Asma Jafri, MD

On Juneteenth, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and remember its significance. May this day serve as a reminder that progress towards justice requires collective effort and unwavering commitment.

Together, we can create a brighter future where all individuals are truly free and equal.

In recognition of the Juneteenth federal holiday, UCR Health clinics will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th. We will resume our regular hours on Thursday, June 20th. If you have a life- or limb-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care.
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In honor of Memorial Day, UCR Health clinics will be closed on Monday, May 27th. This day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the brave souls who have served our country.

We will resume our regular hours on Tuesday, May 28th. If you have a life- or limb-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care.
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May is Lupus Awareness Month 💜

Lupus, a chronic (long-term) autoimmune disease, can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body.

Did you know? 9 out of 10 individuals with lupus are women and it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have Lupus.

Feeling symptoms? It's crucial to consult with a doctor to explore whether lupus could be a potential diagnosis. Let's start the conversation and raise awareness together!
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🚺 More than 60 million women living in the U.S. have heart disease, affecting underserved communities hardest. This , take charge of your heart health! Schedule a checkup, discuss risk factors, and eat a diet. 💖
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https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/truth-about-women-and-heart-disease-fact-sheet

Dr. Samia Faiz, an internal medicine specialist at UC Riverside Health, weighs in on the latest study regarding zinc products. “I agree with the study...In general, healthy people may be able to take zinc supplements if they make them feel better or if they get some comfort."
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Do zinc products really help shorten a cold? It's hard to say Zinc products promising cold relief have been on the market for decades. A new analysis finds research on their efficacy to be inconclusive.

Did you know? , such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, often don’t have any symptoms at all. Even if you're feeling well, it's crucial for sexually active women to test for STIs annually or when starting a new relationship. Take the proactive step to now and prioritize your health 💗
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womenshealth.gov/nwhw

🎉 Celebrating National Women's Health Week! 🎉 Women encounter unique health challenges that deserve attention. Let’s empower every woman to become her own advocate for better health.
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womenshealth.gov/nwhw

Gift to UC Riverside aims to assist local population
https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2024/05/01/gift-ucr-clinic-aims-assist-local-unhoused-population
UCR Health

Gift to UCR clinic aims to assist local unhoused population Funding from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians grants greater medical access to low-income residents

April is National Minority Health Month!

This annual observance sheds light on the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority groups, including American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. It's time for us all to take action to address these inequities.

This year's theme is 'Be the Source for Better Health'. At UCR Health, we're committed to embodying that source. Through collaboration with public health and community-based partners, we strive to provide quality care and services that cater to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, and socioeconomic circumstances.

Learn more in our article: www.ucrhealth.org/2024/04/national-minority-health-month/
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World Immunization Week is here! It's a global public health campaign dedicated to raising awareness and expanding immunization coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide.

Remember, vaccines safeguard not only yourself but also your loved ones and those who cannot be vaccinated. Let's protect our communities together! 🩺💉

For more information, visit WHO.int.
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Everyone feels stress from time to time! April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.☀️

Here are some activities you can try when you start to feel overwhelmed:
📙 Keep a journal.
📱 Try relaxation apps for deep breathing or mindfulness tips.
🍏 Prioritize exercise and maintain a balanced diet.
😴 Stick to a consistent sleep routine.

Read on to discover expert insights from Dinery Egan, LMFT, and Maribel Torres, LCSW at the UCR Health Comprehensive Psychiatric Services: www.ucrhealth.org/2024/04/stress-awareness-month/
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A huge shoutout and thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and joined us for the presentation to learn about UCR Health at the 2024 Open House on Saturday, April 6th ⭐💙 We enjoyed connecting with everyone and appreciate your interest and support 🧸

Want to learn more about UCR Health? Visit ucrhealth.org for more info and schedule an appointment with any of our amazing physicians 🥼🩺
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Thank you to all who stopped by our UCR Health booth at the 2024 Transgender Day of Visibility in the Coachella Valley and greeted Dr. Jami Woods, a transgender psychiatrist at UCR Health Comprehensive Psychiatric Services!

Transgender Day of Visibility, held every March 31, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of transgender individuals worldwide. It's a dedicated day to raise awareness about the discrimination they face and celebrate their invaluable impact on society.

"As a transgender psychiatrist providing gender-affirming hormone therapy, community engagement is very much what we are all about in our department of psychiatry, and that is why it was important for me to personally be there," remarked Dr. Woods.

If you or someone you know is looking for supportive, gender-affirming care, we're here to help. Call 1-844-827-8000 or visit www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ to schedule an appointment with UCR Health Comprehensive Psychiatric Services today and take the first step towards compassionate, personalized care 💗
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Happy National Doctors' Day 🎉

Today, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our physicians at UCR Health. Thank you for your dedication and compassion in keeping our community healthy.

Join us in honoring our healthcare heroes today and every day! Drop a ❤️ in the comments to show your appreciation for our incredible physicians!
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Did you know that endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women in the United States? Endometriosis happens when the tissue similar to what lines the inside of the uterus grows in places where it shouldn't, like on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, or nearby tissues.

This Endometriosis Awareness Month, let's shed light on the impact of this chronic illness. Curious to learn more about endometriosis? Watch "Endometriosis: Everything You Need to Know," featuring Dr. Mallory Stuparich, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at the UCR Health Women's Health Center, here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vglZHFAD5ig

Let's stand with those affected and advocate for improved understanding and care for endometriosis. Together, we can make a difference! 💛
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Meet Dr. Brenda Ross, MD! Specializing in Maternal Fetal Medicine at UCR Health Inland Empire Women’s Health Center, her dedication to empowering pregnant women and enhancing birth outcomes in the Inland Empire shines through her work.

A proud UCR Highlander alum, discover more about Dr. Ross's journey and commitment in her profile featured on UCR SOM News ⬇️
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Healthy Pregnancies for All Recently, Brenda Ross, MD, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at UCR Health, suggested that a patient with underlying health conditions have her pregnancy managed at a larger hospital with more in-house specialists. When the patient refused, Ross agreed to work with her. Ross recalled the patient....

Meet Dr. Esther Caroline McGowan, MD, MS! Specializing in Pediatrics at the UCR Health Coachella Valley Pediatric Center, she's a compassionate force caring for children in our community. But her impact doesn't stop there—beyond the clinic, Dr. McGowan is actively shaping the future of medicine by nurturing the next generation of physicians.

Discover more about Dr. McGowan's inspiring journey and commitment in her profile ⬇

Setting Kids and Future Physicians Up for Success As a child in Botswana, Esther Caroline McGowan, MD, still remembers the love that her mother, a nurse, had for her patients. “That was one of the reasons that I wanted to get into medicine,” recalled McGowan, who is now a pediatrician at UCR Health. “In my mind, everyone deserved to have care...

March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, and it is a time to raise awareness about this chronic neurological disorder.🧡

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is a central nervous system disease that causes a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

🎗️ Wear the orange ribbon and explore resources available on www.nationalmssociety.org
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Today marks the tenth anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day! Let's join hands together to work towards protecting everyone's health by protecting everyone's rights.
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Happy Employee Appreciation Day! ⭐ Today, we honor our UCR Health physicians and staff, who are the heartbeat of our community. More than a health system, we are a team that supports each other through thick and thin, fostering resilience amidst rapid change.

Your dedication to our mission is unwavering, offering assistance and aid to those in need. Thank you for your tireless efforts and commitment. Here's to the incredible impact you make every day! ❤️
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#2024

Happy American Heart Health Month!

With a healthy heart, you can do more of what you love. We’re proud to support the “Heart-Healthy Steps” campaign to help more people take small steps for better heart health! Take your first step today at hearthealthysteps.org

is here to help you every step of the way. Read the article to get tips on how to keep your heart healthy: www.ucrhealth.org/2024/02/american-heart-month-3/
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Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day takes place every February 22nd during American Heart Month ❤️

As many as 11.6 million Americans are estimated to have heart valve disease and around 25,000 people die from the disease each year. Fortunately, most valve diseases can be treated successfully in patients of all ages 🩺

➡️ What is Heart Valve Disease?
It is a type of heart disease that involves damage to one or more of the heart’s four valves, causing them to not open or close properly and disrupting blood flow.🩸
These complications can significantly impact quality of life, make everyday activities difficult, and lead to disability and loss of independence.

Schedule an in-person or a virtual appointment at 1-844-827-8000 📞 You can also visit ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment to submit an online appointment request.
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February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month!

💗 What is a prenatal infection?
A prenatal infection occurs when germs cause illness that impacts the pregnant individual, the unborn baby, or the newborn after delivery.

🤰 Prenatal infections include, but are not limited to: group B strep (GBS) disease, congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), fifth disease, chlamydia, gonorrhea, listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, and Zika virus disease.

💗How does an infection reach the womb?
It is commonly caused by germs traveling upwards through the va**na and cervix. Germs can also travel through the maternal bloodstream through the placenta.
(source: groupbstrepinternational.org)

Have questions? Call 1-844-827-8000 or visit www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ to submit an online appointment request form to speak with a specialist.
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💝 Happy Valentine's Day from UCR Health! 💘 Here are a couple of healthy treats that you can enjoy with your loved ones on this special day. Give these recipes a try and let us know in the comments how you like them!! 😊🍓
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#2024

About 800,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year. Cardiac rehabilitation can not only help a person recover from a heart issue but also prevent future complications. ❤️

This Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, take steps to lower your risk of heart disease:
🥗 Eat healthy
🏃‍♀️ Get active
🏋️‍♀️ Stay at a healthy weight
🚭 Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
🩺 Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
🍷 Drink alcohol only in moderation
🌻 Manage stress
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It's Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week! Did you know that Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect?

It is estimated that more than two million people in the United States are living with a CHD. If you or your loved ones have a CHD, it's crucial to prioritize regular doctor visits 🩺

Have questions? Call 1-844-827-8000 or visit www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ to submit an online appointment request form to speak with a specialist. Take care of your heart ❤️ and discuss your health with your doctor today!
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Thank you to everyone who stopped by our UCR Health Booth at the 2nd Annual 5K 🏃 at the Ontario Runway this past Sunday! 🧸 It was a pleasure meeting with each one of you. Remember, small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can lead to big changes!
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Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.

🩺 According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of common cancers are preventable through a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active.

We can take responsibility for our health by...
💉 Getting vaccinated and reminding others to get vaccinated
🏃‍♀️ Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle
🚫 Avoiding alcohol, to***co, and excessive/prolonged sun exposure
Additional resource: (worldcancerday.org)

Speak with a UCR Health specialist to learn more about possible risks or symptoms by booking an in-person or virtual appointment at 1-844-827-8000 📞 You can also visit ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment to submit an appointment request online.
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Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect. Help us raise awareness for these conditions this January during Awareness Month. From pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence, to adulthood, every journey matters! ❤️

Birth defects can occur during any stage of pregnancy. Most birth defects occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are forming. This is a very important stage of development. However, some birth defects occur later in pregnancy (CDC).

Talk to a specialist today, 📞 Call 1-844-827-8000 or visit www.ucrhealth.org/womens-health-lp/ to submit an online appointment request form.
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented?

📝 More than 90% of all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), but there's a vaccine to prevent infection. Cervical cancer screening can find pre-cancerous cells and early treatment can prevent the development of cervical cancer.

If you are between the ages of 21-65 years old, it's highly encouraged that you get a cervical cancer screening. Remember that Cervical Cancer does not affect everyone the same. Know your risk: www.ucrhealth.org/2024/01/cervical-cancer-know-your-risk/
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