Category Archives: Health

Celebrating our healthy schools

By Nancy Maxson, Coordinator, Health and Prevention Programs, Ventura Unified School District

What does “health” look like in our school district?  If you are a child or parent of a child in Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), you are in good hands indeed.  With a strong Wellness Policy and support from our governing board members and superintendent, Dr. Michael Babb, Ventura Unified School District has a long history of supporting the whole child.  VUSD is not only focused on academic achievement, but also on making sure every child is safe and healthy everyday on every campus.

Starting with a healthy breakfast is critical for student achievement.  In VUSD, every school cafeteria, under the direction of Kara Muniz, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, provides a farm fresh salad bar with local seasonal fruits and vegetables in addition to hot meal entrees.

In the elementary classrooms, all students in grades K – 5 receive a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate Health Education curriculum called The Great Body Shop.  Covering a scope and sequence that addresses the state and national health content standards, the Great Body Shop is common core aligned; cross curricular; and teaches a knowledge, health value, life skill and critical thinking objective.  It is fun, educational, informative and interesting for students, teachers and parents.  At all facilities in the school district, the use of tobacco or electronic-cigarettes are prohibited by students, staff and visitors.

Health Services in VUSD includes nine school nurses, supported by a part-time health technician at each school site.  Our school nurses are the only credentialed, licensed, qualified health professionals in the district. They are a valuable support working closely with schools to keep students healthy and reduce absences.

VUSD’s Wellness Policy facilitates a coordinated school health system that supports and reinforces health literacy through health education, physical education and activity, health services, nutrition services, psychological and counseling services, health promotion for staff, a safe and healthy school environment, and parent/guardian and community involvement.

VUSD is also a proud partner of Summerfest along with the Ventura Education Partnership and the City of Ventura. Summerfest is a free healthy living community event that brings families together for a fun filled day of healthy activities and food provided by hundreds of local organizations.

It is through comprehensive, coordinated school health programs such as those in Ventura Unified that we continue to support the academic achievement of our students as they move through the schools and ultimately graduate and move on to college and career.    For more information about the health programs and services in VUSD, contact 641-5000, ext. 1135.

 

March is American Red Cross Month

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and is the United States premier emergency response organization. The American Red Cross is part of a worldwide organization which offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war.

The American Red Cross is not funded by the government. They rely on donations of time, money and blood to keep the organization running.

Over the years, the American Red Cross has expanded its services. These include:

Disaster Services – The Red Cross responds to approximately 70,000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions. In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families and entire communities get back on their feet

Blood Services – In the United States around 4 million people give blood to the Red Cross, making this organization the largest supplier of blood and products in the country. The American Red Cross serves more than three thousand hospitals throughout the United States

Communications between Military Members and Families – the American Red Cross facilities communications between those serving in the Armed Forces in important events around the world and their family members back home.

Health and Safety Services – these include health and safety training in wide range of areas. From CPR and blood borne pathogens training to HIV/AID education. From swimming and life guarding to American Red Cross Preparedness programs which help people lead healthier and safer lives.

International Services – these include helping vulnerable people worldwide to prevent, prepare for and respond to:

Disasters, life-threatening health conditions, complex humanitarian emergencies

Volunteer Services – there are various opportunities to help the American Red Cross.

Youth Services – The Red Cross have been partners with the Junior Red Cross since it was founded in 1917.

Nursing – over 30 000 nurses are involved in paid and volunteer capacities at all levels and in all service areas throughout the American Red Cross.

Ventura County Chapter 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, CA, 93012    (805) 987-1514 http://www.redcross.org

Learn about “twice as nice” volunteers Eleanor and Richard Guzik , who don’t  just spend their time volunteering for the American Red Cross.  In 2000, when Richard’s mother received hospice care from Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, they were so taken with the level of compassion and love; they decided to become hospice volunteers themselves.

Volunteer Coordinator Maddy Hazard states, “When I thank them for all they do on top of their other commitments their response is always that being Livingston Hospice/Bereavement volunteers will always remain a priority because they feel it is just that important.  Such commitment is at the heart of our wonderful volunteers and we are grateful beyond words.”

Learn more at http://www.lmvna.org/about/team-livingston/eleanor-richard-guzik.html

In Good Health,

Gloria Forgea, RN, MBA   Director of Community and Professional Relations

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association

Westpark Community Center receives a “Health Champion Award”

Ventura’s Westpark Community Center is named a “Health Champion Award” recipient for its “excellent programs that contribute to a healthier Ventura County”.  The Partnership for a Health Ventura County (PHVC) bestows these annual awards on behalf of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, which will recognize all recipients during a TBD March meeting as part of National Nutrition Month.

Westpark Community Center staff will make a public presentation of their award-winning  programs on Thursday, February 4, at 9am, at the Ventura County Public Health Department, 2240 E Gonzales Road in Oxnard. Award winners are selected from the nominees each January by their related PHVC committees.

“Westpark Community Center is a true model for other organizations to follow in creating, supporting and sustaining a healthy environment for local Ventura residents,” said Eddie Munizich, Chair of the Healthy in Your Neighborhood and at Home Committee.

The Westpark Community Center, operated by the City of Ventura Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships, offers food/produce distributions, health screenings, nutrition workshops, Zumba® classes, community health fairs, homework and tutoring support, physical activity and recreation opportunities, enrichment classes, sports leagues and youth camps – all while teaching Westside youth about the importance of self-esteem, leadership, good character, responsibility and respect.

 

Back pain to be the focus of CMHS Seminar

Back pain, which affects an estimated 30 million Americans at any given time, will be the focus of a free seminar when Community Memorial Health System opens its 2016 Educational Seminars series on Tuesday, Jan 26.

Antulio B. Aroche Jr., D.O., who specializes orthopedic surgery, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, located at 147 N. Brent St.

Nationwide, bone and joint health problems have become the leading cause of disability, and Dr. Aroche will discuss the causes and diagnosis of back pain as well as treatment and rehabilitation options available to patients.

Dr. Aroche was dual fellowship trained in orthopedic and neurosurgical spinal surgery at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He is a member of the North America Spine Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and several honor societies. Dr. Aroche is on the medical staffs of Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800/838-3006, or visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Future scheduled educational seminars include: Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Care & Common Therapies on Feb. 23 at CMH; Advances in Cardiovascular Care on Feb. 27 at the Soule Park Golf Course banquet room; Hyperthyroidism on March 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard; and Innovative Management & Treatment of Urinary and Defecatory Disorders on March 15 at CMH.

 

Health Care Agency announces new Chief Deputy Director

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Timothy R. Patten joins Ventura County Health Care Agency.

Ventura County Health Care Agency Director Barry Fisher has announced the appointment of Timothy R. Patten as Chief Deputy Director; he assumes the position following the retirement of Meloney Roy in July 2015. Patten comes to the Health Care Agency from HealthSouth Corporation, where he has been Regional President in the North East Region, overseeing 17 hospitals in six states, three home health agencies and numerous outpatient programs.

Previous to his role at HealthSouth Corporation, he was with Vibra Healthcare, Promise Hospital in San Diego, and Paradise Valley Hospital/Adventist Health, where he served as CEO. He was COO and Vice President of Operations at Simi Valley Hospital/Adventist Health, from 1989 – 1998, where he was responsible for the daily operation of over 300 employees and an annual budget of $40 million.

He has a Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Management, from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan; his career spans 30 years in health care operations and management.

“After a nationwide search to fill this important role in our Agency, I am looking forward to working with someone of Tim’s caliber and experience,” said Barry Fisher, Health Care Agency Director. “He will be a tremendous asset to us.”

Patten will help oversee a workforce of approximately 2,700 employees.

 

CMHS Bariatric Weight Loss Center

Community Memorial Health System’s Bariatric Weight Loss Center has achieved a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications accreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Adolescent qualifications require the center to provide pediatric and psychiatric expertise, and also to include the very specific health needs of an adolescent. Families are an integral part of the process and are included in this major health challenge.

“Community Memorial is committed to providing our patients with the highest level of comprehensive bariatric care,” said Helmuth Billy, M.D, director of Bariatric Surgery at the Bariatric Weight Loss Center located at Community Memorial Hospital.

To earn the MBSAQIP designation, Community Memorial met essential criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its processes and outcomes, identifying opportunities for continuous quality improvement.

For more information about the CMHS Bariatric Weight Loss Center call 658-5839.

 

Anytime Fitness gives back to community through senior fitness classes

stuff anytime fitnessKaren Terveer, the owner of Anytime Fitness wanted to give back to the community and picked The City Center Transitional Living Home, located at 837 Thompson Blvd. to receive the outpouring of canned food  and dried food donations collected at her facilities. She is shown here with Olga Hamra who is the case manager for The City Center

Their senior fitness classes even found a fun and healthy way to bring in donations.  They used canned goods as weights during their fitness class.  Anytime Fitness is proud of their members coming together and thinking of those in need during the holiday season.

 

 

CMHS promotes Cynthia Fahey to VP of Patient Care Services

 Fahey joined CMHS in 2012 as Clinical Quality Coordinator.

Cynthia Fahey, R.N., interim Chief Nursing Officer at Community Memorial Health System, has been promoted to Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.

Fahey joined CMHS in 2012 as the Clinical Quality Coordinator, then as Director of Quality, before serving CMHS as Interim Chief Nursing Officer. She came to CMHS after serving six years as Executive Director of the Perinatal Advisory Council in Tarzana, where she was responsible for the organization’s operating plan and services for 44 hospitals in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, where 54 percent of births occur in California.

“Cynthia has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the nursing field having served in many leadership, auditing and advisory council roles,” said Gary Wilde, President & CEO of CMHS. “Equally important, she is a problem solver, a listener and an effective collaborator among clinicians.”

Before coming to CMHS, Fahey began her extensive nursing career as a registered nurse at local hospitals in Ventura County. In 1982 she began employment at Ventura County Medical Center and worked in various positions in both inpatient and outpatient departments. In 2000 Fahey transferred to the Public Health Department eventually serving as the Maternal Child Health Coordinator, before accepting the position at the Perinatal Advisory Council.

Fahey received her nursing diploma from the Los Angeles County/USC School of Nursing and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

 

 

CMHS promotes Cynthia Fahey to VP of Patient Care Services

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Fahey joined CMHS in 2012 as Clinical Quality Coordinator.

Cynthia Fahey, R.N., interim Chief Nursing Officer at Community Memorial Health System, has been promoted to Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.

Fahey joined CMHS in 2012 as the Clinical Quality Coordinator, then as Director of Quality, before serving CMHS as Interim Chief Nursing Officer. She came to CMHS after serving six years as Executive Director of the Perinatal Advisory Council in Tarzana, where she was responsible for the organization’s operating plan and services for 44 hospitals in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, where 54 percent of births occur in California.

“Cynthia has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the nursing field having served in many leadership, auditing and advisory council roles,” said Gary Wilde, President & CEO of CMHS. “Equally important, she is a problem solver, a listener and an effective collaborator among clinicians.”

Before coming to CMHS, Fahey began her extensive nursing career as a registered nurse at local hospitals in Ventura County. In 1982 she began employment at Ventura County Medical Center and worked in various positions in both inpatient and outpatient departments. In 2000 Fahey transferred to the Public Health Department eventually serving as the Maternal Child Health Coordinator, before accepting the position at the Perinatal Advisory Council.

Fahey received her nursing diploma from the Los Angeles County/USC School of Nursing and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

CMHS offering physical and emotional help

Community Memorial Health System is offering a free support group delving into emotional freedom techniques, also known as EFT.

The support group will meet Dec. 1, Dec. 15 and Dec. 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the CMHS HealthAware office now located at 2580 East Main Street, Suite 103.

Emotional freedom techniques is a healing tool that can provide results for physical, emotional and performance issues. It is a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments, but without the invasiveness of needles.

Virginia Matsuda, who is certified in EFT and hypnotherapy, will lead the support group, facilitated by Evelyn Scott, R.N., of CMHS’s HealthAware program.

For and more information, contact the HealthAware program [email protected] or call 667-2818.CMHS celiac disease seminar

Celiac disease is a chronic condition triggered by gluten found in food containing wheat, rye and barley. Although it can occur at any stage in life, celiac disease is commonly inherited and can be especially threatening to children.

Celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. That’s why Community Memorial Health System is holding a free seminar focusing on celiac disease on December 1st in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium.

Please join Dr. Helen John-Kelly, who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology, who will discuss celiac disease’s symptoms and how it is diagnosed. She also will cover treatment options for children and how patients can live optimally healthy lives.

The seminar is free and begins at 6 p.m. Space is limited, so make your reservation today by calling 1-800-838-3006. Or visit cmhshealth,org/rsvp.