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    Yes Carrots Are Good for Your Vision

    Carrots and applesauce make a sweet treat that’s good for your eyes.

    Carrots and applesauce make a sweet treat that’s good for your eyes.

    “Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, which is known to improve eye health.” — Albert Arteaga, M.D.

    REDLANDS, CALIF. —  During April, we celebrate International Carrot Day. The old saying about carrots being good for your vision is true. Carrots have nutrients that help eye health in several ways. Chief among them is Vitamin A.

    “Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, which is known to improve eye health,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, President of LaSalle Medical Associates, one of the largest privately owned and operated healthcare organizations in the Inland Empire.

    The 2023 Digital Health Award-winning Internet site, All About Vision, says that the Vitamin A in carrots provides several benefits, including:

    On the other hand, vitamin A deficiency can cause:

    • Dry eyes
    • Night blindness
    • Vision loss

    “Parents who have children who don’t like the taste of raw or cooked carrots by themselves may be able to get their kids to eat them by combining carrots with other foods that are rich in Vitamin A and add sweet-tooth-pleasing flavors, such as mangoes, cantaloupes, sweet red peppers, and sweet potatoes,” said Dr. Arteaga.

    Carrots also contain beta-carotene, which is what gives red, orange, and yellow vegetables their color. Once eaten, your body converts it into retinol, another name for vitamin A. Healthline points out that research shows that beta-carotene is also good for your skin and may even improve cognitive health, although more research is needed about that.

    Dr. Arteaga adds one caution: If you eat too many beta-carotene-rich foods, your skin may start to turn yellow. “All things in moderation,” he says.

    “It is recommended that both children and adults undergo an annual check-up. At LaSalle, the checkup includes a comprehensive blood workup that can identify any vitamin deficiencies. This enables doctors to provide tailored suggestions regarding medicine, diet, and exercise that are specific to the needs of each patient,” explained Dr. Arteaga.

    For an appointment at one of the six Inland Empire LaSalle clinics, please visit LaSalleMedicalAssociates.com or call 1-855-349-6019.

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

    Sleep Your Way to Good Health

    When youngsters get enough sleep, they are less impulsive, stressed, depressed, anxious, and aggressive, and can keep their cognitive functions working to their full capacity, like these award-winning young scholars.  Shaila and Shiane Dameron are happy healthy LaSalle patients.

    When youngsters get enough sleep, they are less impulsive, stressed, depressed, anxious, and aggressive, and can keep their cognitive functions working to their full capacity, like these award-winning young scholars. Shaila and Shiane Dameron are happy healthy LaSalle patients.

    Children and teens, especially, need adequate sleep for proper growth and development.” — Dr. Albert Arteaga

    REDLANDS, Calif. — Sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being throughout your life, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “The quality of your waking hours largely depends on what happens while you’re asleep.”

    “For proper growth and development, children and teens require 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Therefore, parents are encouraged to do their best to ensure that their children get enough rest,” said pediatrician Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, one of the Inland Empire’s largest private healthcare organizations.

    Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, California now requires all high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and an 8 a.m. or later start for middle schools this school year.

    Having schools start their day later in the morning is based on sleep studies that have shown developmental and educational problems arise due to inadequate sleep.  This an attempt to help teens get more sleep,” said Dr. Arteaga.

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies show that pre-teens who slept less than nine hours per day had differences in brain structure and more problems with mood and thinking than those who got adequate sleep. Improving sleep leads to better mental health and behavior from pre-adolescence on.

    NIH researchers “found that children in the insufficient sleep group at the start of the study had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who got sufficient sleep. These included impulsivity, stress, depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and thinking problems.

    “The children with insufficient sleep also had impaired cognitive functions such as decision-making, conflict-solving, working memory, and learning. Differences between the groups persisted at the two-year follow-up.”

    After awakening, the body releases hormones that increase alertness. With developing pre-teens and teens, hormones act while sleeping in pulses that signal the body to release testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Those essential developmental hormonal pulses get bigger with the onset of puberty.

    Adults as well as youngsters are subject to many of the same problems in the absence of adequate sleep. These problems include hunger control, responsiveness to insulin, a decline in physical activity, and what is known as metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increase one’s risk “…of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

    The Mayo Clinic and Dr. Arteaga suggest six ways to improve one’s sleep. First, stick to a regular schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. “For adults, seven hours is the minimum and eight is recommended,” said Dr. Arteaga.

    Second, avoid eating large meals close to bedtime. Avoid midnight snacks and late-night alcohol. Nicotine is another no-no.

    Third, the bedroom should be comfortably cool, dark, and quiet. “It is difficult to fall asleep after being exposed to blue-light-emitting sources like computers, smartphones, and other devices,” said Dr. Arteaga.

    Fourth, “Napping during the daytime needs to be limited, as too many or too long naps will interfere with nighttime sleep,” said Dr. Arteaga.

    Fifth, don’t be a couch potato. “It is recommended to engage in some form of physical activity every day. However, it is not advisable to exercise right before bedtime as it can be counterproductive,” said Dr. Arteaga.

    And finally, learn to cope with stress and anxiety. “Rehashing daytime troubles is guaranteed to keep you from the restful sleep you need to cope with them the next day. You can use a notebook or planner to list things you need to pay attention to the next day and that lets your mind disengage from them at bedtime,” said Dr. Arteaga.

    He added, “If you or your children are having sleep problems anyway, it’s a good idea to call your doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist. They can suggest additional practitioners or prescribe medications to help.”

    For more information go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

    Go Nuts for Good Health

    Nuts and seeds in moderation are good for your health.

    Nuts and seeds in moderation are good for your health.

     

    “Adding both nuts and seeds to your diet provides a tasty way to give your body the nutrients it craves.” — Dr. Albert Arteaga

    REDLANDS, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 — Going nuts can be good for your health, providing you with plenty of healthy protein, fiber, and nutrients that your body craves. Howard LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor for Harvard Health Publishing, points out that these tasty little treats contain plenty of healthy nutrients.

    LeWine notes that “peanuts and pecans contain lots of B vitamins; almonds are rich in calcium and vitamin E; walnuts have lots of folates, vitamin E, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid). And all nuts have magnesium.”

    Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, says, “In just a handful of nuts, which is about an ounce or a quarter of a cup, you get a lot of bang for the buck. They contain anywhere from 3 to 7 grams of protein per ounce, 1 to 3 grams of fiber, and 160 to 200 calories.”

    “Adding both nuts and seeds to your diet provides a tasty way to give your body the nutrients it craves,” said Albert Arteaga, MD, President of LaSalle Medical Associates, one of the Inland Empire’s largest privately owned healthcare organizations.

    LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga

    LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga, M.D.

    “Many nuts are the seeds of certain fruits, and it turns out that seeds like flaxseeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds are also very healthy.” Dr. Arteaga adds one cautionary note: “Don’t overdo it. A handful or two a day is fine, but more than that adds calories that aren’t good for your waistline.”

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosts extensive databases packed with nutritional information about nuts and seeds. Among the nutrients that they provide are magnesium to control blood pressure and bone health; potassium for heart and kidney health; zinc—essential for normal growth and development; iron to support the hemoglobin that carries oxygen to your lungs and other body cells; and vitamin C for the immune system, and to help protect against lead exposure.

    A healthy diet such as the Mediterranean Diet recommends avoiding saturated fats and taking in unsaturated fats. The USDA Food Composition Database tells us that walnuts supply 16 grams of unsaturated fat versus only 2 grams of saturated fat. For almonds, the ratio is 12.5 to 1, cashews 10 to 2, raw peanuts 11 to 2, chia seeds 7 to 0, and sunflower seeds 12 to 1.5.

    “Adding nuts and seeds to your daily diet is both delicious and healthful,” says Dr. Arteaga. “Just be sure that, like all good things, enjoy them in moderation.”

    For more information go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

     

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

    Keep the Lead OUT of Your Sweethearts Valentine’s Day Treats

    Helen Robinson and LaSalle patient Carl M. Dameron plan for Valentine’s festivities. Carl plans to buy a box of chocolates for his sweetheart, but wonders which one is healthy? Photo by Carl M. Dameron.

    Helen Robinson and LaSalle patient Carl M. Dameron plan for Valentine’s festivities. Carl plans to buy a box of chocolates for his sweetheart, but wonders which one is healthy. Photo by Carl M. Dameron.

    “Choose the right sweets for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.” — Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, Calif., Feb. 10, 2024 — Not all sweets are created equal, and knowing the good, the bad, and the ugly can affect your sweetheart’s health, for better or worse. Few people are aware that the cocoa used to make chocolates and other sweets that include chocolate may include potentially toxic levels of lead and cadmium.

    Consumer Reports (CR) published two studies investigating the presence of heavy metals in chocolates. Of the brands they tested, a 2023 study found “a third of chocolate products are high in heavy metals.” CR tested 48 different products, including cocoa powder, chocolate chips, chocolate bars, mixes for hot chocolate, brownies, and cakes.

    Brands included Hershey’s, Ghirardelli, and Nestlé; retailer house brands from Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods; and specialty brands Droste and Navitas.

    Dark chocolates have higher percentages of cocoa than milk chocolates, but “…every product we tested had detectable amounts of lead and cadmium,” according to James E. Rogers, Ph.D., CR’s director and acting head of product safety testing.

    Paradoxically, dark chocolate confections that have 70% or higher concentrations of cocoa are considered healthier than treats with lower concentrations because of their powerful antioxidant effect, which contributes to a lower risk of heart disease and enhanced brain function, according to Healthline. But higher cocoa content also means more heavy metals!

    Different chocolatiers manufacture their products using cocoa from different countries. The soil that provides nutrients to the cocoa plants is also the source of unhealthy concentrations of the heavy metals that end up in the cocoa beans.

    Milk chocolates do not contain worrying amounts of these metals. But milk chocolates don’t contain healthier levels of antioxidants. So, what is a Valentine’s Day gift giver to do? Consumer Reports studies are available to subscribers, but if you are not a subscriber, you will need to go online to third-party reports.

    Here are two online resources that are not behind a paywall: Food Revolution Network, a nonprofit health-oriented website (https://foodrevolution.org/blog/heavy-metals-in-chocolate/); and Forbes magazine (https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2022/12/16/23-of-28-dark-chocolate-bars-tested-have-high-lead-cadmium-levels/?sh=309bb8421640). You can also enter “heavy metals in chocolates” in your web browser for a complete list of resources.

    “Do your sweetheart a favor,” says Dr. Arteaga, “and if you give chocolates, choose brands without toxic levels of heavy metals. Choose the right sweets for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps consider giving flowers or a fruit basket.”

    For more information go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    —end—

    BRIEF: 278 words

    Keep the Lead OUT of Your Sweethearts Valentine’s Day Treats

    “Choose the right sweets for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.” — Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, Calif., Feb. 10, 2024 — Not all sweets are created equal, and knowing the good, the bad, and the ugly can affect your sweetheart’s health, for better or worse. Consumer Reports (CR) studies tested 48 different products, for the presence of lead and cadmium in 2023.

    Brands included Hershey’s, Ghirardelli, and Nestlé; retailer house brands from Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods; and specialty brands Droste and Navitas. Consumer Reports found that “…every product we tested had detectable amounts of lead and cadmium,” according to James E. Rogers, Ph.D., CR’s director and acting head of product safety testing.

    Paradoxically, dark chocolate confections that have 70% or higher concentrations of cocoa are considered healthier than treats with lower concentrations because of their powerful antioxidant effect, which contributes to a lower risk of heart disease and enhanced brain function, according to Healthline. But higher cocoa content also means more heavy metals!

    So, what is a Valentine’s Day gift giver to do? Consumer Reports studies are available to subscribers, but if you are not a subscriber, you will need to go online to third-party reports. Forbes magazine does a good job of reporting the findings:  (https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2022/12/16/23-of-28-dark-chocolate-bars-tested-have-high-lead-cadmium-levels/?sh=309bb8421640).

    You can also enter “heavy metals in chocolates” in your web browser for a complete list of resources.

    “Do your sweetheart a favor,” says Dr. Arteaga, “and if you give chocolates, choose brands without toxic levels of heavy metals. Choose the right sweets for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps consider giving flowers or a fruit basket.”

    For more information go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    —end—

    How to Eliminate Black Disparities in Healthcare

    Shiane, Shaila, Carl And Malaika Jacocks all enjoy the Gold Standard of Care at LaSalle Medical Associates.

    Shiane, Shaila, Carl, and Malaika Dameron all enjoy the Gold Standard of Care at LaSalle Medical Associates.

    “We not only need more Black physicians, but we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, CA. — A 2022 study by Pew Research finds that most Black Americans feel good about the quality of health care they have received recently. But the findings are mixed, with 47% saying outcomes have gotten better over the past 20 years, 31% saying they’re the same and 20% feel things have gotten worse.

    On March 29, 2023, the Kaiser Family Foundation released a study, “Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity” that noted, “While inequities in access to and use of health care contribute to disparities in health, inequities across broader social and economic factors that drive health, often referred to as social determinants of health, also play a major role.”

    Social determinants include “socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, and social support networks, as well as access to health care.” Several initiatives within and outside of the healthcare system are working to address these factors.

    Nonetheless, two things not mentioned in these studies need to be pointed out. Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, the Inland Empire’s largest independent healthcare provider, said, “We not only need more Black physicians, but we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly.”

    Dr. Arteaga points out that it is only natural that Black patients will feel more comfortable being treated by a Black physician.

    A 2021 study from the National Library of Medicine found that 5.8% of family medicine doctors are Black, 7.8% of internal medicine specialists, and 7.3% of pediatricians.

    Blacks make up 13.6% of the U.S. population, so the number of Black physicians is under-represented.

    Dr. Arteaga adds that a key factor in patient satisfaction with their healthcare provider is trust. “At LaSalle,” commented Dr. Arteaga, “we address this in several ways.

    “One is that when we open a facility, it stays open in the same location. Our Black and Hispanic patients know that the LaSalle clinic they visit is going to be in the same place for the long term. Our patients trust that their LaSalle facility isn’t going to move. We opened our first clinic in Fontana in 1984 and it’s still in the same location,” he continued.

    LaSalle employs a diverse staff who all provide a Gold Standard of care for their patients. Part of that lofty standard includes communicating effectively and openly with patients. The old saw about “bedside manner” includes the style of a person’s communication with others, per Merriam-Webster, and LaSalle’s staff are skilled at providing a good bedside manner.

    “Another thing our patients can count on is that their health care provider won’t change. We don’t believe in transferring staff from one location to another. The relationship a LaSalle patient has with their doctor won’t be interrupted because of some HR policy that moves providers around.

    “Lastly, our facilities are scrupulously clean. We maintain a Gold Standard of cleanliness in all our clinics that match our Gold Standard of care for all patients, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.”

    Dr. Arteaga emphasized, “We encourage anyone who feels uneasy about communicating with their health care provider to contact their insurer and ask for a different doctor. Good communication is so important a part of good healthcare, no one should be going without it.”

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    —30—

    B R I E F: 291 words

    How to Eliminate Black Disparities in Healthcare

    “We not only need more Black physicians, but we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, CA. —A 2022 study by Pew Research finds that most Black Americans feel good about the quality of health care they have received recently. But the findings are mixed, with 47% saying outcomes have gotten better over the past 20 years, 31% saying they’re the same and 20% feel things have gotten worse.

    A 2023 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation noted, “While inequities in access to and use of health care contribute to disparities in health, inequities across broader social and economic factors that drive health, often referred to as social determinants of health, also play a major role.”

    However, Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, points to two things not mentioned in these two studies—the need for more Black doctors and better communication between doctors and patients. “We not only need more Black physicians, we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly,” he said.

    LaSalle provides a Gold Standard of care to all its patients, regardless of race or ethnicity. This includes communicating effectively and openly with patients. A good “bedside manner” includes communication style with others, per Merriam-Webster, and LaSalle’s people practice a good bedside manner with everyone they see.

    Dr. Arteaga emphasized, “I encourage anyone who feels uneasy about communicating with their health care provider to contact their insurer and ask for a different doctor. Good communication is so important a part of good healthcare, no one should be going without it.”

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    —30-

    Resolve to Live Healthier in 2024!

    The American Heart Association recommends that you do moderate exercise 150 minutes a week. That could be walking, cycling, Pilates, Zumba class, jogging...you get the idea. It could be five 30-minute sessions or three 50-minute sessions. You could do two one-hour sessions and one 30-minute session.

    The American Heart Association recommends that you do moderate exercise 150 minutes a week. That could be walking, cycling, Pilates, Zumba class, jogging…you get the idea. It could be five 30-minute sessions or three 50-minute sessions. You could do two one-hour sessions and one 30-minute session.

     

    “Remember your goals are long-term, so every day you should strive to fulfill your good intentions, which will bring you closer to your goal,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, CA. —LaSalle Medical Associates, the Inland Empire’s largest privately owned and operated healthcare organization, would like to remind you that it’s not too late to add another resolution or two that should be fairly easy to keep.

    LaSalle has thoughtfully provided the following list of resolutions and all you have to do is pick one of them to follow and your 2024 will be healthier than your 2023.

    The American Heart Association recommends that you do moderate exercise 150 minutes a week. That could be walking, cycling, Pilates, Zumba class, jogging…you get the idea. It could be five 30-minute sessions or three 50-minute sessions. You could do two one-hour sessions and one 30-minute session.

    “Moderate” means you are exercising hard enough that you just start to perspire and may find it difficult to carry on a conversation with someone else.

    The Mayo Clinic recommends that you eat fatty fish for two meals a week. Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be heart-healthy. Salmon and lake trout are great choices. So are cod, mackerel, canned sardines, or light tuna and herring.

    Healthline says you can dream your way to better health by getting enough sleep. How much is enough?

    • Birth to 3 months: 14 to 17 hours
    • 4 to 11 months: 12 to 16 hours
    • 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours
    • 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours
    • 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours
    • 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours
    • 18 to 64 years: 7 to 9 hours
    • 65 years and older: 7 to 8 hours

    These three suggested resolutions are well worth considering and they aren’t hard to keep. Each will contribute to a healthier lifestyle that not only benefits you but your friends and family as well.

    “Remember your goals are long-term, so every day you should strive to fulfill your good intentions, which will bring you closer to your goal,” says Dr. Arteaga.

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    B R I E F: 331 words

    Resolve to Live Healthier in 2024!

    “Remember your goals are long-term, so every day you should strive to fulfill your good intentions, which will bring you closer to your goal,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, CA. —LaSalle Medical Associates, the Inland Empire’s largest privately owned and operated healthcare organization, has provided the following list of easy-to-keep resolutions. Just pick one of them and your 2024 will be healthier than your 2023.

    The American Heart Association recommends that you do moderate exercise 150 minutes a week. That could be walking, cycling, Pilates, Zumba class, jogging…you get the idea. It could be five 30-minute sessions or three 50-minute sessions. You could do two one-hour sessions and one 30-minute session.

    “Moderate” means you are exercising hard enough that you just start to perspire and may find it difficult to carry on a conversation with someone else.

    The Mayo Clinic recommends eating fatty fish for two meals a week. Fatty fish are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, lake trout cod, mackerel, canned sardines, or light tuna and herring are all fine choices.

    Healthline says you can dream your way to better health by getting enough sleep. How much is enough?

    • Birth to 3 months: 14 to 17 hours
    • 4 to 11 months: 12 to 16 hours
    • 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours
    • 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours
    • 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours
    • 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours
    • 18 to 64 years: 7 to 9 hours
    • 65 years and older: 7 to 8 hours

    These resolutions are worthwhile and easy to keep. Each will contribute to a healthier lifestyle that not only benefits you but your friends and family as well.

    “Remember your goals are long-term, so every day you should strive to fulfill your good intentions, which will bring you closer to your goal,” says Dr. Arteaga.

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    ’Tis Not the Season to Overeat and Drink Too Much!

    Cake, cookies, and rich desserts of all kinds tempt us to over-indulge. Think thin slices and small portions. Who needs to feel bloated or suffer from a stomachache, or worse if you are diabetic?

    Cake, cookies, and rich desserts of all kinds tempt us to over-indulge. Think thin slices and small portions. Who needs to feel bloated or suffer from a stomachache, or worse if you are diabetic?

    VICTORVILLE, CALIF. — Seasonal holidays bring with them great reasons to celebrate with friends and family. But they also provide excuses to eat too much, drink too much, and eat unhealthy, waistline-destroying foods. Avoid “morning after” regrets and help your friends and family remember good times with these helpful hints.

    As Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve approach, Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, one of the Inland Empire’s largest privately owned healthcare providers, suggests that you think about your friends and family as well as yourself as you attend or prepare holiday get-togethers.

    Nobody will ever regret moderation,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    Alcohol consumption needs to be limited. If you’re hosting a get-together or being a guest, think. Do you want one of your friends or a family member to leave the party only to get involved in a traffic accident on their way home? Do you want to be pulled over for driving under the influence, or worse?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says two drinks a day for men and one or less per day for women should be the limit. This should be your guideline, one you need to observe if you want to remember your holiday gathering with pleasure, rather than pain.

    “If you are hosting, don’t put yourself in danger of being sued for everything you own because you let one of your guests drink too much and leave your premises drunk followed by a traffic accident they cause,” said Arteaga.

    He added, “Maybe there’s no accident, but the police pull your bestie over for DUI. How will you feel about that?”

    Arteaga suggests you be a good, responsible host. If you’re a guest or attendee at someone else’s function, be smart. Even if you have only two drinks and eat only reasonably healthy food, but too much of it, you may end up the next day or two getting on the scale and wondering where that extra two to five pounds came from.

    Cake, cookies, and rich desserts of all kinds tempt us to over-indulge. Think thin slices and small portions. Who needs to feel bloated or suffer from a stomachache, or worse if you are diabetic?

    Also, beware of highly processed snack foods that add salt, sugar, oil, and other substances in mind-boggling concentrations that provide your gut with hard-to-digest starches, hydrogenated fats, and other waistline- and health-destroying ingredients.

    Harvard Medical School notes that “ultra-processed foods are the main source (nearly 58 percent) of calories eaten in the US and contribute almost 90 percent of the energy we get from added sugars….a French research study found that those who consumed more ultra-processed foods had higher risks of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease.”

    Dr. Arteaga suggests you make sure you have a holiday season to remember fondly. Eat smart, drink smart. Be a good host and a thoughtful guest. However, if you end up getting sick because you ate or drank too much, remember LaSalle delivers the Gold Standard of Care at their six clinics in San Bernardino County.

    LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA). Patients are covered by most major medical plans and if you are low-income, LaSalle can help get you into affordable healthcare.

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    “Nobody will ever regret moderation,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    “Nobody will ever regret moderation,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    It’s Time to Fight the Diabetes Epidemic

    Dr. Jim Wu of LaSalle Medical Associates says, “New diabetic cases are increasing by about one to two million new cases per year in the United States. In San Bernadino County, there are over 90 percent mortalities related to diabetes and its complications. LaSalle Medical Associates is facing unprecedented challenges in fighting the diabetic pandemic.”

    Dr. Jim Wu of LaSalle Medical Associates says, “New diabetic cases are increasing by about one to two million new cases per year in the United States. In San Bernadino County, there are over 90 percent mortalities related to diabetes and its complications. LaSalle Medical Associates is facing unprecedented challenges in fighting the diabetic pandemic.”

    “Proper screening and case management are the keys to living well with diabetes,” said Dr. Jim Wu of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, CALIF. –—Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 14.5 percent of American Indians or Alaskan Natives, 12.1 percent of non-Hispanic Blacks and 11.7 percent of Hispanics aged 18 and older were diagnosed with diabetes from 2019 to 2021. This compares with 9.1 percent of non-Hispanic Asians and 6.9 percent of whites.

    November is Diabetes Awareness Month and the perfect time to get tested for diabetes. The old distinctions about when one might contract type 1 or type 2 diabetes in terms of the age differential have been closing, as type 2 has become more common among young people.

    Another important point is that while screening may result in a negative finding for diabetes, it may also find evidence of prediabetes, which calls for lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as regular check-ins with your healthcare provider.

    The Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms of type 1 diabetes “often start suddenly and are often the reason for checking blood sugar levels. Because symptoms of other types of diabetes and prediabetes come on more gradually or may not be easy to see, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has developed screening guidelines.

    • Anyone with a body mass index higher than 25 (23 for Asian Americans), regardless of age,who has additional risk factors. These factors include high blood pressure, non-typical cholesterol levels, an inactive lifestyle, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome or heart disease, and having a close relative with diabetes.
    • Anyone older than age 35is advised to get an initial blood sugar screening. If the results are normal, they should be screened every three years after that.
    • Women who have had gestational diabetes are advised to be screened for diabetes every three years.
    • Anyone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes is advised to be tested every year.
    • Anyone who has HIVis advised to be tested.”

    LaSalle Medical Associates has four ways to test for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

    • AIC test. This blood test doesn’t require fasting. It shows your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months. It’s also called a glycated hemoglobin test.
    • Random blood sugar test. No matter when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter or higher suggests diabetes.
    • Fasting blood sugar test. After fasting overnight, a blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL is normal. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. If it’s 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
    • Glucose tolerance test. You fast overnight. Then, the fasting blood sugar level is measured, and you then drink a sugary liquid. Blood sugar levels are tested regularly for the next two hours.

    Dr. Jim Wu of LaSalle Medical Associates says, “New diabetic cases are increasing by about one to two million new cases per year in the United States. In San Bernadino County, there are over 90 percent mortalities related to diabetes and its complications. LaSalle Medical Associates is facing unprecedented challenges in fighting the diabetic pandemic.”

    Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, adds, “As a Latino myself, I am well aware that Latinos and other people of color are more prone to developing diabetes. Don’t put off getting tested. See your healthcare provider so that you stick around for your friends and family for a long, long time.”

    Depending on the type of diabetes, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral drugs may be part of your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity also are important parts of managing diabetes.

    “Proper screening and case management are the keys to living well with diabetes,” said Dr. Wu.

    LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA). They accept most insurance including Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California, as well as those covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brand New Day, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    —30—

    B R I E F: 287 Words

    It’s Time to Fight the Diabetes Epidemic

    “Proper screening and case management are the keys to living well with diabetes,” said Dr. (name here) of LaSalle Medical Associates.

    REDLANDS, CALIF. –—Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 14.5 percent of American Indians or Alaskan Natives, 12.1 percent of non-Hispanic Blacks and 11.7 percent of Hispanics aged 18 and older were diagnosed with diabetes from 2019 to 2021. This compares with 9.1 percent of non-Hispanic Asians and 6.9 percent of whites.

    November is Diabetes Awareness Month and the perfect time to get tested for diabetes. The old distinctions about when one might contract type 1 or type 2 diabetes in terms of the age differential have been closing, as type 2 has become more common among young people.

    Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, says, “As a Latino myself, I am well aware that Latinos and other people of color are more prone to developing diabetes. Don’t put off getting tested. See your healthcare provider so that you stick around for your friends and family for a long, long time.”

    Depending on the type of diabetes, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral drugs may be part of your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity also are important parts of managing diabetes.

    LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA). Patients are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California, as well as those covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brand New Day, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

    How Do Annual or Bi-Annual Checkups Help Save Lives?

    A hectic daily routine often prevents people from visiting their doctor for routine checkups.  

    Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., aptly captures the prevailing mindset: “Too many people stay away from a doctor’s office because they think if they feel okay, they don’t need to go in for an annual checkup. By the time they start to feel ill, they end up in the ER, and sometimes it’s just too late to save them.”

    This sentiment echoes a widespread misconception about health—the belief that if you’re not experiencing noticeable symptoms, there’s no need for a visit to the doctor. However, routine examinations are a crucial defense against potential health risks, offering an invaluable opportunity to catch issues in their early stages before they escalate into severe and sometimes irreversible conditions.

    In this blog post, we’ll discuss the misunderstanding surrounding the significance of diagnostic checkups. Let’s explore how these seemingly routine appointments are crucial in maintaining good health and, more importantly, saving lives.

    The Significance of Annual or Bi-Annual Checkups

    The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasizes the need for regular annual or bi-annual checkups. These appointments enable your doctor to track crucial diagnostic indicators such as heart rate and blood pressure, allowing for timely interventions, including medication or treatment, to normalize these readings.

    Chronic diseases are a significant concern, with seven out of 10 U.S. deaths resulting from these conditions. Approximately half of the nation’s population has received a diagnosis of a chronic illness, which includes heart disease, cancer, diabetes, AIDS, and other preventable medical conditions.

    Despite these alarming statistics, only 25.2 percent, or one in four individuals, report having recently undergone a routine checkup. Astonishingly, regular cardiovascular examinations alone save tens of thousands of adult lives annually. Concurrently, vaccines play a pivotal role in preserving the lives of approximately 42,000 children each year, as highlighted by CDC data.

    The significance of annual or bi-annual preventive health screenings and primary care consultations extends beyond immediate health concerns. These practices have been shown to significantly enhance life expectancy.

    When Neglecting Annual or Bi-Annual Checkups Hits Too Close to Home

    Dr. Albert Arteaga empathizes with the misconception that keeps too many people away from the doctor’s office. “People often believe that if they feel okay, there’s no need for an annual checkup. However, when illness unexpectedly strikes, the absence of an established healthcare provider to address their needs becomes painfully apparent.”

    Having lost a sister to breast cancer, Dr. Arteaga has personally seen the consequences of neglecting routine medical checkups. He reflects on her reluctance to share crucial health information. “My sister never confided in me or her older sister, both of us doctors, about the lump on her breast. Later, we discovered she kept making excuses, saying ‘I bumped myself’ or ‘It’s just a bruise,’ ignoring it for over six months.”

    Dr. Arteaga stresses that there’s no valid reason for someone experiencing symptoms to delay seeing a doctor. Fortunately, the healthcare system in California has evolved. More people can access essential care without financial barriers, thanks to programs like Covered California and Medicaid.

    “Healthcare is no longer an out-of-reach luxury; it’s now available for everyone. Our dedicated staff is trained to assist uninsured individuals who come to our offices, helping them apply for coverage,” Dr. Arteaga emphasizes.

    Beyond acute care for immediate concerns, Dr. Arteaga and his compassionate team proactively engage individuals managing chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. They prioritize regular checkups, ensuring that preventive health screenings become a routine safeguard against potential healthcare problems.

    For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., call (855) 349-6019 or visit LaSalleMedical.com. It’s not just about checkups; it’s about a commitment to comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all.

    Learn More about Your Annual or Bi-Annual Medical Checkup Partner | LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent, Latino-owned healthcare organizations in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. LaSalle has more than 100 devoted healthcare professionals tirelessly working to provide comprehensive care to children, adults, and seniors across San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

    At LaSalle, our commitment to accessible healthcare means that we welcome people from all health plans including Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), and if you don’t have insurance we will help find health coverage for you and your family.

    In line with our dedication to comprehensive healthcare, LaSalle emphasizes the importance of regular health checkups. Annual or bi-annual checkups and preventive health screenings are integral to our gold standard of healthcare, ensuring that our patients receive proactive and personalized care to promote their well-being.

    Discover the LaSalle difference—where healthcare goes beyond boundaries to touch lives.

    LaSalle Medical Observes World AIDS Day

    Photo Caption: “HIV screening is as easy as a simple blood test with highly accurate results typically available in less than a week,” says Dr. Andrew Benin, M.D.About LaSalle Medical Associates

    Photo Caption: “HIV screening is as easy as a simple blood test with highly accurate results typically available in less than a week,” says Dr. Andrew Benin, M.D.

    “The development of pre-exposure preventive care or PrEP is highly effective in decreasing transmission of HIV in high-risk populations such as intravenous drug users and members of the homosexual/bisexual community,” says Dr. Andrew Benin.

    REDLANDS, CALIF. –—LaSalle Medical Associates joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many other organizations to celebrate the advances that have been made in the treatment and prevention of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), the disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

    The CDC points out that World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate the over 32 million people who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

    Since its beginning in 1988, World AIDS Day has brought together agencies of the United Nations and the United States, as well as scores of healthcare organizations and medical societies worldwide to unite in addressing specific themes related to HIV. UNAIDS has announced the theme for 2023 is “Let Communities Lead.”

    UNAIDS says, “Communities connect people with person-centered public health services, build trust, innovate, monitor implementation of policies and services, and hold providers accountable….it is a call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles. World AIDS Day 2023 will highlight that to unleash the full potential of community leadership to enable the end of AIDS.”

    While there is no cure for HIV, with proper medical care, it can be controlled. NBA superstar Magic Johnson is a famous example. The disease apparently jumped from chimpanzees to humans as long ago as the late 1880s and has infected Americans since “at least the mid to late 1970s,” according to the CDC.

    The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested, and that’s where LaSalle Medical Associates comes in. LaSalle’s Dr. Andrew Benin says, “Much has changed in the treatment and prevention of HIV infection in the last 10 years. Screening is as easy as a simple blood test with highly accurate results typically available in less than a week.

    “More importantly, the development of pre-exposure preventive care or PrEP is highly effective in decreasing transmission of HIV in high-risk populations such as intravenous drug users and members of the homosexual/bisexual community.”

    Possible signs of an HIV infection include flu-like symptoms (sore throat, fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, mouth ulcers, chills, rash, fatigue, and achy muscles) starting two to four weeks after infection that may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. But some people show no symptoms; that’s why LaSalle says the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

    Because HIV is so contagious, at-risk individuals must get tested regularly to prevent the spread of the disease.

    HIV.gov points out that “HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live. However, certain groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of particular factors, including the communities in which they live, what subpopulations they belong to, and their risk behaviors.

    “In the United States, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are the population most affected by HIV. According to the CDC, of the 30,635 new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. in 2020, 68% (20,758) were among gay and bisexual men. By race/ethnicity, Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV.

    “…Also, transgender women who have sex with men are among the groups at highest risk….People who inject drugs remain at significant risk for getting HIV as well.” Risky behaviors include anal or vaginal sex or sharing needles with an HIV-positive partner.

    Using condoms can prevent infection, as can taking pre-exposure medicine, which needs to be prescribed by one’s doctor. “People with HIV who take HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex,” says HIV.gov.

    Proper screening and case management are the keys to living well with HIV. Many HIV tests are now quick, free and painless. Your LaSalle doctor can ensure that you get properly tested.


    LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA). Patients are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California, as well as those covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brand New Day, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    B R I E F: 317 Words

    LaSalle Medical Observes World AIDS Day December 1st

    “The development of pre-exposure preventive care or PrEP is highly effective in decreasing transmission of HIV in high-risk populations such as intravenous drug users and members of the homosexual/bisexual community,” says Dr. Andrew Benin.
    REDLANDS, CALIF. –—LaSalle Medical Associates joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many other organizations to celebrate the advances that have been made in the treatment and prevention of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), the disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

    Since its beginning in 1988, World AIDS Day has brought together agencies of the United Nations and the United States, as well as scores of healthcare organizations and medical societies worldwide to unite in addressing specific themes related to HIV. UNAIDS has announced the theme for 2023 is “Let Communities Lead.”

    UNAIDS says, “Communities connect people with person-centered public health services, build trust, innovate, monitor implementation of policies and services, and hold providers accountable…. World AIDS Day 2023 will…unleash the full potential of community leadership to enable the end of AIDS.”

    The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested, and that’s where LaSalle Medical Associates comes in. LaSalle’s Dr. Andrew Benin says, “Screening is as easy as a simple blood test with highly accurate results typically available in less than a week.

    “More importantly, a new pre-exposure preventive care or PrEP is highly effective in decreasing transmission of HIV in high-risk populations such as intravenous drug users and members of the homosexual/bisexual community.”

    LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA). Patients are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California, as well as those covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brand New Day, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

    For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

     

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.