Friday, October 12, 2012

Perfect Health and Fitness Provides the Key to a Life Without - SBWire


Bear River, Nova Scotia -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/12/2012 -- According to the National Institute of Health, in 2004, 104.7 outpatient visits were made involving a digestive disease. Of these visits, 13.5 million resulted in a hospitalization and 236,164 deaths were attributed to a digestive disorder. All age groups were seen during these visits. although the highest rate was for those age 65 or older. The total cost for these visits was $141.8 billion, with $97.8 billion of that being for direct medical costs. With rising health care costs, this should be of concern to every American, states Elke Neher, founder of Perfect Health and Fitness.

Digestive diseases encompass a number of medical conditions, including, but not limited to, abdominal wall hernias, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease and viral hepatitis. "When someone has been diagnosed with a digestive disease of any type, he or she may immediately turn to the Internet for information. Sherry Brescia, creator of "Great Taste No Pain", did the same thing when she suffered from severe pains in the past. Sadly, this is often the worst thing to do," Ms. Neher says.

"As an expert health researcher, Sherry Brescia works with patients suffering from digestive diseases on a regular basis. When she began her research, she quickly realized that much of the information provided online was actually incorrect. This caused her great concern as many are inclined to believe what they read on the Internet is fact," Ms. Neher continues.

As a result of this discovery, Ms. Brescia chose to write "Great Taste No Pain". Although there was a great deal of skepticism about her site when it first started," Ms. Neher explains, "Over time, people began to realize that the information provided in the books is trustworthy and accurate. As a result, customers are pleased with the results obtained and come back satisfied. No matter what digestive disorder one is suffering from, the information provided by Ms. Brescia is of great help. Be sure to visit her site to learn more about her work." Ms. Brescia offers a 60 day money back guarantee. If customers are not satisfied, the books may be returned for a full refund.

"At Perfect Health and Fitness, we offer advice on a wide range of digestive issues. Request Sherry Brescia's free report Pain-Free in 1 Day to get started on the path to a life free of digestive diseases," Ms. Neher goes on to say. "Give us a try today and see how we can be of help. No matter what digestive issues patients are suffering from, we offer information to assist them in resolving the issues once and for all."

About Perfect Health and Fitness
Elke Neher founded Perfect Health and Fitness to help those suffering from digestive issues. The goal of this website is to provide true facts and help those suffering from a digestive disease permanently end all stomach and digestive problems. Topics covered include probiotics, gastritis, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, superfoods and heartburn.

Source: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/perfect-health-and-fitness-provides-the-key-to-a-life-without-digestive-disorders-171804.htm

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Video: Wisc. House candidate discusses challenging Paul Ryan

NYT: After meningitis death, family members ask why

??Diana Reed tried massage and acupuncture, but neither eased her neck pain. She may have injured herself while helping her husband, Wayne, who has Lou Gehrig's disease.? Finally, she decided to try a series of steroid injections. Less than a week after her last one, she died of fungal meningitis.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/vp/49380439#49380439

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Video: Matthews: Learn the real differences between Obama, Romney before voting

Business travel growth sluggish, report says

Unemployment, economic turmoil in Europe and slower growth in China and the Far East are expected to curb business travel growth in U.S., according to a new report by the Global Business Travel Association.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/vp/49350520#49350520

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11 teammates testified in case against Armstrong

FILE - This April 1, 2012 file photo shows seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong grimacing during a news conference after the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas triathlon in Galveston, Texas. The world may soon know what the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has on Armstrong. USADA has said it had 10 former teammates ready to testify against Armstrong before he chose not to take his case to an arbitration hearing. The list likely includes previous Armstrong accusers Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Michael Paulsen, File ) MANDATORY CREDIT

FILE - This April 1, 2012 file photo shows seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong grimacing during a news conference after the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas triathlon in Galveston, Texas. The world may soon know what the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has on Armstrong. USADA has said it had 10 former teammates ready to testify against Armstrong before he chose not to take his case to an arbitration hearing. The list likely includes previous Armstrong accusers Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Michael Paulsen, File ) MANDATORY CREDIT

FILE - In this July 24, 2005 file photo, Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, carries the United States flag during a victory parade on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, after winning his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race. The world may soon know what the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has on Armstrong. USADA has said it had 10 former teammates ready to testify against Armstrong before he chose not to take his case to an arbitration hearing. The list likely includes previous Armstrong accusers Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2012, file photo, Lance Armstrong considers a question from a reporter after his second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo. The United States Anti-Doping Agency is set to send a report detailing its ?reasoned decision? to order the results from 14 years of Armstrong?s career erased, including his seven Tour de France titles, and ban him from cycling for life because of the doping case against him to the International Cycling Union, the sport?s governing body. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

FILE - This Sept. 5, 2012 file photo shows Tyler Hamilton being interviewed in New York. The world may soon know what the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has on Lance Armstrong. USADA has said it had 10 former teammates ready to testify against Armstrong before he chose not to take his case to an arbitration hearing. The list likely includes previous Armstrong accusers Floyd Landis and Hamilton. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

FILE - This Aug. 24, 2012 file photo shows Floyd Landis leaveing federal court in San Diego. The world may soon know what the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has on Lance Armstrong. USADA has said it had 10 former teammates ready to testify against Armstrong before he chose not to take his case to an arbitration hearing. The list likely includes previous Armstrong accusers Landis and Tyler Hamilton. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File

Lance Armstrong challenged the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to name names and show what it had on him.

On Wednesday, it did.

The anti-doping group released a report on its case against Armstrong ? a point-by-point roadmap of the lengths it says Armstrong went to in winning seven Tour de France titles USADA has ordered taken away.

In more than 150 pages filled with allegations, USADA names 11 former teammates ? George Hincapie, Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis among them ? as key witnesses.

It details the way those men and others say drugs were delivered and administered to Armstrong's teams. It discusses Armstrong's continuing relationship with and payments to a doctor, Michele Ferrari, years after Ferrari was sanctioned in Italy and Armstrong claimed to have broken ties with him.

It presents as matter-of-fact reality that winning and doping went hand in hand in cycling and that Armstrong's teams were the best at getting it done without getting caught. He won the Tour as leader of the U.S. Postal Service team from 1999-2004 and again in 2005 with the Discovery Channel as the primary sponsor.

The report also uses Armstrong's own words against him.

"We had one goal and one ambition and that was to win the greatest bike race in the world and not just to win it once, but to keep winning it," the report reads, quoting from testimony Armstrong gave in an earlier legal proceeding.

But, USADA said, the path Armstrong chose to pursue his goals "ran far outside the rules." It accuses him of depending on performance-enhancing drugs to fuel his victories and "more ruthlessly, to expect and to require that his teammates" do the same.

Armstrong did not fight the USADA charges, but insists he never cheated.

His attorney, Tim Herman, called the report "a one-sided hatchet job ? a taxpayer funded tabloid piece rehashing old, disproved, unreliable allegations based largely on axe-grinders, serial perjurers, coerced testimony, sweetheart deals and threat-induced stories."

Aware of the criticism his agency has faced from Armstrong and his legion of followers, USADA Chief Executive Travis Tygart insisted his group handled this case under the same rules as any other. He pointed out that Armstrong was given the chance to take his case to arbitration and he declined, choosing in August to accept the sanctions instead.

"We focused solely on finding the truth without being influenced by celebrity or non-celebrity, threats, personal attacks or political pressure because that is what clean athletes deserve and demand," Tygart said.

Some of the newest information ? never spelled out in detail before Wednesday ? includes USADA's depiction of Armstrong's continuing relationship with Ferrari. Like Armstrong, he has received a lifetime ban from USADA.

Ferrari, long thought of as the mastermind of Armstrong's alleged doping plan, was investigated in Italy and Armstrong claimed he had cut ties with him after a 2004 conviction. USADA cites financial records that show payments of at least $210,000 in the two years after that.

"The repeated efforts by Armstrong and his representatives to mischaracterize and minimize Armstrong's relationship with Ferrari are indicative of the true nature of that relationship," the report states. "If there is not something to hide, there is no need to hide it and certainly no need to repeatedly lie about it."

In some ways, the USADA report simply pulls together and amplifies allegations that have followed Armstrong ever since he beat cancer and won the Tour for the first time. At various times and in different forums, Landis, Hamilton and others have said that Armstrong encouraged doping on his team and used banned substances himself.

While the arguments about Armstrong will continue among sports fans ? and there is still a question of whether USADA or the International Cycling Union (UCI) has ultimate control of taking away his Tour titles ? the new report puts a cap on a long round of official investigations. Armstrong was cleared of criminal charges in February after a federal grand jury probe that lasted about two years.

Tygart said evidence from 26 people, including 15 riders with knowledge of the U.S. Postal Service team's doping activities, provided material for the report. Other cyclists interviewed by USADA included Frankie Andreu, Michael Barry, Tom Danielson, Levi Leipheimer, Stephen Swart, Christian Vande Velde, Jonathan Vaughters and David Zabriskie.

Tygart said the evidence shows the code of silence that dominated cycling has been shattered.

"It took tremendous courage for the riders on the USPS Team and others to come forward and speak truthfully," he said. "It is not easy to admit your mistakes and accept your punishment. But that is what these riders have done for the good of the sport."

In a letter sent to USADA attorneys Tuesday, Herman dismissed any evidence provided by Landis and Hamilton, calling them "serial perjurers and have told diametrically contradictory stories under oath."

Hincapie's role in the investigation ? not confirmed until Wednesday's report ? could be more damaging, as he was one of Armstrong's closest and most loyal teammates through the years.

"Two years ago, I was approached by U.S. federal investigators, and more recently by USADA, and asked to tell of my personal experience in these matters," the cyclist said in a statement published shortly after USADA's release. "I would have been much more comfortable talking only about myself, but understood that I was obligated to tell the truth about everything I knew. So that is what I did."

Hincapie's two-page statement did not mention Armstrong by name.

Written in a more conversational style than a typical legal document, the report lays out in chronological order, starting in 1998 and running through 2009:

? Multiple examples of Armstrong using the blood-boosting hormone EPO, citing the "clear finding" of EPO in six blood samples from the 1999 Tour de France that were retested. UCI concluded those samples were mishandled and couldn't be used to prove anything. In bringing up the samples, USADA said it considers them corroborating evidence that isn't necessary given the testimony of its witnesses.

? Testimony from Hamilton, Landis and Hincapie, all of whom say they received EPO from Armstrong.

? Evidence of the pressure Armstrong put on the riders to go along with the doping program.

"The conversation left me with no question that I was in the doghouse and that the only way forward with Armstrong's team was to get fully on Dr. Ferrari's doping program," Vande Velde said in his testimony.

? What Vaughters called "an outstanding early warning system regarding drug tests." One example came in 2000, when Hincapie found out there were drug testers at the hotel where Armstrong's team was staying. Aware Armstrong had taken testosterone before the race, Hincapie alerted him and Armstrong dropped out of the race to avoid being tested, the report said.

Though she didn't testify, Armstrong's ex-wife, Kristin, is mentioned 30 times in the report.

In one episode, Armstrong asks her to wrap banned cortisone pills in tin foil to hand out to his teammates.

"Kristin obliged Armstrong's request by wrapping the pills and handing them to the riders. One of the riders remarked, 'Lance's wife is rolling joints,'" the report read. Attempts to reach Kristin Armstrong were unsuccessful.

In addition to Armstrong and Ferrari, another player in the Postal team circle, Dr. Luis Garcia del Moral, also received a lifetime ban as part of the case.

Three other members of the USPS team will take their cases to arbitration. They are team director Johan Bruyneel, team doctor Pedro Celaya and team trainer Jose "Pepe" Marti.

Armstrong chose not to pursue the case and instead accepted the sanction, though he has consistently argued that the USADA system was rigged against him, calling the agency's effort a "witch hunt" that used special rules it doesn't follow in all its other cases.

The UCI has asked for details of the case before it decides whether to sign off on the sanctions. It has has 21 days to appeal the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

USADA has said it doesn't need UCI's approval and Armstrong's penalties already are in place.

UCI President Pat McQuaid, who is in China for the Tour of Beijing, did not respond to telephone calls from The Associated Press requesting comment.

The report also will go to the World Anti-Doping Agency, which also has the right to appeal, but so far has supported USADA's position in the Armstrong case.

ASO, the company that runs the Tour de France and could have a say in where Armstrong's titles eventually go, said it has "no particular comment to make on this subject."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-10-10-Armstrong-Doping/id-4d229500d2f14b8690ce08bdc731ab95

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Like Alibaba, But Safer: YC-Backed HD Trade Services Wants To Be The Platform For Goods Traders In China And Beyond

chinese warehouse croppedWe last caught up with HD Trade Services in August, when the company, part of Y Combinator's summer class, released a tablet app to help smaller enterprises manage the process of buying and shipping goods from one country to another, by offering visual inspections (by way of photos and HD video) of goods to minimize fraud. Now HD Trade Services is taking that concept one step further: it's created a platform for logistics service providers, and their buyers and sellers, to source, buy, sell, and trade any product, without any risk. Or, in the words of co-founder Daniel Suarman, "We are waging war against traditional B2B marketplaces like Alibaba."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/2gCSnUbVnUQ/

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Salary Packaging Explained | Business 2 Community

As we progress in our careers we have to understand and discover new and unique ways of making the most of our salaries. Simply defined, salary packaging refers to the inclusion of specific fringe benefits in an employee?s payment package. Salary packaging is a way in which we can work with the tax office whilst getting the extras we want like cars and child care costs and superannuation.

What?s the difference between salary packaging and salary sacrificing

In terms of the results and the tools involved salary packaging and salary sacrificing are the same thing. Strictly speaking salary packaging refers to the articles you are packaging with your ordinary salary. In this same sense salary sacrifice amounts simply refer to the amounts, taken from your salary pre-tax, which contributes to the payments for these items.

How can I use it to get a new car?

You can salary package a new car or used car. Yes, at times there can be guidelines about the age of the used car however these are quite flexible. The process is usually managed by a novated lease provider. The choice of novated lease provider is usually down to your human resources department however this can vary from company to company. Before setting up your novated lease the best advice is to look into the available tools to assess suitability. The best tools for this is either a salary packaging calculator or a novated lease calculator. A salary packaging schedule which you will get from your novated lease company may also help you understand the savings and costs involved in the process.

How does it work with your paycheque

For more simple items the payments are simply taken out on a monthly basis. For these items, like superannuation, the monthly amounts are easily understood from the outset. Salary packaging with a vehicle can be marginally more complex however the savings are more substantial. All approved salary packaging amounts are taken from the employees pre-tax salary. This is at the very heart of why salary packaging is so appealing. With novated leasing, which is salary packaging for vehicles, there are two forms. Fully managed is where all vehicle costs are taken pre-tax. Unmanaged is where only finance and very few other costs are taken from your salary pre-tax.

Conclusion

With more and more information about tax becoming available online everyone is becoming more and more sensible about their own setup. Many people are now taking advantage of the incentives available within the tax system. However some are still not making the most of their tax deductable opportunities. In the end the best advice is to always remain aware of your position and how you can spot more opportunities. On the other side, if you don?t already make the most of your tax options you need to get active.

Source: http://www.business2community.com/finance/salary-packaging-explained-0302233

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Monday, October 8, 2012

Joe's Health Calendar 10/8/12 Walk More Eat Less

Diabetes Success Plan Classes in Manteca

Oct. 8 (today) and seven more Mondays 6 to 8 p.m.:?Your Diabetes Success Plan covers diabetes overview and blood sugar monitoring; diabetes nutrition and exercise; heart health; diabetes medications; know your blood sugar numbers; basic carbohydrate counting; your diabetes success care plan; and putting the pieces together (Life?s Sweet Journey). Sessions held at?St. Anthony?s School, 505 E. North St., Room 8, Manteca. All sessions are brought to you by the St. Joseph?s Medical Center CareVan program and are free. After attending six sessions, class participants diagnosed with diabetes will receive a free glucometer. Information:?(209) 461-3251?orwww.stjosephscares.org/diabetes.

Adult Flu Shot Special Clinics

Seasonal flu vaccinations for adults 18 and older will be offered through the San Joaquin County Public Health Services clinics. The fee for the shot is $15, but no one will be turned away because of inability to pay. No appointment is needed. Information:?(800) 839-4949?or?www.sjcphs.org. Immunization clinics are subject to change depending on volume of patients, staffing or vaccine supply, so don?t wait.

  • Oct. 9 (Tuesday) 9 to 11:30 a.m.:?Oak Park Senior Center, 730 E. Fulton St., Stockton.
  • Oct. 18 (Thursday) 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.:?Public Health Services, 1601 E. Hazelton Ave., Stockton.
  • Nov. 6 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:?Human Services Agency, 333 E. Washing ton St., Stockton.

Parenting Your Special Needs Child

Oct. 9 (Tuesday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.:?Parenting Your Special Needs Child class sponsored by Family Resource Network will be held at?San Joaquin County Office of Education, Wentworth Education Center, Chartville 1 Room, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton. Registration required. Information:www.frcn.org/calendar.asp?or?(209) 472-3674?or?(800) 847-3030.

CareVan Provides Daily Free Health Clinic

St. Joseph?s Medical Center CareVan presents a free, walk-in health clinic for low-income and no-insurance individuals or families, 16 years old and older. The hospital?s mobile health care services will be available to handle most minor urgent needs, such as minor burns, bumps, abrasions, sprains, sinus and urinary tract infections, cold and flu. No narcotics prescriptions will be offered. Diabetes screening and blood pressure screening are offered on special days only as noted. If you have questions, contact?(209) 461-3471?or visit?StJosephsCares.org/CareVan. Clinic schedule is subject to change without notice:

  • Oct. 9 (Tuesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Dollar General, 310 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Stockton.
  • Oct. 10 (Wednesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Taylor School, 1101 Lever Blvd., Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
  • Oct. 11 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
  • Oct. 13 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:?Normandy Village, 7908 West Lane, Stockton. Includes diabetes and blood pressure screening clinic. This clinic is brought to you by St. Joseph?s Spirit Club members.
  • Oct. 15 (Monday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Food 4 Less, 789 W. Hammer Lane, Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
  • Oct. 16 (Tuesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?St. George?s Church, 120 W. Fifth St., Stockton.
  • Oct. 17 (Wednesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Rite Aid, 1050 N. Wilson Way, Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
  • Oct. 18 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton.
  • Oct. 19 (Friday) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:?Oak Park Senior Health Fair, 3545 E. Alvarado Ave., Stockton. Includes diabetes and blood pressure screening clinic.
  • Oct. 23 (Tuesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Dollar General, 4232 E. Main St., Stockton.
  • Oct. 24 (Wednesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Rite Aid, 1050 N. Wilson Way, Stockton.
  • Oct. 25 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
  • Oct. 26 (Friday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Pittman School, 701 E. Park St., Stockton.
  • Oct. 28 (Sunday) 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:?Filipino Plaza, 6 W. Main St., Stockton. Includes diabetes and blood pressure screening clinic.
  • Oct. 29 (Monday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Dollar General, 310 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
  • Oct. 30 (Tuesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Spanos School, 536 S. California St., Stockton.
  • Oct. 31 (Wednesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Rite Aid, 1050 N. Wilson Way, Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.

Free Support Group for Mothers Invested in Baby

San Joaquin County Public Health Services is pleased to announce a new program, Mothers Invested in Baby/Madres Invertidas en Bebe (MI Baby/MI Bebe). The goal of the program is to decrease childhood obesity through support group sessions with mothers. Support group sessions are provided for free in English and Spanish, through a First 5 San Joaquin grant. This program is open to new mothers and mothers with children age 5 and younger in San Joaquin County. Support group topics include healthy eating and active living tips. Sessions offer a comfortable, supportive environment with a fun, interactive educational component. Information:?(209) 468-8620or?(209) 468-8637. The MI Baby/MI Bebe program is offered in English and Spanish at three locations in the county:

San Joaquin General Hospital Healthy Beginnings Clinic

500 W. Hospital Road, French Camp

  • Oct. 15 (Monday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Weight Goals for New Moms
  • Oct. 29 (Monday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Infant and Child Nutrition
  • Nov. 5 (Monday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Infant and Child Behavior
  • Nov. 19 (Monday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?The Importance of Physical Activity
  • Dec. 3 (Monday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Preventing Childhood Obesity

San Joaquin General Hospital Healthy Beginnings Clinic

1414 N. California St., Stockton

  • Oct. 10 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Nutrition for Mom and Baby
  • Oct. 24 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Weight Goals for New Moms
  • Nov. 7 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Infant and Child Nutrition
  • Nov. 28 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Infant and Child Behavior
  • Dec. 5 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?The Importance of Physical Activity
  • Dec. 19 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Preventing Childhood Obesity

Lodi Memorial Hospital Education Department

800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi

  • Oct. 19 (Friday) English 9 a.m., Spanish 11 a.m.:?Weight Goals for New Moms
  • Nov. 9 (Friday) English 9 a.m., Spanish 11 a.m.:?Infant and Child Nutrition
  • Nov. 30 (Friday) English 9 a.m., Spanish 11 a.m.:?Infant and Child Behavior
  • Dec. 14 (Friday) English 9 a.m., Spanish 11 a.m.:?The Importance of Physical Activity
  • Dec. 28 (Friday) English 9 a.m., Spanish 11 a.m.:?Preventing Childhood Obesity

Prenatal Nutrition and Exercise

Oct. 10 (Wednesday) 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (or Dec. 5):?Nurturing your baby starts by taking good care of yourself during pregnancy. Come learn about healthy weight gain guidelines, good nutrition, how to manage common pregnancy discomforts, and more. This class will give you an introduction to exercise during pregnancy including body mechanics, posture and basic back care. Please wear comfortable clothing to allow for movement.Please bring three pillows, a blanket and/or exercise mat to class.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Classroom 1, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Breastfeeding Class

Oct. 10 (Wednesday) 7 to 9:30 p.m. (or Dec. 5):?This class offers mothers and their partners information on the benefits of breastfeeding, the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the basics of breastfeeding management. Topics include latching, the effect of analgesia/anesthesia on infant behavior, and the rationales of care practices such as early skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in and feeding on cue. Expressing breast milk, and helpful hints for your family.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?or?www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Women on the Go: You Need a Night Out in Modesto

Oct. 11 (Thursday) 6 to 7:30 p.m.:?Join Kaiser Permanente for a free evening to celebrate women?s health! Come to?Modesto Medical Center, 4601 Dale Road, Conference Rooms 1A9, 2-4, Modesto?and let us show you how to juggle your busy schedule, balance your family?s needs with your own, and reduce stress in your life. RSVP to?(209) 557-1601:

  • Get tips and tricks for how to create healthy, delicious meals that are quick and easy to prepare.
  • See Tai Chi, fitness demonstrations and more that can help you stay active and healthy.
  • Learn about the most important women?s health issues from Kaiser Permanente doctors, clinicians and health educators.

Total-Joint Replacement Class

Oct. 11 (Thursday) 1 p.m. knee class; 2 p.m. hip class (or Oct. 25):?Lodi Memorial Hospital?s Outpatient-Rehabilitation Services offers a free, educational class for those planning to have total joint-replacement surgery of the hip or knee at?Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. Learn about preparations and exercises to do before surgery; the day of surgery and what to expect during the hospital stay; rehabilitation following surgery; techniques to decrease pain and swelling; and ways to promote maximum healing and return to normal function. Call?(209) 333-3136?for more information or to sign up for the class. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit?www.lodihealth.org.

Multicultural Health Day in Stockton

Oct. 13 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:?West Lane Oaks Family Resource Center and the Community Partnership for Families, dedicated to building strong and resourceful families in San Joaquin County, is sponsoring its fifth annual Multicultural Health and Resource Day. The free event at?Normandy Village Shopping Center, 7908 West Lane, Stockton (at Hammer Lane)?promotes awareness of community resources, increases cultural knowledge and tolerance, and provides participants with a safe place to create alliances of strength. Free activities provided by dozens of vendors include health education, dental care information, community resources and services, free eye exams, entertainment, raffle prizes and more. Information:?(209) 644-8600.

Welcome to Life Tour

Oct. 15 (Monday) 7 to 9 p.m. (also Nov. 5, Dec. 10):?This class gives you specific information about where to go and what to do when it comes time to have your baby, including pre-admission registration. Includes a tour of the maternity area and birthing options tailored to individual needs.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213or?www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Free Advice, Services for Medicare Beneficiaries

Trained student pharmacists from?University of the Pacific?s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences?are again offering a number of free outreach events to help Medicare beneficiaries understand and enroll in a Part D drug plan. Beneficiaries may also review their medications with the student pharmacists to ensure they are safe, receive vaccinations for seasonal flu and pneumonia, and have their blood pressure, bone density, cholesterol, blood sugar, memory and risk for falls assessed. Beneficiaries should be aware that Plan D providers change their formularies and cost-sharing structure every year. Most who enroll will save money on prescription drugs. Those attending an outreach event should bring their red, white and blue Medicare card, all prescription medications and, if you have one, your Pacific Healthcare Passport (don?t worry if you don?t have one). Those whose preferred language is other than English can be accommodated. Appointments are highly recommended and may be scheduled by calling the number for each event. General information:?go.pacific.edu/medicare?or Joyce at?(209) 946-7754.

  • Oct. 16 (Tuesday) 1 to 5 p.m.:?Jene Wah, 238 E. Church St., Stockton. Information and appointment:?(209) 463-7654.
  • Oct. 21 (Sunday) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:?DeRosa University Center at University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton. Information and appointment:?(209) 946-7658.
  • Oct. 25 (Thursday) 1 to 7 p.m.:?Kirst Hall at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi. Information and appointment:?(209) 369-6921.
  • Oct. 26 (Friday) 1 to 6 p.m.:?Case de Modesto, 1745 Eldena Way, Modesto. Information and appointment:?(209) 529-4950.
  • Nov. 1 (Thursday) 1 to 5 p.m.:?Sierra Vista, 2436 Belleview St., Stockton. Information and appointment:?(209) 460-5051.
  • Nov. 2 (Friday) 1 to 6 p.m.:?Northeast Community Center, 2885 E. Harding Way, Stockton. Information and appointment:?(209) 468-3918.
  • Nov. 4 (Sunday) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:?O?Connor Woods, 3400 Wagner Heights Road, Stockton. Information and appointment:?(209) 956-3400.
  • Nov. 11 (Sunday) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:?Seven Trees Community Center, 3590 Cas Drive, San Jose. Information and appointment:?(209) 946-7729.
  • Nov. 15 (Thursday) 1 to 6 p.m.:?LOEL Center and Gardens, 105 S. Washington St., Lodi. Information and appointment:?(209) 369-1591.
  • Nov. 17 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:?Dining room at Lytton Gardens Senior Communities, 656 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto. Information and appointment:?(650) 617-7313.
  • Nov. 18 (Sunday) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.:?Vietnames Martyrs Catholic Church, 8181 Florin Road, Sacramento. Information and appointment:?(209) 965-7343.

Let?s Get Healthy California Task Force

Earlier this year, Gov. Brown established the ?Let?s Get Healthy California? Task Force, which is charged with developing a 10-year strategic plan to improve the health of Californians, control health care costs, advance health equity and promote personal responsibility. Members of the task force and an expert advisory committee were appointed by Health Secretary Diana Dooley and will be meeting via webinar over the next few months to develop priorities and recommendations in the following areas:

  • Prevention and Population Health
  • Delivery System Quality Improvement
  • Coverage and Access
  • Affordability and Costs

To get email notices and more information please visit?www.chhs.ca.gov/Pages/HealthCalTaskforce.aspx. If you have any questions, contact Sarah Mercer at?smercer@cpehn.org. Here?s the 2012 Let?s Get Healthy California Taskforce meeting and webinar schedule:

  • Oct. 16 (Tuesday) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:?Evidence-based solutions/best practices.
  • Oct. 23 (Tuesday) 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:?Evidence-based solutions/best practices.
  • Nov. 13 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:?Third task force meeting (East End Complex Auditorium in Sacramento); review draft report.
  • Dec. 19 (Wednesday):?Report released.

See What?s on the Horizon for the Visually Impaired

Oct. 17 (Wednesday) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:?The public is invited to join the visually impaired clients and eye care professionals of San Joaquin County at?Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired?s Adaptive Technology Fair. The fair takes place at the?Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 130 W. Flora St., Stockton. See some of the latest aids and devices that can open the doorway to activities of everyday life for those who have experienced vision loss. Get your questions answered by knowledgeable vendors, try the equipment and see what could truly improve your life. A fascinating look at the adaptive technology available today for the blind. Information: Jennifer Boylan at?(209) 466-3836?or?www.communitycenterfortheblind.org.

Having a Cesarean Birth

Oct. 17 (Wednesday) 5 to 6:30 p.m. (or Dec. 12):?This class is designed to prepare a mother and her partner who are having a planned cesarean birth or may need a cesarean birth. Learn about the cesarean procedure including anesthesia options, what to expect, how to take care of yourself during recovery and also special techniques to ensure successful breastfeeding.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st?floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

The Newborn

Oct. 17 (Wednesday) 7 to 9:30 p.m. (or Dec. 12):?Parents-to-be, come learn about life with a newborn, the baby?s needs and changing development. Discussion includes baby care basics such as feeding, diapering and bathing, as well as the physical appearances of newborns and practical tips for parents.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Stork Tours for Parents-To-Be

Oct. 17 (Wednesday) 6 to 7:30 p.m. (or Nov. 14):?Parents-to-be are invited to attend a free stork tour at?Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi.?Prospective parents may view the labor, delivery, recovery and nursery areas of the hospital and ask questions of the nursing staff. Call?(209) 339-7520?to register.?For more information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

Women on the Go: You Need a Night Out in Stockton

Oct. 18 (Thursday) 6 to 7:30 p.m.:?Join Kaiser Permanente for a free evening to celebrate women?s health! Come to?Stockton Medical Offices, 7373 West Lane, Gilliland Tower Conference Rooms A-E, Stockton?and let us show you how to juggle your busy schedule, balance your family?s needs with your own, and reduce stress in your life. RSVP to?(209) 557-1601:

  • Get tips and tricks for how to create healthy, delicious meals that are quick and easy to prepare.
  • See Tai Chi, fitness demonstrations and more that can help you stay active and healthy.
  • Learn about the most important women?s health issues from Kaiser Permanente doctors, clinicians and health educators.

Fresh & Healthy: Focus on Seniors Resource Fair

Oct. 19 (Friday) 9 a.m. to noon:?The Fresh & Healthy: Focus on Seniors Resource Fair is coordinated by the Hunger Task Force for San Joaquin County?Senior Nutrition Committee. It will be held at?Oak Park Community Center, Magpie Area, ?740 E. Fulton St., Stockton.

Disability Resource Fair

Oct. 20 (Saturday) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Celebrate National Disability Awareness Month and Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living?s 25th?anniversary at the Disability Resource Fair & Assistive Technology Expo at?Salida Library Community Room, 4835 Sisk Road, Salida.?This free event includes resources, adaptive equipment and devices, demonstrations and raffle prizes. Information:?(866) 344-3614?or?www.drail.org.

CSU Stanislaus to Host ?Science Saturdays? For Kids

Faculty and students at?California State University, Stanislaus, 1 University Circle, Turlock, are hosting Science Saturday events to help teach children about different aspects of science. The free events will each be held in the university?s state-of-the-art Naraghi Hall of Science and are presented by the College of Natural Sciences in cooperation with the Office of Service Learning, which seeks to coordinate projects and programs that provide a direct benefit to the region while also offering CSU Stanislaus students real-world experience and networking opportunities. Space is limited and?reservations are required by calling Brett Forray in the CSU Stanislaus Office of Service Learning at (209) 667-3311.

  • Oct. 20 (Saturday) 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:??Nanotechnology: The Smallest BIG Idea in Science.? For grades 8 through 12 and limited to 20 students, this Science Saturday will have students making their own nanomaterials and discovering how they can help solve the challenges facing the field of medicine. The event is hosted by professors Elvin Aleman and Koni Stone and students in the American Chemical Society Club.
  • Dec. 1 (Saturday) 1 to 4:30 p.m.:??Body Works: Heart and Lungs.? Families with middle and high school children will explore the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in this Science Saturday limited to 48 students in grades 8 through 12. Professor Mark Grobner will host the event, along with students in the Biology Club and Pre-Health Society.

Kidney Smart Class

Oct. 25 (Thursday) 2 to 4 p.m. (also Nov. 15, Dec. 27, Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28): Stockton Home Training Davita, 545 E. Cleveland St., Suite B, Stockton, has redesigned its free Community Kidney Disease Education classes offered monthly as space allows. Information:?(209) 944-9055.

Breastfeeding: Getting Off to a Great Start

Nov. 1 (Thursday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi,?offers ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start,? a one-session class covering the advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy, the breastfeeding process, common problems and solutions. An additional breastfeeding class for working moms will be held?Nov. 20?(Tuesday), 6:30 to 8 p.m., and is available only to participants who have already attended ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start.?? Call?(209) 339-7520?to register. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

12th Annual Stockton Diabetes Seminar

Nov. 3 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:?No-fee seminar for licensed professionals. Reservations required.?Click here for details.

Caring for the Caregiver Symposium in Stockton

Nov. 10 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:??A Mindset to Care? is?the theme of this year?s fifth annual Caring for the Caregiver Symposium in Stockton, sponsored by nonprofit stroke support group Healings in Motion.?Click here for registration form and full agenda.?Keynote speaker will be Dr. Gary Small, author of?The Alzheimer?s Prevention Plan,?The Memory Bible?and other best-selling books. Exhibitors should contact Corie Moyers, committee chair and director of client services at Arcadia Home Care & Staffing,coriem@arcadiacare.com;?Stockton at?(209) 477-9480?or Modesto at?(209) 572-7650. For sponsorships, contact Jim Chong, committee chair, at?(209) 534-8000?or Mary Nicholson at?(877) 672-4480 ext.5.?Information:?www.healingsinmotion.org.

Big Brother ? Big Sister in Stockton

Nov. 13 (Tuesday) 6 to 7 p.m.:?This class helps siblings learn about new babies, how it will feel to be a big brother or sister, and see new babies and where they are born in our birthing area. Families are welcome.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st?floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?or?www.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Capitol Lighting on World Diabetes Day

Nov. 14 (Wednesday) 4 to 7 p.m.:?Join the?Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Sacramento?as they illuminate the?California State Capitol?blue in celebration of World Diabetes Day. World Diabetes Day brings together the community while spreading diabetes awareness to further research and treatment. Dress in blue and show your diabetes support at the Capitol in Sacramento.

Big Brother/Big Sister Class in Lodi

Nov. 14 (Wednesday) 3 to 4:30 p.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital?offers a big-brother/big-sister preparation class for children ages 3-8 to help youngsters adjust to the arrival of the new baby. The cost is $10 for the first child and $3 for each additional child. Call?(209) 339-7520?to register. Information:?www.lodihealth.org.

All-Day Childbirth Preparation Class

Nov. 17 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:?This class covers all information listed in our evening series in a one-day condensed class.?Please bring three pillows, a blanket and/or exercise mat each night of class. You should attend this class during your?third trimester.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Classroom 1, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 461-5213?orwww.StJosephsCares.org/Baby. Preregistration is not required for this free class.

Childbirth Preparation in Lodi

Nov. 17 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi,?offers an all-day childbirth-preparation class. Cost is $45 per couple. For more information or to register, call?(209) 339-7520.? For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

Helping Special Needs Child Understand Sexuality

Dec. 4 (Tuesday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.:?The Birds, The Bees and Your Special Needs Child: Helping Your Child Understand Issues Related to Sexuality is sponsored by Family Resource Network. Registration required.?San Joaquin County Office of Education Wentworth Education Center, Chartville 1 Room, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton. Information:?www.frcn.org/calendar.asp?or?(209) 472-3674?or?(800) 847-3030.

Sutter Gould Flu Shot Clinic Schedule

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation conducts flu shot clinics for their patients in the Central Valley. The cost is $20 for a cash paying patient, but often the patient?s insurance plan will cover that charge.?We encourage SGMF patients to obtain their vaccination during these flu shot clinics and to check with their insurance to see if this is a covered cost.?Click here for the clinic schedule.?SGMF patients may also receive a flu shot during a regular office appointment, but again, should check to see if insurance covers it, as the cost may be higher due to office visit copays, professional visit fees, etc.

November is National Diabetes Month

National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), a federally funded program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services? National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes more than 200 partners at the federal, state and local levels working together to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes by changing the way diabetes is treated. Nearly 26 million Americans (8.3 percent of the population) are living with diabetes.?In San Joaquin County, it?s even higher ? at least 8.7 percent, or more than 60,000 residents have diabetes ? and it is one of the leading causes of death. Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes, putting them at increased risk of the disease (Source:?National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011).

  • Making lifestyle changes to improve your health? is not easy. Even if you know what to do to improve your health, figuring out how to do it and fitting it into your daily routine can be a big challenge.
  • Making changes step by step ? such as losing a small amount of weight if overweight, and becoming more active ? can go a long way toward helping you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Losing even 10 to 15 pounds ? if you weigh 200 pounds ? can make a big difference in helping you prevent type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, making similar types of changes can help you reach your blood sugar (glucose) blood pressure and cholesterol goals to prevent diabetes-related health problems.
  • The NDEP?s ?Make A Plan? tool can help you think about what is important to your health and what you are willing and able to do so you can break down your goals into small, achievable steps.
  • Once you have your plan in place, the NDEP can provide you with a number of tools to help you meet your health goal. Whether you are looking to eat healthier, be more active, manage your weight, cope better with stress and emotions, or stop smoking, you can find tools to help.

This November, make a change to live well at?www.YourDiabetesInfo.org. Many people know what to do to improve their health; it?s figuring out how to do it and fit it into their daily routine that?s challenging. The NDEP provides many behavior change resources on their online library ??Diabetes HealthSense?? that can help people make changes to prevent type 2 diabetes and manage their diabetes so they can prevent complications. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation.

Senior Gateway?Website: Don?t Be a Victim

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has unveiled a new consumer protection tool for California seniors, who have traditionally been prime targets for con artists. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is hosting a new Web site?www.seniors.ca.gov?to educate seniors and their advocates and provide helpful information about how to avoid becoming victims of personal or financial abuse. The Web site, called?Senior Gateway, is important because seniors, including older veterans, are disproportionately at risk of being preyed upon financially and subjected to neglect and abuse. The Senior Gateway is sponsored by the Elder Financial Abuse Interagency Roundtable (E-FAIR), convened by CDI and includes representatives from many California agencies who share a common purpose of safeguarding the welfare of California?s seniors. ?The goal of this collaborative effort is to assemble, in one convenient location, valuable information not only for seniors, but their families and caregivers. This site will help California seniors find resources and solve problems, and will enable participating agencies to better serve this important segment of our population,? Jones said. The site offers seniors valuable tips and resources in the following areas, and more:

  • Avoiding and reporting abuse and neglect by in-home caregivers or in facilities; learn about different types of abuse and the warning signs.
  • Preventing and reporting financial fraud, abuse and scams targeting seniors.
  • Understanding health care, insurance, Medicare and long-term care; know what long-term care includes.
  • Locating services and programs available to assist older adults.
  • Knowing your rights before buying insurance; what seniors need to know about annuities.
  • Investing wisely and understanding the ins and outs of reverse mortgages.

The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box

The?Central Valley Health Policy Institute?based at Fresno State has developed an Affordable Care Act Policy Education Tool, ?The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box,? to be offered to community organizations and members of the public. The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box can be described as a basic curriculum and process for introducing the Affordable Care Act, understanding its flaws, options for improvement and understanding the Romney/Ryan voucher care alternative. ?It?s a nice, objective, nonpartisan presentation,? said Dr. John Capitman, executive director of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute. ?People learn tools that can be used for making their own judgments about health care reform.? Included in The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box is a complete power point presentation with a full script and accompanying participant workbook. The workbook provides a frame through which health care policy should be examined, as well as an examination of the ACA and Ryan/Romney proposal. The Workshop-in-a-Box also includes a supporting glossary, reference section, quick sheets and current health care policy news. The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box is designed so that even a health care policy novice can learn, examine and understand the ACA in a way that allows them the capacity to engage others in the debate around current health care policy options in the U.S. ?We will facilitate workshops with organizations that request the service and will also provide the Workshop-in-a-Box to others in the hopes that they facilitate The Great Health Care Debate Workshop in their own communities or organizations,? Capitman said. To request The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box or to schedule a workshop,?contact Dr. John Capitman at (559) 228-2159.

Calling All Heroes to Fight Childhood Obesity

Deadline Oct. 15 (Monday) 9 p.m.:?UnitedHealthcare and Youth Service America are inviting schools and other community-based nonprofit organizations in Northern California to ?Step into Service? by applying for UnitedHealth HEROES grants. UnitedHealth HEROES is a wellness initiative designed to encourage young people, working with educators and youth leaders, to create and implement walking, running or hiking programs aimed at helping fight childhood obesity. Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to youth-led programs in Northern California that include both an activity element, in which kids count their steps, and a service component that increases awareness, provides direct service, enables advocacy on behalf of a cause, or features youth philanthropy around the issue of childhood obesity. UnitedHealth HEROES activities will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Jan. 21 and end on Global Youth Service Day April 26-28, 2013. To learn more about the UnitedHealth HEROES program and to apply for a grant, visit?www.YSA.org/HEROES. The application deadline is 9 p.m. on Oct. 15. Grant recipients will be notified in November. A list of previous grant winners is also available online.

Faith-Based Mini Grants Available

Deadline Oct. 31 (Wednesday):?First 5 San Joaquin announces the release of the 2012-13 Faith- Based Community Initiative (FBCI) Mini-Grant for funding up to $1,000.?Click here for full application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis now through Oct. 31 or until funding is no longer available.? Early submissions are encouraged. Information: Jovanna Gonsalves at?(209) 953-5437?or?jgonsalves@sjgov.org.

Affordable Care Act Toolkits

As consumers, businesses and health plans continue to prepare for full implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, the California Department of Managed Health Care has released a?series of toolkits?to educate Californians about the changes that have already occurred in the health care system. ?The Affordable Care Act puts in place strong new consumer protections, provides additional coverage options and gives people more tools to make informed choices about their health care,? DMHC Director Brent Barnhart said. ?These toolkits?are designed to ensure that individuals, families, seniors and businesses are aware of the ways they can benefit from these changes in our health care system.??The four toolkits?are designed to provide information and resources targeted to individuals, families, seniors and small businesses and contain audience specific questions and answers, a resource guide, and fact sheets on topics such as: when a plan can cancel your coverage; how to file a grievance or appeal; how to keep your coverage through a ?grandfathered? health plan; getting the most from your health care dollars; and the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). The?toolkits?were funded through a federal Affordable Care Act consumer assistance grant.

Healthy Families: What Parents Should Know NOW

The final California state budget eliminated Healthy Families, a program providing affordable health, dental and vision coverage to nearly 900,000 California children. These children will be moved into the state?s Medi-Cal insurance program eventually and will continue to be covered by Healthy Families until then. The state?s plan for moving those covered by Healthy Families into Medi-Cal will be presented to the Legislature in October 2012. In the meantime, parents with children in Healthy Families need to understand they still have coverage and are aware of the upcoming changes. The following fliers may help:

$5,000 Grants Help Pay for Children?s Medical Expenses

UnitedHealthcare Children?s Foundation (UHCCF)?is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child?s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan. Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at?www.uhccf.org, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to the foundation at this website. In 2011, UHCCF awarded more than 1,200 grants to families across the United States for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

How to Implement ?Rethink Your Drink? in Suffering Community

First 5 San Joaquin invites you to partner with them to promote the Rethink Your Drink (RYD) campaign in San Joaquin County. Our community is facing an unprecedented health crisis. Not only do extra calories from added sugar in drinks (such as sodas, sports drinks, juice blends and punch) contribute significantly to obesity, but they also contribute to the rise of related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The RYD campaign aims to address this crisis by educating families about the link between consumption of these sugary drinks and the health risks. From July through September, this quarter?s health messaging efforts from First 5 San Joaquin will focus on equipping educators and advocates with resources to empower families to make healthier drink choices.?Click here for more information and resources?to assist you in your efforts.? Join the movement to help families make the change!

Facts About Fruits and Vegetables

Click here?for lots of great information about fruits and vegetables.

We?re FAT!

Here are the latest statistics?on Stockton and surrounding cities on overweight and obesity.

Institute of Medicine Aims to Accelerate Progress in Preventing Obesity

Report Recommends Strategies, Calls On All Sectors of Society to Take Action Now?The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has released a report that outlines comprehensive strategies for addressing the nation?s obesity epidemic and calls on leaders in all sectors to accelerate action to advance those strategies. The release was a highlight of the second day of the 2012 Weight of the Nation conference, hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • Make physical activity an integral and routine part of life.
  • Create food and beverage environments that ensure healthy food and beverage options are the routine, easy choice.
  • Transform messages about physical activity and nutrition.
  • Expand the role of health care providers, insurers and employers in obesity prevention.
  • Make schools a national focal point for obesity prevention.

The full report, a summary, practical guides for taking action and other materials are available for free on the IOM website.

Sugary drink consumption is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. Serving healthy beverages is essential for a child?s nutritious diet, and child care settings can play an important role in helping children develop healthy nutrition habits.?Learn what you need to know about new state and federal standards?for beverages served in child care settings.?Healthy Beverages in Child Care?is a project of California Food Policy Advocates (CFPA). CFPA, founded in 1992, is a statewide public policy and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of low-income Californians by increasing their access to nutritious and affordable food.

Questions About Health Reform Law?

  • How are small businesses affected by health reform?
  • Will everyone have to buy health insurance?
  • How will the new provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent?s insurance work?

The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the Kaiser Family Foundation?s new Health Reform Source provides concise answers to common questions about the health reform law. You can search for your question or submit a new question if yours is not addressed.?http://healthreform.kff.org/faq.aspx. Additional questions addressing the affordability of health insurance, how programs like Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) will be financed under health reform and others are addressed in a series of Video Explainer clips featuring foundation experts answering specific questions about the law on a variety of health policy topics.http://healthreform.kff.org/video-explainers.aspx. Kaiser?s Health Reform Source,?http://healthreform.kff.org, an online gateway providing easy access to new and comprehensive resources on the health reform law, provides these and other new features and tools including an interactive timeline showing when health-reform provisions take effect, all the latest polling data, links to other information resources, and the latest health-reform headlines from Kaiser Health News.

Yoga for People Dealing with Cancer

Mondays 5:30 to 7 p.m.:?This free weekly Yoga & Breathing class for cancer patients will help individuals sleep better and reduce pain. This class is led by yoga instructor Chinu Mehdi in Classrooms 1 and 2, St. Joseph?s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information:?(209) 467-6550?or?SJCancerInfo@dignityhealth.org.

Respiratory Support Group for Better Breathing

First Tuesday of month 10 to 11 a.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi,? and the American Lung Association of California Valley Lode offer a free ?Better Breathers?? respiratory-support group for people and their family members with breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Participants will learn how to cope with chronic lung disease, understand lungs and how they work and use medications and oxygen properly. Pre-registration is recommended by calling?(209) 339-7445. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

The Beat Goes On Cardiac Support Group

First Tuesday of month 11 a.m. to noon:?Lodi Memorial Hospital offers a free cardiac support group at?Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. ?The Beat Goes On? cardiac support group is a community-based nonprofit group that offers practical tools for healthy living to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers. Its mission is to provide community awareness that those with heart disease can live well through support meetings and educational forums. Upcoming topics include exercise, stress management and nutrition counseling services. All are welcomed to attend. Information:?(209) 339-7664.

Planned Childbirth Services

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?hosts a four-class series which answers questions and prepares mom and her partner for labor and birth. Bring two pillows and a comfortable blanket or exercise mat to each class. These classes are requested during expecting mother?s third trimester. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Say Yes to Breastfeeding

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers a class that outlines the information and basic benefits and risk management of breastfeeding. Topics include latching, early skin-to-skin on cue, expressing milk and helpful hints on early infant feeding. In addition, the hospital offers a monthly Mommy and Me-Breastfeeding support group where mothers, babies and hospital clerical staff meet the second Monday of each month. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Precious Preemies

Second Tuesday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.:?Precious Preemies: A Discussion Group for Families Raising Premature Infants and Infants with Medical Concerns required registration and is held at?Family Resource Network, Sherwood Executive Center, 5250 Claremont Ave., Suite 148, Stockton. Information:?www.frcn.org/calendar.asp?or?(209) 472-3674?or?(800) 847-3030.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia. For more information or a list of additional meetings throughout the U.S. and the world, call?(781) 932-6300?or visit?www.foodaddicts.org.

  • Tuesdays 7 p.m.:?Modesto Unity Church, 2547 Veneman Ave., Modesto.
  • Wednesdays 9 a.m.:?The Episcopal Church of Saint Anne, 1020 W. Lincoln Road, Stockton.
  • Saturdays 9 a.m.:?Tracy Community Church, 1790 Sequoia Blvd. at Corral Hollow, Tracy.

Break From Stress

Wednesdays 6 to 7 p.m.:?St. Joseph?s Medical Center offers the community a break from their stressful lives with Break from Stress sessions. These sessions are free, open to the public, with no pre-registration necessary. Just drop in, take a deep breath and relax through a variety of techniques. Break from Stress sessions are held in St. Joseph?s Cleveland Classroom (behind HealthCare Clinical Lab on California Street just north of the medical center. Information:SJCancerInfo@DignityHealth.org?or?(209) 467-6550.

Mother-Baby Breast Connection

Wednesdays 1 to 3 p.m.:?Join a lactation consultant for support and advice on the challenges of early breastfeeding. Come meet other families and attend as often as you like. A different topic of interest will be offered each week with time for breastfeeding assistance and questions.?Pre-registration is required. Call?(209) 467-6331. St. Joseph?s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st?floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton.

Adult Children With Aging Relatives

Second Wednesday of month 4:30 p.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital offers an Adult Children with Aging Relatives support group at the?Hutchins Street Square Senior Center. Information:?(209) 369-4443?or?(209) 369-6921.

Individual Stork Tours At Dameron

Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers 30 minute guided tours that provide expecting parents with a tour of Labor/Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit and an overview of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. New mothers are provided information on delivery services, where to go and what to do once delivery has arrived, and each mother can create an individual birthing plan. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Brain Builders Weekly Program

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:?Lodi Memorial Hospital and the?Hutchins Street Square Senior Center?offer ?Brain Builders,? a weekly program for people in the early stages of memory loss. There is a weekly fee of $25. Registration is required. Information or to register, call?(209) 369-4443?or?(209) 369-6921.

Infant CPR and Safety

Second Thursday of month 5 to 7 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers a class to family members to safely take care of their newborn.? Family members are taught infant CPR and relief of choking, safe sleep and car seat safety.? Regarding infant safety, the hospital offers on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. a NICU/SCN family support group. This group is facilitated by a Master Prepared Clinical Social Worker and the Dameron NICU staff with visits from the hospital?s neonatologist. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Group Meetings for Alzheimer?s Patients, Caregivers

Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.:?The Alzheimer?s Aid Society of Northern California in conjunction with Villa Marche residential care facility conducts a simultaneous Caregiver?s Support Group and Patient?s Support Group at?Villa Marche, 1119 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton. Caregivers, support people or family members of anyone with dementia are welcome to attend the caregiver?s group, led by Rita Vasquez. It?s a place to listen, learn and share. At the same time, Alzheimer?s and dementia patients can attend the patient?s group led by Sheryl Ashby. Participants will learn more about dementia and how to keep and enjoy the skills that each individual possesses. There will be brain exercises and reminiscence. The meeting is appropriate for anyone who enjoys socialization and is able to attend with moderate supervision. Information:?(209) 477-4858.

Clase Gratuita de Diabetes en Espa?ol

Cada segundo Viernes del mes:?Participantes aprender?n los fundamentos sobre la?observaci?n de az?car de sangre, comida saludable, tama?os de porci?n y medicaciones. Un educador con certificado del control de diabetes dar? instruccion sobre la autodirecci?n durante de esta clase. Para mas informaci?n y registraci?n:?(209) 461-3251. Aprenda m?s de los programas de diabetes en el sitio electronico de St. Joseph?s:www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes

Nutrition on the Move Class

Fridays 11 a.m. to noon: Nutrition Education Center at Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton.? Free classes are general nutrition classes where you?ll learn about the new My Plate standards, food label reading, nutrition and exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, and other tips. Information:?(209) 464-7369?or?www.stocktonfoodbank.org.

Free Diabetes Class in Spanish

Second Friday of every month:?Participants will learn the basics about blood sugar monitoring, healthy foods, portion sizes, medications and self-management skills from a certified diabetic educator during this free class.?St. Joseph?s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton.?Information and registration:?(209) 461-3251.Learn more on St. Joseph?s diabetes programs at?www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes.

All Day Prepared Childbirth Class

Third Saturday of month 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?offers community service educational class of prebirth education and mentoring. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN?(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Big Brother/Big Sister

Second Sunday of month:?Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton,?has a one-hour class meeting designed specifically for newborn?s siblings. Topics include family role, a labor/delivery tour and a video presentation which explains hand washing/germ control and other household hygiene activities. This community service class ends with a Certification of Completion certificate. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN(209) 461-3136?or?www.Dameronhospital.org.

Outpatient Program Aimed at Teens

Two programs:?Adolescents face a number of challenging issues while trying to master their developmental milestones. Mental health issues (including depression), substance abuse and family issues can hinder them from mastering the developmental milestones that guide them into adulthood. The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offered by?St. Joseph?s Behavioral Health Center, 2510 N. California St., Stockton, is designed for those individuals who need comprehensive treatment for their mental, emotional or chemical dependency problems. This program uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to present skills for effective living. Patients learn how to identify and change distorted thinking, communicate effectively in relationships and regain control of their lives. The therapists work collaboratively with parents, doctors and schools. They also put together a discharge plan so the patient continues to get the help they need to thrive into adulthood.

  • Psychiatric Adolescent IOP meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Chemical Recovery Adolescent IOP meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information about this and other groups,?(209) 461-2000?and ask to speak with a behavioral evaluator or visit?www.StJosephsCanHelp.org.

Click here?for Community Medical Centers (Channel Medical Clinic, San Joaquin Valley Dental Group, etc.) website.

Click here?for Dameron Hospital?s?Event Calendar.

Click here?for Doctors Hospital of Manteca?Events finder.

Click here?for Hill Physicians website.

Click here?for Kaiser Central Valley News and Events

Click here?for Lodi Memorial Hospital?Event Calendar.

Click here?for Mark Twain St. Joseph?s Hospital?Classes and Events.

Click here?for San Joaquin General Hospital?website.

Click here?for St. Joseph?s Medical Center?s?Classes and Events.

Click here?for Sutter Gould news.?Click here?for Sutter Gould calendar of events.

Click here?for Sutter Tracy Community Hospital?events, classes and support groups.

San Joaquin County Public Health Services General Information

Ongoing resources for vaccinations and clinic information are:

  1. Public Health Services Influenza website,?www.sjcphs.org
  2. Recorded message line at?(209) 469-8200, extension 2# for English and 3# for Spanish.
  3. For further information, individuals may call the following numbers at Public Health Services:
  • For general vaccine and clinic questions, call?(209) 468-3862;
  • For medical questions, call?(209) 468-3822.

Health officials continue to recommend these precautionary measures to help protect against acquiring influenza viruses:

  1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitizers.
  2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, when you cough or sneeze.
  3. Stay home if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours.
  4. Get vaccinated.

Public Health Services Clinic Schedules (Adults and Children)

Immunization clinic hours are subject to change depending on volume of patients or staffing. Check the Public Health Services website for additional evening clinics or special clinics at?www.sjcphs.org. Clinics with an asterisk?(*)?require patients to call for an appointment.

Stockton Health Center: 1601 E. Hazelton Ave.; (209) 468-3830.

  • Immunizations: Monday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
  • Travel clinic*: Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Health exams*: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
  • Sexually transmitted disease clinic: Wednesday 3-6 p.m. and Friday 1-4 p.m., walk-in and by appointment.
  • Tuberculosis clinic*: Tuesday; second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
  • HIV testing: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Thursday 1-4 p.m.

Manteca Health Center: 124 Sycamore Ave.; (209) 823-7104 or (800) 839-4949.

  • Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.
  • Tuberculosis clinic*: first and third Wednesday 3-6 p.m.
  • HIV testing: first Wednesday 1:30-4 p.m.

Lodi Health Center: 300 W. Oak St.; (209) 331-7303 or (800) 839-4949.

  • Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
  • Tuberculosis clinic*: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
  • HIV testing: second and fourth Friday 1:30-4 p.m.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program

Does your food budget need a boost? The WIC Program can help you stretch your food dollars. This special supplemental food program for women, infants and children serves low-income women who are currently pregnant or have recently delivered, breastfeeding moms, infants, and children up to age 5. Eligible applicants receive monthly checks to use at any authorized grocery store for wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables, milk and cheese, whole-grain breads and cereals, and more. WIC shows you how to feed your family to make them healthier and brings moms and babies closer together by helping with breastfeeding. WIC offers referrals to low-cost or free health care and other community services depending on your needs. WIC services may be obtained at a variety of locations throughout San Joaquin County:

Stockton?(209) 468-3280

  • Public Health Services WIC Main Office, 1145 N. Hunter St.: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; open two Saturdays a month.
  • Family Health Center, 1414 N. California St.: Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • CUFF (Coalition United for Families), 2044 Fair St.: Thursday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Taylor Family Center, 1101 Lever Blvd.: Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Transcultural Clinic, 4422 N. Pershing Ave. Suite D-5: Tuesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

?Manteca??(209) 823-7104

  • Public Health Services, 124 Sycamore Lane: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

?Tracy?(209) 831-5930

  • Public Health Services, 205 W. Ninth St.: Monday, Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

Protect Your Preteen from Serious Diseases

The?Calaveras County Public Health DepartmentSource: http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-health-care/2012/10/08/joes-health-calendar-10812-walk-more-eat-less/

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