Category Archives: Health

Local Stem Cell Institute of America now offers Regenerative Therapy 

Patients are having over an 80% success rate in activity and function.
Patients are having over an 80% success rate in activity and function.

Advanced Spine & Sport Medical Rehabilitation Center of Ventura, CA, recently announced its latest state-of-the-art healing procedure: Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy. Developed in conjunction with the Stem Cell Institute of America, Advanced Spine & Sport Medical Rehabilitation Center is now offering painless injections for arthritic and/or degenerative conditions, especially those found in the knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, neck and lower back

With over 15 years of experience, serving Ventura County, Spine & Sport continues to utilize cutting-edge technology to help restore patients’ health.  These remarkable treatments repair tissue in the body that has been damaged from age, disease or degeneration. Stem Cells pinpoint the impaired areas, remove the swelling with powerful anti-inflammatory properties and then heal them by regenerating new cells and tissue.

According to Advanced Spine & Sport Medical Rehabilitation Center of Ventura chief medical officer, their patients are having over an 80% success rate and can experience a significant decrease in pain and an improvement in activity and function within weeks of treatment

Advanced Spine & Sport Medical Rehabilitation Center of Ventura is one of the first clinics in the Ventura County to offer this highly advanced form of therapy, “Our patients say the results are amazing,” said Dr. James Baranski, D.C, a national spokesperson and speaker for the Stem Cell Institute of America.

“We are so excited about the results we are seeing with our patients, more importantly, our patients are excited about living their lives and enjoying the activities they enjoy. We invite you to attend an upcoming seminar to learn more about this incredible healing technology and how it might be able to help you or someone you love finally live a pain free life.” Dr. James Baranski, D.C.

For more information visit www.americastem.com.

To register for one of these  Free Educational Stem Cell Seminars  call 312.9082.

 

 

Colon cancer to be the focus of CMHS Symposium

 

Colon cancer, the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the U.S., will be focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Saturday, Oct. 1.

The symposium will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ventura Beach Marriott, 2055 Harbor Blvd.

An estimated 136,830 Americans will be diagnosed this year and 50,310 will die. The symposium will provide the latest information on the detection and diagnosis of colon cancer. It also will offer the latest concepts on treatment options and cancer support for those facing colon cancer as well as for their caregivers and family.

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

 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Wound Care to be focus of Seminar

Hyperbaric oxygen medicine for the treatment of chronic wounds will be the focus of a free seminar at Community Memorial Health System on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

John Tesman, M.D., will lead the discussion to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St.

About 6.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic wounds. They include non-healing wounds or ulcers of the lower extremities, arterial venous and insufficiency ulcers, radiation-induced ulcers and traumatic and post-surgical wounds. Dr. Tesman will discuss the treatment of difficult and complex chronic wounds and treatment modalities of hyperbaric oxygen. Attendees also can find out if they are candidates for specialized wound care.

Dr. Tesman specializes in hyperbaric medicine and is board certified in undersea and hyperbaric medicine as well as emergency medicine and is a fellow of the College of Chronic Wound Care Specialists. He has been a hyperbarics and chronic wound care medical director locally for the past 10 years and is the director for CMHS’ Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine.

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

 

Free seminars and  healthcare education offered  by CMHS

 Community Memorial Health System’s Healthy Women’s Program is hosting a Community Outreach Day which offers free mammograms and healthcare education to the first 35 women who qualify. This event will take place at the Center for Family Health in Ventura on Saturday, Aug. 27.

The women will arrive early at the CFH office located at 120 N. Ashwood Avenue where they will be transported to The Breast Center at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, and then back to the Centers office.

This year, an estimated 232,340 new cases of breast cancer occurred in the United States, and early detection and awareness is the key to fighting this life-threatening disease. The Healthy Women’s Program provided through Community Memorial Health System benefits women in the community who are uninsured, under-insured or lack funds to pay for mammograms and follow-up treatment, if necessary.

“These women have nowhere else in the county to go to get these services; that’s why they come to us,” said Petra Luna, education manager for Centers for Family Health.

The Healthy Women’s Program is made possible through the support of Community Memorial Health System and fortunate support of funds raised by the Saticoy Regional Women’s Club and Heels and Wheels, Community Memorial Health System is able to offer breast cancer screening and treatment and cervical cancer screening to women in our community who lack access to pay for these life-saving exams.

To find out if you qualify for this program, call 651-2661. For more information on the Healthy Women’s Program visit www.cmhshealth.org/healthywomen.

Neck pain will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Michael Dorsi, who specializes in neurosurgery with expertise in brain, spine and peripheral surgery, will lead the seminar that will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard, 600 E. Esplanade Drive.

Neck pain can be debilitating and painful. Common symptoms include pain, numbness or weakness, tingling and difficulty with balance or even walking. Dr. Dorsi will discuss how neck pain is diagnosed, nonsurgical management and treatment and healthy lifestyle choices to help alleviate symptoms.

Dr. Dorsi received his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He trained in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins and completed an advanced spinal care fellowship at UCLA. He is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff and the clinical instructor for Western University School of Medicine.

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

Future Speaker Series events include: Ethics in Healthcare: Are You a Good Patient? on Sept. 14 at the Museum of Ventura County, Hyperbaric Medicine seminar on Sept. 27 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and Colon Cancer Symposium on Oct. 1 at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

 

 

Are you a trained and certified Reflexologist?

Volunteers are needed to give Reflexology to cancer patients . The Cancer Program at Community Memorial Hospital is seeking trained and certified Reflexologist interested in volunteering at our Cancer Center. The Cancer Resource Center in conjunction with Community Memorial Hospital offers a variety of free services to individuals faced with a diagnosis of cancer as well as providing programs for family members and friends. These services are offered in a comfortable non-hospital setting. The CMH Cancer Center is located inside the Coastal Communities Cancer Center at 2900 Loma Vista Road.

If you have an interest in volunteering please contact the CRC at 652-5459. All volunteers are required to become CMH Auxiliary members and are asked to volunteer at least 4 hours per month.

There are many  Auxiliary services looking for volunteers.  Weekdays (daytime and evening) and Saturday (daytime) opportunities have openings.

Please stop by CMH Auxiliary front desk and pick up an application.

CMHS seminar and other health news

The effects of sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint disorder – TMJ – on chronic headaches will be focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, July 19.

Brigitte Lovell, D.M.D., who specializes in headache and orofacial pain, will lead the seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St.

Dr. Lovell will discuss the warning signs, diagnosis and treatment of TMJ, which can cause pain to the head, jaw, neck and shoulders. She also will cover TMJ pain night guards, devices and injections, as well as sleep apnea/snoring custom-made alternative dental devices that are available.

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

Interventional cardiologists at Community Memorial Hospital are the first in Ventura County to treat patients with breakthrough drug-eluting stents approved in October, 2015 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

A cardiac stent restores blood flow in diseased blood vessels. Unlike traditional drug-eluting stents, Boston Scientific’s latest Synergy stent utilizes a bio-absorbable polymer on the surface of the stent that breaks down and is cleared by the body after the drug it contains is released, leaving behind a bare platinum-chromium stent.

Acclaimed actress Kathy Bates has played a variety of roles during her distinguished 40-year film, television and stage career. Recently, however, Bates has taken on a new, more important role as the spokeswoman for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN). After surviving ovarian and breast cancer, she’s currently struggling with a chronic condition that resulted from her double mastectomy four years ago – lymphedema. Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling in an arm or leg that may occur after surgeons have removed lymph nodes during cancer treatment. Without the lymph nodes, lymph fluid does not drain properly.

While lymphedema by itself is not fatal, it can be disfiguring and debilitating and can cause long-term physical, psychological and social problems for patients.

Treatment of lymphedema is one of a number of services provided by Community Memorial Health System’s Cancer Resource Center (CRC) in Ventura in cooperation with the Rehabilitation Department of Ventura County. Complete Decongestive Therapy is provided, which includes manual lymph drainage, multilayered compression bandaging by certified fitters, therapeutic exercises, skin care and patient education in self-care.

In addition to treatment, the CRC offers a screening clinic for lymphedema and a support group for those diagnosed with the condition. Both the screening and support groups are held the third Tuesday of each month.

For more information on the Cancer Resource Center’s lymphedema treatment program, call 652-5459.

 

 

Simple Steps to Good Health – June 2016, Fitness Tips

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by Elisabeth Mondragon

5 Ways to Sneak in Exercise This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to check in with your healthy lifestyle goals. You might be spending less time in a gym but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on exercise. Be creative and exercise outside! Spending active time with your family or friends outdoors is an easy way to sneak in exercise and summer fun in the sun. Here are five fun ideas.

daily-morning-walk-41. Early morning walks
The thought of being outside in the summer afternoon heat can be daunting. Why not take a morning walk instead? You can even take your coffee with you, just make sure you’re walking fast enough to get your heart rate up. A lap around a scenic park, a brisk stroll down the beach or even a couple of loops around your block will ensure your day gets off to a healthy start. Bring your dogs and kids if you have them!

poolexercise2. Pool exercises
There are endless opportunities to enjoy time at the pool during hot summer months. Whether you have a club membership, access to a neighborhood pool or even a day pass to the public pool, why not turn this essential summer pastime into a workout! Instead of lounging on the edge of the water, jump in! If you have kids, play Marco Polo or judge a handstand contest. If not, grab a buddy and work up a sweat racing laps or even doing water aerobics! Bonus points if there’s a water slide – all that walking up stairs is a great workout for your legs.

familysoftball23. Family field day
This is a fun, active way to celebrate a summer birthday or family reunion. Take the focus off the treats and concentrate on good old-fashioned competition instead! Kids and adults can participate in a backyard games, making this a good activity for the whole family. Burlap sack races, water balloon fights, basketball and hula hooping are activities that will get your hearts pumping. Don’t forget to drink water! The hardest part will be deciding who will be on each team!

beachcleanup4. Volunteer
Feel good and do good – what could be better? There are thousands of outdoor volunteer opportunities across the country. Pick an active one, like rebuilding hiking trails, picking up trash at a local beach, planting trees or building a house for the less fortunate. Even if you only have one open weekend to commit, chances are there’s a need to fill in your community.
beachvolleyball5. Recreation Leagues
Your city likely has sports leagues for all ages, whether it’s a 20-somethings kickball league, a weekly tennis game or a family softball tournament. You probably won’t even notice the exercise part — you’ll be distracted by the competition and socializing! Don’t forget to walk around, stand or cheer when it’s not your turn to participate. Getting your friends and family involved will help you stay motivated to attend.

Why wait a year?  Protect your senses!

Once a year a charitable event generously offers a free dental clinic; however, every day there is a child in pain who requires help now!

The Children’s Resource Program (CRP) began 31 years ago with a simple concept – children should not live in pain. The CRP’s primary focus is to provide oral health and vision care services for low-income, underserved, and at-risk children who lack access to health care. At no fault of their own, many of these children are left to fend for themselves without being taught to care for their precious dental health and sight.

These children are referred to the CRP for exams, x-rays, glasses, root canals, endodontics, periodontics, extractions, crowns, fillings, cleanings, and occasionally braces, for medical reasons. These services are donated by oral health and vision care specialists from Ventura County. Cosmetic, general and restorative dentistry are all offered by Dentist Greene so be sure to book yourself in for an appointment if you’re in need of any treatments or just a checkup.

The CRP receives referrals for these services from school districts, the Mexican Consulate, clinics, government agencies, hospitals and non-profit agencies. The CRP receives referrals for children whose dental and vision problems are impeding academic, social, emotional, and physical development. The CRP transports children to cities in Ventura County where services are available, connecting children to over 2,000 services a year and our donors provide over $300,000 in-kind services, annually. Since 1984, children referred to the program have received over $5 million in donated services.

On August 18, at the Lloyd Butler Estate, the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation at its 23rd Annual David Fainer, MD and Leo Tauber, MD health care event will honor exceptional health care providers who donate their time and talents to help others.

At these awards, we are honoring VCMRF’s 60th anniversary, and our founder, Dr. Leo Tauber’s 100th birthday. This year’s honorees include: Oral Health Specialist Scott Packham, DDS; Vision Care Specialist, Paul J. Dougherty, MD; Hospital Physician Gail Simpson, MD; Community Physician, John Walters, MD; Hospital Nurse, Diana Jaquez, RN; Community Nurse, Rosemary Libman, RN; Behavioral/Mental Health Professional, Deborah Thurber, MD; Allied Health Professional, Camarillo Health Care District, and the Trailblazer Award to, Assisted Home Health & Hospice – Elaine Donley.

For more information contact VCMRF at 641-9800. www.vcmrf.org

Police Department and Ventura Behavioral Health hosts mental health program

Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that can help individuals across the community to understand mental illnesses, support timely intervention and save lives. Most people, when they hear the words First Aid, automatically consider the likes of AED police or paramedics – however, mental health is now becoming a more recognised issue. The two part 8-hour course, hosted by the Ventura Police Department and Ventura County Behavioral Health, introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer and social supports as well as self-help resources.

Mental Health First Aid allows for early detection and intervention by teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addictions. The program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like “What can I do?” and “Where can someone find help?” Participants are introduced to local mental health resources, national organizations, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support.

Training 1: Youth Mental Health First Aid June 28 & 29, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. is designed to teach neighbors, teachers, parents, peers, and caring citizens how to help a youth or teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis.

Training 2: Adult Mental Health First Aid July 19 & 20, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. is designed to train adults to help someone facing a mental health problem.

There is no cost for the course. Funding comes through Ventura County Behavioral Health. To register please email Mary Ellen Collins, Certified Trainer: [email protected] or call 657-4408. To learn more about Mental Health First Aid visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

Free health screenings at Marketplace

Men’s health will be the focus of the free Health Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 25 at the Ventura College Foundation’s weekend Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held on the Ventura College campus east parking lot at the corner of Telegraph and Day roads. Health screenings, demonstrations and health information will be available to both men and women at the event.

Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc., will conduct the health screenings, including blood pressure; height, weight and BMI; and blood glucose levels as well assist individuals in finding locations where they can schedule a prostate exam. Information will be available in English and in Spanish on Cal Fresh/Food Share of Ventura County and Medical, along with programs related to men’s and women’s health, domestic violence, senior services, mental wellness, cancer and employment. There will also be information on home health care, nonmedical care, palliative and hospice care and a CPR demonstration from American Medical Response. Walgreens will also be onsite with a pharmacist available for “”Ask the Pharmacist about your Medications”.