Joe's Health Calendar 12/2/12 Walk More Eat Less

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.

Free Support Group for Mothers Invested in Baby

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

San Joaquin General Hospital Healthy Beginnings Clinic

500 W. Hospital Road, French Camp

• Dec. 3 (Monday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Preventing Childhood Obesity

San Joaquin General Hospital Healthy Beginnings Clinic

1414 N. California St., Stockton

• Dec. 5 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?The Importance of Physical Activity
• Dec. 19 (Wednesday) English 10 a.m., Spanish 1:30 p.m.:?Preventing Childhood Obesity

Lodi Memorial Hospital Education Department

800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi

• 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

Helping Special Needs Child Understand Sexuality

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

Breastfeeding Class

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

Prenatal Nutrition and Exercise

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

Breastfeeding: Getting Off to a Great Start

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

Digology (Science for Kids)

Dec. 8 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:?The?World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi,?will be hosting Digology, giving children a hands-on experience in paleontology exploration. The day is comprised of a dig at the excavation site, a dinosaur fossil to take home, a Digology T-shirt and additional activities on the museum floor. Registration: $25 per child for nonmembers, $20 per child for WOW members. Information:?(209) 368-0969.

Childbirth Preparation in Lodi

Dec. 8 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi,?offers an all-day childbirth-preparation class. Cost is $45 per couple. For more information or to register, call?(209) 339-7520.? For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at?www.lodihealth.org.

Welcome to Life Tour

Dec. 10 (Monday) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

UCDavis Med School Offers $15,000 Scholarships

The University of California, Davis School of Medicine has been awarded a four-year, $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services? Health Resources and Services Administration to provide scholarships to economically disadvantaged medical students. UC Davis plans to use the new funding to provide $15,000 scholarships to more than 40 students each year who are interested in becoming primary care doctors in medically underserved communities. San Joaquin County is a medically underserved community. The current cost of a four-year medical degree at UC Davis, including housing or food, is approximately $244,000. Students have an average debt of $139,000 after four years in school. About 100 students per year graduate from the School of Medicine. ?We are at a crucial time in health care,? said Fred Meyers, executive associate dean, whose responsibilities include overseeing the teaching and community engagement missions for the medical school. ?More than 5.5 million Californians live in medically underserved areas, places that have too few primary-care providers, higher-than-average infant mortality rates and high poverty rates. This new grant enables UC Davis to help reduce health disparities by encouraging and supporting the development of more primary-care physicians who represent diverse backgrounds,? Meyers said. Meyers said that UC Davis is determined to improve the quality of health care through innovations in clinical practices and a focus on the unique health needs of the communities its medical students will serve when they become physicians. He noted the school?s emphasis on developing interprofessional teams to deliver patient- and family-centered care includes having physicians who can be role models of cultural inclusiveness. ?We know there are many academically qualified and talented students from diverse backgrounds who could become great physicians if they didn?t have to worry about the financial challenges to getting a medical degree,? said Tonya Fancher, associate professor of internal medicine who is overseeing much of the new grant program. ?These scholarships address one of the major barriers to pursuing an advanced degree in medicine. The funding also allows UC Davis to expand its physician-training pipeline by increasing our student outreach and retention efforts,? Fancher said. UC Davis School of Medicine is known for graduating a high percentage of graduates who choose to practice medicine in rural and other underserved areas of the state. Many of its newly minted physicians eventually practice in Northern California. The school?s curriculum features three community-oriented programs ? or tracks ? that focus on medically underserved areas of the state: rural, urban inner city and the San Joaquin Valley. Underserved communities are unable to provide optimal care for their residents,? said Fancher. ?Part of the reason is the lack of physicians. The Central Valley, for example, has some of the lowest rates of primary-care physicians in the state. Our goal is to increase that number and make sure they better reflect the populations they serve.? In addition to student scholarships, the school?s retention and outreach initiatives for current and potential medical students include programs ranging from middle and high school presentations about health-care professions, to test preparation and pre-med advising for college undergraduates, to an array of educational support and counseling services that help students complete medical school and achieve success during residency and clinical practice. HRSA?s Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program was established through the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1990. Participating academic institutions are responsible for selecting scholarship recipients based on reasonable determinations of need. For more information about the UC Davis School of Medicine, visithttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/medschool/.

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.

Healthy Families: What Parents Should Know NOW

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

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

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

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.

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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/2012/12/02/joes-health-calendar-12212-walk-more-eat-less/

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