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

Welcome to Life Tour

Dec. 10 (today) 7 to 9 p.m.:?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.

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:

• Dec.?10 (today) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Spanos School, 536 S. California St., Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
• Dec.?11 (Tuesday) 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.
• Dec.?12 (Wednesday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?Taylor School, 1101 Lever Blvd., Stockton.
• Dec.?13 (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.
• Dec. 14 (Friday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?McKinley School, 30 W. Ninth St., Stockton. A representative will be available to screen patients for insurance eligibility.
• NOTE:?The CareVan Clinic will be closed from Dec. 17 through Jan. 2 for remodeling.

San Joaquin General Hospital Interim Board Meeting

Dec. 12 (Wednesday) 4:30 p.m.:?San Joaquin General Hospital Interim Board of Trustees meets at?Health Plan of San Joaquin, 7751 S. Manthey Road, French Camp.?Included on the?agenda (click here)?is discussion of the hospital?s new signage project.

Having a Cesarean Birth

Dec. 12 (Wednesday) 5 to 6:30 p.m.:?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

Dec. 12 (Wednesday) 7 to 9:30 p.m.:?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

Dec. 12 (Wednesday) 6 to 7:30 p.m.:?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.

Total-Joint Replacement Class

Dec. 13 (Thursday) 1 p.m. knee class; 2 p.m. hip class:?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.

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

1414 N. California St., Stockton

• 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

• 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

Are You a Mother With a Physical Disability??

Deadline Dec. 17 (Monday):?Through the Looking Glass and The National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families is conducting a?national survey of mothers with physical disabilities who have at least one child 36 months of age or younger.?You must be 18 years of age or older.?? Eligible participants who complete the survey by Dec. 17 will have a chance to win a $250 gift certificate. Most mothers ? with or without disabilities ? get some help from others in caring for their child.?Occasional or regular assistance may come from a spouse, partner, older child, relative, friend, neighbor or paid assistant. Some assistance may be limited only to certain tasks, while other assistance may cover a wide range of child care. There is very little research to find out how mothers with physical disabilities manage routine child care tasks. Are certain child care tasks more challenging because of a physical disability? How satisfied are mothers with physical disabilities about the kind and amount of child care assistance they are getting??Is it enough? Too much? This survey is anonymous. No names or other identifying information will be asked? If you are a mother with a disability who has at least one child 36 months of age or younger, please go to this link:?http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TZSMWZ5.?If you prefer,?you can request a survey be mailed to you by calling?(800) 644-2666?or send your name and address, and we will mail you the survey along with a prepaid return envelope. Send to: Through the Looking Glass, 3075 Adeline St., Suite 120, Berkeley, CA 94703. Information:?www.lookingglass.org?or?survey@lookingglass.org.

Super Bowl Raffle Helps San Joaquin Nonprofits

Drawing Dec. 19 (Wednesday):?The 4^th?Annual Super Bowl Raffle is a great way for United Way of San Joaquin County to raise needed funds to be used to help us ?Improve Lives? and help us fund 25 local nonprofits. Each Super Bowl Raffle ticket sells for $100, of which $90 is retained by United Way for our purpose while $10 is used to cover the Super Bowl Raffle costs. Please contact Andy Prokop as soon as possible at?(209) 320-6218?or?andy@unitedwaysjc.org?so we can help you purchase your raffle tickets and help you win one of many great prizes.?Click here for all the information, prizes, and a raffle ticket order form.?Everyone who buys a Super Bowl Raffle ticket is a winner just by?helping United Way improve lives in San Joaquin County.

Let?s Get Healthy California Task Force Report

Dec. 19 (Wednesday):?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. On this day, they will be releasing their first report covering priorities and recommendations for:

• 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.

Help End Hunger This Holiday Season

Emergency Food Bank and Family Services and several partners are working to make it easier for residents to help ease the burden of hunger for many of our neighbors in Stockton and San Joaquin County. There are numerous ways to help. Bring turkeys (10 to 12 pounds), boxed mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, packaged bread crumbs, canned cranberry sauce, canned yams, canned vegetables, and other frozen meat products (including ham and chicken) to the?Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton. Information:?(209) 464-7369?or?www.stocktonfoodbank.org. Or:

• Through Dec. 20 (Thursday):?Shop at the Country Club Way or Pacific Avenue Safeway, pick up a pre-filled bag of groceries, bring it to the register for purchase for $10, then after purchase place the bag in one of the food barrels near the door for distribution by the food bank.

Donate Toys for Children and Family Crime Victims

Through Dec. 24 (Monday):?Stockton Police Youth Activities is accepting donations of toys, clothes, etc., for its annual Christmas Day Delivery to children and families who have been victims of violent crime during 2012. The SPYA has teamed up with Arroyo?s Caf? and the San Joaquin County Victim/Witness Program to assist these families who are in need and to bring them some holiday spirit.?Any donation can be dropped off at?Arroyo?s Caf?, 2381 W. March Lane, Stockton, or by calling the SPYA at?(209) 937-8209.

Kidney Smart Class

Dec. 27 (Thursday) 2 to 4 p.m. (or 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.

Avoid Wild Mushrooms, State Public Health Director Warns

With seasonal rains promoting the growth of wild mushrooms, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health and state public health officer, warned consumers not to collect and eat wild mushrooms. ?It is very difficult to distinguish which mushrooms are dangerous and which are safe to eat. Consuming wild mushrooms can cause serious illness and even death,? Chapman said. ?Wild mushrooms? refer to the many varieties of fungi that grow wild and are not cultivated. They tend to grow in shady, moist and humid environments. Wild mushroom poisoning continues to cause disease, hospitalization and death among California residents. According to the?California Poison Control System, 1,602 cases of mushroom ingestion were reported statewide from January 2011 through November 2012. Among those cases:

• Five individuals died (four in November 2012).
• Eighteen suffered a major health outcome, such as liver failure leading to coma and/or a liver transplant, or kidney failure requiring dialysis.
• 903 were children under 6 years of age. Usually the child ate a small amount of a mushroom growing in yards or neighborhood parks.
• 848 were treated at a health care facility.
• 30 were admitted to an intensive care unit.

The most serious illnesses and deaths have been linked primarily to mushrooms known to cause liver damage, including?Amanita ocreata, or ?destroying angel,? andAmanita phalloides, also known as the ?death cap.? These and other poisonous mushrooms grow in some parts of California year-round but are most commonly found during fall, late winter or spring. Eating poisonous mushrooms can cause abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage and death.?Anyone who develops symptoms after eating wild mushrooms should seek immediate medical attention. Individuals with symptoms, or their treating health care providers, should immediately contact the Poison Control System at?(800) 222-1222. Local mycological societies offer educational resources about mushroom identification and may be able to help individuals identify whether mushrooms they have picked are safe or not. For more information about mycological societies in California, please visit the?North American Mycological Association website.

State Makes it Easier to Dispute Health Plan

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) launched?a new secure, easy-to-use online form?to allow Californians to file complaints regarding their health plan quickly and easily from any computer.?The portal?(click here), available in both English and Spanish, enables consumers to request an external review of a health plan?s denial of medical services, known as an Independent Medical Review.? Previously, health plan enrollees had to submit the required forms and paperwork via mail or fax. ?With more Californians to gain health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, this new online portal will ensure there is a fast and easy way for them to get the care they are entitled to,? said Diana Dooley, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. Each year, the DMHC receives and resolves approximately 4,000 complaints from health plan members. Topics range from issues relating to access to care, claims, enrollment, benefits or coordination of care. Additionally, the DMHC annually administers approximately 1,700 Independent Medical Reviews of a health plan denial of service. These reviews are conducted by independent doctors not affiliated with the health plan.??This new online portal will help more Californians take advantage of the free health care assistance available through the Department of Managed Health Care?s Help Center,? said Brent Barnhart, DMHC director. The DMHC also unveiled two new online videos explaining the services available through the DMHC Help Center. Independent Medical Review process:?http://youtu.be/zUjzcAVqjqY. Services available through the DMHC Help Center:?http://youtu.be/zIbsB_1lz6Y. The secure complaint portal and online videos were funded through a federal Affordable Care Act grant. The DMHC regulates managed care health plans in California, protects the rights of approximately 20 million health plan enrollees, educates consumers on their health care rights and responsibilities, and preserves the financial stability of the managed health care system. Since 2000, the department has helped more than 1 million Californians resolve health plan problems through its Help Center. Information and assistance is available 24/7 at?www.HealthHelp.ca.gov?or by calling?(888) 466-2219.

Obese Children More Vulnerable to Food Advertising

Rates of childhood obesity have tripled in the past 30 years, and food marketing has been implicated as one factor contributing to this trend. Every year, companies spend more than $10 billion in the United States marketing their food and beverages to children; 98 percent of the food products advertised to children on television are high in fat, sugar or sodium. In a new study scheduled for publication in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers used neuroimaging to study the effects of food logos on obese and healthy weight children. Amanda S. Bruce, PhD, and colleagues from the University of?Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Kansas Medical Center assessed 10 healthy weight and 10 obese children, ages 10-14 years, using both self-reported measures of self-control and functional magnetic resonance imaging, which uses blood flow as a measure of brain activity. Bruce states, ?We were interested in how brain responses to food logos would differ between obese and healthy weight children.? The children were shown 60 food logos and 60 nonfood logos, and functional magnetic resonance imaging scans indicated which sections of the brain reacted to the familiar logos being shown. Obese children showed greater activation in some reward regions of the brain than healthy weight children when shown the food logos. Healthy weight children showed greater brain activation in regions of the brain associated with self-control, when shown food vs. nonfood logos. Overall, healthy weight children self-reported more self-control than the obese children. This adds to the body of research showing that in certain situations, healthy weight individuals experience greater activation of control regions of the brain than obese individuals. ?This study provides preliminary evidence that obese children may be more vulnerable to the effects of food advertising. One of the keys to improving health-related decision-making may be found in the ability to improve self-control,? notes Dr. Bruce. Self-control training may be a beneficial addition to obesity and behavioral health interventions, and may lead to greater success in weight loss.

Couch Potato No More: Video Game Fights Obesity

Reversing the image of the sedentary game player, a?new video game?under development by University of California, Davis, researchers will encourage children to strengthen their action-hero characters by logging miles walked and calories burned in the real world. Researchers in the UC Davis School of Education and Foods for Health Institute are teaming with a professional game designer to create the game, which requires players to enter personal health data and set physical goals. The project is funded with a two-year, $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation aimed at fighting childhood obesity. ?Gamers project their identities into game play in various ways already, but we are particularly interested in what might happen if the avatar in a game is tied directly to the gamer?s body and his or her actions outside the game,? said Cynthia Carter Ching, a grant recipient and School of Education professor who also is an expert in learning with technology. Ching and her colleagues, J. Bruce German and Sara Schaefer, both from the UC Davis Foods for Health Institute, and Marta Van Loan, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Human Nutrition Research Center, are teaming up with Play4Change, a nonprofit led by Ariel Hauter that develops serious games for social causes. The game is scheduled to be in use by health educators in select South Sacramento schools next spring for 11- to 14-year-old students. The project,??GET-UP: Gaming to Educate Teens about Understanding Personal Health,??will have youth participating in the initial development, testing and launch of the game. They will wear activity-monitor devices that measure such things as steps walked, floors climbed and calories burned. These data, along with diet logs and health and nutrition information they receive prior to play, inform the choices youth make and their rate of progress in their journey through the game. For example, a student who records more physical activity on a given day may find that their avatar is faster and stronger the next time they log in to the game. As a result, the student can see short-term positive rewards for their healthy actions ? such as not eating a dessert or walking after school ? long before they lose weight or change sizes, Ching said. ?Recreational games are often blamed for kids? obesity, and some gaming platforms like Wii Fit and X-box Kinnect have tried to make gaming itself more active, but our approach is different,? said Ching. ?It?s exciting to see if, instead, we can leverage games to positively affect behavior that impacts physical fitness even when the gamer is not playing.? GET-UP will be offered to students participating in programs supported through the California Afterschool Network, housed in the UC Davis School of Education. More information about the game?s development is at:?http://playgetup.com/about.html.

Over-the-counter birth control will benefit Latina health

The?American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists?recommendation that hormonal birth control (i.e. birth control pills) be sold over-the-counter to increase access and prevent unintended pregnancy would benefit Latina health, according to the?National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. ?The recommendation that birth control be available over-the-counter supports what we know about Latinas and contraception: over-the-counter access will greatly reduce the systemic barriers, like poverty, immigration status and language, that currently prevent Latinas from regularly accessing birth control and results in higher rates of unintended pregnancy. Over-the-counter birth control will enable more Latinas to plan the timing and spacing of their families, particularly immigrant Latinas who are expressly barred from accessing benefits under the Affordable Care Act. It?s time for affordable, highly effective oral contraception to be over-the-counter and available alongside condoms and cough medicine. The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health urges wide adoption of these recommendations for Latina health.?

Breast Cancer 2^nd?Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths for Women

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report notes that black women have the highest death rates from breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group, and that black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. In light of this, CDC has put together a digital press kit on racial disparities in breast cancer, which includes fact sheets, videos and podcasts, and a quote from CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.?View the information here.

No Time Like Now to?GET FIT!

First 5 San Joaquin invites you to partner with us to help families and communities in San Joaquin County?GET FIT!?Recent reports indicate that 1 in 5 children between 2-5 years old are already overweight or obese.? More than two-thirds of obese children will become obese adults.? Obesity can cause health problems that may include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels.? Children who are physically fit are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases in childhood and adulthood, and are more likely to become physically active adults. This quarter?s health messaging efforts will focus on equipping educators and advocates with resources to help families to?GET FIT.??Read on for more information and resources to assist you in your efforts.?Join the movement to help families make the change!

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.

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.

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.

$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.

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.

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?to find a Planned Parenthood Health Center near you.

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What You Need to Know About Joe?s Health Calendar

Have a health-oriented event the public in San Joaquin County should know about? Let me know at?jgoldeen@recordnet.com?and I?ll get it into my Health Calendar. I?m not interested in promoting commercial enterprises here, but I am interested in helping out nonprofit and/or community groups, hospitals, clinics, physicians and other health-care providers. Look for five categories: Community Events, News, Ongoing, Hospitals & Medical Groups, and Public Health.?TO THE PUBLIC:?I won?t list an item here from a source that I don?t know or trust. So I believe you can count on what you read here. If there is a problem, please don?t hesitate to let me know at?(209) 546-8278?or?jgoldeen@recordnet.com.?Thanks, Joe

Source: http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-health-care/2012/12/10/joes-health-calendar-121012-walk-more-eat-less/

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