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Second and fourth Thursday of each month; 7-9 p.m. Location: Women’s Pavilion lobby, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
Spanish Maternity Tour Meets: Nov. 7; noon-1 p.m. Location: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Reservations: 818-847-4143
We’re Having a Baby (Free Sibling Tour) This class, for children ages 2½ to 12 years old (3 to 12 at Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Holy Cross), prepares siblings to visit the new baby in the hospital—it also offers safe ways to play with the new sibling.
Maternity Tour
PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
We’ll open our maternity unit to you (during your fourth month of pregnancy) for a free presentation, followed by a walking tour.
Meets: Nov. 3; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Location: 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Reservations: 818-847-4143
PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Nov. 3; Dec. 8; 7-8:30 p.m. Location: 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Reservations: 818-847-4143
Meets: Nov. 11; Dec. 9; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Location: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Reservations: 818-847-4143
PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16; 7-8:30 p.m. Location: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Reservations: 818-847-4143
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PROVIDENCE TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Oct. 22; Nov. 12; Dec. 10; 3:30-5 p.m. Location: Women’s Pavilion lobby, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
2. Prepare for Baby Childbirth Preparation (Lamaze Classes) These classes will prepare you and your partner for labor and delivery by explaining relaxation techniques. PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
Wednesdays: Oct. 7-Nov. 4; 7-9:30 p.m. Saturdays: Nov. 7-Dec. 5 (skipping Nov. 28); 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $95 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143 PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Mondays: Nov. 9-Dec. 7; 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays: Nov. 17-Dec. 15; 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays: Nov. 4-Dec. 9 (skipping Nov. 25); 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays: Oct. 15-Nov. 12; 7-9:30 p.m. Sundays: Nov. 1-22; 1:30-4:30 p.m. Location: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Fee: $95 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143 PROVIDENCE TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER
Mondays: Oct. 19-Nov. 9; Nov. 16Dec. 7; Dec. 14-Jan. 11.; 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays: Nov. 3-24; Condensed Dec. 1-15; 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays: Nov. 4-Nov. 25; Condensed Dec. 2-16; 6:30-9 p.m. Saturdays: Call for dates Fee: $125 per couple; plus, choose one date from the “Anesthesia and Caesarean Section” class Location: Women’s Pavilion lobby, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
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Centers Spanish Prepared Childbirth Class Meets: Saturdays, Oct. 3-Nov. 7; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $95 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143
All classes are FREE unless otherwise indicated. For more information, please call us. Providence Tarzana: 1-800-779-6636. Providence Holy Cross and Providence Saint Joseph: 818-847-4143.
Refresher Childbirth
PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
Designed for the mother who has already experienced childbirth, this two- to three-week program covers the labor process. Meets: Call 1-800-779-6636 Fee: $75 per couple
Meets: Dec. 13; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: Westfield Valencia Towne Center Mall, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia Fee: $95 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143
Parents Expecting Multiples Learn about preparing for the new arrivals. Meets: Call 1-800-779-6636 Fee: $25 per couple
Anesthesia and Caesarean Section One-day class about a caesarean section and recovery process and anesthesia commonly used for labor. Meets: Nov. 5, 19; Dec. 2, 17; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Location: Women’s Resource Center, Providence Tarzana Medical Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Fee: $25 per couple Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
Childbirth Intensive Lamaze Preparation This one-day class covers all of the topics presented in our regular childbirth series in a fast-paced format. Participants should provide their own lunch. PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Nov. 7, 21; Dec. 6; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Fee: $95 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143 providencehealthonline.org
3. After Baby is Born Breastfeeding Our lactation specialist teaches infant nutrition and successful breastfeeding techniques. PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Dec. 17; 7-9:30 p.m. Location: 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $35 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143 PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Oct. 21; Nov. 10; Dec. 10; 7-9:30 p.m. Location: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Fee: $35 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143 PROVIDENCE TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Oct. 27; Nov. 9, 24; Dec. 7, 14; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Location: Women’s Resource Center, 8344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Fee: $25 per couple Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
Spanish Breastfeeding Meets: Nov. 7; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $35 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143
The Amazing Newborn Learn about normal infant growth and development from a pediatrician. Meets: Nov. 11; 7-9 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana’s Women’s Resource Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636 Fee: $25 per couple
Baby Care Learn about what to expect in the newborn; about feeding, coping with a crying baby; when to call the doctor and more. Meets: Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 16; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana’s Women’s Resource Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636 Fee: $25 per couple; prepayment required
Transition to Parenthood Led by a licensed therapist, learn what to expect with your new baby the first year and if you’re at risk for postpartum depression. Meets: Oct. 26; 6:30-9 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana’s Women’s Resource Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636 Fee: $25 per couple fall 2009 Providence Health | 15
Baby Care & Parenting, Two-Part Series
PROVIDENCE TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER
Teaches proper bathing, diapering and feeding techniques, communicating love, building selfesteem and time management.
Meets: Nov. 2, 19; Dec. 10, 17; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Location: Women’s Resource Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Nov. 5 and 12; 7-9:30 p.m. Location: 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $50 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143 PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Nov. 9 and 16; Dec. 7 and 14; 7-9:30 p.m. Location: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Fee: $50 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143
Spanish Baby Care & Parenting Meets: Oct. 31; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $50 per couple Reservations: 818-847-4143
Infant Safety and CPR The Infant Safety and CPR class is designed for parents with newborns to 1 year old. Includes “babyproofing” your home, CPR and chokingmanagement techniques. PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Dec. 2; 7-9:30 p.m. Location: 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $45 per person Reservations: 818-847-4143 PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Meets: Nov. 3, 9; Dec. 3, 17; 7-9:30 p.m. Location: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Fee: $45 per person Reservations: 818-847-4143 16 | Providence Health
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Go to providencehealth online.org for more information, or for a printable version of this calendar to post on your refrigerator.
Spanish Infant/Child Safety and CPR Meets: Dec. 19; 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $45 per person Reservations: 818-847-4143
Infant/Child Safety and CPR For parents who have children from newborn to 8 years of age. Meets: Nov. 30; 6:30-10 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana Medical Center Women’s Pavilion lobby, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636 Fee: $45 per person
Baby Sign Language for Hearing Babies Learn simple hand gestures to show your infants that allow them to communicate. Meets: Nov. 23; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fee: $25 per couple Location: Providence Tarzana’s Women’s Resource Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
Sign, Say and Play Continuing Program A six-week baby sign language program for parents and babies. Meets: Call 1-800-779-6636 Fee: $25 per couple Location: Providence Tarzana’s Women’s Resource Center, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana Reservations: 1-800-779-6636
4. Support Groups Breastfeeding Support Group Weekly group for new mothers to share their experiences. Meets: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon Location: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, BabyWise Classroom, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Fee: $8 per class Reservations: 818-847-4143
MommyWise Support Groups Weekly group for new mothers and their infants. PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER
Mondays: 1-2:30 p.m. at the Outpatient Diagnostic Center, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fridays: 10 a.m.-noon at the Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall in the Community Room, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia Fee: $8 per class Reservations: 818-847-4143 PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-noon (birth to 6 months); 1-3 p.m. (birth to 1 year); 3-5 p.m. (toddlers 1-2 years) Thursdays: 10 a.m.-noon (toddlers 1-2 years) Location: BabyWise Classroom, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Reservations: 818-847-4143
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Community Calendar
November-December Classes, Events and Lectures SUPPORT GROUPS
Stroke
Tai Chi
Meets: Third Thursday of each month, 3-4 p.m. Location: Providence Saint Joseph, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: 818-847-3799
Meets: Saturdays; beginners, 10-10:30 a.m.; all levels, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $5 per session Info: Pete Bowen, 818-321-4806
Young Stroke Survivor’s Support Group
Kundalini Stretch Yoga
Meets: Second Sunday of each month, 2-3 p.m. Location: Providence Saint Joseph, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: 818-847-4643
Valley Pumpers Support Group For people with diabetes using insulin pumps. Meets: Fourth Thursday of each month, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana, 18321 Clark St., NCR Room 3 (trailer behind ER), Tarzana Info: Harvey Cohn, 818-907-7092
Diabetes Support Groups For people with diabetes and their family members. Meets: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Info: 818-345-8955 Meets: Call for information Location: Providence Saint Joseph Acute Rehabilitation Unit (5 North), 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: 818-847-3277
Preparing for Total Joint Replacement Meets: Second Thursday of each month, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Location: Providence Holy Cross Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Info: 818-496-4395
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Fitness Location for all fitness classes (unless otherwise noted): Providence Occupational Health Center, 3413 Pacific Ave., Room 104, Burbank
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Meets: Tuesdays, 8:45-9:45 a.m. Location: Providence Tarzana, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana Info: 818-710-4163 Meets: Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 5-6 p.m. Location: Providence Occupational Health Center, Conference Room A, 3413 Pacific Ave., Burbank Info: 818-953-4430
Pilates/Core Conditioning Meets: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon Fee: $2 per session; please bring a mat as all exercises are performed on the floor Info: 818-847-4535
Sit n’ Tone with Mandy Meets: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $2 per session Info: 818-847-4535
Meets: Mondays, Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Fee: $5 per class Info: Jim Eldridge, 818-823-8056
Sit and Be Fit Meets: Mondays, Thursdays; 1:30-2:30 p.m. Fee: $2 per session Info: 818-847-4535
Qigong Meets: Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Dec. 8; 9:30-10:30am Fee: $5 per class Info: 818-847-4535 Instructor: Antoinette Rohner
REDUCE YOUR RATES This two-part AARP/Driver Safety Program is for people 55 or older who want to reduce their automobile insurance premiums. You must attend both four-hour sessions to receive your AARP certificate. Meets: Part 1, Jan. 13, 1-5 p.m.; Part 2, Jan. 20, 1-5 p.m. Location: Providence Occupational Health Center, 3413 Pacific Ave., Burbank Fee: $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers, payable to AARP. Contact your insurance agent and be eligible for a threeyear safe driver’s discount. Info: 818-847-4535
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Call 1-888-HEALING (888-432-5464) for general questions about classes and lectures and for full location addresses.
Diabetes Classes Diabetes Self-Management Classes A two-part class that empowers participants to successfully manage their diabetes. Meets: Oct. 17, 24; Nov. 14, 21; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Lockheed B & C, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: 818-847-3277
Individual Sessions with a Diabetes Specialist One-on-one consults that address meter education, insulin administration, pump training, carbohydrate counting, gestational diabetes education and education for renal, cardiac and pediatric patients with special needs. Location: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: 818-847-3277; call for an appointment
Healthy Living with Diabetes A comprehensive four-part series where participants receive important information and training in the skills needed for living with diabetes. Meets: Tuesdays; daytime and evening classes are available; class attendance must begin with Session 1 and go through the series Location: Diabetes Care Center, across the street from Providence Tarzana Medical Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Fee: Most insurance companies will pay for this program with physician referral Info: Preregistration is mandatory; call 818-345-8955 18 | Providence Health
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Diabetes Nutrition Class Attendees should already have a basic knowledge of diabetes care as this class covers more in-depth nutrition information. A physician referral is required for this program. Meets: Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon Location: Diabetes Care Center, across the street from Providence Tarzana Medical Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Info: 818-345-8955
Basic Diabetes Education Class A three-hour class that covers the basics of good diabetes care. A physician referral is required for this program. Meets: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Location: Diabetes Care Center, across the street from Providence Tarzana Medical Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Fee: Most insurance companies will pay for this program with physician referral Info: 818-345-8955
Diabetes and Pregnancy Extensive education about delivering healthy babies for women with gestational diabetes. English and Spanish classes are available. Meets: Thursdays, 9:30-12:30 p.m.; Spanish language classes are available by appointment only Location: Diabetes Care Center, across the street from Providence
Tarzana Medical Center, 18344 Clark St., Suite 210, Tarzana Fee: Most insurance companies will pay for this program with physician referral Info: Preregistration is mandatory; call 818-345-8955
Carbohydrate Counting This session is offered to individuals on insulin who wish to improve overall blood sugar control through insulin adjustment based upon carbohydrate intake. Meets: Available by appointment only Location: Providence Tarzana Medical Center Auditorium, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana Info: 818-345-8955
Walk to Cure Diabetes Join Team Providence in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes. Meets: Oct. 25 (registration at 8 a.m.; walk begins at 10 a.m.) Location: Paramount Ranch, 2813 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills Info: Providence Tarzana Diabetes Care Center, 818-345-8955
Non-Healing Wound Support Do you or someone you know have a non-healing wound? Free assessment! Info: Providence Tarzana Wound Center, 818-757-8839 providencehealthonline.org
November lectures Understanding Vascular Disease Meets: Nov. 3, 7-8:30 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana Medical Center in the auditorium, 18321 Clark Street, Tarzana Speaker: Zahi Nazzoura, M.D. Info: 818-847-4535
Open Forum with Dr. Gururaja Meets: Westfield Valencia (Food Court), 24201 W. Valencia Ave, Valencia Speaker: Avinash Gururaja, M.D.
CTAP (California Telephone Access Program) Info for all CTAP lectures: 818-344-4164 Meets: Nov. 3, 1:45-2:45 p.m. Location: Gardens of Tarzana, 18700 Burbank Blvd, Tarzana Speaker: representative from the California Telephone Access Program Meets: Nov. 5, 1:45-2:45 p.m. Location: Monarch Village, 5325 Etiwanda Ave, Tarzana Meets: Nov. 11, 9-10 a.m. Location: Burbank Town Center, (Food Court) 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank Meets: Nov. 12, 9-10 a.m. Location: Westfield Fashion Square, (Food Court Mezzanine), 14006 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks Meets: Nov. 18, 9-10 a.m. Location: Westfield Topanga, (Dining Terrace), 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park
Bone Health III Meets: Nov. 4, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Location: Joslyn Senior Center, 1301 W. Olive Ave., Burbank Speaker: Boyd Flinders, M.D.
Lung Conditions and Diseases; Treatment and Prevention Meets: Nov. 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana Medical Center in the auditorium, 18321 Clark Street, Tarzana Speaker: Thomas Yadegar M.D. Info: 818-847-4535
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december lectures Coronary Artery Disease Prevention Meets: Dec. 9; 7-8:30 p.m. Location: Providence Tarzana Medical Center in the auditorium, 18321 Clark Street, Tarzana Speaker: Mohammed Gharavi, M.D. Info: 818-847-4535
Holiday Celebration Meets: Dec. 9; 9-10 a.m. Location: Burbank Mall Walkers, (Food Court, 3rd Level), Burbank Town Center, 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank Meets: Dec. 11, 9-10 a.m. Location: Westfield Valencia, (Dining Court), 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia Meets: Dec. 16, 9-10 a.m. Location: Westfield Topanga, (Dining Terrace), 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park
Holiday Celebration and preserving your Memory Meets: Dec. 10, 9-10 a.m. Location: Westfield Fashion Square (Food Court Mezzanine), 14006 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks Speaker: Ruthie Rosenberg, MSW
Holiday Fun Your Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Guild is planning an important fundraiser to benefit the needs of our hospital and community. We will feature holiday flowers, a full range of bakery goods and a variety of handmade and donated gently used and new items. Participate in a drawing for $500, $300 and $200 cash prizes. We are partnering with Der Wienerschnitzel for Dec. 5 and I n-N-Out Burger Dec. 6. Join us to help with this fun fundraiser. re-Sales of cash drawing P and food tickets available through the Guild Gift Gallery at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. e are asking for your W donations for the event: books, jewelry, collectibles, holiday ornaments, linens, small household items, clean/lightly worn and new clothing, handcrafted materials, buttons, bows, wrapping, bags—you name it. Drop these off early. Call Deedee Walser at 818-766-2747 for information. Dates of Sale/Drawing: Dec. 5-6 Location: Providence Saint Joseph Hope Conference Center Info: 1-888-HEALING (432-5464) Beyond 50 Members Holiday Celebration Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and Providence Tarzana Medical Center invite you to join us for our sixth annual holiday celebration for Beyond 50 Members and guests. Date/Time: Dec. 7; 11:30 a.m.3 p.m. Place: The Castaway Restaurant, Starlight Ballroom, 1250 Harvard Road, Burbank Fee: $18 per person Info: 818-847-4120 for RSVP instructions; must RSVP with fee by Nov. 16
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Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Providence Health
providence heart care PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTERS
heart disease
When it comes to heart care, only the best is good enough. And some of the best outcomes can be found at Providence Holy Cross, Saint Joseph and Tarzana Medical Centers. Providence hospitals have been recognized by HealthGrades®, the nation’s leading healthcare ratings organization, for exceptional quality of care, receiving 5-Star awards in the treatment of heart attack and heart failure. Additionally, all three of our Valley medical centers are recognized by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services as specialty centers for early heart attack treatment that significantly reduces long-term heart damage. At Providence, care continues through our support of charity programs in the community as well as free or low-cost heart screenings and educational seminars. Conquering heart disease - it’s part of our mission of quality healthcare. To learn more, call 1-888-HEALING for your FREE 30-page booklet with tips for preventing heart disease.
Providence HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER Mission Hills
Providence SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER Burbank
Providence TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER Tarzana
Immediate
When every second counted, the Providence neurological team helped two women return to their lives
Response
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I
t seemed like a typical Monday morning. But when Bobbie Burroughs of Burbank started to get out of bed last September, she knew something was wrong.
First her arm seemed like it didn’t belong to her and then it began moving on its own. When her husband and son tried to get her up and talking, Burroughs, age 72, had no strength on her right side and couldn’t speak the words she was trying to say. That’s when her son knew he had to call 911. It wasn’t long before the paramedics got Burroughs to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, which is just minutes from her home. There, the doctors ran tests— including a CT scan and MRI—and quickly identified the source of the problem: Burroughs had suffered a stroke, which is the sudden interruption of blood flow or hemorrhage of a blood vessel in the brain. In Burroughs’ case, the culprit was a blood clot in her brain that was blocking blood flow. The doctors administered an intravenous treatment called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), also called “the clot-busting drug,” which has proved effective in treating the type of stroke Burroughs experienced, according to the American Stroke Association. Within hours of receiving the treatment, Burroughs could tell the feeling was coming back into her arm and, by the next morning, she was starting to find her words again. Burroughs was discharged the following afternoon—and went out to dinner with her husband, Jerry, that same night. “I was so fortunate that no one hesitated, from the moment my son recognized the signs of a stroke,” she says. “And the entire time I was at Providence Saint Joseph, I never felt any anxiety. My caretakers were wonderful.” Burroughs definitely went to the right place for her treatment. Providence Saint Joseph is a Certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center, which means the hospital uses processes and protocols that adhere to national guidelines for best practices in stroke care. And although Burroughs lives very close to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, there’s increasing evidence that patients who have experienced strokes have better outcomes when they are
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treated at hospitals that specialize in stroke treatment— even if those hospitals aren’t the closest one. Stroke must be treated promptly, but an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, like Providence Saint Joseph, can work more quickly than a hospital with less stroke-related experience, which can make up for any extra time spent getting to the hospital.
Advanced Care for Stroke and Aneurysm Providence Saint Joseph has an “outstanding staff of neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists who are key to the treatment of acute stroke and neurovascular diseases,” says George Teitelbaum, M.D., an interventional neuroradiologist and medical director of the new Providence Neurovascular Center, part of the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute, which is located at Providence Saint Joseph. There, experts offer the most advanced techniques available for the treatment of stroke, including tPA, which must be administered within hours of the onset of symptoms. Most hospitals aren’t prepared to provide this level of care unless they are Advanced Primary Stroke Centers. If a patient doesn’t respond to tPA, the team at Providence Saint Joseph then considers one of a number of minimally invasive procedures to remove the blood clot from the brain. These procedures involve ingenious devices created especially to unblock small blood vessels in hard-to-reach areas. When performed within eight hours of the first stroke symptom, these techniques can significantly improve the outcome for patients who don’t respond to tPA, says—improving the response rate from 30 percent to 60 percent. As part of their recovery, many stroke patients require physical or speech rehabilitation to regain their mobility and language skills. Complete rehabilitation services are available at Providence Saint Joseph on both an inpatient and outpatient basis at the Providence Rehabilitation Institute. The treatment of aneurysms—a weak, bulging artery in the brain—is another area of expertise at Providence Saint Joseph. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause stroke or even death.
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Expert Care Close to Home The experts at the Providence hospitals have the technology and knowledge to address stroke immediately, and they are award winners. Providence Holy Cross Medical Center • Among the Top 10 Percent in the Nation for Treatment of Stroke, HealthGrades (2005–2008) • HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award (2005–2008) Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center • Gold Seal of Approval as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center from the Joint Commission (2007) • Silver Performance Achievement Award, American Stroke Association (2008) • Among the Top 5 Percent in the Nation for Treatment of Stroke, HealthGrades (2008) • HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award (2005-2008) • President’s Award for Excellence for Treatment of Stroke, Providence Health & Services (2009)
Providence Saint Joseph offers a minimally invasive procedure known as coil embolization, which involves a catheter that’s used to implant tiny platinum coils, each about the size of a hair. The coils are inserted into the aneurysm to promote clotting and prevent rupture. Kisa Barnett was the first patient to undergo the procedure at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in late 2008. Like Burroughs, her experience began with the sensation that something was terribly wrong which, in her case, was triggered by the feeling of a “pop” near the top of her head. After a CT scan revealed an aneurysm, the 61-year-old Barnett underwent the coil embolization—and was ready to go home just two days later. “I was thrilled to be part of this first at the hospital,” she says. In addition to coil embolization, Providence Saint Joseph is employing a new technique known as Onyx embolization. A latex material is injected into the aneurysm to fill it, which is particularly beneficial for treating large aneurysms, Dr. Teitelbaum says.
Top-Notch Trauma Treatment Providence Holy Cross Medical Center also has a staff of skilled neurosurgeons who can repair aneurysms and, like Providence Tarzana Medical Center, is working toward earning its Primary Stroke Center Certification. But where Providence Holy Cross truly excels is in its treatment of neurological traumas such as head injuries. As the second busiest trauma center in Los Angeles County, Providence Holy Cross provides a broad array of services ranging from neurovascular surgery to a comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation program at the Providence Rehabilitation Institute. “This year, we celebrated 25 years of trauma treatment, which includes neurological operating
Providence Tarzana Medical Center • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Attack, Heart Failure and Stroke, HealthGrades (2004–2009) • Among the Top 5 Percent in the Nation for Treatment of Stroke, HealthGrades (2008, 2009) • HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award (2004–2009) • Best in the San Fernando Valley Area for Treatment of Stroke, HealthGrades (2008, 2009)
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Recognize the Signs Stroke is an emergency. Learn these symptoms and act immediately by calling 911 if you think you or someone else may be having a stroke. Every minute that’s lost can result in the loss of brain cells. • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
room capabilities that are comparable to any major medical center,” says Rafael O. Quinonez, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Providence Holy Cross. Quinonez adds that many patients recognize him because of the neurosurgery he performed a few years ago to successfully remove six nails from a patient’s brain, the result of a construction accident with a pneumatic hammer. The patient recovered and the case received international attention. Another trauma patient treated at Providence Holy Cross was a young girl who was initially pronounced brain-dead after being shot in the head. But following a number of surgeries, she recovered and now hopes to be a physical therapist someday, having been inspired by the treatment and rehabilitation she received at Providence Holy Cross.
Centralized, Specialized Expertise As a leader in the neurosciences, Providence Saint Joseph also performs deep brain stimulation, a surgical treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Two devices similar to cardiac pacemakers are implanted to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas on each side of the brain. Stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause the disabling physical symptoms of movement disorders. (To learn more about deep brain stimulation and the Providence Movement Disorders Center, see page 12.) Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center clearly offers a unique set of specialized skills. But what’s especially exciting about the hospital’s neuroscience capabilities is the centralization of advanced expertise
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at the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center—the only comprehensive neuroscience institute in the Valley. “We’re building on Providence Saint Joseph’s long-held reputation of excellence and are concentrating the experience of using a wide range of high-tech tools at one facility,” Dr. Teitelbaum explains. “Having so many treatment options in one location is a tremendous benefit to patients.” The institute provides leading-edge treatment, using highly specialized and advanced interventions to treat and manage neurological conditions. In addition to stroke and aneurysm care, the specialists at the institute are skilled in the treatment of other brain conditions, such as tumors, epilepsy, movement disorders, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, peripheral nerve disorders and many others. At the core of our specialized team is a strong foundation of neurologists who provide expertise and skill in the front line management of neurological disorders. “Our superior outcomes speak for themselves,” explains Fawaz Faisal, M.D., chairman of the Neurology Section at Providence Saint Joseph. “Our neurologists are highly skilled and trained in many areas and take pride in providing individualized care and treatment that allow our patients to recover and enjoy life to its fullest.” If patients are in need of further intervention, our neurologists work as part of an interdisciplinary team with other specialists and disciplines to determine the individualized needs of each patient and provide the most advanced treatment. Having already been recognized for its excellence and quality outcomes, Providence Saint Joseph is the logical facility to house the new Providence Neurovascular Center. Just ask Burroughs, who continues to do well one year after her stroke. “My experience at the hospital was very positive,” she says. “I came in not being able to feel anything on my right side at all, and just a couple of days later I was back at home and doing really well. You just can’t ask for anything better.”
Mind Your Brain Learn more about reducing your risk for stroke at providencehealthonline.org. For information about neurovascular treatments at Providence Health & Services’ Valley Service Area, call 1-888-HEALING (888-432-5464). fall 2009 Providence Health | 11