Wellness

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Advance Care Planning

Make Your Wishes Known: Advance Care Planning

Content derived from DocTalk with Priyanka Choudhury, MHA 0:25 | What’s the difference between an advance care plan (ACP), a living will, an advance directive and a healthcare directive?“Advance Care Plan” is an umbrella term that describes the process of communication and planning for your future healthcare decisions. For instance, if you were to...

Diabetes

We Can Prevent Diabetes, Together! Valley’s Diabetes Prevention Program Provides Long-term Value

"I think I knew a lot of the pieces already, but putting the pieces of the puzzle to, kind of, see the big picture has, I think, short-term and long-term value for me." - Drew, Diabetes Prevention Program patient In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes and is at risk for type 2 diabetes, yet nearly 85% don't know they have it. Having prediabetes...

Fitness

This Summer, Make Health a Family Focus

For many families across the country, warm weather means time spent with family – whether it’s backyard cookouts, picnics at the park or family vacations. These events are a time for families to reconnect and reflect on traditions. Family functions are also a time to talk about family health. In the United States, all too often a family’s health hi...

Heart & Stroke

Deep Dive into Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that occurs in the veins in arms and legs. In this DocTalk video, Jack McCallum, MD, a vascular and endovascular surgeon at Valley discusses symptoms, risks and treatments for DVT. Watch the video or read the transcript below. Learn more about vascular care at Valley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0PHPO...

LGBTQ

Valley Employees Unite to Raise the Pride Flag

At noon on June 1, amid great cheers and clapping, Valley proudly raised the Pride flag for the 11th time. Speakers included Valley CEO Jeannine Erickson Grinnell, as well Dan Brelsford, MD, Valley's LGBTQIA+ Clinical Advisory Committee co-chair and medical director. Here’s an excerpt of what Dr. Brelsford had to say: “... this year’s theme is ‘Uni...

Men's Health

June is Men’s Health Month – Two Easy Things You Can Do Today for Your Health

June is Men’s Health Month. It is easy to take your health for granted, especially when things are busy, but here are two easy things you can do today in support of your health. Schedule a yearly checkup with your primary care providerAt your yearly checkup, your PCP will review your medical history and medications; check your height, weight and bl...

Mental Health

Managing Depression: Healthy Habits for Your Mental Health

Valley's Director of Well-Being, Dani Dutro, LMHC, offers monthly "Well-Being Wednesday" seminars for Valley staff. Recently she shared "Healthy Habits for Your Mental Health." While initially the video was created for staff, we're sharing on the We Are Valley blog as these tips are particularly helpful during the dark winter months in the Pacific...

Nutrition

Valley Eats – Cocoa Crisp Cookies

Headed to a cookie swap? These tasty cocoa crisp cookies are sure to be a crowd pleaser! INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate 1/4 cup SPLENDA® Sugar Blend for Baking 1 egg white 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons white all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1 pinch salt 1 pinch powdered sugar...

Preventive Care

Cervical Cancer Screening Explained

Pap tests, HPV vaccine, Colposcopies and more Cervical cancer screening is part of regular preventive care for women and people with a cervix. In this DocTalk video, Jennifer Burzawa, MD, a gynecologic oncology provider with Valley's Oncology and Hematology Clinic, explains the screening, HPV vaccines, and what happens next if there's an abnormal r...

Primary Care

Cold, Flu, Pink Eye, Oh My!

Check out our overview of the causes, symptoms, duration, contagiousness, and treatment for 8 common illnesses Staying informed about common infections is key to keeping ourselves and our community healthy. It can be tough to keep track of the details, so we've put together a table on eight common infections to help you understand and manage these...

Rehabilitation

Enhancing Everyday Life: Adaptive Tools for Independent Living

Occupational therapy promotes wellness and independence in all areas of self-care, work, and leisure. One of the ways occupational therapists assist their patients is by helping them learn to use adaptive devices. Adaptive devices aid people with everyday activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating, so they can live as independently as poss...

Safety

6 Autumn/Early Winter Home Safety Tips from Valley’s Safety Team

Leaves and lights, trees and turkeys--it's a festive time of year! Valley's Safety team offers these tips for staying safe during some common autumn/early winter activities. Cleaning your gutters or decorating? Let someone know what you're up to. Wear rubber-sole shoes, gloves and proper eyewear. If you're using a ladder, be extra careful. Inspect...

Senior Health

While There’s No Cure for a Dementia Diagnosis Like Bruce Willis Received, There’s Ways to Slow it Down if You Get Help Early

Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, is in the spotlight this month, after the family of actor Bruce Willis announced that he had been diagnosed. Valley Neuropsychologist Lama Alameddine, PsyD, answered some common questions about FTD that you may be asking. Dr. Alameddine says dementia is an umbrella diagnosis that can include several different d...

Sleep

Are You and Your Family Getting Enough Sleep for a Healthy Heart?

While getting enough sleep may seem like a luxury, it’s now an official American Heart Association recommendation for a healthy heart. After 12 years of research, the AHA recently expanded its list of heart healthy lifestyle practices by adding sleep duration to its recommendations. Are you and your family getting enough sleep for a healthy heart?A...

Stress Management

Your Mind Matters: Mental Health & Wellness in the Retirement Years

Retirement isn’t all about sandy beaches and sunsets – it can come with its own set of challenges. Research shows that retirement can lead to mobility challenges, illness, and a decline in mental health. The good news is that there are things you can do to help! In this video, Dani Dutro, LMHC, explores how maintaining social connections, staying a...

Weight Management

Want to Enjoy the Holidays in Good Shape? Use These 8 Holiday Health Hacks

The holiday season is upon us! For many people, this season can offer some challenges to a healthy lifestyle. Schedules often become crowded and we are bombarded by holiday-themed foods nearly everywhere we turn.  Let’s face it, during the fall and winter season we tend to gather with loved ones and celebrate with food. The pandemic has made t...