Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, congratulates Dr. Franklin Chu upon receiving the inaugural "We Care Award". Photo by Michael Downer
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The LaSalle Medical Associates recently presented its inaugural “We Care Award” to the San Bernardino Urological Associates, which was accepted by founding member Dr. Franklin Chu.
Created by Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, the award pays tribute to doctors for their commitment to providing quality service and patient care in the local community.
Dr. Chu and his team continue to deliver quality care for the well being of their patients for more than 27 years. Dr. Chu says that sometimes, patients come to him very upset because they need or are on Medi-Cal. With offices in San Bernardino and Apple Valley, he explains that it is important to understand the frustration of his patients, giving them a little more leeway to express themselves.
The issue revolves around the predisposition of some doctors to provide socio-economically challenged patients with care that is not of the highest available quality, based on what saves time and money for the physician and their practice.
“When I am treating patients, I don’t differentiate in the type of care they receive based on their coverage. You would never be able to tell if the patient I am seeing is privately insured, utilizes a HMO or is a Medi-Cal patient. Once I see the patient I see a person who needs medical care, not what they are paying me. Their healthcare is the most important thing to me,” said Dr. Chu.
As the president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Dr. Arteaga operates clinics in San Bernardino, Fontana and Hesperia, as well 1900 physician members in his Independent Practice Group (IPA). Understanding the challenges and demands in providing quality care, he explains that too often our focus is on the disappointments and not the good things that happen in life. We created this award to direct that focus to highlight the positive things and people we encounter.
“We feel strongly that Dr. Chu and his staff are an excellent example of quality service is all about,” said Dr. Arteaga. “The time has come that we recognize them for all they do time and again, without any recognition. They are truly unsung heroes.”
Dr. Arteaga points out that as a specialist, you often see patients who have a great need of care. Dr. Chu and his staff were selected due to their ability to consistently provide high quality, sensitive care with understanding to patients.
The San Bernardino Urological Associates is conveniently located across the street from St. Bernardino Medical Center at 89 East 21st Street. Offering an excellent medical research program, cutting edge medications and treatment methods are often made available to cancer patients locally.
For additional information about San Bernardino Urological Associates call (909) 882-2973. For information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to www.LasalleMedical.com. About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is an Independent Practice Association (IPA) with four clinics employing 100 dedicated individuals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. The LaSalle medical clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
In addition, LaSalle Medical Associates operates a network of independently contracted providers, which averages over 100,000 patient visits per year in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties. About San Bernardino Urological Associates
San Bernardino Urological Associates Medical Group continues to serve the Inland Empire since 1985. The physicians in their Group are committed to bringing the highest quality of urological medical care to their patients. Each of their physicians are Board Certified Urologists. Through extensive training and continued medical education, they are able to deliver the most modern and advanced surgical and medical treatments.
It is recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The time has come to say goodbye to summer. The changing of the season brings on many familiar occurrences, such as kids going back to school, the falling leaves from neighborhood trees or even feeling a new crispness in the air. These are all indicators that its time to visit your doctor for your seasonal flu shot.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, occurs annually from October through May and is spread by coughing, sneezing or a runny nose. Getting vaccinated will help avoid or lessen the symptoms of the flu, which include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose.
“The benefit of flu vaccines have been proven over and over,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “With the three strains of flu that are circulating in many parts of the world today, chances are you will come down with one of them if you do not get vaccinated.”
The Center for Disease Control and Dr. Arteaga recommend a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protection against the flu. Vaccines are available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray vaccine is also available as an alternative for most people ages 2 to 49.
Flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year. As a result, it is extremely important that you get vaccinated or a booster shot each year, as a new flu vaccine is made each year to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to cause illness during the current flu season.
Contrary to what some might think, the virus in the flu shot is inactive. Therefore, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.
While young children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are especially at risk of complications from the flu, it is recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, and wife Maria, receiving an award from the San Bernardino County Medical Society for outstanding contributions to the community.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On the first day, owner Dr. Albert Arteaga and his wife Maria then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant saw two patients at their clinic in Fontana. Today, LaSalle Medical Associates has grown to four clinics and 120 employees, and an Independent Practice Association (IPA) serving more than 100 doctors.
LaSalle Medical Associates celebrated its 27th anniversary recently, having seen its first two patients on June 13, 1984.
“For 27 years we have been doing good things,,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Number one, we are honest. Number two we are reliable. We aren’t here today and gone tomorrow. In the medical field, being solid means being reputable and reliable.”
Dr. Arteaga has built his practice with a philosophy that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. La Salle Medical Associate clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
As founder and CEO of LaSalle’s Inland Empire clinics, Dr. Arteaga set out to not just aid those in need, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.” He explains, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.”
A recent survey of nearly 300 LaSalle patients showed that fully 100 percent of those surveyed believed their doctor and other staff had listened carefully, explained things and treated them with respect.
In his 27 years in business, Dr. Arteaga has strived not only to be a great physician, but also a good businessman. Treating patients (customers) with respect helped him build a solid customer base, which in turn has recommended LaSalle Medical Associates to their friends and family, and some of whom now have chosen LaSalle for their health care needs for three generations.
Dr. Arteaga has also focused on keeping expenses low. And he has helped many patients who might otherwise struggle to pay for even basic medical care to find insurance that will foot the bill.
Since Dr. Arteaga’s practice was pediatrics, La Salle Medical Associates initially focused on serving children of the lower income and disabled. Dr Arteaga quickly realized there were even greater community needs.
With his guidance, LaSalle expanded its service to include family and internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology. All stemming from Dr. Arteaga’s “obligation to “help whenever I can.”
Public and professional recognition has not escaped LaSalle Medical Associates and Dr. Arteaga. The California Medical Association awarded him the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award for 2008,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community. He also was named one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine.
For his efforts to provide healthcare services to the Inland Empire’s children, Arteaga was awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for his outstanding contribution to the community.
Inland Empire Health Plan selected the clinics as one of San Bernardino counties’ best healthcare providers, while the African American Health Initiative selected LaSalle as a “model provider” of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County.
The San Bernardino Board of Supervisors has presented Dr. Arteaga the Resolution Award for his outstanding community efforts, and the Inland Empire Health Plan awarded LaSalle Medical Associates a Proclamation Award in appreciation of outstanding community work and for being the state’s number one enroller of the Healthy Families program, an insurance plan for children of low- to middle-income families.
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to LaSalleMedical.com.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle employees mourned the loss of one of their long-term patients in January. But, with the help of two of their own, this patient died with a peace of mind she hadn’t seen much of in the last few months of her life.
“For the rest of her life, Cheryl Garcia and Renae Marquez were a great source of support for this patient,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga. “When she died in mid-January, her husband called the Mt. Vernon clinic that same day, to thank them for making his wife so happy in her final days.”
Before she died, the two women got to know this patient because of her frequent need of health care from LaSalle Medical Associates. Around the holidays, they noticed this patient was especially struggling.
“She was very ill, she was not doing well emotionally, and she had some serious financial challenges,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Cheryl, who works in the Medical Records department at the Mt. Vernon clinic, and Renae, who handles patient referrals, wanted to help. So, just before Christmas they bought the patient several gifts, including new sheets for her bed. They not only bought the gifts with their own funds, they took it upon themselves to deliver the gifts to her home while they were off duty.
“I am very proud of Cheryl and Renea for the help they provided this patient at the end of her life,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Both of these women have their own financial struggles, so I know they sacrificed to help a patient, and what they did came from their hearts. I know they made a difference in this patient’s life.”
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Seniors and people with disabilities on Medi-Cal in the Inland Empire are moving into managed care choosing from plans offered by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Health Services. Managed care will help doctors keep better track of their patients' health care needs while, at the same time, lowering the overall cost of their care.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Seniors and people with a disability wth Medi-Cal may soon face a change in their health care plan because of new federal legislation.
This legislation allows 12 California counties, including San Bernardino and Riverside to require most Medi-Cal patients who are seniors (age 65 and over) or who have a disability to enroll in Medi-Cal Managed Care. These 12 counties began moving their Medi-Cal patients into managed care plans on Wednesday, June 1. Via affordable-movers.co.
In managed care plans, patients must select a primary care physician, such as one of the doctors at LaSalle Medical Associates. The primary care physician must approve all treatments and refer patients to specialists or hospitals when necessary.
“Managed care plans make it easier for you to get the best care possible,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Within both of the managed care plans available to our patients, there are programs to help you stay healthy no matter your age or disability.”
In the Inland Empire, the managed care plans are Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Healthcare of California Partner Plan, Inc. Affected Inland Empire patients have a choice between these two managed care programs to participate in, but if they do not pick one of the plans, Medi-Cal will make the choice for them.
There are some exceptions also. Those who receive Medicare, have already been diagnosed with a long-term illness or have other health insurance won’t be able to join a managed care plan, nor will foster children with disabilities.
Most young, Medi-Cal recipients without a disability have been required to choose a managed care plan since 1997, according to Consumers’ Union. Elderly and disabled Medi-Cal recipients have until now had a choice.
The option no longer available is “fee-for-service” or “Straight Medi-Cal”.
“Fee-for-service has several disadvantages,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Most importantly, if a patient sees many different health care providers, none of them have a complete idea of the patients’ medical history. Knowing this history is very important in preventing small problems from robbing you of your independence.”
“Going to the emergency room for colds and sniffles is like turning on a fire hose to water your house plant,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Using a watering can works better for most house plants. Seeing a regular doctor works best for people, unless they have broken bones or some other serious health condition requiring immediate attention. Even in some of those cases, managed care can help them become aware of a potential problem before it becomes a life-threatening condition.”
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to lasallemedicalassociates.com.
Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates and Kimberly Carey, president of MedPoint Management have aligned to streamline operations and enhance LaSalle Medical Associates' ability to provide patients quality health care.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. recently selected a new health care management company, MedPoint Management.
“Together with MedPoint Management we will streamline our operations and enhance LaSalle Medical Associates’ ability to provide patients quality health care,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.
“MedPoint Management meets health care providers’ needs with a personalized approach to health care management,” said Kimberly Carey, president of MedPoint Management. “We combine the use of advanced technology with the vast health care experience of our employees to help providers meet the challenges of serving a diverse population in the rapidly changing health care environment.”
MedPoint Management assists Independent Practice Associations, more often known in the health care field as IPAs, with management services. These services include processing of insurance claims, resolving grievances, verifying credentials of health care practitioners, advising health care providers about new policies of the health maintenance organizations (HMOs) they work with, evaluating the quality and outcomes of patient care (and, when necessary, making recommendations for improvement), and tracking services provided to those with certain health conditions.
MedPoint Management will work not just with LaSalle Medical Associates’ four clinics in San Bernardino County, but with other practices in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Joaquin Valley that are members of the LaSalle Medical Associates Independent Practice Association.
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to LaSalleMedicalassociates.com.
Many uninsured families with children under 19 can get help through the Healthy Families program; help is also available to some children and adults through Medi-Cal. For those who don’t qualify for these programs, the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 provides additional options.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) A November 2010 study by the Insure The Uninsured Project shows that 25.1 percent of San Bernardino County residents under age 65 – more than one in four – are without insurance. In Riverside County, it’s even worse, as 28 percent of people under age 65 there are without insurance.
This is almost 1 million people, and a good many of them are members of the Inland Empire’s middle class. Another study, released by the California Healthcare Foundation in December 2010 shows more stunning statistics about the state’s uninsured population.
Working people in California are more likely to be uninsured than in the United States as a whole, even if they are self-employed or work for a government entity.
More than half of California’s uninsured children are in families where at least one adult has a full-time, year-round job.
One in three of California’s uninsured have family incomes of more than $50,000 a year.
That means that while many of the 7.2 million uninsured California residents earn an otherwise comfortable living, the rising cost of insurance has forced them to view health care as an unaffordable luxury.
Help for uninsured people making up to $88,200 for a family of four is coming in 2014. The national exchange is a key piece of the federal Affordable Health Care Act of 2010.
“In 2014, people will be able to purchase insurance from a national exchange,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates. “This exchange will be similar to California’s Healthy Families program, but it will also be available to adults, and to anyone in families making up to four times as much as the poverty level.”
In San Bernardino and Riverside counties, the poverty level is $22,050 per year for a family of four. Larger families will qualify for the exchange even if they make more than $88,200, while individuals and smaller families qualify at lower incomes.
The provisions of this act don’t fully kick in until 2014, but government entities at the federal, state and local levels are already working with health care providers to make the transition to full implementation of this act.
Dr. Arteaga expects there will be some changes to the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 before it is fully implemented, but is looking forward to the reforms.
“No matter how it is modified, the Affordable Care Act is still a step forward,” he said. “We eventually need to move to everyone having access to health care, whenever they need it.”
The consequences of people being forced to live without health insurance can be tragic.
“Saying someone can live without health insurance is like saying they can live without God in their life,” said Dr. Arteaga. “It may work, until there is a crisis.”
Many health care providers, including LaSalle Medical Associates, help people meet their health care needs by making office visits as affordable as possible.
Dr. Arteaga urges those who must pay cash to do so for annual immunizations and health screenings.
“Prevention is not popular, and I can understand why it may seem difficult to pay money to see a doctor when nothing is wrong,” he said. “But in the long run, it often is much more economical than waiting until something is seriously wrong.”
Often, there are already affordable options to being completely without health insurance. This is especially true for uninsured children.
Perhaps the most startling statistic from the California Healthcare Foundation is: As many as six in 10 of uninsured children are eligible for California’s two largest public insurance programs, Medi-Cal and Healthy Families.
Medi-Cal is for low-income families with children, all children in foster care, and low-income adults who are seniors, disabled, pregnant or coping with certain chronic diseases.
Qualification is based on family size, and ages of the children. County departments of social services determine eligibility.
Both San Bernardino and Riverside counties have multiple branches of their department of public social services. One can find the branch nearest them by calling (951) 955-6400 in Riverside County or (909) 388-0245 in San Bernardino County.
According to Healthy Families’ website. www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov, a family of four (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children) would usually qualify for Medi-Cal if making less than $44,100 yearly. Larger families could make more, and smaller families qualify on a lower income.
Healthy Families partially subsidizes health care for children under 19. This costs their families between $4 and $24 per month per child, up to a maximum of $72 per month per family. These families must also pay co-pays, usually about $5 to $15 per doctor visit, up to $250 per family each year.
Healthy Families is for families whose household income is too much for Medi-Cal but below another state standard, according to www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov. A family of four would qualify if making up to $55,128, with larger families eligible even if they earn more and smaller families qualifying on a lower income.
Families can enroll in Healthy Families with help from their doctor’s office. They have a choice of plans, which in the Inland Empire includes Inland Empire Health Plan, Molina Health Care, Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net and Kaiser Permanente.
LaSalle Medical Associates in California, with offices in San Bernardino, Fontana and Hesperia, has enrolled more families than most medical practices anywhere in California.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Photos: Start your family off right in 2011 by following 10 tips for better health, offered by LaSalle Medical Associates and the Center for Disease Control.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “The new year is a time to celebrate and make resolutions for better health,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates.
The Center for Disease Control offers 10 tips that almost everyone can follow to make their new year a great one. 1. Wash hands often.
“Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if they are not available use a hand sanitizer or similar alcohol-based product.” 2. Stay warm and dry.
“Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults,” said Dr. Arteaga. “In inclement weather, people should take special precautions to stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
“While this may not seem to be a big problem in Southern California, the recent rainy weather proves precautions are necessary,” Dr. Arteaga noted. “We also sometimes must contend with frost, and even snow in the higher elevations of the Inland Empire.” 3. Manage stress.
“The holiday season is often a time of over-commitment and over-spending,” Dr. Arteaga noted. “Now that they are over it is a good time to resolve for more balance between work, home and play. Keep a relaxed and positive attitude, and if you are struggling to find that balance, get help from family, friends or a physician.” 4. Travel safely.
“Whether traveling across town or around the world, stay safe,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Don’t drink and drive. Don’t travel with a driver who has been drinking. Fasten your seat belt, and if you are traveling with children, make sure they are buckled into a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt, as appropriate for their size and age. Infants should be in rear-facing car seats if they are less than 1 year old or weigh less than 20 lbs.” 5. Be smoke free.
“Avoid smoking and don’t breathe others people’s smoke,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Talk to your LaSalle doctor or other health care provider if you need help quitting.” 6. Get check-ups and vaccinations.
“Exams and screenings can help find problems before they start, or at least early, when the chances for treatment and cure are better,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Vaccinations can help prevent diseases.”
Dr. Arteaga recommends scheduling a consultation with your LaSalle doctor or other health care provider to determine what tests and screenings are needed, as they vary based on a person’s age, lifestyle, medical and family health history and even plans for travel to foreign countries. 7. Watch the kids.
“Children are at higher risk for injuries that can lead to death or disability, so keep a watchful eye on kids when they’re eating or playing,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items and other items out of kids’ reach.” 8. Prevent injuries.
“Injuries can occur anywhere, anytime,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Many occur in winter months, and most residential fires occur during winter months. Prevent fires by never leaving fireplaces, stoves or candles unattended, and don’t use generators, outdoor grills or other gasoline or charcoal burning devices inside your home.
Dr. Arteaga also recommends every home have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which residents test monthly and replace batteries in twice yearly, at the start and end of daylight savings time. 9. Handle and prepare food safely.
“Keep you and your family safe from food-related illnesses,” Dr. Arteaga said. “This is another reason washing hands is important. It’s also important to keep food preparation surfaces clean, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping eggs and raw meat, including poultry and seafood, away from other food preparation and eating surfaces. Foods should be cooked to the proper temperature, and that which isn’t consumed immediately should be refrigerated promptly, at the very latest within two hours of cooking.” 10. Eat healthy, and be active.
“Choose fresh fruit instead of candy,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Find fun ways to stay active for at least 2.5 hours a week. Kids and teens should be active at least one hour a day.”
For help in making any of the above tips a part of your new lifestyle for 2011, contact a health care provider such as LaSalle Medical Associates.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Stay healthy. Get a flu vaccine. Call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407 to schedule yours today!
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The H1N1 pandemic is over, but there is only one way to make sure flu doesn’t come back into your life – get a flu shot every year.
“The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates. “This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will protect you against H1N1 and two other types of flu viruses.”
“These three viruses are circulating in many parts of the world, and without immunizations, chances are you will come down with one of them,” Dr. Arteaga said.
“The H1N1 virus was especially powerful, causing many hospitalizations and deaths” he said. “It had never been detected in humans prior to 2009, which meant no one was immune.
“Now, many people are immune, but the best way to be sure is to have the vaccination,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Even if you have developed immunity to H1N1, you still may be susceptible to one of the other viruses that are making the rounds. They can be just as deadly.”
“Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated,” Dr. Arteaga said. “But even if half of the population is immunized, there will be significant protection. That half of the population may prevent their neighbors from getting the flu as well. And if 75 percent of the population is immunized, we can stop the flu dead in its tracks.”
Dr. Arteaga urges parents to have their children (and themselves) vaccinated against the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses.
“Children are especially at risk, because they have more opportunities to be exposed to the virus,” he said.
Even though adults may be at somewhat less risk, it is now recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination, Dr. Arteaga said. Those who imply flu vaccines are unnecessary and harmful, he said, are irresponsibly making light of the subject.
“The benefit of flu vaccines has been proven over and over.”
Flu vaccines are available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray vaccine is available as an alternative for most people ages 2 to 49.
To limit the spread of flu, Dr. Arteaga urges anyone with symptoms to stay home from school and work until they are well, and limit contact with others. They also should contact a health care provider, especially if worried about the symptoms.
Everyone should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth, he said. Also, healthy people should, to the extent possible, avoid contact with those who have flu symptoms.
“Every time we wash our hands, and take precautions when we cough, there is less flu to go around,” Dr. Arteaga said.
For more information about all types of flu, contact the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. or by calling 1-800-236-4636, or the California Department of Public Health at www.cdph.ca.gov or 1-888-865-0564.
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department also can provide information on its toll-free number, 1-800-782-4264, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
According to founder Dr. Arteaga, the primary mission of LaSalle’s clinics is “to offer high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.”
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Dr. Jill Biden recently announced new federal regulations requiring most private health plans to cover preventative medical services.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, encourages Inland Empire residents to take advantage of the preventative health care services that will soon be covered by private insurance, by scheduling appropriate health screenings. To do so at LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) –New federal regulations require new private health plans taking effect on or after Sept. 23, 2010 to cover most preventative medical services without co-payments or other fees.
The United States departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued these new regulations recently. The new rules will provide for free access to preventative services such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests; many cancer screenings; routine vaccinations; pre-natal care; and regular wellness visits.
That’s good news to Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates. For more than 25 years, Dr. Arteaga has advocated making going to the doctor no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.
“People should be able to come see the doctor before they get sick,” Dr. Arteaga said. “We want to make sure we catch things as early as we can so that we can start interventions before they cause serious health problems.
One of the United States’ most well-known physicians, Dr. Jill Biden (wife of Vice President Joe Biden) also sees making preventive services affordable to all as a necessity.
“One of the best ways to improve the quality of life – and control health care costs – is to prevent illness in the first place,” said Dr. Biden, who announced these regulations for the three federal departments that created them. “Focusing on prevention and early treatment makes more sense than trying to play catch-up with a potentially deadly disease.”
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
To make an appointment, or for additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
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