News

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Giving Thanks for the many blessings this past year! Thanksgiving stands as one of the most American holidays, an autumn ritual fixed in tradition and honor of the nation's earliest arrivals during colonial days. Thanksgiving celebrations in America may be directly traced to the European settlers offering prayers for survival and thanksgiving after their journey to America.

Veterans Day is celebrated to honor our veterans, past and present who have served in the US Armed forces.  Show your support to our veterans by thanking those who have contributed to preserving our freedoms, or even take a Veteran to lunch!           

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERICE – Veterans! 

More than 37 million Americans are living with diabetes. This month, we’re joining the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness, encourage screening, and support those at risk.
Click below for 5 ways to help lower your risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Foothill Regional Medical Center’s pediatric subacute unit celebrated Halloween with their annual Halloween Parade. Several hospital departments participated in the extravaganza by setting up trick-or-treat stations for kids dressed in costumes.

Stakeholders have long advocated for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System (HCAHPS) survey by changing its response format and fine-tuning the measures included. With the changes in HCAPS, a whole body of evidence-based best practices has emerged, allowing Los Angeles Community Hospitals to be able to identify issues needing improvement. 

In hospital environments, engineers are behind the scenes and don’t often get recognized for their contribution to patient care the way doctors and nurses might. Which is why Norwalk Community Hospital celebrates National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week (October 22-28). 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Regular breast exams and mammograms are the best tools for early detection, which increases survival.

Southern California Hospital at Culver City, in collaboration with the city’s police department, this week held a comprehensive, pre-planned active shooter drill designed to protect patients, staff and the public in the event of such an incident occurring at the facility.

Foothill Regional Medical Center and the Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) held a special graduation recently for its five graduating class seniors in Foothill Regional’s Pediatric subacute unit.

Prospect Medical is offering highly competitive hiring incentives to recruit registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified nursing assistants, clinical laboratory scientists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists to its comprehensive network of five acute care hospitals and two behavioral health hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The Partners in Care Foundation (Partners) has launched an innovative partnership with Coordinated Regional Care designed to eliminate challenges associated with fragmented care sometimes experienced by Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports  participants. The effort is possible due to a $761,090 award from the California Department of Health Care Services.

Prospect Medical’s California hospitals came out shining in the latest release of Healthgrades’ quality awards. Foothill Regional Medical Center, Los Angeles Community Hospitals at Los Angeles and Norwalk, and Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood and Culver City, have been recognized by Healthgrades as 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipients.

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) has tapped Los Angeles Community Hospital at Bel]lflower as a preferred contract provider for mental health services.  

Los Angeles Community Hospital at Los Angeles and Norwalk Community Hospital held Puppy Love Fest events for both staff and patients on Valentine’s Day.

The stress of the pandemic and economic challenges has taken a toll on the emotional and physical health of many. Caring for your cardiovascular health is an important way to counter stress. This includes paying attention to your cardiovascular health.

Foothill Regional Medical Center is five star rated for treatment of hip fracture and treatment of pneumonia, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients.

Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood and Culver City rank among the top three in California for gastrointestinal care according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. Additionally, SCH at Hollywood and Culver City rank in the top five in California for pulmonary care and rank among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care Award recipient.

Signify Health, Inc, a leading healthcare platform that leverages advanced analytics, technology, and nationwide healthcare networks to create and power value-based payment programs, announced a new collaboration with Prospect Medical Holdings.

Prospect Medical hospitals received “5 stars” for excellent clinical outcomes, according to Healthgrades’ 2023 Quality Ratings & Awards, which evaluate performance at almost 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine clinical excellence in 17 specialty care areas.

Each year, Cintas Corporation announced its C.A.P.E. Award (Cleaning to Advance the Patient Experience) winners to honor of environmental services employees. The awards were established to recognize exceptional EVS professionals in acute or long-term care facilities. At a recent celebration at Southern California Hospital at Culver City, Elsa Linares was honored as one of ten national C.A.P.E. Award recipients.

For the tenth consecutive award year, Prospect Medical Systems is among physician groups awarded "Elite" status by the America's Physician Groups' Standards of Excellence program.

Foothill Regional Medical Center announced today it has reached the milestone of 300 robotic-assisted surgeries using da Vinic Xi and Mako SmartRobotics. The milestone was reached sooner than expected because surgeons trained to use the equipment readily took advantage of the state-of-the-art technology for their patients as soon as it became available to them.

The Centurion Foundation (Centurion) and Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. (Prospect) announced today they have signed an Asset Purchase Agreement for Centurion to acquire the CharterCARE Health Partners system from Prospect. Centurion also announced that QHR Health will assist in the transition process and will provide ongoing consulting support to CharterCARE senior management and board of directors.

We are taking significant steps to ensure Waterbury HEALTH in Connecticut has a stable operational and financial foundation to continue serving our community with safe, quality patient care for many years to come. One of these steps is returning the health system to nonprofit status. We are excited about joining Yale New Haven Health System and we are confident that, working together, we will be able to achieve our common goal of improving patient outcomes and access to care for our greater Waterbury.

Because most parents of young children heeded COVID-19 protocols, including having their children physically distance, mask, and wash hands often, this limited the spread of other viruses, including RSV. Now that people, including children, are returning to places where people congregate, such as work, school, shopping and entertainment destinations while doffing their masks, viruses are surging.

Along with your heart, your lungs are among your most vital organs. That’s why it’s wise to take proactive steps to keep them healthy. An investment in lung health will pay dividends just like an investment in heart health. Here are a few tips for optimal lung health.

Eastern Connecticut Health Network’s website has joined the Prospect Medical Holdings platform, which means all PMH hospitals are now on the same platform with uniform design and branding. Not only does having all hospital entities ensure consistent layouts and visual appearance, but also allows technical and content updates to be made across all websites at the same time.

Drug addiction is a chronic disease that affects both the brain and behavior. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives. Often, the first stage of treatment involves medically assisted detoxification, which allows patients to safely discontinue the use of drugs and alcohol. During detoxification at Culver City-based Miracles Detox, for example, the body rids itself of the addictive substance and can experience withdrawal symptoms that range from unpleasant to life-threatening.

We are taking significant steps to ensure Crozer Health has the stable operational and financial foundation it needs to continue serving Delaware County with safe, quality patient care for many years to come. One of these steps is returning the health system to nonprofit status. We will continue to reach out to our communities to make sure they know that we are here for them and a trusted partner in helping maintain their health and well-being.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. Women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer.

Two registered nurses at Southern California Hospital at Culver City celebrate more than 40 years working for the hospital. Both will retire soon. Learn more about their stories.

Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) and Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. (Prospect) announced the execution of definitive agreements for YNHHS to acquire two Connecticut health systems from Prospect. The agreement also includes the health systems’ related businesses, real estate assets, physician clinic operations and outpatient services, and it is subject to customary regulatory approvals. YNHHS has agreed to purchase the assets and operations associated with the following hospitals that make up the health systems:

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City, Hollywood and Van Nuys welcomed new Chief Nursing Officer Marie Aragon on Sept. 1. Aragon obtained her master’s degree in nursing leadership and administration at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.  “Marie has held vital nursing and operational leadership roles within our organization,” said Southern California Hospital at Culver City Interim CEO Omar Ramirez. “Her dedication to our patients, our staff and the community is essential to fulfill our mission of providing patient-centered care.” Aragon was the interim CNO for three months before the September appointment, and her clinical specialties include cardiac catheter lab, clinical informatics, and biotechnology.

Did you know 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year? This means millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, the National Alliance of Mental Health and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.

During his training at Stanford University six years ago, Dr. Osita Onugha pioneered a new kind of minimally invasive surgery for fractured ribs called extra-thoracic video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which he now performs at Southern California Hospital at Culver City. Previous procedures used long incisions and open exposure of the chest to stabilize the broken ribs with plates and screws. Extra-thoracic VATS, on the other hand, needs only very small cuts to access the ribs. A tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the chest through these cuts, which guides the surgeon performing the procedure. In addition, a balloon catheter is inflated in the chest cavity to enable greater access to the ribs.

The Eastern Connecticut Health Network Diabetes Prevention Program, offered through the Diabetes Wellness Center, has been awarded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) full recognition for another five years.

It’s never too late to strive for a healthier lifestyle, and September is Healthy Aging Month, which makes it the perfect time to make a plan. Recapture that “back to school” feeling with a personal commitment to renew yourself. To improve yourself physically, socially, and mentally, here are 4 reasonable tips from the Healthy Aging website to inspire you: 1) Exercise, 2) Diet, 3) Social, and 4) Mental Health.

Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Pennsylvania is now offering Body Vision’s intraoperative 3D imaging system for earlier, more accurate lung cancer diagnosis. Body Vision’s imaging system uses artificial intelligence to transform X-ray images from conventional C-arm equipment―used in most bronchoscopy procedural rooms―into real-time, intraoperative 3D images that allow bronchoscopists to visualize the actual lung lesion and its location during a diagnostic procedure.

Neurosurgery is now available at Manchester Memorial Hospital as Eastern Connecticut Health Network welcomes Dr. Eric Hintz. Dr. Hintz is an accomplished neurosurgeon with six years of post-training experience. He received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, completed his residency in neurosurgery at the University of Rochester, and obtained his fellowship in surgical neuro-oncology at Northshore University Hospital.

Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. In other words, it’s your body’s overactive and toxic response to an infection. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Sepsis can lead to severe sepsis and septic shock. Learn more about the signs and symptoms during Sepsis Awareness Month from the Sepsis Alliance.

Norwalk Community Hospital in Los Angeles County recently welcomed a new emergency department medical director, Dr. Jim Seraj. “My goal is to focus on efficient and effective emergency care so that our hospital continues to be a fundamental pillar of Norwalk and Santa Fe Springs and other communities,” he said.

The antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) at Prospect Medical Holdings’ Alta Hospitals will be highlighted at the 2022 Vizient Connections Summit this month. Vizient is a community hospital healthcare improvement company. “Vizient selected our ASP program to be recognized for clinical programs that have taken a unique approach and produced real life results,” said Chief Pharmacy Officer Sehjan Bhura, PharmD. “In a matter of a few short years, our program has truly optimized the care our patients receive and achieved a Silver Level designation from the California Department of Public Health.”

Crozer-Keystone Hospice in Pennsylvania has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Superior Performer” for achieving an overall caregiver and family satisfaction score that ranked in the top 20 percent of all eligible SHP clients for the 2021 calendar year. The annual award was created to acknowledge hospice providers that consistently provide high-quality service to families and caregivers of patients receiving hospice care.

Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine that promotes the human body’s ability to naturally repair and heal itself by introducing special human cells (known as stem cells) that can develop into just about any type of cell, including brain and muscle cells. Stem cell therapies have been used in thousands of clinical trials to treat a variety of conditions such as Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s, although the only FDA-approved stem cell treatments at the moment are those used in procedures such as bone marrow transplants for patients with disorders that affect blood production.

Heading back to school is an exciting time of year for students and families. It is important that students eat healthy, stay active, and are up to date on their immunizations. Here are 4 tips for heading back to school healthy.

Foothill Regional Medical Center in Orange County, CA, achieved national accreditation for its weight-loss surgery program by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program through July 2025. The hospital first achieved accreditation in 2018 and reaccredited in August by demonstrating our ability to meet the needs of our patients by providing multidisciplinary, high-quality patient care.

A July article in Cureus: Journal of Medical Science authored by two Southern California Hospital at Culver City physicians—Drs. Alexander Sinclair and John Kowalczyk, along with three other authors—focused on the sexual satisfaction of male-to-female (MtF) gender affirmation surgery (GAS) patients within the United States. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior research has assessed patient satisfaction to this level of detail; and the findings showed that the most important element responsible for sexual satisfaction in MtF GAS patients is neoclitoral sensitivity. The authors cited that the patients also reported a greater relief in gender dysphoria with more enjoyable sexual activity and intensified orgasms after GAS.

Los Angeles and Norwalk Community Hospitals reported receiving 4 stars in Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings given by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the 2022 reporting period. “We have invested a great deal of time, effort, and money into providing quality of care and patient safety at our hospitals and these results are not only an affirmation of that commitment, they are also a well-deserved recognition of the hard work, skill, and dedication of our physicians, nurses, and support staff,” said Los Angeles Community Hospitals CEO Hector Hernandez.

Studies show, too little or too much sleep is associated with heart disease. Getting a good night’s sleep every night is vital to cardiovascular health. Learn how to get adequate sleep.

We often think of summer as a time to relax and loosen our typical daily routines. While summer is a time for fun, we can sometimes be unaware of the foods we are eating and the effects the sun and warm weather can have on our bodies. Here are 5 tips for you to enjoy a relaxing but healthy summer.

To combat the critical nursing shortage, Southern California Hospital at Culver City has recently enlisted a nurse retentionist to help increase retention, using evidence-based strategies to operationalize a focused nurse retention program with measurable improvements. Dr. Laura Briceno, who previously spent over two decades at Cedars-Sinai Medical Network Services, joined the hospital as director of retention and career development in December 2021.

To continue its role as a valuable healthcare resource, Norwalk Community Hospital in Los Angeles has been focused on hospital improvements and patient safety, which has resulted in several upgrades and, most recently, being named among the top 5 percent in the nation in 2022 for Patient Safety Excellence by Healthgrades.

Most of us are gearing up to enjoy the warmer days outside–outdoor sports, the pool, and the beach. Sounds fun, but what isn’t cool is skin and eye damage caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

Los Angeles Community Hospitals at LA, Norwalk and Bellflower were honored this week by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for their outstanding accomplishment achieving above 90 percent of employees vaccinated for the flu. Of the Los Angeles County hospitals, Los Angeles Community Hospitals ranked 12th out of 91 hospitals for the 2020 census. Los Angeles Community Hospital achieved 94 percent and Norwalk Community Hospital 93 percent.

Ten Southern California Hospital at Culver Citynurses were the recipients of the national 2022 Daisy Award, awarded to nurses who provide extraordinary compassionate care.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Learn more about this disease and how you can join the efforts to fight and end Alzheimer’s.

Bariatric surgeons at Foothill Regional Medical Center are now using advanced robotic technology for added precision, visibility, and strength during weight-loss procedures. This state-of-the-art technology is on the rise due to its distinct advantages over other methods, such as better vision and improved range of motion for surgeons, as well as shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times for patients.

During Mental Health Awareness month, we reflect on the effect the pandemic has had on our mental health. Here are a few tips and resources to help you manage your mental health post-pandemic.

California-based Foothill Regional Medical Center staff participated in the Name the Robot contest to determine what the hospital’s recently acquired Mako SmartRobotics should be called. After weeks of having staff submit names, the top five names were voted on by all employees. The winner was JOHNNY#5.

Every April, we focus on and highlight Medicaid’s vital importance in our communities. Medicaid is critical for providing key funding for hospitals and helping patients get the care they need. In honor of Medicaid Awareness Month, learn five facts about Medicaid’s vital importance in our communities.

Many factors influence healthy aging, including genetics and lifestyle. While genetics are not within our control, lifestyle changes—such as diet, exercise, mental acuity and regular doctor appointments—can make the difference in how you spend your golden years. “I always tell my patients that the greatest preparation for tomorrow is being the best ‘you’ today,” said Dr. Brittany Brinley, an internal medicine physician at Southern California Hospital at Culver City who specializes in geriatric care.

The last two years have been the most challenging we have faced. As we emerge from the pandemic and most restrictions have been lifted, we all need support now more than ever as we adjust to a new way of living. Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.

Five Prospect Medical Holdings hospitals were named among the top 5 percent in the nation for Patient Safety Excellence in 2022 by Healthgrades. The hospitals are Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood, Los Angeles and Norwalk Community Hospitals, and Eastern Connecticut Health Network's Manchester Memorial Hospital in Connecticut. Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood and Culver City received the Patient Safety Excellence recognition for the fifth year in a row (2018-2022). “Prospect Medical is committed to patient safety, which is reflected in this national recognition,” said Cathy Stevens, Corporate Chief Nursing Officer & Quality, Patient Safety and Clinical Excellence Officer. “This is increasingly relevant to our patients during the pandemic.”

Southern California Hospital at Culver City’s subacute unit received four stars for quality of resident care. Four stars mean the quality of care is “above average,” according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In addition, the subacute unit ranked much above average (five stars) for quality measures. Our hospital ratings on appear on the government’s Nursing Home Compare website.

The presidential proclamation for American Heart Month was signed by Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson in 1963 after Congress issued a joint resolution requesting the president issue an annual proclamation, which was first held in Feb. 1964. Pres. Johnson urged “the people of the United States to give heed to the nationwide problem of the heart and blood-vessel diseases, and to support the programs required to bring about its solution.” In conjunction with American Heart Month, Southern California Hospital Heart Institute Medical Director Dr. Ernst von Schwarz spoke about the importance of maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure.

Wound care is vital to quality patient care to prevent infection, improve healing and to reduce the incidence of readmission. Leading the charge to improve wound care and staff education at the three Los Angeles Community Hospitals is Francisco “Echo” Lozada, RN.

Los Angeles Community Hospital has made staff education a top priority in its ongoing commitment to quality patient care. Lexter Medoza helps to lead that charge with both employee and nursing orientation and add his own flare with his talent as a painter and illustrator. Mendoza wears many hats as director of subacute staff development, hospital educator, and minimum data set (MDS) coordinator, while also studying to become a registered nurse. He also partners with Southern California Hospital at Culver City mentoring the new directors, training, and survey readiness.

Valentine’s Day is a great day to think about your heart health and making this year a life-changing year for you and your heart. If you have children, keep in mind that diet and exercise habits started in childhood can start a lifetime of heart health.  For adults, the CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The division is committed to addressing barriers to health equity in communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease.

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others. This article has facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others, even if you can’t be physically together, to improve your heart health. 

In honor of American Heart Month spotlights the importance of heart health and the lifestyle changes important to limiting risk. However, should you need heart care, several of Prospect Medical hospitals are nationally recognized for cardiac care, including Waterbury Hospital, Roger Williams Medical Center, Los Angeles and Norwalk Community Hospitals, and Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood are 5-star rated for Hip Fracture Treatment and Pacemaker Procedure outcomes in 2022, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions. This analysis shows that patients treated at hospitals receiving a 5-star rating have a lower risk of mortality and a lower risk of experiencing one or more complications during a hospital stay than if they were treated at hospitals receiving a 1-star rating in that procedure or condition.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood are among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services for the third year in a row (2020-2022) and a recipient of the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, according to new analysis by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.  Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions. Healthgrades then recognizes hospitals with superior performance in specific specialty lines and specialty focus areas.

Healthgrades named Los Angeles and Norwalk Community Hospitals among the top 5 percent in the nation for Overall Pulmonary Services and a recipient of the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award for four years in a row (2019-2022) compared with nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions. Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards recognize hospitals with superior performance in specific specialty lines and specialty focus areas.

Foothill Regional Medical Center, located in Orange County, CA,  is nationally recognized with 5 stars for Hip Fracture Treatment for the fourth year, according to new research released by Healthgrades, a leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions.*

To be successful in achieving New Year’s resolutions is to determine what motivates you, which differs from person to person. For example, did you complete a marathon because you had a spouse or training partner depending on you?  Or did you launch that business because you wanted to prove others wrong? It’s all about making your resolutions—be they health, financial, educational or relational—a priority, and then taking action that aligns with your daily habits and schedules.

Southern California Hospital at Culver Center has been designated a CIGNA Certified Hospital for bariatric surgery and pulmonary medicine based on rigorous quality standards.  “These center of excellence designations mean our patients are receiving nationally recognized care close to home,” said hospital CEO Michael Klepin. “Our surgeons and staff work very hard to provide excellence in patient care, and this external recognition reflects what we already know—our physicians and staff deliver high quality care every day in West Los Angeles.” The Center of Excellence designation is based on Cigna's evaluation of a hospital’s quality and affordability for four individual inpatient conditions and procedures and seven categories of conditions and procedures. Hospitals can earn up to three stars for quality and three stars for affordability.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, the holiday season is month-long food marathon. Sure, we visit with family and friends, but what do we do there? EAT! These subtle tricks and tips help avoid the temptation to overindulge this holiday season.

Beyond avoiding the significant pain of injured or inflamed joints, healthy joints enable you to live life fully. Healthy joints also let you stay active, and being active unleashes the potential for overall health and longevity. With that in mind, you should have a clear strategy to keep your joints as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Joint replacement surgery (whether knee or hip) as joints wear out has become more common. In many cases, these surgeries could have been delayed or avoided completely with a little more joint care.

This winter is approaching fast, and with the cold, wet weather comes cold and flu season as well.  Instead of just waiting around hoping you won’t catch anything, why not take a proactive approach? Here are six recommendations to build up your immune system so you can go into winter armed and ready to fight off the bugs!

Life can be quite hectic. When 24 hours isn’t enough time to complete the day’s tasks it makes sense that fatigue sets it. But if you feel like you’re doing everything right and getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night and still feel tired, there might be something else to blame. The feeling of fatigue could be a symptom of anything from poor diet to a gut infection that you may not be aware of.

Five decades of unwavering hard work and loyalty to the same employer is no small accomplishment. To this end, Southern California Hospital at Culver City congratulates Dorla Brown for her incredible 50 years of service to our institution. The 72-year-old employee, currently a unit secretary in the telemetry department, looks back on her long career with a sense of pride and achievement.

To better reflect our commitment and investment in healthcare in the communities we serve, Prospect Medical Holdings launched a refreshed website  Oct. 1. The site is provides up-to-date information and easier access to content thanks to a quicker browser on a secure server. “As a healthcare system, the refreshed site better focuses on our people, services and community investment,” said Charles K. Poole, Prospect Medical's Chief Communications Officer.  The site specifically highlights new and improved Careers, Nursing, Community Investment, News, Locations and Clinical Quality sections.

COVID-19 infections represent a life-threatening condition secondary to respiratory and multi-organ failure as a result of a systemic inflammatory response. Stem cell therapy might ameliorate the underlying effects likely secondary to anti- inflammatory properties. The study was designed as a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Neither the investigators nor the patients knew whether they received a placebo saline injection or a stem cell derived molecule product.

All Prospect Medical hospitals are embracing the principles of High Reliability Organizations (HROs) in the promotion of patient safety and efficient healthcare delivery. Everyone from leadership to frontline staff is dedicated to the goal of zero harm to every patient, in every experience, every time. Read more about Southern California Hospital at Culver City's journey.

According to the American Cancer Society, everyone’s skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) rays. People with light skin are much more likely to have their skin damaged by UV rays (and to get skin cancer), but darker-skinned people, including people of any ethnicity, can also be affected. For some people, the skin tans when it absorbs UV rays.

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy being with friends and family. From swimming to boating to picnics in the park, it’s a time for fun in the sun. But with more time outside and around water, there are some important things to be mindful of to keep you and your family healthy and safe. Take the quiz!

TV Det. Harry Bosch has solved his final case on Amazon Prime Video, but he'll be back on a rival network for a new spin-off show, according to Newsweek. A scene from the as-yet-untitled spinoff was taped at Southern California Hospital at Hollywood in July.

Foothill Regional Medical Center in Tustin, CA, recently acquired two incubators to process microbiology culture.

Throughout the pandemic, Southern California Hospital at Culver City employees made personal sacrifices to care for our Culver City community, and we supported them by providing:

Gabriella* spent 17 years of her career as a hospital technician, a place that she hoped to retire from one day. But that dream—and her whole world—came crashing down earlier this year.

Paws from the Heart Pet Therapy held their spring pet parade recently to pay tribute to healthcare workers at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center, which are part of CharterCARE Health Partners in Rhode Island. 

Over the last year, the pandemic has given people a small glimpse of the vital role of EMS professionals. The sacrifice and dedication of EMTs, paramedics and other EMS practitioners has  rightfully earned them admiration and gratitude in their communities. 

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood announced today they have been recognized as 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient for the fourth year in a row. This distinction places the hospitals among the Top 5 Percent in the Nation of all acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data as evaluated by Healthgrades.

Patient Experience Week is an annual event to celebrate hospitals’ staff impact on patients’ experience. Patient Experience Week (April 26-30)  provides a focused time for us to celebrate accomplishments, re-energize efforts and honor the people who make a difference in our patients’ experience every day—which is everyone who comes in contact with our patients, including information desk and operator staff, housekeeping, doctors and nurses, and technologists.

American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day^® is on March 23, 2021! Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. 

Our hospital has implemented extra safety precautions for more than one year now to ensure you remain safe while seeking vital medical care. Delaying important screenings and treatment for chronic conditions can be dangerous and may lead to worsening conditions.

During the pandemic, we appreciate our physicians even more! If there is are doctors in your life that you appreciate, thank them on March 30 for incredible sacrifice during the pandemic.

Foothill Regional Medical Center donated $1,500 to the Tustin Police Foundation for its efforts to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for area residents. “The donation to the foundation gives us the ability to do the work we do to keep the community safe,” foundation’s Sgt. Robert Nelson. “Partnerships like this can assist us in keeping a bright future for all.”

Carmelo James, Chief Nursing Officer of Los Angeles Community Hospitals at LA, Norwalk and Bellflower, received the Florence Nightingale Award for Nursing Leadership from the Career Networks Institute College of Nursing. CNI awards hospital CEOs, CNOs, directors and managers for their exemplary work in the healthcare field.

Three independent physician associations (IPAs) within Prospect Medical have been recognized as 4.5- star provider organizations by Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) as part of their Align. Measure. Perform. (AMP) Medicare Advantage program.

Bellflower Behavioral Health Hospital’s website won a 2021 Gold Audio Visual Arts (AVA) Award in the web-production category for creative design. The UX/UI design was centered around connecting patients and physicians with the resources they need online.

We frequently touch base with our California employees to better understand why they choose to work at our hospitals and if they would recommend working with us to other healthcare professionals. Read what they tell us.

February is American Heart Month and knowing which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit is a powerful way to prevent heart disease and improve your overall health. Use the steps below to work toward a more heart-healthy diet. Here are 6 easy ways to eat smart for your heart.

“This message is for you  — every employee of Prospect Medical at CharterCARE, Crozer Health, East Orange General Hospital, ECHN, Foothill Regional, Los Angeles Community Hospitals, Southern California Hospitals, and Waterbury Health, who is weathering this pandemic crisis professionally and personally. 

Southern California Hospital at Culver City is aiming to smooth the transition of new nursing graduates into real-world practice by with the creation of a New Grad Nurse Residency, which launched in 2020. The year-long program places new nurses under the wing of experienced nurses and educators.

Los Angeles Community Hospital hosted a drive-through community flu clinic Friday, Nov 6. from the safety of the hospital parking garage. Nurses were on site and the flu shots administered by nursing students from Compton College of Nursing. 

The combination of underlying medical conditions and a group setting means that residents of long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Outbreaks at nursing homes and assisted living facilities worldwide have made headlines throughout the pandemic, leaving many worried about their loved ones in long-term care.

With newly formed clinical education programs, nurses at Southern California Hospital at Culver City have more opportunities to continue learning and expand their skill set than ever before. The programs train nurses in specialized areas such as critical care and emergency to allow them to work in departments where demand is high, particularly in light of the recent pandemic.

Southern California Hospital at Culver City was the 2021 five-star recipient for treatment in 10 clinical categories, including two national recognitions for cardiac care: 2021 Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure for seven years in a row (2015-2021) and Pacemaker Procedures for four years in a row (2018-2021).

The rehabilitation services department at Southern California Hospital at Culver City is helping patients with COVID-19 recover from the lingering effects of the disease and regain their independence. Whether they need assistance with physical, occupational, or speech-related activities, the therapy team has stepped up to provide individualized treatment throughout the pandemic.

At the end of January, health officials confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus in Los Angeles County, a returning traveler from Wuhan, China. Two months later, that number had skyrocketed to over 1,200 cases. Healthcare workers on the frontline, including those at Southern California Hospital at Culver City, scrambled to treat and contain patients infected with a never-before-seen pathogen.

A new medical partnership significantly expands the number and type of orthopedic services available to Culver City residents. LA Bone and Joint Institute, originally based in Encino, has opened a second office on the Southern California Hospital at Culver City campus.

In the past six months, Southern California Hospital at Culver City has launched a number of new initiatives focused on improving the technology and services offered by the Heart Institute. Despite the recent challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Heart Institute has continued to move forward with upgrades to its cardiac care, such as a novel treatment system for heart failure and construction of a new catheterization lab.

This week (Sept. 14-18, 2020) is Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Week and there is no better time to find out more about the role that our CDI team plays within the organization.

CharterCARE has been recognized as one of Rhode Island’s healthiest employers in an annual survey conducted by Providence Business News (PBN), the region’s leading weekly business newspaper serving RI and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Nothing is more important than patient safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our communities in West LA and Hollywood can take comfort in the fact that Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood are among the top 5% in the nation for Patient Safety Excellence in 2020. This the third year in a row that the hospital has achieved this national designation from Healthgrades.

Southern California Hospital at Culver City celebrated the start of construction on a new cardiac catheterization lab that will allow for faster, easier access to care. The lab expands the Heart Institute’s capacity to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease, eliminating the need to transport patients to a different hospital—especially in cases where every second counts.

Los Angeles and Norwalk Community Hospitals are among the top 5% in the nation for Pulmonary Care Excellence in 2020, according to Healthgrades. This is the second year in a row the hospitals received this national recognition.

Foothill Regional Medical Center is 5-star rated for Hip Fracture Treatment outcomes for the second year in a row, according to a national report released by Healthgrades.

Two Prospect Medical nurses were featured in the Los Angeles Times for their “On the Frontlines” contributions during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to caring for infected patients, Tiffany Wang and her family donated 8,000 masks to supplement the Los Angeles Community Hospital’s supply. 

Southern California Hospital at Culver City is reportedly the first hospital in Los Angeles County to acquire joimax's technology for endoscopic spine surgery.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood are named among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care in 2020, according to a national study by Healthgrades. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions using Medicare data.

“Being diagnosed with COVID-19 gave me a better perspective on health and our extraordinary staff,” said Hector Hernandez, who is the CEO of Los Angeles Community Hospitals at LA, Norwalk and Bellflower.

Dr. Ernst von Schwarz performed the first implantation in California of the new Optimizer® Smart system for treating patients with chronic, moderate-to-severe heart failure. Dr. von Schwarz is the medical director, Southern California Hospital Heart Institute in Culver City. He practices in Los Angeles and Temecula.

A story of survival from Los Angeles Community Hospital when a 25-year-old Southern California woman spent more than a week in a medically induced coma after doctors gave her a 50 percent chance of surviving COVID-19.

Southern California Hospital at Culver City employees donate much-needed essentials and supplies to residential care and assisted living homes during the pandemic as staff makes a difference in the community.

Employees of Los Angeles Community and Southern California Hospitals are giving back to the communities during the COVID-19 crisis, delivering bags of food and supplies to residential care and assisted living facilities. 

To continue to provide care for patients during the COVID-19 outbreak, many doctors are offering telemedicine appointments, including Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, a board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Southern California Hospital Heart Institute in Culver City.

There is a new minimally invasive procedure to treat herniated discs and spinal stenosis now available in Los Angeles. Southern California Hospital at Culver City is the first hospital in Los Angeles County to acquire the endoscopic spine surgery technology by joimax®. 

March 8-14 is National Patient Safety Awareness Week, which is an annual recognition event intended to encourage everyone to learn more about healthcare safety. During this week, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement seeks to advance important discussions locally and globally, as well as inspire action to improve the safety of the healthcare system—for patients and the workforce.

Patient safety is a top priority at Prospect Medical hospitals, which is why the corporate and hospital leadership is committed to becoming a High Reliability Organization (HRO).

Liu et al¹ report a large cohort study of palliative care (PC) consultations for 57 272 hospitalized adult patients with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) (16 741 patients [12.4%]) or cancer (40 531 patients [30.0%]), using the Palliative Care Quality Network database.

West Los Angeles residents interested in weight-loss surgery now have access to a nationally designated program in Culver City. Southern California Hospital at Culver City has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Despite increases in awareness over the past decades, only about half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Many believe it’s cancer, yet heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.

So many positive changes have been made over the last year at Southern California Hospital at Culver City‘s behavioral health services that Barbara Neefs, program director, even surprised herself when she listed them: Detox unit renovations; new inpatient and outpatient program protocols; and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) expanded services, increased patient safety and satisfaction.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both women and men. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is that healthy choices can help manage or prevent heart disease. Many of us set up a New Year’s Resolutions in January related to lifestyle improvements, such as eating healthier, exercising more, and reducing stress. These lifestyle changes not only help you, but creates a framework that your children will take into adulthood. February Heart Month provides another opportunity to keep those positive lifestyle changes.

More nurses are opting to make their careers at Southern California Hospital at Culver City, thanks to the “Grow Your Own” retention and recruitment initiative.

In December, Foothill Regional Medical Center delivered more than 300 holiday gifts to the Orange County Rescue Mission in Tustin. With the help of hospital staff and students from St. Hedwig, the gifts were wrapped and delivered to the mission to be distributed to homeless men, women and children.

Employees at Southern California Hospital at Culver City in Los Angeles County opened their hearts and wallets in December so local children in need had toys to unwrap during the holidays. In a partnership with the Culver City Fire Department, employees donated hundreds of toys to the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Learn more about Orange County's weight-loss surgery program at Foothill Regional in Tustin. The program is nationally accredited and the closest bariatrics program to residents in south and central Orange County.

Despite gaining 40 pounds after having her third child, Sose Antebelian said she rarely thought of herself as being overweight; that is, until she saw pictures of herself.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recognized Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood for meeting or exceeding the Healthy People 2020 target of 90% influenza-vaccination coverage for healthcare personnel.

The news was devastating; 19-year-old Skye Gray had been T-boned in a car accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and broken neck, pelvis and ankles. If she even survived her injuries, the doctors thought she may be in a coma for the rest of her life.

Patients and employees have seen lots of changes in Southern California Hospital at Culver City‘s 17-bed emergency department in 2019—from an attractive face lift to substantially faster times to see a doctor.

Southern California Hospital at Culver City received five-star ratings for “Treatment of Heart Attack and Heart Failure” for the fifth year in a row by Healthgrades (2015-2019). Heart failure occurs when your heart is damaged and too weak to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders brightened the day of Los Angeles Community Hospital subacute patients on Tuesday, Oct 15. They spent time with our patients, which included photos and autographs with the cheerleaders followed by lunch.

Foothill Regional Medical Center, located in Orange County, CA, has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with input from the medical community.

It takes two to make a weight loss dream come true. Just ask Isela Mauri and Martin Espinosa of Anaheim Hills, a married couple who both underwent weight loss surgery at Foothill Regional Medical Center in Tustin to regain their health.

Norwalk Community Hospital hosted a senior and community health fair on June 29, 2019. As part of the day’s events, which included screenings, food and fun, Vice Mayor Luigi Vernola recognized the hospital on behalf of the California senate and assembly for providing Norwalk residents with valuable healthcare resources, including a 24/7 paramedic-receiving ER.

Los Angeles Community Hospitals at Los Angeles and Norwalk were recognized with five stars—the highest rating—in nine clinical areas for 2019, according to Healthgrades. This means that the hospitals’ actual performances are statistically significantly better than expected in these areas. In addition, the hospitals continue to be named among the top 10% in the nation for Pulmonary Care Excellence for 2019.

As part of being a valued community partner, Southern California Hospital at Culver City is always looking for ways to expand needed programs and services. In 2019, the hospital launched a gender confirmation surgery program—called the Transgender Surgery Center of California—providing comprehensive care by a hospital team that honors its patients undergoing a life-changing experience.

Malissa had waited more than 25 years for her dream to come true: to feel fully content in her own body. Thanks to modern medicine and advanced surgical techniques, Malissa, 52, is now comfortable with her new self after undergoing gender confirmation surgery with Beverly Hills-based Dr. Alexander Sinclair at Southern California Hospital at Hollywood, which is now part of the Transgender Surgery Center of California, which offers gender confirmation surgery in Hollywood and Culver City.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Southern California Hospitals (SCH) at Culver City and Hollywood an impressive four out of five stars for high-quality health measures.

Stephanie Sosa has been overweight since childhood. In high school, she was able to lose some weight, but soon put it back on. At 28 years old, she hit an all-time high of 272 pounds—a considerable amount for a 5-foot-3-inch woman.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood received the 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades, putting the hospitals in the top 5% in the nation among acute care hospitals for patient safety for the second year in a row. This is the fourth year the hospitals have achieved this distinction (2015-16, 2018-2019).

Most people never expect to get sick. But when it happens, it’s comforting to know you’re already in a hospital. Sally Romero, a behavioral health nurse at Southern California Hospital at Culver City, thought everything was fine a few summers ago before she doubled over in severe pain and had to go to the hospital’s emergency department.

As a behavioral health technician at Southern California Hospital at Culver City, Trejo is part of a team that provides patients with a full continuum of mental health services and treatments—from family and individual counseling to inpatient care for adults, including treatment for chemical dependency.

Improving patient access to cardiac services and reducing transportation time in an emergency was the common refrain from many who urged state health regulators Wednesday to allow for enhanced cardiac services at Manchester Memorial Hospital.

Rhode Island-based Roger Williams Medical Center today opened a new, 12,000 square foot emergency department, part of a $15.1 million project to create an entirely new, comprehensive emergency department serving the metropolitan Providence area.

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the pathology/clinical lab at Southern California Hospital at Culver City based on a recent accreditation inspection.

The Los Angeles Community Hospital’s subacute unit has been awarded an above-average rating of five stars by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Norwalk Community Hospital hosted a grand opening ceremony to unveil a first responders’ lounge on Jan. 18, 2019. The purpose of the lounge is to give first responders a place to relax after bringing a patient into the emergency department.

Los Angeles Community Hospital, Norwalk Community Hospital and Los Angeles Community Hospital at Bellflower, each gave back to their community with an annual donation. The total contributions amounted to $2,500, split between East LA Women’s Center, Angel Tree Project, Eastman School Student Affair and Clean the Closets.

Los Angeles Community Hospital officially kicked off the season of giving by hosting a Christmas party for one of the Eastman Avenue Elementary School kindergarten classes on Dec 13, 2018, which included a visit by Santa Claus himself. The children were served breakfast and given the opportunity to meet the Santa, who presented each child with a gift and posed for a photo.

Los Angeles Community Hospital, along with Santa, hosted Eastman Avenue Elementary School kindergartners for treats, presents and, of course, a picture with Santa!  

Foothill Regional Medical Center, along with students of St. Hedwig, wrapped up the holiday season by putting together more than 200 wellness kits for the Hurtt Family Health Clinic to be distributed to the homeless men, women and children of the Orange County Rescue Mission.

The signs that every woman should be looking for are not the same as men. Cardiologist Ernst von Schwarz, MD, medical director of the Heart Institute at Southern California Hospital at Culver City, says that women can experience unique warning signs of heart disease which can be mistaken for other issues or ignored completely by their doctors.

Millennials' health suffers from all that technology at their fingertips. Local doctors are seeing variety of problems – from hearing loss to orthopedic issues.

On Dec. 5, 2018, Santa Claus—escorted by the Tustin Police Department in Orange County—delivered gifts to Foothill Regional Medical Center pediatric subacute patients. This is an annual tradition and the presents are donated by police and city hall employees.

CharterCARE Health Partners’ hospitals in Rhode Island are 5-star rated for outcomes for numerous conditions and procedures according to a study released by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Those 5-star rated health outcomes included treatment for heart failure, heart attack, total knee replacement, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, appendectomy, sepsis and respiratory failure.

Foothill Regional Medical Center’s pediatric subacute unit has been awarded an above-average rating of four stars by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Foothill Regional program is the only pediatric subacute unit in Orange County to receive four stars from CMS.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood have been recognized with five stars – the highest rating – in five clinical areas for 2019, according to Healthgrades, which means the hospitals’ actual performance is statistically significantly better than expected in these areas.

The turkey salmonella outbreak, which started a year ago, has continued to progress. With Thanksgiving only a week away, 164 people in 35 states have been infected. Sixty-three people have been hospitalized and one person in California has died. Hear from expert Dr. Ernst Schwarz from Southern California Hospital at Culver City on ways to ensure your family’s safety with this seasonal favorite.

Eastern Connecticut Health Network’s Center for Weight Loss meets all criteria as a Comprehensive Center according to national quality standards established to deliver safe, high quality bariatric patient care.

Several Prospect Medical hospitals received 5-star ratings in 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions, according to Healthgrades’ 2019 national study that evaluated hospital performance at almost 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine clinical excellence.

Four Prospect Medical hospitals in Southern California were recognized with five stars—the highest rating—in 11 clinical areas for 2019, according to Healthgrades. This means that the hospitals’ actual performance is statistically significantly better than expected in these areas.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood are recognized with five stars—the highest rating—in five clinical areas for 2019, according to Healthgrades. This means that the hospitals’ actual performance is statistically significantly better than expected in these areas.

Los Angeles Community Hospitals at Los Angeles and Norwalk were recognized with five stars—the highest rating—in nine clinical areas for 2019, according to Healthgrades. This means that the hospitals’ actual performances are statistically significantly better than expected in these areas. The two hospitals are recipients of the 2019 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, which means they are among the top 5% in the nation for Overall Pulmonary Services, as well as among the top 10% in the nation for GI Medical Treatment for six years in a row (2014-2019).

Pregnancy can be an amazing gift, a time when women feel beautiful and blessed. But it also does some weird things to women’s bodies. From feet to faces, everything changes in size and shape.

South Orange County residents seeking surgical treatment for obesity and its related conditions have a nationally recognized choice for receiving treatment at Foothill Regional Medical Center. Some 15.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from severe obesity and the numbers continue to increase, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The findings of a study published last year are changing the way medical professionals treat stroke victims, according to a neurosurgeon at Crozer-Keystone Health Systems.

For some people living with diabetes they may have no other choice than amputation. However, some diabetics are turning to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to save their limbs.

Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut was selected the Reader’s Choice for a hospital through a community vote conducted by the Waterbury Republican American.  More than 28,000 votes were cast in this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards. Congratulations, Waterbury Physicians and Staff!

Going back to school after the summer break, especially when transitioning from elementary school to middle school, from middle school to high school or from high school to college, can be an especially stressful time for many adolescents. In some cases, the change can coincide with the first onset of depression or other serious mental health issues.

Crozer-Keystone Health System, based in Pennsylvania, recently received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold quality achievement award. The award recognizes the system’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Joseph Daly was admitted to Crozer-Chester Medical Center with an obstruction in his digestive system. Two days later, he was on his way home after successful and back to work as a chief of police a couple of days after that, thanks to minimally invasive surgery.

Crozer-Keystone Health System OB/GYN Rachael Polis, D.O., M.P.H. recently received a grant to launch a two-year initiative to “stop the violence before it begins” in adolescent relationships. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) gave Polis and her partners, the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and the William Penn School District, a collective $15,000 to establish a “community of practice alliances” through schools, agencies and health systems in Delaware County.

In 2018, 10 Prospect Medical hospitals were the recipients of the distinguished Healthgrades awards for clinical specialty care and patient safety. Many of the hospitals are in the top 5% and 10% in specialized care in the nation. Waterbury Hospital is the only Connecticut hospital named among America’s 100 Best for Coronary Intervention in 2018.

Los Angeles Community Hospital and Los Angeles Community Hospital at Norwalk are the recipient of the 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ for the fifth year in a row (2014-2018). This designation recognizes superior performance of hospitals that have prevented the occurrence of serious, potentially avoidable complications for patients during hospital stays, according to Healthgrades. The two hospital campuses operate under a consolidated license.

Los Angeles Community Hospital at Norwalk is the recipient of the 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ for the fifth year in a row (2014-2018). This designation recognizes superior performance of hospitals that have prevented the occurrence of serious, potentially avoidable complications for patients during hospital stays, according to Healthgrades.

Southern California Hospital at Culver City received the 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, putting it in the top 5% in the nation among acute care hospitals for patient safety. This is the third year Culver City has achieved this distinction (2015-16, 2018).

Four Prospect Medical hospitals in Southern California were ranked among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety by Healthgrades. The hospitals are Southern California Hospital at Culver City, Southern California Hospital at Hollywood, Los Angeles Community Hospital and Norwalk Community Hospital.

Learn how to make a healthy, tasty and refreshing strawberry caprese farro salad with a pesto dressing. If you haven't tried farro, it is a grain that has a nice chewy texture, is high in fiber and can help lower your LDL cholesterol.

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood received the 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, putting it in the top 5% in the nation among short-term acute care hospitals for patient safety. This is the third time (2015-16, 2018) Hollywood hospital has achieved this distinction.

Foothill Regional Medical Center announced it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards in June. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

Bloodless medicine surgery is a medical practice that does not use donor blood in patient medical care or surgery. Foothill Regional Medical Center participates in this program for patients who prefer medical and surgical treatment without the use of donor blood.

Dr. Tarun Marwaha explains how Foothill Regional Medical Center is uniquely positioned to serve Tustin and surrounding communities with state-of-the-art technology, personalized care and multilingual care team.

What's Normal and When to Seek Medical Advice

The vividly painted walls depicting an Italian countryside and the muted sounds of cartoons playing in the background add an air of lightness to what is an otherwise serious undertaking: caring for chronically ill children 24 hours a day.

Foothill Regional Medical Center now offers comprehensive bloodless surgery and medicine services for the growing number of patients who are opting not to have a blood transfusion, either for safety concerns or religious reasons.

Women are most at risk for developing bipolar disorder at two key stages of their lives: in their later teenage years and when they reach their late 40s, when the risk of suicide may increase.