Providence Health Winter 2014

Providence

WINTER 2014

A GUIDE TO HEALTHY LIVING AND QUALITY CARE PROVIDENCEHEALTHONLINE.ORG

The New Surgical Frontier Minimally invasive options are changing the face of surgery— and improving patients’ lives

FAMILY FOCUSED When little patients have big needs, parents turn to Providence pediatrics

FLU 101

Get the ultimate cheat sheet for spotting, preventing and treating the flu fast

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Mission Hills

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro

Providence ittle Company L of Mary Medical Center Torrance

Providence Affiliated Medical Groups

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Burbank

Providence Tarzana Medical Center Tarzana

Providence TrinityCare Hospice

Thoughts from Your Chief Executives

New Year, New You

IN THIS ISSUE

People, 6 Little Big Needs An advanced pediatric program ensures world-class care for our youngest patients.

Your Hub for 8 Health

The New Year traditionally is the time of year we all take stock, and this new edition of Providence Health provides some information to help you move forward.

Maybe it’s time to have that knee surgery you’ve been putting off. Providence medical centers are expert in many types of minimally invasive surgeries that typically mean less pain and quicker recovery.

Or perhaps you resolved to focus on your health in 2014. A great place to start is with your annual flu shot—preventive care is the best care.

This winter edition of Providence Health covers topics for your entire family, from neonatal needs and pediatrics to urgent care and senior health, including how older adults can best manage respiratory issues. We also offer a closer look at innovative treatments and therapies for a range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke and prostate cancer.

The New Year looks to the future—and the future has arrived in the form of robots that allow our physicians to treat patients miles away. Read about how Providence is partnering with other hospitals to provide top specialists who “see” patients at other hospitals, examine them and provide diagnoses, all via their iPads and a new team of robots.

Finally, the holidays are behind us yet again, but in this edition of Providence Health we’d like to tell you about our volunteer teams, who never stop giving all year long. Volunteers are found on the floors of all our hospitals, performing roles that range from comforting children in our emergency departments to providing pet therapy with well-trained dogs that bring joy to patients in their rooms. Read inside about the opportunities for all ages, with all types of interests.

To all our readers, may 2014 bring you happiness, prosperity and good health.

Learn how a revolutionary new network delivers lifesaving neurological care in the Valleys.

The new frontier of surgery offers patients a swifter road to recovery.

IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Community Connections 14 Senior Health 15 Foundation Focus 16 Providence Medical Institute 17 Calendar of Classes and Events

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Nancy Carlson Chief Executive Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro

Gerald Clute Chief Executive Providence Tarzana

Elizabeth Dunne Chief Executive Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance

Bill Gil Chief Executive Medical Foundations

Bernie Klein, MD Michael Rembis Chief Executive Chief Executive Providence Holy Providence Saint Joseph Cross

Terri Warren Chief Executive Providence TrinityCare Hospice

PROVIDENCE HEALTH Produced by Marketing & Communications at Providence Health & Services, Southern California

Senior Content Editor: Kat Johnson

Providence Health Editor-in-Chief: Nancy Franklin

Art Director: Andrea Heser

Providence Health Managing Editors: Patricia Aidem Jennifer Fagnani Connie Matthews Kirk McDonald Diana Reynar Natasha Shows

Production Technology Specialist: Sonia Fitzgerald

Contributors: Ann Beurskens Tiffany DeVall Brenda Goettemoeller Gail Malloy Juanita Perea Kathryn Sprague Ellen Wise

Imaging Specialist: Dane Nordine

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. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please tear off the shipping label and mail it to Remove Me, PO Box 17910, Phoenix, AZ 85011 or go to acd.mcmurry.com.

Production Manager: Shannon Cross Providence Health is published four times annually by McMurry/TMG, 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Volume 6, Number 1 © 2014 McMurry/TMG, LLC

Printed on recycled paper.

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PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK; COVER PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK AND ©2014 INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.

10 Minimally Invasive Options

Community Connections OUR MISSION AS PEOPLE OF PROVIDENCE, WE REVEAL GOD’S LOVE FOR ALL, ESPECIALLY THE POOR AND VULNERABLE, THROUGH OUR COMPASSIONATE SERVICE.

Opportunities to Give Back

CORE VALUES

Compassion Caring for each person as part of our family.

Justice Working for a fair and equitable society.

Respect Affirming the God-given dignity and worth of each person.

Excellence Continually improving all that we do.

PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK

Stewardship Wisely caring for and sharing human, environmental and financial resources held in trust.

providencehealthonline.org

Help Someone in Need To learn more about volunteer

Research shows that those who volunteer have lower rates of depression than those who do not. And volunteering for your hospital offers an added benefit—easing the stress of hospitalization for others.

“Patients typically don’t choose to be hospitalized. Our volunteers have a huge opportunity to ease their way,” says Pamela Wegner, director of volunteer services for Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

All five Providence Southern California medical centers offer volunteer positions suitable for a range of ages; tasks are tailored to your individual skills, energy level and availability. Volunteers work in a variety of settings, including the gift shop, the information desk, the emergency department and one-on-one with patients. Tasks include filing, running staff errands and walking patients and visitors to their destinations.

Other opportunities abound, including: • Visiting patient rooms to offer music therapy or pet therapy • Delivering small gifts, handouts or

options at Providence, visit california.providence.org.

Communion (Eucharistic ministers and chaplains) to patients requesting the service • Holding hands or comforting dying patients through a volunteer companion program called No One Dies Alone (Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance) Many teenagers end up finding their career paths through volunteerism. “Some have come back to say they are entering medical school because of the great experiences they had at Providence,” says Linda Gaul, manager of volunteer services at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

What are you waiting for? Call 1-888-HEALING to find your volunteer niche today. winter 2014 Providence Health | 3

Community Connections

Assess your RoadReadiness Independent driving often is top-of-mind for people recovering from strokes or living with disabilities or age-related changes. But how do you know if it’s safe?

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro offers a Driving Rehabilitation Program that can help.

Participants are evaluated by certified driving rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists and certified driving instructors. The team evaluates reasoning, judgment, decisionmaking, reaction time, problem-solving ability, functional mobility, strength, coordination and functional vision for driving.

The team also can help with skill building or automobile modifications for those needing adaptive equipment.

“The program provides family members peace of mind to know if it’s safe for their parents, grandparents or other loved ones to be on the road,” says Huong Anh Ngo Long, MD, medical director of rehabilitation services at Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro.

To learn more about the program, please call 310-514-5370.

Get in the Driver’s Seat Make sure you’re ready for the road with driving rehabilitation.

Visit california.providence.org

On the Web

to learn more.

Visit us online at california.providence.org Know your risk for breast cancer. Providence’s free, personalized risk assessment will take you on a journey to help you better understand your personal breast cancer risk. By combining your family’s health history and accounting for lifestyle factors, you not only will learn more about your risk, but also what actions you can take to prevent cancer. Take the risk assessment today at providence.org/knowyourrisk.

Share your story of a Providence experience. Providence patients, family members, employees and community members are invited to share their experience with us. Stories may be featured on our website or social media sites. We want to hear from you! Share your story at providence.org/share.

SHARE YOUR WISDOM Providence High School seeks mentors for new, senior projects program Providence High School is excited to announce the launch of a new program for its graduating seniors.

Through the Senior Projects Program, students prepare for life after high school with opportunities to intern, volunteer, train or apprentice in areas they’re passionate about alongside a community mentor. The program will run from May 19–23 and May 27–30, 2014.

PHS currently is seeking community members who are interested in mentoring students for this exciting new program. Students must perform a minimum of 30 hours total, or 3–4 hours per day, though not all of this time needs to be spent with mentors.

Are you ready to share your wisdom, skills and passion with a PHS senior?

Please email Marcie Gilbert, Senior Projects Coordinator, at marcie.gilbert@ providencehigh.org with your relevant hobbies, skills or professional experience – anything from baking and construction to media and accounting. PHS is profoundly grateful for the blessing of your wisdom and time toward our youth!

Need urgent or emergency care? Tell us you’re coming with iTriage!

Find Providence in the palm of your hand. We’re now part of the iTriage applications for iOS & Android phone users.

Go to itriagehealth.com to download the app.

Download the mobile application so that your mobile device can read this scan. It will launch the new providencehealthonline.org on your mobile device.

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Big and Loud For many living with Parkinson’s disease, simply being seen and heard can be a challenge. The progressive nature of the disease impairs speech, limb function, gait and balance, which can lead to embarrassment and social withdrawal.

Enter Big and Loud therapy.

Offered at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers in San Pedro and Torrance, the Big and Loud program empowers Parkinson’s patients to “move big” and “speak loud.”

“Patients with Parkinson’s talk really slowly and softly. And most Parkinson’s patients move very ‘small,’ with small, slow steps, and small arm movements and gestures,” says Shelly Kormondy, physical therapy supervisor for Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro. “With Big and Loud, they learn how to project with their voices and produce larger movements.”

Initially, these movements and sounds are exaggerated. Over time, Parkinson’s patients learn to tone down the exaggerated techniques to a self-cued sense of normal. “What they originally thought was too big or too loud becomes their normal,” Kormondy says.

Call 1-888-HEALING to learn more.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD To learn more about our Big and Loud programs for Parkinson’s disease, visit us online at california.providence.org.

New Treatment for Prostate Cancer

PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK AND PROVIDENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Men with advanced prostate cancer have a new treatment option at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

A new, FDA-approved drug called Xofigo has been shown to improve survival by targeting cancers that come back despite surgery or drug treatments to lower testosterone.

A study funded by Bayer HealthCare, the maker of Xofigo, suggests the drug extends life by three months on average, and it also may relieve pain in some patients.

The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph is the first community cancer center in the San Fernando Valley to offer this innovative treatment option.

This treatment adds to Providence Saint Joseph’s impressive arsenal of advanced technologies in radiation and medical and surgical oncology.

Along with complementary therapies, we offer a level of customized cancer treatment available in just a few of the country’s leading cancer centers.

To learn more about diagnostics, treatment, care and support for cancer patients at the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, visit triumphovercancer.org.

providencehealthonline.org

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Little People, Big Needs When serious illness or injury strikes, Providence has your kids covered from head to toe

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Unparalleled services

With an 18-bed pediatric unit and a seven-bed PICU for critically ill children, Providence Tarzana is one of a few hospitals in the Valley equipped to handle pediatric surgery, cardiology and a wide range of other subspecialties. These include pediatric pulmonology, neurology, orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and ear, nose and throat care. “We have the latest, most sophisticated equipment in sizes suited for babies as little as 1 pound and teenagers up to 18 years old who are sometimes much bigger than I am,” Dr. Chavarria says.

Specifically, more than 100 staff pediatricians treat a range of conditions, including heart conditions, seizures, pneumonia, mononucleosis, meningitis, skin infections, bone infections and severe ear infections, as well as poisoning, snake bites and infectious diseases. providencehealthonline.org

PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK

rom their child’s first wobbly steps to that straight-A report card, parents dream of life’s big moments for their little ones.

But what if serious injury or illness strikes? Where should you turn for the very best attention and treatment?

Providence Tarzana Medical Center is positioned within the Providence network and within the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities as a premier pediatric specialty provider in the region. “The Sisters of Providence have a soft spot in their hearts for children. Providence has given us the support we need to become the best pediatric program in the Valley,” says Cesar Chavarria, MD, FAAP, medical director of the Mozilo Family Foundation Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Providence Tarzana. “What we do here, we do very well. Patients come here to receive specialized pediatric care.”

In fact, since early 2013, Providence Tarzana has been affiliated with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, ensuring that the youngest patients are cared for with world-class treatments close to home.

It’s one of the reasons to turn to Providence when your child needs excellent, compassionate care.

Providence Tarzana—along with Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center—has also received Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) certification, meaning that 911 paramedics take sick or injured children to these hospitals first because they have the highest levels of training and equipment needed for emergency pediatric care. For children at other area emergency departments who require a higher level of care, Providence Tarzana has a pediatric transport ambulance designed with children in mind, making the ride both a more comfortable and safer experience.

A personal touch

A third-generation physician, Dr. Chavarria devotes a great deal of time to balancing the science of medicine with the art of comforting children. “Pediatrics is a beautiful field. It takes experience, focus and the memory of how it felt to be a child,” he says.

Every detail—from tone of voice to warmth of instruments to the words caregivers choose—plays a huge part in the healing of children. “We are very careful when we go to the bedside,” Dr. Chavarria says.

“It takes time to develop a healing presence.”

PICU

This healing presence comes into play daily in the PICU. “If a child cannot go home from the ER or needs more one-on-one care and intensive therapy, we have the great privilege of having a PICU, which many hospitals do not have,” Dr. Chavarria says, adding that the PICU at Providence Tarzana is being reconfigured from seven beds to eight beds as part of the expansion funded in part by the Mozilo Family Foundation.

Children admitted to the PICU may need more intensive therapies, such as ventilators, central lines, chest tubes or heavy sedation. “There are many complicated or severe conditions that are really best cared for in a PICU,” he says, noting that specially trained physicians oversee the treatment of these young patients.

NICU

When starting your family, it’s also important to consider your hospital’s ability to care for babies who are born too early or need specialized care. Four Providence medical centers in the Valley and South Bay offer highly specialized neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance was the first hospital in the Los Angeles area to offer providencehealthonline.org

private, single-family NICU rooms. “Studies show that infants do better in this environment. The rooms are quieter, and they offer moms much more privacy in terms of breastfeeding,” says Torrance NICU Medical Director Jon Yamamoto, MD. NICUs at Providence Saint Joseph, Providence Holy Cross, Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance and Providence Tarzana Medical Centers embrace a family-centered care model in which caring for baby and family is a priority.

In fact, it’s this family-centered, compassionate care, delivered by a staff of trained specialists using the most advanced pediatric treatments and technologies, that sets Providence apart in the field. When your infant, child or young adult needs specialized care, Providence is your trusted place to turn.

BRINGING HOME BABY

From childbirth classes to breastfeeding basics, we’ve got classes for you! Visit california.providence.org and select “Mother and Baby Care” from the “Services” drop-down menu.

THEIR BEST PROTECTION As recent headlines have heralded the return of childhood diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough) and measles, the prescription is in for parents: Make sure your kids are current on childhood vaccinations.

“If there were one thing you could do to prevent your child from getting a potentially fatal disease, then you would do it,” says Jocelyn Sevidal, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

“Childhood vaccinations are the key.”

Dr. Sevidal cites 2012 as a bad year for whooping cough, which is very serious for infants and can be spread by parents or older siblings who may not even know they have it. To help protect babies too young to be fully vaccinated against the disease, pregnant women should be vaccinated in the third trimester, and family members and caregivers should be up to date on their vaccinations.

On another front, Warren Line, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, says that in the last 10 years there has been a noticeable uptick in throat, tongue and tonsil cancer. Many of these cancers are HPV-related and their occurrence is higher in men than in women. Now, more is known about the protective benefits of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. “The HPV vaccine originally was thought only to protect women from cervical cancer,” Dr. Line notes, but now, more experts recommend the HPV vaccination for boys, too.

For a complete list of childhood vaccinations, visit cdc.gov/vaccines.

To find a healthcare provider, visit california.providence.org/pmi today! winter 2014 Providence Health | 7

Your Hub for Health In three key ways, Providence Saint Joseph’s neurological network delivers lifesaving expertise

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Stroke care

HighTech Help

Providence Saint Joseph’s Ready to explore our bestStroke Center carries in-class neurological care? Visit the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission california.providence.org to for Advanced Primary Stroke learn about our neurology and Centers—a distinction also stroke services. held by Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance and Providence Tarzana Medical Center—making it one of the nation’s primary stroke centers. “We see as many ischemic strokes as larger, academic medical centers do. Our stroke care is exceptional,” Rolince says, adding that Providence Saint Joseph offers patients leading-edge diagnostics and treatment as well as a full spectrum of rehabilitation, support services and continuing education.

Our neurological experts even use a state-of-theart robotic system to virtually diagnose and order treatment for stroke in patients at other Valley hospitals (see sidebar). providencehealthonline.org

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

hen one of America’s major airlines pioneered a hub-and-spoke model in the 1950s, it revolutionized the way air traffic evolved. Today, airlines have adopted a system in which traffic is routed through a strong central hub, which has a series of connecting spokes, or cities.

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center has tapped into this idea—except in our case, we’re doing far more than creating travel efficiencies. Our hub of exceptional neurological expertise “routes” life-saving care into the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.

The Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Joseph boasts boardcertified physicians at the forefront of neurological care in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.

Their experience, combined with state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment technology and the latest in research-based medicine, positions Providence Saint Joseph as a hub for neurological care in LA County.

“We try to be a community taking care of our community,” says Rachel Rolince, manager of the Stroke Center for Providence Saint Joseph. Here are three specific ways we are making that happen.

“With the Telestroke network, I can consult with local physicians to provide expert stroke care and potentially lifesaving treatments to patients regardless of where they live.”

—Michael Marvi, MD, MS, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

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Critical Care Transport

Our Critical Care Transport, a specially equipped ambulance staffed by a certified mobile ICU nurse, is another part of Providence Saint Joseph’s overall strategy to position itself as a hub for neurological expertise in the Valleys.

“We have a team of emergency room-trained nurses available 24/7 to basically jump in the ambulance to pick up a patient from another hospital and bring them here for care,” says Providence Saint Joseph’s Director of Neurovascular Services Robert Pickett, RN, MSN. For example, a patient may need an interventional procedure for stroke, and that hospital doesn’t provide that level of care.

Or, perhaps a community hospital that has started a stroke patient on the clot-busting drug tPA wants to transfer that patient to Providence Saint Joseph. “Many hospitals don’t feel comfortable with the frequent neurological checks and the post-tPA follow-up. With our Critical Care Transport and certified mobile ICU nurse, we have the ability to infuse tPA on the go. Time is not lost,” Rolince says.

PHOTOS BY PROVIDENCE HEALTH

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TELESTROKE GOES LIVE

Leading-edge treatment

Residents of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities also can look to Providence Saint Joseph for expertise in a relatively new area of neurological care called interventional radiology. Involving treatment for complicated neurovascular disorders including aneurysms, vascular malformations and cerebral vasospasm, our Neurovascular Center experts use minimally invasive techniques to work within the delicate blood vessels of the brain and spine.

“Smaller hospitals typically wouldn’t have such specialized capabilities for interventional radiology,” Pickett says.

If you or someone you love need quick, expert treatment for an acute neurological condition, you can trust Providence Saint Joseph—your leader for unparalleled neurological care in the greater Valley area. providencehealthonline.org

From a concussion management program for middle and high school athletes to advanced treatment for conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia, epilepsy, headaches and multiple sclerosis, Valley residents come to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center for expert neurological care.

Sometimes, we even take our expert care to Valley residents.

Perhaps the finest extension of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center’s hub-and-spoke model is the newly live Telestroke program, a network that puts our world-class neurologists “in the room” with patients— even if they are 100 miles away.

Telestroke is made possible by a secure, twoway robotic videoconferencing system that allows physician specialists from Providence Saint Joseph in Burbank to see and speak with patients and families via computer monitor, review initial tests and diagnose and direct treatment.

“The Telestroke program really sets us apart in L.A. County because we were the first hospital to successfully launch this type of hub-and-spoke network,” says Providence Saint Joseph’s Director of Neurovascular Services Robert Pickett, RN, MSN. Currently, Telestroke is live with four hospitals, including sister hospital Providence Tarzana Medical Center. Four more hospitals are projected to join in the first quarter of 2014, with a total of 15 anticipated to join the network. As the program grows, the vision is for the member, or “spoke,” hospitals to benefit from the expertise provided by the specialists at Providence Saint Joseph, the hub facility.

ADVANCED THERAPY

The Movement Disorders Center at Providence Saint Joseph’s Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute was one of the area’s first centers to offer Deep Brain Stimulation. To learn more, call 818-847-DBS1 or send an email to movement.disorders@providence.org. winter 2014 Providence Health | 9

Minimally Invasive Surgical

Options Minimized pain, big gain—these advanced surgical techniques are designed to get you back on your feet faster

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T

here’s a popular saying that “less is more.” With minimally invasive surgery, many patients would tell you it’s true. Less pain and less time needed for recovery often mean a more satisfied patient and a faster return to daily life.

At Providence Health & Services, Southern California, we offer sophisticated minimally invasive surgical procedures. From highly advanced da Vinci® Si HD Roboticassisted Surgical Systems at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, to our surgery departments’ top-quality scores and rankings, Providence’s dedicated team of minimally invasive specialists is on the leading edge of care.

This is good news for patients, who are finding that with a broad range of minimally invasive surgical techniques, going “under the knife” isn’t as scary— or as scarring—as it used to be. With Providence at the forefront of this new frontier, patients facing surgery have more choices than ever before.

The Benefits

High-tech minimally invasive methods might have seemed Star Trek-esque even a generation ago. Using highly specialized instruments, surgeons insert miniature cameras through small surgical incisions to “boldly go” where no traditional surgery has gone before. In most cases, patients experience shorter hospital stays, less pain, smaller scars, reduced chances of complications or infections, and a quicker return to the daily activities of home and work.

Additionally, the use of tiny cameras and high-definition monitors gives the surgeons much better visualization when performing minimally invasive, or “laparoscopic,” surgeries. This can lead to greater precision and less damage to tissue. providencehealthonline.org

PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK AND ©2014 INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.

“The technology has evolved, allowing us to create three-millimeter incisions instead of five-millimeter ones,” notes Moshe Faynsod, MD, a general surgeon at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro. “By making minimal adjustments to the procedure without prolonging the operative time, patients undergoing mini-laparoscopy are amazed by how small their scars are.

In some cases, the scars are hard to identify just a few weeks after surgery.”

The approach represents a new frontier in medicine—one that all Providence hospitals are advancing as they enlist these methods to spare patients pain and complications, while improving their lives. Simply put, minimally invasive surgeries are designed for better visualization and precision while traditional “open” surgeries involve large incisions and greater risks of complications, infections and pain.

“With laparoscopic surgery, physicians are able to go in and look at specifics. There is less damage en route to the area that needs to be operated on. And once there, they see magnified images on a screen,” says Sunder Nambier, Providence Saint Joseph director of perioperative services.

“The optics in this day and age are really superb,” says Allen Hoffman, MD, FACS, a general surgeon at Providence Tarzana Medical Center.

“We can see organs and tissues very, very clearly.”

At all five Providence hospitals, minimally invasive techniques are used to treat a range of conditions. Here’s a sampling of some of the surgeries performed and the positive impact this approach can have on outcomes.

General Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques are used at all five Southern California Providence medical centers for general surgery, including gallbladder removal, hernia repair and appendectomy, which are among the top minimally invasive surgeries by volume. If you providencehealthonline.org

have no complications, you are often home the same day after a laparoscopic general surgery, compared to a two- or three-day hospital stay following an open procedure.

“With laparoscopic gallbladder removal, you can use three or four small incisions, or a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), which can lead to a much faster return to everyday activities for patients,” Hoffman says. This compares to an older, open technique that required a 4- to 8-inch-long incision on the right side under the rib cage and involved a much slower, more painful recovery.

Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance also use robotic-assisted technology for partial nephrectomy, or the removal of kidney masses and tumors. The precise nature and design of minimally invasive robotic techniques is to save more of the kidney, allowing patients to retain more kidney function.

Weight-Loss Surgery

Minimally invasive bariatric surgery is performed at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, which has earned Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence distinction from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Healthgrades bariatric surgery excellence award, three years in a row.

“We do Lap-Band [short for laparoscopic gastric banding] through a minimally invasive approach,” says Philip Quilici, MD, FACS, medical director of the Bariatric Wellness Center at Providence Saint Joseph. “As a Center of Excellence, we met a series of rigorous requirements. We have board-certified surgeons trained in bariatric techniques, extra training for nurses and special equipment designed to accommodate the specific needs of these patients.”

Gynecologic Surgery

Not many women are able to take months away from family, work and winter 2014 Providence Health | 11

life to recover from surgery. Now, they often don’t have to.

In the past, a woman needed an average of six to eight weeks to recover from open surgery. With minimally invasive surgery, recovery time can be as short as two weeks.

Minimally invasive techniques have a range of gynecologic applications, including ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, hysterectomy, early stage endometriosis, uterine prolapse and other diagnostic and benign uses.

Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers use SILS for some gynecological procedures, replacing the standard three to four incisions required by laparoscopic surgeries with a single, nickel-sized incision in the belly button. The procedure has the potential for no visible scars—an incredible feat when contrasted with the 7-inch incision that typically accompanies open approaches—and recovery time can be as little as two weeks, compared with six to eight weeks for traditional surgery.

Prostate Surgery

For many men, the words “prostate cancer” can trigger apprehensions

about incontinence and loss of sexual function. Their fears are not unfounded—delicate nerve fibers can be damaged during radiation or surgery to remove the prostate.

While further research is needed to gauge its precise impacts on these side effects, robotic technology is picking up steam due to its nerve-sparing, precision capabilities.

“With robotic surgery, images are magnified 10 times on a video screen. This helps surgeons operate with tremendous accuracy, which is essential in tight spaces,” Philip Weintraub, MD, FACS, a urologist at Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Holy Cross says.

Orthopedic Surgery

How do you improve on success?

Total joint replacement procedures enjoy one of the highest patient satisfaction levels of any surgery, with more than 90% of patients experiencing a dramatic reduction in pain and a significant improvement in their performance of daily activities.

Yet here, too, rapidly advancing techniques, including artificial joints and visualization, are making minimally invasive options the

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: A Game-Changing Treatment Most aneurysms occur in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood to the body.

Similar to a tire with a bald or weak spot, an aneurysm can create a stretched and ballooning section in the wall of the aorta. The bigger an aneurysm is, the bigger its potential to rupture.

Enter endovascular aneurysm repair.

This highly technical procedure eliminates the need for a rib cage-to-pelvis incision and is available throughout Providence Southern California. A relatively new approach, it involves measuring the compromised artery through CT scan and fitting it with a stent of exact dimensions. “We insert the stent with a special device the size of a pencil, through an artery in the groin,” says Ihab Aziz, MD, a vascular surgeon at Providence Holy Cross and Saint Joseph Medical Centers. “Once you get the device where you want it, you open it, and it fits the exact area.”

The stent essentially creates new walls inside the artery for blood flow, which takes the pressure off the weak spot in the aortic wall.

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treatment of choice for hip and knee replacement, knee arthroscopy and sports injury repairs.

In fact, with minimally invasive knee replacements, for example, “surgeons can work through small incisions with advanced instruments and GPS-like mapping to accurately position knee implants,” notes Ramin Ganjianpour, MD, chief of the Orthopedic Surgery Division at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. And abbreviated recovery periods and hospital stays are making a good thing even better.

Many spine procedures can also be performed minimally invasively, allowing many patients with spinal disorders such as degenerative disc diseases, herniated discs and fractures to experience smaller incisions, less tissue damage and a faster recovery.

Heart Surgery

Imagine an athlete who’s back on the field two weeks after heart surgery. A generation ago this would have been unthinkable, yet with today’s state-ofthe-art techniques, it’s happening.

“We’ve had football players go back on the field two weeks after surgery, and professional cyclists back on the bike one week post-valvular surgery,” says Li Poa, MD, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance. This compares to a three-month activity restriction with open-heart surgery.

What makes it possible? Today, certain heart surgeries can be performed through two-inch incisions near the ribs and simple maneuvering of instruments or robotic “arms.” This compares to a traditional technique of a torso-long incision and breaking of the breastbone.

“The timeline for patients to go back to their full activity and exercise potential is very quick when you go through the side,” Dr. Poa says. The approach has a cosmetic advantage (a “hidden” scar) as well as a medical one: An incision between the ribs is preferable because the blood supply providencehealthonline.org

Our Awards

5 Questions for Your Doctor For many traditional or “open” surgeries, there is now a corresponding minimally invasive option, including a wide range of procedures that are available throughout Providence Southern California. But how do you know what kind of surgery is right for you?

Allen Hoffman, MD, FACS, a general surgeon at Providence Tarzana Medical Center, has broad experience with both open and minimally invasive surgical approaches. If you have been advised that you need surgery, Dr. Hoffman recommends asking a few key questions to determine your best course.

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What are the risks for my surgery, and am I a good candidate for it?

Can this procedure be performed laparoscopically?

What kind of recovery period can I expect?

How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what are your results?

there is more abundant—and thus heals faster—than above the sternum.

Although advanced minimally invasive techniques often are applied to heart surgery, Dr. Poa cautions that any heart surgery is invasive. “Patients need to understand that any heart surgery is very serious surgery,” Dr. Poa says. In fact, he prefers to use the term “minimal-access surgery” with his heart patients.

Top minimal-access heart surgeries include aortic and mitral valve replacement and repair, tricuspid valve repair and coronary artery bypass surgery.

The Next Frontier

All five Providence hospitals already utilize the latest in imaging in order to strategize procedures with tremendous precision and accuracy. With a picture archiving and communication system that allows physicians to share images of PET scans, CT scans and MRI in providencehealthonline.org

5

Are there proven advantages to the minimally invasive option, or could an open approach be the best choice for me?

real time, we are well-positioned for the next frontier of medicine.

As for that next frontier? Dr. Hoffman predicts that robotic surgery—which is already available at Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance Medical Centers—may be the future, although he notes that the “jury is still out” on its applications for general surgery.

Dr. Poa predicts that as medicine marches ever closer to precision-based, pain-sparing techniques, complicated procedures such as artificial heart implantation will be performed through minimal-access techniques.

He also predicts that off-pump mitral valve repair may soon be possible, meaning that a cardiopulmonary bypass machine may not be needed.

For our part, Providence Southern California will continue combining the strengths of our individual hospitals with the combined resources

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Healthgrades 2014 general surgery excellence award; ranked among the top 10% in the nation for general surgery, 2014; Blue Distinction® Center+ for knee and hip replacement procedures; U.S.News & World Report Best Hospital 2013–2014, high performing in gastroenterology, GI surgery and orthopedics Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro Healthgrades 2014 prostate surgery excellence award; Healthgrades 2014 critical care excellence award; Healthgrades 2013 gynecologic surgery excellence award Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Healthgrades 2014 orthopedic surgery excellence award; ranked among the top 5% in the nation for overall orthopedic services, 2014; Healthgrades 2014 five-star recipient for prostate removal surgery Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Blue Distinction® Center+ for knee and hip replacement procedures; Healthgrades 2014 five-star recipient for total knee replacement and spinal fusion surgery; Healthgrades 2014 five-star recipient for gynecologic surgery; Healthgrades 2011– 2013 bariatric surgery excellence award Providence Tarzana Medical Center Healthgrades 2014 general surgery excellence award; ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for cardiology services, 2014

YOUR TURN

Call 1-888-HEALING today for a referral to see one of our minimally invasive physician experts or to find out about upcoming lectures.

of a comprehensive healthcare system to remain a frontrunner in high-tech health. It’s an important mission, because—at least when it comes to offering patients the latest in training, technology and expertise—less isn’t always more. winter 2014 Providence Health | 13

Senior Health

A Sigh of Relief Providence’s pulmonary services can help get you back on track to better breathing

During a normal day, you take nearly 25,000 breaths, so keeping your respiratory system in good shape is essential—especially as you age. Here’s a look at common respiratory conditions, with tips on what you can do and how Providence can help.

The facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which actually refers to a group of diseases that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma.

Pneumonia, bronchitis and other lung infections, although not associated with COPD, also can be devastating.

Haven’t gotten your flu shot? See your physician or call 1-888-HEALING to find a Providence urgent care location near you.

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Improve your breathing and lung health with these tips: Get a flu shot, get the pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine, quit smoking and increase the amount you exercise. “Respiratory muscle tone is so important,” says M. Reza Nahed, MD, a pulmonary medicine specialist at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro began an exercise program 30 years ago that meets under the name “Beyond Rehab” at the San Pedro Peninsula YMCA. “A toned muscle that is in good shape requires less oxygen than a muscle that is in poor shape,” says Kris Brust, RN, disease management coordinator at Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro, who co-leads the program.

Just ask 81-year-old San Pedro resident and emphysema patient Ruth Downing.

“The class encourages me to sit, stand, lift, reach and move forward in all aspects of my life,” she says.

Finally, vigilantly watch for infection.

“A senior’s response to infection is not as robust as a young person’s, therefore infection may not be as obvious,” Dr.

Nahed says. Signs may include fever, lowered alertness, persistent cough, mucus and chest tightness.

What we can do

From inpatient services to pulmonary rehabilitation to classes on how to manage COPD and prevent infection, a range of pulmonary services at Providence Health & Services, Southern California can help you breathe easier.

In fact, Providence Holy Cross and Providence Tarzana Medical Centers ranked among the top 10 in California for pulmonary services in 2012, and both are five-star rated for treatment of pneumonia.

Providence pulmonary experts can show you how to use peak flow meters to measure airflow, how to take maintenance medications or perform breathing treatments to prevent flare-ups, and how to recognize danger signs that require immediate care.

We also can help you develop an action plan. “We help you control your COPD and other lung conditions so they don’t control you,” says Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro Respiratory Educator Rick Hamilton, RCP, AEC. providencehealthonline.org

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

YOUR BEST DEFENSE

What you can do

Foundation Focus

A Gift that Keeps Giving Charitable annuities help the community—and givers, too A brief advertisement in the local newspaper or property to a charitable organization in exchange seeking volunteers was the only prompt Delia for a lifetime stream of annual income.

“Del” McCulloch needed to call Providence. The “I just wish people realized how valuable a California native was intrigued by the opportunity charitable gift annuity is,” says Del. “It gave me a to become a caller for the telephone reassurance good feeling that I was helping our community by program Company Calls, a daily check-in service supporting my local medical center. Plus, it assured for older adults living alone. me an income for the rest of my life. I was so pleased Company Calls offered the perfect role for a that I set up a second annuity a few years after the woman whose childhood ambition was to become a first one.” radio actress. “I was shy,” explains Del. “I wanted to be heard, but not seen.”

For 10 years, Company Calls has had top billing in Del’s life—except with this “gig,” her listeners aren’t among an anonymous radio audience. They are older adults who count on her calls for reassurance and companionship.

Would you like to help your

Do Well by Doing Good

PHOTO COURTESY OF DELIA McCULLOCH

Homegrown Girl

community while ensuring your own financial security? Visit providencepowerofgiving.org and contact a Providence plannedgiving expert to learn more about charitable gift annuities.

Del grew up during the Great Depression, graduated from Hollywood High School and studied radio while attending Los Angeles City College. Despite her shy nature, her sense of adventure prevailed and she began a 16year career in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Diplomatic missions in Hong Kong and India were her favorite stations, and it was while on leave from Hong Kong that Del met future husband Paul McCulloch on an American passenger ship. Paul and Del married in November 1978 and enjoyed their late-in-life marriage until Paul passed away in 1995.

Once widowed, Del—always one with a zest for travel, exercise and gardening—discovered another new passion: volunteering for Providence. For more than a decade, Del’s involvement with Company Calls has advanced Providence’s mission of caring for the poor and vulnerable. “I got to know people over the phone through the years,” Del says, “and they became almost like friends. They counted on us to contact them every day.”

Giving Back

As Del started to think about her own financial security and ability to give back, she decided to partner with Providence through a charitable gift annuity, a type of planned giving that transfers cash providencehealthonline.org

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Providence Medical Institute

How to Do the Flu If influenza strikes, Providence’s urgent care centers can help you fight it They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Nowhere is this truer than with seasonal influenza.

Simply getting a flu shot, frequently washing hands with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick can go a long way toward a flufree season.

However, if influenza strikes, Providence Health & Services’ 10 urgent care locations offer convenient, quick care. In fact, with extended hours and shorter wait times than ERs, urgent care may be your best option.

Cold or flu?

Sometimes, it’s tricky to know whether you have a cold or the flu. “That’s where we can help. We evaluate whether you have the influenza virus,” says Jason Ho, MD, Providence Medical Group’s associate director for urgent care.

Dr. Ho says “sudden” symptoms may be a tip-off it’s the flu. “The sudden onset of severe aches or high fever—this is a major clue.”

Other flu symptoms may include: • Cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose • Headaches and muscle aches • Fatigue • Vomiting or diarrhea

Flu fighting

While most healthy people fight off the flu, prescription anti-viral medications are recommended for those at high risk of complications, including the elderly, those who have chronic medical conditions or are severely ill, and pregnant women.

Time is of the essence. “Anti-viral medications for influenza need to be taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms,” Dr. Ho says. Any later than that, and the virus takes hold.

Dr. Ho also cautions that anti-viral medication is not a quick fix. “It shortens the duration of your flu symptoms by one to three days. Symptoms may be less intense. But anti-viral treatments are not a magic bullet,” he says.

BE PREPARED

Let us know you’re on your way with iTriage! This smartphone app and online application (itriagehealth.com), offers a mobile check-in feature so your Providence Urgent Care team can expect you.

TRUE OR FALSE: FLU FACTS If you’re falling for common immunization myths, it’s time to get the flu facts.

1. The flu shot gives you the flu.

False. Influenza viruses contained in the flu shot are inactivated, meaning they cannot cause infection.

2. The flu shot prevents the flu.

True—but keep in mind that, like all vaccines, the flu shot is not 100 percent effective. It can, however, lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu.

3. The flu shot is only recommended for the very young and the very old.

False. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated this season. Remember, it takes about two weeks for antibodies from the vaccine to “kick in.”

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

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providencehealthonline.org

Calendar January–March

Community Classes and Events From support groups to fitness classes, our Providence medical centers provide the programs you need to live healthfully. For more information on any of the classes, events and screenings listed below, visit providenceclasses.org or call 1-888-HEALING (432-5464).

Not all classes available at all medical centers.

SUPPORT GROUPS Support groups offer patients and families a chance to share experiences of learning and healing. For those who have experienced health issues, we offer the following support groups: Alzheimer’s/Other Dementia* *Spanish-language group available Bereavement Better Breathers Club Breast Cancer Cancer Cardiac Rehabilitation Caregivers Congestive Heart Failure Diabetes Early Memory Loss* *For individuals with a memory loss or neurological condition Grief Heart Disease Liver and Pancreatic Cancer

Live Wires* *For Parkinson’s disease patients who have undergone deep brain stimulation Lymphedema Osteoporosis Stress Reduction Stroke Survivors After Suicide Traumatic Brain Injury Valley Pumpers Women’s Cancer FITNESS Arthritis Friendly Exercise Program Chair Exercises for Strengthening and Flexibility Exercise Safely with Guidance & Support Get Physical Lively Lungs Kundalini Yoga Burbank Mall Walkers

Childbirth and Parent Education

South Bay Galleria Gaitors Walking Program Call 818-847-4535 for more information.

WELLNESS CLASSES AND SCREENINGS Asthma Education Caregiver Education and Training* *Spanish-language class available Nutrition Roundtable Outpatient Nutritional Counseling Pre-Operation Total Joint Replacement Education Pulmonary Education Program Pulmonary Rehab Self-Training DIABETES CLASSES Basic Diabetes Education Class Diabetes 101 & Self-Care Diabetes and Pregnancy Diabetes Self-Management Program Healthy Living with Diabetes Individual Sessions with a Diabetes Specialist

All Providence medical centers offer a full schedule of classes to prepare parents-to-be for pregnancy, birth and parenting. For more information or to download a copy of our 2014 schedule of classes, visit providence.org/baby or call 1-888-HEALING (432-5464).

PREPARE FOR BIRTH Maternity Tour Big Kids and Babies Sibling Maternity Tour PREPARE FOR BABY The Amazing Newborn Anesthesia and Cesarean Section Baby Care Breastfeeding Childbirth Preparation Lamaze Classes* *Spanish-language classes available Childbirth Preparation Intensive Course, one-day intensive class Childbirth Refresher Course Parents Expecting Multiples providencehealthonline.org

Preparing for Your Newborn, four-part series Transition to Parenthood CLASSES ABOUT BABY Baby Signs Basics, baby sign language for hearing babies Infant Safety and CPR, a class for expectant and new parents; newborn to age 1 Infant/Child Safety and CPR*, a class for parents who have children from newborn to age 8 *Spanish-language classes available

SUPPORT GROUPS Breastfeeding Leeza’s Care Connection* *a place for family caregivers, located at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Burbank MommyWise, a weekly support group for new mothers and their infants Perinatal Loss AFTER BABY IS BORN Safe Sitter/Super Sitter, a program that teaches young adolescents how to care for children Sign, Say and Play Continuing Program, six-week baby sign language program

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today. Weekend and evening appointments available.

Location: All Providence hospitals Info: 1-888-HEALING (432-5464) YOGA, MEDITATION AND MORE Numerous classes are open to the public, including yoga, acupressure, meditation, massage, qi gong, acupuncture, tai chi, therapeutic touch, sonic healing and guided imagery.

Meets: Various days and times.

Visit triumphovercancer.org for a full schedule.

Location: All classes held at the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, 181 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: 818-748-4701

Online Calendar Go to providenceclasses.org for class descriptions, times and locations, and to register.

FEATURED EVENTS LEEZA’S CARE CONNECTION: A PLACE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS This community gathering place and resource center is committed to providing free support services, resources and programs for family caregivers taking care of a loved one with a memory disorder or any chronic and/or progressive illness.

Our programs educate, empower and, most important, connect caregivers to one another.

Location: Leeza’s Care Connection, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, 1-South Tower, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: 818-847-3686 (English); 818-347-3728 (Spanish) 18 | Providence Health

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ARE YOU AT RISK FOR COLON CANCER? One in 20 people will develop colon cancer in their lifetime. Don’t become a number. Schedule your colonoscopy.

Location: All Providence hospitals Info: 1-888-HEALING (432-5464) WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY Are you ready to restart your life?

Learn more about our minimally invasive options, including Lap-Band, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures.

Location: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank Info: Visit restartlife.org.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR BREAST HEALTH Schedule your low-cost mammogram

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION Learn what to expect during labor, delivery and recovery. Certified childbirth educators will also share breathing and relaxation techniques.

Meets: Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays; 6:30–9 p.m.

Location: Providence Tarzana Medical Center, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana Info: 1-888-HEALING (432-5464) YOGA TUNE UP® & MEDITATION In Yoga, move through a distinctive set of poses and exercises to build strength, relieve pain and stress, and improve balance. In Meditation, learn to use breathing techniques and guided imagery to reduce stress and combat depression.

Meets: Tuesdays, 10:30–11:45 a.m. (Yoga) and noon–12:30 p.m.

(Meditation); Thursdays, 4:30–5:45 p.m. (Yoga) and 6–6:30 p.m.

(Meditation) Location: Providence Holy Cross Health Center at Porter Ranch, 19950 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills Fee: $15 per class (Yoga); $7 per class (Meditation) RSVP: 818-621-5663 PRE-OPERATION TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT EDUCATION This class covers everything you need to know to prepare for joint replacement surgery. Get instructions for the night before and learn how providencehealthonline.org

to prepare your home for recovery.

Meets: Thursdays; 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Location: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, 4101 Torrance Blvd., Torrance Info: 1-888-HEALING (432-5464) CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP Cardiac patients, family and friends meet to provide mutual support and discuss solutions to common problems.

Meets: Once a month from 5–6:30 p.m.; call for specific dates.

Location: Providence CardioPulmonary Rehab Center, 20929 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance Info: 310-303-7070

PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK

DIABETES SELFMANAGEMENT PROGRAM This comprehensive approach to diabetes self-management education will help you gain control of your diabetes, improve your health and help you feel your very best. The program is customized to meet your unique needs.

Doctor referral is required to schedule an appointment.

Location: Douglas and J. Glass Building, 5315 Torrance Blvd., Torrance Info: 310-543-7280 Location: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Outpatient Diagnostic Center, 11570 Indian Hills Road, Mission Hills Info: 818-496-4310 BRIDGES PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENT DAY PROGRAM This program offers psychiatry, group therapy and socialization.

A wide range of topics is covered, from depression and anxiety to coping skills and healthy relationships.

Meets: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Location: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, 1300 W. Seventh St., San Pedro Info: 310-241-4325 AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAMS This two-part AARP/Driver Safety providencehealthonline.org

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. $12 for AARP members; $14 for nonmembers.

Meets: Jan. 15; Feb. 12 and 19; March 12 and 19.

Location: Providence Occupational Health Center, 3413 Pacific Ave., Burbank Reservations: 818-847-4535 BURBANK MALL WALKERS Join the Burbank Mall Walkers for information that can help improve your health. Light refreshments served.

Presentations are from 9–10 a.m. and include: Jan. 8–“Falls and Fracture Prevention,”

by Val Hunter, PT, CHT, Senior Hand Therapist, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

Feb. 12–“You Are Too Young to Be Old,” by M. Neskovic, MD March 12–Open Forum,

by Boyd Flinders, MD Location: Burbank Town Center, Food Court, third level, 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank Info: 818-847-4535 GALLERIA GAITORS WALKING CLUB Join the Galleria Gaitors for group exercises and quarterly presentations. Galleria doors open to members at 7 a.m., seven days a week. Applications are available at Guest Services, first level, in the Nordstrom wing.

Meets: Thursdays, 8 a.m.

Location: South Bay Galleria, Food Court, third level, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach Info: 310-371-7546

SAVE A LIFE! DONATE BLOOD!

Blood can be the most precious gift you ever give. By donating today, you can save lives in the future. We need your help!

WHERE: Providence Blood Donor Center, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank WHEN: Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Thursday, 12:30–7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 818-847-4433 or visit psjmc.givesblood.org.

MONTHLY CPR & SAFETY CLASSES •B asic Life Support for Health Care Providers •B asic Life Support, Part 2: Skills Evaluation •H eartsaver CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) •H eartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) •H eartsaver, Part 2: Skills Evaluation • Infant/Child CPR • Super Sitter Call 1-888-HEALING (432-5464) or visit providenceclasses.org to register.

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Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center 501 S. Buena Vista St. Burbank, CA 91505-4809

Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Providence Health

Marilyn

• Veteran Providence OB Nurse • Proud Mom of Three Providence Babies

GENERATIONS OF

DELIVERING HEALTHY BABIES

A Providence tradition.

Stephanie

Becky

• Proud Mom of a Providence Baby • Providence Nurse

• Providence Baby • Proud Mom of Two Providence Babies • Daughter of a Providence Nurse

You know your family is your legacy. At Providence, we have quite a family legacy of our own: Continuing a tradition that spans more than 150 years, Providence hospitals welcome thousands of babies into our Southern California community each year. Some return to Providence as adults, becoming caregivers or to deliver babies of their own, trusting in our legacy of care. And on truly special occasions, women born at Providence return to welcome their grandchildren into the world!

We are honored by this living legacy and invite you to continue your own family legacy at a place where compassionate care, experience and safety come together for an exceptional birthing experience.

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Mission Hills

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro

For more information about our maternity programs or a referral to a physician, visit us online at providence.org/baby or call us at 1-888-HEALING (432-5464).

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Burbank

Providence Tarzana Medical Center Tarzana

Receive a FREE child fever kit when you register for one of our maternity events or classes! providence.org/baby 1-888-HEALING (432-5464).