MultiCare Health System

The essence of fatherhood lies not just in grand gestures but in the everyday moments of connection and support. On Father’s Day we celebrate our fathers and our father figures — thank you for cheering, comforting, supporting, challenging and loving us.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, behind skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.

5 things every man should know about prostate cancer - MultiCare Vitals It’s only about the size of a walnut, but the prostate takes on an oversized place in men’s health as they age.

A growing body of evidence indicates that q***r women are significantly less likely than heterosexual women to be screened for cervical cancer.

Deana Williams, PhD, MPH, a research investigator at the MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation, is leading a study that aims to improve the rate of cervical cancer screening among q***r women.

“More than 90 percent of cervical cancers are preventable, but cervical cancer is still a major public health issue in the U.S.,” Williams says. “Current cervical cancer screening initiatives are not meeting the needs of q***r women, and we need to change that.”

Improving cervical cancer screening rates among q***r women Cervical cancer screening saves lives, yet q***r women are significantly less likely than straight women to be up to date on these lifesaving screenings.

It's Men's Health Week and we've debunked common myths that may contribute to poor outcomes for men and offer tips to support healthy living.

Spotlight on men’s health: 8 myths debunked Myths about men's health are common, like baldness only coming from your mother's side of the family. Other myths may be more harmful, though.

While checking in to a doctor’s appointment, you expect to answer questions about your age, gender identity or marital status. But what about veteran status?

You may not think of it as an important health identifier, but when it comes to health conditions or lifestyle factors that could play into your well-being, experts say it’s critical.

At MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital, Veteran Advocacy Program manager Matthew McCay explains how a recent query into patient records identified 70 veterans who met the criteria for diagnoses possibly related to Agent Orange exposure who weren’t receiving applicable health benefits.

Changing the mindset on veteran health care Veterans face unique health disparities because of the demands service requires. Experts encourage community providers to ask about veteran status and su***de risk.

Smoking is the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer — it causes nine out of 10 lung cancer cases in men and eight of 10 cases in women.

Deciding to quit is a big step. Whether you’re trying to quit for the first time or the 100th, these tips can help.

9 tips for quitting smoking Deciding to quit smoking is a big step. Whether you're trying to quit for the first time or the 100th, these tips can help.

From bi negativity and bisexual erasure to racial stereotypes and adverse health outcomes, this is a reality Deana Williams, (she/her), PhD, MPH, has found in her work as a research investigator at the MultiCare Institute for Research and Innovation.

Dr. Williams is leading a study funded by the National Institutes of Health to capture the voices and lived experiences of these patients. She hopes to spark changes that will result in affirming, culturally conscious care for all birthing people.

LGBTQ+ health equity should be the rule, not the exception - MultiCare Vitals The LGBTQ+ community has long faced many health disparities rooted in discrimination. MultiCare is committed to working toward health equity.

The Shades of Motherhood Network leads the way in showing how culturally based doulas will play a key role in ending the Black maternal health crisis.

Culturally based doulas are key to improving care Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications — most of which are preventable — than white women.

MultiCare’s Healthy Behavior and Function Clinic takes a unique approach to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder with their low-barrier clinic unlike any in the region.

“The main thing we do differently than primary care or pain management clinics is the idea of ‘no wrong door. We’re trying to provide care in the moment to the person who needs it.” says Lora Jasman, MD, FACP, MultiCare Rockwood Clinic internal and addiction medicine provider.

That means if a patient doesn’t follow every guideline of their treatment, misses appointments or gives false answers to their provider, they’re not discharged from care.

Clinic takes unique approach to substance use disorder treatment MultiCare's Healthy Behavior and Function Clinic provides low-barrier substance use disorder care and focuses on access, respect and meeting patients where they are.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States—the earlier skin cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat, and some forms are curable.

Separate fact from fiction and get tips about how to take care of your skin from radiation oncologist Dr. Zachary Guss. ☀️ https://multica.re/45bh7Fv

The symptoms may last only minutes — momentary feelings of weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech, for example.

These feelings might be so fleeting that you are tempted to shrug them off, but that would be a mistake because what you may be experiencing is a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

While TIAs are sometimes referred to as ministrokes, the name is a misnomer — there is nothing mild or harmless about them.

What is a ministroke, and are you at risk? A ministroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack, may last only a few minutes, but it can be a warning sign that you may go on to experience a stroke.

Memorial Day honors all Americans who served in the armed services, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

The most fitting way to honor those who gave their lives in service to their country is to celebrate the very qualities for which they died: liberty to discover all that life offers, the pursuit of happiness, family, safe communities, equality, health, opportunity, and freedom.

Knee pain is a common complaint for those who carry extra weight. But being overweight can actually hinder those who need knee surgery from qualifying for it.

Gretchen Dolan met with bariatric surgeon Michael Keating, MD, at the MultiCare Center for Weight Loss & Wellness – Covington in June 2022 to discuss her options.

“Dr. Keating immediately made me comfortable,” Dolan shares. “He told me we were going to be a team, and I knew he meant that.”

Bariatric surgery paves way for new knee and active life Gretchen Dolan lost 150 pounds and gained the ability to pursue activities she's never been able to do.

We are excited to share that MultiCare and Overlake Medical Center & Clinics have signed an affiliation agreement, emphasizing their joint long-term commitment to delivering the highest quality care to communities. Through this agreement, Overlake and its network of clinics will join MultiCare as the flagship of our new North Sound Region.

“In Overlake, we have found a like-minded partner that shares our interests in advancing the health status of King County and beyond. We are excited for Overlake to join MultiCare’s network of 12 hospitals and 300 clinics across the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to the future we will create together and look forward to welcoming them to the MultiCare family.” –Bill Robertson, chief executive officer, MultiCare Health System.

Learn more: https://multica.re/3ytj4AR

Unfortunately, health care-related scams designed to steal your personal information are on the rise, and you may find yourself asking these questions.

While none of us wants to think that we could fall for a scam, the people committing these crimes are both sophisticated and creative — and their tactics are constantly changing.

Protect your privacy by learning how to spot the signs of a scam.

Don't fall for these common health care scams Health care-related scams designed to steal your personal information are on the rise. Protect your privacy by learning how to spot the signs of a scam.

During National Women's Health Week, learn how MultiCare is addressing challenges women may face in receiving care including access to important health screenings and treatments, and innovative approaches to primary, specialty and prenatal care geared specifically toward women.

Aiming to achieve equity in women’s health care To address inequities in women's health, MultiCare provides women access to important health screenings and medical treatments.

Stroke, like lots of things, doesn’t play fair.

According to the American Heart Association, women face a higher risk of experiencing a stroke throughout their lifetime than men. In fact, stroke is among the top five causes of death for women in the United States and a leading cause of disability. By understanding what puts you at greater risk, you can take steps to reduce the odds of having a stroke.

Women and stroke: Know your risk If you or a loved one is experiencing stroke symptoms, don’t wait to see if they improve. Call 911 immediately.

Please join us Thursday, May 30th for a discussion with FailSafe for Life to learn simple steps to help save a life from su***de including how to recognize the warning signs of a su***de crisis, how to ask about su***de, and how to connect someone to extra help. Register for the webinar, here: https://multica.re/3UsqFrB

National Women’s Health Week is a good time to check in with your health — both physical and mental — and schedule any checkups you may be due for.

This observance has never been more critical. It’s also a great time for family and friends to help achieve the best health possible for the women in their lives.

This year we’d like to focus on women’s heart health, because cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death for women in the United States.

The state of women's heart health Learn about the state of women's heart health during Women's Health Week. Gain insights and tips for a healthier heart.

During National Hospital Week, we celebrate the hardworking teams at our hospitals systemwide. From clinical care to support staff, we are thankful for the innovative ways that our hospitals support the health and ongoing needs of our communities. If you happen to be at one of our campuses this week, please show your appreciation to our staff.

Today and every day, we celebrate the mothers who nurture, support, and love unconditionally. We are proud to play even a small part in a mother's journey. From prenatal care to baby's first breaths, the first pediatric visit to every bump and bruise along the way, we are honored to care for moms and their families in every stage.

Happy Mother's Day 💐

For activities lasting less than an hour, water is the best way to hydrate. For workouts or activities lasting longer than an hour, especially in the heat, it’s important to replenish electrolytes as well.

Getting the timing right can help you stay hydrated before, during and after your workout.

Stay hydrated in the spring and summer heat - MultiCare Vitals Dehydration can cramp your fitness plans. Getting the timing right can help you stay hydrated before, during and after your workout.

Infertility impacts roughly 10% of people in the United States, regardless of age, ethnicity or socio-economic background.

“Many couples and individuals may be going through the struggles of infertility and not sharing that,” says Jaime Ellis, ARNP, obstetrics and gynecology provider at MultiCare Women’s Center — Auburn. “I encourage everyone to not put pressure on family and friends by frequently asking when they’re going to start a family or when is someone getting grandkids.”

Even when people do open up, it’s hard to know what to say. Recognize how challenging the journey is — and how difficult holidays like Mother’s Day can be.

When to see a doctor for fertility challenges Discover when to see a doctor for fertility challenges. Gain insights into seeking support and potential treatments.

The time after a baby is born can be filled with overwhelming emotions, ranging from immense joy to sadness.

Stress, lack of sleep and hormonal changes play into this. Within 24 hours of giving birth, a mom’s levels of estrogen and progesterone drop from the highest they’ll ever be back to pre-pregnancy levels.

It’s common for moms to feel sad or anxious and have what’s called the “baby blues.” But when these feelings persist beyond two weeks after birth, it might be postpartum depression.

Diagnosing and treating postpartum depression - MultiCare Vitals Certified nurse midwife, Rossi Elliott-Airy, addresses maternal mental health at MultiCare Rockwood Clinic OB/GYN & Midwifery Center.

National Nurses Week is an opportunity to celebrate the 7,000+ nurses across our health system. Your dedication and compassionate care is invaluable to our patients, their families and the communities we serve. Help us honor our incredible nurses and give them a shout out in the comments!

For generations, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been leaders in advancing the delivery of health care, from discovering new treatments to improving the care of vulnerable populations and more.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we share the stories of five individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on the field of medicine and continue to inspire future generations of scientists, clinicians and health care professionals.

Asian Pacific Heritage Icons in Medicine Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by honoring changemakers in medicine. Explore their contributions and legacies.

The word “stroke” can conjure up anxious thoughts, fear and questions. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions about strokes and help ease your concerns.

Understanding stroke: Symptoms, risk factors & when to get care The word “stroke” can conjure up anxious thoughts, fear and questions. Here, we answer some of the most common questions about strokes.

We are excited to share that three MultiCare Health System hospitals earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, their highest rating. Congratulations to the teams at MultiCare Capital Medical Center, MultiCare Covington Medical Center and MultiCare Deaconess Hospital for your outstanding achievements.

Each day, our clinical and support staff are focused on the experience and safety of our patients and their families. This recognition speaks to the hard work of these hospital team members — please join us in congratulating all of these teams on their impressive accomplishments.

For more information, visit: https://multica.re/44szzsO

Recently, there’s been a surge in preteens exploring the world of skin care. If you’ve scrolled through social media, you’ve likely seen videos of young teens showing off their skin care product collections. But not all products are one-size-fits-all. Some may even do more harm than good on young skin.

Pr***en skincare do's and don'ts Hygiene is important, but not all products are one-size-fits-all. Some may even do more harm than good on young skin.

Last fall, Tom Baker, noticed a lump on his neck while shaving. He figured a lymph gland was swollen because he was fighting a cold. But about a month later, the lump was bigger.

“Instead of putting it off, I made an appointment,” says Tom, who lives in Liberty Lake.

He saw his primary care doctor Andrew Odle, MD, with MultiCare Rockwood Clinic – Liberty Lake. Dr. Odle ordered tests to investigate.

Tom says the scheduling staff worked hard to coordinate his appointments, making sure there was no delay in getting a diagnosis.

Man perseveres through challenging throat cancer treatment Along with support from family and friends, Tom Baker credits his care team with helping him create a plan and stick to it.