Providence Health Magazine: South Bay

winter 2011

Providence

ProvidenceLittle Company of MaryMedical CenterSan Pedro

ProvidenceLittle Company of MaryMedical CenterTorrance

Resolve to beHEALTHY

Time to Renew Healthy Eating HabitsFitness Goals Provide Motivation

RAM: Throwing a LifelineFaster Heart Attack Treatment

A Young Woman’s Road to Recovery

Help For Families in Need

Making a Difference in Cardiac Care

Changing Course After a Stroke

Without Health Insurance

Thank You

Gala Co-Chairs and TrusteesShelley Joyce and Paula Del Vicario

Sisters of the Little Company of Mary

Sellabration raised a record $690,000 in support ofProvidence Little Company of Mary community outreach programs

Diamond SponsorThe Centofante Family

Presenting SponsorAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Platinum SponsorsAdvanced Imaging of the South Bay, Inc.Affiliated Pathologists Medical GroupDASCOEmergency Specialist Physicians Medical Associates, Inc.The Jacqueline Glass FamilyJim and Joanne HunterThe Jankovich CompanyChuck and Betsy MillerRalphsThe Scharffenberger FamilyToyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Gold SponsorsChris and Joan CarasCardiologyJohn KeenanPeninsula Pulmonary Medical AssociatesProvidence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Medical StaffSan Pedro Emergency PhysiciansDr. David and Elaine ScottSkilled Healthcare, LLCSouth Bay Anesthesia Medical Group

Silver SponsorsALD Landscape & Maintenance, Inc.American Province of Little Company of Mary SistersWilliam BloomfieldDel Amo Gardens Convalescent CenterFullmer ConstructionThe Gale Family: Jason Gale, Stephen Gale, Gabriel KohKeesal, Young & LoganDon Knabe, LA County Supervisor, Fourth DistrictM Advisory GroupProgressive Management SystemsProvidence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro Medical StaffTime Warner Cable Business Class

UnderwritersAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc.The Daily BreezeDr. Michele and Paula Del VicarioShelley Joyce, R.N.Yvonne LiuMartin’s JewelryThe May Fair, LondonPencilbox StudiosSee’s CandiesSt. RegisTravelstoreLinda Wenglikowski

Steve Morikawa of Presenting SponsorAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc.,

and Mary Morikawa

winter 2011 Providence Health ❙ 3

The Providence Little Company of Mary Mission & Core Values

Providence Health is a quarterly publication of health articles and a calendar of the classes, lectures, programs and support groups held by Providence Little Company of Mary. The materials in Providence Health are not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of

medical treatment or adopting an exercise program or dietary guidelines. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, provide your change of address, let us know that you are receiving more than one copy, or tell us you prefer not to receive Providence Health—please call 1.800.618.6659.

The Providence Little Company of Mary Mission & Core Values

Time to Renew Healthy Eating Habits Healthy Recipes Fitness Goals Provide Motivation

6 Resolve to be HEALTHY

As People of Providence, we reveal God's love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service.

RespectAll people have been created in the image of God. Genesis 1:27

CompassionJesus taught and healed with compassion for all. Matthew 4:24

JusticeThis is what the Lord requires of you: act with justice, love with kindness and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

ExcellenceMuch will be expected of those who are entrusted with much. Luke 12:48

StewardshipThe earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. Psalm 24:1

Providence Health

feature stories in every issue15 ask the doc

18 support groups, programs and classes

19 prenatal & safety

4 Without Health Insurance ConnectingFamiliesinNeed

9 Changing Course After Stroke AYoungWoman’sStoryofSurvival

10 RAM: Throwing a Lifeline HowThisProgramSavedOneMan’sLife

13 Faster Heart Attack Treatment FredPreijer’sStory

How to Contact UsProvidence Little Company of Mary Marketing & Community Relations4101 Torrance BoulevardTorrance, CA 905031.800.618.6659

Editorial StaffRoneale BranningBrenda GoettemoellerJuanita PereaTraci SmithKathryn Sprague

www.providence.org/southbay

4 ❙ Providence Health winter 20116

“What are we going to do?” That’s the question Lorena Vasquez asked herself over and over when she found their family in a desperate situation. While six months pregnant with their third child, along with their 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter, Lorena and her husband, Eduardo, suddenly found themselves without health insurance.

Eduardo was the family breadwinner and his job provided health insurance for their family. However, when he unexpectedly went out on disability, they were no longer insured. They had the option to purchase COBRA health insurance at a cost of $1,200 each month. With their monthly income now at $1,400, that would only leave $200 for their growing family to live on.

When reflecting on her emotions at the time, all Lorena could remember thinking was, “How are we going to pay for the baby’s medical needs? If my kids get sick, how will we pay for it?”

Eduardo knew it was time to search for help. “I’ve never in my life collected any type of help,” he said. “Your ego and pride can get in the way.”

But he found himself on the computer searching for just that – help. While researching social services, he found the Harbor Interfaith Shelter. He went there the next day, and he found help.

Harbor Interfaith Shelter is one of more than 20 South Bay locations that promotoras from the Providence Little Company of Mary Community Health department visit to help people identify an available insurance plan, complete an application, and navigate their way through

the governmental process toward approval.

“The promotoras are part of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP,” explained Justin

Joe, supervisor of CHIP. “The program began in January, 2010, with funding from a two-year federal grant, to help enroll

kids in subsidized health insurance programs like Medi-Cal or Healthy Families.”

According to Joe, more than half of the families they work with don’t know they have access to programs,

Without Health Insurance

Providence Little Company of Mary Community Health program helps families navigate their way toward a government health insurance program

“They don’t realize there are other programs available to them that can assist families

up to 250% of the federal poverty level which is about $55,000 for a family of four.”


especially those families who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal. “They don’t realize there are other programs available to them that can assist families up to 250% of the federal poverty level which is about $55,000 for a family of four.”

The Vasquez family now had support from two promotoras, Mayra Vargas and Sandra Ortega, who helped them complete the paperwork to enroll in Medi-Cal.

Mayra and Sandra visited the Vasquez home several times to help them. “The application process can be confusing,” Mayra said. “We also act as an advocate for the families and a liaison with the government caseworkers.”

In the Vasquez situation, that meant running interference when the government caseworker asked for paperwork that had already been submitted and reconfirming details that would have been difficult for Lorena to understand.

“It was so stressful,” Lorena said. “It was a lot of paperwork and a lot of copies.” Without the help of the promotoras, Lorena said she probably would have gone down to the county office and spent the day to try and figure it out. As for the promotoras help, all she could say was, “They’re wonderful.”

Now with Medi-Cal approved, the Vasquez family is secure in knowing their children’s healthcare is taken care of and they can enjoy the new addition to their family, a healthy baby boy.

For more information about the CHIP program, please call 310.514.4318

Justin Joe, supervisor of Children’s Health Insurance Program

Lorena Vasquez with promotoras Mayra Vargas and Sandra Ortega (above)Vasquez family (left)

Award-Winning CareSan PedroPresident’s Award for life-saving sepsis treatment programsProvidence Health & Services

Business of the Year Award San Pedro Chamber of Commercewww.sanpedrochamber.com

Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award American Heart Association/American Stroke Associationwww.heart.org

Top Performer Award - ranked in the Top 5% among 805 medical rehabilitation units nationwide (2010, 2007)UDSMR (Uniform Data Systems - Medical Rehabilitation)www.udsmr.org

Energy Star Award for energy reduction (2007-2010)www.energystar.gov

Best Place to Practice Award for repeated physician satisfaction ratings in the upper 5%, given to only six hospitals in the nationPress Ganeywww.pressganey.com

Stroke Specialty Program CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)www.carf.org

TorranceThomson Reuters Top 50 U.S. Hospitals for Heart Care - the only community hospital in California to receive this honorwww.100tophospitals.com/top-cardio-hospitals

The Choice Award for Outstanding Customer Service Delivery AAHCP (American Alliance of Healthcare Providers)aahcp.com

Best Practice Award (to Transitional Care Team) for Fall PreventionCMRS (Center for Medical Rehabilitation Services)www.calhospital.org

Circle of Life Award honors innovation in palliative and end-of-life care American Hospital Associationwww.aha.org

Advanced Primary Stroke Center CertificationJoint Commissionwww.jointcommission.org

Premier Award for Quality one of only 24 hospitals and health systems in the nation to receive this awardPremierwww.premierinc.com

OneLegacy Award – for organ donation supportwww.onelegacy.org

Association of California Nurse Leaders Nursing Leadership Awards for Humanitarianism and Contributions to Nursingwww.acnl.org

2010-11


HEALTHY CHOICESFresh is best: Eat more foods that are close to their natural state like fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Just-picked fresh vegetables and fruits are the most nutritious. The next best choice is fresh frozen, because the vegetables and fruits are picked and almost immediately quick frozen, preserving most of their nutrition.

Whole grains: Choose whole grains which are high in fiber, vitamins, and complex carbohydrates. When whole grains are processed, much of the fiber and vitamins are removed. Eventually, the end product, white flour, is basically just carbohydrate.

Dairy: When buying milk, cottage cheese and yogurt, choose plain rather than flavored. Plain milk, yogurt, and

cottage cheese generally have a better ratio of nutrients. When flavoring is added, sugar is often added, too. Flavored yogurt, for example, has twice the calories of unflavored yogurt; most of those calories are from added sugar.

Oils and butter: All oils and fats have pretty much the same calorie count, about nine calories per gram. Some fats, however, are worse for you than others. Saturated fats and trans fats

are worse for you than an equal amount of polyunsaturated

fat. Polyunsaturated fats are not as good for you as monounsaturated fats,

such as olive oil. To keep your heart and vascular

system healthy you should avoid saturated fats whenever

possible. As a rule, saturated fat is a solid at room temperature, and

polyunsaturated fats remain liquid. Soft tub margarines have varying ratios of saturated to unsaturated fat to make them soft enough to spread but not so soft that they run off your bread.

Meat: Different types of meats contain different amounts of saturated fats. Mutton, lamb, beef, and pork are very high in saturated fat. Better meat selections, such as chicken, turkey, and other fowl, have less saturated

fat. Fish have the least saturated fat, because they must remain flexible when swimming in cold water.

Cooking influences many aspects of nutrition. Heating food decreases its vitamin content. Boiling food dissolves vitamins, minerals, and other plant nutrients in the water, which is often discarded. Vegetables should be eaten raw, steamed or lightly cooked in the microwave. When preparing meat, frying or deep-frying will add to the fat content, while broiling, barbecuing or boiling reduces the fat content. When broiling or barbecuing, the fat drips off the meat. When boiling, the fat comes to the surface and must be skimmed off to reduce fat content.

Making these changes won’t require driving miles out of your way in search of organic produce. Nutritious, healthy food is plentiful in any grocery store and at most restaurants, if you know what to look for.

READ FOOD LABELSAllot time when shopping to study food labels. Less nutritious foods contain excessive amounts of fat and refined carbohydrates. In addition, these foods often contain little if any of the eight basic vitamins listed at the bottom of nutrition labels.

Eating less junk food and adding more nutritious food to your diet are simple changes that can make a significant improvement in your nutrition and health. It is important to cut back on foods that have only limited nutritional value, that are overprocessed, or that contain too much fat, salt, sugar, and refined white flour.

It’s a New Year:Time to ReNEW Healthy Eating Habits


Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight on the food label. If white flour, sugar, fat or salt is among the first three ingredients listed, the food has more of that ingredient than anything else.

Next, check the number of fat grams. For every five grams of fat in a serving of a food, you’re eating the same as one teaspoon of fat. So, if one serving of a frozen dinner has 23 grams of fat, you’re eating the equivalent of 4½ teaspoons, or 207 calories, of fat.

Look at the amount of sugar listed on the food label. Four grams equals one teaspoon of sugar, so a soda with 44 grams of sugar contains 11 teaspoons, or 176 calories, of sugar.

Snack foods contain lots of sodium, but an adult should eat no more than 2,300 mg of sodium daily. Any food that contains more than 240 mg of sodium per serving is considered high in salt.

SHOP SMARTEat a filling meal before shopping for groceries. Make a shopping list, limiting the pleasure foods, and then stick to the list. Select a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, but only as much as your family can reasonably eat in a week. Remember that fresh is better than frozen, and that frozen is better than canned. Be choosy about meat: Select lean cuts of red meat and heart-healthy fish and fowl.

New World Salmon FlorentineIngredientsThis casserole uses chunks of fresh salmon with lots of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It also has real cheese for flavor. Don’t use low-fat Swiss--it won’t melt properly.2 cups flaked cooked salmon fillet (about 12 ounces)2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and shredded2 cups cooked tri-color chunky pasta2 stalks celery, sliced thin1-1/2 cups skim milk1 teaspoon Dijon mustard2 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese about 3/4 cup), divided1/4 cup sun-dried tomato pieces, chopped (not oil-packed)1 teaspoon fennel seeds

DirectionsPreheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine salmon, spinach, celery, and pasta in an ovenproof baking dish.

Heat milk in a small sauce pan; don’t let it boil. Stir in mustard and half the Gruyere until it melts. Add sun-dried tomatoes to soften and fennel seeds. Pour sauce over salmon mixture. Top with remaining Gruyere. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serves fourEach serving contains about 400 calories, 31 g protein, 16.5 g fat (37 percent calories from fat), 68 mg cholesterol, 29.5 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, and 611 mg sodium.

Blueberry Banana SmoothieIngredients1 frozen ripe banana1/2 cup frozen blueberries1 cup skim milk

DirectionsBananas that are getting past ripe work perfectly in

smoothies. Peel them, wrap them in plastic, and freeze them. Later, cut the banana into pieces. Put ingredients into blender and puree till

smooth. Pour into two glasses.

Serves twoEach serving contains about 122 calories, 5 g protein, 0 g fat, 24 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, and 63 mg sodium.

TaKe IT SLoW

Although you may be tempted to change your

entire diet overnight, making gradual changes is easier and

more effective and much more likely to become a

permanent part of your life.

HealthyRecipes


Fitness GoalsProvide Motivation

SPECIFICThe best exercise goals are specific. A goal such as “I will exercise for at least 30 minutes at least three times a week by the end of June” fits the bill. A goal such as “I want to exercise to look and feel better” is too vague to be useful.

If you have a big exercise goal, such as running in a 10K, break it down into specific performance goals that will help you get there.

For example, strive to train five days a week for at least several months before the race date, and include rest days so you can recover. Give yourself credit for all you do by recording what you’ve done each day, or crossing it off your calendar.

Success Rx: Record your exercise goal, such as “I will exercise three times this week,” and post it where you can see it often. By making your goals visible, they become more real and increase your commitment.

MEASuRABLEThe most helpful goals are those where you can measure your progress, whether it’s crossing your exercise sessions off your to-do list, or measuring a specific outcome, such as improving your running time or being able to lift more weight.

Success Rx: Go public with your goal by telling family and friends about it. When you’re accountable to others it’s more difficult to not do what you said you would.

ACHIevAbLe AND ReALISTICYour goals also should be challenging enough to inspire you, but not so difficult that you feel like dropping them after a week or two.

Whether you want to run a marathon or just start exercising regularly, having a goal is an important tool.

“Fitness goals help focus your attention, increase your motivation, channel your energy, and provide checks and balances so you’re accountable,” says Judy Van Raalte, PhD, a psychologist in Springfield, Mass. “But unless they’re carefully crafted and reassessed regularly, they can backfire.”

To help you formulate exercise objectives that work for—not against—you, Dr. Van Raalte offers these specific goal-setting recommendations, which form the acronym SMART.

Trying to lose 30 pounds a month isn’t realistic or achievable, but losing six to eight pounds might be—if you have the time and energy to focus on exercising and cutting calories.

Success Rx: Be prepared for setbacks, such as injury or days when you just don’t have time to do what you said you would. Instead of giving up, develop alternative plans and be ready to act on them.

TIME-SPECIFICYour goals should have a clear endpoint, a benchmark at which you know you’ve accomplished them. If you’re training for a marathon, participating in the race and getting to the finish line is the objective. After you’ve reached that marker, you can set a new time-specific goal to get you to the next endpoint, and so on.

Success Rx: Reassess your exercise goals weekly and feel free to scale them up or down, if necessary, to make them more or less challenging.

“When you’re sick of it and you want to stop, just keep going,” Dr. Van Raalte says. “Goal-setting can help you get to the finish line, but at some point, you just have to do the exercise and persist.”

• Avoid the same routine two days in a row to work different muscles. Walk, swim, play tennis or lift weights. Different activities work different muscles.

• Stop exercising if you experience severe pain or swelling, and contact your physician.


Most 27 year olds don’t think about stroke happening to them. Andrea Pusztai didn’t. But she found out that strokes can happen to anyone at any

age. The morning of May 3rd, 2009, started out like a typical Sunday morning. She was feeling a little tired and decided to take a shower to help her wake up. When her arm became rigid and flew up in the air, she immediately knew something was very wrong. Andrea collapsed in a semi-conscious state onto the hamper outside of her shower, and has a vague memory of what happened next.

Fortunately, she wasn’t home alone. Andrea’s partner, Nicole Lepkosky was in the other room talking to her father online with a webcam when she heard odd sounds coming from the bathroom. “I called out a few times to Andrea but she didn’t answer,” Nicole recalled. “So I went to check and I saw her slumped over. I knew immediately that she was in trouble.” She pulled Andrea up, looked at her face, and when

she saw one side drooping, she recognized it immediately as a sign of stroke. Acting quickly, she dashed back out to the kitchen and yelled to her neighbors for help while grabbing the phone to dial 9-1-1. Her father, who was still online from New York via webcam, grabbed his own phone and called Nicole’s brothers. Help was on the way.

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, a certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center and part of the Los Angeles County stroke network, was notified by paramedics of Andrea’s condition and a stroke team was immediately activated. By the time Andrea arrived at the hospital, the team was ready and rapidly assessed her situation.

“Because Andrea told us she had been cracking her neck just before she had

the stroke, a ‘dissection’ was suspected,” explained Darcie Fitzgerald, the hospital’s manager of rehabilitation services. “This is a stroke caused by a tear in the lining of a neck artery.”

Following an initial workup, the hospital immediately connected with specialists within the LA County stroke network. Being part of this network allows the hospital to work with others and gives the advantage to connect with specialists for clinical consultations.

A dissection was ruled out and it was discovered that Andrea had a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a hole in her heart. Andrea was transferred to a facility where a specialist was able to correct the PFO. She then returned to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro to work with physical and occupational therapists for outpatient rehabilitation.

Andrea has always been goal-oriented, athletic and strong – characteristics that have no doubt helped in her recovery. “Andrea’s consistently positive attitude has made her recovery go quite well,” Physical Therapist Anne Sheridan explained. “She’s been noticed by other patients and by our staff for her sense of humor and her willingness to accept the situation and work with it. She gives it everything she’s got. Rehabilitation is a much longer process than most people realize and she’s not the kind of person who gets discouraged by that.”

Although Andrea had hoped to attend the police academy, she has revised her goals because of physical limitations. She

is currently attending Harbor College, working to ultimately earn a degree in social work.

Having experienced life as a young stroke victim, Andrea is especially interested in

helping other young stroke victims.

“It’s been more than a year of hard work and I’m still trying to regain function on my left side but there comes a time where you have to be willing to get on with your life and move on,” Andrea

explained. “I’m happy with who I am and I accept this situation.

And I have a lot of living to do!”

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro

Changing Course After a Stroke

Andrea Pusztai (right) with partner Nicole Lepkosky

STroKe WarnIng SIgnS

If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t wait. call 9-1-1 right away!

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially

on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause


When Reodello Reysantos immigrated to the United States 13 years ago from the Philippines, he knew he was coming to the land of opportunity, but he didn’t know it would be a life-saving opportunity.

After waiting 21 years to come to the United States, Reodello Reysantos was finally able to join his family here in 1997. With three children at the time ranging in age from three to nine, and a fourth to be born the following year, he enjoyed spending time playing with his kids. He loved to swim, play basketball and take long walks at the beach or hiking in the mountains with his wife, Norma.

However, as time went on, he began experiencing fatigue and numbness in his limbs. At 46 years old, Reodello says, “I thought it was age getting to me.” Eventually, it got to the point where he was unable to cross his legs without cramping almost immediately and was having trouble moving every time he stood up.

RAM: Throwing a Lifeline


Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance

Within 48 hours of the surgery, Reodello exclaimed to his wife standing by his side, “Look, I can move my feet!” He was able to get out of bed without experiencing any

numbness or feeling weak at all.”

Physicians that treated Reynaldo Reodello at the 2010 RAM event. Shown from left to right: James McPherson, MD, Shazia Hasan, MD and David Cohen, MD

Within 48 hours of the surgery, Reodello exclaimed to his wife standing by his side, “Look, I can move my feet!” He

was able to get out of bed without experiencing any numbness or feeling weak at all.

“He keeps on walking now,” Norma says. Reflecting on all of the long

walks she used to take with her husband, she adds, “I think it will be great to be able to go out again.”

Before the surgery, Reodello said his body was running at about 50 to 55 percent. By three days after his surgery he proudly gave himself a 98 percent. He was thankful to his physicians and the

staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance.

“You can sense their warmness,” he says. “It’s not just work for them. They

are friendly and really care for their patients.”

And he has a new outlook on the United States as well. He says it gave him back his life and adds, “This is the true land of opportunity.”

In 2010, both Reodello and his wife had lost their jobs and did not have health insurance. Norma convinced her husband to join her in attending the Remote Area Medicine (RAM) clinic being held in downtown Los Angeles. While there, Reodello explained the symptoms he had been having and was asked if he would like to be seen by a cardiologist.

As Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance was a sponsor of the RAM clinic, Reodello was seen by James McPherson, MD, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with the hospital. Dr. McPherson agreed to provide his services, along with tests provided by Shazia Hasan, MD, and David Cohen, MD. Reodello was diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis, a condition that traced back to his childhood.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease (BAVD) is the most common congenital abnormality of the heart. “This is when the aortic valve has only two parts instead of three,” explains Dr. McPherson. It occurs when the aortic valve does not fully develop while the baby is in the womb and affects about one to two percent of all children. The impact of BAVD varies with each patient. Sometimes there is severe aortic stenosis at birth, or it can develop during childhood for others. Most commonly, BAVD symptoms peak when a patient is in their 40s.

Mr. Reysantos also had an ascending aortic aneurism, a condition common with BAVD. This occurs because the tissues are weak so the artery becomes dilated.

Both conditions are treatable with surgery.

The operation took place through a minimally invasive procedure. “Most patients have this done through a surgery requiring the entire sternum to be divided with an incision from the base of the neck to just above the belly button,” Dr. McPherson says. “In Mr. Reysantos’ case, we were able to replace the valve as well as the ascending aorta through an incision about one third of the normal size. This results in less pain, and more rapid return to active living.”


Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance

Improving Treatment for Heart Attack

VictimsNew Technology provided to South Bay Fire Departments by Providence will help patients even before they reach the hospital. In an effort for hospital personnel to be as prepared as they can be by the time a patient arrives in the emergency department (ED), paramedics take EKG readings in the ambulance and relay a diagnosis from the onboard monitor results to the hospital. However, the diagnosis from the monitors in an ambulance is incorrect about 20% of the time because of their inability to recognize the early stages of an myocardial infarction (MI).

Tina Crews, RN, MICN, is the pre-hospital care coordinator at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance and her team communicates with paramedics as they transport patients. Like every employee and staff member at our hospital, Crews feels a personal duty to continually seek ways to improve the way things are done. So it was no wonder when she recognized a way to improve the diagnoses coming from the ambulance before a patient arrives in the ED.

If the paramedics relay that the incoming patient is having an MI, the hospital begins a specific course of action to be specifically prepared once the patient arrives. With an MI, the heart muscle is damaged each minute that goes by. A cardiologist is immediately called and equipment in the high-tech cardiac catheterization (cath) lab is activated. If 20% of the readings in the ambulance are incorrect, this creates a situation where some patients might not be correctly diagnosed until they get to the hospital and precious minutes have gone by. Pictured in heart: Tina Crews, RN, MICN

Pictured above: Natalie Burciago, RN, MICN and Tina Crews, RN, MICN

Pictured below: Randall Peterson, Torrance Fire Dept. Captain and EMS Coordinator


On September 1, 2010, 74-year old Fred Preijers was working outside when he started to feel pressure in his chest. Although he’d had heart surgery more than eight years earlier, Fred thought it might be indigestion and decided to lie down.

Christine, his wife of 50 years recalled, “He walked through the room, and I asked him if he was OK. He insisted he was fine and went to his bed. I became concerned and had a strong feeling that something was very wrong. I insisted on calling the paramedics despite his insisting that I not!”

It’s a good thing that she did. Fred was having a heart attack. He was the first patient to benefit from the Torrance Fire Department’s new technology upgrade,

funded by Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance. The paramedics arrived

and quickly hooked Fred up to an EKG which, through the new technology, transmitted his data directly to the emergency department.

By the time Christine arrived at the hospital shortly after the ambulance, she learned that her husband was already being taken care of by a cardiologist in the cath lab. The hospital

knew in advance that Fred had a myocardial infarction, had assembled a team, and were

completely prepared when Fred arrived. With staff and equipment at the ready, they lost no time

in restoring oxygen and blood flow to his heart.

“I’m grateful to know that the people who cared for me were so prepared and were so fast,” Fred said. “I’m feeling much better today and while I hope I never have to take advantage of their expertise in this way again, it’s great to know that it’s there if I need it.”

Crews learned that there are technology solutions that enable paramedics to relay the data directly from the monitor to her team. This would allow physicians in the ED to recognize an MI that the monitors are more likely to miss. She initiated a project to enable South Bay fire departments to transmit patient EKG data directly to any of the three local hospitals qualified to receive cardiac patients. Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance provided the $25,000 necessary to fund the project.

“This technology allows the emergency department physician to see the EKG report as if the patient were in front of them,” explained Fred Carr, MD, medical co-director of the hospital’s emergency department. “Now we can more easily diagnose MIs in the field and save time by activating the cardiac cath team before the patient arrives. Every minute saved leads to less heart damage and a better recovery for our patients.”

“We initiated and funded this project for the Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo and Hermosa Beach fire departments because it’s the right thing to do for our community,” said Michael Hunn, senior vice president and CEO of the Providence Health & Services California region. “Providing the funds for this vital technology will benefit all of the local hospitals in being prepared to save lives.”

The Hermosa Beach fire department was enthusiastic about it. “We were quick to respond when the hospital approached us with the offer to upgrade our system,” Paramedic Coordinator and Firefighter Steve Ramirez explained. “We’ve already used it and it worked flawlessly on the first try.”

Torrance Fire Department Captain and EMS Coordinator Randy Peterson remarked, “This technology lets us bring an even higher level of care to our community, and we’re grateful to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance for making it possible.”

Fred Preijers’ Story

SymPTomS of a HearT aTTacK

If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or your emergency medical system immediately.chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away

and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one

or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or

light-headedness.

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance provided the $25,000 necessary to fund the project.


We encourage you to be proactive about your cardiac health and take advantage of a Heart Care Screening, a Cardiac Risk Assessment and Baseline EKG program, offered by Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance. Having a baseline EKG has been proven in studies to have a significant clinical value. According to the Journal of General Internal Medicine,“There is a 54% reduction in unnecessary hospitalization when a physician has access to a prior EKG.” In addition, a Journal of Medicine study shows that 79% of physicians find a baseline EKG valuable when making diagnostic and treatment decisions for heart patients.

To make an appointment for a Heart Care Screening, please call 1.800.618.6659.

Have a Heart Health Screening!

February is American Heart Month

1.800.618.6659

www.providence.org/southbay

The cost of the Heart Care Screening is $40 and includes:• A cardiac risk factor questionnaire• A resting 12-lead baseline EKG• A cardiac assessment consultation

(with abnormal results)• A laminated EKG wallet card• Results sent to your primary care physician

Do It For Those You Love

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute

will die from one. -The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


WHAT IS ANeMIA? I was just diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia and will take iron supplements. What else do I need to know?answered by Jenny Ru, MD, Hematology/OncologyAnemia is a reduction in the quantity of hemoglobin in the blood, and is the most common blood condition in the U.S. There are more than 400 types of anemia (most of which are rare), which are divided into three groupings: those caused by blood loss; those (including your type) caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production; and those caused by destruction of red blood cells. All are very different in their causes and treatments. Your type, iron-deficiency anemia, is the most common type and is usually very effectively treated with diet changes and iron supplements.

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks enough of the mineral iron. Your bone marrow in the center of your bone needs iron to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cell that transports oxygen to your body’s organs). So without adequate iron, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells and your ability to provide oxygen to the rest of your body is impaired. Many people know that iron deficiency anemia can be caused by an iron-poor diet but not everyone knows that certain drugs, foods and caffeinated drinks can also be responsible. While many vegetarians take both vitamin B12 and iron supplements, one cup of walnuts has as much iron in it as three ounces of beef liver (and are a great source of those important Omega-3 fatty acids).

It’s important to know the best way to take an iron supplement. Try to take

it on an empty stomach with some Vitamin C. If this causes stomach upset, take the iron supplement after meals (but do not take iron within two hours of ingesting whole grains, tea, wine or other mineral supplements like calcium or zinc. All of these items can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb your iron supplement).

WHAT CAN I exPeCT AS I geT oLDeR? Is it inevitable that people become depressed and unhappy as they age?answered by Mostafa Rahimi, MD, Geriatrics

No, not at all. As an urgent care physician with a gerontology specialty, I‘ve had the privilege of knowing many elders in our society. Our culture and media is youth-obsessed, which is sad because it is missing the point that as we age we are capable of creating an even richer and more satisfying life.

A large Gallop poll carried out in 2008 found that by almost any measure, people actually get happier as they get older. The fascinating study (published in the

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in May 2010) covered more than 340,000 people nationwide, aged 18 to 85. The pattern identified was that soon after age 18 people start experiencing challenges that make them feel worse about their life until about age 50. At that point they experience a sharp reversal, and get happier across multiple factors as they age for the next 25 years, including less worry, and more enjoyment of life. By the time they are 85, they are even more satisfied with their life than when they were 18. The period of life in the late 40s and early 50s seemed to be the hardest for people.

Something seems to shift at age 50, and researchers don’t quite know why. Perhaps it’s a better ability to accept certain things, or to adapt to change. Perhaps it’s wisdom that comes from experience. The results did not seem to be influenced by life events, in other words the subjects did not lead unusually

sheltered or stress-free lives. Surprisingly, the results were

even independent of gender, whether there were

children at home, employment status, and whether the person had a partner. Perhaps it’s time to tune out our youth-obsessed culture and

realize that a rich and satisfying life is not only possible

but probable as we age.

ask the doc

Jenny Ru, MD, (left) Hematology/Oncology

Mostafa Rahimi, MD (right) Providence Medical Institute, Geriatrics

For a physician referral, please call 1.800.618.6659.


Providence Medical Institute • Services

16

We are conveniently located throughout the South Bay in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance (two locations) and San Pedro. You don’t schedule injury and illness so when you need us, we’re here for you!

You Don’t Schedule Injury or Illness- When You Need Us, We’re Here For You!

Providence Urgent Care Centers

MANHATTAN BEACH1010 N. Sepulveda BoulevardManhattan Beach, CA 90266

310.376.62627 days a week | 8 am – 7 pm

REDONDO BEACH520 N. Prospect Avenue, Suite 102

Redondo Beach, CA 90277310.318.9992

Mon – Fri | 8 am – 7 pmSat | 9 am – 5 pm

SAN PEDRO1499 W. 1st Street

San Pedro, CA 90732310.241.2590

Mon – Fri | 8 am – 7 pmSat | 9 am – 5 pm

TORRANCEProvidence Torrance Urgent Care Clinic -

Formerly Torrance Care Station2382 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 5

Torrance, CA 90501310.618.9200

Mon – Fri | 8 am – 7 pmSat and Sun | 9 am – 5 pm

TORRANCE21311 Madrona Avenue

Suite 100CTorrance, CA 90503

310.792.4444Mon – Fri | 8 am – 7 pm

Sat | 9 am – 5 pm

Colds • Flu • Ear Aches • Sinus Infections • Mild AsthmaMinor Burns • Sprains/Strains • Broken Bones • Fevers • Rashes

Lacerations • Headaches/Migraines

The Providence Urgent Care Centers are here for you with high

quality healthcare you can trust when you need it most.

With convenient daytime, evening and weekend hours — after

your doctor’s office hours, our board-certified physicians and

compassionate staff offer same day care in state-of-the-art

facilities with diagnostic imaging and laboratory services

located on site. We also offer acupuncture as a pain relief

and therapeutic treatment option in some locations.

The Providence Urgent Care Centers are available to treat

adults and children with urgent medical conditions such as:

www.providence.org/pmi


Committed to Total Skin Health & Skin Rejuvenation

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Institute

is pleased to offer you comprehensive medical care for

your skin through our Dermatology and Laser Center. Our

team of medical experts treat skin cancers and a range of

skin disorders in patients of all ages. The Dermatology and

Laser Center also offers refined cosmetic services providing

you with safe, medical and aesthetic treatments under

the supervision of Dr. Patricia Yun, a Harvard/Yale trained

physician. We have the expertise and experience to care for

the full range of dermatology needs for your entire family.

conditions treated include:• acne• rosacea• comprehensive skin cancer screening• mole and growth removal• skin cancer surgery• skin allergies• psoriasis• eczema• pediatric dermatology

menu of services:• fractionated CO2 laser• laser hair removal• laser removal of facial veins or facial

redness• removal of age spots, freckles, and

discoloration• laser removal of wrinkles• acne scars• sclerotherapy• erbium laser peel• glycolic acid chemical peel• botox• restylane/ juvederm/ perlane• radiesse

Call for your personalized appointment today…Providence Little Company of MaryMedical Institute | Dermatology and Laser Center21311 Madrona Ave., Suite 100-D, Torrance, CA 90503Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.t: 1.310.792.5050 f: 1.310.543.3154www.providence.org/pmi

D e r m a t o l o g ya n D l a s e r c e n t e r

dr. Patricia yun graduated cum laude from Yale university, attended Harvard Medical School and completed her dermatology residency at Columbia university. She completed a subspecialty fellowship in clinical laser & laser research at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital.

In addition to general and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Yun has expertise in laser surgery. Working closely with pioneers and leaders in the field, she has completed numerous research studies utilizing the latest in laser technology. Dr. Yun is also highly trained in other cosmetic procedures such as the use of Botox, numerous filler substances, and sclerotherapy.


Rehabcentre Community Stroke Group (cont.)When: First Wednesday of each month (except holidays); 6:30 – 7:30p.m.Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, 3 Central Acute RehabInfo: Dr. Melanie Ropelato, 1.310.832.3311, ext. 6954

Survivors After SuicideWhere: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Del Webb Center for Health EducationInfo: 1.310.895.2326

Diabetes Management Speak one-on-one with a diabetes nurse educator and a registered dietitian to learn how to better manage your diabetes. Family members are welcome. Doctor referral needed to schedule appointment.

Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Del Webb Center for Health EducationInfo: 1.310.303.5580

Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, DeMucci Center for Health EducationInfo: Jane Kimball, RN, 1.310.732.6272

Diabetic Support GroupA bi-monthly informational meeting for anyone who has questions related to diabetes. Free to the community.

When: First and third Wednesday of each month; 3:30 – 5 p.m. Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, Four West Conference RoomInfo: Jane Kimball, RN, 1.310.732.6272When: Second and fourth Wednesday of each month; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Third Wednesday of each month; 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Del Webb Center for Health EducationInfo: 1.310.303.5580HEART AND LUNG

Breast Cancer Support GroupA support group for women diagnosed with any form of cancer—facilitated by a licensed clinician from The Wellness Community South Bay Cities.

When: Every Tuesday; 6 – 8 p.m. Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, DeMucci Center for Health EducationInfo: Tom May, 1.310.376.3550 ext. 22

When: Every Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. – noon Where: Women’s Imaging Center, 20929 Hawthorne Blvd., TorranceInfo: Lizz Castillon, RN, CBCN, 1.310.303.7097

Grief Support GroupAdult bereavement groups for individuals who have lost a child, spouse, or parent. Support groups are also offered for children and teens.

Where: The Gathering Place at Beach Cities Health Center, 514 North Prospect Avenue, Redondo BeachInfo: Claire Towle or Stephanie LaFranchi, 1.310.374.6323 or www.griefcenter.info

Osteoporosis Support GroupWhere: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center TorranceInfo: Carol Harrison, volunteer facilitator, 1.310.329.9313

Pre-Operative Classes for Joint Replacement SurgeryThis class is designed to help patients prepare for and recover from joint replacement surgery. The program includes everything from instructions for the night before surgery to how to prepare your home for recovery. Reservations required.

When: Thursdays; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Surgical Ortho Conference Room (First Floor)Info: 1.800.618.6659

Rehabcentre Community Stroke GroupA free support group for family members, caregivers and patients who have experienced a stroke, traumatic brain injury or degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Meetings are held at Providence Little Company of Mary Recovery Center, 1386 West 7th Street, Bldg. A, San PedroInfo: 1.310.514.5300

AlanonWhen: Tuesdays (Men’s Meeting) 7 – 8:30 p.m.; Tuesdays (Women’s Meeting) 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Alcoholics AnonymousWhen: Saturdays 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. (Open Meeting); Saturdays 7 – 8:30 p.m. (Open Speaker Meeting)

Cocaine AnonymousWhen: Fridays 8 – 9:30 p.m.

Narcotics AnonymousWhen: Sundays 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.

Overeaters AnonymousWhen: Tuesdays 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

S.A.When: Saturdays 10 – 11:15 a.m.

Bridges Psychiatric Outpatient Day ProgramThis program offers psychiatry, group therapy and socialization. Assessments for the program are free of charge, and transportation and lunch services are provided. The therapy covers a wide range of topics from depression and anxiety to coping skills and healthy relationships. Medicare and most private insurances are accepted.

When: Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., (Partial Program) Monday – Friday; 9:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro Info: Steve Gerstung at 1.310.241.4325

12-STEP MEETiNgS SUPPORT gROUPS

MENTAL HEALTH

support groups, programs and classes

diABETES PROgRAMS

Register online at www.providenceclasses.org

SUPPORT gROUPS

NeW Class

Added


All classes (except Maternity Tour - San Pedro) take place at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance.Reservations required for all classes. Call 1.800.618.6659

Baby Care BasicsWhen: Second and third Monday monthly; 7 – 9 p.m. Fee: $30 per couple

Breast-feeding ClassFee: $35 per couple (includes breast-feeding book)

Infant/Child CPRSee Family and Friends CPR listing under Safety Classes

Labor Epidural & Neonatal CareFee: No cost

Maternity Tour - TorranceFee: No cost

Maternity Tour - San PedroWhen: First Sunday of each month; 5 p.m. Fee: No cost Reservations: 1.310.514.5214

Preparation for ChildbirthFee: $100 per couple (includes childbirth preparation book)SAFETY CLASSES

All classes take place at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance.Reeservations required for all classes. Call 1.800.618.6659

BLS Healthcare ProviderDesigned for the healthcare provider to learn the skills of CPR for infant, child and adult victims. Participants will receive an American Heart Association completion card good for two years.

When: (all classes held Saturdays; 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) .) March 5Fee: Course cost is $50.

Better Breathers’ Club Monthly meetings with guest speakers on topics of interest to people with respiratory difficulties. Free to the community.

When: Third Wednesday of each month; 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, DeMucci Center for Health EducationInfo: 1.310.832.3311, ext. 6268

Cardiac Support GroupFor cardiac patients, family and friends to meet and provide mutual support and discuss concerns and problems.

Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Center, 20929 Hawthorne Blvd., TorranceInfo: Yvonne Hashimoto, RN, 1.310.303.7070

Lively LungsFitness program, supervised by a registered nurse, open to people with lung problems.

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays; 10 a.m. – noonWhere: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro, 3-East Cardiopulmonary GymFee: $40 for 10 sessions.Info: 1.310.832.3311, ext. 6268

Pulmonary Education Program (PEP)PEP Pioneers is a nationally certified education program that will teach you about your lung disease and allow you to increase your daily activities and independence.

Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Center, 20929 Hawthorne Blvd., TorranceInfo: 1.310.303.7079PRE-NATAL

Pulmonary Rehab Self-TrainingClasses are designed to increase knowledge, physical stamina and independence.

Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San PedroInfo: Kris Brust, RN, BSN, AE-C, 1.310.832.3311, ext. 6268

HEART & LUNg PROgRAMS PRENATAL EdUCATiONCPR — Heartsaver First Aid & AEDDesigned for lay rescuers needing to learn CPR, the use of an AED, first aid and relief of airway obstruction in infant, child and adult victims. Participants will be tested on their skills and receive an American Heart Association completion card good for two years.

When: (all classes held Saturdays; 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Feb 19Fee: Course cost is $60

CPR-Heartsaver AED Designed for lay rescuers needing to learn CPR, the use of an AED, and relief of airway obstruction in infant, child and adult victims. Participants will be tested on their skills and receive an American Heart Association completion card good for two years.

When: (all classes held Saturdays; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) March 19Fee: Course cost is $40

Family and Friends (Infant/Child CPR)Designed for lay rescuers the skills of CPR for infant victims (birth-1 yr.) and child victims (1-8 yrs.). You will also learn procedures for clearing an obstructed airway. There will be plenty of time to practice skills on manikins. Participants will not receive a completion card.

When: (weekday evening classes held 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) Feb 21; March 3; March 31; (Saturday classes held 9 a.m. – noon) Feb 12Fee: Course cost is $25

SupersitterDesigned for youths age 12 to 14, this course includes: planning for a babysitting job, knowing what to expect from children of all ages, selecting toys and games, preventing accidents, and the special care involved with taking care of infants. Participants receive a completion card.

When: (all classes held Thursday afternoons; 3:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Feb 10; Feb 17; March 10; March 17Fee: Course cost is $30

SAfETY CLASSES

support groups, programs and classes

SAfETY CLASSES

Register online at www.providenceclasses.org

Providence Little Company of MaryCoporate Offices20555 Earl StreetTorrance, CA 90503

R A I S I N G T H e b A RNAMeD oNe oF THeToP 50 IN THe U.S.AND oNe oF oNLYTWo IN CALIFoRNIAFoR HeART CARe

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is proud to be recognized as one of the 2011 Thomson reuters 50 Top cardiovascular Hospitals and the only community hospital in California to receive this honor. This prestigious annual award honors hospitals that have led the way with superior performance in cardiovascular service in four key areas: outcomes of care, service-line efficiency, financial performance, and core measures alignment.

To learn more about our commitment to excellence, visit us at www.providence.org/torrance.

For more information on the Thomson Reuters 100 TopHospitals® program, including the Cardiovascular study,visit100tophospitals.com.

Providence Health Magazine: South Bay

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