Seven Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Posted on May 23, 2013 in Wellness

bloodpressureKnown as the silent killer, high blood pressure cause serious health conditions if left untreated.

Dr. Gary Milechman, a specialist in cardiovascular disease in San Francisco, offers seven ways to help lower blood pressure. Some you may already know; some may surprise you.

Sutter Health Gives $150,000 to American Red Cross for Oklahoma Tornado Relief

Posted on May 22, 2013 in Community Benefit, Scroll Images

Donation for Oklahoma disaster reliefSutter Health announced a $150,000 donation to the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter to support relief efforts following the devastating tornado in Oklahoma this week.

“It’s almost impossible to comprehend the staggering devastation caused by the massive tornado,” said Pat Fry, president and CEO of Sutter Health. “Our hearts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We hope our donation encourages others to support ongoing relief efforts.”

Sutter Health and the American Red Cross have a long partnership history. In recent years, Sutter Health has supported the American Red Cross’ humanitarian efforts close to home and across the globe, with donations for disaster relief work following the earthquake in Haiti, earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy.

“We are heartbroken to see the damage this disaster has done, but inspired to see so many join together to help in the response,” said Kathleen Weis, acting CEO for the Capital Region Chapter. “It is the generosity of donors like Sutter Health that help us to provide comfort and relief to those impacted by disasters such as these devastating tornadoes. We are grateful for the support.”

Sutter Health physicians and hospitals share a common commitment to creating healthier communities through programs and services that respond to community needs. In 2012, our network invested $795 million in care and services for the poor and underserved.

For information on how you can help support relief efforts, visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers

Posted on May 16, 2013 in Wellness

blood pressure cuffWe all have heard the terms “blood pressure” or “hypertension” but many of us don’t fully understand this chronic condition. If you have hypertension your heart works harder than normal to circulate blood through your blood vessels.

Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio (120/80). The first and higher of the two numbers is the systolic pressure, measuring the full pressure when the left ventricle of the heart pushes out blood through the arteries into the body. The lower of the two numbers is the diastolic pressure, measuring the pressure within the arteries when the ventricles are “at rest” before the next pulse of blood is pushed through.

To learn more about how to decode your blood pressure reading Dr. Gary Milechman, a cardiologist with California Pacific Medical Center, breaks down the numbers for you on MyLifeStages.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Posted on May 9, 2013 in Scroll Images, Wellness

Salt shaker with salt that spells saltLooking for symptoms of high blood pressure? Did you know that one in three adults has hypertension but isn’t aware of the condition because the signs are largely silent?

According to medical experts, high blood pressure can cause your body serious harm and, if left untreated, may lead to a host of serious illnesses such as heart disease or stroke.

Hypertension quietly develops over many years so partner with your doctor to proactively identify and treat the condition. At your next visit, ask your doctor to perform a blood pressure reading. Many pharmacies and grocery stores also offer free blood pressure readers. Next time you head to your local pharmacy, set aside a few minutes and check your blood pressure. Save the numbers in your phone and talk with your doctor.

May Focuses on Blood Pressure Education

Posted on May 6, 2013 in Wellness

Did you know that one in three adults worldwide have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it? Throughout the month we will post helpful information so that you’re armed with tips to combat hypertension.

In the coming weeks stay tuned for:

  • Signs of high blood pressure
  • How to decode your blood pressure numbers
  • How to lower your blood pressure
  • Where you can get free screenings

A statement from Sutter Memorial Hospital

Posted on May 3, 2013 in Uncategorized

Several media outlets featured stories in recent days about a patient at Sutter Memorial Hospital, where Child Protective Services became involved.

We remain committed to respecting our patients’ privacy. However, we have seen much misinformation about Sutter Memorial Hospital’s standard practices and procedures, so we want to ensure the public has accurate information.

At Sutter Memorial Hospital, children with cardiac disease receive care under the direction of board-certified physicians who bring decades of combined experience in the pediatric subspecialties of intensive care, cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. We are confident our staff meets and exceeds all applicable standards of care in the management of these fragile patients.

Sutter pediatric doctors and staff routinely coordinate and encourage second opinions from appropriate facilities and physicians. We do not deny a patient or family request for a second opinion.

Our nurses and physicians are bound by law to call Child Protective Services if they believe a pediatric patient’s health is in danger.

We understand the stress and anguish parents go through when their child is in the hospital. Our No. 1 concern has always been the health and safety of this child, and we want him to receive the care he needs to live a long and healthy life.

 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle on Earth Day

Posted on Apr 22, 2013 in We're Awesome

Three pictures of garden at Mills-Peninsula Services

On Earth Day (and every day) it’s important to remember how you can reduce, reuse and recycle. Sutter Health’s not-for-profit network strives to be green and we hope you do too. We’ve highlighted a few of our green efforts at Sutter Coast Hospital, Palo Alto Medical Center and Mills-Peninsula Medical Center in the hopes of inspiring you to go green.

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