To make sure your kindergartener is happy, healthy and does well in school make an appointment today for the required kindergarten physical. Students who play sports, and in some cases, students attending college, also need physicals. (Photo by Carl Dameron)
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – For many students, seeing the doctor for a physical evaluation is necessary at the start of a new school year.
“Physicals are required when a child enters school in California, most commonly kindergarten,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “And if an older child is into sports, almost all schools will require them to obtain a physical at the beginning of the season. Also, college students often need back-to-school physicals as a condition of living on campus.”
Physicals for children typically include making sure they have reached adequate height and weight for their age. Doctors also make sure children are up-to-date on the immunizations needed for their age.
Young children also are evaluated to make sure they can perform certain tasks. For instance a child entering kindergarten should be able to play well with other children, state his or her first and last name, color with crayons and dress himself or herself.
Kindergarteners who are not able to do these things may have developmental delays that will cause them to need extra help throughout their education, and may also have medical conditions that need close monitoring by a doctor.
As with adults, physicals also are a time to check overall health, by checking blood pressure, hearing and vision. Doctors also order blood tests to check for anemia, and a urinalysis to check for infections and diseases such as diabetes.
“All of these things we check for in a physical are what’s known as preventative health care,” 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.”
Most K-12 students in San Bernardino County begin school in August, as do many colleges. Parents of any students needing a mandatory back-to-school physical to start school before Labor Day should schedule an appointment with their doctor immediately. Athletes, and anyone who starts school in September should not wait much longer.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Summer is our busy season, and some doctors won’t be able to see you right away. “
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.
Keep your baby happy and healthy like Alondra by making sure she has the proper vaccinations. DTap, which prevents whooping cough, is an especially important vaccination as California is experiencing an epidemic of the disease and already one baby has died from it in San Bernardino County. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – “Pertussis is now an epidemic in California’,” states the San Bernardino County Public Health Department website.
Statewide, there have been 910 cases of pertussis, which causes “whooping cough,” reported from January through June 15, the county health department reports. This compares to only 219 cases in the first six months of 2009.
Five infants – all under three months of age – have died from the disease since January. One death was in San Bernardino County this spring.
“But, there is a way to prevent this disease from spreading,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “That is by making sure all children are immunized against this sometimes deadly disease.”
Babies should receive immunization against pertussis at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age, according to the Center for Disease Control. Young children should receive booster shots between 15-18 months, and again at ages 4-5 years.
Pertussis, which is administered with vaccines for diphtheria and tetanus, is one of the required immunizations children must have before they begin school. The vaccine given to children age 6 and younger is known as DTaP.
“With many schools in the Inland Empire returning to a new year in August, parents should schedule back-to-school immunizations immediately,” Dr. Arteaga said. “If they wait until only a few days before school starts to make the appointment, we may not be able to see them before their new school year begins.”
“Pertussis is a very serious threat this year,” Dr. Arteaga added. “Children can avoid it and many other diseases simply by staying current on immunizations.”
Four booster immunizations – including DTaP – are needed for all kindergarteners before entering school for the first time, said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, director of medical services. And, as they grow older, children need additional immunizations.
“Children entering kindergarten should receive boosters for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox),” Dr. Emoto said. “Fortunately, there is a combination vaccine that is available that allows for only three injections instead of four.”
If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only the above booster immunizations are needed. However, if the child is behind on their other required immunizations, they may need several doses of immunizations to get “caught up.”
New this year, says Dr. Emoto, is an updated pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar 13). This vaccine includes added protection as compared to the older version (Prevnar 7) and all children between 15 months and 5 years of age should have one additional dose of the newer Prevnar, “even if your doctor previously told you that your child was up-to-date.”
When children turn 11, they should receive the meningitis vaccine for the first time, and a Tdap booster, Dr. Emoto said Tdap covers the same diseases (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis). The Tdap vaccine is particularly important this year because of the pertussis epidemic.
Parents should schedule these vaccines shortly after the child’s 11th birthday, but they also can be part of a back-to-school immunization routine for any student, even those over 18.
“Children older than 11 who have not received these vaccines should also come in to get them,” she said. “And if you have a teenager who is enrolling in college, planning to live in a dormitory, and hasn’t been vaccinated for meningitis and Tdap, they should be vaccinated now.”
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.
Whether young or old, people need immunizations to ensure continued health. LaSalle Medical Associates can provide these needed immunizations at its four clinics in San Bernardino, Fontana and Hesperia.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “You’re never too old for immunizations.” “It is not just children who need immunizations,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Especially as we get older, or when we travel to foreign countries, immunizations are a safe way to guard against diseases that could cause unnecessary pain and suffering.” For the very youngest adults, those in the 18-26 age category, two immunizations are especially recommended, although both can be given in the preteen and earlier teen years. The first of these is the meningitis vaccine, as this disease is especially contagious among people who live in close proximity, such as a college dormitory. “If you are enrolling in college, and are planning to live in a dormitory, and you haven’t been vaccinated for meningitis, you should be vaccinated now,” said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, director of medical services for LaSalle Medical Associates. Young adults up to age 26 should also receive a vaccine against the human papiolloma (HPV) virus, which is a sexually transmitted disease that infects the genitals, and can cause cancer in either sex, but is especially likely to cause cervical cancer in women. 2010 is the first year it has been available to males. “The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer in women,” Emoto explained. “It is important that a girl or young woman receive three doses, which are given over a six-month period, before her first sexual encounter in order for the vaccine to be fully effective. Young men can also benefit from this vaccination, especially if they receive it before becoming sexually active.” Young and older adults may also need a tetanus booster, as it should be given every 10 years. There are also vaccinations especially recommended for both middle-aged adults and senior adults. Middle-aged adults, especially those who were less than five years old at any time between 1963 and 1968, should consider a measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccination. This is because a vaccine used during those years relied on a “killed” virus instead of a live virus, which was not as effective as the live virus vaccine used since 1969. Measles/mumps/rubella vaccines are especially crucial for women of childbearing age, and anyone who attends college or trade school, works in health care or will soon travel internationally or on a cruise ship. Adults born prior to 1957 usually do not need measles or mumps vaccines, as most of them contracted both mumps and measles before the first vaccine was developed in 1963. However, any in this age category who either work in health care, or who are pre-menopausal women, should consider the MMR vaccine if they have not yet received it. But there are vaccines needed for older adults. The pneummococal (pneumonia) vaccine is recommended for all over age 65 and Zoster (shingles) vaccine is recommended for all over the age of 60. Adults over these ages are at greater risk of developing serious health problems if they contract these diseases. People of any age who are traveling outside the United States may need vaccinations against diseases that are much more prevalent in other countries, such as hepatitis and meningitis. 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.
The staff of LaSalle Medical Associates are ready to schedule appointments for children who will need back-to-school immunizations before starting a new grade. Beat the rush, call (909) 890-0407 to schedule an appointment before summer even begins. Photo by Chris Sloan
(San Bernardino, Calif.) –With many schools starting in August, it’s not too early to make an appointment now for back-to-school immunizations.
In fact, some children will need to see the doctor for mandatory immunizations before they can start a new year at school.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “In the fall and late summer, we get very busy with these required immunizations. Why not beat the rush, and schedule your family’s immunizations now?”
Four booster immunizations are needed for all kindergarteners before entering school for the first time, said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, director of medical services. And, as they grow older, children need additional immunizations.
“Children entering kindergarten should receive boosters for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox),” Dr. Emoto said. “Fortunately, there is a combination vaccine that is available that allows for only three injections instead of four.”
If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only the above booster immunizations are needed. However, if the child is behind on their other required immunizations, they may need several doses of immunizations to get “caught up.”
New this year, says Dr. Emoto, is an updated pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar 13). This vaccine includes added protection as compared to the older version (Prevnar 7) and all children between 15 months and 5 years of age should have one additional dose of the newer Prevnar, “even if your doctor previously told you that your child was up-to-date.”
When children turn 11, they should receive the meningitis vaccine for the first time, and a tetanus booster (Tdap), Dr. Emoto said. The Tdap vaccine is particularly important because not only does it help prevent tetanus, but it also includes additional protection for pertussis (the “p” part in Tdap).
“Pertussis causes whooping cough and there has been an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough just in the early part of this year,” Dr. Emoto said.
Parents should schedule these vaccines shortly after the child’s 11th birthday, but they also can be part of a back-to-school immunization routine for any student, even those over 18.
“Children older than 11 who have not received these vaccines should also come in to get them,” she said. “And if you have a teenager who is enrolling in college, planning to live in a dormitory, and hasn’t been vaccinated for meningitis, they should be vaccinated now.”
In addition to the meningitis vaccine and Tdap, young people (boys and girls) ages 9-26 should receive a vaccine against the human papiloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease that infects the genitals, and can cause cancer in either sex, but is especially likely to cause cervical cancer in women. 2010 is the first year it has been available to males.
While giving this vaccine to children in elementary school is not without controversy, many doctors, including those at LaSalle Medical Associates, are highly in favor.
“The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer in women,” Emoto explained. “It is important that a person receive three doses, which are given over a six-month period, before their first sexual encounter in order for the vaccine to be fully effective. Both young men and women can benefit from this vaccination, especially if they receive it before becoming sexually active.”
The key, Emoto said, is to have the vaccine before any sexual activity, and while parents might think their children will wait till they are older, statistics show that almost half of teenagers report at least one sexual encounter during high school. “Prevention, prior to exposure, with the HPV vaccine will prevent disease and save lives.”
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.
People of all ages and ethnicities should take precautions when enjoying fun in the sun, especially swimming.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Climbing High, an online newsletter from Guides Network, puts it rather succinctly: “…there is no such thing as a healthy tan.”
Most of us know skin cancer is growing at an alarming rate. “There is an epidemic of non-melanoma skin cancer in the United States,” reported Dr. Howard Rogers of Advanced Dermatology in Norwich, Connecticut.
Years ago we “knew” that a tan was a sign of “good health.” After all, sun exposure is our primary source of vitamin D which, says kidshealth.org, “helps us absorb calcium for stronger and healthier bones.”
But the organization also alerts us to the fact that, “Kids rack up between 50 percent and 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18.”
The Inland Empire’s LaSalle Medical Associates, with four Inland Empire clinics, sees more than its share of sun damage victims.
“It’s especially a concern in the High Desert,” points out LaSalle’s Audit and Education Coordinator Barbara Graber. “Kids play outside more hours and more days, which means more sun exposure, a potential for skin damage, heat exhaustion, sunstroke and heat illness. Young people involved in sports,” she continues, “are at real risk because they tend to lose track of outdoor time, and seldom have enough fluid intake.”
But, it’s not just children we should be concerned about, Graber notes. “Older adults love to garden. They go outside early in the day when the temperature is cool. Then, as the desert summer temps slowly pick up, they may not even be aware how their body temperature has risen.”
The sun may be hammering the back of the neck and hands, the ears and nose, especially if they began the day in a t-shirt and without a hat, and stayed that way through the mid afternoon; the strongest sun rays usually occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunlight contains three types of dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and can contribute to skin cancers. UVB rays can cause sunburn, lead toward cloudy cataracts of the eyes, may damage the immune system and also contribute to skin cancer. And then there are the most highly dangerous UVC rays, fortunately blocked from reaching the earth by the ozone layer.
How can you avoid the UVA and UVB rays? The obvious answers are to stay indoors or to cover up as completely as possible. Not always very practical. So, accept them we must, though not without a fight say numerous sources:
Avoid sun exposure during the sun’s peak hours, usually 10-2
Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher a half hour before sun exposure and then reapply regularly, remembering the nose, ears, neck and hair partings
Wear sunglasses with 99-100% UV protection
Use a SPF-rated lip balm
Wear a wide-brimmed hat
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Stay covered as best you can
If possible, stay under an umbrella
All of these suggestions apply to the elderly as well. As we age our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, requiring even more attention and care than we might be used to.
And older people may have difficulty with upper body movements, so sunscreens that are easy to apply, such as those in towlette form or as powders or gels, arevaluable. Additionally, since skin of the elderly is often dry, doctors suggest chemical-free or water-based sunscreens.
“The sun can be our friend,” says LaSalle’s founder Dr. Albert Arteaga, “but a friend we greet with care. Sunburns, especially in youth, can harm us all many years later.”
About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle’s philosophy is that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. LaSalle Medical Associates clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
LaSalle has four Inland Empire clinics. Two are in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Fontana facility at 17577 Arrow Boulevard and Hesperia’s at 16455 Main Street.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (909) 890-0407.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Look at it this way: Swimming pools are 14 times more likely than motor vehicles to be the cause of deaths of children four and under, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
The Center for Disease Control says three of 10 people who drown are younger than five years old.
But drowning deaths are not just limited to small children. According to the Center For Disease Control, there are about 411 senior drowning deaths every year nationwide. Eight out of 10 of the victims were between the ages of 65-84 and about two out of 10 were 85 or over.
Seniors can over exercise and quickly become more tired than they think they are. “If that happens in the deep end of the pool tragedy can happen,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates.
The Consumer Products Agency says that approximately 260 children under the age of five years old drown in America’s pools every year. On top of that, they estimate there to be nearly 3,000 Emergency Department-treated pool injuries to children under five years old annually.
Yet, think of a home with a pool and what comes to mind but serenity, beauty and fun.
“Swimming pools can be deceptive,” notes Barbara Graber, the Audit & Education Coordinator for LaSalle Medical Associates. “We can forget just how potentially dangerous they can be, especially to very young children and seniors.”
As we enter spring and it gets warmer, then hotter into summer, it becomes Southern California’s “pool season”. Graber, who’s been with LaSalle for almost 10 years, knows what that means to families.
“Our Clinic Safety Committee has each of our four clinics display posters listing tips for pool safety awareness.”
Recommendations include:
•Designate a responsible adult to watch young children and seniors while swimming or playing in or around water.
•Adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards, talking on the phone, or mowing the lawn) while supervising children.
•Never let older children be in charge of younger children in the pool area.
•Put a fence around your pool or spa with a gate that can be locked. Keep the gate closed and locked.
•Never swim alone no matter what your age. Always have an adult buddy there to help in an emergency.
•Don’t keep furniture near the fence, because children can climb on them and get over the fence.
•Keep a cordless, water-resistant phone in the pool area so calls to 911 can be quickly made in the event of an emergency.
•Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming or using a hot tub. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children.
While most attention regarding swimming pool danger centers around drowning accidents, another danger, especially during the upcoming hot, sunny days, is the sun.
“More time in the pool,” says Graber, “means more time in the sun, and the sun can cause serious sunburns,” even possibly leading to various levels of skin cancer later in life.
There are nearly nine million private pools in America, says Market Research.com. So most of us, naturally, don’t know a family that has experienced a pool-related death.
In the United States there are 1.6 drowning deaths of children per million population.
According to the World Health Organization, America ranks as high as 4th in pool deaths per million, behind the Bahamas, Malta and Cuba, yet ahead of Australia, 9th, Canada, 19th, and Mexico, 31st.
Many people feel a certain sense of safety in avoiding private swimming pools altogether in favor of taking their families to public facilities with lifeguards, yet, experts say, this can cause a certain relaxation in parental alertness and concern.
After all, public pools have all the safeguards in place, and lifeguards are trained in spotting water problems, rescuing swimmers in trouble and immediately administering emergency aid.
However, the Drowning Prevention Foundation has pointed out that fully one of every five drowning deaths of America’s children occur in public pools with lifeguards in attendance.
“Public pools are more crowded than home pools, naturally,” notes a spokesman, “so the numbers of swimmers per lifeguard can become alarming on hot days, especially weekends and summer vacations.”
“It’s for reasons like this,” says LaSalle’s founder Dr. Albert Arteaga, “we all must stay attuned and alert to swimming pool and spa safety issues, knowing how to prevent problems and what to do if something still goes wrong.”
Pick us a free pool safety poster that included these important safety tips for children and seniors at any of LaSalle’s Inland Empire clinics. Two are in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Fontana facility at 17577 Arrow Boulevard and Hesperia’s at 16455 Main Street.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (909) 890-0407.
About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle’s philosophy is that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. LaSalle Medical Associate clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
LaSalle has four Inland Empire clinics. Two are in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Fontana facility at 17577 Arrow Boulevard and Hesperia’s at 16455 Main Street.
Medicare Advantage helps senior citizens like Carlos and Beatrice Cuellar obtain the specialized medical care they need. LaSalle Medical Associates can help anyone eligible for Medicare sign up for this program. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Seniors and other Medicare recipients who lost specialized benefits such as vision and dental last year can get that coverage back through Medicare Advantage.
“Many of our patients are dually enrolled in both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Last July Medi-Cal dropped senior coverage for vision, dental, podiatry, psychological services and many other forms of health care” explains Susan De Frates a 13-year veteran with LaSalle Medical Associates, now as a patient relation specialist.
“With Medicare Advantage, they get those the benefits back,” she said.
LaSalle began this program in December of 2009 for both seniors and disabled patients, who are the two categories of people eligible for Medicare. Enrollment is growing rapidly.
“Dr. Albert Arteaga,” De Frates says of LaSalle’s founder and President, “has spearheaded our move into greater assistance for the disabled and elderly. He’s always thinking of the patients above all else.”
“We want to treat all our patients, regardless of age or condition, with courtesy and respect, and provide all the needed medical help if possible,” Dr. Albert Arteaga said.
LaSalle Medical Associates offers this program to all eligible seniors and disabled.
“We are an information center,” said De Frates. “If we don’t offer the services they need, we can find a clinic for them within our network. We can even call and make the appointment for them.”
De Frates and four patient relation specialists serve LaSalle senior citizens at its Mt. Vernon and Hesperia clinics. De Frates heads up the senior program at the Mt. Vernon clinic and Wendy Dubon oversees the program in Hesperia.
LaSalle Medical Associates is the only Independent Practice Association member (IPA) in the Inland Empire that has staff dedicated to helping patients enroll in Medicare Advantage, and one of only a few throughout southern California, according to Augusto Salas, an independent broker with whom LaSalle works to enroll patients in the program.
“People are very happy with the service LaSalle provides,” he said.
About LaSalle Medical Associates LaSalle’s philosophy is that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. La Salle Medical Associates clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
Founded in 1984, LaSalle has 110 employees, and is an Independent Practice Association member serving more than 100 doctors.
LaSalle has four Inland Empire clinics. Two are in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Fontana facility at 17577 Arrow Boulevard and Hesperia’s at 16455 Main Street.
For more information or to make an appointment in San Bernardino call (909) 510-5918 or (909) 510-5929 or in Hesperia call (760) 947-2161.
Isabell Gonez helps the mother of a pediatric patient check her son in at the LaSalle Medical Associates’ Hesperia clinic. Over the past six months, more than 10,000 LaSalle patients have checked in to receive H1N1 immunizations, and almost that many have received seasonal flu immunizations. (Photo by Chris Sloan)
Fontana Clinic Staff: Right to left: Dr. Halima Shahabudin-MD Physician, Dr. Tara Agena-Pediatrics, Iris Iniquez- Front Office Receptionist, Araceli Chavez-Medical Biller, Yadira Seccombe-Medical Billing, Carmon Maya-CAA Healthy Families, Elisa Smith-Medical Biller, Denise Evans-Medical Biller, Jose Arroyo-Receptionist, Jessica Gozman-Front Office, Tina Hoyle-Office Manager, Dr. Cheryl Emoto-Medical Director (Photo by Chris Sloan)
Hesperia Clinic Staff: Front Row Left to Right: Sixta Boladen-Referral Coordinator, April Rea-Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Dr Cheryl Emoto-Pediatrics Medical Director, Dr Flex Albano-Internal Medicine, Dr Joseph Selvara-International Medicine, Dr Rosa Loyola-Pediatrics, Patty Alcala-Receptionist, Elisabeth Garcia-Medical Assistant, Joanna Anbriz-Medical Assistant, Veronica Rocha-Medical Assistant
Back Row Left to Right: Delfina Ibarra-Maid, Leticia Regin-CAA Health Families, Kim Belle-Medical Biller, Linda Long-Corporate Administrator, Isabell Gonez-Receptionist, Angelica Lopez-Adult & Pediatrics Lab Tech, Denise Alarcon-Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Barbar Garber-Employee Training & Education, Wendy DuBon-Patient Relations Coordinator (Photo by Chris Sloan)
Seventeenth Street Staff:Front Row Left to Right: Angela Lobo-Receptionist, Iris Reyes-Referrals Coordinator, Marja Bryant-Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Leticia Hinojosa-Medical Assistant, Tawny Gomez-Medical Records, Alison Atkinson-Physician Assistant, Poleth Olaiz-Medical Assistant, Alicia Garcia-Back Office Supervisor
Back Row Left to Right: Leticia Morfin-Medical Assistant, Aracelly Palma-Lab Medical Assistant, Dr Gurbani, Lorrena Ayala-Front Office, Edith Reyes-Phone Operator, Dr. Damon Greene (Photo by Matt Sloan)
Mt. Vernon Office Staff: Front Row Left to Right: Brenda Marroquin-Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Dulce Hernandez-Operations Manager, Rocio Renteria-Receptionist, Monica Rodriguez-Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Lynette Frausto-Family Practice Medical Assistant, Susette Galvan-Family Practice Medical Assistant, Dr. Romeo Rodriguez
Back Row Left to Right: Christina Gallegos-Medical Assistant, Christina Cotton-Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Dr Usanee Sanders, Fabiola Partida-Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Susan DeFrates-Retention Department,Mercedes Corral-Adult Medical Assistant (Photo by Chris Sloan)
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. gave nearly 20,000 flu immunizations this flu season – more than double what it has most years.
“This is a celebration. It was a major effort on everyone’s part, and one that many of the staff believe has made a difference in curbing the spread of H1N1 and other types of flu,” said Medical Director, Dr. Cheryl Emoto.
“The H1N1 immunization worked,” said Dr. Halima Shahabuddin, a pediatrician at the Fontana clinic. “We gave this immunization in time to our patients. Had we not, we would have seen many more cases.”
Dr. Emoto notes LaSalle Medical Associates saw most of its cases of H1N1 in the fall, before the vaccine became available to everyone.
In the flu season of October 2009 through March 2010, La Salle Medical Associates provided 8,629 seasonal flu vaccinations and 10,633 H1N1 flu vaccinations. This meant more than twice as much work for the staff as a year earlier, when they provided 8,677 seasonal flu vaccinations.
In years past, one vaccine protected recipients against all types of flu.
But the H1N1 virus was different. It is a virus that had not been seen in humans prior to 2009, according to the Center for Disease Control. Thus, people exposed to it had little or no immunity, and the disease spread rapidly.
Because of the widespread, sometimes deadly, cases of H1N1 the World Health Organization took the rare step of labeling it a pandemic in June 2009. But for many, the fear of H1N1 was greater than the reality.
“This started a year ago, when the H1N1 virus first broke out in Mexico,” said Dr. Emoto. “Many people had just returned from spring break in Mexico when they first heard of what was then known as swine flu. Some of them panicked and said ‘I have been to Mexico recently. I must have it.’”
LaSalle Medical Associates converted its four clinics to “flu screening and treatment centers” for four weeks in Spring 2009. During this time, it saw more than 300 people each day who at least thought they had flu symptoms.
But, Dr. Emoto says that LaSalle Medical Associates didn’t see more than a few cases of H1N1 flu until the fall. Most cases of flu reported in the last six months were likely H1N1, according to the Center for Disease Control.
A vaccine for H1N1 wasn’t available at the start of the new flu season in October 2009. When it first became available it was only in limited doses, so county health departments placed restrictions on who could receive the vaccine.
On Dec. 21, 2009, as the vaccine had become widely available, San Bernardino County lifted its restrictions. The vaccine was then available to all who asked for it.
“We actually had more vaccines than we needed for a time after our Mt. Vernon clinic accidentally received a double shipment,” Dr. Emoto said. “Throughout the flu season, we encouraged all our patients to receive this vaccination and most were happy to do so.”
Next flu season, LaSalle Medical Associates employees won’t need to give more than double the usual number of shots.
“There will be three strains covered by the flu vaccine for next season,” Dr. Emoto said. “One of these will be H1N1, so you will only need one vaccine.”
About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle’s philosophy is that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. LaSalle Medical Associates clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
Founded in 1984, LaSalle has 110 employees, and is an Independent Physicians Association member serving more than 100 doctors.
LaSalle has four Inland Empire clinics. Two are in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Fontana facility at 17577 Arrow Boulevard and Hesperia’s at 16455 Main Street. The Sean Park Law headquarters is near the Vernon Avenue so go and check that too.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (909) 890-0407.
You don’t want to sit in a doctor’s office while you are sick! Avoid seasonal flu by getting your flu shot. Children six months to 18 years old, and adults who either work in health care, infant care or essential community services such as police and fire protection can also receive a vaccine for H1N1 (a.k.a. “swine flu). Carl Dameron Photo
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) Flu season is attacking with a double punch this year.
There is flu. And there is H1N1, also known as “swine flu.”
Together, they’re making lots of people sick enough to warrant medical attention. A few are sick enough to need hospitalization, and because of the H1N1 flu, deaths have been reported in the Inland Empire this year.
Flu outbreaks come in three waves, said Dr. Albert Arteaga, President of LaSalle Medical Associates. Fall and winter waves are usually more severe than spring, because virus strains (including H1N1) can become more aggressive.
But there’s a way to put a stop to it, says Dr. Arteaga. If everyone received a flu shot, he points out, there would be no flu.
“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, if they’re eligible) 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, almost everyone would benefit from a seasonal flu vaccine, 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.”
“The danger posed by the flu is real,” he continued. “Most strains of influenza, including H1N1 can cause body aches, coughs, sore throats, fevers above 100 degrees, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. We have sometimes seen more serious consequences, even death with H1N1, but other types of flu can be equally dangerous.”
Seasonal flu vaccines became available mid-October in somewhat limited quantity, with few limitations on who can receive these. On the other hand, the newly developed H1N1 vaccine is currently in very limited quantity, because vaccine manufacturers have not yet been able to grow a large enough culture to provide immunizations to all
Therefore, county public health departments have each made their own recommendations as to who can receive the vaccine.
In San Bernardino County, healthy children 2 through 18 years of age can receive the H1N1 vaccine. Also eligible are those ages 2 through 49 who have a baby 6 months or younger in their household and no medical conditions.
An injectible form of the vaccine is available for health care and essential service providers such as police and firefighters who are ages 49 and younger and healthy.
The seasonal flu vaccine is available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray, similar to that now offered for H1N1, is available as an alternative for most people ages 49 and younger.
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 or go on line to www.lasallemedical.com.
(Pahrump, Nevada) Diego Arteaga 19, has been found. He was reunited with his parents Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga tonight at about 10:45 p.m. at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pahrump, Nevada.
Diego, son of prominent San Bernardino physician Albert and Maria Arteaga, had been missing since Monday August 10th when he was last seen leaving Amargosa Valley on foot about 60 miles north of Pahrump, Nevada.
“We are so happy to have found our son safe after two days of worry,” said Maria Arteaga.
“We are so grateful for the many people who called in tips to us and to the wonderful people of Pahrump who listed to our story and helped us find our lost son,” said Albert.
The Arteagas offer special thanks to Deputy Robert with the Nye County Sheriff’s Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who did so much to help find their son.
