The American Cancer Society invites individuals who want to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease to join its Relay For Life, scheduled for June 23-June 24th from 10 AM-10 AM at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg.

In 1985, Relay For Life began with one man who walked around a track for 24 hours raising $27,000. This year, Relay For Life is coming to you in more than $4,800 communities.

The Relay For Life kickoff rally is where anyone families, caregivers, cancer survivors, schools, companies, etc., get together to kick off annual Relay For Life activities.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnights community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease.

he American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

WHEN – Tuesday, February 7, 2012 – 6:30 PM
WHERE – The Pittsburg Elks Lodge #1474, 200 Marina Boulevard, Pittsburg, CA 94565
HOW – To join Relay For Life in our community, contact Event Chair Judy Dawson: judy_dawson@att.net, 925-787-9021 or Event Co-Chair Michele Littlefield: mmm5864@comcast.net, 925-813-5274 or visit www.RelayFor Life.org/antiochca

Ten Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals, including the one in Antioch, have been named 2011 Leapfrog Top Hospitals, an honor that rewards medical centers for outstanding success in such areas as using electronic health records to reduce medication and other errors, lowering infection rates, maintaining appropriate physician and nursing staffing, and other measures of safety and efficiency.

“It is an honor to see our Antioch and Walnut Creek hospitals receive this designation,” said Ginger Campbell, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Diablo Area. “This reinforces our commitment to quality and reflects the personalized and consistent level of dedicated care we provide to our patients.”

Over the past three years, 13 Kaiser Permanente facilities in Northern California have been named Top Leapfrog Hospitals.

“Kaiser Permanente is consistently recognized by several independent third-party organizations for providing high-quality health care, and this latest honor from Leapfrog is further testament that our physicians, nurses and staff members are consistently delivering personalized, coordinated and technologically advanced care that is improving the health and well-being of our patients and the communities we serve,” said Gregory A. Adams, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan/Hospitals, Inc. in Northern California.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Top Hospitals in 2011 are Antioch, Oakland, Richmond, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, South Sacramento, South San Francisco, Walnut Creek and Vacaville.

Eight Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Southern California also received the honor, which means that 18 of this year’s 65 Top Hospitals in the U.S. are Kaiser Permanente facilities in California. They were chosen from a field of nearly 1,200 hospitals around the country surveyed this year.

The 18 honored Kaiser Permanente hospitals were all in the “urban” category, and comprised more than a third of the 52 top urban hospitals listed nationally. The other categories surveyed were children’s hospitals (10 honored nationally) and rural hospitals (three nationally).

“The physicians, nurses and staff of Kaiser Permanente consistently deliver outstanding quality care and service that is personalized, technologically advanced and closely coordinated across all disciplines—primary care, specialty care, outpatient care and inpatient care,” said Robert Pearl, MD, executive director and CEO of The Permanente Medical Group.

“Our excellent ratings from Leapfrog and other third-party organizations reflect the excellence and superiority of our integrated model for medical care, which enables our medical group, hospitals and health plan to work together on behalf of our patients to achieve the highest quality outcomes.”

The Leapfrog Group is a coalition of public and private purchasers of employee health coverage founded a decade ago to work for improvements in health care safety, quality and affordability. Initially organized by the Business Roundtable, it is now an independent advocacy group working with a broad range of partners, including hospitals and insurers. The annual survey is the only voluntary effort of its kind.

The 2011 list includes university and other teaching hospitals, children’s hospitals and community hospitals in rural, suburban and urban settings. The selection is based on the results of the Leapfrog Group’s national survey that measures hospitals’ performance in crucial areas of patient safety and quality. The questions Leapfrog asks on its survey are consistent with measures used by The Joint Commission, National Quality Forum and Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The results of the survey are posted on a website open to the patients and families, the public and employers and other purchasers of health care. It is the most complete picture available of a hospital’s quality and safety. The website is www.leapfroggroup.org.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.9 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information go to www.kp.org/newscenter.

A new fitness studio has recently opened in Antioch called Progressive Fitness. Owners Terrell Lambacker, a 22-year veteran of the fitness industry and his wife Cecily Guest, a 23-year veteran, are bringing their fitness expertise and great passion for fitness to the Antioch community, in the form of a personal training facility.

This has been the long-time dream of this power couple, originally from New York, and now they can bring health and fitness to the public the way they’ve always wanted to.

“We are putting the personal back in personal training” says the duo. “The last few years in fitness has seen the big box gyms take personal training and treat it as just another stream of revenue for their facilities, and the quality has been lost which is very sad to me as a life long fitness trainer.”

“The fitness consumer believes that because it’s being offered in the gym or health club that it must be good or that the information that they are receiving is the best. Unfortunately that’s not always the case,” said Terrell

He was voted one of the top personal trainers in the country by Men’s Health Magazine, a tremendous honor. He and Cecily are determined to bring personal training back to the public the way it started.

“Personal training, in the beginning, was all about the client getting the health and fitness results that they wanted to achieve”, says Cecily. “For the trainer, it was about forging a partnership with your clients to help them get those results in an atmosphere that was comfortable and nurturing. It started in small intimate studios where the clients were part of a community.”

“The big box gyms only see the money side of personal training and turned it into some kind of assembly line operation,” she added.

The duo knows of what they speak, both have been managers of fitness and group exercise for some of the biggest health and fitness chains in the country during their long and storied careers in fitness.

“At Progressive Fitness we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their health and fitness goals in an atmosphere that is private, comfortable, nurturing and fun,” Terrell said. “No one said it can’t be fun too.” Cecily added.

With all sessions being by appointment only, Progressive Fitness’s hours of operation are whenever clients want to train.

“We are here to service our clients when they are able to train, says Terrell. “I don’t want to give clients an excuse not to train, so whenever their schedules allow for them to come in and train that’s when we are open.”

They also offer help and suggestions with nutrition and will soon be offering training and nutrition packages as well because.

“It’s one thing we know for sure, you can’t get the results you seek without your nutrition being on track too,” he stated emphatically.

Terrell along with Progressive Fitness’s other top in-house trainer Fred Johnson, who is also a massage therapist, offer to everyone interested in training, a free session to experience what training with these dedicated professionals is like

From the looks of their facility that’s going to be a tremendous workout. They have the TRX Suspension Training System, the hottest fitness training apparatus on the market today. A pair of straps hanging from the ceiling, innocent looking but what a workout those straps can provide.

Along with big tractor tires and sledge hammers, Kettlebells and a few other tricks up their sleeves Progressive Fitness has all today’s fitness enthusiast as well as those looking to lose a few pounds needs to see the results they seek.

Progressive Fitness also offers Yoga Circuits, taught by the Bay area’s top Yogi and owner of Progressive Fitness Cecily. Yoga Circuits are offered every Sunday morning.

“Its a wonderful way to start your Sunday after the hectic lives we live during the week”, says Cecily.

Terrell also says that RYDE is starting at Progressive Fitness this month, that’s indoor cycling on stationary bikes called REAL RYDERS – bikes that actually turn from side to side. Plus, GOBOX!, a boxing conditioning class led by Fred.

“Its everything but the knockouts,” he said.

For folks who like to dance those extra pounds and inches away, ZUMBA classes are also offered at Progressive Fitness. ZUMBA is taught by YANI, one of the hottest instructors in Antioch.

So stop by Progressive Fitness, located at 4045 Lone Tree Way, Suite C, near Starbucks in the Bluerock Center, and talk to the team about fitness and let them progress your health.

For more information visit them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PFTC1, or on their website at www.MyProgressiveFitness.com or call (925) 727-3031.

 

Through Helping Hands 2011 – Your Cause is Our Cause™, 100 Year Lifestyle Licensed Affiliate chiropractors across the country are banding together this holiday season to support causes in their communities.

During the months of November and December, participating 100 Year Lifestyle Licensed Affiliate chiropractors will be donating their special new patient fees of $25.00 for local, national or global causes of their patients’ choice. From now until December 31st Deer Valley Chiropractic in Antioch will host “Helping Hands 2011 -Your Cause is Our Cause”.

Said Dr. Brandon Roberts, “In addition to helping our patients, this is just one more small way that we can have a ‘hands-on’ impact in supporting important causes.”

Millions of people are diagnosed with conditions that can be caused by problems in the spine and nervous system. One in ten children show signs of disc degeneration on MRI scans.

“Chiropractic care is making a difference for millions of people. I am proud to know that The 100 Year Lifestyle Licensed Affiliates are willing to give back to their communities, especially during these challenging times,” said Dr. Eric Plasker, the best selling author of The 100 Year Lifestyle and organizer of this campaign.

“The direct link between the health of the spine and nervous system and the enhancement of the immune system is now indisputable,” said Dr. Roberts. In a recent study reported in the Chiropractic Research Journal, HIV positive patients, who received regular chiropractic care over a six-month period, experienced a 48% increase in production of immune system cells compared to those who did not receive spinal adjustments.

“Chiropractic can make a difference in the quality of your health on many levels,” said Dr. Roberts.

Because of the input from so many different people, proceeds from “Helping Hands 2011” will benefit many causes. To find out more, please call Deer Valley Chiropractic, 925-757-7571 and/or Dr. Eric Plasker at The Family Practice, Inc. 866-532-3327 x109.

Eagle Scout Jared Paget collects hundreds of children’s books for Sutter Delta Medical Center’s Emergency Department and Pediatric Unit—to distribute to more than 10-thousand children the hospital treats annually.

As part of his quest to seek his official Eagle Ranking, Jared held several local book drives, and reached out to many local business owners to donate money, so he could purchase books. He estimated the project took him approximate 110 volunteer hours. In all, Jared collected more than 800 books that range from picture books to intermediate reading books.

“I thought about my childhood, and when I was a little kid I had quite a few medical issues that required me to visit the hospital a lot,” says Jared. “I remembered being in my room or the waiting room, and having nothing to do but think about how sink I was. So I thought of how entertaining a book can be, and how it takes a long time to read some of them, and just thought that might be a great way to entertain a hospitalized child.”

Phyllis McClanahan, Sutter Delta’s emergency department nurse manger, couldn’t agree more with Jared. “Our ER can get very busy, and our staff is focused on treating patients of all ages,” says Phyllis. “Having a library of children books can help a child pass the time and serve as a distraction.”

Unlike adults, children can become uncertain about their surroundings in a hospital. Popular and fun reads like Good Night Mr. Moon, Ramona’s World, The Cat and Hat can help turn frowns into smiles during difficult times.

“Picking up a book and reading a fun story to a child that is hospitalized can be a real mood-changer,” says Pediatric Nurse Carol Vinzant. “Since they’re missing school because they in the hospital, giving children a book to read is an opportunity to keep children learning when they can’t attend school.”

While Jared turned in his completed his project that earned him his Eagle Ranking, he knows that his project will also have a lasting impacting on many children. Visit our social media press release to view pictures and learn more about Jared’s project.

College sophomore Ronimar Jessicacris “Jessica” Panugaling is all too familiar with increasing tuition fees, which are making her dream of becoming a nurse very costly. So when she received a $1,000 scholarship from Sutter Health, Jessica was very thankful for the support to achieve her goal.

“Every year I am faced with having to come up with extra money for tuition or books, so it can be pretty stressful” says Jessica. “The Sutter Health scholarship will help me tremendously, and I am so grateful that Sutter Health is investing in our future.”

A long-time Antioch resident, Jessica is one of 11 students to receive a Sutter scholarship in the Sutter Health East Bay Region. All scholarship recipients have parents or grandparents employed by our Sutter Health affiliates.

“My mother, Teresa-Maria, has worked in the Dietary Department for Sutter Delta Medical Center for the past nine years,” says Jessica. “Through the years, I’ve realized how critical her job is to making sure patients receive a healthy meal, so they can get better and back on their feet.”

Exposed to the health care industry at an early age, Jessica decided she wanted to pursue a nursing career.
“I feel a calling to help people,” adds Jessica. “Over this past summer, I achieved my certified nursing assistant certificate. So I am really excited to keep reaching my goal and grateful to Sutter Health for helping me do so.”

Since its inception in 2003, the Van R. Johnson Sutter Scholars Program has awarded more than 3,700 scholarships totaling over $5.5 million to Northern California students. Named in honor of former Sutter Health CEO Van R. Johnson, the Sutter Scholars Program is a competitive opportunity available to the children and grandchildren of employees within the Sutter Health network.

“We are very proud of Jessica and wish her the best in pursuit of her career,” says CEO Gary Rapaport. “We are also pleased and proud that Sutter Health and Sutter Delta Medical Center are able to offer this support for our employees and their families.”

By Teresa A. Klein

Treating each and every client with compassion, sensibility and professionalism, Sweet Medical is a full-service specialty medical supply store servicing the public for nearly 20 years. Owned by Sandra Gama who began working as an administrative assistant under previous owner Marsha Green in 1995, Sweet Medical has recently moved into its new, expanded location at 4615 Golf Course Avenue at the corner of Lone Tree Way and Golf Course.

The new store carries rental equipment, medical supplies, treatment rooms, and a Women’s Boutique.  Supplies include: compression garments and pumps; professional sport supports; burn garments; CPM’s (continuous passive motion); breast care products; mobility; bath safety products; and cane and wheelchair accessories. The Women’s Boutique features Amoena, a leading brand of silicone breast forms and specialty designed post-mastectomy lingerie, swimwear and loungewear. In addition, the boutique includes accessories such as jewelry, purses, hats, scarves, head wraps, and books.

“What sets Sweet Medical apart is my years’ experience,” says Gama. “Even as owner I am still hands-on every day. I greet people at the door, do fittings and am aware of every situation in the company.”

Both Sandra and her sister Bernice are certified fitters and have taken many courses to stay on top of the latest product offerings. Sandra’s specialty is compression garments with a secondary emphasis in breast care, while her sister’s specialty is breast care with secondary in compression
garments.

All other Sweet Medical employees are trained as well so they can provide the best service to its patients, from fitting specialized medical garments and breast care products, to delivering and installing specialized equipment, says Gama.

“All our fitters are certified as well as sensitive to the needs of all patients,” Gama proudly states. “No matter the need … Sweet Medical fitters thrive by providing patients with the comfort they deserve and can always count on.”

Gama says that many suppliers in the field don’t train their patients as to the whys and hows of the garments or equipment, but Sweet Medical pride’s itself on doing just that: educating the patient. She says she always challenges herself and her staff to make the experience better for the patient because sometimes the patient has no idea why a doctor has recommended
a certain item.

“I can’t put the same garment on a patient with lymphederma as a diabetic, which is why we don’t sell anything without a fitting,” says Gama. She adds that Sweet Medical guarantees all fittings.

To help educate Antioch residents even more about their health, Sweet Medical holds monthly informational session from 6-8 p.m. on the third Monday of the month; October 17th will focus on breast cancer awareness. Gama holds these sessions, inviting other local businesses to come and share their knowledge and a wide variety of health topics with the public. This is held free of charge and includes food, and drinks, and sometimes raffles.

“It’s a way to get to know each other as a community,” she says. “I don’t believe we’re competitors; we all provide a service just in different ways. It’s good for the community to do this.”

Sweet Medical is open M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information call 925-779-0207 or go to www.sweetmedicalinc.com.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Teresa A. Klein

Sweet Medical Women’s Boutique and Specialty Medical Supplies has served Antioch and the surrounding area for nearly 20 years. Having moved to a new, spacious location at 4615 Golf Course Avenue at the corner of Lone Tree Way and Golf Course, owner Sandra Gama chose to add a Women’s Boutique to her store to serve the needs of the community.

Gama has been a long-time advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection, promoting it in and out of her store. “We’re all about Pink,” says Gama. Although October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Sweet Medicals’ busiest time of the year, Sweet Medical’s Women’s Boutique is a year-round business.

Following skin cancer, breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer and is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, behind lung. “The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is a little less 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35,” according to the American Cancer Society.

According to the American Cancer Society’s web site, in 2011:
• About 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women
• About 57,650 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
• About 39,520 deaths from breast cancer (women)

Although numbers of women (and men) getting breast cancer continue to rise, ACS says, “Thanks to improvements in treatment and early detection millions of women are surviving breast cancer today.”

Sandra and her sister Bernice are certified to fit breast forms and specialty garments. Both have taken many courses and keep themselves educated about the industry so they can provide the best service for their patients. Sweet Medical has private treatment rooms to meet with patients.
The Women’s Boutique features Amoena, a leading brand of silicone breast forms and specialty designed post-mastectomy lingerie, swimwear and loungewear. In addition, the boutique includes accessories such as jewelry, purses, hats, scarves, head wraps, and books.

“Being in the field we are in awe of how non-discriminating breast cancer is. Breast cancer doesn’t kill you if you catch it in time. Early detection is the key,” says Gama.

Through Gama’s work at Sweet Medical and with patients at hospitals she has heard many excuses why people do not do breast self exams or get mammograms. “I’m too young,” “It’s not in my family,” and “I’m a man” top the list. Gama says we [the public] say we are too busy or we will do it later, but we need to take the time to be proactive.

To help build awareness, Sweet Medical is holding a breast cancer informational session from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, October 17th. Sweet Medical holds these sessions monthly on the third Monday, inviting other local businesses to come and share their knowledge and a wide variety of health topics with the public. This is held free of charge and includes food, and drinks, and sometimes raffles. “It’s a way to get to know each other as a community,” she says.

Sweet Medical is open M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information call 925-779-0207 or go to www.sweetmedicalinc.com.

For more information on breast cancer, what it is, tests to detect it, and treatment options, you may call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Monday- Friday from 5 a.m.-5 p.m., Antioch time. The NCI’s LiveHelp online chat service provides Internet users with the ability to chat online with an Information Specialist. The service is available from 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Antioch time, Monday – Friday.; also its web site at www.cancer.org/breastcancer.