Adventist Health Sonora

We remember those lives lost on September 11, as well as the survivors, families and many acts of heroism witnessed that day. We thank the first responders, emergency personnel and the men and women who protect us and keep us safe today and every day.

Su***de is a global health phenomenon that impacts every region of the world. Each year, 700,000 people die due to su***de, and it is estimated that there are 14 million su***de attempts. If you know someone struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out and offer support and hope. If you are struggling with these thoughts yourself, ask for help. We know it can be hard to share these thoughts with others, but your life is worth living. If you do not know who to reach out to, call or text 988 to connect with a counselor at the National Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. Conversations are free and confidential.

It can seem like teens are glued to their cellphones. They keep us connected with our teens, especially during the schoolyear, when the family is heading different directions every day. But they can also have a negative impact on their mental health. More screen time and social media use can lead to an increase in depression, negative body image, poor-quality sleep and stress. If you’re wondering how to help your teen set healthy boundaries with screens, visit ahlink.org/3OpWFIT for tips.

This flu season, arm yourself against the flu. Here are reasons why getting the flu shot matters.

Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Today we celebrate and honor the dedication and achievements of our team members. We hope that you will take time this weekend to rest, enjoy time with your loved ones and have some fun!

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” - Ephesians 4:32

You may have heard that the brain and body are connected. There is growing evidence that changes in our physical health can affect our brain. That also means that what you do to keep your body healthy can keep your brain in tip-top shape as well. Doctors recommend simple lifestyle changes to boost your brain health.

Choose nutritious foods
Exercise regularly
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol
Manage medical conditions

Learn more about the impact of these activities — and how they can lower your stroke risk — in our blog.

Tips to Keep Your Brain Healthy | Adventist Health The same tips that keep your body healthy can also boost your brain health. Consider these lifestyle changes to keep your brain in top shape and lower your risk of stroke.

We've had much to celebrate this month as we kicked off two programs aimed at increasing access to care and building pathways for healthcare careers in the Mother Lode.

The new Pacific Union College Associate of Science in Nursing program at Adventist Health Sonora welcomed its first class of 20 students last week. Operating in a hybrid format with online coursework and clinical rotations here in Sonora, this program allows students to stay in and serve our community while advancing their nursing careers.

Our Family Medicine Residency Rural Training Track, a graduate medical education program operating in partnership with Adventist Health Hanford, also recently welcomed its first cohort of four family medicine physicians who will be completing hands-on residency training and providing primary care services in Sonora over the next two years.

Learn more about how we are building a pipeline of homegrown staff and providers: https://ahlink.org/3ADcf0C

Our summer issue of Health Inspired has some helpful tips from some local experts for the all-too-common concern of urinary incontinence. You'll also hear from the new president for Adventist Health Sonora, learn about our fundraising efforts for the latest technology in cancer imaging and meet our family medicine residents who are accepting new patients in Sonora.

Adventist Health Sonora | 2024 Summer Magazine Check out the latest community news and stories happening in Sonora in our 2024 Summer edition.

Long COVID isn’t a single illness, and identifying it can be tricky for patients and healthcare providers alike. Visit our blog to discover some of the symptoms that patients have experienced for weeks — and even years — after a COVID-19 infection. You’ll also learn more about the risks of this condition and your treatment options. Read more here: ahlink.org/3SOJS5R

If you’re a Medicare member, you have the option to schedule a free Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. It’s a conversation-based appointment where you and your provider have dedicated time to talk about your personal health and wellness goals. You’ll also create a personal prevention plan together. The plan includes:

• A 5 and 10-year health maintenance plan
• Education about healthy choices, including nutrition
• A recommended exercise program
• Blood pressure and blood sugar guidelines
• And more!

Learn more about what to expect at these helpful visits: ahlink.org/4cWS7o8

‘Boy Meets World’ star Danielle Fishel has spoken out on her recent diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer.

In this article, learn about understanding your personal genetic risk for cancer and the importance of proactive screenings.

‘Boy Meets World’ Star Danielle Fishel Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Actor Danielle Fishel revealed she has been diagnosed with a very early stage of breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

There is still time to participate in our community well-being survey!

Share your thoughts about quality of life in our community by Friday, August 31 and help us build a healthier future for everyone who calls the Mother Lode home: AdventistHealthCHNA.org/Sonora

This survey is part of our 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. You can learn more about the Community Health Needs Assessment process and read past reports here: AdventistHealth.org/CommunityBenefit

Some things you never outgrow. High on that list is rolling up your sleeve for a shot. Even if you were fully vaccinated as a kid, you still need vaccines as an adult. Find out which adult vaccines you need and when you should get them.

Adult Vaccines: Are You up to Date on Yours? | Adventist Health There’s a common misconception that only the elderly or people chronically ill need to worry about getting vaccinated. But even if you’re a healthy adult, it’s important to stay up to date.

According to the CDC, California is in the midst of a "summer surge" of COVID-19 cases. Thorough handwashing may seem like a simple action, it's still one of the best ways to stay healthy. Check out our blog to brush up on the how-to and the why of handwashing.

5 Handwashing Tips Handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. Here are five handwashing tips to follow in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Congratulations to Blessed Hope Wolf, RN, the winner of our most recent DAISY Award!

Hope's compassionate care is widely admired by her team and appreciated by her patients, so much so that she has won the DAISY Award before and received multiple new nominations this quarter. One nomination she received said:

“I had exceptional care while I was hospitalized, but there was one nurse who stood out above them all, and her name is Hope. I was having some unfortunate things going wrong at home with water leaks, and being in the hospital, I felt very helpless because I couldn't help my wife. I somewhat broke down emotionally, and Hope went out of her way to comfort me and walk me through that situation. I can't tell you how much that meant to me, especially after being in the hospital for so long. Her compassion, kindness and love were genuine. Bless her heart. She was a true angel for me."

Thank you, Hope, for your extraordinary work and the heart you put into caring for your patients. We appreciate you!

The DAISY Award is an international program of the DAISY Foundation that celebrates the extraordinary compassion and skillful care given by nurses every day. Is there an Adventist Health Sonora registered nurse you would like to nominate? Learn more about the DAISY award and submit your nomination at AdventistHealthSonora.org/DAISYaward

Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, dementia — the risk of many diseases increases with age. But if you’re in your 60s or beyond, you would probably rather think about how to enjoy your retirement than worry about illness.

So how can you be sure you’re on top of your wellness? Click the link for four tips on making your golden years your healthiest yet.

Better With Age: 4 Tips to Stay on Top of Your Health | Adventist Health If you’re in your 60s or beyond, you would probably rather think about how to enjoy your retirement than worry about illness. Stay on top of your wellness with these four tips from family medicine specialist Dr. Amy Lin.

We're celebrating Jennifer Coffing, RN, a nurse in our skilled nursing units, who was recently recognized as our latest Service Excellence Award winner!

The Service Excellence Award is presented to an associate for embodying what it means to be Adventist Health and living our values in their work each day. Jennifer was nominated by a colleague who commended her for being a brilliant collaborator and proactive problem-solver, all while having a wonderful attitude: "I really think Jennifer’s superpower is her smile. Skilled nursing can be a very chaotic world and yet she maintains a cheerful attitude. And you can tell because, as my grandmother used to say, she smiles with her whole face!”

Thank you, Jennifer, for all you do for your team and our community! You are so appreciated.

As a nonprofit healthcare provider, we are dedicated to building a healthier future for everyone in the Mother Lode, and you can help!

Tell us about your health and well-being needs in this brief, anonymous survey: AdventistHealthCHNA.org/Sonora.

We're collaborating with several local agencies and organizations to understand our community's top health needs and develop strategies to meet them. Your feedback is a vital part of this process - thank you for sharing your perspective!

We are honored to recognize Karly Penton, RN, with the Angel Award, a quarterly honor presented to an associate who exemplifies what it means to live God's love.

Karly is a nurse in our Birth Center, where she cares for patients during some of the happiest moments of their lives. We consider her an angel, though, because of the extraordinary selflessness she demonstrates in times of heartbreak. One family she cared for was so moved by her compassion that they still stay in touch and visit the Birth Center to see her.

Thank you, Karly, for all the ways you serve our patients in the spirit of the compassionate, healing ministry of Jesus. Our community is blessed that you are here.

Many people over 65 have Medicare health coverage which includes a free Annual Wellness Visit. What’s the difference between the Annual Wellness Visit and an annual physical exam?

At an Annual Wellness Visit, your primary care provider works with you to develop a personalized prevention plan. This interview-style appointment has no hands-on physical exam, and you’ll leave with a copy of your personalized prevention plan to stay on top of your health, including vaccines and screenings you may be due for.

During an annual physical, your primary care provider will conduct a hands-on physical exam, talk to you about any conditions and your current medications, as well as making sure you’re up to date on screenings or vaccinations.

What do they have in common? They should both be scheduled once a year and are an important preventive visit with both visits with a trained primary care provider. Find one near you at AdventistHealth.org/Doctors.

Often, there can be uncertainty and confusion when it comes to flu vaccines and the best course of action for adults and children. Listen to our experts as they clear up the most common myths about flu vaccines.

Myth Busters: The truth about Flu Vaccines | Adventist Health Often, there can be uncertainty and confusion when it comes to flu vaccines and the best course of action for adults and children. Listen to our experts as they clear up the most common myths about flu vaccines!

It’s never too early — or too late — to think about aging healthfully. Here are three tips to make sure your golden years are your healthiest, whether you’re in your 30s or your 70s:

Make choices for natural health: Eat a healthy diet and limit your consumption of salt, alcohol and to***co. And aim for moderate-intensity exercise — try going for a walk in the park with a friend or playing with your grandkids.

Train your brain: Engage in mentally and socially stimulating activities to slow the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Try volunteering, doing arts and crafts, playing an instrument or taking a class.

Keep up with health screenings: Looking for signs of cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and other ailments before they progress is the key to your longevity.

Learn more about why these steps make an impact in our blog: ahlink.org/3Lt5Tmp

Our team at Northern California Spine Institute is pleased to welcome Viet Le, PA-C, an experienced physician assistant providing care for patients with a range of spine conditions including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and lumbar radiculopathy.

Viet has a strong passion for giving back to his community by offering compassionate, personalized, high-quality orthopedic spine care.

More information is available by visiting AdventistHealth.org/VLe or by calling Northern California Spine Institute at 209-536-5778.

You’ve been blessed with unique talents and skills. How do you use them to make a difference?

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” - Galatians 6:10

Join host Japhet De Oliveira for an inspiring conversation with Erasmo Cortez, our Administrative Director for Grants, as they discuss growing up in a large family, facing financial struggles, and the importance of faith, forgiveness, and building others up. Listen here: ahlink.org/4dPUl9Z

Vitamins and minerals are essential to help our body function, but the pharmacy’s supplement section can reveal a confusing alphabet of options. Read the blog to learn what to take, why it helps and how to get these essential nutrients through your diet.

Decoding vitamins to help your body function better Supplements can reveal a confusing alphabet of options. Learn what to take and why it helps.

Join host Japhet De Oliviera for an insightful conversation with Camie Overton, Operations Executive at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, as they discuss the beauty of the Columbia Gorge, developing future leaders, the impact Adventist Health has in the community and the power of hope. Listen here: ahlink.org/4bT1rJ5

CA Bridge, a statewide program designed to improve the model of substance use treatment, is deployed at 19 of Adventist Health’s California hospitals. See how the Ukiah Valley program implementation has been a shining success.

Establishing new models to navigate substance use treatment | Adventist Health CA Bridge, a statewide program designed to improve the model of substance use treatment, is deployed at 19 of Adventist Health’s California hospitals. In Ukiah Valley, program implementation has been a shining success.

Chlorine keeps germs and bacteria out of pools, hot tubs and water parks to protect you from illness and infection. But it is also a chemical irritant, so overexposure can result in a mild chemical burn known as chlorine rash.

If you have chlorine rash, you might experience dry, chapped skin with red, swollen patches and painful itching or burning sensations.

It’s especially prevalent in people with sensitive skin or those who have repeated exposure, such as swimming in a chlorinated pool many days in a row. Simple steps such as bathing right after you swim can prevent the condition.

Visit ahlink.org/3oXGaec to learn more about preventing and treating chlorine rash and other skin conditions that come from pools.

If you’ve dealt with chronic pain, you know how disruptive and disheartening it can be on both your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that chronic pain puts you at a higher risk for mental health disorders, including severe anxiety, depression or substance use problems. Read more about the connection between pain and mental health and how to manage symptoms.

Chronic Pain and Mental Health: What’s the Connection? | Adventist Health Studies have shown that chronic pain increases your risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and vice versa. Fortunately, many treatments can effectively reduce pain and mental health symptoms at the same time.

We can all use more smiles. It’s a universal language that speaks kindness without saying a word.

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” - Proverbs 15:13

Join host Japhet De Oliveira as he sits down with Jayant Eldurkar, the chief medical officer at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for an engaging discussion around his love for fountain pens, the importance of listening, engaging with others and embracing the unexpected in life. Listen here: ahlink.org/3yxb5Th

No matter where you're trying to stay cool despite this record-breaking heat wave, it's important to look out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dr. Vijay Krishna is an Adventist Health family medicine physician in the Central Valley, where triple-digit temperatures are common. Check out his tips for keeping everyone safe in his community and yours — starting with staying hydrated!

A Guide To Preventing Heat Exhaustion & Heatstroke | Adventist Health High temperatures and extended sun exposure lead to severe dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Keep an eye out for these warning signs and what to do.

We have named Sam Leonor as our new chief mission officer, effective July 1, 2024. In this important position, Sam will play an integral role in ensuring that our mission and deeply cherished values are woven into every facet of our strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

Sam previously served as our mission identity and spiritual care executive for the past five years.

“It genuinely warms my heart to have Sam step into this role, as I truly believe he is remarkably suited for the position,” said Kerry L. Heinrich, our president and CEO. “Sam’s ability to inspire and lead with kindness, respect and collaboration reflects his genuine commitment to the well-being of our associates and patients.”

To read more, please visit ahlink.org/3zyOOEU.