Health

Ventura County Medical Center receives national recognition

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) has recognized Ventura County Medical Center as one of 83 ACS NSQIP participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2017. As a participant in ACS NSQIP, Ventura County Medical Center is required to track the outcomes of inpatient […] Read More »

Valley Fever – more prevalent after Thomas Fires?

Dr. Brugman is a leading pulmonologist in Ventura. by Jennifer Tipton Native to the San Joaquin Valley (hence the name “Valley Fever”) this airborne fungal infection dates back as far as 1892 and may also be referred to as Desert Fever or Desert Rheumatism. Valley Fever is due to the coccidioides fungus which enters the […] Read More »

Nurse Debra Lawry Daisy Award winner

Every day Debra holds the hands of patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer. Community Memorial Health System is proud to announce that Registered Nurse Debra Lawry is the health system’s most recent DAISY Award winner. Created in 1999, the DAISY Award is a special recognition that honors extraordinary nurses internationally who demonstrate clinical […] Read More »

CMHS center’s earn special recognition

Eleven of Community Memorial Health System’s Centers for Family Health have earned special “Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition” status from a national non-profit health care organization for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long‐term relationships between clinicians and patients. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) announced the new recognition in […] Read More »

Protect your health during the California fires

by Dr. Brent Caplan and Dr. Tiffany Caplan-Central Coast Center for Integrative Health The Thomas fire has caused tragic loss in our community. However, it is inspiring to see the community come together to support each other through this difficult time. One important thing to keep in mind is the health impact of the wildfires. […] Read More »

How to prevent and reduce the risk for diabetes

The Ventura Family YMCA is encouraging residents of Ventura to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than one in three Americans (84 million people) has […] Read More »

CMH presenting tingling seminar and “A Thanksgiving Program”.

Tingling and burning sensations in the hands and feet will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System seminar. This condition, known as peripheral neuropathy, affects an estimated 20 million people in the United States. Symptoms can range from numbness and tingling to burning, pricking and even muscle weakness. At the seminar, […] Read More »

CMHS hosts free Ethics in Healthcare Seminar

The tough choices and tradeoffs the United States may have to make to find a workable solution in healthcare will be the focus of a free Ethics in Healthcare event that Community Memorial Health System is holding as part of its 2017 Speaker Series. The seminar starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the […] Read More »

American Academy of Pediatricians updates head lice guidance

In 2015 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its guidance on head lice treatment as new products were introduced after the academy’s 2010 report.  The new report was published in the journal Pediatrics, and it highlights some exciting new developments in the battle against head lice. “Head lice infestation is associated with limited morbidity but causes […] Read More »

Lice and "super lice"

What’s the risk of my child getting infected with “super lice,” and what’s the best way to treat them? by James M. Steckelberg, M.D.The Mayo Clinic Treatment-resistant head lice aren’t a new problem. Dubbed “super lice,” these lice are simply head lice that are becoming more resistant to the active ingredients in many common head […] Read More »

Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary presents annual scholarship awards

On June 12, Audrey L. Carman was presented with the Maria Cavallo Scholarship for $2,000 and the Audrey Woodburn Scholarship for $2,000. These awards are given to a graduating Junior Volunteer who has served at least 100 hours in the CMH Auxiliary, has maintained a 3.50 GPA or better, and will be attending an accredited […] Read More »

Ventura County Medical Center’s new over $300 million North Tower wing

The Ventura County Medical Center’s new over $300 million North Tower wing became a reality on Friday, June 9 with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by over 150 employees, county employees and others. The facility is located at 300 Hillmont Ave. off of Loma Vista. Twelve speakers were on hand including Ventura County Supervisor Steve […] Read More »

Make a difference with CMH

Are you looking for a way to get involved and make a difference in your community? If you are, then a wonderful opportunity awaits you at Community Memorial Hospital. For decades the CMH Auxiliary has been a vibrant organization that provides comfort and assistance to patients and their families as well as assistance to the […] Read More »

Heroes amongst us

Emily Benson, MD (VCMC), Hoc Nguyen Van, MD (Vietnam Duc Hospital), Serge Kaska, MD (San Diego), Aubree Goodman (premed student), Ngo Van Toan, MD (Vietnam Duc Hospital), Petros Frousiakis ,MD (CMH ortho resident), Damayea Hargett ,MD (VCMC) and Mary Ragsdale,MD (VCMC). by Jennifer Tipton For one week, this past March five orthopedic surgeons voluntarily traveled […] Read More »

CMHS to hold advance directive awareness event

Community Memorial Health System is holding its “Great Advance Directive Awareness Event” on Wednesday, April 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County. An advance directive, also known as living will, personal directive, medical directive or advance decision, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken […] Read More »

Stress on immune system the Focus of CMHS Seminar

The effects of stress on the immune system and asthma will be the focus of a free seminar that Community Memorial Health System is holding on Wednesday, April 12. Lewis Kanter, M.D., a board-certified clinical immunologist who also specializes in pediatrics, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 6 to 8 […] Read More »

Medicare benefits for the terminally ill

by Cate Kortzeborn -Medicare’s acting regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. When I talk to people with Medicare about planning for the end of their lives, the statistic that always strikes me is this: If you ask people where they’d rather die – in a hospital or at home – […] Read More »

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a disease that affects your nerves. Medication like valtrex can be used to treat this viral infection. It can cause burning, shooting pain, tingling, and/or itching, as well as a rash and blisters. You may recall having chickenpox as a child. Shingles is caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After […] Read More »

CMHS to host ‘TEDMED Live’ Simulcast Dec. 1 

Community Memorial Health System is sponsoring a free live simulcast of “TEDMED Live 2016,” an annual conference focusing on health and medicine originating from Palm Springs, on Thursday, Dec. 1. TEDMED Live’s theme is, “What If?” and will be held in four sessions, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Museum of Ventura County, […] Read More »

Annual Zumbathon® fundraiser supports fitness training and nutrition education

Ventura based obstetrician and gynecologist Rosalind Warner M.D. chaired this year’s annual Zumbathon® fundraiser produced by Fit 4 The Cause a nonprofit that provides fitness training and nutrition education for special populations who cannot afford or attend traditional gyms under usual circumstances. Zumbathon® took place on Oct. 22 at Constitution Park Drive in Camarillo. One […] Read More »

Local Stem Cell Institute of America now offers Regenerative Therapy 

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, […] Read More »

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, […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

Simple Steps to Good Health - June 2016, Fitness Tips

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

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. […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

Simple Steps to Good Health - June 2016, Food Tips

by Elisabeth Mondragon Start Your Day off Right One of the best ways to start your day with energy and nutrition is with a healthy breakfast. We know it can be easy to just grab a donut on your way to work or simply skip this meal altogether, but both can grind your weight loss plan […] Read More »

Ventura Family YMCA providing scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to underserved community children

As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the Ventura Family YMCA will provide scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to children from underserved communities in and around Ventura. In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity […] Read More »

Community Memorial Health System helping the health of all

Women of all ages are invited to attend a free Aging for Women Symposium on Saturday, June 18, designed to be an educational resource for women, families, caregivers and those with concerns about aging women’s health. The event is part of the Community Memorial Health System 2016 Speaker Series, and provides a range of physician […] Read More »

The 12th Annual NAMI Ventura County Walk held on Saturday April 30

The 12th Annual NAMI Ventura County Walk benefitting the National Alliance on Mental Illness was held on Saturday April 30 at the Ventura Promenade. The 5k walk began at 10:30 am. The Walk is a tradition that provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the facts of mental illness, to erase the stigma associated with […] Read More »

Celebrating “Farm to School”

By Alise Echele, RDN Healthy Schools Project Coordinator Food and Nutrition Services, Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Locally grown broccoli, purple cauliflower, and cheddar orange cauliflower flooded 250 classrooms in thirteen Ventura Unified schools this March.  As 4,300 students used their five senses to explore these colorful brassica plants, produced by Deardorff Family Farm, hands […] Read More »

CMHS to hold free Ethics In Healthcare Event

Communicating end of life decisions will be the focus of a free Ethics in Healthcare event Community Memorial Health System is holding as part of its 2016 Speakers Series on Thursday, April 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County. Jim Hornstein, M.D., CMHS Bioethics Chair will moderate the latest Ethics […] Read More »

Ventura Family YMCA Urges Locals to Assess Type 2 Diabetes Risk

UCLA study finds nearly half of Ventura County adults have prediabetes; Few Ventura residents know they are at risk. Following alarming data in a landmark study on diabetes published by UCLA this month and in conjunction with Diabetes Alert Day observed this year on March 22, the Ventura Family YMCA is encouraging residents of the Ventura area to […] Read More »

Save the date for the Benefactors’ Ball 

The Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation is holding its 43rd Benefactors’ Ball on Saturday, April 16, with proceeds benefitting the new Community Memorial Hospital. At this event, three notable individuals will be recognized with the prestigious Cephas Bard Award, named after the founder of the first Community Memorial Hospital. Awardees to be recognized at this event […] Read More »

Public Health Investigating Cases of Cardiomyopathy in Ventura County

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) has been investigating 12 patients with cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart begins to work with decreased efficiency, and is marked by fatigue and shortness of breath. The patients who have recently been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in the county range in age from 19 to 78 years of […] Read More »

Hyperthyroidism to be the focus of CMHS seminar

Hyperthyroidism, a condition in which one’s thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, will be the focus of a free seminar that Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, March 8. Debra Ouyang, M.D., a board-certified endocrinologist, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

Health Care Agency announces new Chief Deputy Director

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

Anytime Fitness gives back to community through senior fitness classes

Karen 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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

CMHS promotes Cynthia Fahey to VP of Patient Care Services

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 […] Read More »

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 […] Read More »

Take a tour of the new CMH

  Community Memorial Hospital is conducting tours of its new hospital on Friday afternoons. The tour is conducted by Michael G. Ellingson, CMHS Vice President Marketing & Development and assisted by Mary Schmitz, Ph.D., Director of Development. This is the perfect time to see the construction before the final ceilings are installed. Seeing the  amazing […] Read More »

Ribbon cutting held at YMCA

Photos by John Ferritto On November 6, The Ventura Family YMCA celebrated the grand opening of their 4,000 sq. ft. full-size outdoor basketball court, 1,700 sq. ft. outdoor workout space, and a 1,000 sq. ft. play area for their Children’s Corner with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members had asked for more outdoor workout spaces and […] Read More »

News from Community Memorial Hospital

Standardizing care in local skilled nursing facilities was the goal of a two-day training program in which Community Memorial Health System nurses and other staff members participated on Sept. 22-23. Nurses and staff members of the following local skilled nursing facilities also participated in the program, Victoria Care Center, Coastal View Healthcare Center, Ventura Convalescent […] Read More »

Ventura Family YMCA Sportsplex grand opening event and spooky Halloween

Get ready for 3 on 3 when Sportsplex is ready for play after grand opening The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting the entire community to the grand opening of their outdoor Sportsplex and Children’s Corner area on Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.  The celebration kick-off begins with a ribbon cutting by the Ventura […] Read More »

Robotic Surgery to Treat Endometriosis focus of seminar

The role of da Vinci robotic surgery to treat endometriosis – a disease in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it – will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Edwin Ramirez, M.D., who specializes in obstetrics […] Read More »

California Coast Classic Bike Tour cycles through Ventura

Photo by George Robertson The California Coast Classic Bike Tour is a scenic bike ride that takes place over 8 days and covers 525 miles along the coast on Highway 1. The Tour starts in the heart of San Francisco and ends on the iconic strand of Los Angeles with a stop in Ventura. The […] Read More »

CMHS offers patients many things

Community Memorial Hospital is now performing a procedure that implants a new, miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor to manage heart failure. The CardioMEMS HF System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device that has been proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure. The CardioMEMS HF System […] Read More »

CMH’s Dedrick awarded Breastfeeding Coalition’s Liquid Gold Award

CMH’s Sheila Dedrick recognized by the Breastfeeding Coalition of VenturaCounty Community Memorial Hospital’s new Parent Resource Center Coordinator Sheila Dedrick has been recognized as a professional in the community working to support breastfeeding families by the Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County. The BCVC honored Dedrick with its 2015 Liquid Gold Award during an award ceremony […] Read More »